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1907 Past and Present Biographies
John M. HenningHe was born in Kendall county, Illinois, January 14, 1852, being the second of the four children of Cornelius and Caroline (Foster) Henning. The father, a native of the state of New York, was born in 1825. and reached the age of seventy years, passing away in 1895. In his youth he came to the middle west, settling in Kendall county, Illinois, in 1836. He afterward bought land there and improved a farm, which he cultivated for many years. He continued farming throughout his entire active life and thus provided a comfortable living for his family and a competence for his old age. At length he retired from active business and spent his last years in the enjoyment of a well earned rest in Plano, where he died in 1895. His first wife passed away in 1857. The children of that marriage are: Mrs. Rowena Hays, who is living in Scranton, Iowa; John H., of this review; D. E., who also makes his home in Scranton; and Mrs. Carrie Yoss, who is living in Kendrick township, this county. After losing his first wife the father was again married, his second union being with Sarah Smith. They became the parents of nine children, of nine children, of whom six yet survive, as follows: George and Herbert, who are residents of Greene county; Frank and Charles, who are living in Kendall county; Mrs. Nellie Packard, whose home is in De Kalb, Illinois; and Mrs. Nettie Stable, also a resident of Kendall county, Illinois. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for John M. Henning in his boyhood and youth. He acquired his education in the common schools and when not busy with his text-books aided in the work of the farm, so that he soon became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He gave his father the benefit of his services until he had attained his majority and at the age of twenty-one years left home to make his own way in the world. Having no capital, he was at first employed at farm labor by the month and in 1882 he removed to Iowa, where he could then secure land at a less figure than he would have to pay for it in Illinois. He made his way to Greene county and here invested in an improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres. It has since steadily risen in value, owing to the labor and improvement he has placed upon it. In 1890 he made a purchase of forty acres adjoining the original tract and now has one hundred and sixty acres of very productive and arable land. His farm is pleasantly and conveniently situated within a mile of Scranton, so that the advantages of town life are easily obtainable. On his farm he has erected a fine modern residence of pleasing style of architecture and its tasteful furnishings and, above all, its warm hearted hospitality make it a most attractive home. Mr. Henning has also built a big barn and has a well equipped farm. He raises stock on quite an extensive scale, keeping cattle, hogs and sheep, and his fields annually produce rich crops of the grains best adapted to soil and climate. An important event in the life of Mr. Henning was celebrated on the 27th of June, 1889, when he led to the marriage altar Miss Bena J. Johnston, who was born in Henry county, Illinois, April 26, 1857. They have now traveled life’s journey happily together for eighteen years and their marriage has been blessed with four children: Bryce, born on the 14th of September, 1892; Burl, born November 5, 1894; Hiril, born February 26, 1897; and Carrol, who completes the family and whose date of birth is October 19, 1900. Both Mr. and Mrs. Henning are well known in the county and have gained a large circle of warm friends here. Mr. Henning, socially, is connected with the Yeomen of America, while his political support is given to the democracy and of its principles he is a staunch defender. |
Transcribed from "Past and Present of Greene County, Iowa Together With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Prominent and Leading Citizens and Illustrious Dead," by E. B. Stillman assisted by an Advisory Board consisting of Paul E. Stillman, Gillum S. Toliver, Benjamin F. Osborn, Mahlon Head, P. A. Smith and Lee B. Kinsey, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907.  Site Terms, Conditions & Disclaimer |