Back to Marshall County Illinois
History and Genealogy
Daily Alton Telegraph, The (Alton, Illinois)
March 15, 1853
Notes by the way
The next place was Henry, our "jumping off place" which we made at daylight Monday morning. Henry is a very pretty place, situated on the west bank of the Illinois river, about 35 miles from Lasalle. It is improved very much since I last saw it. I noticed two taverns, and a goodly number of stores and other things "too numerous to mention".
The Alton Weekly Courier, Alton, Illinois
December 6, 1855
Henry, Nov. 23, 1855
The town of Henry is situated on the west bank of the Illinois river, in
Marshall County, on the line of the Bureau Valley Railroad, 38 miles from
Peoria and 34 miles from LaSalle, by railroad. It is as pretty a town site,
and as pretty a town as anyone need wish to see. The location is elevated
and dry, and the citizens say it is very healthy, and I presume it is, in
comparison with other Illinois river towns. It is in the edge of the prairie
and there is no timber near it on the same side of the river.
The town of Henry was laid out, on a school section, by the Trustee of Schools, and sold at public auction in April 1834. The town lots were 80 feet by 160 in size, including about 20 lots of from five to twenty acres each. These lots were all bought by eastern speculators, who took no steps towards the improvement of the place, and in the year 1844, there was but one house in the town of Henry.
At that time the atttention of Mr. B. Lombard was attracted to the locality. He sent a large stock of goods here, and bought in all the town lots he could get titles to, paying an average of $5 per lot, until a least seven-eighths of the town came into his possession. Being a gentleman of ample means, of business knowledge rarely equalled, and of indomitable energy and preserverance, he began improving the place and establishing every branch of useful and profitable business, at his own expense, offering at the same time, the most liberal inducements to all classes of business men to locate here. The result is what will follow a similar course of policy everywhere: Henry has become, in a very few years, a thriving young city, with every reasonable prospect of uninterrupted prosperity for the future.
Henry and Lacon are rival towns, in the same county. The former is by far the prettiest location, and has grown much the fastest for the last few years, but I do not think either of them will materially interfere with the growth of the other. Lacon has the advantage of being the county seat, and in being at the point where the Illinois river and the Bureau Valley Railroad is crossed by the Fort Wayne, Lacon and Platte Valley Railroad, the central office of the company chartered by this State, and the office of the consolidated company are both located here.
In 1849, the population of Henry was 260, it is now 1700. It received a city charter from the last session of our State Legislature. Its business houses consist of 17 dry goods and variety stores, 12 family groceries, 2 clothing stores, 2 furniture stores, 2 stove and tin-ware stores, 2 shoe stores, 2 drug stores and one hardware store.
In the way of manufactories, it has one steam sash, door and window blind factory, one steam flowering mill, four carriage and wagon shops, four manufactories of agricultural implements, four boot and shoe shops, two saddleries, one daguerrean artist, and three taylors. Within three miles of town, there is a coal mine, said to be inexhaustable; it sells ten to twenty thousand bushels per year. The manufacturer of brick is carried on very extensively; six large yards are in constant operation. Timbers being very scarce, they burn their brick kilns with coal, judging from the specimen of brick that was shown me, it seems to answer the purpose very well.
There are two private Land Offices in this place, which have the control of an immense amount of the Military Tract Land, running through fifteen counties; these offices cause the circulation of more money than any other business in this place. There is, also, a broker's office kept here. There are three hotels in town, one of them, the Lombard House, just opposite the depot, is said to be the finest hotel building in the State, out of Chicago, it cost $22,000. An idea of the rapid growth of the place may be had from the fact that fourteen two and three story brick stores have been built during the past year.
