Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 70

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 70

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As a boy Henry Herring went to school in Niantic, Ill., and worked on the farm for his mother until he came to Springfield in 1873. He took a position with the Springfield Rolling Mills, he working for this company twenty- seven years, becoming foreman of the piling de- partment, and was one of the most trusted men in their employ. In 1898, Mr. Herring secured a position as Sergeant of Pollce, under Mayor Wheeler, serving one year in this capacity, then went back to his position with the rolling mills. Eight months later he took a position as patrol- man, under Mayor Wheeler, and after working a few months in that position was appointed Chlef of Police by Mayor Phillips, serving two years and three months in that responsible of- fice. Mr. Herring then served three years as

a custodian at the State Arsenal, and was later employed at various occupations. He then en- gaged on the police force and at the time of his death, April 8, 1909, was serving as speclal offi- cer at police headquarters.

Mr. Herring was married at Springfield, Jan- uary 19, 1873, to Miss Lydia Lane, who was born near Middletown, Ohio, November 18, 1851. Her father, whose people were all Quakers, was a farmer, and made a specialty of raising fine horses and cattle. Mrs. Herring is related through her mother to Gen. Scott, of revolution- ary fame; a cousin of Abraham Lincoln mar- ried her father's only sister; her maternal grandfather, Gen. Fall, served in the Mexican War, and all her father's brothers served in the Civil War. Mr. Lane and his wife came to Illinois in an early day and settled on a farm near Kenney, later moving to Maroa, where they kept a hotel. They spent their last days on a farm near Macon. Two sons and two daughters were born to Mr. Herring and wife, namely : Harold S., who was a trumpeter in Company C, Fifth Illinois Infantry, was killed while on duty as a soldier during the blg inine strike at Pana, Ill., December 29, 1898; Herbert died at the age of two years and eight months; Maude L., at home, is employed by the Illinois Watch Com- pany ; Orinta D., wife of William C. Kikendall, of the firm of Kikendall & Troxell, dealers in insurance and real estate. Mr. Kikendall and wife have two children, Leona and Della. Mr. Herring was a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of the Maccabees and the Court of Honor. He was a member of the Christian Church and his widow belongs to the Baptist Church. In politics he was a stanch Republican. The family reside at 1420 Monu- ment Avenue, Springfield.

HERTEL, George, for the past twenty-six years a miner in the vicinity of Springfield, was born in that city, June 25, 1850, a son of Matthies and Mary E. (Lee) Hertel, the father born in Prussia, February 27, 1809, and the mother in Kentucky, in 1826. Matthies Hertel was a shoe- maker by trade and emigrated to the United States in 1847, locating first in St. Louis, Mo. In 1858 he moved to Springfield, and later moved to Buffalo, Ill., where he died. His wife's parents were natives of Kentucky and came to Springfield, where both died.

George Hertel received his education in Springfield and spent his childhood in that city. After leaving school he learned the trade of shoe-maker with his father, and followed same abont fifteen years. In 1884 he moved to Mis- souri and worked about a year on a railroad, then returned to Springfield, where he has lived since. Two of his brothers enlisted from San- gamon County. in 1862, in Company E, One Hundred Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, under Colonel Shoup. and served three years, being mustered out in 1865. Both were farmers and are now deceased, one passing away in Spring- field, the other in Arkansas.

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Iu political views Mr. Hertel has always been a strong Republicau aud has been active in io- cal affairs. He served from 1874 until 1877 as Constable of Buffalo, Ill. He does not feel bound by party lines iu locai affairs, but votes for the men and measures he believes will best serve the public good. He is a member of the Lutheran Church and is affiliated with the M. W. A. aud the U. M. W. of A. Several years ago lie turned his attention toward mining and has been successful in this Ilne, winning the confidence and respect of all who have had dealings with him. He has a large grown-up family and is well known in Springfield.

Mr. Hertel was married. in Springfield, July 17, 1881, to Elizabeth Teal, who was born in Dawson, Ill., May 17, 1864, daughter of Samuel and Hanna (Matheuey) Teal. uatives of Ken- tucky, the father born in 1814 and the latter in 1808. They were. early settiers of Dawson, where they lived on a farm, and died there. Four sons and three daughters were born to Mr. Hertel and his wife, all of , whom survive. namely : George, born at Buffalo. August 2, 1882, lives at home with his parents; Archie, born at Buffalo, October 25, 1883, lives at home, married Allce Collins and they have one child ; Charles, born at Riverton, April 19. 1885, lives at home; Etta, born in Springfield, March 12, 1887, married Felix Ameche, of Kenosha, Wis., now serving as Deputy Sheriff, and they have two children; Sarah, born in Barclay, Novem- ber 19, 1889, lives with her parents; William, born at Barclay, April 9, 1892, at home; Gladys, born In Springfield, May 16, 1895, at home.

