Henry Herrick Colby, son of Jonathan and Lydia Colby, was born in 1845, about four miles northwest of the church. His father was a native of New Hampshire, and his mother of Connecticut.

Mr. Colby was married to Mary Ellen Bone, daughter of Robert and Nancy Bone, in 1869. To them were born three children, only one of whom, Mrs. Nellie Cherry, wife of Rev. John T. Cherry, is now living.

A man of industrious habits and excellent business qualifications, Mr. Colby has been rewarded by success in his vocation, that of farming. Of a retentive memory, his fund of useful information on many subjects has been a store house from which he could draw when occasion demanded.

He is quick of decision, and his opinions are valued by his neighbors. He is an interested student of State and National affairs, and seldom fails to express his sentiments at the polls.

A regular attendant at Sabbath School and church, and well versed in the Scriptures, for many years he has been teacher of the Men�s Bible Class.

Source: The Book Committee. Rock Creek Presbyterian Church Christian Heritage 175 years, Menard Co. IL. 1997. This includes a reprint of ROCK CREEK, A Retrospect of One Hundred Years, by Alice Keach Bone, written ca 1922. Page 90.