John Joseph Henry

Professional career

• In 1793, upon the death of Judge Atlee, he was appointed President Judge of the Second Judicial District of Pennsylvania at age 35

Education

Additional information

• He resigned in January 1811, and died the same year on April 15, 1811 in Lancaster.
• After clerking for Lancaster attorney Stephen Chambers, Henry studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1785.
• Henry married Jane Chambers, the younger sister of his mentor, in 1785.
• Captured during the January 1, 1776 assault, he was imprisoned for nine months, partly aboard HMS Pearl in New York harbor, and witnessed the Great Fire of New York.
• At 17, he enlisted as a rifleman in the Pennsylvania state troops and joined Benedict Arnold’s ill‐fated 1775 expedition to Quebec.
• Born November 4, 1758 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Henry was the son of William Henry, a prominent gunsmith, inventor, and patriot.
• Bench for 17 years, though his health often limited his attendance.
• Apprenticed at 14 to a gunsmith uncle in Detroit, he later returned to Lancaster on foot after his guide died in the wilderness.
• He suffered lasting injuries, including a chronic knee condition, and spent two years recuperating at home.
• They had at least eight or nine children, including Dr. Stephen Chambers Henry and Dr. Julian Henry.
• His will notably disinherited his eldest son, Stephen Chambers Henry, “for good causes”.