Robert Herren

CHURCH, HATCH, HERREN, MAYER, PARKINS, ROSS, SHELL, ST JOHN, STREW, WILDS

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 6/28/2006 at 19:25:29

“History of Madison County Iowa and Its People”
Herman A. Mueller, Supervising Editor
Chicago, The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1915

An active, busy life, guided by high and honorable principles, made Robert Herren a respected citizen in every community in which he lived. His life record covered the intervening period between the 10th of April, 1824, when he first opened his eyes to the light of day in Hull, England, and July 27, 1914, when his eyelids were closed in death in Macksburg, Iowa. He was the only son of John and Harriet (Wilds) Herren, who in the year 1839 came with their family to the new world, settling at Waterville, Vermont, where the father soon became actively engaged in various manufacturing enterprises.

The son followed in his footsteps and early became interested in manufacturing, displaying such adaptability and industry in that connection that when he was in his twentieth year he was admitted to a partnership by his father. He gradually worked his way upward in business relations but soon after the financial crisis of 1857 a disastrous fire totally destroyed the woolen factory of which he was the proprietor and swept away the earnings of his first industrial experience. Business conditions resulting from the wide-spread financial panic of that year made it difficult for him to again engage in that line of business. Disposing of other properties which he held, he scrupulously paid every claim against him to the last dollar and with characteristic energy and determination once more started out in business life. He was now empty-handed but he possessed indispensable qualities of success—industry, determination and energy. He turned his face toward California and, making his way to the Sacramento valley, there engaged in buying and shipping wool. He had hardly started in the new enterprise when a flood swept down upon the valley, carrying away much of the season's clip and thus wrecking his last business venture. Still undaunted, he once more started out empty-handed and engaged in prospecting for the precious metal, which was known to be in the mountains of the Pacific slope. For a few years he continued to engage in prospecting, meeting sometimes with success and again with failure, but the hold which the east had upon him was very strong and he determined to return to that part of the country.

While upon the return trip Mr. Herren formed the acquaintance of Messrs. Munger and White, woolen manufacturers of Winterset, Iowa, and entered into business relations with them as manager of their factory, his previous experience as a woolen manufacturer now coming into good play. Returning to Vermont for his family, he left New England in the spring of 1869 and thereafter until his death maintained his abode in Madison county, Iowa. It was not long before the result of his industry was manifest in the business with which he became connected, and the mill was in successful operation. For seven years Mr. Herren continued his relations with John D. White and Nelson W. Munger, two of the worthy and valued pioneer settlers of Madison county, their activities contributing in substantial measure to its upbuilding.

In 1876, when fifty-two years of age, Mr. Herren withdrew from active connection with manufacturing interests and took up his abode upon a tract of land in Grand River township, where he began farming. He had previously had no experience along agricultural lines but possessed sound business judgment, natural sagacity and indefatigable industry and therefore it was not difficult for him to win success in his new line of work. For about thirty years he followed farming and then retired from business in 1905, establishing his home in Macksburg, where he lived until his death, which occurred about nine years later.

On the 25th of October, 1845, Mr. Herren was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Strew and to them were born five children, of whom three are yet living: John L., a resident of Perry, Iowa; Robert M., who makes his home at Enid, Oklahoma; and Harriet W. Kelso, of Winterset, Iowa. On the 1st of November, 1854, Mr. Herren wedded Sophia Hatch and they became the parents of six children, of whom four survive: Mrs. Addie S. St. John, of Des Moines; Fred C., living in Macksburg; Clarence M., who makes his home at La Junta, Colorado; and Mrs. Belle Shell, who was with her father throughout his last illness. On the 23d of December, 1874, at Winterset, Iowa, Mr. Herren wedded Anna (Church) Parkins, who survives him, and to them were born two daughters: Mrs. Glenn V. Mayer, of Collins, Montana; and Mrs. Daisy Dell Ross, of Chin province of Alberta, Canada.

Mr. Herren was a member of the Presbyterian church of Winterset from 1871 until his demise and for many years he was also an exemplary representative of the Masonic lodge. He voted the democratic ticket but he never sought or held public office, preferring always to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which, carefully directed, brought to him a substantial measure of success. He never sought to figure prominently in any public connection but the sterling traits of his character were recognized by all and as a man and citizen he enjoyed the high regard and goodwill of those with whom he came in contact.

Madison Biographies maintained by Linda Griffith Smith.
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