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Archiver > NYLEWIS > 2001-02 > 0982812905


From: charmaine <>
Subject: [NYLEWIS] Re: Henry surname
Date: Wed, 21 Feb 2001 22:35:05 -0500
References: <3A90717D.76D3@northnet.org> <031c01c09c56$aead7e20$8334f040@Palice>


Alice-
This from the booklet French Settlement (Croghan)-
--Pioneer of Croghan Dies at Strife House--
---Nicholas Henry Highly Esteemed Citizen---
----Came Here From Lorraine----
-----Went with Parents to French Settlement- Helped To Clear
Wilderness-Occupied Farm Near Croghan- Leaves Many Descendants

Nicholas J. Henry one of Croghan's early pioneers, died at the Strife
House in this village on Saturday at the hour of noon. Mr. Henry came
here a week previous to his death to reside with his son, Nicholas, who
in co-partnership with Mr. Thisse, under the firm name of Thisse&Henry,
on December 7th, purchased the Strife House of William R. Jonas.

Soon as the new proprietors were in possession the aged patriarch
arrived to spend the remainder of his days at the county seat. He was
taken with a severe cold shortly after reaching here, which owing to his
advanced age, resulted in his unexpected death.

Mr. Henry was 85 years of age, having been born at Beri, in the French
province of Lorraine, on November 11, 1829. He came to this country in
his ninth year. His father and mother, Pierre and Elizabeth Henry,
brought their family over on the same ship carrying other settlers for
Lewis County, among whom were Nicola George and sons, Jean, Pierre, and
Christopher, also a daughter, Nanette; Francoise Bintz and Claude
Sneider, a French soldier. The family settled in the wilderness near
the......(can not make this out) ....known as hamlet which was then
French Settlement, later named Croghan, which ten years previous was
still an unsettled region.

A settlers cabin was constructed by the immigrant family and the
clearing of the land of its heavy forest growth was begun. It was here
the boy grew to manhood, acquiring such education as the parish school
afforded, at the same time receiving instruction in the faith of his
parents from priests who traveled on foot from Utica to visit the
Settlement, before St. Stephen's parish was formed.

When he attained his majority he married the daughter of an immigrant,
Miss Elizabeth Rubar, and set up in life for himself. His wife died two
years afterward, leaving no children. He later married Barbara Henry, by
whom he had nine children, eight of whom survive. She died 27 years ago.
Mr. Henry resided for many years on a large farm lying between Croghan
and Belfort. He was a man of fine character, sturdy in his physical
makeup, and the soul of honor in his transactions with his fellowmen. He
was of a genial temperment, pssessing a quiet sense of humor, often
manifested in conversation with friends; many of whom became greatly
attached to him owing to his kindly ways and cordiality. He was a
faithful member of St. Stephen's church and contributed liberally to the
upbuilding of the parish.

Four sons survive, Nicholas, and Frank of Lowville, Albert Henry of
Croghan and George Henry of Lyons Falls; also four daughters, Mrs.
Michael Ritz of Indian River; Mrs. Henry Kirch and Mrs. Nicholas Kieffer
of Croghan and Mrs. Ferdinand Snyder of Ogdensburg. In addition he
leaves 26 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

His remains were conveyed to Croghan Monday, by train, where a requiem
high mass was celebrated at St. Stephen's church, which was very largely
attended, considering the severity of the storm then raging. The bearers
were six grandsons, Elmer, Francis, Anselm, Leon and Edgar Henry and
Albert Ritz. Burial was made in St. Stephen's Cemetery, adjoining the
village of Croghan.

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