Henry was born in Leigh AND educated at Leigh Wesleyan Day School he then started evening classes at the Collegiate Institute, Leigh.
At nine and a half years of age he began work at J & J Heyes, Victoria Mills and worked there for many years, attaining the position of chief warehouseman.
In 1902 he was elected councillor for the Lilford Ward and was on numerous committees namely the Watch committee, the Markets committee, the Baths, the Finance and Health committees, being vice-chair of the Health committee.
In 1910 was appointed a borough magistrate.
He was a Liberal and his opponents on the council who held him in great respect of his political work called him the “Home Secretary”.
He married Edith Ranicar in 1912, her father was formally a mill manager in Leigh.
In 1925 Henry was made Mayor but tragically died whilst in office, this occurred on a bowling trip to Bollington near Altrincham. Henry, a keen bowler had bowled the first round and was walking into the pub to take a rest when he suddenly fell forward and died, Dr J C Beckitt who was at the venue pronounced him dead.
Henry was connected with the Leigh Wesleyans; he was Sunday School secretary, a trustee and secretary to the trustees.
Henry was also chair of the Joint Hospital Board, manager of several schools, a governor of the Leigh Boys Grammar School, vice-chair of Leigh Girls Grammar School and a member of the Leigh Education Committee.
His chief recreation was bowling and he was vice-chair of Leigh Cricket Club.
By Peter Spencer
Reference
Biographical cuttings – Henry Isherwood, Leigh Local Studies