Mr. Henderson claims Missouri as his native State, having been born in Clay County, near the banks of the Great Muddy, March 11, 1834. He had not, however, grown large enough to get his first pair of boots before his father removed to Gentry County, in 1836, the subject of this writing being then but two years old. Gentry County was then new, and young Henderson’s father was the first white man to rear a cabin within its borders. They remained there until 1840, when his father could resist no longer the rich and inviting lands of Daviess; and he removed to this County and settled. Here our subject grew to manhood, receiving an excellent education, which he utilized by teaching school for about four years.
On December 29th, 1859, in the twenty-sixth year of his age, he was united in marriage to Miss Matilda McBrayer, a native of Daviess County. By this marriage they had four children, one of whom, John A., is deceased, and three are living; viz., William E., Sarah M. and Eleanor J. He had the misfortune to lose his wife, who died September 24, 1878. A kind and loving wife and mother, her death was a severe blow to the family. Ever ready to bear the burden and trials of life, taking a prominent part in promoting the cause of Christ, a kind neighbor and devoted friend, she has gone to her reward. “She made home happy;” what higher praise can be bestowed?
Mr. Henderson’s business is that of a stock and grain broker. In 1874 he was elected a County judge, holding the office three years. His prompt and straight-forward ways, both in office and in his dealing, has won him a deserved reputation, and he stands as one of the foremost citizens of the County.
