Henry F. Herrick was formerly engaged in the manufacture of hardware specialties, but since 1909 has lived retired, enjoying well deserved leisure. His birth occurred in Racine on the 10th of November. 1847, and his parents were Charles and Anna (Ball) Herrick, natives respectively of Westford, Massachusetts, and New York. The father became one of the capitalists of Racine, holding title to a large amount of real estate in this city and in the state of Nebraska and elsewhere, and served as vice-president of the First National Bank of Racine. He was always willing to promote the public welfare in any way possible and was held in high esteem by his fellow citizens.
Henry F. Herrick attended the public schools in Racine, Racine College and the University of Chicago, thus securing a thorough education. On beginning his independent career he became a traveling salesman for the Geiser Threshing Machine Company, of which he was a stockholder, and later traveled for the Sawyer Manufacturing Company of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Upon leaving their employ he went into business with his brother, C. B. Herrick, under the name of C. B. Herrick & Company, and this association was continued until his brother’s death, in 1887. Our subject carried on the business alone until 1909, when he sold his interest and retired. C. B. Herrick & Company engaged in the manufacture of hardware specialties, and their product found a ready sale upon the market as it was of high quality and reasonable in price. The growth of the business was due mainly to the enterprise and sound judgment of Mr. Herrick, who concentrated his time and attention upon its management.
Mr. Herrick was married on the 5th of December, 1875, to Miss Gertrude A. Lukes, of Racine, who passed away in July, 1912. To them were born the following children : Sylvia Holt died when a year old; Philip P. enlisted in the First Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and served in the Spanish-American war, later becoming a member of Company A, Thirty-fifth United States Volunteer Infantry at Los Angeles. He has spent some time in the Philippines and is now connected with the customhouse at Manilla. Marjory is the wife of F. A. Vogel. Charles is living in Philadelphia and is employed by the Mitchell Motor Car Company. Henry L. is at home. Donald Lukes is a student in the State University of Wisconsin.
Mr. Herrick is a democrat in politics and has served acceptably as alderman of the sixth ward and as a member of the school board. He is public-spirited to a marked degree and no movement for the advancement of his community along commercial and civic lines lacks his heartiest support. His residence, which is the oldest in that part of Racine, was erected in 1816 by Captain Thomas J. Cram, U. S. N., and was purchased by Charles Herrick, the father of our subject, in 1857. At that time the property included one hundred acres of land, all of which is now a part of Racine. The house is mainly built of oak, although there was some pine used, and many of the sills and main timbers are a foot square. It is excellently constructed throughout and is a fine example of the old style residence. Mr. Herrick spent the year 1911 in the. Philippines and during that time gained a great deal of first hand information concerning conditions in the Islands. Practically his entire life, however, has been passed in Racine, and here he intends to continue his residence. He has a wide acquaintance in the city, and his genuine worth has gained him the unqualified respect of all who have been brought in contact with him.