BENJAMIN F. HEAP is a well-known farmer and one of the native sons of
Richland County. He was born January 26, 1847, in Olney Township, and is now
living on section 23, where he carries on general farming. His parents were
Isaiah and Rachel (Powell) Heap. His father was a native of Guernsey County,
Ohio, and was reared upon a farm in the Buckeye State. When a young man he came
to Richland County, entered land from the Government and then married. From that
time until his death, he engaged in agricultural pursuits, with the exception of
about a year, which he spent in the service of his country, as a member of
Company E, Sixth Illinois Cavalry. He was one of the honored pioneers of the
community, and a prominent and influential citizen. He died April 27, 1881,
respected by all who knew him. Mrs. Heap, who is also a native of Ohio, and is
of German extraction, is still living on the old home farm. In the family were
eleven children, four sons and seven daughters, of whom our subject is the
eldest.
Benjamin F. Heap remained upon the old farm until eighteen years
of age, and during the winter season attended the district schools, acquiring a
good education. On the 28th of March, 1865, although only eighteen years of age,
he became one of the boys in blue, enlisting at the same time that his father
joined the service, both becoming members of Company E, Sixth Illinois Cavalry.
About a year previous he had left school and offered his services, but was
rejected on account of his age. He was mustered out after the close of the war,
receiving his discharge November 25, 1865.
After he, returned home, Mr.
Heap was ill for about a year as the result of his army experience. When he had
sufficiently recovered his health he began working as a farm hand by the month.
A year later he rented land and embarked in business for himself. He now owns an
eighty-acre farm three and a-half miles south of Olney, and in addition to its
cultivation devotes much of his time to the manufacture of brooms, which
industry yields him a good income.
On the 6th of March, 1870, Mr. Heap
was united in marriage with Miss Mary D. Wilson, who was born March 29, 1847, in
Guernsey County, Ohio, but was then living in Coles County, Ill. Three children
grace their union, as follows: Carrie, who was born April 22, 1871; Mark O.,
March 8, 1874; and Carles L., September 27, 1876. They are still at home with
their parents. The family is one that is widely and favorably known in this
locality. In politics, Mr. Heap is a Republican, and socially is a member of Ed
Kitchell Post No. 662, G. A. R. He is a public-spirited and progressive man,
faithful in the discharge of every public duty, and true to every private trust.
Extracted 12 Apr 2020 by Norma Hass from 1893 Portrait and Biographical Record of Effingham, Jasper and Richland Counties, Illinois, page 240.
| Jasper | Crawford | |
| Clay |
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Lawrence |
| Wayne | Edwards | Wabash |
