Henry Washburn

As printed in 1910

HENRY WASHBURN.

He whose name introduces this review represents a family which has long been prominently known in agricultural circles in Henry county, his native county. He was born on the ist of September, 1840, in Colona township, in which locality he still makes his home. His parents, Abisha and Isabella (Clapp) Washburn, originally came from Springfield, Massachusetts, arriving in Illinois in May, 1837, being numbered among the early pioneer residents of this county. A full record of the family is given on another page of this volume in the sketch of George Washburn, a nephew of our subject. Abisha Washburn was a farmer by occupation and engaged in that line of activity up until his death. He was progressive and prosperous in his affairs and became a large landowner in Colona township. His death occurred in 1872, his wife having passed away in 1850.

Henry Washburn was the first child born after the arrival of the family in Illinois, and under the parental roof he was reared to manhood. He lost his mother when but ten years of age, and the period of his boyhood and youth were passed under his father's direction. He attended the district schools near his home in the acquirement of an education while his practical training was received between the plow handles. When not engaged with his text-books he assisted his father in the arduous task of opening up a new farm and converting the raw land into rich and abundant fields. None of the modern conveniences and appliances for facilitating farm labor were known at that time, and the work of developing a farm was attended by many obstacles and difficulties. He remained at home, giving his father the benefit of his aid in the management of the family and the operation of the farm until the latter's death, continuing to operate a part of the home farm even after his marriage. After the father's demise one hundred and sixty acres of the estate came into his possession, and he has since made his home upon that farm. He has been eminently successful in his agricultural pursuits and with the passing of the years has been able to add to his original holdings until today he is the owner of three hundred and twenty-seven acres, all under a high state of cultivation and all well improved. In its midst stands a fine modern dwelling while in the rear are found substantial and commodious barns and outbuildings, the place being equipped with all modern accessories that go to make up a model farm of the twentieth century. He has made a close study of agriculture and thoroughly understands the best methods of enriching the soil, while he is up-to-date and systematic in the conduct of his agricultural pursuits, so that he has become recognized as one of the substantial, progressive and prosperous farmers of the locality.

Mr. Washburn has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Zebuline Bailey, the ceremony occurring in September, 1863. She was a daughter of Charles and Charlotte (Callahan) Bailey, a prominent family of Coal Valley, Rock Island county, Illinois, who came to this state from Ohio in the early pioneer days. This union was blessed with five children, three of whom passed away in infancy. Those who survive are: Charles, a successful farmer of the state of Washington; and Clarissa, the wife of Charles Shaffer, of Nebraska. The wife and mother died in November, 1867, and in May, 1869, Mr. Washburn wedded Miss Maria J. Britton, a daughter of Samuel and Jane Britton, English people, who came to Henry county at an early date. This marriage was blessed with four children: Grace, the eldest, died in youth; Walter, at home; Jennie, the wife of William Hannah, who is associated with Mr. Washburn in the operation of the home farm; and Lottie, a student in school.

Mr. Washburn is stalwart in his allegiance to the democracy but has never taken a very active part in local politics, preferring to concentrate his time and attention upon the conduct of his private affairs. He is preeminently public-spirited, however, deeming it the duty of every loyal citizen to support his party at the polls and take an interest in all matters that have for their object the substantial growth and upbuilding of the community. Although he has never desired nor sought public office as the reward for party fealty, nevertheless he was elected by his fellow citizens to the office of road commissioner and he also served as a member of the local school board for a number of years. A man of progressive and modern ideas, he stands high in the estimation of his fellowmen who are acquainted with his life record from his boyhood days, and his sterling integrity and honorable manhood have won for him a circle of friends which is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances. He is a devoted husband and loving and indulgent father, and he is much given to charity, being well known throughout the community for his many kindly services.

As printed in History of Henry County, Illinois (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.