John Henry 1856-1926

HENRY, CARRY

Posted By: Cathy Labath
Date: 9/7/2009 at 06:54:22

Davenport Democrat and Leader; Davenport, Scott, Iowa; Monday, February 22, 1926

JOHN HENRY, WELL KNOWN RESIDENT, DEAD
Highly Respected Colored Citizen of Davenport is Summoned.

John Henry, a well known and highly respected citizen of this city, died at11:15 p.m. Sunday at Mercy hospital after an illness of a years’ duration, death resulting from heart disease and dropsy.

The deceased was born during the slavery period, of slave parents, on Oct. 12, 1856, in Montgomery, Ala., and at the age of six years was taken as a mascot and brought North by a detachment of Iowa troops. Mr. Henry finally settled on a farm near Vinton, Ia. He received his early education from a farmer in Wilton, Ia. Later attending Wilton Academy from which he graduated. Upon coming to Davenport he attended the Davenport Business College, receiving a scholarship from the institution upon the completion of his term.

Until the age of 21 years, he remained in and round Tipton, Big Rock and Wilton making many friends in that community. In the late 80s he came to Davenport where he had since resided. He was here united in marriage to Miss Margaret Carry in 1890 and four sons were born to this union, namely, John, Louis, Rex and Alphonso. His wife preceded him in death in 1905 and one son, John, in 1892, and another, Rex, in 1912 leaving as survivors Louis of Davenport and Alphonso of Evanston, Ill. Also surviving are a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Louis Henry and two grandchildren, all of this city.

Mr. Henry had been actively employed until a year ago in the capacities of farm hand, carpenter and yard man, and was in employe of Miss R. Renwick of this city for some 20 years, and for Dr. And Mrs. J.W. Watzek for about 15 years.

He won the esteem and respect of all who knew him due to his amiable personality and honorable character.

The funeral will be held from the Bethel A.M.E. church at 2 p.m. Tuesday conducted by the Rev. Mr. Daniels of Rock Island. Interment will be in Oakdale cemetery.