Remembering Jack Henry: A Pioneer and Hero
In a continuing weekly series on Alaska history, local historian David Reamer shares the story of Jack Henry, a talented baseball player and prospector whose life was tragically cut short during World War I.
Born in 1888 in Minnesota, Jack Henry grew up on a family farm, gaining a reputation as an outstanding athlete. The allure of gold, particularly during the Klondike gold rush, drew him northward to Alaska, where he became known as a “Willow Creek Man.” By 1915, as Anchorage emerged as a railroad hub, Henry was setting down roots in the burgeoning town, working at Robarts Billiard Hall and competing on the local baseball team.
With the U.S. entering World War I, Henry registered for the draft and was deployed in 1918 with the 91st Infantry Division. He faced the grim realities of warfare on September 29, 1918, when his unit engaged German forces in France. Tragically, Henry was killed in action, with his body initially buried in France before being returned to his birthplace.
In his honor, the American Legion Post in Anchorage was named after him, becoming the first officially chartered Legion post in Alaska. Each Memorial Day, the Jack Henry Post, along with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, honors fallen soldiers by placing thousands of poppy-laden crosses at veteran graves. This act of remembrance highlights not only Henry’s sacrifice but also serves as a tribute to the many Alaskans who served and did not return.
As we remember Jack Henry, we acknowledge the rich tapestry of lives intertwined in Alaska’s history—lives of individuals who sought fortune, adventure, and a chance to stand for their country.
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