-
[John Henry Handorf]
-
A native of Anderson County, John Henry Handorf was born on September 9, 1887, a son of John and Melissa (Milton) Handorf. He was educated in the public schools of Anderson County and after leaving school he came to Palestine and married Miss Dora Martin, the daughter of Walter and Alice Martin, on April 13, 1913. Over the next several years he worked at several companies, including a year for the I&GN Railroad, and then he went to work as foreman for the Palestine Water Works. He climbed their ranks and in 1917 was made superintendent of the plant, a position he held until 1933, when he was elected a member of the board of commissioners for the City of Palestine. After the death of Mayor Steven E. Reed in November 1934, Mr. Handorf stepped in and served out his term. He was re-elected as Mayor without opposition and served until 1939. He died on July 14, 1939 and is buried in the New Addition Annex section of the Palestine City Cemetery.