HERTZ, Henry L. (Voi. I, p. 231.)

HESSER, John L., an enterprising and success- ful fariner of Clear Lake Township, owns eighty acres of land worth, at least, $200 per acre, and has spent most of his life in Sangamon County. He is a veteran of the Civil War and is weli known in G. A. R. circles, and thirty-six national encampments of the organization. He is a prom- inent member of Stepheuson Post, No. 30, of Springfield. He was born in Virginia, March 17, 1835, a son of Samuel L. and Anu (Slagle) Hesser, the former born at Wiuchester, Va., July 2, 1797. The former was a farmer and contractor, who moved to Sangamon County in 1836. He spent twelve years In the city of Springfield, helping to build the old State House, which is now the Court House, and the old American Hotel, that stood on the site now occupled by Bressmer's store. IIe was one of the organizers of the Masonic Order in Sauga- mon County, and a charter member of its first lodge. At the expiration of the twelve years he moved to Mechanicshurg. where he coutinued working at his trade. living in that village from 1848 to 1850. For the following two years he lived ou a farm near Buffalo, when he retired to Buffalo, there dying in October, 1871. His widow spent the remaining eiglit years of her life with her son John L., when she, too, passed away, aged eighty-nine years.

The first wife of Samuel L. Hesser died Jan- uary 25, 1825, so that the mother of John L. was Mr. Hesser's second wife, whom he mar- ried September 12, 1826. Slie was born in Hagerstown, Md., October 4, 1803, and reared in Winchester, Va. One child was born to the first marriage and ten to the second, six chil- dren uow surviving, four sons and two daugli- ters.

John L. Hesser received his early education in the city of Springfield, where he attended Prof. Springer's subscription school, and spent two terms in Eureka College in 1857, and his first independent venture was buying and selling horses and mules. These his uncle, George O'Conner, brought to the amount of 250 head, from Texas. Mr. Hesser and his partner. Dr. Fowler, sold and traded them all over the State. Mr. Hesser moved to Jacksonville in 1855, and worked at the trade of carrlage trimming, re- maining there two years. He theu returned to Springfield, and until the war engaged in work- ing on his father's farm. On August 7, 1862, he enlisted, at Camp Butler, for three years, in Company A, Seventy-third Illinols Volunteer In- fantry being mustered in as Corporal. On Octo- ber 25, 1862, he was promoted to the rauk of Fifth Sergeant ; January 8, 1863, to that of Or- derly Sergeant, and September 17, 1863, to that of Second Lieutenant. He spent 550 days in Confederate prisons and during this period suf- fered many hardships and privations. He was confined in Libby Prison, Andersonville, Danville and Charleston. Finally he was paroled. at Wil- mington, N. C., February 25, 1865, at the close of a long and faithful service. In 1889 lie made a visit to various battlefields where he had fought during the war but found all greatly changed. He was popular with his comrades and had reason to be proud of his record, as has his family. He is a strong Republican and had the honor of being well acquainted with Abra- ham Lincoln. of whom he has many pleasant rec- ollections. Well iuformed on many subjects, Mr. Hesser keeps abreast of the issues of the day, taking great interest in public affairs.

Mr. Hesser was married in Clear Lake Town- ship, November 1, 1860, to Mary J. Cromley, born iu Ohio. Her father came to Sangamon County in 1858, engaging in farmuing there, and lived In that locality the remainder of his life. One daughter was born to Mr. Hesser and wife, Sarah M., living at home. The family have a very pleasant and comfortable home uear River- ton, and have many friends in the community.

HICKEY, Patrick (deceased), for severai years a prominent citizen of Riverton, Ill., will be re- membered by many of the older residents there as a pleasant, upright man, of high character. Ile was a devout Catholic aud honest In his dealings with his fellow-men, winning the re- spect of all who knew him. He was born In County Tipperary, Ireland, In 1822, and his pa- rents, also natives of Ireland, lived on a farm, which the father operated, aud they spent their

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entire lives there. Mr. Hickey was educated in Ireland and worked for his father in boyhood and youth. He emigrated to America in 1850 aud soon afterward came to Springfield and en- gaged in business with Michael Doyle. For several years he and Mr. Doyle conducted the Cottage Gardens, and when they dissolved part- nersbip Mr. Hickey moved to Riverton.

