Hinrich Gerhard Tjarks was born November 8, 1882 in Peoria, Peoria county, Illinois, the youngest of Dirk Behrens and Antje Margaretha Janssen Tjarks ten children. As a two year old toddler he came with his family to an 80 acre farm in Inland township, Clay county, Nebraska which was located 2 1/2 miles north of Glenvil, Nebraska. Here he attended Plainview school through the sixth grade.

In 1896 Henry's Mother passed away unexpectedly. In 1898 his father remarried, and Henry went to live with his elder brother Fraerich Tjarks, working as the hired man. He would continue working for various farmers in the area, and it was while working for Henry P. Hinrichs that he met Anna Margreta Harms. Anna had come to work for the Hinrichs to help with arrival of an infant duaghter. Henry and Anna were married February 14, 1906 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Lynn township, Clay county, Nebraska, and would become the parents of seven children, Albert Hinrich Behrends, Martha Maria, Esther Harmine, Edmund Carl, Sophia Frida, Raymond Carl and Martin Ernest. After living on several rneted farms Henry eventually moved on to the fram belonging to his father. After his Fathers passing Henry was able to purchase this fram from his Fathers estate.

Like his neighbors Henry and family struggled through the great depression. Fortunately he was able to hang on to his farm ground. Then in 1942 he was forced to sell it to the government. The family farm was to become part of the Naval Amunition Depot. At this time Henry and Anna moved to 417 North Bellevue, Hastings, Nebraska. This would be their home until Anna's passing in February 1957. During the war years Henry was working at the Western Landroller in Hastings, and would continue working there until his retirement.

After Anna's passing Henry sold their home, and he moved to the newly opened Good Samaritan Village in Hastings. He would live there until his passing December 2, 1966.