Henry came to America as a young boy and settled, was educated in New Orleans in the early 1840's where his father was an agent, selling real estate and goods, he also lived part of the time in Pass Chrisitan, where he and his brothers built a cottage on the beach lot his mother had purchased. Pass Christian was where he married Maria Swanson. Henry served briefly in the Civil War. We see in 1862 Henry was a private in Company F of the Chalmette Regt., La. Militia.( His brother Richard was a first Sargent in Company C, 3rd Regt, 1st Brig., 11st Div. La. Mil.) After the war he went to work as a carpenter for the Texas and New Orleans RR.
Henry was first married to Maria Swanson and lost most of his family including his wife. He then married Mary Elizabeth Barrus, a school teacher. The family live for a time in New Orleans and then in moved to Washington, St Landry Parish LA.
because that was the direction the RR was growing. Having a RR job meant a good living.
Around 1878-79 Henry arrived, with his family, in Houston, Texas. The 1880 Federal Census lists his family there. Early Houston city directories also scontinue to track the family through the years. They remained there until Henry's death, JB became mayor of Houston Heights and then various other civic positions. William and Harry moved to Beaumont. Mary Elizabeth moved to Palestine with her aughter Mary Lucille Marmion Vokes. Cora Marmion Coppenger remained in Houston, as did Arthur, and Walter died young (poss RR accident). |
