Henry Piper

 

SOURCE: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, Illinois," Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1887
SURNAMES: CROPS, PIPER, STEWARD, YOUNG

HENRY PIPER. The State of Illinois has been for more than two decades the cynosure of many eyes as one of the most desirable localities in the West for the establishment of a permanent home; and its fame is not confined to American shores, as the tide of immigration from the Old World has fully indicated during the period spoken of. These ideas influenced the father of our subject, in 1842, he set sail with his family from his native land. They first located in Canada, where the father died a few years later, and his son Henry then commenced the stern struggle of life.

The birth of Henry Piper took place near Winchester, England, on the 6th of February, 1836. He is the son of James and Keziah (CROPS) PIPER, and his two grandmothers were both named Mary. By some unexplained circumstance the names of the grandfathers were omitted from the record our subject possesses. It is unquestioned, however, that they were natives of England and performed their mission in life worthily in the modest station to which Providence had assigned them.

When Henry Piper was eleven years of age he was deprived by death of a father's care and turned out into the world to do for himself, his mother possessing limited means and not being able to provide for him. He engaged to learn the tailor's trade, but his constitution rebelled against the confinement of the shop, and after three years he abandoned it for good. He then engaged to work on a farm for his board, and after two years rejoiced in the possession of restored health, with a clear mind and good muscles. His next employment was in a sawmill, where he remained until twenty years of age, and then resolved to make a decided change. Coming West his first halt was in Pesotum Township, this county, where he engaged as a farm laborer, and made it his residence for two years. Afterward he went over into Douglas County, where he commenced farming on shares, and was so successful that two years afterward he was enabled to become the proud possessor of eight acres of improved land. The war was then in progress, but not having become a naturalized citizen he took no part in the great conflict, but remained continuously on his farm until the spring of 1881. Then, being seized with a desire to cross the Mississippi, he rented his farm, and with his family journeyed into Washington Territory, locating near Walla Walla, with the intention of remaining there. The attractions there, however, were not such as he expected, so a year later he retraced his steps, and regaining possession of his farm settled himself contentedly with his family, and since that time has been engaged in general agriculture and stock-raising, making a specialty of Poland-China hogs, and of late effecting arrangements for the breeding of Norman horses.

The lady who shared the vicissitudes of twenty-four years with our subject was formerly Miss Rebecca, fifth child of James and Rachel YOUNG. Her father was a Kentuckian by birth and a farmer by occupation, and the mother a native of Indiana. Mr. Young in earlier days was quite prominent as a county official, being a well-read man, and possessed of a clear and accurate judgment. The parents of Mrs. Piper are now deceased.

Our subject and his wife began the journey of life together on their Douglas County farm, where they remained for three years. Mr. Piper then sold out, and coming into Harwood Township, this county, purchased 200 acres on section 34. It was not inhabitable at the time, but the following spring Mr. Piper put up a house, into which as soon possible he removed his family, and began to till the soil around it. In looking upon his present condition and surroundings it is hardly necessary to say that he has been prospered in a marked degree. His tastes have been in accordance with his means, and although the homestead is, perhaps, not as pretentious as that of some of his neighbors, yet the air of comfort which surrounds it is pleasant to contemplate. The farm stock is well fed and sheltered, and the family of our subject are surrounded by everything necessary for their comfort and happiness.

The four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Piper are all living. The eldest son, John C., in February, 1887, was married to Miss Emma STEWARD, of Harwood Township, and is farming on a section adjoining the property of his father; the other children—William H., Jennie and Carrie Elizabeth—are at home with their father. The affectionate wife and mother, on the 19th of February, 1886, passed away forever from early care and suffering, having been a victim of that dread disease, consumption. The two daughters now preside over the household. Mrs. Piper was a lady greatly beloved by her family and friends, distinguished for excellent judgment and kindness of heart, and in early life became a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Later she connected herself with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she was a valued member at the time of her death.

Mr. Piper politically is an active supporter of the Republican party. He has no desire for office but contents himself by casting his vote and exerting his influence in support of the principles which he believes a safe guide to the prosperity and happiness of the people.