Samuel King McIlhenny

Samuel King McIlhenny

• Father: Robert McIlhenny
• Mother: Martha King

• Samuel King McIlhenny was born on 21 September 1807 in Pennsylvania.
• Samuel King McIlhenny appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1850 in Houston, Harris County, Texas, enumerated as a widower in the household of merchant William J. Hutchins.
• He was a clerk in the employ of merchant William J. Hutchins, according to the 1850 census.
• He married Sarah Goldthwaite, daughter of Robert Henry Goldthwaite and Eleanor Walker, on 16 December 1857 in Houston, Harris County, Texas, at Christ Church.
• Samuel King McIlhenny and Sarah Goldthwaite appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1860 in Houston, Harris County, Texas. Also in the household were Sam (age 14) and Martha (22), children from his earlier marriage to Hester Malinda Mosely, who died in 1847.
• He was a merchant, according to the 1860 census.
• Samuel King McIlhenny died on 13 December 1863 at age 56 in Laredo, Webb County, Texas.
• His wife Sarah Goldthwaite became a widow at his death.
• The following appeared on 1 January 1864 in The Tri-Weekly Telegraph: We deeply regret to learn that Mr. S. K. McIlhenny, of the firm of McIlhenney, Willis & Bro., of this city, died in Matamoros a few days since, of pluerisy. He was an old and much respected citizen of Houston.
• The following appeared on 4 January 1864 in The Tri-Weekly Telegraph: [Died] At Laredo, Dec. 13th, 1863, of Plurisy, Mr. S. K. McIlhenny, of this city, aged about 58.
       Mr. McIlhenny came to this city in 1845, since which time he has constantly resided here. For many years he was the chief clerk of the house of W. J. Hutchins, where by his probity of character and strict attention to business he gained a position which on Mr. Hutchins' retiring enabled him to succeed to the large mercantile business of that concern. He began here penniless, but by economy and devotion accumulated a handsome profit. At the beginning of the war the house of which he was head, McIlhenny, Willis & Bro., were doing a heavy and most profitable business. Like all the rest of our leading houses, the war broke up their trade. For the last year Mr. McIlhenny had, however, been endeavoring to establish a branch at Matamoros, and had succeeded in building up a fair business there when the fall of Brownsville interrupted it again. The exposure attendant upon the exertions rendered necessary in looking after the interests intrusted to him there brought on the attack from which he died.
       He was a good citizen, a firm friend, a devoted husband and father, and leaves many friends to mourn his death. Peace to his ashes.

• Last Edited: 16 Nov 2015