Hon. Andrew Hinds is referred to by one acquainted with the sentiments, in this respect, of the people of Stephenson County, as "one of the most trusted men within its limits." These are weighty words and convey to the mind of the reader the picture of a man whose record has been without reproach, one to whom the people have looked as a conserver of their interests, and one who has never failed them. Mr. Hinds came to this section of country at an early day and possessed in a remarkable degree the elements of character which were most needed at that period.
The history of Mr. Hinds, necessarily brief in a work of this kind, is substantially as follows: He was first introduced to the responsibilities of life in the town of Eden, Lamolle Co., Vt., July 25, 1822, and is the son of Eli and Sarah (Wiley) Hinds, natives of the same county as their son, and descended on both sides from excellent families, well known throughout that section for their sterling worth of character. The paternal grandfather, Eli Hinds, Sr., was born in Massachusetts, whence he emigrated to Vermont during the early settlement of that State, purchased a tract of timber land in Eden Township about the time of its organization, opened a farm from the wilderness and there spent the remainder of his days. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Stone, also a native of the Bay State. Among their sons, Eli, the father of our subject, grew to manhood in Vermont, and at an early age evinced those sturdy and courageous traits of character for which the family was noted. Among these was that of patriotism developed in a large degree, and upon the coming on of the War of 1812, Eli, although but eighteen years of age, entered the ranks, and at the battle of Lundy's Lane received an honorable wound. This, however, was not serious, but only the badge of bravery which he proudly wore the remnant of his life. After retiring from the military service he married the daughter of Barnabas Wiley, and located on a farm in his native township, where he remained during his life. He received a pension, and in politics was a Whig. He was a man of much importance in his locality, being Associate County Judge and a member of the Vermont Legislature. He was also Justice of the Peace for a number of years.
The parental family of our subject included thirteen children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Andrew, of our sketch, was the third child and second son, and pursued his first studies in the district school, which was conducted in a log cabin as simple in its furnishing as was the methods of instruction in those days. After graduating from this institution of learning young Hinds advanced his education by attendance at the academy of Johnson, and when eighteen years of age commenced teaching. He followed this for about five years, and when twenty-two years old began the study of law under the instruction of Solomon Wires, which he completed with J. J. Bardsley. He made good progress, was admitted to the bar in June, 1846, and became the partner of his latter tutor, with whom he continued until September, 1848.
At this time the failing health of Mr. Hinds admonished him that he must either change his business or his location. He finally decided to come West, setting out via Lake Champlain and its canals to Erie, from there by canal to Buffalo, thence by the Lakes to Chicago, and afterward overland to Mineral Point, Wis., where he met an old schoolmate, his only acquaintance in the West. He remained at the home of the latter until January following, when he met by chance a farmer from this county who had arrived in that region with a load of pork to sell. The farmer induced Mr. Hinds to go back with him and become a teacher for the district school in his neighborhood. To this our hero consented, engaging to take charge of the school at Mr. Pleasant, in Oneco Township, for which he was to receive $20 and board around. The school was maintained on the subscription plan, and Mr. Hinds continued in charge one and one-half years.
There now occurred a very important event in the life of our subject, namely that of his marriage, after which he purchased land in Oneco Township and engaged in farming pursuits. He secured possession of 160 acres, partly improved, and while tilling the soil employed his leisure time with his studies and kept up his law practice. He was successful in his labors, both as a farmer and attorney, and became the owner of several tracts of land upon which he established as many homes for tenants, putting up houses and other buildings. He was recognized as a man of more than ordinary ability, and one who would admirably serve the interests of the people. After occupying various minor offices, he was in 1855, elected County Treasurer, and removed to Freeport. At the expiration of the term for which he was elected, he returned to the farm, but in 1869 was recalled from his retreat by his election as County Judge. He represented Oneco Township in the County Board of Supervisors for a period of twenty years, also serving as Justice of the Peace and Township Clerk. In 1854 Mr. Hinds was solicited to be orator at the Fourth of July celebration at Winslow, and in his speech there took occasion to advocate one of his most favored theories, namely, the establishment of the free school system, which at that time was meeting with much opposition. So forcible were his arguments that many went home convinced of their correctness, and this portion of his speech was published in the Prairie Democrat, the only paper then printed in the county. While a member of the Legislature he introduced the bill familiarly known as the Hinds' Prohibitory Bill, which, although it did not pass, was an important and initiatory step toward prohibition in Illinois. He was for several terms Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, and an important member of the Stephenson County Court-House and Jail Building Committee, much of the time acting as Chairman.
Mr. Hinds was united in marriage, April 11, 1849, with Miss Sarah, daughter of Lewis and Margaret (Varmetre) Gibler. She was born in Highland County, Ohio, Dec. 10, 1825, and by her union with our subject became the mother of twelve children, who are recorded as follows: Josephine, the eldest, is now deceased; William V. in engaged in business in Lena; Eli is farming in Oneco Township; Laura is the wife of Henry C. Taft, a farmer of that township; Lewis H. is a resident of Butler County, Neb.; Jennie is the wife of Lewis Taft, also of Oneco Township; James D. is engaged in business in Lena; Mary D. is the wife of Joseph Howe, of Oneco Township; Idella M. is Mrs. James M. Rybault, of Lena; Thomas J. is in Butler County, Neb. and Joseph B. in Lena. Josephine became the wife of Frank Wheeler, of Boone County, Iowa, and departed this life at her home in Oneco Township in 1879, leaving one child, a daughter, Maggie. This little one was taken into the home of her grandparents and has remained with them since.
Mr. Hinds in 1880 removed from the farm to his residence in the town of Lena, and in partnership with Gen. Waite, A. J. Durker and George L. Stevens, engaged in banking under the firm name of Charles Waite & Co.
Contributed by Karen Hammer
Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Illinois Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1888 p. 767
