White, Henry Warner 1861 - 1938

WHITE, DRAKE, MOSHER, LIBBY, HEINZ, DIEHL

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 7/8/2023 at 12:26:23

Clayton County Register, 29 June 1938.

VOLGA CITY: Henry Warner White, son of Hon. Henry White and Clara Drake White, was born in Volga City, Iowa, Dec. 26, 1861, and past away at Iowa City on June 21, 1938, at the age of 76 years, 6 months. His parents were natives of New England and his father was a direct descendant of Peregene White who was born in the cabin of the Mayflower. His early ancestors resided in Vermont and Massachusetts and his parents came to Northeast Iowa in 1857 and took a prominent part in the settling and development of this section of the state. Quoting from the official history of Clayton county, "Among the early and permanent settlers who deserve particular mention for their conspicious service in building up Volga City is Henry White, who has been prominent in every enterpriize of magnitude in the county, actively engaged in many commercial pursuits and an important factor in the business-history and life of the state. He was a leading Republican for many years and served in the Legislature during the trying days of the Civil War."

Clara Drake White was a direct descendant of John Drake who founded Windsor, Connecticut and Capt. Joseph Boardman, seventh Conn. Regiment serving in the Revolutionary War. She was an early and Earnest advocate of prohibition and served for many years as president of the W.C.T.U. and Superintendent of Sabbath Observance, contributing many articles to State and National publication.

Following the example set by his parents, "Warnie" as he was affectionately called by his host of friends, took an active part in the church and community affairs. He was educated in the Volga schools and Lennox College, always being interested in out-door sports and athletics. He married Harriet Mosher Libby, Nov. 07, 1883, daughter of Justice James W. Libby, who was one of the founders of the Masonic Lodge in Iowa and Elisa Mosher Libby, also descendants of early New England settlers.

Mr. White first engaged in merchandise business in Volga and later became a partner of the firm White and Molumby of Elkader, where the family resided until they moved to Pierre, S.D., in 1889.

In 1891, Mr. White and his family returned to Volga City, where he took over the management of his father's interests and also engaged in the livestock and shipping business. He retired several years ago and spent his time traveling and in civic and church interests.

Funeral services were held at the family residence Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock and afterwards a community service at the Methodist Episcopal church. Rev. E. J. Starr, pastor, had charge of the service. Interment was in Hill Crest cemetery, Volga City.

Mr. White is survived by his widow, Harriet Libby White, a son, Colonel Louis L. White, Long Beach, California, three grandchildren: Mrs. Henry John Heinz II of Pittsburgh, Pa., Mr. Thomas E. Diehl of New York City; Mr. Louis Hartman White, Long Beach, and a great-grandson, Thomas Nevin Diehl of New York City.

A host of friends from surrounding cities were in attendance at the services.

The following intimate life-long friends served as active pall-bearers: L. J. Tenney, Fred Davis, G. A. Smith, E. S. Clark, W. W. Ewing, F. I. Phillips.

Honorary pall-bearers were: H. L. Taylor, W. E. Ewing, C. E. Lovett, J. K. Molumby, Henry Whitford, Wm. Goodin.

Among those from out-of-town who attended the funeral services were: Mr. and Mrs. A. V. O'Brian, Cedar Rapids: Mrs. Clara White, Mr. and Mrs. S. L. White, Oelwein, Mrs. Charles Bartels, Maynard, Mrs. Katherine Ainsworth, Minneapolis, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Molumby and little daughter of Dickens; Mrs. Mayme Molumby, Wadena; J. K. Molumby, Elkader.