Henry, Jerry 1861-1930

HENRY, BRAGG

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 2/24/2012 at 13:58:43

From the Hawarden Independent of Oct 9, 1930
Was Past 69 Years Old and Lived In This Community 37 Years—Leaves Widow and Three Children
Jerry Henry, a long time and highly respected resident of this community, passed away at his home, four miles west of Hawarden, at 8 o'clock last Friday morning. Mr. Henry had been in failing health for some time but did not learn until a few months ago that he was afflicted with cancer. However, he kept at his usual tasks with characteristic determination and in spite of his physical suffering and was only bedfast for about four days preceding his death. He had lapsed into a state of coma a day or two before his death and the end was not unexpected.

Funeral services were held at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the Methodist church in this city, conducted by his pastor, Rev. Robt. H. Forrester. Interment was made in Grace Hill cemetery.

Jerry Henry was born in York county PA, May 14, 1861 and died at his home near Hawarden Oct 3, 1930, being in the 70th year of his life. He was untied in marriage with Ida C. Bragg on Feb. 14, 1884 in Erie County, PA.

Three sons and two daughters were Three sons and two daughters were born to this union. One. daughter, Mrs. Fred Peterson, departed this life in February, 1927, while one son, Ira, who was born in 1897, lived but six weeks. The surviving children are Ervin E. Henry of Hawarden, Mrs. Newton Tiller of Spencer, Iowa, and Merton L. Henry of Alcester. After making their home in Erie county, Pa., for two years following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Henry moved to Nebraska and took up a homestead in Holt county, living there seven years. In 1893 the family; moved to a farm six miles southeast of Hawarden where they lived: for nine years, moving to the present home in February, 1902, where they have resided for 28 years.

Jerry Henry followed farming as his life's work. Recognition of his integrity and sense of right was taken by his neighbors and friends in calling him to serve as school director for some years and later as justice of the peace of Virginia township, Union county, which office he held at the time of his death. When he was a small boy not yet in his teens he was left an orphan, being deprived by death of both father and mother, but he had an indomitable faith in honest toil which kept him going until within ten days of his death.

Mr. Henry became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church thirty five years ago, having united with the Church of Washington Chapel, eight miles southeast of Hawarden, transferring his membership to the Methodist church of Hawarden after his removal to his late home.

His surviving relatives include his widow, two sons and one daughter, fourteen grandchildren, an older brother, Gideon Henry of Erie county, Pa., and a younger sister, Mrs. David E. Schuetz of Hawarden.