John Henley

John C. Henley, Sr (born 1842 in Montgomery; died 1910 in Birmingham) was a real estate speculator, merchant and banker who came to be considered one of the founding fathers of the city. He, along with Charles Linn, has been permanently identified with its business and social development.

Henley engaged in the real estate and mercantile business for six years, but, in 1878, entered the National Bank of Birmingham as bookkeeper. He eventually was promoted to the position of cashier by diligent and earnest service. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank, and, upon the consolidation of the National Bank with City National Bank to form the First National Bank of Birmingham, he was chosen vice-president of that staunch institution. He was a man of great character and is given credit for wise decision making that prospered the bank through the years.

In 1876 Henley married Mrs. Annie L. Matthews, the widow of William V. Matthews and daughter of Charles Linn.

References

• Cruikshank, George H. (1920) History of Birmingham and Its Environs: A Narrative Account of Their Historical Progress, Their People, and Their Principal Interests 2 volumes. Chicago, Illinois: Lewis Publishing Company. - via Birmingham Public Library Digital Collections