Lansing in Ingham County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Joseph E. Warner

1831-1914

— Lansing's 13th Mayor —

Joseph E. Warner Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, January 23, 2023

1. Joseph E. Warner Marker

Inscription. Known to the circus world as Joel Warner and Lansing's foremost entertainer. As a magician he traveled the Mississippi River in 1851 as the "Wizard of the North. His circus career included: assistant agent for Whitbeck & Co.'s Original One Horse Show: agent for Spalding & Rogers' North American Circus; Dan Rice Shows; and Forepaugh's Circus & Menagerie. He formed the J. E. Warner & Co.'s Great Pacific Circus in 1870, which headquartered and wintered in Lansing. It was the first 3-tent circus containing: circus, museum and menagerie (zoo), which included "Empress,” Lansing's first elephant. By 1875 it was regarded as the largest, traveling circus and menagerie. Hired by J. A. Bailey in 1879 as "finder of attractions,” he traveled the world for the Barnum & Bailey Circus. His greatest find, which he brought back to America, was "Jumbo" the world's largest elephant.

Louis F. Adado Riverfront Park has been the site for visiting circuses in recent years.

J. E. Warner said: "My occupation has been varied: painter, sailor, elephant hunter, circus owner, politician, lecturer and trader in all civilized

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countries.” First arrived Lansing in 1850 as a wagon maker. Elected City Clerk in 1862. Formed his own circus in 1870 which wintered on an 80-acre site in northwest Lansing. Elected Alderman in 1871-72 and Mayor in 1878. When he was inaugurated the State Capitol was nearing completion; his challenge to the city was to build roads and bridges to connect it with North Lansing and the growing commercial areas. Declining renomination, he traveled the world for the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Considered "the most cosmopolitan resident in the city," newspaper readers across the country were entertained and educated by the articles he wrote of his world-wide adventures. Retiring to Lansing in 1887, he served on the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners and lectured extensively. Died 1914.

Erected 1997 by Joel E. Warner Top No. 20, Circus Fans Association of America.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1851.

Location. 42° 44.255′ N, 84° 33.021′ W. Marker is in Lansing, Michigan, in Ingham

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, January 23, 2023

2. Joseph E. Warner Marker

County. It is at the intersection of North Grand Avenue and East Shiawassee Street, on the right when traveling north on North Grand Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 East Shiawassee Street, Lansing MI 48933, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Mid-Michigan.

It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Supplying The World (within shouting distance of this marker); 09.11.2001 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lou Adado (about 500 feet away); Mary Spencer (about 500 feet away); Commemorating (about 500 feet away); Drs. Pearl Kendrick and Grace Eldering (about 600 feet away); Mack-e-te-be-nessy “Andrew J. Blackbird” c. 1815-1908 (about 600 feet away); Jonas Salk (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lansing.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, January 23, 2023

3. Joseph E. Warner Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 26, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 659 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 26, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.