John J. Hensley

HENSLEY, WILFONG, POPEJAY, ANDREWS, HAYES, ECKLES, REICHEERT

Posted By: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs (email)
Date: 4/7/2009 at 15:20:05

JOHN J. HENSLEY, a prominent farmer and stockdealer in Exira Township, was born in Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio, September 11, 1819. His father, Jacob Hensley, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died when John J. was a small boy. His mother was a Miss Sarah Wilfong, of German ancestry, a daughter of John Wilfong, who served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war; she also died when John J. was a child, and he went to live with his uncle, Christopher Wilfong, with whom he remained until his death; he was then thrown upon his own resources, and began the struggle of life alone. During his residence with his uncle he had attended school in the winter and worked on the farm in the summer. In 1844 he was married to Miss Martha Popejay, of Fayette County, Ohio, and after his marriage he settled on a farm in Fayette County; this he carried on successfully for a number of years. In 1856 he removed to Franklin County, Iowa, and there began dealing in livestock in a small way, his means being somewhat limited. After a few years he removed from Franklin County to Polk County, and settled on a farm south of Des Moines; here he engaged in raising and shipping stock extensively until 1869, when he moved to Jasper County and engaged in the same enterprise until 1871. He then sold out and moved to Audubon County, purchasing a farm one mile south of Exira, on the Nishnabotna River; this is one of the most desirable farms in this section, being of a very fertile soil and under high cultivation; there is a beautiful, natural grove north of the residence and barns, adding much to the attractiveness of the place, and affording a most excellent shelter from the piercing winds of winter. The farm is one of the oldest in the neighborhood, and was improved by Jacob Andrews, and at the time of purchase by Mr. Hensley contained 200 acres. Since his residence on this farm Mr. Hensley has devoted the greater portion of his time to buying, selling and shipping livestock, while his sons have managed the agricultural department of farming. From long experience in the business Mr. Hensley has become a most reliable judge of cattle; of late years he has also bought and sold hogs quite extensively, shipping them to eastern markets. During their residence in Polk County Mrs. Hensley was called from this life, in the year 1869; she was a devoted wife and mother, and at her death left eight children Leroy M., William I., Morgan, Martha A., wife of Daniel B. Hayes (Mrs. Hayes is now deceased); Fanny May (deceased), Frank M., John I. and Charles F. Mr. Hensley was married to his second wife in Polk County; she was Mrs. Maria Eckles, widow of Rev. William Eckles, and daughter of Henry Reichert, of Indiana, a resident of Polk County, Iowa. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hensley Martha A. and Agnes. Mr. Hensley has not only been prominent in business circles, but he has also taken a lively interest in the elevation of the morals of the community; he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he has long been identified, contributing largely of his time and means for its support; he has served as trustee and steward of the church. Politically he has long been identified with the Democratic party.

1889 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF
SHELBY AND AUDUBON COUNTIES, IOWA
W. S. DUNBAR & CO., PUBLISHERS
113 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO
page 778