There are five church buildings in Henry, owned and occupied by the Protestant Methodists, Episcopal Methodists, New School Presbyterians, Christians and Catholics. The Old School Presbyterians and the Baptists have organized congregations and regular service, but have no church edifice. The North Illinois University, which has been founded here under the fostering care of four different Conferences of Protestant Methodists, is in progress of erection, and the first division of it, which is to cost $12,000, will be ready for occupancy early in the spring. It is to be a triple building, designed for three grades of instruction, and will cost in full $36,000. A building which was kept a very flourishing Female Seminary was burned down last year, but is now being rebuilt. Their district school house is a fine brick, and cost $7,000.
There is but one newspaper here - the Henry Courier. Its proprietor, Mr. Robert H. Ruggles, was formerly a citizen of your county. From the best I can judge, there is a good opening for a steam flouring mill, a paper mill, and a foundry in Henry. Either of them would doubtless pay well here, and Mr. Lombard authorized me to say that he will donate a suitable lot, worth five hundred dollars, to any one who will engage in either of the above enterprises. Vacant lots in town are worth from $50 to $500 each, average about $200.
West of the river the country around is all rolling prairie. Unimproved land within five miles from town sells for 10 to $20 an acre. I asked an old resident about the quality of the soil. "Letter A, No. 1, first rate, as good as ever sprouted corn." said he. East of the river, opposite Henry, there is some bottom land and some timber.
The ferry is a common "flat", drawn backwards and forwards along a rope, which sinks to the bottom when not in use, so that it may not interfere with the navigation of the river.
RAMBLER
Taken From the Henry Republican, Henry, IL
October 13, 1870
Transcribed by Nancy Piper
One of the essential interests of Henry in the list of manufactured articles is that of farm wagons, and in this particular branch of industrial pursuit we are leg to believe that Henry has excelled, both in the “make” and material of her wagons, and in the number she has manufactured. This has been a staple here for a great many years, and headquarters for a circuit of 20 miles or more in this line of trade. Even at this day a Henry wagon is known to be good and always finds a market most anywhere. Get a wagon of Henry trade mark and the purchaser at once is satisfied that he has got an article, durable, well made, strong and reliable. The town possesses four of these institutions, all good, and turning out a large amount of first class vehicles.
But the object of this article is to notice the establishment of William Alexander Hanna, situated on the west corner of the public square, which probably has contributed the larger part in establishing the reputation of the Henry wagon in this vicinity and elsewhere. The Hanna wagon beyond peradvanture, is the best wagon for general purposes made. It is put together to stay, and combines every requisites for strength, and durability.
Mr. Hanna was born in Maryland, but moved with the family to Pennsylvania in his boyhood days, where at the proper age, he learned the business of wagon making. He soon conceived a love for his business, and with a mechanical turn, and a strict master, he acquired a ready knowledge of his business, and learned to do it well. When out of his time he followed jour work two or three years, when he concluded to “emigrate”.
Coming west he stopped at Henry. Here he thought there was an opening. He invested in a house and lot, and with a balance of $30 he rented a frame structure and bought stock and commenced business for himself in 1853. At this time his principal work was repairing old wagons, and managed to make about 12 new wagons a year besides. In a year or two he bought the shop he then rented. He also traded his house and lot for the corner brick he now occupies, and gradually enlarged his works as his means would allow.
As the town and vicinity settled up, his wagons became noted, and he had to enlarge his shop to answer the demands of his increasing business. More land was bought, and suitable buildings built. From a single handed commencement, and increasing the force from time to time as his business demanded it, he has the past year been employing 11 of the best workmen in the state, and has turned out during that time some 150 to 200 wagons. The wagons supply the local trade with markets at Chillicothe, Tiskilwa, Wyoming, Wenona and other available points; while a large demand has been made from Fort Scott, Kansas, some 80 wagons having been shipped and sold there since January, and another order is being filled at this writing.
Mr. Hanna has been very solicitous for our new through railroad, that freights might be less and more direct, wherein he might purchase a larger stock and get it here without breaking bulk. He has also favored the project of forming a joint stock company for the manufacture of farm wagons, wherein the works could be carried on extensively and a large demand supplied for good wagons through the south and west. It would pay a large percent, and there is no better point for such an undertaking than here.
