Nelson H. Henry

Nelson H. Henry (April 27, 1855 – March 16, 1923) was an American medical doctor, politician, and military officer from New York. A Republican, he served in the New York State Assembly from 1899 to 1901. From 1910 to 1914, he held a political appointment as Surveyor of the Port of New York. A longtime member of the New York National Guard, he served as Adjutant General of New York from 1902 to 1910. Henry joined the United States Volunteers for the Spanish–American War in 1898. He was promoted to major general by brevet shortly before leaving the adjutant general's post.

Early life Nelson Herrick Henry was born on Staten Island, New York on April 27, 1855, a son of Joshua J. Henry and Mary Caroline (Herrick) Henry. He attended private and public schools in New York City, followed by studies at the College of the City of New York. He was reelected twice, and served from January 1, 1899 to December 31, 1901. In 1901, Henry married Sarah Bell (Rodgers) Sloane (1863–1936).

Military career In March 1883, Henry joined the New York National Guard, receiving a first lieutenant's commission as assistant surgeon of the 12th Infantry Regiment. In May 1884, he received promotion to captain.

Later career Henry resigned as adjutant general in order to accept appointment as US Surveyor of the Port of New York, succeeding James S. Clarkson. The surveyor was one of three officials, along with the collector and the naval officer, who were responsible for collecting customs on imports arriving by ship and assessing fines for importers who attempted to evade paying the duties. (The naval officer was a political appointee, not a military one.) The position was called "naval" because the incumbent was expected to board and inspect ships to aid the surveyor and collector in estimating the duties owed.

In 1915, Henry was appointed Water Register of the City of New York. The register was in charge of the Bureau of Water Register in the city's Department of Water Supply, Gas & Electricity, and was responsible for setting rates, collecting payments, and approving permits for high-volume commercial water use. Henry served in this post until resigning in May 1918.

Henry was a member of the Army and Navy Club of New York City, Military Order of Foreign Wars, United Spanish War Veterans, and Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He died at the Army and Navy Club after experiencing a stroke while conversing with friends. He was buried at Cemetery of the Evergreens in Brooklyn.