My Genealogy Hound

HENRY MARKS. Among the leading and influential farmers of Johnson County, who thoroughly understand their business and pursue the avocation of their chosen calling in a methodical and workmanlike manner, is the subject of this biography. He resides in township 46, range 27, on a farm containing one hundred and six acres of land.

Mr. Marks was born in Hanover, Germany, on the 28th of October, 1850, and is a son of Lawrence Marks. There were three children, but our subject is the only one now living. The father was also born in Hanover, in 1818, and there was employed at general work. Hearing much of the glories of the New World, he decided to come to America, and in 1851 embarked with his wife and son for New York. His wife was taken ill shortly after their arrival and died in St. Louis, where they stopped for a time. The father secured work in Quincy, Ill., and there made his home for nine years, when he returned to St. Louis, in 1860. He was there employed until about 1870, when he went to live with a daughter in Calhoun, Ill. Ten years later, however, he came to the home of our subject.

Henry Marks received his education in the common schools, and remained with his father until reaching the age of seventeen. He then secured employment on the river, where for two years he worked on different boats, some plying on the lower Mississippi, and also on the upper. Not being satisfied with this life, however, he obtained work on a farm, and continued to add to the money he had saved while on the river. After five years thus spent he purchased some stock and farm implements, and began life for himself on rented land. By skillful management, at the end of four years he had saved a sufficient sum to purchase land. In 1883 he came to Johnson County, and bought his present valuable farm of one hundred and six acres, which was known as the old Cockrell Farm. Prosperity has attended his efforts, and he is now numbered among the well-to-do citizens of the community.

On the 21st of October, 1879, Mr. Marks married Miss Anna Williams, a daughter of Nicholas Williams, of St. Louis County, Mo. She is a most excellent lady, who presides with dignity over their pleasant home. To them were born three children, but one is now deceased. Those living are Lawrence, a promising youth of thirteen years; and Henry T., a bright little fellow of eight.

Courteous and affable in manner, Mr. Marks has won many warm friends in Johnson County, and has the entire respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contract. He is a hearty supporter of the Democratic party, and in religion is a devout member of the Catholic Church.