Buffalo paid its last respects to one of its last Civil War veterans, Monday, when David H. Varner, age 86, was buried here. Funeral service was held at the Presbyterian church at 2 p.m. Monday, Rev. R. Roberts officiating. The Buffalo Post of the American Legion had charge of the military funeral, and members of the post acted as pall bearers. The service was largely attended as Mr. Varner was one of the early residents here, and had numerous friends throughout this section. Deceased leaves a community of relatives: 14 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren.

David Holmes Varner, son of John and Polyann Varner, was born in Butler County, Penn., on Dec. 18, 1844, and died at Buffalo, Minn., Feb. 13, 1931, at the age of 86 years, 2 months and 26 days. He became a man of lawful age, in the days that appealed to the heroic. The bloody conflict of the Civil War was one. Everywhere there was a stirring call for men. We are coming Father Abraham was the responsive chorus of the noble thousands, and among them was young David who girded himself with courage, and went forth to slay the giant—Slavery, that threatened to undermine the foundation of our country. He enlisted in the 7th Pa. Cavalry, C. K. in 1863. He was a prisoner of war, and was in old Libby Prison, enduring uncomplainingly like a good soldier, the hardship of hunger. But all this was for Old Glory, the banner of our political salvation. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war, and again the soldier qualities became evident, when the call of the West was heard and westward he came, with his wife, and a span of mules and an old fashioned wagon and drove all the way from Pine Grove, Venango Co., Pa., to Buffalo, Minn. He took up a claim, and built himself a home. This was in the year 1867, sixty-four years ago, and was home to him until death. In the year 1860, he was married to Rachel Ann Confer and seven children were born to them, two died in infancy and five are still living. This wife and mother died on Oct. 18, 1910. On Dec. 20th, 1912 he was married to Olive Price and to them one child was born, which also died in infancy.

Uncle Dave was one of the most widely known citizens in this section of the county, and was one of the very few Civil War veterans left who commanded our veneration. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. As he came to the close of life, conscious that but a few days at the most remained, he asked for the flag he loved and defended and that it be placed at his bedside. So with the emblem of his country by his side and the peace of God in his heart he passed on into the presence of God. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, Mrs. Susan Foley, Mrs. Kathrine Muller and three sons, Walter, Arthur, Herbert, and a large community of relatives.

The Buffalo Journal Feb 19, 1931

Enlisted as a Private in Company K, 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry at Meadville, PA on February 13, 1864, aged 19. At the time of enlistment, was employed as a cooper. Was mustered out of service at Lynchburg, VA on July 1, 1865.