HENN, Elizabeth S. 1820 - 1895

HENN, HUFFORD, BISSELL, PRICE, EALER, ROWLAND

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 6/18/2024 at 21:33:13

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, August 14, 1895
Page 3, Column 5

A HALF CENTURY IN FAIRFIELD

Death of Elizabeth S. HENN, a Woman Pioneer of Iowa.

Mrs. Elizabeth S. HENN, whose residence in Fairfield covered a preiod of more than half a century, died at her home in this city Thursday morning, after many years of gradually failing health. Mrs. HENN was born in Baltimore, Md., in 1820. Her parents died when she was a child of tender years, and with the family of an uncle she came to Burlington when Iowa was on the frontier. Here she grew to womanhood and was married, at the residence of Hon. A. C. Dodge, August 6th, 1841, to Bernhart HENN.

Mr. HENN had a wide and intimate friendship among the public men of Iowa of that day, and that, with his natural ability, soon led to his appointment as general land agent at Burlington. In 1844 he received a promotion as register of the last office at Fairfield, his commission being signed by President Polk. He removed to the young town on the prairies shortly afterward and was for many years prominently identified with her business and political interests. About the time his commission as register of the land office expired he was nominated for congress, when the new state was all included in two districts, by the democratic party, and elected and re-elected. Mr. HENN served in the lower house of the national legislature from 1849 to 1853, and rendered his state distinguished service. He returned to Fairfield shortly after the expiration of his term in congress, and engaged quite extensively in banking and real estate under the firm name of Henn, William & Co., Jesse Williams and the late Geo. D. Temple forming the company. His house was widely known throughout Iowa for several years, and had large investments in many of her counties. It was seriously affected, however, by the financial crisis which swept the country later in the '50's, and went out of existence. Mr. HENN then retired to his beautiful home, which now forms one of the buildings of Parsons College, and never again engaged in active business. He died in this city August 31st (sic - 30th), 1865. The houses in which Mr. HENN did business were landmarks in Fairfield for many years--a one-story building where the Thoma block now stands, and the two story brick which gave way to the Held block. He also platted an addition to the town which is now embraced in the residence portion. Bernhart HENN held a warm place in the hearts of the older residents of Fairfield. He was a man of great natural and acquired ability, of generous impulses and a delightful associate.

After the death of her husband Mrs. HENN continued her residence in this city for many years, and, with slight interruption, until death removed her. She was the mother of six children, Mary J., Anna, Bernhart, Clara, Edward and Kate, and to the four of these who attained mature years she gave all that care and attention that a mother's love could give. Only two of these children are now living, Mrs. R H. HUFFORD of this city and Mrs. Chas. R. BISSELL of New York.

In her earlier days in Burlington and this city Mrs. HENN was a leader in social affairs, and she retained her fondness for society during all her life. Even in recent times she was often the center of many a pleasant gathering, for she retained much of that brightness and vivacity which formery distinguished her. In earlier days her name was closely associated with works of charity and philanthropy. She made the first solicited subscription to the Jefferson County library, a gift of $25, in 1852, and maintained her interest in that institution, of which she was one of the founders, during all the intervening time. The prominence of her husband in early Iowa history and politics had given the wife a statewide acquaintance, and many of her old time friends who yet survive will join with the people of Fairfield in paying a last tribute to this excellent pioneer woman.

Mrs. HENN's remains were interred in this city Saturday afternoon, in the Evergreen cemetery, where other members of the family lie. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. R. Fitch, rector of the Episcopal church, and Rev. J. F. Magill.

~~~~

"The Fairfield Tribune"
Wednesday, August 14, 1895
Page 2, Column 4

Death of Mrs. Bernhart HENN.

The friends of Mrs. Bernhart HENN were saddened last Saturday by the announcement of her death at twenty-five minutes past eleven that morning at her residence on East Burlington street. For the past year, Mrs. HENN had been very poorly, but she was not confined to her bed until about a week ago. Her condition was not considered serious and her daughter, Mrs. BISSELL, and husband, who have been spending the summer with her, went to Colorado Springs only a few days before her death. During their absence Mrs. HENN rapidly grew worse. Elizabeth S. PRICE was the daughter of John B. and Catherine PRICE, and was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1820. She was left an orphan when a mere child, and reared by an aunt, with whom she came to Iowa. She was married to Mr. Bernhart HENN near the city of Burlington, August 6, 1841. Mr. HENN was at that time serving in the capacity of general land agent for the government. About three years later, Mr. and Mrs. HENN removed to this city, where both closed their life's work, Mr. HENN dying August 30, 1865. Of the six children born to them only two survive. They are Mrs. Mary J. HUFFORD, of this city, and Mrs. Kate E. BISSELL, wife of Dr. C. R. BISSELL, of New York City.

Mrs. HENN was an excellent woman, and was a favorite among society people. Although advanced in years, she was young in spirit. She was always the life and merrymaker among a company of friends and her presence was hailed with gladness.

The funeral was held at the residence Saturday afternoon, at half past three o'clock, Rev. Mr. Fitch, the Episcopal minister from Washington, and Dr. J. F. Magill, of this city, conducting the service.

~~~~

"The Fairfield Tribune"
Wednesday, August 21, 1895
Page 7, Column 2

PERSONAL.

... Joseph EALER, of New Orleans, a brother of Mrs. Mary E. ROWLAND, of this city, is visiting in Fairfield. Mr. EALER was a cousin of the late Mrs. HENN. He is a gentleman of the old school and full of interesting reminiscences of New Orleans during war time. ...

~~~~
Copied with permission from The Fairfield Ledger, Inc. IAGenWeb Bylaws PROHIBIT the COPYING AND RE-POSTING OF THIS MATERIAL IN ANY PUBLIC VENUE such as Ancestry or Find A Grave without WRITTEN permission from the submitter ~ copyright restrictions apply.
*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Buried in Lot Old.P.292 with husband Bernhart.