My Genealogy Hound

HENRY FIENE. Steeleville numbers among its successful business men and public-spirited citizens the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. Solely through his own exertions Mr. Fiene has gained success. From boyhood he has been self supporting, and such has been his judgment and foresight that he has achieved prosperity in the midst of seemingly in surmountable obstacles. Of German birth and parentage, he possesses those excellent German traits of character that, descending from generation to generation, transmit a solidity and energy that almost invariably bring success when united with American tact and enterprise.

Born in December, 1848, Henry Fiene was one and one-half years old when his parents started across the ocean to establish their home in America. The wife and mother, as well as the only sister, died before the ship reached the harbor, and consequently our subject knows nothing concerning the details of his mother’s life, and in fact does not even know her name. Henry Fiene, Sr., arriving in this country, came to Illinois and settled in Randolph County, where he married a second time. He continued to make his home here until his demise.

In the parochial schools of Randolph County the subject of this sketch conducted his studies until he reached fourteen years of age, when his school days were ended. Afterward he worked on a farm as a laborer and spent four years at the saddler’s trade. When twenty-one, he began carrying the United States mail between Murphysboro and Sparta, which occupation he followed for four years. He then came to Steeleville and engaged in the livery business and in farming pursuits, which he has since continued. In addition, he has for a number of years dealt in furs, deriving a handsome income from this source.

In 1873 Mr. Fiene married Miss Louise, daughter of Ernst Sickmyer, formerly of Ohio, but later a resident of Illinois. Of this union nine children were born, one of whom died in infancy. Those living are, Edwin, George, Adolph, Henry, Louis, Annie, Albert and Oma, all of whom reside with their parents. Mr. Fiene and his family are members of the Lutheran Church, to the support of which he is a generous contributor. In politics he is a Republican and has always cast his ballot for the candidates and principles of that party. He has served as Treasurer of the village of Steeleville and has also been Trustee of the Board a number of times. As a citizen he is interested in all measures having for their aim the promotion of the best interests of the place and the advancement of its material welfare.