Henry F. Minnick
Love of land, of peace and industry, have been ever present and controlling influences in the life of Henry F. Minnick, one of the respected citizens of Richland Township, and proprietor of the "Old Homestead Farm." Mr. Minnick has been a capable farmer, one who had used intelligence in the cultivation of the soil, and has prospered and provided generously for his family.
It was on the "Old Homestead Farm" that Henry F. Minnick was born, May 13, 1857, a son of Jacob and Sarah G. (Lawshe) Minnick. Jacob Minnick was born in Pennsylvania, a son of William Minnick, a native of Virginia, who moved first to Pennsylvania, and then to Wayne County, Indiana, and finally to Wabash County, Indiana, locating near Somerset, where he had his home the rest of his life. William Minnick was the father of seven children, three of whom are still living, Milanda, wife of Isaac Hammer, David Monroe and John Minnick. Jacob Minnick, the father of our subject died in May, 1900. He had located in Richland Township of Grant County in 1851, and on the farm where his son, Henry still lives. There he pursued the quiet vocations of farming until his death. His wife died in May, 1909. In politics he was prominent, and was a man of substance and influence in the community. He served a term as county commissioner, and was regarded as a man of exceptionally good judgment. He had eight children, six of whom are now living: Horace R., a resident of White County, Indiana; Charles S., unmarried, who makes his home with or subject; Henry F, Cary A., wife of Rev. Henry Neff, of South Whitley, Indiana; Amada, wife of Oscar E. Haynes of Sims Township; and Ira A., of Indianapolis, who is connected with the National Dry Kiln Company, manufacturing dry kilns and a stock holder in the concern.
Henry F. Minnick was reared on the home farm, and attended district school until he had completed the courses of study provided for country pupils. He continued at work on the farm for several years after leaving school, and in May, 1880, established a home of his own through his marriage to Mary A. Stewart. She was born in Illinois and was reared in Richland Township. She is a daughter of Steven and Jane (Blomer) Stewart. The father died in Indianapolis, Indiana. He had enlisted as a soldier in the Civil war, but died in camp in Indianapolis. His wife is still living. After their marriage they located in South Bend, Indiana, where Mr. Minnick was employed in the Studebaker Wagon Company's works for five years. He then returned and settled on a farm near Somerset, which was owned by his grandfather, William Minnick, and where he was a renter for five years. He then bought land in Miami County, and in 1909 moved to the old homestead, where he now lives. He bought the place in June, 1909.
To the marriage of himself and wife have been born four children, named as follow:
- Bessie G., wife of Alva A. Snyder, of Lansford, North Dakota, and they have two children, Rex Henry and Margaret Florence.
- Jay, a graduate of the common schools and of the Amboy High School, and formerly principal of one of the ward schools at Peru, and now engaged in the electric light business in Danville, Indiana.
- Paul, who is unmarried and lives at home.
- Florence I., who graduated from the common schools in 1913 and is now at high school at Sweetser, Indiana.
Mr. Minnick and family belong tot he Methodist Church of which he is one of the trustees, and is now assistant superintendent of the Sunday School, having formerly been superintendent. In politics he is a Republican, and was elected trustee of Jackson Township in Miami County, serving in that office from January, 1904 to January, 1908. Mr. Minnick is the owner of one hundred acres of land, situated eleven miles northwest of Marion, and seven miles northeast of Converse. He is a general farmer and tock raiser, and success has come to him as the result of long experience and close attention to business. While on his farm in Miami County he conducted a nursery. He is a stock holder in the Miami County Fair Association, and is always ready to join in any undertaking for the general good of his community.
Centennial History of Grant County Indiana 1812-1912. The Lewis Publishing Co., 1914.