Manoah Henry

Manoah Vaughan Henry (born February 8, 1848 in Blount County; died December 30, 1935 in Birmingham) was a teacher, state legislator and Jefferson County Treasurer.

Henry enlisted into the Confederate Army when he turned 16 in 1865. He served under Nathan Forrest and was taken prisoner at Selma. After returning home he completed his education, graduating from the Cumberland University in 1871.

Henry was a long-time educator. He co-founded the Bellevue Academy in 1883 and was often given the title of "Professor" throughout his public career. He was elected to the Alabama State House of Representatives in 1889 and was remembered for sponsoring the first state law to protect the health of coal miners and for sponsoring a bill the provided increased funding for schools in Jefferson County.

Henry had five children by his first wife, the former Mary Helen Baker, and four more with his second wife, the former Fannie Cochran. His daughter Virginia Mayfield was the first female Circuit Court judge in Alabama.

Henry died in December 1935 and is buried at Elmwood Cemetery.

References

• "M. V. Henry Dies; Former Legislator" (December 31, 1935) Montgomery Advertiser