Henry L. Close is the grandson of Peter Close (or Klose), who came from Lancaster County to Mifflin, (then Cumberland) County. Peter Close (Sr.) married Catherine Livingston, of Lancaster County, whose children were Peter (Jr.), Henry, Elizabeth and Adam. Peter (Jr.), who was born in Lancaster County in 1786, and settled on the homestead in Mifflin County, married Jane, daughter of John Orr and Catherine, his wife, of the same county and township. Their children were John, Henry L., Adam Elliott, Eliza, and William T. Mr. Close during his lifetime followed the employment of a farmer. His character for probity, integrity and intelligence was such as to make his influence for good apparent in the community. He was also active in the affairs of the East Kishacoquillas Presbyterian Church, of which he was a member. His death occurred March 24, 1838, and that of his wife March 26, 1864.

His son, Henry L. Close, was born May 19, 1813, on the homestead, which is his present residence. The common school afforded opportunity for acquiring a limited education, the winter only being devoted to study, as during the summer he was occupied on the farm. During his father's lifetime he was one of his most industrious helpers, and on the latter's death a portion of the estate became his own. In 1842 he built the house now occupied by his son, James. H. Close, and in 1877 his present convenient residence. Mr. Close was, on the 12th of November, 1845, married to Francina M., daughter of William Ramsey and his wife, Elizabeth, of the same township. Their children are William T., deceased; Edmund M. and Edwin (twins); Elizabeth B., July 23, 1849; Sarah Jennie, May 29, 1853, wife of James B. Smith, of the same township; James H., July 28, 1856, married to Mary Blanche, daughter of James and Elizabeth Alexander, of Centre County, Pa.

Mr. Close has seldom been attracted by business speculations or commercial ventures from the routine of farm labor to which he was educated. He has been either a Whig or a Republican in politics, and active in the local political issues of the day, having for seventeen successive years held the office of school director of the township, as he does at present. He has also been county auditor, and filled the position of county commissioner. His services are frequently sought as guardian and in the settlement of estates. Mr. Close aided materially in building the East Kishacoquillas Presbyterian Church, of which he and his wife and daughters are members.

From "History of Mifflin County" 1886 Chapter VI, Armagh Township by Frank Ellis.

Henry L. Close is the grandson of Peter Close (or Klose), who came from Lancaster County to Mifflin, (then Cumberland) County. Peter Close (Sr.) married Catherine Livingston, of Lancaster County, whose children were Peter (Jr.), Henry, Elizabeth and Adam. Peter (Jr.), who was born in Lancaster County in 1786, and settled on the homestead in Mifflin County, married Jane, daughter of John Orr and Catherine, his wife, of the same county and township. Their children were John, Henry L., Adam Elliott, Eliza, and William T. Mr. Close during his lifetime followed the employment of a farmer. His character for probity, integrity and intelligence was such as to make his influence for good apparent in the community. He was also active in the affairs of the East Kishacoquillas Presbyterian Church, of which he was a member. His death occurred March 24, 1838, and that of his wife March 26, 1864.

His son, Henry L. Close, was born May 19, 1813, on the homestead, which is his present residence. The common school afforded opportunity for acquiring a limited education, the winter only being devoted to study, as during the summer he was occupied on the farm. During his father's lifetime he was one of his most industrious helpers, and on the latter's death a portion of the estate became his own. In 1842 he built the house now occupied by his son, James. H. Close, and in 1877 his present convenient residence. Mr. Close was, on the 12th of November, 1845, married to Francina M., daughter of William Ramsey and his wife, Elizabeth, of the same township. Their children are William T., deceased; Edmund M. and Edwin (twins); Elizabeth B., July 23, 1849; Sarah Jennie, May 29, 1853, wife of James B. Smith, of the same township; James H., July 28, 1856, married to Mary Blanche, daughter of James and Elizabeth Alexander, of Centre County, Pa.

Mr. Close has seldom been attracted by business speculations or commercial ventures from the routine of farm labor to which he was educated. He has been either a Whig or a Republican in politics, and active in the local political issues of the day, having for seventeen successive years held the office of school director of the township, as he does at present. He has also been county auditor, and filled the position of county commissioner. His services are frequently sought as guardian and in the settlement of estates. Mr. Close aided materially in building the East Kishacoquillas Presbyterian Church, of which he and his wife and daughters are members.

From "History of Mifflin County" 1886 Chapter VI, Armagh Township by Frank Ellis.