"Everybody Knows A Henry" by At Random / LJWorld.com

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Everybody Knows A Henry

I had word yesterday morning that a good friend has been blessed with a son. They named the new arrival Henry.

I wrote back asking if he would be called Henry, or Hank, or another nickname (his middle name is Duke), and I ended up with an informative response that included a long family history of great great grandfathers bearing the name Henry.

This all gave me pause to consider the Henry's I have had in my life. My great great uncle on my maternal side was named Henry and he was an ornery cuss in a fun sort of way. I remember he loved bowling well into his eighties and even after having a couple of toes removed due to diabetes, he still managed to bowl a good game.

Earlier on, while being introduced to my then husband for the first time, he tried to convince my husband, who is Jewish, that he was not really Jewish and that he looked like other light haired Germans. He managed to do this without upsetting my husband and they became good friends.

At one point Henry decided (again in his eighties) that he was going to go to Israel, alone, because he had always wanted to make the trip. And he did!

The other Henry in my life was an Uncle who married into the family on my Father's side. He went by Uncle Hank. He was a quiet man who graciously took my brother into his home and raised him as his son even though Uncle Hank already had two daughters and a wife to support. Although I didn't see him very often, my memories of him are fond ones. He was a hard working man who stayed in the background at gatherings, but had a wonderfully delightful laugh and the ability to make us feel at ease. I remember him even going down the slippery slide at a local park one day which I thought was not only out of character, but extremely cool. Hank in his overalls....

Have a Henry in your family tree or among your friends? I just bet you do! So lets hear some stories about the Henry in your lives.

By Ronda Miller

July 9, 2009

At Random

From the Citizen Journalism Academy

Discussion

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9 July 2009
at 10:33 a.m.

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mom_of_three (Anonymous) says…

Nope, no henrys that I know of.
9 July 2009
at 10:35 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Shocking, mom_of_three! Keep thinking and I'll bet one pops into mind. Although having grown up in rural, and very German, NW Kansas might give me an edge! :)
9 July 2009
at 10:41 a.m.

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schula (Anonymous) says…

I don't have any Henry's in my family, either. I did go to high school with a Henry — he goes by Hank — and he is one crazy guy. He always has a funny story and can make you laugh not matter how down you are feeling.
9 July 2009
at 10:54 a.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

How about this Henry?:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VAmUf…
9 July 2009
at 11 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

marion, did you personally know the Henry that the song was written about? I am almost fearful to hear the answer!
9 July 2009
at 11:29 a.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

marion, did you personally know the Henry that the song was written about? I am almost fearful to hear the answer!”

Marion writes:

Could be!
9 July 2009
at 12:30 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Okay, now i am afraid…very afraid. That tells us oh so much about you, Marion.

9 July 2009
at 2:17 p.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Okay, now i am afraid…very afraid. That tells us oh so much about you, Marion.”

Marion writes:

Now, now, Ronda!

Back in the 70s and early 80s *everybody* smuggled a little hooch, just some more than others!

Never made them bad people but it certainly made for a bunch of bad laws.

Got a cousin named Henry

Know a guy with a dog named Henry and another fellow I know named his Model T Ford Henry.
9 July 2009
at 3:19 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Was the Model T Ford named after anyone. :0 couldn't resist..

“everybody” who was anybody that is. Are some of your friends just now getting out of prison, marion?
9 July 2009
at 4:32 p.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

Well, Rhonda, I know some guys who are still Persona Non Grata in a few countries!
9 July 2009
at 4:58 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Okay…that will do. We won't ask for their social security numbers or reasons behind what they are doing…. But the next question is…do you go visit them? And do you have more luggage….with you returning or going?
9 July 2009
at 5:08 p.m.

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jumpin_catfish (Anonymous) says…

Grandpa Henry
9 July 2009
at 5:15 p.m.

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RoeDapple (Anonymous) says…

Worked with a 'Henry' years ago, but called him Mr Bo Jangles as he always looked like he slept in a rail car. He thought it was funny……..
9 July 2009
at 6:12 p.m.

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jaywalker (Anonymous) says…

Gotta a Henry comin' to KU next year! Lovin' that!

Don't have any Henry's in my clan, though. Had a couple friends names Henry. One Hank.
9 July 2009
at 6:32 p.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Okay…that will do. We won't ask for their social security numbers or reasons behind what they are doing…. But the next question is…do you go visit them? And do you have more luggage….with you returning or going?”

