BIO:  J. W. HENDRIX, M.D., Oxford Township, Adams County, PA

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History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania
Chicago:  Warner, Beers & Co., 1886
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Part III, History of Adams County, Pages 495-496

J. W. HENDRIX, M.D. (deceased), was a native of York County, Penn., born near 
Shrewsbury, in May, 1823.  His parents were Joseph and Nancy Hendrix.  Our 
subject was reared on this father’s farm, and received his scholastic education 
in the State of Maryland.  He commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Geary, 
Sr., at Shrewsbury, in York County, and subsequently graduated in medicine from 
the University of Maryland.  In 1849 he located as a practitioner of medicine at 
New Oxford, where he continued in this profession until his death, which 
occurred May 26, 1885.  November 4, 1852, Dr. Hendrix was united in marriage 
with Miss Helen, the daughter of Col. George and Helen (Barnitz) Himes, whose 
family history is given elsewhere in this volume.  The Doctor’s widow was born 
in what was called “Butcher Frederick’s Stand,” an inn, and the first house 
erected in New Oxford.  Dr. Hendrix was one of the borough’s useful and most 
esteemed citizens.  His popularity as a gentleman, physician and business man of 
enterprise made him the unanimous choice of the citizens for the office of 
burgess, to which he was elected at the first election held for the borough 
officers in October, 1874.  To this office he was continuously re-elected until 
his failing health caused him to decline a nomination the year of his death.  As 
a public-spirited citizen and an advocate of everything pertaining to the 
advancement of social and educational interests, he had no peers.  Both he and 
his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church from childhood, and his 
death deprived that body of one of its most faithful workers.  His widow 
recently purchased the lot at the corner of Pitt and Hanover Streets, New 
Oxford, and donated this and $1,000 cash toward the new edifice, which will be 
completed this year.  Dr. Hendrix left no heir to perpetuate his name, but his 
good deeds will remain enshrined forever in the hearts of those who knew him.  
Modest and retiring in disposition, but earnest in everything undertaken, he 
made a success of his business life, and leaves his widow in easy circumstances.  
She resides in the mansion where so many years of happiness were spent with her 
devoted husband.  For a number of years the Doctor was a trustee of Dickinson 
College, and made liberal donations from his private purse to that institution.  
He was also one of the committee that erected the scientific building connected 
with that college.