Twelve years of close attention to business has opened up to Mr. Hanna a large and increasing business, placed him first and foremost in the rank of manufacturers in this section of country, and yielding him a very fair competency. We presume to say $25,000 would not overestimate his worth, if were we to guess at it, and it has all been acquired here within the space of 12 years. This goes to show what effort can and will do for a man with reputation to make, and a market to dispose of his wares. It is needless for us to add that Mr. Hanna is one of our best citizens, and an advocate for every measure looking to the interests of our town and vicinity. Neither is he discouraged in the belief that good wagons can be made in Henry, or that they won’t find a ready sale.
Taken From the Henry Republican, Henry IL
December 1, 1870
The scarcity of straw has compelled the proprietor of the paper mill to change his intentions, and announces that he will go into the manufacture of rag print paper. Rags, therefore will find a cash market at the Henry paper mill. The mill is being overhauled and rearranged by the new purchasers, which will consume about a month’s time, after which active operations will commence, Some 16 hands will be employed, and the mill will be (?) to its fullest capacity. The superintendent, Mr. R. A. Austin, has moved his family to Henry, as also the paper makers he brought with him, and appearances indicate that the old hum of the mill will be again heard. Some improvements are to be added we understand, and additional machinery brought here, as there is ample power for running much more machinery than they have now got.
Calvary Cemetery
Taken From the Henry Republican
April 30, 1874
Calvary Cemetry - the new German burying ground north of town - was surveyed last week by our county surveyor, G. F. Wightman, Esq. A very handsome plat has been drafted, which, when graveled and arranged, will show the excellent taste and judgment of those who laid it out. A wagon road, 21 feet wide on three sides, and 40 feet wide on the east or front side, surrounds the cemetery, the streets through the grounds being 20 by 23 feet. In the center of the grounds is made a large driveway circle, the inside of which is subdivided into curvatures and traingular lots of various shapes and dimensions, the extreme center of which will contain a raised mound, ornamented with a large and elegant cross, the symbol of christian humiliation and salvation, which can be seen from all parts of the ground. The number of lots is 296. The grounds will be ornatmented with trees and evergreens, and in a few Sundays will be formally consecrated by the rite of the Catholic church, as a solemn burial place of the dead. The location is on a high knoll, with special reference to beauty of situation, is wihin a mile of the city limits, and will be as handsome in adornment as it is in location and arrangement.
Our Packet Fayette
Taken From the Henry Republican
May 7, 1874
Our new packet Fayette, which supersedes the Gray Eagle, made her first trip up the river on Monday afternoon with a number of passengers, and considerable freight. She had to contend with a very strong wind, and progress was slow. On board was R. H. Whiting and Charles T. Hurd, the owners; G. O. Barnes, Esq., of Lacon, a large party of gentlemen on a pleasure excursion from Peoria, and a number of strangers. Large crowds greeted her at all the stopping places on the river, and everybody speaks in glowing terms of the new candidate for business favor. She is a sidewheeler, 160 feet long, 27 feet beam and five feet in depth of hold; had double engines, carries 330 tons, has office, 36 state rooms, a Texas, a very spacious cabin, with bar and pantry. The offiers are: Master, Hard Culter; clerk, E. S. Humphrey; engineer, John Ramsey; assistant, Oscar Humphrey; steward, Daniel Ernst.
The Fayette, after this week, will leave Henry at 6:30 a.m., making Peoria as soon after nine o'clock as possible. The far is reduced to $1.50 round trip, and 85 cents one way. Meals will be served on the boat to all who want them. She will also run to Hennepin a portion of the time, if satisfactory arrangements can be made in passage through the lock, and it can be found to pay, for the object of the Fayette is to make money.
The packet is an improvement in every respect on teh Grey Eagle, having every convenience incident to a steamboat. She runs very smoothly, passengers hardly realizing the motion of her engines, and she sets splendid on the water. There is no reason why she shouldn't pay and remunerte well Messrs. Whiting and Hurd, the enterprising proprietors.
