Justice Henry G. Wenzel Jr. was born around the year 1889 in Manhattan. He was educated at public schools and graduated from Manual Training High School in Brooklyn in 1907. Wenzel worked as a law clerk at the office of Palmer & Serles in Manhattan while attending Brooklyn Law School, from which he graduated in 1912. He was admitted to the bar later that year and practiced law until 1923. Active in politics, he also served as president of the Woodhaven Republicans Club in Queens.
After running for the position of County Court Judge in 1921, Wenzel joined the Municipal Court bench in 1924 and was elected to the Supreme Court in 1932. Governor Dewey designated him to the Appellate Division, Second Department in 1947 to fill a vacancy occurring Jan 1, 1948, and reappointed him for a second term in 1952. Justice Wenzel retired in 1959, when he reached the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Additionally, he was a trustee of Brooklyn Law School, director of the American Cancer Society and a member of several clubs.
He was married to Blanche and had two sons. He died on August 30, 1960 at the age of 71.
Sources
“Dewey Names Wenzel to Appellate Bench.” The Daily Record [Rochester] 30 Dec. 1947: 1. Web. 9 Aug. 2012. http://fultonhistory.com/Fulton.html
“Hazelton for Boro President; Wenzel for County Judge.” Brooklyn Daily Eagle 27 Aug. 1921: 2. Web. 9 Aug. 2012. http://fultonhistory.com/Fulton.html
“Henry G. Wenzel, Ex-Justice, Dies.” New York Times 31 Aug. 1960: 29. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The New York Times (1851-2008). Web. 9 Aug. 2012.
“Judge Wenzel is Reappointed.” Long Island Star-Journal 31 Dec. 1952: 2. Web. 9 Aug. 2012. http://fultonhistory.com/Fulton.html