Husband of Julia Ann Barnes

Father of William E, Samuel A, Ada Bell,
Mary Frank,Mark JR, Gertrude B,
Ernest A and North America.

Son of Samuel and Nancy (Gish and AKA Shelby/Sealy) Hershberger/Harshbarger.

Brother of Mary (Stinson - Foster)#99890482,
Martha (Brittenham),
Rebecca (Stinson - Speece #66466379),
Susan (Steel), Eliza (Speece)#16474386,
Marie/Mary (Speece),
and Charles.

The following is an excerpt from History of Piatt Co, Illinois:


Mark M. Hershberger. One of the best homesteads in Goose Creek Township, Piatt County, is owned and occupied by Mr. Hershberger and represented by a view linked here. The soil of this tract of land is not better than that of many others in the locality, but it has been carefully and intelligently tilled, and means have been taken to secure buildings that will properly house the crops and stock and give to the family commodious and pleasant quarters. The dwelling is a fine large frame structure of pleasing architectural design and furnished with the many conveniences and means of enjoyment that our prosperous farmers are finding necessary in their homes as in those of the dwellers in towns. The estate consists of two hundred and eighty-five acres.
Mr. Hershberger traces his ancestry to Germany, whence his grandfather emigrated in Colonial days, settling in the Old Dominion. In that State Samuel Hershberger, father of our subject, was born in 1780. Upon leaving his native State he first went to Ohio, and in 1834 made a second removal to Carroll County, Ind. He bought unimproved land, cleared it and made it into a good home, his nearest market town for some time being Michigan City. He died in 1842, when our subject was a lad in his eighth year. He had been married three times, his last wife being Nancy Shealey, who was of English and Irish ancestry and was born in Virginia, Oct. 13, 1798. She was the mother of nine children, only one of whom besides our subject is now living. She lived until 1878 and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The natal day of the subject of this sketch was March 30, 1835, and his birthplace Carroll County, Ind. He opened his eyes to the light in the farmhouse built of logs, with a puncheon floor and primitive furnishings, such as was common on the farms in that section of the country. During his early boyhood he attended a subscription school, the temple of learning in which he pursued his studies being of the same rude construction as his home. Soon after the death of his father he began his apprenticeship as a cabinet-maker, a trade to which he devoted but a comparatively short time but the knowledge of which has been of great advantage to him. For one year he was engaged in pattern-making for a foundry in Pittsburg, Ind.
When but seventeen years old, Mr. Hershberger determined to try his fortune in Illinois, and traveling via the Wabash & Erie Canal to Covington, Ind., he continued his journey by stage to Monticello which was then but a small village. During the ensuing four years he was engaged at divers occupations, being willing to turn his hand to anything by which he could advance his fortune, provided only that it was honest work. In 1856 he rented land and began farming, although still making Monticello his place of residence. For three years he tilled the soil on Camp Creek and in March, 1862, settled on land he had previously bought in Goose Creek Township. He was among the first to locate in that vicinity, which was still so wild that deer were killed on his farm several years after he took possession. His market towns were Champaign and Bement. From an humble beginning he has reached a position of financial solidity and during the years of his residence in the county has demonstrated his worth as a man and a citizen.
The many virtues of mind and heart possessed by Miss Julia A. Barnes made her companionship seem so desirable to Mr. Hershberger that he wooed her for his wife, their union being solemnized April 21, 1857. She was the second female child born in Piatt County, her natal day being Oct. 26, 1836. Her parents, Andrew and Elizabeth (Norris) Barnes, had become hither from Ohio in 1833. They were natives of Ohio and Maryland respectively, and are remembered by the few pioneers who survive as energetic and upright citizens. Mr. Barnes died in 1838 and his widow in 1882. The latter was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was careful and conscientious in the care of her six children, three of whom are now living.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hershberger eight children have been born, two of whom - Samuel A. and America, have crossed the river of death. The survivors are William E., Ada B., Mary F., Mark M., Gertie B., and Ernest A. Their father is deeply interested in their advancement and has given them good advantages, Mary and Gertie having been especially well schooled. The father is one of those whose chief interest centers on his family, and Mrs. Hershberger, although most hospitable and kindly in her associations with her acquaintances, also believes her home the very center of the universe as far as her affection and forethought is concerned. The home is therefore one of the most pleasant associations, and the sons and daughters are sure of the parental sympathy in every good thing toward which their tastes lead them.
Mr. Hershberger has served as Supervisor of Goose Creek Township two terms, was Town Clerk an equal length of time, Assessor two years and has also been Highway Commissioner. It will thus be seen that his neighbors have a high opinion of his ability and honor. He has always been independent in politics. Since 1857 he has been a Mason. He is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, careful and judicious in business ventures, and thoroughly honorable in all his dealings.