HINES, HARRISON. - Besides a long and active identification with industrial affairs at Beardstown, Cass County, and in addition to taking a leading part, for many years, in all that pertains to the fulfillment of civic and social duties imposed on him by the community. Harrison Hines is entitled to especial mention as one of the few honored survivors of the gallant host who served their country in the field from the beginning to the end of the Civil war. Few, indeed, of the names herein contained are entitled to more distinction.

Harrison Hines was born in Montgomery County, N.Y., February 19, 1841, a son of Henry and Betsy (Howard) Hines, the father a native of Rhode Island, the mother of New York. Henry Hines, a carpenter by trade, located in Aurora, Ill., in the spring of 1843, and worked as a carpenter until the time of his death, about 1884. His wife passed away in 1878. When he was but ten years old, Harrison Hines began to do farm work, attending the district schools of the neighborhood at intervals, and later, became a pupil in the Aurora Business College. His life passed on without notable incident until April 6, 1861, when he enlisted in Company K, Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and he remained with the army of the Tennessee until the end of the struggle. He participated in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh and the siege of Corinth, and was also in the siege of Vicksburg. He volunteered his services in running the blockade of Vicksburg on the steamer Anglo Saxon, which was successful. For this brave feat he justly cherishes a letter of commendation from General Grant, in which he was granted a thirty days' furlough with transportation home and return. At Shiloh, Mr. Hines received a gunshot wound in his left leg, and at Vicksburg his head and right arm were lacerated by a piece of shell. He took part in Sherman's march to the sea, and the last battle in which he was engaged was that of Bentonville, N.C. He marched in the grand review at Washington, D.C., and was honorably discharged from the service July 15, 1865. Returning to Illinois, he went to work as a carpenter, engaging with the C.B. & Q. Railroad Company, and within two weeks was made a foreman. In 1869 he was transferred to Burlington, Iowa, and after remaining there two years, was stationed at Ottumwa, Iowa, where he stayed until August, 1880, when he was transferred to Beardstown, Ill., where he has charge of a force of mechanics averaging 200 men.

On February 9, 1869, in Chicago, Mr. Hines was united in marriage with Nettie Thronson, a native of Norway, and a daughter of Andrew Thronson. They have had the following children: Russell, of Laramie, Wyo.; Myrtle M. and Edgar, both deceased; Nettie (Mrs. Victor Schmitt), of Beardstown; Augustus, of Los Angeles, Cal.; Grace (Mrs. B. F. Miller), of Laramie, Wyo.; Mabel, a teacher in the public schools; and Ralph M., at home.

Politically, Mr. Hines has taken an independent course in late years. He has rendered efficient public service, having been president of the school board of Beardstown for twenty years. He is a member of the Congregational church, in which he has officiated as a deacon since 1889. Fraternally, Mr. Hines is affiliated with the Blue Lodge, A.F. & A.M., at Beardstown, and the Commandery, at Rushville, and is also identified with Ark Lodge No. 16 I.O.O.F., of Beardstown. His military service is perpetuated in memory by membership in McLean Post No. 97, G.A.R. He has had a busy, useful and highly honorable career, and in his advancing years, still commands the unqualified respect and esteem of all those who appreciate those sterling traits of character that have adorned his life.