Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-05-25

him iu vain, ana the latch-string always
hung on the outside of his door. In
his chosen profession he was fearless
and conscientious advocate, an able
1urist. ana a safe and reliable counsellor.
EARLY LIFE.
In his boyhood he attended the best
schools Of his county and then entered
Bethany College. W. Va, where he took
the degree of A. NJ Returning homo
ne chose the law as his profession. ANA
attended lectures at Lexington, Va,
under Judge BrokenhorOugh. and ut the
commencement OF the war was reading
law under Lemuel j. BOwden. of this
city When the call 10 arms was sound
cd he was one OF the first 10 respond,
and how well be served his country let
the record. as well as the honorable
scars that be carried to his grave. attest
Ia 1861 ne entered the Confederate SER
vice as sergeant of Company G, Thirty
second Virginia Infantry. When the
JeeimCutal formation was completed he
WIS made cOmmssary-ca captain. and re-
manned with his regiment in this capaci-
g. until detached, performing not only
The duties OF his office, but being often
iu the thickest of the fray. In the
battle OF Savare's Station he went into
that Bloody fight, and was the only COM
missiOucl officer present from his home
company. At The battle Of Sharpsburg
DE shoullerel "a musket and went TO the
front. and was three times wounded. lt
WAS in this fierce struggle that Captain
Henley. witnessing the retreat OF a regi-
ment Of raw recruits. left his position,
rallied the men. and brought them into
action again. an9 for this act received
hhe thanks of the general commanding.
PROMOTED MAJOR
For this and other gallant and mer-
fofious conduct on the field Of battle be
Nyas. in 1864. promoted 10 major and as
signed 10 the Eighth Virginia Battalion
OF Infantry, and when the war ended
WAS stationed near Danville. Va. where
hc received his parole and returned home.
As soon as the courts opened he com
menced the practice Of law, and early
secured "a lucrative practice, and rose
rapidly in the profession. In December
ls57. he married Miss Ida u. Spencer. OF
james City. I'm 1870 he was chosen judge
Of the County Courts of James City,
York and the city Of Williamsburg. He
served two full terms In this office, and
was elected the third time, but resigned
On lSS. lie was then appointed by Gov
crnor Cameron as "a member Of the Board
uf Directors of the Eastern Lunatic Asy-
lum. and made president Of the board.
In 1885 he was elected judge of the
the expiration cot the term. at which
time the most hattering testimonials
were given him 10y the members of the
bar throughout the circuit and an earn
est appeal made for his retention in
Office. These testimonials by the lawyers
and court officers rendered to the Judge
their assurance of high personal esteem,
inspired by uniform aifability and courte-
sy which they received at his hands,
4
citation for the prompt, impartial, ana
able manner I'm which he considered and
decided the many important questions
submitted TO his adjudication. and also
assured him of the satisfaction which
his administration OF justice had afford
ed both bar and l.tigants
AS cVdencing the character of these
testimonials. which came spontaneously
from every county in the circuit, witness
The following from distinguished MEM
Der OF the Essex Bar:
Retiring. as he does from the bench
crowned with judicial honors and fresh
tokens Of esteem from the bar, l recall
the words Of Dryden. applied TO the Earl
OF ShaftesbuTy. which ! may apply aptly
with "a little modification TO him:
"In lsrae's courts ne'er sat an Abeth- !
din.
with more discerning eyes, or hands
more clean;
Unbrbed. unsought the wrotched TO
redress
Swift Of dispatch and easy Of access"
RESUMED PRACTICE.
After retiring from the bench he re- /
sumed the practice OF law, forming a |
partnership with Mr.. b. ID. Pcachy, OF /
this place. which lasted for several /
years. Later on ne associated with him |
his son. Mr. Norvon J.. Henley. under 1
the firm style OF II. II. Henley & Son, |
which continued up TO his death. lie had /
been for many years a member OF the |
state Board Of Agriculture. and for
several years was its president, |