The subject of this sketch was reared to the sturdy discipline of the
homestead farm and during all the succeeding years of his life he has not
wavered in his allegiance to the great basic art of agriculture. To the
public schools he is indebted for the early educational privileges that were
afforded him, and he duly availed himself of the same, while he has
effectually broadened his knowledge through active association with men and
affairs in practical business life. He has become the owner of a fine stock
farm and devotes his attention to diversified agriculture with the
discrimination, energy and constant watchfulness which inevitably make for
definite success and prosperity. He has spent practically all of his life in
Marion county.
David Hershberger, living two miles west of Salem,
Illinois, was born October 20, 1865, in Crawford county, Ohio, the son of
Henry and Catherine (Snavely) Hershberger, the former being a native of
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he was born February 14, 1824, and the
latter of Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, both having been reared in the
Keystone state. They moved to Crawford county, Ohio, where they farmed for
several years and then in 1866 moved to Marion county, Illinois, settling in
Salem township where Henry bought a large tract of land, becoming the owner
of about two thousand acres in Marion county. He improved this land and it
became very valuable. He died August 29, 1898. He is remembered as a thrifty
farmer and a highly respected citizen. Both he and his wife were members of
the German Baptist church, or Dunkards. Jacob Hershberger, grandfather of
the subject, was also a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and the
great-grandfather of the subject, Henry Hershberger, was also a native of
that place. Henry, the father of the subject, and Catharine Snavely were
married February 10, 1848. They were very active in the church and Henry was
a preacher for many years, having done a great amount of good in his work.
He was a Republican in politics. He and his wife were the parents of nine
children, named in order of birth, as follows: Jacob, a prominent farmer in
Marion county; Samuel, deceased; Mary, widow of John Schanafelt; Elizabeth
is the wife of W. J. Martin, a prominent farmer in Marion county; Anna is
the wife of S. A. Schanafelt; Sarah is the wife of C. W. Courson, who lives
in Marion county; John lives in Salem township on a farm; Henry lives in
Centralia, Illinois; David, our subject, is the youngest child. The mother
of the subject passed to her rest April 14, 1906.
The subject
remained at home on his father's farm until he married. He was one year old
when he came to Marion county, he was married December 31, 1888, to Lida
Dickens, the daughter of Elijah and Elizabeth (Tate) Dickens, both natives
of Tennessee, but pioneer settlers of Marion county, Illinois, both now
deceased. The subject's wife was born in this county. To Mr. and Mrs.
Hershberger six children have been born as follows: Leland, deceased; Walter
E., Lottie M., Loren D., Henry R., and Wayne D.
The subject and
family are members of the German Baptist church in Salem township, and the
subject is a deacon in the church. He is a loyal Republican, having served
his township as Highway Commissioner in a most acceptable manner. He lives
on the old home, farm, this together with his own farm constitutes two
hundred and eighty acres. He is regarded as one of the leading farmers of
Marion county, and always keeps excellent stock. He has a beautiful home
which is elegantly furnished, and everything about the place is kept in
first class order.
Extracted 07 Jul 2017 by Norma Hass from 1909 Biographical and Reminiscent History of Richland, Clay and Marion Counties, Illinois, pages 300-301.