James D. Henry (c. 1797 – March 5, 1834) was a militia officer from the U.S. state of Illinois who rose to the rank of general during the Black Hawk War.
Henry played a major role in the Battle of Wisconsin Heights, leading elements of four mounted Illinois militia regiments in combat against Black Hawk's warriors.
Apparently, an argument occurred and Smith was later found in the dining room with a stab wound, as the group was picking him up he uttered "Winchester," and died.
[1] A battalion of four companies was raised in Sangamon County under the command of Colonel Tom M. Neale with Henry acting as adjutant.
[6] Tension rose through the late 1820s and early 1830s between the United States and Sauk leader Black Hawk's "British Band."
On May 27, 1831, as a result of one of several Sauk "invasions" preceding the 1832 Black Hawk War, Illinois Governor John Reynolds called for 700 volunteer soldiers to meet at Beardstown on June 10.
[7] James D. Henry, by this time a lieutenant colonel in the Illinois militia, was put in command of a spy (i.e. scouting) battalion that was mustered into service in response to an April 16 call for volunteers.
They had passed through what are now Beloit and Janesville, then followed the Rock River toward Horicon Marsh, where they headed west toward the Four Lakes region (near modern-day Madison).
[10][11] Dodge and a Major Ewing came upon the battlefield at Wisconsin Heights first and captured an elevated area that later acquired the name "Militia Ridge.
[13] When Henry returned from the Black Hawk War it was to public reception and recognition but his time on the campaign had ailed him.
"[1] A memorial service for Henry was held at the Sangamon County Courthouse, in Springfield on April 20, 1834, it was attended by Abraham Lincoln and other state dignitaries.