SOURCE: "History of Champaign County, Illinois with Illustrations," 1878

SURNAMES: BOND, COWYER, HARRIOTT, SHIVVERS

HENRY T. SHIVVERS was born in Washington, Fayette county, Ohio, Oct. 15th, 1830. His father, James SHIVVERS, was born in Highland county, Ohio; was of Irish descent and died in same place, March 1st, 1848. He married Mary COWYER, of Kentucky. They had ten children, eight boys and two girls. The two girls and two boys only survive. The mother died at the residence of Hopkins SHIVVERS, in Stark, Illinois, in June, 1875. The father was engaged in mercantile pursuits. His education had been neglected, for at the time of his marriage he could neither read nor write, yet by industry and perseverance he became a splendid penman and accountant.

The first years of Henry's life were spent in attending school. After the death of his father, which occurred when he was eighteen years of age, he entered a store in his native town as clerk, which position he held for two years. He then came to this State, and stopped at Bloomington, working at his trade, that of carpenter. In 1852 he came to Mahomet, Champaign county, and there also worked at his trade and clerking for about one year, and from thence came to Champaign, and shoved the plane for six years, or until 1859, when he went to farming the spring of that year, near Champaign City; remained there three years, when he moved to Toulon, Stark county, where he followed the plow one year, after which he returned to this county again and rented a farm in Hensley township, upon which he remained and farmed until 1868, when he sold out and removed to the city, and embarked in the insurance business, in which he has been principally engaged ever since. Shortly after entering upon the insurance business, he entered Burnham, Condit & Co.'s bank as clerk, which position he held for three years and a half, then returned to the insurance business.

On the 17th day of December, 1853, he married Miss Mary E. HARRIOTT of Mahomet, by whom he had four children, three boys and one girl---all living yet but one boy. His wife died August 24th, 1865. On the 8th day of May, 1868, he was married to Miss Carrie E. BOND, of Monticello, Piatt county. Both are members of the Presbyterian church.

Mr. Shivvers is a Republican, but cast his first vote for Winfield Scott, in 1852. Upon the formation of the Republican party in 1856, he attached himself to it, and has ever since remained true to the party and its principles. While a farmer and resident of Hensley township, he was honored in local politics by being elected to the office of Township Assessor and Collector, and since his residence in the city he has also been elected to the same position at three different times.

Mr. Shivvers enjoys the reputation of being a thoroughly honest man and Christian gentleman. He is a good business man and first-class accountant. He is among Champaign's most honored citizens.