Biography - Martin Hinkle
MARTIN V. HINKLE. The pursuits of life are as varied as are the tastes and capacities of men; and it is an interesting and useful study to observe the degrees of their assimilation. Reverses in the early business efforts of life are often ripening in their results, though the experience is dear. When these occur, pride should be invited to the rear, and, if needs be, the victim should step down into the breach and resolutely commence again from the bottom of the ladder and profit by the miscarriage. Labor is honorable idleness is corrupting. A narrative of success in life may be found in the career of Martin V. Hinkle, who is one of the prominent, influential and representative farmers and stock raisers of Bois D'Arc Township, Montgomery County.
A successful man of affairs, a worthy citizen, and one of the most respected men in the county is Mr. Hinkle. He was born in Sangamon County, Ill., August 12, 1843, and inherits the sturdy traits of character of his German ancestors on the paternal side. His father, Jacob Hinkle, was born in Pennsylvania, and the mother, whose maiden name was Nancy Hatchet, was a native of the Old Dominion. About 1818, the parents emigrated Westward and made a settlement in Sangamon County, Ill., where they were among the very first settlers.
In this new country and among utter strangers, Jacob Hinkle began improving his farm and cultivating the rich soil which soon brought him in large returns. He passed his entire life in this county and died on the 12th of November, 1889. In his death the community lost one of its pioneer and most highly esteemed citizens. He lived to be seventy-seven years of age. Of the children born to his marriage the following are now living: Elizabeth, Mrs. Galloway, a widow; John; Diana, wife of Michael Baker; Martin; Sarah J., wife of Charles Willison; Elvira; Harrison IL; Mary, wife of Augustus Smith; Amanda, and Laura A. The father was a soldier in the Black Hawk War, and was a worthy and exemplary member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His widow survives him and is now past seventy years of age. She still makes her home in Sangamon County, of which she is one of the pioneers.
Martin V. Hinkle was reared to man's estate in his native county, and inherited the best qualities of industry and energy from both sides of the house. Early in life he showed a determination to make his way in the world, and although his education was limited, he was a keen observer of men and things, and is mainly self-educated. He has been a thorough student of books during his entire life, and in that way has acquired a knowledge of all important subjects.
The marriage of Mr. Hinkle to Miss Sarah E. Hoover, a native of Christian County, Ill., occurred on the 13th of March, 1867, and three children were born of this union, viz.: Charles M., born June 15, 1868; Lula E., March 29, 1870, and Alpheus, July 16, 1873. Mrs. Hinkle's father, George Hoover, is a resident of Marion County, Ill. She was born August 22, 1849. After his marriage Mr. Hinkle resided in Sangamon County until the spring of 1875, since which time he has" been a resident of Montgomery County. He is the owner of nearly two hundred and twenty-five acres of land in Bois D' Arc Township, and is one of the wide-awake, thorough-going farmers and stock raisers of this section. He raises a high grade of trotting horses, and is engaged in general mixed farming. He is public-spirited and is in favor of all movements that have for their object the advancement of the county. His well-improved farm and fine residence attract the attention of all, and in the management of his large estate he has shown excellent judgment and sound sense. In politics, he advocates the platform of the Democratic party.
Extracted 04 Dec 2016 by Norma Hass from 1892 Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois, pages 259-260.
