St. Ninian's Cemetery Stone #8 Margaret Henry Dimensions: 127cm x 52cm Orientation: East Carver: not given Inscription: In memoriam Mrs. MARGARET HENRY Consort of M. Forrestall of Halifax Who died Nov. 1 1865 AEt. 85 years Native of Co. Kilkenny Ireland [epitaph] the life of deceased forms her [trucst?] Turn O my soul into thy rest, for the Lord hath been bountiful to thee Requiescat in pace Ps. cap. 116 Material: Limestone Mrs. Margaret Henry, as indicated on her tombstone, was born in County Kilkenny in Ireland. . Her maiden name was Mary Hendricken, and friends called her “Peggy.” She apparently emigrated and was living in Halifax sometime before 1805 as it was in that year that her first son, Richard James Forrestall, was born. The child was given the name of its father, Michael. Forrestall. Presumably the two were married if Forrestall is acknowledged (and significantly) on her tombstone well after his death and her remarriage. Before 1816, Margaret entered a relationship with Halifax merchant Robert Nesbit Henry. A Presbyterian, he worked with the local magistracy. Three more children were born of this marriage. The 1817 census indicates that the family had moved to Antigonish, where Henry worked as a postman at that time. Their household, located on Acadia Street, was comparatively quite large, and was comprised of 19 people including four servants. It was known as a fairly cultured home, where ministers among other visitors would visit and speak on issues of the day. Henry, an educated man, ensured that the children he raised with Margaret received proper education. This is evidenced by the success of his children, especially of Richard (Forrestall) and William. Richard would become an elected member of the Sydney Company, and later a Registrar of Deeds for Antigonish County. Before his death he would also serve as an MLA in Sydney. Similarly, William Alexander Henry was admitted to the bar and practiced in Halifax before becoming an MLA, representing the Antigonish region for an extended period of time. He also served as the mayor of Halifax, was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, and is considered one of Canada’s founding fathers. The Henry House on Barrington Street in Halifax and the William Alexander Henry Building in Antigonish are named after him. Heather Anderson (edited by Christopher Greencorn) [ Back ]