Biography - Henry Richman
HENRY RICHMAN. The enterprising little village of Fancher counts among its inhabitants some first-class business men, and among them we are gratified to note the Postmaster and merchant whose name appears in connection with this sketch, and who is one of the really enterprising men of Shelby County. His birth took place in Butler County, Ohio, October 24, 1843. His parents were Samuel and Susan (Hill) Richmond. The father was born in New Jersey; and went to Ohio when he was sixteen years old, going on foot all the way from his native State to Butler County, Ohio. In that latter named county his mother was born, although she was of Southern parentage, her parents being natives of Baltimore, Md.
The parents of our subject had eight children gathered about their fireside and our subject was next to the youngest of this number. After the death of the mother the father again married and had two children by his second union. It was in 1858 that Henry came to Illinois with his father, and located in Shelby County, where the latter died some five years ago. Farming occupied the young man for about seven years after attaining his majority, but later he engaged in the meat business, owning and operating a meat market at Windsor for five or six years.
About this time Mr. Richman moved on to a farm near Stewardson, in Prairie Township, and remained there about five years and in 1887 he made his final removal to Fancher and entered the mercantile business with William Hilsabeck. This partnership continued for about one year when our subject withdrew from the connection and opened a store in an adjoining building. Mr. Hilsabeck operated his store for about a year after which his stock was sold out and he removed from the place, leaving Mr. Richman in possession of the only store in that line of goods in the place.
This enterprising merchant carried a full line of general merchandise, consisting of dry-goods, groceries, provisions, clothing, boots and shoes, hats and caps, hardware, tinware, patent medicines, notions and millinery. He has a handsome storeroom and it is well stocked with a well selected line of goods and he is doing a very satisfactory business. When he began his capital did not exceed $400 and his stock is now worth at least $5,000.
The first marriage of Mr. Richman was his union with Miss Ella Fitzgerald, who died two years after marriage. She had one child which died in infancy. His second wife was, before her marriage to him, a widow. Mrs. Lizzie White, whose maiden name was Hilsabeck. She was born in this county, and has one daughter by her marriage with Mr. Richman. Gertie, now eleven years old. Mr. Richman is the Postmaster at Fancher and has held this position through most of the present administration.
The military record of our subject is of interest to everyone who loves his country, as he was a soldier during the Civil War, belonging to Company H, Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry. This regiment was assigned to the Department of the Southwest under Gen. Banks. He participated in all the labors required of the Fifty-fourth, although his company escaped at the time the rest of the regiment were taken prisoners at Ashley Station, Ark.
The Republican party is the political organization with which Mr. Richman affiliates and he takes a lively interest in political affairs, being public spirited and enterprising. He is a thorough business man, having the confidence and esteem of all with whom he is associated either in business or in social life. His efficient and interesting companion is an earnest worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Extracted 07 Apr 2017 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 228-229.
