Henry, Ebenezer W.

HENRY, WHITE, ANDREWS, WINEGAR, KINART

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/30/2009 at 18:24:29

Henry, Ebenezer W.

Jasper County has been greatly indebted to the old Keystone State for the many enterprising citizens she has sent here to assist in developing the same, placing this locality on a par with any in the national Union. Of this worthy number Ebenezer W. Henry, now living retired in the town of Monroe, is worthy of special mention. He was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, February 28, 1853, and he is the son of John and Jane (White) Henry, both natives of the same vicinity in which the subject was born. The father was a farmer and stockman, dealing in sheep and other stock of fine blood, and was one of the substantial and highly respected men of that County. He never came west except to visit, and his death occurred in Pennsylvania at the age of sixty-three years, his wife dying there also at about the same age. He was a great reader and a deep thinker, kept well informed. He was active in political affairs and took a prominent part in Church work as well as in other public matters designed for the good of his fellow men. His family consisted of four children, all sons and all still living, namely: Robert and Joseph reside in Pennsylvania; Lewis lives in Asheville, North Carolina; Ebenezer W. of this review; they are all well-to-do and highly honored citizens.

Ebenezer W. Henry received a good education and up until 1879 he worked at home on the farm, then came west to Jasper County, Iowa, where he has remained ever since, with the exception of a short stay in the West coast country. Upon his arrival here he bought one hundred and twenty acres five miles north of Monroe and began farming. A year after its purchase he was married, on April 28, 1881, to Athalia A. Andrews, daughter of G. B. and Martha (Winegar) Andrews, of Washington County. New York. Mrs. Henry's parents were farmers and early settlers of Iowa, having come to Jasper County in 1857, finding here a wild, unsettled region. The father had come here previously and entered one hundred acres of land, to which he later added sixty acres, and finally had an excellent farm, which he still owns and occupies. He is a fine old pioneer gentleman and is known all over the County as Squire from the fact that he served as justice of the peace many years. He was one of the early teachers in this County, and at one time taught a term of school in his home while his family were back East on a visit. He has always been a man of splendid public spirit and he has ably served his Township in many capacities. He is now advanced in years, having been born in 1829; his wife, who is still living, was born in 1836. They are the parents of three children, namely: Harriet Wheeler, wife of Ellsworth Wheeler, is living with her parents on the old farm; Lavonia Kinart, wife of Alfred Kinart, who lives in Harrisonville, Missouri; and Athalia A., wife of Mr. Henry.

After living on his farm twelve years, Mr. Henry came to the town of Monroe and entered into partnership with Orcutt Brothers in the general lumber and grain business, and he continued successfully in this line for a period of eight years, then failing health forced him to retire and move to California; however, he remained there but a year when he came back to Monroe where he has since lived retired.

Few men in all Jasper County are better or more favorably known than Mr. Henry. Of wide experience, well read, honest, obliging and broad in his sympathies, he has ever enjoyed the confidence of all classes. While living on the farm he served his Township in nearly every capacity, and the town of Monroe soon demanded his services upon his removal here, and for twelve years he was a member of the city council, and for two terms served as a member of the school board. He was at one time a member of the County committee, and in fact, he has always taken more or less interest in political and public affairs.

Mr. Henry is also prominent in lodge circles, being a member of Fairview Lodge No. 194, of Monroe, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is a past master. He is also a member of Monroe Lodge No. 277, Knights of Pythias, being a past chancellor commander of that order.

Mrs. Henry is a woman of rare accomplishments and charming personality. She is a member of Fairview Chapter No. 229, Order of the Eastern Star, of Monroe, being a past worthy matron. She is also a member of the Pythian Sisters, of which she is at present treasurer. She also holds a past chief certificate. Socially, she has long been a favorite with a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. She is a member of the well-known P. E. 0. Society and also the Woman's Relief Corps.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Monroe, of which he is a steward; he is at present teaching in the Sunday school and was at one time superintendent of the Sunday school for three years. Mrs. Henry is a member of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. Politically, the subject is a Republican. He is a director in the State Savings Bank at Monroe, and, having been successful in whatever he has turned his attention to, is now in possession of an ample competency. Past and Present of Jasper County Iowa B. F. Bowden & Company, Indianapolis, IN, 1912 Page 949.