Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Josiah Henry
MSA SC 3520-14457
African American Attorney

Biography:

Born Josiah Francis Henry, Jr., in Cambridge, Maryland, August 2, 1896. Son of Josiah F. Henry and Mary J. (Wheatley) Henry.  Attended Baltimore public schools; Delaware State College; Howard University, 1918; University of Michigan, B.S., LL.B., 1923.  Admitted to the Bar of Baltimore City, April 7, 1923.  Married, Dr. Regina Goff.  Died, Baltimore, Maryland, March 20, 1980.

Served in U. S. Army during World War I.  Successful and prominent attorney in Baltimore, specializing in criminal defense.  Active in local politics, civic organizations.  Ran for political office several times: first African American to run as Democrat for House of Delegates, 1934; Baltimore City Council, 1955.  Appointed by Gov. Herbert H. O'Conor Executive Secretary, Commission on Problems Affecting Colored People, 1944.  Magistrate, Traffic Court, 1959-1961.  Retired from law practice, early 1970s.  Received honorary degrees from Morgan State University, Delaware State College.  Helped to organize Monumental Bar Association.  Vice President, National Negro Bar Association; Exalted RUler, Elks Monumental Lodge; Director, Civil Liberties Union; Director, Baltimore Branch, Urban League; Member, Board of Directors, N.A.A.C.P; Post Commander, Walter Green Post, American Legion; Member, Board of Directors, YMCA; President, Maryland Colored Democracy; Member, Kappa Alpha Phi fraternity; Colored Business Men's Exchange; Masons; Odd Fellows; Knights of Pythias; Shriners' Galilean Fisherman; Association for the Handicapped; Knights Templar; National Association for Promotion of Negro Business.

Return to Josiah Henry's Introductory Page


 
 
 


This web site is presented for reference purposes under the doctrine of fair use. When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. PLEASE NOTE: The site may contain material from other sources which may be under copyright. Rights assessment, and full originating source citation, is the responsibility of the user.


Tell Us What You Think About the Maryland State Archives Website!



© Copyright January 16, 2006 Maryland State Archives