Pope County ArArchives Biographies.....Henry, S. A. ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ar/arfiles.html ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Robert Sanchez http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00027.html#0006574 July 12, 2009, 5:51 pm Author: S. J. Clarke (Publisher, 1922) S. A. HENRY. S. A. Henry, a representative of a family that for over sixty years has been identified with the development and upbuilding of Arkansas, is now living retired in Russellville, Arkansas, after many years devoted to agricultural pursuits, and he has also been called upon to fill public positions of honor and trust. A native of South Carolina, he was born in 1841, and his parents were Andrew K. and Elizabeth Serena (Parker) Henry, who were also born in that state, the former a native of York county and the latter of Union county. They were married in that state and in 1856 came to Arkansas, settling in Pope county, where the father acquired a tract of land. This he cleared and developed, transforming it into a productive and well-improved property and continuing active in its cultivation until after he had reached the age of eighty-six years. Both he and his wife died on that place. They at first resided in a log house, which was replaced after the Civil war by a substantial frame dwelling, and in his farming operations Mr. Henry was quite successful, owning about ten negroes. He was a veteran of the Civil war, and his political allegiance was given to the democratic party, while in religious faith he was a Presbyterian. He was a son of Charles W. Henry, who was born in York county, South Carolina, and was there reared and educated. The maternal grandfather, Silas R. Parker, was also a native of South Carolina, and in 1859 came to Arkansas, where he spent his remaining years. To Mr. and Mrs. Andrew K. Henry were born ten children, four of whom survived: S. A., of this review; Kate, who is the widow of W. O. Ferguson and resides in Russellville: Lizzie, who married William M. Henry and is living on a farm in Pope county, and Charles W., who resides on the old homestead. S. A. Henry received a fair education, and in 1861, when a young man of twenty, enlisted in the Confederate army, becoming a member of Company B of the Second Arkansas Mounted Rifles. He served from June, 1861, until July, 1865, participating in many important engagements in the Civil war. He was wounded on two different occasions and was discharged from the service with the rank of lieutenant. Returning home, he assisted his father for two years in the cultivation of the old homestead, working without pecuniary reward, and then secured a farm on credit. Through hard work and the exercise of careful economy he was soon able to discharge his indebtedness, and after residing on that place for a number of years he moved to Russellville. At the end of two years he returned to his farm, on which he spent a similar period. He then decided permanently to abandon agricultural pursuits and has since resided in Russellville, where he owns an attractive home. He is now living retired, in his eighty-first year, in the enjoyment of a comfortable competence, earned through former years of untiring industry, perseverance and well directed efforts. His fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to public office, and in 1894 he was elected sheriff of Pope county, capably discharging the duties of that position for two terms, or until 189S. For a time he engaged in the fuel business and was then chosen county treasurer, serving in that capacity for one term. Mr. Henry has been married twice. In 1867 he wedded Miss Nannie Bigham, a native of North Carolina. Her father died during her infancy, and she was reared by her grandfather. Mrs. Henry died in 1897, leaving seven children: R. B., who is engaged in raisins: horses and mules, in addition to other stock, and is a resident of Russellville; C. Walter, a farmer and trader of Russellville; Jennings M., who is associated in business with his brother, R. B.; J. G., who is also a partner in that business; D. B, who is connected with the People's Exchange Bank of Russellville; Thomas S., who assists his brothers in their stock raising operations, and Lillie, who married S. J. Rye, a leading grocer of Russellville. The Henry brothers have been very successful in the conduct of their stock raising interests and are classed with the leading dealers in horses and mules in this part of the state. They operate on an extensive scale, and during the World .war secured a contract to furnish the government with horses and mules. They own a large, substantial barn which covers almost an entire block, and are progressive, energetic and thoroughly reliable business men, whose intelligently directed efforts have been rewarded with a gratifying degree of success. In 1908 Mr. Henry, Sr., was again married, his second wife being Mrs. Hattie McKay, whose first husband was a physician. In his political views Mr. Henry is a democrat, and in religious faith he is a Presbyterian. His has been a long, honorable and upright life, actuated by high ideals and characterized by devotion to duty, and as one of the pioneer settlers of Pope county he is accorded the respect and esteem of an extensive circle of friends, all of whom attest his genuine personal worth. Additional Comments: Citation: Centennial History of Arkansas Volume II Chicago-Little Rock: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company 1922 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ar/pope/bios/henry154bs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/arfiles/ File size: 5.8 Kb