June 10, 1875
Taken From The Henry Republican -
The Presbyterian Sunday school and congregation will picnic at Snachwine Lake to-morrow. An enjoyable occasion is expected, and everybody is invited to attend.
Make yourself a committee of one to report the news of your neighborhood for publication. You will be better pleased with your home paper, and so will everybody else.
Eckhart & Hilb carry a very choice line of boots and shoes. They are old established dealers, and can suit the trade to a T. Patronize them, opposite Paskell House.
Stephens, Veeder & Co., have just sunk a well for Peter Tommes, just across the river, and he has a splendid flow of water. This firm is giving satisfaction wherever they sink wells.
Weather has been a little cool for soda and ice cream, yet our saloons are doing a fair business in these summer delicacies. We shall probably have the warm spell before the season is over.
Rev. H. H. Van Deusen will preach from I. S. Peter V., 8, 9., Sabbath morning and I. S. Peter iii, 24, in the evening, the latter being a sermon delivered the Sunday before, but repeated by request.
The justly celebrated Singer Sewing machines are gaining new victories every day on account of their simplicity and durability. For sale by C. G. Fulford, at S. C. Hyndshaw’s jewelry store.
If you want to see an immense stock of groceries, (one-fourth larger than any other in Henry as shown by the assessor’s book), call and see Col. Matteer who is in charge of the new grocery store, 2d door below the bank.
Mrs. J. D. Culton and daughter have returned home. Their visit east has been “all that could be desired.” Mrs. C. brings her choice friends each a cake of maple sugar of her own “boiling down,” among whom class “we’uns.” We have a “failing” for “maple sweetness”, but never found in our experience a more choice article than Mrs. C. brought home with her. Thanks!
Dr. Charles Davis has gone on a two or three weeks visit into Coffee county, Kansas. A cousin, Rev. W. Davis of New York state, accompanies him. Its a marvel how the doctor could make up his mind to stray off so far from home. Its “distressingly healthy” here, but we learn the doctor is not off prospecting for a “sickly location.” He visits a sister he has not seen for 11 years.
Mr. Ainsley Hall of Farmington, was a visitor at his brother’s, Alderman Joseph H. Hall, last week. He was accompanied by his wife, and two married daughters, one Mrs. Emma McConnell of Trivoli, Peoria county, with two children, and the other Mrs. Lucy Smith, and one child from Rising Sun, Iowa. They arrived Friday on the Grey Eagle, remaining over the Sabbath.
June 10, 1875
Taken From the Henry Republican
The vanguard of a circus, burglars, made themselves known in our city on Tuesday night. They effected an entrance to the residence of Andrew Fiedler by a back window, strodethrough the house, rifled a bureau below, and then ascended the stairs to where the familywere asleep. Here they opened a window, rifled Mr. Fiedler’s pants pockets, and madeaway as they came, unheard, getting nothing but a watch and some family jewelry. Thefamily slept very late, which leads to a suspicion that chloroform might have been used.
They also entered Henry Watercott’s house by a back door, and rummaged about thehouse unheard, taking only Julius Watercott’s watch, which was all the booty they found. The boys pants were found in the shed the next morning, having been brought down fromup-stairs. Messrs. Fiedler & Watercott, had sold that day $600 worth of hides, and it is supposed this was known and was the occasion of the house breaking. But the moneywas out of their reach. Some $180 other money was in Mr. Fiedler’s possession, but the burglars failed to make the discovery.
An attempt was also made at C. Gould’s hardware store. A pane of glass to a back window was nearly removed, but it is presumed the robbers were frightened away before effecting an entrance. The sash was hacked up badly in cutting away the putty.
The New Bowling Alley
September 28, 1876
Mr. Bernard Yaeger is improving his premises by the erection of a bowling alley in the rear of his saloon. The building will be 90 feet long, and between 10 and 11 wide, and will be adapted to the use of this popular game. The mason work was done by John Riley and the carpenter work by Reed, Doelzer and others. The lumber was all ready, and Bernard determined to have quick work of it. It probably will be ready for use in less than a week from the time the materials were hauled on the grounds.
