Representative Henry W. Barry

Henry W. Barry served as a Representative from Mississippi in the United States Congress from 1869 to 1875. A member of the Republican Party, Henry W. Barry contributed to the legislative process during 3 terms in office.

Henry W. Barry’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the House of Representatives, Henry W. Barry participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

Henry W. Barry (April 1840 – June 7, 1875) was a Union army officer during the American Civil War, reaching the rank of Brevet Brigadier General. He commanded a regiment of United States Colored Troops. After the war, he became an attorney and politician. Born in New York, Barry moved to Kentucky as a young man to teach school. He enlisted there in the Union Army during the war, being commissioned as an officer. In 1862 Barry recruited African Americans to Kentucky’s militia. After the United States Colored Troops were established in 1863, Barry served as an officer of an African-American unit stationed in Kentucky and Texas. After the war Barry earned a law degree in Washington, D.C. He moved to Columbus, Mississippi, where he set up a practice and became involved in politics. He served as a delegate to the 1867 state constitutional convention, and was elected to the Mississippi State Senate in 1868. In 1870 he was elected as U.S. Representative from Mississippi’s 3rd congressional district, serving until 1875. He died shortly after, at age 35.