Upon coming to Riverton Mr. Hickey pur- chased land near the village and engaged in farming, remaining there until his death. He conducted a tavern for sometime and during the war boarded the soldiers who passed through Riverton. General Grant ate at his table as well as many other officers. He was an in- dustrious worker and successful in his various occupations. He was interested in everything concerning the general welfare and supported the Democratic party.

Mr. Hickey was married iu Springfield to Mary Funchin, also a native of Tipperary, and to their union three children were born: John, who survives, and two who are deceased. The mother of these children died in 1858. Mr. Hickey married as his second wife, Julia Shelly, a native of Ireland, born in 1823, their union taking place January 20, 1859. Her father, Cor- nelius Shelly, was a farmer hy occupation, and both her parents died in Ireland. Nine chil- dren were born of this union, of whom two now survive: Margaret, wife of Patrick Fleming, of Springfield, and Mary, wife of Michael Egan, also of that city. Mr. Hickey died at his home in Riverton in 1867, deeply mourned hy his many friends. His widow becanic the wife of John Smith and owns a home in Riverton, where she is well known and highly respected. Mr. Smith died in 1880 at Riverton.

HICKEY, Very Reverend Timothy .- There is probably no man in Springfield who has in as full measure the respect. the admiration and love of the people of the city, as the Very Rever- end Father Timothy Hickey, Vicar General of the Diocese of Alton and pastor of the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. the mother church of that denomination in Spring- field. Certainly no man more richly deserves this respect, admiration and love. During the many years, he has labored here among his peo- ple, he has shown tbem hy his life and example of what charity, generosity and willing self-sac- rifice may accomplish in henefitting mankind. the only reward he hoped for being the "well done, good and faithful servant." of the Master.

Father Hickey was horn in County Cork. Ire- land, in 1841. He began his early education in the National Schools, and completed his studies and was ordained at All Hallows College. in the city of Dublin. He sailed for the United States in 1868, landing in New York, and came imme- diately to Springfield to accept the post of as- sistant priest in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, tben under the direction of the Rev. Fatber Sullivan. After three years, he took charge of the Catholic Church at Virden, in

Macoupiu County, aud at the same time had su- pervision over the spiritual needs of Catholics at Sugar Creek and Auburn, in Sangamon County. From there he went to Pittsfield, Ill., then to Decatur, where he remained five years as priest of St. Patrick's Church of that place. Later, for several years, he was located at Jack- sonville. Returning to Springfield, in 1889, Father Hickey became rector of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, and here he has since remained. During his pastorate, a fine parish residence has heen erected, a beautiful structure, costing $11,000, well and tastefully furnished, and a residence for the sisters who conduct the parisb school. In 1909, the interior of the churchi was re-decorated at a cost of $2,000, the ceiling containing seven lite-sized paintings of the Saints, after whom the other Catholic Churches in Springfield have been named, these other churches heing the progeny, so to speak, of the Immaculate Conception par- ish. The membership of the church consists of 500 families, and there are 500 pupils in St. Mary's parochial school.

There Is probably no man of any denomination or any walk of life in Springfield, who is held in higher esteem than Father Hickey. From rich and poor, he claims a first place in their hearts, and the claim is cheerfully allowed. His charities will never he fully known. In his quiet and unostentatious way, he visits the homes of the sick and poor, in the performance of bis pastoral duties, helping the afflicted and those in distress, always solicitons for the spirit- ual and temporal welfare of his people, aud, indeed of everybody. The present biography, meagre and insufficient as it Is, which would uot have been published with Father Hickey's con- seut, is but a slight testimonial of his wortb to gratify the hundreds of men and women who have learned their prayers from his kind and sympathetic lips, and whose children are now learning tbelrs, in the same way.

HICKS, Lafayette Washington (deceased). late of Buffalo. Sangamon County, Ill., was a man of ability who won a worthy success and whose memory is beld dear hy all who knew him. He was born in Bath County, Ky., March 24, 1837, a son of Henry and Sarab (Renn) Illeks, natives of Virginia and members of old American families, who settled In Kentucky, prospered as farmers there, and in the immuta- hle order of events, died there. They have had two sons and four daughters, all of whom have passed away.

