Henry Meiners, along with his siblings and parents, arrived in Walla Walla by railroad boxcar in 1884. They were traveling from Illinois where their family owned farmland.

Henry Meiners is portrayed by his great-grandson and Living History newcomer Harris Gwinn. Harris has already made an impact as the memorable “man on the horse” who narrated the events of the pioneer wedding at Fort Walla Walla Days in June. He also manned the harness maker’s shop in the village with a leather working demo. Aside from being a leather worker, Harris is also an experienced blacksmith. He has extensively researched his Bundy, Stovall, Gwinn, and Meiners family history. He will be talking about farming, ranching, blacksmith skills, and rural childhood in his very first solo performance at the old fort.