He was born in 1838 (4 [25 in 1863], 9 [22 in 1861], 15 [25 yrs 5 ms at death in May 64], 16 [25/5 at death]). He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (4, 9, 16).
When he enlisted, he was a carpenter, and was living in Philadelphia (4, 9).
When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 8 inches tall, had a light complexion, grey eyes, and light hair (4, 9).
He enlisted and was mustered into service in company E on 20 August 1861, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1, 9 [private]). He was mustered into service by Lieutenant Swann (perhaps this relates to his re-enlistment) (4). He was appointed a fifer on 10 September 1861 (2, 3, 17 (mustered in as fifer)).
He fought in the battle of Gettysburg (5). On 2 July 1863, he was sent to the hospital, with Captain Hall (7). On 8 August 1863, he had not been heard from since then, and he was reported absent without leave (7).
On 8 September 1863, Sinex reported that he was in Philadelphia and able to rejoin the regiment, and requested his return (6).
On 26 September 1863, he was reported returned from absent without leave (8).
He re-enlisted as a veteran volunteer, on 24 December 1863, at Bealton, Virginia (1, 4, 9 [26 Dec 63]). He was enlisted by Lieutenant Carpenter, for 3 years (4).
He died on 2 May 1864 (1 [3 May], 15 [2 May], 16 [2 May]), at the post hospital in Chester, Pennsylvania (2, 3, 4 [at home], 9, 10, 15, 16). He died of gastritis (16). (According to (4), he was on a veterans' furlough; perhaps his furlough was extended because of illness.) He was then a musician in company E (13, 16, 17). On 8 May 1864, he was buried in Philanthropic Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1 [Chester PA], 16) Members of the Washington Engine Company were invited to attend his funeral, which was held from his late residence, 825 Leonard Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (15, 16).
On 26 January 1865, company E published resolutions mourning his death (and fifteen others), and sympathizing with their families (11).
On 12 May 1864, his widow, Sallie E Henry, applied successfully for a pension (12, 13).
On 17 September 1894, the Certificate Division of the Pension Office sent the pension certificate file to the Middle Division (14).
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster)
3 list of non-commissioned officers, co E
4 descriptive roll, company E, entry 15 (John A Henry)
5 Pennsylvania Memorial, 91st Pennsylvania plaque, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (John A Henry)
6 letter, Sinex to Marvin, 8 September 1863
7 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 8 August 1863 (Musician Henry)
8 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 26 September 1863 (Mus Henry)
9 Civil War Veterans' Card File, available at the Pennsylvania State Archives, searched 6 May 2004 (John A Henry [promoted to corporal])
10 consolidated morning report, 91st Pennsylvania, 9 June 1864 (John Henry)
11 'Headquarters company E', Philadelphia Inquirer 26 January 1865 page 5 (John Henry)
12 pension index, by name (John A Henry)
13 pension index, by regiment, 91st PA Infantry, company E (John A Henry)
14 widow's pension certificate file, National Archives and Records Administration, record group 15, certificate number WC 50,407 (J A Henry)
15 death notice, Public Ledger, Friday 6 May 1864, page 2 (John A Henry)
16 death certificate, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2 May 1864 (John A Henry)
17 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (John A Henry)
HENRY--On the 2d inst, at Chester Hospital, JOHN A. HENRY, of Company E, 91st Regiment P V V, aged 25 years and 5 months.
The relatives and friends of the family; the company of which he was a member, and the Washington Engine Company, are respectfully invited to attend his funeral, from his late residence, No. 825 Leonard [or Leopard?] street, on Sunday afternoon, at 2 o'clock