William M. Hendry, former Clerk of the Circuit Court and one of the best-known men in South Florida, died at his residence on First street in this City last night at 12 o'clock. Mr. Hendry was born Dec. 12, 1842 in Thomas county, Georgia and came to Florida in January 1851, where he resided up to the time of his death. He had been in failing health for some time and his condition recently became serious.
"Uncle Marion," as he was familiarly known, has always been prominent in public affairs and was a member of the State Legislature from Polk county in 1871 and shortly after moving to this county was appointed by Governor Mitchell as clerk of the Circuit Court to fill the un-expired term caused by the death of the incumbent at that time. After filling his vacancy for two years he was elected Clerk for the fall term and succeeded himself three times, making a total of 13 years as Clerk for Lee county. At the expiration of his last term a year ago last Januiary he declined to run and was succeeded by his son, H. A. Hendry, the present Clerk.
Mr. Hendry was one of eight children of James E. Hendry and Lydia Carlton Hendry, and was married twice, his first wife being Susan C. Wall, who died May 16, 1899, and his second wife was Mrs. Laura Craig.
The children of the first marriage are E. M. Hendry, Mrs. J. W. Frazier, Mrs. H. T. Linebough, W. W. Hendry, H. A. Hendry and Mrs. R. I. G. Travers. There were no children by the second marriage.
Deceased was a veteran of the Civil War and served from its beginning to the end and during the latter part of it was a lieutenant. He was a Mason and has always been active in the Methodist church. In fact, it can almost be said that he wasa the founder of the Methodist church in Lee county.
The funeral will take place at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning from the residence on First street. (Fort Myers Press, 12/24/14)