David Henry

5 June. At Lewisham, in his 82d year, David Henry, esq. who for more than half a century has taken an active part in the management of the Gentleman's Magazine; in which the most painful portion of our labour is the frequent occasions that occur of lamenting the loss of those whom we more particularly esteem. In this class we may truly rank our late very worthy Associate; who was born in the neighbourhood of Aberdeen, Dec 20, 1710; "of a family," to use his own expressive words in a letter which Death prevented his finishing, "more respected for their good sense and superior education than for their riches; as at every neighbouring meeting of the gentlemen they were among the foremost … I left both country and friends," he adds, "before the age of 14; and may be truly said never to have seen either since, if by friends are meant assistants."

Mr. H. was literally the artificer of his own fortune. His inclinations having fixed him in the profession of a printer, and a concurrence of circumstances placing him within the notice of Mr. Edward Cave the elder, an universal encourager of merit, he favoured our young printer with his protection; and in 1736 Mr. Henry became related to his patron, by marrying his sister, Miss Mary C. About this period he lived in habits of intimacy with the celebrated Dr. Franklin and the late Mr. Strahan, who, like himself, were both at that time journeymen printers. Soon after his marriage, Mr. H. commenced business at Reading, where he established a provincial news-paper, for the use of that town, and of Winchester, where he had likewise a printing-office.

In 1754 we first find his name used in our [Gentleman's Magazine] title-pages as a partner at St. John's Gate, where he continued to reside many years with great reputation; and he possessed the freehold property of the Gate and its appurtenances at the time of his death. Having been about nine years a widower, and having also lost one only daughter, he in 1762 married the widow of Mr. Newell, formerly the master of the Jerusalem tavern and by this lady, who survives him, has left one son, Richard Henry, esq. who has been some years a lieutenant in the East India Company's service on the Bengal establishment; and one daughter.

The literary labours of Mr. Henry would reflect much credit on his memory if an accurate list of them could be obtained; but his modest merit ever disclaimed the just praise which talents and industry like his deserved. The only printed volume, that we recalled, which bears his name, was an admirable compilation (whilst he lived at Reading) under the patronage of Dr. Bolton, dean of Carlisle, intituled, "Twenty Discourses on the most important Subjects, carefully abridged from the Works of the late Archbp. Tillotson, and adapted to the meanest Capacities, with a View to their being dispersed by those who are charitably inclined; of which a second edition was published in 1763, and a fourth in 1779. "The motive," says Mr. H. "that I had to abridge these most valuable compositions was, that I might spread them, that I might make them the more easily purchased and thereby the more generally read. Few of my readers are likely to acknowledge the pains I have taken. Praise, indeed, of any kind, is not to be expected from a work of this nature. The most it has to hope is, that it may escape censure. If I have furnished any occasion for a just one, I have this to say in my excuse, that no care was wanting in me to avoid it." Those useful and popular publications which describe the curiosities in Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Church, and the Tower of London, were originally compiled by Mr. Henry; and have been improved by him through many successive impressions.
One of the principal amusements of his life was the study of agriculture, which he understood from practice as well as theory. During his residence at Reading, the management of his news-paper occasioned him many long journeys, in all which he treasured up great stores of useful information; and, on his quitting St. John's Gate, he occupied a considerable farm at Beckenham in Kent. The result of these observations he gave to the publick, in 1772, under the title of "The complete English Farmer; or, A Practical System of Husbandry; in which is comprised a general View of the whole Art of Husbandry;" but from this he withheld his name; as he did also from "An Historical Account of all the Voyages round the World, performed by English Navigators," in four volumes, 8vo, 1774, of which the first and second were compiled by Mr. H; the third and fourth by another hand; to which, in 1775, Mr. H. added a fifth, containing Capt. Cook's Voyage in the Resolution; and in 1786 a sixth, containing the last Voyage of Capt. Cooke; introduced by an admirable summary of all the voyages, undertaken for Discovery only, in both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres, and in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Of the more immediate productions of his pen in our Miscellany, the enumeration would be endless; but we may be allowed to suggest, that in every line he wrote is demonstrated a rectitude of heart, and a soundness of understanding, particularly in the general politicks of every quarter of the globe, that will not easily be fur--ed; and that his death, though at a ripe old age, is truly lamented by all who had the happiness of his acquaintance. By himself he was foreseen with a confidence which the mens conscia recti alone could inspire.

With a look of inexpressible benevolence, not many hours before his departure, he squeezed the hand which now records his loss, de---ing his entire resignation to the divine --sure. "My death-warrant," he said, "is signed; and I have no dread of dissolu--. Why should we fear?" Then, calmly --ning back his head, he placidly repeated, "I will lie down, and die." His remains, attended by a small party of select friends, -- placed, on the 13th, in the vicar's vault under the church of Lewisham.³