Fred Maltby Warner (July 21, 1865 – April 17, 1923) was an American government leader who served as the 26th governor of Michigan from 1905 to 1911. He also held the position of 24th secretary of state of Michigan from 1901 to 1905.

Birth in England and early life in Michigan

Warner was born in Hickling, Nottinghamshire, England, and lived most of his life in Michigan. He became an orphan at three months old and was adopted by a family in Farmington. His adoptive father, P. Dean Warner, worked in both parts of the state legislature from 1852 to 1870.

Warner attended public schools in Farmington and later studied at the Michigan Agricultural College, which is now called Michigan State University. He worked at his father's store and later became a businessman and agriculture expert in Farmington. He helped build thirteen cheese factories in the area.

Politics

In 1894, he moved up quickly in politics. From 1895 to 1898, he worked in the Michigan Senate, just like his father. From 1901 to 1904, he held the position of Michigan Secretary of State under Aaron T. Bliss.

In 1904, Warner was chosen as Governor of Michigan and served for three terms, from 1905 to 1911. He supported policies such as rules for railroads and insurance, protecting natural resources, laws to stop child labor, and giving women the right to vote. During his six years as governor, a law was created to inspect factories, a law was passed to allow direct primary elections, and efforts were made to build more highways.

• The Warner Mansion in Farmington, Michigan, was the governor’s home and is now a historical site.
• Portrait of Warner.

Retirement and death

After leaving office, he remained politically active. Warner was a member of the Freemasons, Shriners, Elks, Knights of Pythias, and Maccabees. In 1920, he began serving as a Republican National Committeeman. He passed away in 1923 at the age of 57 due to kidney failure. Warner is interred at Oakwood Cemetery in Farmington, Michigan.