Biography of Walter Henry

Walter Henry matriculated as a medical student of the University in 1806 under James Jeffray. He was born in Donegal, Ireland, on 1 January 1791, son of John, a merchant.

After medical studies at Trinity College, Dublin, the University of Glasgow, and in London, Henry passed the regimental surgeon’s examination of the Royal College of Surgeons of London and entered the army as a hospital mate on general service. He was appointed hospital assistant in the 66th Foot in 1811.

Henry served during the Peninsular War until 1814; in the Nepalese War, 1816-17; in St Helena, 1817-21, where he prepared a bulletin of the post mortem appearance of Napoleon’s body; and in Canada, 1827-41. He was appointed Staff-Surgeon in 1839, and subsequently Inspector-General of Hospitals in Canada in 1852, retiring in 1856. He died at Belleville, Upper Canada, on 27 June 1860.

Sources

Other Online Resources

• Dictionary of Canadian Biography

Archival Materials

• W Innes Addison, The Matriculation Albums of the University of Glasgow from 1728 to 1858 (Glasgow, 1913), p.225

Summary

Walter Henry
Born 1 January 1791.
Died 27 June 1860.
GU Degree: Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, 1806-1807;
University Link: Student
Occupation categories: military; surgeons
English snippet: Student at the University of Glasgow in 1806, military surgeon
Record last updated: 19th Feb 2014

Country Associations

Ireland, Donegal
Place of Birth

Canada, Belleville
Place of Death

Nepal, No Region

Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, St Helena

For many of our Irish connections, particularly those prior to 1922, it is not clear which part(s) of the island of Ireland they should be associated with and it is often difficult to find out. If you have more information about any of these connections, please get in touch.

University Connections

University Roles

• Student