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Higher Office(s) Served: Representative, Senator

JOHN HENRY was born at "Weston" in Dorchester County, Maryland in November 1750. His education was attained at the West Nottingham Academy, at Princeton College, from which he graduated around 1769, and at the Middle Temple School in London, where he studied law. Henry entered politics in 1777, serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, a position he held two years. He also served as a member of the Continental Congress from 1777 to 1779, 1780, and 1784 to 1786, and was a member of the U.S. Senate from 1789 to 1797. He also received two electoral votes for president of the United States in the 1796 election. The Maryland Legislature elected Henry governor in 1797. He was sworn into office on November 17, 1797. During his tenure, the state militia system was restructured and additional troops were drafted. Because of his declining health, Henry chose not to run for reelection. After leaving office on November 14, 1798, he retired from public service. Governor John Henry passed away on December 16, 1798, and was buried at the family cemetery at "Weston." In 1908, he was reinterred at Christ Protestant Episcopal Cemetery in Cambridge, Maryland.

Sources:

Eisenberg, Gerson G. Marylanders Who Served the Nation. Annapolis, MD: Maryland State Archives, 1992.

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 2, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

White, Frank F., Jr. The Governors of Maryland, 1777-1972. Annapolis, MD: Hall of Records Commission, 1970.

Maryland State Archives

Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress