Biographies

Joseph Hllingsworth, a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Henderson County, who is now living a retired life on section 36, township 12, range 4 west, has probably the honor of being the oldest citizen of this community. He was born on the 22d of August, 1805, in South Carolina, but during his infancy was taken by his parents to Ohio. His father, John Hollingsworth, was a native of Maryland, and when a young man left that State, emigrating to South Carolina, where he became acquainted with and wedded Miss Rachel Wright. By their union were born nine children, namely: James, Henry, Jane, Charity, John, Nathan, George, Hannah and Joseph.

Our subject, who is the only one now living, acquired his education in Lebanon, Ohio, but his advantages in that direction were very limited. In 1817, when twelve years of age, he went with the family to Indiana, locating in Wayne County upon a farm, where he continued to make his home until 1844. In that year he came to Illinois, and cast in his lot with the early settlers of Henderson County. This locality was then a wild and sparsely settled region, which was just opened up to civilization. Mr. Hollingsworth is one of its honored pioneers, and for half a century has been prominently identified with its growth and development. On his arrival he located upon a farm, and built a mill in township 12, range 4 west. From that time until 1876, he carried on general farming and also engaged in the operation of his mill. His business career was marked by energy and industry, his life being a busy and useful one.

In 1828, Joseph Hollingsworth married Miss Rachel Vestal, and to them were born seven children: Ervin, who is now living in Kansas; Addison and Louis, both deceased: Enoch, who makes his home in Lyndon, Kan.; Allen, a resident of Henderson County; Nelson, who is also located in Lyndon, Kan.; and Willard, of Burlington, Iowa. The mother of this family was called to her final rest February 9, 1858, and on the 15th of September, 1859,

Mr. Hollingsworth was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Adeline (Taliaferro) Bell. They became the parents of three children: Elizabeth J., now deceased; Brady, of Burlington, Iowa; and Joseph, deceased.

Joseph Hollingsworth has since the organization of the Republican party been one of its stanch supporters. He was originally a Whig, and cast his first Presidential vote for Henry Clay. Few men have lived through more administrations than he. He has witnessed the most important events which have occurred in the history of this country, has lived through three of its wars, and has seen the rapid strides of progress which have placed this country on a par with those of Europe in many lines, while in others it takes the lead.

He is a member of the Friends' Church, and, in harmony with his profession, has lived a quiet and honorable life, well worthy of emulation. Since 1876 he has made his home with his son, resting after the toil of former years.

From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.