He was 22 years old when he enlisted (4 [25 in 1863], 9 [22]). He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (4, 9).
He was a carpenter (4, 9). He was living in Philadelphia when he was enrolled (9).
He was 5 feet 8 inches tall, had a light complexion, grey eyes, and light hair (4, 9).
He was enrolled and mustered into service in company E on 20 August 1861, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1, 9 [private]). He was mustered into service by Lieutenant Swann (perhaps this relates to his re-enlistment) (4). He was appointed a fifer on 10 September 1861 (2, 3).
He fought in the battle of Gettysburg (5). On 2 July 1863, he was sent to the hospital, with Captain Hall (7). On 8 August 1863, he had not been heard from since then, and he was reported absent without leave (7).
On 8 September 1863, Sinex reported that he was in Philadelphia and able to rejoin the regiment, and requested his return (6).
On 26 September 1863, he was reported returned from absent without leave (8).
He re-enlisted as a veteran volunteer, on 24 December 1863, at Bealton, Virginia (1, 4, 9 [26 Dec 63]). He was enlisted by Lieutenant Carpenter, for 3 years (4).
He died on 3 May 1864 (2 May, according to his burial record) (1), at his home in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, of disease (2, 3, 4, 9, 10). (According to (4), he was on a veterans' furlough. Perhaps his furlough was extended because of illness.) He was then a musician (13). He was buried at Chester, Pennsylvania (1).
On 26 January 1865, company E published resolutions mourning his death (and fifteen others), and sympathizing with their families (11).
On 12 May 1864, his widow, Sallie E Henry, applied successfully for a pension (12, 13).
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster)
3 list of non-commissioned officers, co E
4 descriptive roll, company E, entry 15 (John A Henry)
5 Pennsylvania Memorial, 91st Pennsylvania plaque, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (John A Henry)
6 letter, Sinex to Marvin, 8 September 1863
7 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 8 August 1863 (Musician Henry)
8 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 26 September 1863 (Mus Henry)
9 Civil War Veterans' Card File, available at the Pennsylvania State Archives, searched 6 May 2004 (John A Henry [promoted to corporal])
10 consolidated morning report, 91st Pennsylvania, 9 June 1864 (John Henry)
11 'Headquarters company E', Philadelphia Inquirer 26 January 1865 page 5 (John Henry)
12 pension index, by name (John A Henry)
13 pension index, by regiment, 91st PA Infantry, company E (John A Henry)