Sedgwick County KSGenWeb
Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.
Chapman Brothers 1888
Pages 420 - 421
BARNETTE W. HENNINGER, an active and energetic member of the farming community of Valley Center Township, has his residence on section 16, where he owns some eighty acres of good land. He came to Sedgwick County in 1878, arriving in Valley Center Township on the 31st of March, and settled on the farm where he now lives. He came here from Mason County, Ill., where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for some twelve years.
The subject of our sketch was born in Northumberland County, Pa., Aug. 1, 1843, and is the son of Daniel and Mary (Renn) Henninger, both of whom were natives of the Keystone State. His parents came to Sedgwick County about the year 1877, where his father is engaged in farming on section 16 in Valley Center Township. The latter was ordained a minister of the Gospel when a young man, and has always followed that calling. He began his first ministration in Pennsylvania, having been converted when but nineteen years of age. Since coming to Kansas he has been actively engaged in preaching, except during the last year and a half. When a young man he learned the gunsmith's trade, which he followed in connection with his pastoral duties for about thirty years. He was father of eight children, as follows: Barnette, the subject of our sketch, who is the eldest; Sarah Jane, William Ottbein, Mary Catharine, Lydia Ann, Rhoda Ellen, Louisa and Daniel Grant. William and Rhoda are deceased; Sarah Jane is living in Illinois, and the rest are in Kansas.
Mr. Henninger, of whom this biography is written, remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-six years of age, receiving his education in the days of his youth in the district schools of his native State. But war broke out over our country, and the life of the Nation was threatened by the traitorous hand of the slave oligarchy, and with the spirit of patriotism that imbued most of the youths of our country, on the 17th of August, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, 100th Illinois Infantry, and was mustered into the United States service. With his regiment he endured all the hardships and privations of a soldier's life, and participated in many of the battles in which the Armies of the Cumberland and Tennessee were engaged. The principal of these were Nashville, Perryville, Stone River, Lookout Mountain, Chickamauga, Kennesaw Mountain, Missionary Ridge, all the battles in and around Atlanta, Franklin, and the second battle at Nashville; besides these he was present in quite a number of skirmishes, some of which, like that of Spring Hill, almost assumed the proportions of general engagements. During the early part of his services the company to which he was attached was commanded by Capt. Goddard, who was succeeded by Capt. Nelson. Mr. Henninger was mustered out of service July 1, 1865, at Nashville, Tenn., and after receiving his honorable discharge, returned home.
Having no desire to live a life of single blessedness, Mr. Henninger was united in marriage, May 26, 1870, with Miss Josephine Musselman, who was born in Indiana, July 19, 1851. They are the parents of three children-Nathan DeLafayette and Alice Virginia (twins), and Daniel Clarence. Nathan and Alice were born March 13, 1874, and Daniel Nov. 2, 1876. Mrs. Henninger is a sister of Prof. D. L. Musselman, so well known throughout the West as Principal and successful manager of the Gem City Business College, at Quincy, Ill.
Politically, affiliating with the Republican party, Mr. Henninger has no aspirations for public office, but being educated himself, he takes great interest in school matters, and has been prevailed upon to accept the position of School Director of District No. 38, in his township, which place he has filled for four years. With his estimable wife he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and they are both good, sincere Christian people.
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