H. B. Hendershott

From The Burlington Hawk-Eye August 11, 1900. Judge H. B. Hendershott Dead. Pioneer Resident of Ottumwa, IA. Aug 10.--The death of Judge H.B. Hendershott, one of the early pioneer of Iowa, occurred at the home of his son. L. C. Hendershott, 921 North Elm street, this morning at 10:30 o'clock. The deceased had been confined to his bed for the past six months and his death, though a shock to his many friends in Ottumwa, and throughout the state, is not a surprise, as his condition had been critical for a number of weeks past. Judge Hendershott was very closely affiliated with the early history of the state of Iowa, and it was partly through his ability and efforts that the state gained so rapidly in its popularity and importance in the government. He served four years in the senate representing Wapello, Monroe and Lucas counties, and took an active part in forming the code in 1851. Mr. Hendershott also served as judge of the third judicial district and it is said the supreme court reversed fewer of Judge Hendershott's decisions tha any other judge in the state. He was born in Miami, Ohio, May 15, 1816. His father was a native of New Jersey and his mother a native of Ohio. Soon after the birth of their son Henry, in the autumn of the same year, they removed to the territory of Illinois and located, in Madison county, where the early life of the son was passed, amid the wild scenes of a pioneer's home. His opportunities for securing and education were very lilmited, he being only able to attend school during the winer season, and then often obliged to walk three or four miles in order to hearch the public institution of learning. At an early period in his life he gave unmistakable indication of great resolution and force of character, which his later years fully established. At the age of nineteen he established. At the age of nineteen he started out alone on food for Illinois college at Jacksonville, When he reached the place he had but $2.50 in his pocket and very scanty wardrobe. He laid his case befor the faculty of the college, of which Rev. Edward Beecher was president and they appreciating the worthiness of his undertaking, extended to him all the encouragement in their power. At that time there was a large farm and workshop attached to the college and during such house as he could obtain from his studies, young Hendershott applied himself to work, receiving twelve and one-half cents per hour. He remained two years in college, alternating work with study and keeping equal pace with his classmates. At length he found it necessary to find something to do which would contribute more liberally to his support. Mr. Hendershot, in 1837 , after leaving college, proceeded westward to Burlington, Iowa. He secured a position as clerk of the postoffice, and was afterwards employed in the recorder's office. He still continued the pursuit of his studies during his leisure moments and took u the study of law under Judge David Rorer and M. C. Browning. He had been faith ful to his duties in the recorder's office, and in 1839 was appointed deputy clerk of the district court of Des Moines county by the Hon; Charles Mason, of that court. Here he remained for two years, in the meantime continuing his studies, and was finally admitted to the bar in 1841. The following year he removed to Mt. Pleasant, Henry county, and soon afterwards to Fairfield, Jefferson county. Thence he went to Agency City, and on May 16,1844 came to Ottumwa, where he located permanently, being one of the most honored pioneers and most highly respected citizens of this city. On June 8, 1845, Judge Hendershott was united in marriage with Miss Mary W. Jeffries, daughter of Paul C. Jefferies. of the city. She was born in Mecklinburg county, Virginia, in 1820, and still survives him. To this union seven sons and one daughter were born. The funeral services will be conducted from the residence of L.C. Hendershott, on North Elm street, Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock, by Rev. J. Hollister Lynch.