Hemenover, George bio

Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County, Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States, and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890; page 737-738; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
George Hemenover. One of the most finely-located farms in Canton Township is owned and occupied by George Hemenover, whose reputation as an agriculturist is only excelled by his character as a man. The estate consists of one hundred and five broad acres on which may be seen a substantial residence of pleasing architectural design, and numerous buildings adapted to the need of a prosperous, enterprising farmer. This place has been the home of our subject since the spring of 1845, and around it cluster memories of trials and pleasures, joys and sorrows.
January 8 1818, the eyes of our subject opened to the light, his birthplace being in New Jersey, of which State his parents were natives. His mother, Margaret (Boyd) Hemenover died in that State and his father, Mathias by name, near Prairie City, this county. He of whom we write was reared to manhood in his native State, continuing to reside there until he was twenty-six years old. His father being a farmer, he was bred to agricultural pursuits which he has followed as a life work. In the summer of 1844, he came to this county, and within a few months was located where he still resides, and beginning the improvements which make his land one of the most valuable pieces of property in the vicinity.
Mr. Hemenover has been twice married. The first marriage took place in New Jersey, December 17. 1841, his bride being Miss Susan Mills, with with whom he lived happily until December 22, 1878, when she entered into rest. She was a daughter of Robert and Mary Mills and was of Irish descent. She was an active member of the Baptist Church, wearing her religion as an everyday garment. The marriage was blest by the birth of eight children, six of whom lived to manhood and womanhood. These are: Mary, now the wife of Fred Jones; Amanda, who married John Bell and died in Canton; Amos, a farmer in McLean County; Surilda, wife of Daniel Shearer; Emma, wife of Edwin Roe; and Andrew, a painter in Des Moines, Iowa. The deceased are Sarah, who died when nine months old, and George, who lived to the age of two years.
The present Mrs. Hemenover was born in Sussex County, N. J., July 18, 1830 to Samuel and and Charlotte (Hinchman) Blanchard. Her parents were natives of the Empire State. They emigrated to Illinois, where the mother died, the father subsequently returning to New Jersey where he breathed his last. Miss Eliza Blanchard, now Mrs. Hemenover, first married Loren Dunnning, wo died in Oskaloosa, Iowa, September 25, 1880, he being the father of six children – Phebe E. and Julia A., decease; Charlotte A., James A., Samuel M. and Floyd E. After having remained a widow until December 28, 1889, Mrs. Dunning became the wife of our subject. Under her care the home is neat and orderly, well supplied with good cheer for the body and recreation for the mind. Mrs. Hemenover has many friends who greatly enjoy their visits in her home.
Mr. Hemenover is identified with the Republican party. He is an active member of the Baptist Church to which he has belonged since 1846. He is a life member of the Baptist Theological Union, located at Chicago. His portrait, which is shown on another page, represents one of Fulton County’s old settlers and esteemed citizens.