Mr. Hicks was educated in the country schools in his native county, and learned farmniug hy actual participation in the operation of the homestead. In 1858, he came to Illinols and set- tled on a farm in Mechanicsburg Township, Sangamon County, owned then by George and James Hamilton, hut now the property of Lord Scully, of England. He was empolyed there nine years, much of the time breaking ground with oxen. He then bought land and farmed success-

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fully for mnauy years. In 18SS, he was appointed Deputy Sheriff, in which office he served with much abillty aud credit until his death, which occurred in Buffalo, October 9, 1891. He also filled the offices of Constahle and Justice of the Peace in Buffalo Township for several terms. For nineteeu years after he left the farm, he varied hls official duties by acting as auctioneer, holding public sales at Buffalo, and in all the country round about. He was a Democrat aud a member of the Christian Church.

Mr. Hicks married, June 17, 1859, Miss Louisa Williamus, born on Christinas Day, 1838, a daugh- ter of Aaron and Georgia Linnie Williams, the formier a native of Pennsylvania and his wife of Kentucky. In early life Mr. Williams set- tled on a farm in Kentucky where he spent the remainder of his days. He was a Mason. He and his wife were parents of four sons and two daughters, and all their children except Mrs. Hicks and her brother Joseph Williams, of Greencastle, Ind., are deceased. Mr. Williams served his country as a soldier iu the Mexican War, and his brother fought for the "stars and stripes" in the Civil War. Three of Mrs. Hicks' brothers were members of the Masonic order. Mrs. Hicks owns her home and two other pieces of property in Buffalo, hesides 120 acres of land in Mechanicsburg Townsbip, and has lived in her present home in Buffalo twenty-three years. She is a member of the Methodist Church, and also of the Eastern Star Lodge No. 203, of Daw- soll, IIl.

Aaron Williams, father of Mrs. Hicks, was a descendant of the illustrious Roger Williams, of New England, and was born iu Pennsylvania, about 1802. He was a son of Joseph and Mary (Bartel) Williams, natives of Pennsylvania, the former of Irish and the latter of German de- scent, farming people in that State. Aaron Wil- liams spent his boyhood on a farm and attended school in his native State and later in Kentucky, his parents having removed to Bath County, that State, where he and they spent the remainder of their lives. He was a farmer and also an iron molder and miller. His parents were early set- tlers of Bath County, and the school which he attended (barefooted) was supported by suh- scriptions from its patrons and held in a log building, having slah seats and floor, with greased paper for window glass. He was mar- ried in Aberdeen, Ohio, to Miss Georgia A. Lin- ney (or Linnie), and hoth he and his wife died in Bath County, Ky. They were parents of six children : George J., deceased, formerly lived at Carlisle, Ky. ; Joseph lives at the State Soldiers' Home in Lafayette, Ind .; Mary married Thomas Rogers, of Bath County ; William. deceased, for- merly a resident of Bath County, John was killed at the age of nineteen years, when a team ran away; Louisa, Mrs. Hicks. Mr. Williams became a man of prominence and influence in his community and was a useful citizen. He was liberal in religious views and was a mem- ber of the Christian Church; a Democrat in po- litical affairs; he was affiliated with the Ma-

sonic Order fraternally. He and his wife, who was boru and reared in Kentucky, reared a fine family and were much esteemed. Mrs. Hicks is a woman of high character and kind heart, In- terested in the welfare of those about her, and she is held in teuder regard hy her many friends, who delight to enjoy her favor and so- ciety.

HIGGINS, Owen (deceased), who was for over thirty years a resident of Springfield, Ill., was well known .in that city and highly respected as a useful and enterprising citizen. He was born in Ireland, March 22, 1848, son of John and Cath- erine (Flynn) Higgins, both natives of Ireland, where they carried on farmiug. Mr. Higgins had small educational advantages but made the most of his opportunities and received a fair educa- tion in the country schools of his native land. He worked ou the farm with his father until 1874, then emigrated to the United States, and after spending a short time in Pittshurg, Pa., and Rock Island, Ill., located in Springfield, where he lived the remainder of his life. He followed the trade of irou worker after comning to Springfield and was an expert in this line. He was industrious and energetic and accu- mulated considerable real estate. He never took an active part in politics, but was a Democrat all his life.

Mr. Higgins was married, in Springfield, Janu- ary 25, 1878, to Miss Annie Hofferty, a native of Ireland, born January 1, 1856, daughter of Peter and Cecilia (Dwyer) Hofferty, both born in Ireland, where their entire lives were spent. They were farmers. Several children were born to Mr. Higgins and his wife, of whom the fol- lowing survive : John B., stationary engineer for the Springfield Water Works, is married and lives at 1513 East Jefferson Street, Spring- field; Peter F., unmarried, living at home with his mother; George W. and Charles V., yard masters for the Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Railroad Company, at Springfield ; Thomas J., a railroad machinist; Katie J. and Cecilia E., attending school and living at home with their mother. Mrs. Higgius owns the home at 1129 East Reservoir Street.

