John Henley

Mr. John C. Henley, Sr. came to Birmingham, from his hometown of Montgomery, in the early days of its history and is considered to be one of the founding fathers of the city. He, along with Charles Linn, has been permanently identified with its business and social development. Mr. Henley for a period of six years engaged in the real estate business and mercantile business, but, in 1878, entered the National Bank as bookkeeper. He eventually was promoted to the position of cashier by diligent and earnest service. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank, and, upon the consolidation of the National Bank and formation of the First National Bank, he was chosen vice-president of that staunch institution. He was a man of great character and is given credit for wise decision making that propered the bank through the years.

Mr. Henley was married, in 1876, to Mrs. Annie L. Matthews, the widow of William V. Matthews, a resident of Louisville, Ky., until his death, in 1872. Mrs. Henley is a daughter of the late Charles Linn.