Draft:John Ward Henry

John Ward Henry (January 29, 1825 – December 12, 1902) was a justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri from 1876 to 1888.

Born in Cynthiana, Kentucky, Henry graduated from the Law Department of Transylvania University in 1844, gained admission to the bar in Boonville, Missouri, in 1845.

"In 1854 he served as State superintendent of public schools, and in 1864 moved to Macon City, Missouri. In 1872 he was elected judge of the circuit court, and gained a high reputation as a strong lawyer and able judge. In 1876 he was elected to the Supreme Bench. A constant practice before him as a member of that court, and an almost daily association with him during hi? term, and since, have made the impression that Judge Henry is gifted with a singularly active mind, thoroughly trained to the law, and the happy faculty of at once grasping the salient points of a case presented for consideration. He rendered the State great services and delivered a large number of opinions. He was especially well versed in questions of negligence, constitutional law, and statutory construction. ... Upon his retirement, he removed to Kansas City. In 1889 the Legislature provided two additional circuit judges, to dispose of the rapidly increasing litigation in that prosperous city. Judge Henry accepted one of these seats, and in 1890 was elected for a full term by an overwhelming majority."

Henry died in his home in Kansas City, Missouri, after an illness of two months.