Warde Family Genealogy & History

Harlan Warde, born Harlan Ward Lufkin, was a prolific character actor known for his extensive work in television and film. Active from the 1940s through the 1970s, Warde appeared in over 180 productions, often portraying roles such as detectives, doctors, and ministers. His notable performances include recurring roles in popular TV series like "The Rifleman" as John Hamilton, and "The Virginian" as Sheriff Brannon. Warde also made memorable appearances on "Perry Mason" and "The Andy Griffith Show." His career was distinguished by his versatility in both dramatic and western genres, including his portrayal of historical figure Edwin Stanton in "Death Valley Days."

Beatrice Lamberton Warde, a distinguished 20th-century writer and typography scholar, was pivotal in shaping printing tastes through her role as marketing manager at the British Monotype Corporation. Recognized as one of the few female typographers, she significantly influenced the revival of historic typefaces. Her research exposed the true origins of the Garamond typeface, attributing it to Jean Jannon, and her work with notable figures like Stanley Morison and Eric Gill positioned her as a key figure in typography. Warde’s renowned broadside, "This is a Printing Office," showcased her ability to blend typography with business, leaving a lasting legacy in the field.

Born in New York, Beatrice Warde was the only daughter of May Lamberton Becker, a journalist with the New York Herald Tribune, and Gustave Becker, a composer and teacher. Her early exposure to calligraphy sparked a lifelong passion for typography.

John William Warde, a 26-year-old American bank clerk from Southampton, New York, gained tragic notoriety on July 26, 1938, when he leaped to his death from the 17th floor of the Gotham Hotel in Manhattan. Prior to this, Warde survived a suicide attempt in 1937 and spent time in the Central Islip Psychiatric Center. The dramatic incident in Manhattan, lasting 12 hours and involving 400 New York City Police Department officers, highlighted Warde's struggles with manic-depressive psychosis. Despite efforts by NYPD Patrolman Charles V. Glasco to save him, Warde's story remains a somber reminder of mental health challenges during that era.

John William Warde was the son of a Long Island express agent. He lived with his parents on Willow Street in Southampton, New York. His father, John A. Warde, was vacationing in Vermont at the time of the tragic incident, while neither parent accompanied him on the trip to Chicago that preceded his leap from the Gotham Hotel.

Anthony Warde, originally born Benjamin Schwartz on January 1, 1909, in Philadelphia, was a prolific American actor best known for his roles in over 150 films from 1937 to 1964. He gained fame playing notorious henchmen and villains in serials during the 1930s and 1940s, including "Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars," "Batman," and "The Masked Marvel." His most memorable role was as Killer Kane in "Buck Rogers." Warde also made numerous TV appearances in the 1950s, featuring in shows like "The Amos 'n Andy Show" and "Mister Ed." After his acting career, he transitioned to a business venture, owning a men's clothing store.