SOURCE: History of Old Vincennes and Knox County, Indiana. Volume II
George E. Henry, superintendent of the Vincennes Traction Company, belongs to that class of men whose records are marked by orderly progression. Success can never be attained by one who does not correctly judge his own capacities and powers as well as the restrictions which go to make up life’s contacts and experiences. Never overestimating his own strength but recognizing the fact that each forward step brings a wider outlook and broader opportunities, Mr. Henry in his business life has made continuous advancement and is now capably serving in a position of large responsibility.
He was born in Ironton, Ohio, June 17, 1859. His father, William D. Henry, was also a native of that state and the grandfather, James Henry, was a pioneer settler of Ironton. The family is of Irish lineage and was founded in America by John Henry, the great-grandfather of our subject, who came from the Emerald isle in colonial days and was a valiant soldier of the Revolutionary war, participating in the battle of Bunker Hill and other important engagements of that long and sanguinary struggle.
It was James Henry who secured the farm upon which the town of Ironton now stands, and the old Henry burying ground is still to be seen there. Reared in that state, William D. Henry learned and followed the miller’s trade, successfully operating the Magnolia Mill there until his retirement from active business.
When his close application and earnest labors had brought him a comfortable competence to supply him with all of the necessities and many of the comforts and luxuries of life through his remaining days, he retired and devoted his life to such pursuits as yielded his pleasure and enjoyment. He died in 1905 at the age of seventy-six years. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Sarah Virginia Cloninger, was a native of Ohio and died in 1900 at the age of sixty- two years.
The schools of Ironton provided George E. Henry with his educational privileges until he graduated from high school. He then turned his attention to mechanical and engineering work and for a few years was a licensed marine engineer on the river. At the expiration of that period, he took up the milling business and while thus engaged he went to Vincennes when the street railway was being established.
In that connection, he installed the machinery under the direction of Mr. Hudnut, who was at that time president of the road. Later he returned to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he remained until when he was appointed vice president and general manager of the Vincennes City Street Railway Company, acting in that capacity for five years. In April, Mr. Hudnut disposed of his interest in the business and the company was reorganized under the name of the Vincennes Traction Company.
Mr. Henry Was then appointed as superintendent. He had become well acquainted with the business, was familiar with every detail and now thoroughly understands the work of operating the line. He keeps the streetcar system abreast with the most modern advancement in interurban transportation and is both a popular and eminent comical.
In 1883 Mr. Henry was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Barrett, a native of Ottawa, Canada, and they have become the parents of three sons and one daughter, William D., Hope Virginia, Walker H. and George B. Mr. Henry belongs to the Masonic fraternity, holding membership with Vincennes Lodge. No. r, A. F. & A. Me, also with the chapter, council, and Commandery.
He likewise belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is a past chancellor of Occidental Lodge, No. 18, of Terre Haute. His gradual rise in the business world represents the fit utilization of his time and talents and stands in incontrovertible proof of the fact that the path of opportunity leading to success is open to all.
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