Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor
Page 1304
HERRING, HENRY (deceased). The late Henry Herring, former Chief of Police of Springfield, is missed in many circles in this city. He had been a resident of Springfield since 1873, and in that time had won many warm personal friends. A man of great energy and industry, by his own efforts, he won a position of trust in the community to which he came as a poor boy with his own way to make in the world. Mr. Herring was born at Johnstown, Pa., May 12, 1849, son of John and Mary (Ackerman) Herring, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born at Johnstown. The father was a carpenter and contractor and brought his family to Illinois in an early day, settling at Niantic, where he carried on a farm and also worked at his trade. He enlisted for service in the Civil War, from Niantic, and while in the south was taken sick, died and was buried there. The mother some years later went to Missouri and lived with a daughter, dying there.
As a boy Henry Herring went to school in Niantic, Ill., and worked on the farm for his mother until he came to Springfield, in 1873. He took a position with the Springfield Rolling Mills, he working for this company twenty-seven years, becoming foreman of the piling department, and was one of the most trusted men in their employ. In 1898, Mr. Herring secured a position as Sergeant of Police, under Mayor Wheeler, serving one year in this capacity, then went back to his position with the rolling mills. Eight months later he took a position as patrolman, under Mayor Wheeler, and after working a few months in that position was appointed Chief of Police by Mayor Phillips, serving two years and three months in that responsible office. Mr. Herring then served three years as a custodian at the State Arsenal, and was later employed at various occupations. He then engaged on the police force and at the time of his death, April 8, 1909, was serving as special officer at police headquarters.
Mr. Herring was married at Springfield, January 19, 1873, to Miss Lydia Lane, who was born near Middletown, Ohio, November 18, 1851. Her father, whose people were all Quakers, was a farmer, and made a specialty of raising fine horses and cattle. Mrs. Herring is related through her mother to Gen. Scott, of revolutionary fame; a cousin of Abraham Lincoln married her father's only sister; her maternal grandfather, Gen. Fall, served in the Mexican War, and all her father's brothers served in the Civil War. Mr. Lane and his wife came to near Kenney, later moving to Maroa, where they farm near Macon. Two sons and two daughters were born to Mr. Herring and wife, namely: Harold S., who was a trumpeter in Company C, Fifth Illinois Infantry, was killed while on duty as a soldier during the big mine strike a Pana, Ill., December 29, 1898; Herbert died at the age of two years and eight months; Maude L., at home, is employed by the Illinois Watch Company; Orinta D., wife of William C. Kikendall of the firm of Kikendall & Troxell, dealers in insurance and real estate. Mr. Kikendall and wife have two children, Leona and Della. Mr. Herring was a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of the Maccabees and the Court of Honor. He was a member of the Christian Church and his widow belongs to the Baptist Church. In politics he was a stanch Republican. The family reside at 1420 Monument Avenue, Springfield.