Dickinson Co., KS AHGP-Portrait and
Biographical Album of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and
Marion Counties-William Henry
Portrait and Biographical
Album of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and Marion
Counties
Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1893
WILLIAM HENRY was born in County
Antrim, Ireland, about the year 1814, and
was reared to manhood upon the Emerald
Isle. Wishing to try his fortune in America,
when a young man he emigrated to this country,
and after crossing the Atlantic went direct to Jo
Daviess County, Ill., where he began life for himself
as a farmer.
While residing in that county, Mr. Henry was
married, Miss Mary Jane Gray becoming his wife
on the 1st of January, 1850. The lady was also a
native of County Antrim, Ireland, born May 19,
1829, and was less than two years of age when
brought by her parents to America. The days of
her maidenhood were spent in Baltimore County,
Md., and when a young lady she went to Illinois.
In the summer of 1872, with his wife and five children,
Mr. Henry came to Dickinson County, Kan.,
settling on section 23, Cheever Township, where
he secured a homestead of eighty acres and also
pre-empted an eighty-acre tract of land. To agricultural
pursuits he turned his attention and was
engaged in farming until his death, which occurred
on the 30th of April, 1880. He was enterprising
and progressive and placed his land under a high
state of cultivation. With the United Presbyterian
Church he held membership. In his death
the county lost a valued citizen, his neighbors a
faithful friend, and his family a loving husband
and father. His life was well and worthily spent,
and he passed away respected by all who knew
him.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Henry was born a family of
five children, the eldest of whom, William J., is a
wide-awake and successful agriculturist of this
community. In the fall of 1890 he was elected
Township Clerk, and so well did he fill the position
that he was re-elected and is now serving in
that office. He was also Road Overseer for three
years and filled the office of Constable one year.
His public duties have ever been faithfully performed,
winning him the commendation of all
concerned. Ellen, the second child, is the wife of
Millard F. Ayres; Mary J. is the wife of A. W.
Livingston; James O. was joined in wedlock with
Mary C. Dryer; David E. completes the family.
Mrs. Henry, an estimable lady, who has many
friends in this community, still resides on the old
home farm.
(c) 2009 Sheryl McClure for
Dickinson County KS AHGP