John Henthorn
John Henthorn, son of Abraham and Mary Henthorn, was born on 20 Apr 1820, somewhere in Lancashire, England.
It is believed that he is the John Henthorn who was baptized at Royton, Lancaster, England on 24 Jun 1842.
John learned weaving by the hand loom in England and work at the weaving trade, probably around Manchester, in the area of Shaw, Crompton, and Oldham.
John Henthorn of Crompton, Lancaster, England, a weaver, son of Abraham Henthorn, a weaver, was married, 24 Jun 1842, to Betty Holt, of Crompton, a spinster, and daughter of Abraham Holt, a weaver, at the parish church in the Parish of Prestwich in the County of Lancaster, England. Witnesses were: James Greaves and James Sheldrick.
He was one of eight children, most of whom came to IL. With his brother Charles, he emigrated to America in 1844, stopped first in New York state, where for 2 years he superintended a factory where 62 looms were run.
They moved to Adams county, IL in 1850 and to Pike county in 1852. By 1880 he owned 360 acres of land, in good cultivation and well stocked. He was School Director several terms and was a Democrat. (Source: the "History of Pike County, IL 1880.")
John Henthorn, a pioneer of Pike County, a highly successful farmer of Fairmount Township, and a worthy citizen, this gentleman enjoys the esteem of his acquaintances. His estate which is located on section 17, comprises four hundred acres of land and is considered one of the most valuable pieces of property in this section of the country. The residence which was erected in 1878 is located on an eminence and commands an excellent view of the larger part of Fairmount Township. Altogether the homestead is one of which Mr. Henthorn may be justly proud for it represents the results of his own unaided toil.
England was the birthplace of our subject and in Lancastershire, April 20, 1820, he was born to Abraham and Mary Henthorn, also natives of England. The parental family included eight children most of who are located in Illinois. In company with his brother Charles our subject came to the United States in 1844 and has since continued to reside in this country. Prior to coming hither he received a common education in England and there learned the trade of weaver.
The marriage of our subject was solemnized in Lancastershire, England, May 27, 1842, when Miss Betty Holt, a daughter of Abraham and Anna (Holt) Holt became his wife. The parents of Mrs. Henthorn were English people and lived in the old country until quite advanced in years and then emigrated to the United States. They first located in the State of New York whence they removed to Adams County, Ill., and there died. They were weavers in their native land but engaged in farming after coming to America.
Mrs. Henthorn was a lady of refinement and culture, universally beloved for her many noble traits of heart and mind. She accompanied her husband to America where for many years she labored side by side with him and was of material assistance to him. She passed from the scenes of an active existence October 26, 1880, at the age of fifty-seven years. Her death was mourned throughout the whole community where they lived so long. She was a consistent Christian, a true wife and a wise and loving mother.
The children born to Mr. Henthorn and his estimable wife are named as follows: Mary C., who died September 7, 1845; Sarah, Mrs. E. F. Cooley, resides on a farm in Fairmount Township; Abraham who resides in Hadley Township married Miss Anna Cory; Franklin P. is a resident of Fairmount Township and married a lady who bore the maiden name of Miss Jane Weaver; John D. is a resident of Aurora, Neb., and his wife prior to her marriage was Miss Mattie J. Phillips; Janie, Mrs. John Lewis, is a resident of Miami County, Kan., Charles married Miss Minnie J. Powers and lives in Aurora, Neb., William H. who was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Rust, lives in Fairmount Township.
The tract of land owned and operated by Mr. Henthorn is under excellent cultivation and he keeps on his place the latest improvements in farming machinery and follows the most approved methods in cultivation of the soil. The buildings are substantial and conveniently located and excellently adapted for their various purposes. From time to time our subject has added to his original purchase which was made in Fairmount Township in 1884, until the estate is now a very large one and is widely known as Fairview Farm. Prior to coming to Pike County Mr. Henthorn passed eighteen months in Adams County, this State, but has never regretted his removal here. He belongs to the Democratic party and manifests great interest in both National and local politics, having often been called upon to fill offices of trust and responsibility. He is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church to which his wife also belonged.
The father of our subject was a weaver by trade and when later improvements caused the hand loom to go out of use he entered this factories of Lancaster and died at a very advanced age. The mother also passed her entire life and finally died in Lancaster. Both parents were members of the Church of England. (Source: "Portrait and Biographical Album" Pike Co., IL, pages 526-527)
Census: 1880, in Pike Co, IL, Fairmount Twp. In the 1880 census he was listed as a farmer. Besides his wife the following children were listed as living at home: John, Jun., 22, son, farmer; Charles, 19, farm laborer; William, 15, farm laborer; and Susan Scoutan, 35, servant.
DEATH: Date of Death, 21 Aug 1895, from gravestone in Woodland Cemetery, Pike Co., IL. Woodland Cemetery is located alongside of the road leading directly south from Fishhook, IL.
Note: John Henthorn was born on 20 Apr 1820 in Lancashire, England. He died on 21 Aug 1895 at Fishhook, Pike Co., IL. He was the great-grandfather of researcher, Dick Henthorn.
File: HentJohn.txt
