My Genealogy Hound

COY W. HENDRYX. Among the younger professional men who have already attained positions of influence is the prominent attorney-at-law whose name is here presented. Now a resident of Dowagiac, he was born in Cuba, Allegany County, N. Y., on the 20th of July, 1861, and is the son of James and Eunice (Tryon) Hendryx. The paternal grandfather, Nathan Hendryx, was a native of New York, and in Madison County, that State, James Hendryx, father of our subject, was born. He grew to manhood in Allegany County, N. Y., and having been reared to farming pursuits, naturally chose agriculture as his life occupation. A stanch advocate of Democratic principles, he was deeply interested in political matters, and in the Tilden campaign for Governor in 1874 gave the weight of his influence to the Democratic candidate, of whom he was a warm admirer. In his farming pursuits he met with more than ordinary success, and as the result of his good judgment and untiring industry, attained a measure of prosperity that falls to the lot of but few. His death occurred in 1875.

The parental family consisted of seven children, of whom five are now living. Coy W. was reared to manhood in Allegany County and received his early education in the graded schools of Cuba. Later he entered Cook Academy, at Havana, N. Y., and also for a time conducted his studies in the college at Newtown, near Philadelphia, graduating from the latter institution in 1878. He then engaged in teaching for two years and filled the position of Principal of the schools at Clarksville, N. Y. In April, 1879, he came to Dowagiac and entered the law office of Spafford Tryon, where he continued his legal studies until he was admitted to the Bar in October, 1882.

Opening an office in Dowagiac, Mr. Hendryx conducted his practice alone for a time, and in 1890 formed a partnership with Frank L. Hammond, (now of Benton Harbor), continuing in that connection for one year. Since then he has been alone. His office is located in the Jewell Block, on the corner of Front and Commercial Streets, in Dowagiac, and he conducts a general practice in all the courts of the State. In December, 1886, he was admitted to practice in the United States Court. A Democrat in politics, he has held the office of Circuit Court Commissioner, and in 1886 was appointed United States Commissioner for the Western District of Michigan, which is a life position.

In 1885 Mr. Hendryx married Miss Harriett Guilford, the daughter of Charles Guilford, a prominent farmer residing in Cuba, Allegany County, N. Y. Mrs. Hendryx was born and reared in Cuba, and completed her education in Alfred University. Three children have been born of this union: Ruth, Irene and Olive. Socially, Mr. Hendryx is a member of the Masonic fraternity and takes a very active interest in the work of his lodge, in which he has occupied many of the chairs. He is also identified with the Legion of Honor.