Guy Vernor Henry

Gen. Guy Vernor Henry (1839–1899) was born in Fort Smith, Indian Territory (now Arkansas) on March 9 1839. He graduated from West Point Military Academy on March 9, 1861, serving as a Union soldier in the Civil War and later in conflicts against the Indians in the west and southwest of the United States of America. During the Spanish-American War he was dispatched to Guantánamo, Cuba and later sent to Puerto Rico, alongside General Nelson Miles.

He received successive brevets for gallantry in various battles and was breveted Brigadier General, U.S. Army, for gallantry at Rose Bud, Montana , where he was shot through the face while fighting native Americans. He was awarded the Medal of Honor on December 5, 1893 for his Civil War service at the battle of Cold Harbor on June 1, 1864 where he was serving as Colonel, 40th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.

During the invasion of Puerto Rico he lead a "Provisional Division" from the city of Ponce to Arecibo, Puerto Rico to rendezvous with General Theodore Schwan who was arriving from the city of Mayagüez. The tropical rain impeded his trek and before he reached Mayagüez, the conflict was over.

On December 6 1898 he was designated Governor of Puerto Rico. On February 6 1899 he dissolved the Cabinet of Puerto Rico, which was instituted with the Autonomic Charter. Henry also eliminated taxes on basic food items. On May 17 1899, he was replaced by General George W. Davis .

He died at his home in Washington, D.C. on October 27, 1899 and is buried in Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery.

See also

• List of Governors of Puerto Rico
• History of Puerto Rico

External links

• Arlington Cemetery: Guy Henry