E. Stevens Henry

Edward Stevens Henry
Born	Template:Birth date Gill, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died	October 10, 1921(1921-10-10) (aged 85)
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, politician
Years active	1855–1921
Known for	U.S. Representative for Connecticut's 1st congressional district (1895–1913), Treasurer of Connecticut (1889–1893), Mayor of Rockville, Connecticut

Edward Stevens Henry (February 10, 1836 – October 10, 1921) was a prominent American entrepreneur and Republican official from Connecticut. He served as the U.S. Representative for Connecticut's 1st congressional district between 1895 and 1913. Henry's political career also included roles as the 44th Treasurer of Connecticut (1889–1893), membership in both chambers of the Connecticut General Assembly, and the mayoralty of Rockville, Connecticut.

Early life

Henry was born in Gill, Massachusetts, as the oldest among six siblings. In 1849, his family moved to Rockville, Connecticut. He attended local public schools before entering the dry goods industry at nineteen years old. Henry was instrumental in founding the People's Saving Bank in Rockville and held the position of Treasurer there from 1870 until his death in 1921. Alongside his business pursuits, he was involved in agriculture and raising livestock.

Career

His political journey began with service in the Connecticut House of Representatives in 1883, followed by a term in the State Senate from 1887 to 1888. During his tenure as State Treasurer from 1889 to 1893, he successfully eliminated the state tax. Henry also held the office of mayor of Rockville from 1894 to 1895.

After an initial unsuccessful attempt at Congress in 1892, Henry was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1894 and maintained his seat for nine consecutive terms until 1913. He played an active role on the House Committee on Agriculture and chaired the Committee on Expenditures on Public Buildings during the 60th and 61st Congresses. A proponent of protectionism and advocate for the gold standard, he sponsored legislation known as the Oleomargarine Act (or Henry Bill), which sought to regulate butter substitutes. Henry chose not to seek renomination in 1912.

Upon concluding his congressional service, he resumed his commercial enterprises in Rockville until his passing in 1921. His final resting place is Grove Hill Cemetery.

Legacy

Henry Park located in Rockville, Connecticut, occupies land that Henry donated and bears his name as a tribute.