HENLEY, John C.

HENLEY

Posted By: Nettie Mae (email)
Date: 12/16/2023 at 08:52:31

Source: The Clinton Daily Herald, Clinton Iowa Sept. 26, 1872
From one who knew him well, we have had brought to our notice a fine tribute to the memory of John C. Henley, Esq., published in the Statesman of Boise City, Idaho Territory, of Aug. 31st. The parents and near relatives of Mr. Henley reside in Lyons, and no doubt many others of our readers will peruse with satisfaction, that which is so handsomely said of one who formerly lived in our midst and who acquired so fine a reputation abroad. Here is what the Statesman says:
"In the death of John C. Henley, Esq., Idaho loses one of her oldest citizens, and most prominent men. He died on the 27th inst., in this city, after a short illness, though he had been in failing health some months. He came to Idaho in 1862 from Iowa, where his parents now reside, and spent the following winter in Auburn, Oregon. In 1863 he located at Idaho City, in Boise Basin and on the organization of the judicial system of the territory became Clerk of the US District Court for the 2d Judicial District, and held the office until 1865. In that year he entered upon the profession of law in the firm of Gilbert & Henley and continued in the practice of his profession up to the time of his death. He was a law student of Hon. Wm. Penn. Clark of Iowa City, Iowa, one of the ablest lawyers of the Northwest, and was justly regarded by him as one of the most brilliant and promising young men of the State. Mr. Henley was a native of Ohio, but his parents were from the province of Alsace, France. He was a good German scholar, and was perhaps one of the most fluent public speakers in that language on the Pacific coast.
He was thirty-six years of age, and had he lived free from the infirmities which finally ruined his health, he had all the elements to have been a man of large influence in both public and professional life.
He was for several years Chairman of the Republican Committee of Idaho, and was also a member of the National Republican Committee for four years.
He was a man of ardent temperament and quick impulses -- first to defend the right, and as ready to denounce a wrong. As a lawyer he was able, courteous, and astute -- always commanding the respect of the court and his professional brethren. As a private citizen none had more devoted friends or fewer enemies. His personal honor was without a blemish, and he was, in social life especially, one who was a favorite among all classes."
Known personally throughout the Territory, there are few who will not stop to drop a tear to his memory when they hear that John C. Henley is no more. As his body was being laid in the grave there was not a drop of kindred blood around to mourn his early death, but about him were a circle of friends whose tear-stained faces showed how deeply his loss was felt; and his Masonic brethren rendered to his burial the sad rites of brotherhood and friendship which evinced how deeply he was mourned by the fraternity. Grand Master J. W. Brown conducted the services at the grave, and on Thursday, August 29th, all that was mortal of John C. Henley was laid to its rest, amid the grief of his brethren and a whole community.
On his tombstone it may truthfully be written --
'None knew him but to love him,
None named him but to praise."
It may gratify his aged parents and his brothers and sisters to know that he received every attention in his last illness that the hands of friendship and affection could render, and that he died and was buried among friends who will ever cherish his memory.