Veteran of Spanish-American War is remembered
HAVERFORD » With Memorial Day coming the members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Dennis Kelly division, are honoring the memory of Marine Corps veteran John F. Henry.
Henry served in the Marines from October 1896, through October 1901. He was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Marblehead in the Spanish-American War. He also saw service in the Philippines and in 1900 was part of a multinational force that rescued a besieged population of foreign nationals in the northern city of Tientsin, China, during the Boxer Rebellion.
Henry’s service didn’t end there. Following the war Henry became one of the first of the 228-member Pennsylvania State Constabulary or State Police, which was formed in 1905 following labor violence in the coal fields, iron mills and textile factories across the state.
According to the state police website,in the department became the first uniformed police organization of its kind in the United States.
Henry, 31, was stationed at Troop D in Punxsutawney. On the afternoon of Sept. 2, 1906, he was called to take part in an operation to arrest members of an immigrant crime syndicate with roots from southern Italy. The group was dubbed the “Black Hand Society” by the press for its use of extortion — often sending a letter signed with a dagger and a black hand print. The criminals were barricaded in a home in Florence, Jefferson County.
Henry was part of the force which advanced on the house when he was shot dead. A second officer, Private Francis Zehringer, died after police rushed the home. Eventually troopers placed dynamite under the home, destroying it and killing the remaining occupants.
Henry is buried at St. Denis Cemetery in Havertown. He was survived by a sister, a resident of Philadelphia.
In 2005 the state police placed a modern marker and held a ceremony in his honor as part of their centennial. In 2016 a marker was placed near the site of the shoot out by the Pennsylvania Historical Commission.
“We’re not sure of why he was buried here,” said AOH Secretary Joe Schwartz. “We’re trying to figure out his connection to Havertown and would welcome any information on his life in the area.”
Every year the AOH veterans committee honors a Irish veteran. In the past they honored a local veteran, Joseph Kane, who died in Iraq.
The service Sunday at St. Denis begins with a 11:30 Mass followed by a 12:30 graveside ceremony with members of the Pennsylvania State Police, the Marine Corps League and the AOH members in attendance. The public is invited.
“I think it is very fitting. Our unit is named in honor of Dennis Kelly. He donated the property St. Denis Church and cemetery is built on, “said AOH member Jim McCans. “Henry was brought to our attention by a former state trooper who told me the story.”
“He encompassed everything we want to recognize on Memorial day,” said McCans. “He served his country as a Marine, and later as a first responder as a state trooper ... and finally he represents our Irish-Catholic heritage.”
McCans also was amazed he wore a wool uniform during his time fighting in the tropical conditions of Cuba,
“It would have killed me,” McCans said.