Early Memories of Saugatuck, Michigan : 1830-1930
Author: Heath, May Francis
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Grand Rapids, Mich: 1930

HON. JOHN F. HENRY

With the passing from this life of John F. Henry, Saugatuck lost one of its most influential and respected citizens, one who was conversant with the town's lumber activities.

Mr. Henry's birthplace was Brantford, Ontario, in 1836. At an early age he became a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y., where he received his early education; and at Dr. Woodhull's Classical school at Freehold, N. J., he took college preparation, entering Princeton where he completed his education. He was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity.

Coming to Saugatuck in 1871 he entered the office of Stockbridge and Johnson Lumber Co., as secretary, serving the company throughout their operation here, or until 1885 when W. B. Griffin and J. G. Williams bought the business which they successfully conducted for many years, and later was the firm of Griffin and Henry.

Mr. Henry was married to Miss Isabel Shore, whose father was an early pioneer, and to this union was born one daughter, Helen, now Mrs. A. T. Everett of Wisconsin.

Mr. Henry was president of the village from 1886 to 1893 and a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 1893 to 1896.

He was a man of great public spirit, civic pride and of the highest standards of efficiency and integrity, and he will long be remembered, for his quiet, dignified influence was felt by those with whom he came in contact.