Joseph H. Headrick

 

SOURCE: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, Illinois," Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1887
SURNAMES: BRINEY, HEADRICK, JUDY, RICHMOND

JOSEPH H. HEADRICK, a gentleman in the prime of life, is industriously engaged in farming on a fine tract of land in Newcomb Township, embracing 320 acres on section 1, which constitutes his present homestead. The improvements on his farm are among the best, not only in Newcomb Township, but also in Champaign County. A living stream of water runs through the farm, except in exceedingly dry times, which makes it excellent for stock purposes. Our subject's birth took place in Randolph County, this State, Sept. 19, 1846, on the farm of his father, and at thirteen years of age he started out in the world for himself, and since then has spent the most of his time in Champaign County.

Our subject is the son of Andrew and Susan (HEADRICK) HEADRICK, who were natives of Kentucky, where they remained a few years after their marriage, and thence emigrated to McLean County, Ill. The mother died on the homestead in Randolph Township, in August, 1856. The father is still living, and a resident of the latter-named county. The family included eight sons and one daughter, of whom our subject is the seventh child. He was naturally of an industrious and enterprising disposition, and looked out for himself without difficulty, being always cheerful and willing to perform his whole duty, and making many friends. During the progress of the late war he, in 1864, enlisted in Co. G. 164th Ill. Vol. Inf., serving until the expiration of his term of enlistment, at which time the preservation of the Union was assured. After leaving the army he returned to McLean County, remaining in that vicinity until 1877, and then became a resident of Newcomb Township, this county, where he has since remained.

Mr. Headrick was married when thirty years of age, in Newcomb Township, Sept. 10, 1876, to Mrs. Nancy (RICHMOND) BRINEY, who was born in Tazewell County, Sept. 26, 1847, and is the daughter of Wilson and Mary (JUDY) RICHMOND. She was reared by her parents on a farm in her native county, and when nineteen years of age became the wife of John B. Briney, who died in Tazewell County, March 24, 1873. Of this first marriage there were born three children; Lilly M., John W., and Valentine W. The two latter are deceased. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Headrick resulted in the birth of five children, whom they named as follows; John W., Calvin A., Grace L., Guy W. and Walter. The latter died in infancy. Mr. Headrick, politically, is identified with the Democratic party, and both he and his excellent wife are members in good standing of the Christian Church. A lithographic view of the residence and home place of Mr. Headrick is shown elsewhere in this work.