Jeremiah Warder arrived in Springfield from Pennsylvania in the early 1800's to check on family land holdings. He was so impressed with the area that his family (wife Ann and nine children) decided to relocate to Springfield.

The family amassed a great fortune with investments in local businesses and land, including interests in the Warder, Mitchell & Co. which manufactured the Champion Reaper. The Warders contributed greatly to philanthropic activities in the city, and Ann became an early leader supporting the Clark County Underground Railroad.

In 1872 their son, Benjamin, donated land and money for the creation of a free library in honor of Jeremiah and Anne. That resource is now the home of the Warder Literacy Center.

Jeremiah and Anne Warder are buried in Section C of Ferncliff with other family members