My Genealogy Hound

Benjamin F. Heiny has occupied a prominent position in the affairs of Adair County during his residence here, and is deserving of especial mention in this department of the present volume. He was born in Carroll County, Ind., September 15, 1845. He is the son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Lantz) Heiny, both natives of Lancaster County, Penn., who removed westward to Indiana in an early day, being among the pioneers of that section. In 1864 Benjamin F., only about nineteen years of age, responded to his country’s call for troops, and enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Forty-Second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, continuing in service until the close of the war, when he was mustered out, together with three brothers, who still survive and are in good health. In August, 1867, Mr. Heiny came to Kirksville, Mo., where he entered the Normal School, taking a two-years’ course in that well-known institution of learning. Subsequently he accepted a position in the county clerk’s office, and in 1874 was elected county clerk, in which office he remained four years. Following this he became engaged in his present mercantile business, though during this time his attention has been directed to other channels of business life. He has held various offices, and as editor of one of the leading papers of the county (with which he is still connected) became widely and favorably known. At Kirksville, in 1870, he married Miss Bella Boyd, originally from Armstrong County, Penn., born in 1844. The names of their five children are Lyda Blanche, Lenora L., Frank R., John Dale and Mary Agnes. Mr. and Mrs. Heiny are members of the Presbyterian Church. The former is Republican in politics; he belongs to the Masonic and A. O. U. W. fraternities, and is Past Commander of Corporal Dix Post, No. 22, G. A. R., in which he is now Assistant Inspector at large.