Henkle, Enos M. MAGA © 2000-2011
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PAST AND PRESENT OF THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD AND SANGAMON COUNTY ILLINOIS
By Joseph Wallace, M. A.
of the Springfield Bar
The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, IL
1904



Page 1023

ENOS M. HENKLE. - Sangamon county can boast of more pioneers or descendants of pioneers than any county in the state. Those who came to the county in an early day came with the intention of making it their home and to make homes for their immediate descendants, and they hesitated at nothing honorable or to make any sacrifice to gain their ends. Among those who came at an early date, strong in the determination to win success, was the subject of this sketch, who for many years was numbered among the leading business men of the city of Springfield.

Enos M. Henkle was born in Pendleton county, Virginia, February 11, 1811, and was a son of Jesse and Barbara (Mozier) Henkle, the former also a native of Virginia, born in 1780, and the latter of Ohio, born in 1779, her parents being among the earliest settlers of the Buckeye state. At the age of twelve years our subject was left fatherless and was thus early thrown upon his own resources. His educational advantages were limited and he received but little training in the common schools of that early day, but in the school of experience he was thoroughly tester later in life. When eighteen years of age he went to Dayton, Ohio, where he apprenticed himself to a carriage maker and soon mastered that trade.

After serving his time as an apprentice, Mr. Henkle made up his mind to seek a home in the great Prairie state. Coming to Sangamon county in 1832, he located in what was then the village of Springfield, purchasing a block of ground, which is now extremely valuable, and establishing a carriage manufactory upon the present site of Mitchell & Clarkson's drug store. For many years he continued in the business with a fair degree of success, his trade extending over a large scope of country. In 1855 the factory was burned, and in the fall of that year he removed to Decatur, this state, where he engaged in the milling business and also in the manufacture of paper. After thirteen years' residence in that city he returned to Springfield and erected a paper mill at Riverton, which place was then called Howlett, carrying on the business there until his plant was destroyed by fire. He then lived retired until called to his final rest.

Mr. Henkle was first married in Springfield to Miss Jane Dickey, who died shortly afterward, leaving one child, John D. Henkle, now deceased, whose home was in Decatur, Illinois. On the 17th of March, 1845, Mr. Henkle was united in marriage to Miss Martha Condell, a daughter of Thomas Condell, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She came west with her brother, Thomas Condell, who was president of the Marine Bank of Springfield for many years. Four children were born of their union, namely: Albert E., who is engaged in the grocery business at Salina, Kansas; Thomas C., deceased, who for some years was a member of the firm of J. W. Bunn & Company, wholesale grocers, of Springfield; William H., of Chicago, who is secretary of the Illinois Trust & Savings Bank, and who has charge of the trust department; and Ida, now Mrs. S. E. Prather, of Springfield.

In his various business enterprises Mr. Henkle gave employment to a large number of men, and during his many years of active business life always had the confidence and respect of those with whom he was associated. He possessed untiring industry, was quick of perception, prompt in action, energetic and notably reliable. When nearly fourscore years old he "fell asleep in Jesus", March 20, 1889, an was laid to rest in beautiful Oak Ridge cemetery. His wife survived him ten years, and on the 27th of October, 1899, she, too, was called to her heavenly home.

In politics Mr. Henkle was an ardent Republican, and in early life took an active part in political affairs, serving as a member of the Springfield city council in 1843-44 and in 1851-52. At an early age he united with the Methodist Episcopal church and became one of the organizers of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Springfield, of which he was an official member for over half a century. He was an earnest, consistent Christian man, and very prominent in all church work. His life was a noble and upright one, helpful in its influence, leaving its impress upon many with whom he came in contact. His aid was ever given to movements for the general good and for the uplifting of humanity, and he stood deservedly high in the esteem of his fellowmen.


1904 Index