Mr. Higgins died March 13, 1907, and his re- mains are buried in Calvary Cemetery, Spring- field. He was devoted to his family and friends and his loss was widely mourned. He was a devout member of St. Joseph's Romau Catholic Church, and was affiliated with Lodge No. 25, Court of Honor, and the Catholic Order of For- esters.

HIGGINS, William (deceased), who spent many years on his farm on Section 33. Mechanics- hurg Township, Sangamon County, Ill., was well regarded in his community and has many warm friends. Mr. Higgins was born in Ire- land, December 25, 1823, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Higgins, who spent their entire lives in Ireland. The father was a farmer by oc- cupation and William Higgins was reared to

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farm work. Ife attended school iu his na- tive country as a boy and at the age of seven- teen years came to America, completing his education in this country. He landed in New York City, went theuce to Ohio and lived there several years, then came to Sangamon County and engaged in farming there, which occupa- tlon he continued until hils death. "

Mr. Higgins first purchased forty acres of land, to which lie later added forty acres more, and at the time of his decease had brought it to a high state of cultivation. He was mar- ried at Springfield, Ill., October 24, 1882, to Mrs. Miranda J. (Sudduth) Pratt, boru in Nicholas County, Ky., June 11, 1839. Her father, Mr. Sudduth, located near Wililams- ville, Saugamon Couuty, in 1865, and bought land near there, later removing to Broadwell, Ill., where he died March 27, 1900, his wife having passed away October 15, 1892, in Kan- sas. Mr. Sudduth and his wife had ten chiil- dren, of whom six survive. Mrs. Higgins was first married to Allen C. Pratt, in Kentucky, and they had five children, of whomu all are deceased except one son, Charles. Mr. Pratt brought his family to Sangauion County and there carried on farming until his death. No children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Higgins.

Mr. Higgins was a member of the Metlio- dist Church and his widow belongs to the same denomination. He was a man of indus- try and energy and successful in liis opera- tions. He died in hils seventy-sixth year, March 16, 1900. His widow resides on the home farm, now consisting of forty acres, which she owns.

HIMMELSBACH, Frank .- The German-Ameri- can as he Is found in Sangamon County, is one of the most desirable of citizens, co-operating with his fellows for the betterment of lils com- munity. He generally owns property and is a man of substance, whose word has weight among his associates. Such a man is Frank Himmels- bach, now residing on his 120-acre farm in Cur- ran Township. He was born in Baden, Ger- many, July 26, 1856, a son of Joseph and Fran- cisco (Dodd) Himmelsbach, natives of Baden, Germany. The parents, who were farming peo- ple, never came to the United States, dying in Germany. They had six children, two sons and four daughters, four of whom survive. Those in the United States are Frank and Joseph, living on Calhoun Avenue, Springfield, In the employ of the Reisch Brewing Company. Joseph, as well as the father, served in the German Army.

Frank Himmelsbach was educated in the ex- cellent German schools, working for his father on a farm until he was eighteen years old. At that time, he started for the United States, sailing from Bremen, and after a seventeen-day voyage, landed in New York, September 21, 1872. From there he came direct to Springfield, arrly- ing with only fifty cents in his pocket, but he secured employment in a hardware store, work- ing for five months for twelve dollars per month.

Following this he began working ou a farm in Gardner Township, and for ten years continued thus, or until he had saved up sufficient money to buy land in Curran Township. This property is very valuable and Mr. Himmelsbach is con- stantly improving It, naturally being proud of what he has accomplished.

Mr. Himmelsbach was married iu SS. Peter and Paul's Church, in Springfield, May 6, 1884, to Josephine Itterlein, born In Springfield, Au- gust, 1859. Her parents were Germans, who came to America, dying here, when Mrs. Ilim- melsbach was very young. Her father served In the German Army and also during the Civil War, enlisting in 1861. She has two sisters living in Jefferson, Mo.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Himmelsbach are consistent and conscientious members of SS. Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic Church, of Springfield. In politles he is a Democrat. Fraternally he is a member of the Western Catholic Union. Hard- working and thrifty, Mr. Himmelsbach, assisted by hls excellent wife, has become the owner of a fine farm, and is in comfortable circumstances. Considering the fact that he came here a young boy, practically penniless, with no knowledge of the country or its language, his progress Is remarkable, and he is deserving of unstinted praise for his success.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 70

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774