Henry Clark Ambrose was born 2 Jan 1837 in Clay (now Owsley) County, Kentucky to Meridith Meeks Ambrose and Anna Clark. While his father Meridith was a farmer and had patented more than 2500 acres in Clay County at the time Henry achieved his majority of 18 years, Henry opted to become a dentist and followed that profession for several years. In 1858, along with his brother John W., Henry moved to Daviess County, Missouri. He married Emaline B. "Emily" Moore in Ray County, Missouri on 25 Nov 1858. But shortly after his marriage, he returned to Kentucky, allegedly for his health. Henry and Emaline appear together on the 1860 census in Owsley County, Kentucky, and he lists his Occupation as Dentist. It is not until the 1870 census that he first lists his occupation as Farmer.
Henry and Emily had 12 children, 8 boys and 4 girls: Franklin Barton, Meridith Meeks, John F., William J. "Bill", James M., Clement Leroy, Thornton Wilson, Ralph Henry; and Dora M., Mary C., Martha J. "Mollie," and Julia Myrtle.
He Enlisted in the Union Army 14 Aug 1863, Co. C, 47th Kentucky Militia. He was promoted to Quarter Master Sergeant, and mustered out on 26 Dec 1864 at Richmond (or Lexington) Kentucky. In April, 1866, he received a land grant of 25 acres located on Bear Branch in Owsley County, Kentucky. Nevertheless, in 1875, he removed from Kentucky to Carroll County, Arkansas. His sister, Sarah Jane Morris, an his brother, Francis Marion Ambrose, along with their families, accompanied him. For eight years, he was postmaster at Polo, Arkansas. In 1889, Henry and his sons William, Frank, and Clem relocated to Stone County, Missouri. Henry's farm consisted of 180 acres, located twenty miles south of Galena on White River.
In 1890, Henry was granted a pension of $10 per month for his military service. In 1894, he was Justice of the Peace of James Township in Stone County. The 1900 Census shows Henry and his sons are located in James and Williams Townships. Henry was a Primitive Baptist and a Democrat (former Whig).
Henry died 12 Oct 1907 in Carroll County, Arkansas. His obituary appeared 26 Oct 1907 in the CASSVILLE DEMOCRAT, Barry County, Missouri, and stated: "An old Citizen Dies: Uncle Henry Ambrose of Urbanette, one of the oldest citizens of the county, died at his home last Sunday morning. He was about 75 years of age and a large portion of his long life had been spent in this county." The BERRYVILLE STAR-PROGRESS, Carroll County, Arkansas, added: "He was the father of the many Ambrose boys that formerly resided in that section; and was also the father of the late John Ambrose who was sent to the "pen" from this county."
Emaline survived Henry and applied for a widow's pension in December 1907. Her claim stated she owned four acres of land, a three room house, farm buildings, and livestock. She also had savings in the bank of $575 which earned 4% interest. She was granted a pension of $12 per month. She died on 3 Jun 1909 and was buried with Henry in the Jones Cemetery, Urbanette, Carroll County, Arkansas.
While Henry was a respected pillar of the community, his farm straddled the Arkansas/Missouri border, and his sons, Frank, John, and Bill, spent many nights in jails on both sides of the border. They were involved in the infamous 10 year Arkansas feud known as the Ambrose-Terry-Wagoner Feud that made headlines in newspapers across the country. They must have been a sore trial to their father, who posted bail for them on many occasions.
Details of the feud are here: Ambrose-Terry-Wagoner Feud.