Marion writes:

I see some of the guys from the old days but only on dark and stormy nights.

Sometimes in the backrooms of seedy bars.

Occaisionally in front of the bear enclosure at the zoo but I don't like that one; way too public, if you know what I mean.

9 July 2009
at 6:46 p.m.

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RoeDapple (Anonymous) says…

Marion, why do I have the feeling we have mutual acquaintances?…………..
9 July 2009
at 7:18 p.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

RoeDapple (Anonymous) says…

Marion, why do I have the feeling we have mutual acquaintances?………….. ”

Marion writes:

I dunno but I'll turn on my decoder ring and maybe find some answers!

LOL!
9 July 2009
at 8:18 p.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

On second thought, the zoo does beat the Hades out of an old airstrip in Western Kansas, maybe someplace around Jetmore.

At least at the zoo one can get some popcorn and a coke and look at the bears.

Bears are people too, you know.

;)
9 July 2009
at 8:39 p.m.

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Kookamooka (Anonymous) says…

I used to make fun of the name Henry as a little girl and then it became my favorite name as an adult.
9 July 2009
at 10:30 p.m.

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alm77 (Anonymous) says…

The only Henrys I know go to my kids' elementary school. I actually thought of naming our youngest Henry and calling him Hank, but my husband wasn't too fond of that.

Ronda, I think Hank has come and gone and now come back around, so us 30-somethings don't know any Henry/Hanks. Me included.
9 July 2009
at 10:32 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Kook, dare I ask why it became your favorite name? Did you meet a Henry and fall in love perhaps? ;)

Marion, the thought that you possible have taken Roe down a bad pathway saddens me…or is that Roe who lead you down the wrong path. I suspect we are all more alike than we would care for anyone to know. “Bear” none. Those poor bears having to put up with the likes of you all these years. And who should be in cages?

jay, which Henry is coming to KU? Not a clan…a friend's son or a basketball player? :)
9 July 2009
at 10:34 p.m.

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StephanieD123 (Anonymous) says…

I am not a fan of the name. I feel sorry for any child named Henry!
9 July 2009
at 10:45 p.m.

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camper (Anonymous) says…

Ronda, My Uncle (Henry) Hank.

9 July 2009
at 10:49 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

alm, I agree that may be the case…names seem to go in and out of fashion although I suspect Henry is not dissimilar to James, etc. and is always somewhere on the top list of names. I don't hear many Hanks though.

Stephanie, I think Henry is a cool name. I think there are names on occasion that when first heard seem old fashioned or not too cool for an infant, but they can certainly grow on one over time. It seems proper to me with the Henry the VIII influence. In the sixties Herman and the Hermits made a hit out of the song….pronounced “N..ery” (wouldn't have a Willy or a Sam) Heck, now I will have to post that song and it will be running through my head all night! ;)
9 July 2009
at 10:52 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Against my better judgment cuz now I've heard it…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5Z8pw…
9 July 2009
at 10:53 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

camper, everybody has/knows one! So tell us a bit about your uncle..and I am pleased to see he wasn't just a Henry, but was also a Hank!
10 July 2009
at 12:01 a.m.

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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

By the way, no one gets “blessed” with a child.

People hook up, for whatever reasons, they *MATE*, just like chimpanzees, badgers or skinks and oftentimes, they get offspring.

Darwinism at work.
10 July 2009
at 1:13 a.m.

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TopJayhawk (Anonymous) says…

Rhonda.
How do you consistantly come up with such inane drivel.
It is a real talent you have.
10 July 2009
at 8:17 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Top, yes, I have a real talent for such stuff. Nice to see you enjoy the inane side of blogging!

Marion, that is an interesting way of looking at it….I prefer the blessed aspect though, mate!
10 July 2009
at 12:43 p.m.

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passionatelibra (Anonymous) says…

I don't know any Henrys or Hanks but I know more than my fair share of Thomas' and Tommys.

Is there anyone out there who cringes when they hear certain names? There is a female name that makes me cringe. Whenever I've had dealings with someone who has that name, drama. It doesn't fail. Complete and total drama ensues.
10 July 2009
at 2:13 p.m.

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blindrabbit (Anonymous) says…

I owned a Henry; a “Henry J”. The Henry J was a inexpensive version of the Kaiser and Fraser cars that ceased production in the 1950's. The Kaiser company gained fame in WW2, producing Liberty Ships for the war effort. The Henry J was innovative by being “green” in the 50's, but build quality was not the best. I still see one around Lawrence of occasion. To see a picture look on the web.