April 15, 1880
Local Items Taken From the Henry Republican
John Hitzman, one of our drug clerks having gone to Toledo to go into business with his brother, his place in Dr. Powell's drug store is supplied by Mr. Charles Harmon of Woodford county, an experienced druggist and capable gentleman.
The blacksmith shop of W. H. Langdell caught fire at noon yesterday in the floor. The wind was blowing hard, but the prompt alarm and presence of the fire company, saved the old rookery, and perhaps a general conflagration. No damage done.
Dick Heller commenced to sprinkle the streets on Monday. He has not fairly got started yet but is learning the requirements, and will soon get down to business. To wet down the streets right, requires work, early and late and Dick has all of it.
A surprise birthday party, prepared by the "gude housewife," was tendered Mr. C. W. Carroll, station agent of the C. R. I. & P. R. R. at this place, at the residence on Western Avenue, on Monday evening, commemorative of the 45th milestone in life's varied pilgrimage. A number of gentlemen, personal friends, and seconded of course by Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Endsley, who are always up to social mischief, were present, who spent a very pleasant evening with Mr. and Mrs. Carroll in their recently fitted up, and truly elegant home.
Charming Henry
May 20, 1880
Taken From the Henry Republican
W. T. Dowdall, Esq., editor of the Peoria National Democrat, was in our beautiful city on Monday, and the next day the following handsome notice appeared in the paper:
"Yesterday business called us to the thriving, prosperous little city of Henry, in Marshall county. We found the place (always a handsome one) but at this season of the year, when the vine and fig tree, the flowers and the onion heads vieing with each other to see which can look the most inviting, and what one lacks in looks it makes up in taste, causing the city of about 300 inhabitants, dotted as it is with cosy white cottages, large brick business fronts, and more building, to present a most inviting appearance.
Mine host of the Paskell House, always at home, and keeping the best "country hotel" in America, gave us a cordial welcome, as he does every stranger visiting Henry who wants a good square meal. (By the way, a few months later, when the water falls in the river, we know of no place offering more comforts for a week's fishing, than at this point, that is, if you take in "the Paskell.")
During the day we met many of the representative business men, and judging from our short acquaintance, there are much worse places to go than Henry, and but few better. We found the mayor a staunch republican, but says he will not vote for Grant if nominated. After the 3d of June we expect him to order a copy of the Daily National Democrat.
Bernard Yaeger has the coolest house in the place. He has just given it a new coat of paint, paper and sich, and his cigars and the trimmings are always good. By the way, friend Yaeger says Henry will send down an excursion to Peoria on the 4th of July of not less than 500. Come on, gentlemen, you shall have a real good time then, and on all other occasions when you visit Peoria.
J. L. Jones, the popular dry goods merchant, and member of the board of supervisors of Marshall county, was "at home," as he always is when called on by a democrat, and extended courtesies, for which we return thanks.
We found Dr. L. B. Martin, formerly a Peoria county M.D., doing a good practice, and he ought to, for he is a good doctor and a number one fellow.
W. W. Heath, the old reliable, was dispensing groceries and the good sort of edibles to the farmers and all others with his usual liberal hand, while Ed. Humphrey, the handsomest gentleman in the city, is doing a thriving business in connection with the leading grain house in the place, and last though not least, Messrs. Watercott & Co., the leading dry goods merchants, are just finishing a large brick block, 40 x 188 feet, with 16 foot ceiling, and magnificent hall in the second story, for the better accommodation of their trade, which amounted to $80,000 last year, and from appearances will exceed $100,000 this year, which is most flattering. We understand from one of the junior partners, that Peoria county furnishes them some of their best customers. Their stock of dry goods and display of millinery presents an appearance flattering to even some of our metropolitan cities.
