Notes
Note for: Robert Henry, 7 MAY 1801 - 29 OCT
1865 Index
[Henry Family Tree.FTW]
Robert Henry and his wife Elizabeth Downing were married in Londonderry,
Ireland on 6/3/1820. Immediately following their wedding they left for
America. They migrated across Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and
Louisiana to Texas. Robert was successful at farming and livestock
business.
Robert and Elizabeth mad it to Texas just before the passage of the
Mexican law of 1830 which made it almost impossible for others to come to
Texas. Robert Henry served in Captain James Gillaspies Co, Texas Army in
the Battle of San Jacinto.
The Henry and Houston families were freinds in Ireland. Robert and Sam
had not met until they were in the army together. Robert was one of the
men who helped carry the broken and battered body of Sam Houston on board
the little vessel which would carry him to New Orleans for medical
treatment after the battle of San Jacinto, and the declaration of Texas
Independence.
Robert and Elizabeth owned Slaves. The house that they lived in was
located in Brazos County in an area known as "Red Top".
In his later years Robert Henry became known as "Squire Henry". He built
the first cotton gin in this part of Texas in 1840.
Several organizations in Brazos County attest to the memory of Robert
henry. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas Chapter in Bryan bears his
name. One of the family's most cherished possessions is a leather-bound
ledger containing the minutes of "The Henry Grange Lodge #210 from 1875
to 1888. Mention is made in these minutes of contributing to the new
college which was soon to be built. This college is the Texas A & M
University.
A small family cemetery near Bryan is the final resting place for Robert
Henry. A chain link fence has been built around the plot to keep the
cattle out. The marker at the head of his grave reads in part:
"Robert 1801-1856...one of the victors fo the Battle of San Jacinto...A
staunch Presbytterian--Kept true to faith at risk of life...Prominent in
Public life, he held Justice of the Peace Court beneath shade trees."
This is an article out of the Eagle by Anton Reicher, the date of the
published article is unknown.
Book traces history of Henry clan from N. ireland to Texas Frontier
By Anton Reicher
Eagle staff writer
"True descendants of James and Margot Henry of County Antrim,
ireland, betray themselves with a single question always asked of other
suspected kinsmen.
"Is your ancestor the first or second brother? Or maybe the third
or the Fourth?"
Five sones were born to James and Margot Henry in the early 1800s:
Robert, James, William, Hugh and Alexander. All of them immigrated to
the United States, and four of the brothers eventualy settled in Texas.
Today 35 - 40 descendents of these sons will eat Irish stew in
College Station to mark St. Patrick's Day and to celebrate their Emerald
Isle roots. Hosting the local Gaelic gala are a descendent of Robert
Henry, John Herman, and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Henry.
The Henrys recently published a book, "American Descendants of James
and Margot (O'Hara" Henry of County Antrim, Ireland," which describes the
Henrys' arrival in America and their struggles in frontier Texas.
The Henry family hails from the region of Northern Ireland known as
Ulster. Famous names that came from Ulster stock include Stonwall
Jackson, Same Houston, David Crockett, Kit Carson, Woodrow Wilson and
John Hancock. An unsubstantied family legend claims that James Henry was
the great grandson of famed Virgina crator Patrick Henry's grandfather.
The Henry family enjoys a connection with one Brazos County's most
famous founding fathers - Col Harvey Mitchell. Hugh Reed Henry son of
Robert and Elizabeth Henry was Mitchell's brother-in-law. Mitchell,
known as "The Father of Brazos County," manged to make the county the
home of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, forerunner to
Texas A&M University.
The book details a colorful history. Robert Henry was the first of
five sons to arrive in the United States. Born in 1801, Robert married
in 1820 in what is today Northern Ireland and came to this country on his
wedding trip. James William and Hugh all immigrated together in 1821
when they were in their middle or late teens."[henry joshua.FTW]
Robert Henry is listed in the 1846 Republic of Texas Poll list page 75.
Notes
Note for: William Henry, ABT. 1806 - 1849 Index
[Henry Family Tree.FTW]
William Henry, was the first white child in Robertson County, Texas
born.[henry joshua.FTW]
William Henry, was the first white child in Robertson County, Texas born.
Notes
Note for: Hugh Henry, ABT. 1810 - 1839 Index
Burial:
Date: 1839
Place: Marilyn, , Texas