JOSEPH N. HENRY, a well-known resident of South Strabane township, is a son of John Henry, who was born October 14, 1825, in South Strabane township, on the farm now occupied by hie brother, Robert D. John Henry passed his earlier years in attending to the duties of the home farm, but his inclinations led him to follow mechanical work, and he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade. After becoming familiar with each detail of the work, he made a business of general contracting and building, meanwhile managing a farm. He finally devoted his entire attention to the improvement and cultivation of the home place. On May 8, 1851, he was married to Jane N. White, a daughter of one of the pioneers of Chartiers township, and they had the following family of children: Ebenezer W. (residing in Iowa), Nicholas, Robert, Joseph N. and Lewis A., all living but Nicholas, who died when eighteen months old. John Henry was the architect of his own fortune, and owned over 400 acres of land in Washington county, Penn., also a farm in Iowa. Politically he was formerly a Whig, and afterward became a Republican, ever taking an active interest in the affairs of his party, and serving acceptably many years as school director in the township. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him, and in religion was an active member of the United Presbyterian Church, which he served as a trustee. He died July 11, 1887, and was buried in the Washington cemetery. His widow, Jane N. Henry, died February 21, 1892, and was laid to rest by the side of her husband. Joseph N. Henry was born May 21,1859, on the home farm where his entire life has been passed, and received his early education in the common schools. On September 17, 1885, he was united in marriage with Emma, daughter of Charles S. Van Kirk, of Amwell township, Washington Co., Penn., and they have had three children: Mary, John and Katharine E. Mr. Henry is an active member of the Republican party. The family are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek.

Text taken from page 497 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed February 1997 by George & Mary Ann Plance of Gainesville, FL as part of the Beers Project. Published February 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]