George Washington Henry

George Washington Henry
Born	October 6, 1841(1841-10-06) Montgomery Co, IL
Died	November 8, 1915 (aged 74) Sand Springs Cemetery, Putnam, TN
Spouse	Rachel E Williams
Children	John Morgan Henry (c. 1863) William M. Henry (c. 1865) Nancy J. Henry (c. 1867) Mary J. Henry (c. 1870) Panina Francis Henry (c. 1872) Joseph D. Henry (c. 1874) James Thomas Henry (c. 1876) Franklin Henry (c. 1879)
Parents	Lidgard Fine Henry (1820 – 1895) Nancy Thomas (1821 – 1888)

Civil War

George was a private in the 25th Regiment of the Tennessee Infantry. He enlisted on July 25, 1861 (when the unit was formed) in Tullahoma for a 1 year period, but appears to have served for at least two years and two months. He was wounded in the Battle of Chickamauga and sent to hospital at Newnan, GA. Sept 26, 1863 by Surgeon Fryar.

According to his civil war papers: "The 25th Regiment Tennessee Infantry was organized for State service August 10, 1861, transferred to the service of the Confederate States October 1, 1861, and re-organized May 10, 1862. It appears to have been consolidated with the 44th Regiment Tennessee Infantry about September or October, 1863, but each company of the two organizations was mustered separately and under its original designation during the period covered by this consolidation."

According to Margaret Willene Henry: George Washington Henry at the battle of Chicakamauga. George Washington Henry was one of twelve children born to Ligeard F. Henry and his wife Nancy Thomas. He was born Oct. 6, 1841 in White Co. Tn. near the town of Monterey. Being a single man he enlosted for state service on July 25, 1861 at Tullahoma, Coffee Co., Tn. for a period of one year. He was sworn in by A. B. Hardcastle at the rank of Private in Company K, 25 Regt. Tenn. Inf.The 25th regiment Tennessee Infantry was organized for state service Aug. 10, 1861, transferred to the service of the Confederate States Oct. 1,1861 and re-organized May 10, 1862. Records show that George got sick furlough Feb. 10,1862 for 15 days. He went home and was absent without leave from that time until Nov. 12th 1862 but was in charge of a surgeon most of that time. We think he married during this time, set up a home and made and harvested a crop and his son J. Morgan was conceived during this time. He rejoined his regiment and in Sept. 1863 and fought at the battle of Chickamauga on the 18, 19, and 20. He was wounded by a mini ball in the left arm and was sent to the hospital at Newman Ga. of Sept. 16, by Surgeon Regt. Fryar. The would left him with a stiff arm the rest of his life. This information is in the Military Records - National Archieves.

Family Reunion

The following clipping from Pat Vance -- The below transcription is from a clipping I found in the property of my Aunt Laura Belle Henry Laney. From tracing the names, I believe I have connected this to the correct George Henry b. October 6, 1841. There is nothing on the clipping to indicate which paper it is from or where they lived. I am assuming from my records and places mentioned, they lived in Putnam County at that time:

A family reunion took place at the home of Uncle George Henry and wife Aunt Rachel, on last Sunday, Oct. 31st. There was a great host of friends and relatives present, among whom were Jasper Henry , James Miller, W. M. Henry and wife, A. Stamps and wife of Cookeville, Route 5, Andy Jones of near Shady Grove, Rev. Frank Henry of Calfkiller, T. W. Officer and wife and many others too numerous to mention.

Uncle George and Aunt Rachel have reared a family of eleven children, eight boys and three girls, the youngest of whom is 28 years old ([[User:Jim.lindstrom]: Franklin Henry was born in 1879, dating this writing to 1907). They were all present on this occasion .. It was a great sociable occasion, the pleasant conversations and hearty handshakes were enjoyedhy all present.. A most delightful dinner was served and after dinner was over with the congregation was called to order by W. M. Henry and thecrowd assembled on and in front of the porch. Jim T. Henry, with his organ and singing class from Rocky Point rendered the song service, and oh, such a beautiful song service led by W. M. Henry.

No wonder the song service was beautiful when we come to think about four singing masters being in the family and most all of the relatives singers. A very touching prayer was offered by their son, Rev. Elisha Henry.

Some very interesting talks were made by W. M. Henry, Rev. Elisha Henry, Rev. G. F. Henry, and Jim T. Henry. W. M. Henry closed the service by calling a handshake and a general revival of religion followed.

T. W. Officer and A. P. Roberson counted the congregation and reported that there were 120 relatives and 65 others, making a total of 185 present. The benediction was pronounced by Rev. G. F. Henry and the congregation to their homes feeling greatly benefited.

Putnam County, Tennessee

The book, Cookeville and Putnam County has numerous photos of people and buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries. No mentions of the Henrys, but presumably their appearance and lives were similar to those shown in the book. According to this book, the County was originally established in 1842 (though white settlers had been there since around 1800), it was declared unconstitutional and not re-established until 1854. The Henrys, who are known to have arrived between 1841 (when George was born in Illinois) and 1850 (when the census registers them in TN) must have arrived in the interim time period.

Photos

George and Rachel	George's Civil War Muster (Confederacy)
George and Rachel

Historical Records

• The 1850 Federal Census lists George (age 10), living with his parents in Tennessee
• The 1860 Federal Census lists George (age 18), living with his parents Nancy (age 40) and L. F. (age 42).
• The 1870 Federal Census lists George (age 28) living with his wife Rachel (age 28) and children John M (age 11), William M (age 5), Nancy J (age 3), and Mary (3 mo), in Putnam Co, TN. George is listed as a farmer, Nancy as a housewife. They are labeled as "White" (even though "Indian" is a possible category).
• George (age 38) lived in District 4, Warren, TN with his wife Rachel (age 37) and all 8 children, in the 1880 Federal Census.
  • George is listed as a farm laborer, and has been unemployed for 4 months during the year.
  • Rachel is listed as a house keeper
  • Eldest son Morgan is listed as a farm laborer, and has been unemployed for 3 months during the year.
• A G W Henry is listed as a Putnam County, TN voter in 1891.
• George (age 58), Rachel (age 57), Mary J (age 29), and George T Henry (age 12) live in Putnam, TN in the 1900 Federal Census. George is listed as white and as a farmer.
• George (age 68) and Rachel (age 67) live alone in Putnam Co, TN in the 1910 Federal Census.
• George's death certificate gives his date of death as Nov 10, 1915 (age 74).
• George is buried in Sand Springs Cemetery with many other Henry relatives