10 July 2009
at 3:02 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

josie, dare I ask what the “female” name is? I know I have associations or prejudices attached to some names and that is usually from having known someone who left their mark on me so to speak. How hard is it to get past it once you have it, Josie…and do you make a conscious effort to give them a chance unique of their name? I can only think of one Tommy I have known…maybe a couple of men named Thomas, but never knew a Tommy or a Thomas well.

blind, Green, huh…now that was more than likely not the ordinary green. I will see if I can find a photo to post for people. Cool looking cars. I hope Henry did good by you.
10 July 2009
at 3:02 p.m.

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LMH (Anonymous) says…

My dad's middle name was Henry. He was the best and I miss him terribly…
10 July 2009
at 3:05 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Marion will be all over this one now…

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1951-he…

I am not sure this is green. If so it is a very, very dark green. Way cool car. I could love this Henry!
10 July 2009
at 3:07 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

LMH, thanks for sharing that with us. I named my son the unusual name (I thought it was) of Vardaman. Surprisingly, when I took him to kindergarten roundup, two aides both said they had a grandfather with Vardaman as a middle name!
10 July 2009
at 3:17 p.m.

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mom_of_three (Anonymous) says…

i only know of my mom's side of the family. And from what I am given, there are not any Henrys. We have lots of Marcus, Gaither, Robert, and then there are Harveys.
10 July 2009
at 3:35 p.m.

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schula (Anonymous) says…

Hey, I forgot to give you all the day off earlier. Feel free to take the rest of the day off.

I still can't think of any other Hanks or Henrys. Except, some friends have a dog named Henry (does that count?)
10 July 2009
at 3:43 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

I only met a Marcus within the last couple of years and love the name…I don't know anyone named Gaither (very cool name), but know a Robert or two or three and one Harvey!

A dog named Henry counts! :)

And, Schula, thanks for giving us the rest of the day off. It is only a couple of hours early for me, but it all helps!
10 July 2009
at 3:50 p.m.

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schula (Anonymous) says…

Sorry I was late in letting everyone go — I guess I was in a big hurry to leave today.

10 July 2009
at 5:36 p.m.

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camper (Anonymous) says…

Hank (Henry) Aaron. The best baseball player in my mind. Great blog!
10 July 2009
at 6:27 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

He must have been good, camper because even I am familiar with him!

schula, that is okay…just go ahead and scurry out the door at work and leave the rest of us behind! ;) No worries….
10 July 2009
at 6:47 p.m.

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schula (Anonymous) says…

I promise to do better next week! Am I forgiven?
10 July 2009
at 7:19 p.m.

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MissinLawrence (Anonymous) says…

I've got a few Henry's in my family. Guess thats what I get for having a large Catholic family with German background.

Lets see we got…

Grandpa Joe (Joseph Henry)
Uncle- Henry Curtis
Cousin- Jacob Henry

One of the kids I work with is named Henry Francis

I believe Henry is a stately name, one that is probably seen a lot at Ivy League schools.
11 July 2009
at 9:27 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

schula, perhaps you'll get a few dozen reminders from slacker friends of yours to get next Friday (all of it) off!

lawrence, you certainly do have a few Henry's in your family. I agree that Henry is a stately name and the people I know who recently named their son Henry are stately people as well! I think looking into the face of an adorable baby and calling him Henry would work just fine! Thanks for sharing your Henry's….
12 July 2009
at 12:52 a.m.

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KansasPerson (Anonymous) says…

Ronda, we also know the new little Henry Duke… and his lovely family…. and we're happy about it too. :)

And all things considered, I'd call it a blessing! Marion, YMMV!
12 July 2009
at 1:17 a.m.

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Did_I_say_that (Anonymous) says…

I once had to bunk with a George Henry during a four-day meeting. Mr. Henry would get into bed, carry on a conversation, say good night, and immediately fall asleep and snore. I asked him how he could fall asleep so quickly. He responded, “A clear conscience is the softest pillow.” I responded, “George you need a little sin in your life. Your clear conscience, soft pillow, and snoring are keeping me awake!”
12 July 2009
at 10:47 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Did_I_say_that!

very cute story…I will pass this one along.

KansasPerson, I suspect a lot of people know the family of little Henry Duke. They are a terrific family and I congratulate them on their newest addition! I hope to get a chance to see that new “baby” face sometime soon.