Henry was born in Waterbury, Vermont, the son of James Madison and Matilda (Gale) Henry. He taught school in his hometown for one year, then caught 'gold fever,' and moved to California in 1851.
Henry, who hailed from Waterbury, Vermont, was the offspring of James Madison and Matilda (Gale) Henry. He initially taught school in his home town before being drawn by a desire for gold and subsequently relocating to California in 1851.