Where Do I Begin: Tracing the History of the Henry Family

Theodore and Alphanscena Wedding

In November 2015, I visited Jamaica to attend my cousin Theodore's wedding. I was able to connect with family which was a tremendous blessing.  We had a grand old time.  

 

Below are a few of the pictures that were taken. 

 

Theodore and Alphanscena Wedding Memories

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Where does my history begin: Reginald Henry's Memoir (2014)

Reginald Henry wrote his memoir in 2014

Download REG'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Dedication

Take a knife and cut a hole into the water in the sea, or river, or any collection of water. I could have felt or looked like that hole.

Never Apart; Ever A Part is dedicated to the people in my life who make it possible for me not to feel or look like that hole, or be it.

First in this group of people are the women in my life whom I have described at the end of section 51, “Lit by the stars”, Never Apart; Ever A Part, as having good l’s, good b’s, good b’s, and good b’s.

I am listing by names, alphabetically, two of these special women in my life, who in their different ways, help to define me. They are Eulalee Bryan-Henry, my wife, and Odette (Henry) Belton, my daughter.

With these, I have sneaked in Baby Anonymous who has made me into a two generations up ancestor. And who will one day ask, “Where did I come from?” Biologically? Geographical-ly?

I do dedicate.

 

 

 

Where does my history begin? Ma Rhoda's Memoir: "Journey - The Story of My Life

My grandma wrote her life story (link to the full text included below).  My Uncle Martin wrote the Foreword as presented below.  

Foreword

Among the rural people of Jamaica the oral transmission of information and culture takes precedence over written records. In earlier times, this was an excellent workable way of imparting to a younger generation the distilled knowledge and wisdom of the aged. Today, in a rapidly changing society in which so few things are stable or permanent, we must resort to the written word if we wish to treasure both for ourselves and our children the valuable contributions which come from the lives of our elders.

On October 18, 1910, a twelfth child was born to Charles and Margery Morgan in a little village resting against the St. Andrew hills, some twenty miles northeast of Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. This village, Somerset, is so insignificant in size that it finds no place on even the largest map of the country.

The baby girl was named Rhoda Irene Morgan; and amidst the poverty and harshness of deep rural existence, she has lived a rich and beautiful life these seventy years.

It is not unusual to find the educated, the successful and the influential writing their autobiographies for the benefit of posterity. Rhoda Morgan can lay no claim to any of these attributes, viewed in a conventional and narrow sense; but she indeed obtained a startling education, being taught in the school of life by the great teacher, experience. She has succeeded in living a life of integrity and worth, and she has had a positive influence on nearly everyone who has had the good fortune of associating with her.

For several years now, those of us who are close to her have listened and re-listened to the narration of the important, strange and fascinating events from her life. In the tradition of Jamaican story telling, these stories were mostly told around the flickering flame of a kerosene lamp in the front room of her two-room cottage or out under the shade of spreading mango trees, as we took a break from our labour in the hot tropical sun. We thought that this story was more than worth recording and we have encouraged her to write it down, largely for the benefit of her immediate family, but we hope that all who are interested in the life of rural Jamaica folks will find this humble work good reading and a rich source of information.

The reader will quickly discover that the autobiographer was never blessed with ease or plenty, but she would be the last person on earth to complain of hardship. A firm religious faith dating back to earliest childhood and strong determination to survive has kept her going and will continue to fuel the fire of her final years.

It has always been something of an astonishment to me, despite my origins, to witness the genuine happiness and freedom from excessive anxiety evident among the folk of rural Jamaica and pre-eminently present in Rhoda Irene. These characteristics, which are somewhat atrophied among city dwellers, will literally leap out at you from the pages of this autobiography.

I had the good fortune to associate at the deepest level with the writer from the earlier years of my life. The quality of her life has stimulated my own development and, indeed, it is fair to say that most of what I am is due to her and the tremendous sacrifices she has made on behalf of myself and eleven other men and women. Her greatness of spirit and humility of heart, the life she has lived, have truly made her a wonderful person. If I have exaggerated or have over spiced this foreword, I crave your forgiveness. You see, I am writing about Mama, the best Mama in the world!

Martin E. D. Henry

 

Download Ma Rhoda's Memoir

Download Rhoda's story_(as updated by Martin Henry)

 

Mama Rhoda's Prayer For Her Children

 

 

 

Where does my history begin? The Beginnings of the Henry Family Tree

Below is a list of all my father's brothers and sisters. 

A Sabbath Visit with Family in Jamaica

We went to visit our family in Jamaica for spring break.  It was important for me to introduce my children to their grand aunts, grand uncles and cousins.  We were able to capture all / if not some of the family members present.  I was really pleased that so many of them were able to make it out to celebrate family and fellowship with us.  

I want to Thank Uncle Martin for organizing the church visit and lunch.  

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Family Sabbath Visit - March 2019

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