West Liberty History 1838-1938

Source: One Hundred Years of History
* Commemorating a Century of Progress in the West Liberty Community * WEST LIBERTY, IOWA
SAMUEL HENDRICKSON

Samuel Hendrickson was born April 19th, 1815, in Holmes County, Ohio. In October 1837 he came to Muscatine county, then included in the Black Hawk Purchase tract. Arriving with just five dollars in his pocket he purchased a claim for one hundred dollars and went to work to earn the money to pay for it, which he did following winter and spring.

In the fall of 1839 he married Esther Lewis, who had come to this county with her parents from Erie County, Penn. She died in 1855 leaving him with a family of small children. Those who lived to manhood and womanhood were Andrew, Mary, Elizabeth, John and Abner. Later he married Jane Hayan, who died in 1878. His three sons all served in the Civil War.

A friend wrote thus of him: "Few men like him are to be found in any country. No one stood as his superior in honesty and integrity of character. Justice and righteousness marked all his dealings with his fellowmen. When called to decide matters between neighbors, which was oftentimes the case, his decisions were ever tempered with justice. As a friend to the young he left his memory indelibly stamped on all who came in contact with him in their struggle to make a start in life."

It is a matter of pride with him, that the hospitality of his home was never refused to any man seeking its shelter, whether that man was white or red. Indeed, the redskin often found a nights lodging by his fireside.

Before banking facilities were available, he served as banker for other settlers; his integrity was such that during that time no written acknowledgement was ever asked by those who entrusted money to him.

Later in life he married Mrs. Anna Fink of Iowa City who survived him many years.

Samuel Hendrickson died July 29th, 1898.

---