For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 536
WILLIAM HENDRIX....William Hendrix, first opened his eyes to the light of day in a pioneer home and early became familiar with the experiences that were inseparable from life upon the frontier. He now occupies a beautiful modern country home in Seventy-six township and is one of the highly respected citizens of Muscatine county. He owes his success manily to his undaunted perseverance. He was born in Wayne county, Indiana, May 21, 1838, and is a son of H. D. and Thediria ( Willets ) Hendrix, thr former a native of Ohio and the latter of Indiana. In 1838 H. D. Hendrix started out prospecting to find a home for himself and family. He rode westward to Iowa and stopped for a time in Muscatine county, returning to Indiana on the same horse with which he made the outward journey. Bridges were few in those days and roads were in many places almost impassable at certain seasons of the year. However, Mr. Hendrix was greatly pleased with the outlook in Muscatine county, and in 1843 he brought his family to this region and purchased a squatter's claim, later entering three hundred and twenty acres in Seventy-six township, where he built a log cabin, which his family occupied for several years and then moved into a comfortable frame house. The father was born August 27, 1804, and departed this life June 7, 1893. The mother passed away in 1848, five years after her removal to Iowa. There were seven children in the family, four of whom are still living.William Hendrix was educated in the common schools and reared upon the home farm. After arriving at manhood he began farming on rented land, but just as he was fairly started he felt that his country needed his services and accordingly he enlisted in Company F, Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteers, to serve in behalf of the Union for a period of three years. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the West and he participated in a number of hard fought skirmishes, being finally discharged at Nashville, Tennessee. Laying aside the accoutrements of war he returned to Muscatine county and after his marriage purchased a farm of one fundred and thirty five acres, later buying more land until he now owns three hundred acres on sections 28 and 27, Seventy-six township. He has made many improvements, erecting buildings, setting out fruit and shade trees and thus adding to the attractive appearance of the place. He now has one of the best farms in the township and is making a specialty of raising and feeding stock.
In 1866 Mr. Hendrix was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte R. Willets, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, daughter of Charles G. and Rachel ( Thornton ) Willets. Mr. Willets was born in Ohio, January 12, 1820, and his wife in the same state, May 15, 1820. He went to Mercer county, Illinois, in his boyhood, and there they were married. Later he removed to Henry county, Iowa, where he followed farming until his death, which occurred in 1896. Mrs. Willets departed this life in 1860. There were seven children in their family, six of whom are still living.
Eleven children came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hendrix : Charles H., of Cedar township ; Norbury T., now a druggist of Columbus Junction, Iowa ; Leslie B., of Louisa county, Iowa ; Stella B., the wife of Edgar Robertson, of St. Francis, Kansas ; Walter W., a civil engineer of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; Edwin C., now in the employ of the Northwestern Railway Company, of Marshalltown, Iowa ; Levi D., of Henry county, Iowa ; Rachel N., who was born October 31, 1885, and died March 13, 1887 ; Wilmot C., now assisting his father upon the farm ; Ledru H., a student in school at Ames, Iowa ; and Rachel Novella, who died in infancy.
Mr Hendrix, since arriving at man's estate, has been identified with the republican party and is a stanch supporter of its candidates and principles. His neighbors and friends recognize his ability and have elected him to several township offices. For seven years he served most acceptably as trustee of the township and for twenty years as member of the school board. He and his wife are connected with the Methodist Episcopal church and are active workers is all movements that aim to promote the welfare of the township or county.
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