Background
Henry was born in Cahore, Draperstown, County Londonderry, the son of prosperous Roman Catholic businessman.
Henry was born in Cahore, Draperstown, County Londonderry, the son of prosperous Roman Catholic businessman.
In 1885, he was called to the Irish Bar. During the general election campaign of 1895, Henry spoke in support of unionist candidates in two constituencies: Thomas Lea in South Londonderry, Henry"s native constituency, and East. T. Herdman in East Donegal. By March 1905, he was a delegate at the inaugural meeting of the Ulster Unionist Council and the Unionist Parliamentary candidate for the ultra-marginal North Tyrone seat, which he lost by seven votes in a 1907 by-election.
On 23 May 1916, in the first by-election to be held in Ireland after the Easter rebellion, he was elected Member of Parliament for South Londonderry.
The rebellion had had no discernible impact on the contest. In November 1918, he became Solicitor-General for Ireland and in July 1919, Attorney General for Ireland.
He later served as the first Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland from 1921 to 1925. In 1923, he was created a Baronet, of Cahore in the County of Londonderry.
They had five children, including James Holmes Henry, who succeeded as second baronet.
He died in 1925, aged 61, and was buried near his native Draperstown.
30th United Kingdom Parliament. 31st United Kingdom Parliament.