Last Saturday was the scene of two notable events in Henry; the first and most commendable and pleasant was the golden wedding of Richard Dikes, who was married 50 years ago in Ross county, "Tick Hill", Ohio and emigrated to Henry in 1849. There were many callers and as many dollars left. The other event was the sudden attack "of sickness" of Rev. J. L. Martin, late pastor of the Presbyterian church of that city, and later still a leading temperance lecturer, a sort of public Sunday evening temperance preacher. Last Saturday evening he was taken suddenly "ill", and called a doctor, and strange to say the people of Henry, many of them, are so uncharitable as to think this good temperance man was drunk, but like the good Henry Ward Beecher and the persecuted cadet Whitaker, and the much abused Grant, they are only democratic lies. That's what B. Yaeger says they are, and he is posted on the temperance question, and knows the workings of the enemy. George Burt Jr. of the Republican, endorses Yaeger's theory, and that settles it.
Local Items Taken From the Henry Republican
George Hatzenbeulah goes to live with his parent who have located within six miles of Lincoln, Neb. They have a quarter section, and are well pleased with the county.
It is probable that James I. Aukland of Whitefield is soon to splice a lady to his name, as we notice a marriage license was issued to Miss Matilda Wood of Niles, at Chicago Jn. 31st. Auk-land and Wood will go well together.
A party of 40 surprised Mrs. Howard Young one evening recently, and in commemoration of her birthday, made her a present of a handsome silver butter knife. All had a delightful evening by a merry round of amusement and general sociability.
The ice harvest been continued for two or three days this week. S. C. Ober is filling a new ice house with about 500 tons, W. P. Williams is also filling his house at his dairy farm. Nicholson & Kleinhenz have also been engaged in filling boats, making as rapid progress as possible. The ice harvest comes by spells so to speak, a day of severe weather, and then a day or two of thawing weather. But it looks s if winter would hold out and give us all the ice required.
A very serious accident accurred at Varna, on Tuesday of last week, which might have resulted in death. Mrs. H. Brink, wife of the M. E. minister, while standing with her back to the stove, attending some household duties, was unaware that her clothing was in flames until she felt the heat on her neck. She rushed to the door and called to her husband who was cutting wood near by, that she was on fire. He ran in and seized a blanket and wrapped her in it, thereby saving her life.
Local Items from the Henry Republican
Will. Scholes of Greenfield, Iowa, spent Sunday with "the old folks at home" in Saratoga township. He had been in Chicago on business and stopped off on his return. The Scholes Bro's have a fine business and are gentlemen of which Greenfield may well be proud.
Certificates were given two teachers on Saturday by Superindendent Edwards, who was in the city as per regular appointment. These successful ladies were Miss Sadie Albertson of this city and Miss Etta Jump of La Prairie. Both are competent, experineced teachers.
Daniel N. Blood, Jr., has favored us with a large roll of yellow butter just made from the new Coolery Creamery he has just purchased. It was of excellent color and as toothsome as ever graced a table. Mr. Blood finds the creamery a marvel of convenience, and wonders how he had got along so long without one.
Geo. S. Park of Magnolia, the founder of Park College at Parkville, Mo., has been spending a couple of weeks at that worthy and flourishing institution. Rev. J. A. McAfee is its efficient manager, and under his care and labors the school is doing an excellent educational work. Aobut 160 students in attendance.
R. D. Bourdette of this township, received $980 in cash the other day for young porkers of his own raising, taking advantage of high prices, and Wm. Fountain of Whitefield for a load of oats receiving $60 in cash, at the rate of 50c per bushel. The farmers wear a broad smile these days, especilly those having stock or produce to sell.
The Hanna Wagon Co. have just had printed, in colors, a life size picture of their justly celebrated Hanna wagon. The work is very neatly executed, and the engraver and printer have spared no pains in giving an accurate copy of the original. The running gears are in red, the box and seat in green, with the usual scroll work and striping. The wagon is labelled "Hanna Wagon, Works, established 1858, Henry, Ill."