Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885 Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL

Transcribed by: Becky Jones

Page 235

Henry E Horning, carpenter and joiner, resident at Malvern, in Clyde Township, is the son of Henry and Hannah (Isenberg) Horning, both of whom were of German ancestry, with a slight admixture of English blood on the side of the mother. Mr. Horning was born Oct. 23, 1838, in Trappe, Montgomery Co., Pa. He set out independently in life when he was 14 years old, his parents then both living. His father died Nov. 12, 1872, aged 74 years. His mother is still living in firm health, in Maryland, Ogle Co., Ill., aged 87 years.

On making his first venture in life, Mr. Horning engaged in farm labor, in which he continued four years. Oct. 26, 1856, he apprenticed himself to John Poley, a cousin who resided in the place of his nativity, and he served with him three years, obtaining a thorough and practical knowledge of the business of a carpenter. Passing another year working as a journeyman, he afterwards established a shop in his own interests in his native village. In August, 1862, he went to Philadelphia and remained there engaged in work at his trade 13 years. He returned at the end of that time to his native county and worked as a carpenter two years, at Worcester. In February, 1876, in company with W.D. Hayes, he came to Whiteside County and settled at Malvern, and is the owner of the property where he resides. Since May 6, 1885, he has been traveling agent for the sale of medicines.

He was married Nov. 24, 1859, at Bethel, Berks Co., Pa., to Lydia, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Hammaker) Pfeifer. Her parents were natives of Berks County, and were of German descent. They were farmers and lived and died in their native State.

Mrs. H. is a member of the Dunkard Church.

Mr. H. is a Democrat and a member of the K. of P.