Guy Vernor Henry
Gen. Guy Vernor Henry (1839-1899) born in Fort Smith, Indian Terretory (now Arkansas) on March 9 1839. Guy Henry graduated from West Point Military Academy on March 9, 1839. He served as a Union soldier in the U.S. Civil War and later in conflicts against the native indians in the west and southwest of the United States of America. During the Spanish-American War he is dispatched to Guantánamo, Cuba and later sent to Puerto Rico, alongside with General Nelson Miles.He received successive brevets for gallantry in various battles and was breveted Brigadier General, U.S. Army, for gallantry at Rose Bud, Montana, where he was shot through the face while fighting Indians. He was awarded the Medal of Honor on December 5, 1893 for his Civil War Service at the battle of Cold Harbor on June 1, 1864 where he was serving as Colonel, 40th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
During the invasion of Puerto Rico he lead a "Provisional Division" from the city of Ponce to Arecibo, Puerto Rico to rendevous with General Schwan who was arriving from the city of Mayagüez. The tropical rain impedes his trek but Before he completes it, the conflict is over.
On December 6 1898 he is designated Governor of Puerto Rico. On February 6 1899 he dissolves the Cabinet of Puerto Rico, which was instituted with the Autonomic Charter. Henry eliminated taxes on basic food items. On May 17 1899, Henry is substituded by General George W. Davis.
He died at his home in Washington, D.C on October 27, 1899 and was buried in Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery.