William Henschen
William Henschen was born on July 11, 1893 in Garner. He was an only child, and his father was a janitor at the Hancock County Court House. William graduated from Garner in 1911; there were 11 members in his class. He went on to teach at a Hancock County school and attended Iowa State University where he majored in Civil Engineering.
Mr. Henschen was a Hancock County drainage engineer for 51 years, and he created three-fourths of Hancock County's drainage ditches. He
did not marry until later in life. At the age of 65 he married Ida Meckstroth, a woman who cared for William's aging parents. William had no children of his own, but believed in the importance of education.William loved earning and saving money. Because he lost money in banks during the Great Depression, he chose to invest in the stock market. He lived a quiet life and was quite frugal, taking only one personal vacation in his lifetime (to the Black Hills). In fact, he only owned two vehicles throughout his lifetime: a 1950 Chevrolet and a Model A Ford. He was known as a likable man with a good memory who was devoted to caring for his mother.
William Henschen passed away on July 10, 1969, one day short of his 76th birthday. He is buried at Concord Cemetery in Garner. But even though he is gone, he will forever be remembered. William had saved over one million dollars in his lifetime, and he left that money to the students of Garner-Hayfield in the form of a scholarship for all graduates.
Every student who graduates from Garner-Hayfield High School is given a scholarship in his name. Because only the interest is paid out each year, and not the original principal, the scholarships will continue as long as there are G-H grads. The first scholarship was given in 1970; it was $300 per student. That amount has grown to over $4000 per student. William Henschen has left a legacy that has benefited many, many people in the small town of Garner.
Source: "William Henschen His Life and the Scholarship" Pamphlet created by Jennifer Reding and Denise Linneman