warder was born in maysville, kentucky. in 1852, warder moved with his family to johnson county, illinois. he went to illinois university and taught school. in 1874, warder was admitted to the illinois bar and practiced law in marion, illinois. in 1880, warder moved with his wife and family to cairo, illinois, where he continued to practice law. in 1883, warder served as state's attorney and master-in-chancery for alexander county, illinois. warder served in the illinois house of representatives from 1891 to 1895 and was a republican. warder then served in the illinois senate from 1897 to 1901; warder served as president pro temp of the illinois senate. during the spanish american war, warder helped raised a provisional regiment for the united states army and was commissioned a major. warder died at his home in cairo, illinois.