My Genealogy Hound

HENRY C. HARGIS, merchant at Derby, was born in Perry County, Ind., September 30, 1844, and is one in a family of three sons and one daughter, born to Thomas and Sarah Letitia (Webb) Hargis, both of whom were also natives of this county. The father followed farming, fliat-boating and merchandising mostly through life, and died at Derby, Ind., February 4, 1853, followed by his widow May 24, 1854. Henry C. Hargis was thus left an orphan at the age of ten years, and without the care and affection of a parent, and with only himself to rely upon, he grew to manhood. He was raised by his uncle, John Hargis, receiving but a common education, and in September, 1861, while yet a boy, enlisted for the suppression of the Rebellion, in Company D, Thirty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He served his country faithfully through the battle of Stone River, and numerous other engagements, was five times wounded—once through the lower lobe of the left lung, twice in the muscles of the left leg, once in the right knee cap, and once in the right hip—and in March, 1863, was honorably discharged by reason of disability. After returning from the service he was engaged in the retail liquor trade three years, and since then has been engaged in general merchandising. He began with but limited stock and capital, but energy and a good knowledge of business have brought him both of these requisites. Since about 1870 he has also been Derby’s postmaster. He is a Republican and a Knight of Honor. He was married February 25, 1865, to Mary B., daughter of John and Susan O’Neal, by whom he is father of six children, those now living: Mary Elisa, James H., Winfield Scott, Martha and Thomas C.