John Henry

Print

Patrick Henry's Red Hill

Name/Title

John Henry

Entry/Object ID

2025.5

Description

Sepia-toned photographic print of a bust-length portrait miniature. The subject, John Henry, is turned proper left and looking at the viewer. Subject is wearing a dark collared jacked over a cravat and high collar. His hair is short in the front but long and curly in the back. He has a neutral expression. The photograph is matted in a gray matte and framed in its original wood frame painted black. The original glass contains several bubbles and inclusions. Handwritten and typed notes occupy the reverse of the frame.

Made/Created

Date made

circa 1890 - circa 1930

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Inscription

Location

Reverse, top left corner

Transcription

John Henry Father of Emma Henry; who was the wife of Major J. B. Ferguson

Language

English

Material/Technique

Ink

Type

Label

Location

Reverse, center

Transcription

Col. John Henry, son of Patrick Henry, married Elvira McClelland, granddaughter of Col. William Cabell of Union Hill. Their daughter, Emma Cabell married Major James B. Ferguson, the great grandfather of Mr. J.B. Ferguson, the contractor for the restoration of Scotchtown. Major James B. Ferguson was Purchasing Agent in London for the supplies for the Confederate Army. He presented General Robert E. Lee with his first general's suit after he bacame [sic] general.

Language

English

Material/Technique

Ink

Dimensions

Width

3-1/2 in

Length

5-3/4 in

Width

13-1/2 in

Depth

3/4 in

Length

15-1/4 in

Provenance

Notes

This print is a photograph of a lost portrait miniature of John Henry (1796–1868), the youngest son of Patrick and Dorothea Dandridge Henry. John Henry was born at Red Hill and inherited the property following his father's death. He lived out his life at Red Hill with his wife, Elvira McClelland (1808–1875), and their six children. This miniature appears to depict John as a young man, likely in his 20s or 30s, as his attire coincides with Regency-era (ca. 1795–1837) styles. The Henrys' youngest daughter, Emma Cabell Henry (1838–1905), married James Boswell Ferguson III (1822–1896) in 1858. Their great-grandson, James Boswell Ferguson (1908–1992), donated this print to the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, now Preservation Virginia, in 1976. Preservation Virginia transferred this print to the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation on April 25, 2025.