My Genealogy Hound

Hon. Henry Thane, circuit clerk and ex officio county clerk of Desha County, Ark. There is, in the development of every successful life, a principle which is a lesson to every man following in its footsteps—a lesson leading to higher and more honorable positions than the ordinary. Let a man be industriously ambitious, and honorable in his ambitions, and he will rise, whether having the prestige of fortune or the obscurity of poverty. We are led to these reflections by a study of the life of the subject of this sketch. Henry Thane was born in Germany on February 10, 1850, and is a son of Franz Thane, who was also a native of that country. The elder Thane came to the United States in the year 1852, and located in Massac County, Ill., and there his death occurred in 1862. Henry Thane was early taught the duties of farm life in Massac County, Ill., and received his education in the common schools. In 1866 he went to Warrenton, Mo., where he attended school for two years. He then went to Clay County, and after a residence there of one year, went to Memphis, Tenn., where he was employed for three years with the Bolenhuse Ice Company. In 1872 he came to Arkansas, locating in Chicot County, and was engaged in merchandising until 1876, when he sold out. He then moved to Arkansas City, then to Chicot County, and is now in Desha County. He had, however, studied law previous to this time, and in 1879 was admitted to the bar. After locating in Arkansas City, he began practicing his profession, and soon built up a good practice. He was justice of the peace for one term, was town mayor of Arkansas City for three terms, and was the first mayor who succeeded in ridding the town of the lawless element that always infest prosperous river towns. He was postmaster for five years under President Hayes’ and President Arthur’s administrations. In 1882 he was elected to the State Senate, and served one term of four years. In 1886 he was elected to his present office, and re-elected in 1888. He was again re-elected in 1890, receiving the unanimous vote of both political parties. Honesty of purpose and rectitude of conduct in the discharge of his official duties in the various offices he has so creditably filled, have gained him the esteem and approbation of his constituents. He was married in 1873, to Miss Fannie A. Tidswell, of Warrenton, Mo. Miss Tidswell was a daughter of Thomas J. Tidswell, a merchant of Warrenton, and was born in London, England, April 7, 1850. To his accomplished and faithful wife, Mr. Thane owes a great deal of his success in life. The result of this union has been the birth of two children: Nellie M. and Fannie A. Mr. Thane is a Republican in his political views, and has been a member of the Republican State Central Committee, and chairman of the Republican County Central of Desha County for a number of years.