Ulrich Haury (1834-1903) was born in Reinpfalz, Germany, one of seven children. He attended public school in his native country and served six years in its army. He is one of many immigrants who made Collinsville a vibrant, and even somewhat cosmopolitan community, in the second half of the nineteenth century.

Haury came to this country in 1862 and almost immediately found work in the plow stocking department of The Collins Company. In 1871 he started in the grocery business with another resident of the village and became quite prosperous. Eventually, his son William joined the firm. He later became vice president of the Collinsville Savings Society, served eight years on the town “board of relief,” and was nominated as a Democrat for state representative, although he was defeated at the polls. In his later years, he was much sought after for business advice.

Haury was a stern looking man with a long goatee. He was described as having “a jovial disposition, generous nature and Christian character, and was held in respect by all his townsmen.” His means enabled him to dispense charity, which he did without fanfare. He was a “most indulgent father and kind husband, ever devoted to his family circle.”

Four years before his death, Haury visited his birthplace and traveled extensively in Germany. Until seventeen weeks before he died of heart trouble, he “never knew the pains of sickness.” Haury was a member of the Collinsville Congregational Church and a Mason. Ulrich Haury is buried in the Village Cemetery, Collinsville.

“Your Silent Neighbors” introduces readers to people out of Canton’s past. Readers are encouraged to visit these gravesites and pay their respects to the people who have helped make our community what it is today.