THOMAS CONDELL HENKLE. - The name of Henkle is a familiar and honored one in social and business circles of Springfield and Thomas C. Henkle was a prominent and influential resident of the capital city, his personal characteristics as well as business activity making him a leader in public affairs and winning for him the high regard of those with whom he came in contact. It was in March, 1818, that the Henkle family was established in Springfield - the year of Illinois' admission into the Union, - and since that date representatives of the name have been prominent factors in pushing forward the wheels of progress that have marked the course of advancement in many different lines. Thomas C. Henkle assisted in this work in a manner that left the impress of his individuality upon business and social life here. He was a native son of Enos and Martha (Condell) Henkle, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of the Emerald Isle. The father followed others of the name to Illinois, but first settled in Decatur, where he remained for a brief period, coming thence to Springfield. He then followed the trade of carriage making until his death and his wife also passed away here. In their family were three children now living, the sister of our subject being Mrs. S. E. Prather, a resident of Springfield, while the brothers are Albert Henkle, whose home is in Salina, Kansas, and William, who is connected with the Illinois Trust & Savings Bank of Chicago.

In the high schools of Decatur Thomas Henkle completed his literary education and was thus well qualified for the practical and responsible duties of a business career. In 1868 he became a resident of Springfield and accepted a clerkship in the wholesale grocery house of J. W. Bunn. There he thoroughly mastered the business methods of the house and his adaptability and fidelity won him the favorable attention of his employers, who admitted him to a partnership after a few years. At the time he purchased an interest in the business the firm style was changed to John W. Bunn & Company and has been so continued down to the present. Their large house, complete in all the equipments and enjoying an extensive patronage, is situated at No. 227-931 Adams Street and the business methods there followed recommend it to the public support and a profitable business is now enjoyed.

In 1875 Mr. Henkle was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Huntington, a daughter of George L. and Hannah (Forbes) Huntington, the former a native of Northampton and the latter of Boston, Massachusetts. The Huntington family is one of the oldest and most prominent families of Springfield, and the father of Mrs. Henkle was very influential in public affairs. Three times was he honored by his fellow citizens with the office of mayor and his administration was practical, businesslike and progressive, the city making marked advance under his guiding hand. He was a close personal friend of Abraham Lincoln, who spent many evenings at the Huntington home. There was marked musical talent in the Huntington family, which has made its members very prominent and popular in the musical circles of the city. Both Mr. and Mrs. Huntington died in Springfield and in his death the city recorded the loss of one whom to know was to honor - one whose influence has been felt for good in the business and political circles of the city, while Mrs. Huntington was no less favorably known in social circles. They were the parents of nine children: Charles L., who served as a captain in the navy and was a leading citizen of Springfield, but is now deceased; Alice H., the deceased wife of Thomas L. Knapp, of Springfield; Emily, the wife of John T. Stewart, of Chicago; George, who is residing in Springfield; Clara, the wife of John C. Dodds, of St. Louis; Ellen, now Mrs. Henkle; Leonora, the wife of John H. Mimms, of St. Albans, Vermont; Arthur, a resident of Springfield; and Mary, who died in infancy.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Henkle was blessed with four children: Ellen J., the wife of William J. Patten, an attorney of Springfield; Lenora H., who wedded Paul L. Storm; John Bunn, born in 1881, and Thomas Huntington, born in 1882, now well known business men of this city. They constitute the firm of Henkle Brothers, dealers in electrical supplies on Monroe street and are known as the youngest merchants of the city, but their ability is not limited by their years and the conduct of their enterprise displays excellent executive force, sound judgment and capable management.

Thomas C. Henkle continued in the wholesale grocery business up to the time of his death, which occurred July 27, 1899. He was honored and respected by all, not only because of the success which he achieved, but because of the straightforward business policy he ever followed. He was influential in public affairs affecting the welfare of the city and for many years was an active member of the school board. His political support was given the Republican party. Among the many bonds of sympathy which united Mr. and Mrs. Henkle and made theirs an ideal wedded relation, was their love of music and her ability in that direction. Mrs. henkle is a most talented vocalist and by many is regarded as the finest singer in the city. They attended the Episcopalian church, of which Mrs. Henkle is a member, and by her splendid musical powers she often assists in the church services. She is a leader in social circles, and her own beautiful home, one of the finest residences in the southeast part of the city, is celebrated for its gracious and cordial hospitality. In the hearts of the many friends that he left behind the memory of Thomas C. Henkle is cherished. The qualities of his manhood, his reliability in business, his loyalty in citizenship, his faithfulness, and, moreover, his devotion to his family, made his a life history beautiful to contemplate. His rise in the business world showed marked force of character and he was rich in those personal traits which draw men to man in ties of friendship which naught but death can sever.