Rev. Francis J. Henry
Rev. Francis J. Henry, deceased, who was probably one of the best beloved of all the priests who have served the Catholic population of Lima, and who will long be recalled by the congregation of St. Rose, which he served so faithfully, was born in County Derry, Ireland, April 14, 1848, and died February 22, 1886.
Father Henry received classical instruction in Ireland, was trained in philosophy and theology at St. Vincent's, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and completed his course in the diocesan seminary. He was elevated to the priesthood on May 7, 1871, by the late Bishop Luers, in St. Patrick's Church, Toledo, where he remained in charge until May 1, 1872, when he was sent to take charge at Brier Hill, which included the missions of Mineral Ridge, Girard and Canfield.
In June, 1876, Father Henry was transferred to Lima, where he continued the beloved pastor of St. Rose until the close of the life which was notably one of Christian achievement. Ere more than in middle life, however, the good father, through strenuous work, had impaired his health, and in 1884 he visited his native land in the hope of recuperating, but, in the two remaining years which were permitted him, he never paused in his appointed work. He passed away, as he would have desired, in harness to the last, having twice celebrated mass on the day preceding his death.
The work Father Henry accomplished during his pastorate still stands as a lasting monument to his memory. The funeral was one of the largest ever seen in Lima, every one seeming to wish to pay a last token of respect. Bishop Gilmour, who preached the funeral sermon paid an eloquent tribute to the many virtues and earnest labors of one of whom he spoke as one of the most successful priests of his diocese.