JOHN H. HENRY, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by: Gaytha Carver Thompson
Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana
The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago & Nashville,  1890



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JOHN H. HENRY

John H. Henry, a prominent young business man of Derry, Natchitoches Parish,
La., was born in the city of Natchitoches on July 18, 1862, and is the son of
Hon. Joseph Henry of the same parish.  His boyhood was spent in his native
town, and at twelve years of age he entered the Abingdon male Academy of
Virginia, which he attended three years.  At the age of sixteen he entered the
St. Louis University, a Jesuit institution, which he attended three years, and
from which he graduated with honors at the age of twenty.  Returning home he
was, for a short time, engaged at farming with his father, and in October
1883, he went to New Orleans, where he entered the employ of the firm of R. M.
Walmsley & co., cotton factors and commission merchants.  He continued in the
employ of this firm eighteen months and there laid the foundation for a good
business education.  In 1884, desiring to engage in a pursuit more agreeable
to his health, he resigned the position and agin returned to his home,
carrying with him a fine recommendation from his employer Mr. Walmsley.  He
was at this time about twenty one years of age, and upon the anniversary of
his twenty first birthday his father presented him with a plantation, which
was then valued at $5,000 and which he still owns.  For three years following
this he was engaged in farming in connection with his father.  In February,
1889, he and his father established a general store at Derry, Natchitoches
Parish, and our subject has ever since given his attention to its management.
He carries a $4,000 stock of plantation supplies, and enjoys a very large
patronage.  Mr. Henry is a member of the Catholic Church, and in politics he
is Democratic.  He is a young man of good habits, and though his career has
not been long he has the respect and esteem of all.  By a judicious management
of his father's present, he has increased his possessions until it is now
double what it was.  He possesses a courteous and accommodating manner, and is
a gentleman highly popular with all classes.