Henry John MARCHANT

     Henry John MARCHANT was born in September 1843 in England.^1,2

Henry John MARCHANT was born on 6 September 1844 in Tonbridge, Kent County, England. He was the son of James Marchant and Sarah Anne Barton.^3,4 Henry John MARCHANT also went by the name of Harry.

Henry John MARCHANT immigrated on 22 December 1869 to New York aboard the Harvest Queen which had departed from Liverpool, England. Henry was recorded as 28-year-old, occupation "cutter".⁵ He is said to have come to America in 1868 on the same ship with the famous actress and singer Jenny Lind. Actually Jenny Lind, known as the Swedish Nightingale, arrived in New York in September 1850 aboard the steamer "Atlantic" under Capt. West.⁶

Henry John MARCHANT appeared on a census enumerated 23 July 1870 in Precinct 15, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Henry Marchant, age 24, from England, was listed among a large group of men working on the railroad. Many of this group of railroad laborers were born in England.⁷

Henry married Ester Lavinia WEAVER, daughter of Jesse WEAVER and Rebecca SANFORD, on 23 December 1870 at Andrews Chapel in Cottondale, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. Henry was working for the railroad and became ill. Jesse and Rebecca Weaver cared for him in their home and that is how he met and fell in love with Esther.^8,9

Henry John MARCHANT and Ester Lavinia WEAVER appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1900 in Beat 28, Vance, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The household was listed as Henry J. Marchant, age 56, and born September 1843 in England which was also the birthplace of his parents. His occupation was farming. Esther L. Marchant, his wife, was 54 years old, and was born February 1846 in Alabama, while her parents were born in South Carolina. The couple had been married 30 years and Esther was the mother of nine children, all still living. With them were their sons, Edward, age 22; Daniel M., age 20; Oscar, age 17; Frank, age 15 and Bascom W., age 5. Edward and Daniel were both coal miners, while Oscar and Frank were listed as farm labor. Also in the household was Nancy J. Hodges, Esther's sister. Nancy was 47 years old, having been born in February 1853, and she was a widow. She was the mother of two children, both still living.²

Henry John MARCHANT and Ester Lavinia WEAVER appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 22 April 1910 in Vance, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The household was listed as Henry J. Marchant, a 66-year-old farmer, and his 64-year-old wife, Esther Lavenia. Henry was born in England and had come to America in 1868. He was a naturalized citizen. He was renting his farm on Brookwood Road. Living with them was their 7-year-old adopted daughter, Lillie.¹⁰

Harry MARCHANT and Ester Lavinia WEAVER appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 12 January 1920 in Jones, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The household was listed as Harry J. Marchant, 75, born England and his wife, Ester L. Marchant, 73. Her parents were from North Carolina. Harry had immigrated to America in 1869. Hey was apparently retired because no occupation was given. Also in the household was their 18-year-old daughter, Lillie, a student. They lived at 136 Clements Station Road.¹¹

Henry John MARCHANT and Ester Lavinia WEAVER appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 8 April 1930 in Smiths, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The household was listed as Henry Marchant, 86, and his wife, Lavina W. Marchant, age 84. Henry had married at age 20 and had immigrated to America in 1869. He was a naturalized citizen. Lavina had married at age 22. Living next door was there son Edwin.¹²

Henry John MARCHANT died on 30 April 1937 in Cedar Cove (Coaling), Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, at age 92. The cause of death was influenza and senility.^13,14 He was buried in Coaling Cemetery, Coaling, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.