The Hendersons Book

The Hendersons

2025

Nona Ruth Henderson

THE HENDERSONS 1795 to 2025

Nona Ruth Henderson April 2025

Acknowledgements

The author gratefully acknowledges Diana (Henderson) Beil, R.W. ‘Jitter’ Henderson Jr., T.F. ‘Tuffy’ Henderson, Bonnie (Welling) Parks, Patricia (Welling) Leugers, Rhondalyn (Meyer) Harris, Bryan Meyer Jr., Darlene (Meyer) Evans, Eilene (Meyer) Murphree, Renee (Eggert) Miller, Leah (Eggert) Castro, Gina Pizzini, Heather (Henderson) Maloy, Cristin (Henderson) Ryan, Diana (Bucey) Henderson, Katherine (Shaunfield) Henderson and Maggie Beil for supplying photos and sharing family memories that have made this family history all the more interesting and relevant to the present generation of Henderson descendants. Special thanks are owed to T.F. ‘Tuffy’ Henderson for sharing genetic test results that have provided insights into the deep history of our Henderson family and helped pinpoint our Scottish homeland and Scots-Irish roots. The efforts of Dan Strombom, Evelyn Henderson Strombom and Renee (Eggert) Miller in editing multiple drafts of this manuscript are very much appreciated. Their helpful feedback has improved the accuracy and readability of this volume.

“We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time”

T.S. Eliot

Introduction

Traditionally, a paper trail of births, marriages and deaths obtained from religious parishes and county courthouses was the mainstay of family genealogy. Locating these records was time-consuming, often expensive, requiring travel to the place of an ancestor’s birth to search through dusty tomes only to learn that precious records had been lost to fire, flood, war or intentional destruction.

In recent decades, the Mormon Church has made the genealogical journey infinitely easier. Church volunteers have undertaken the arduous task of scanning parish and civil records from throughout the United States into a giant database. Augmenting basic genealogy records are state and federal censuses, military registration, service and pension records, Social Security registration and benefit records, immigration and naturalization records, land taxation records, probated wills, etc. Moreover, by collaborating with 10,000 organizations, they have expanded their database to include records from over 100 countries. Remarkably, these have been made available to the public on the familysearch.com website for free! It is now possible to conduct genealogy research efficiently from one’s own computer.

Even with this amazing international genealogical service, the paper trail can grow cold on the other side of the Atlantic. The very reason so many people emigrated from their original homeland to America – poverty, famine, religious persecution, civil unrest and war – and the sheer passage of time have compromised public records, both parochial and civil, making it difficult to locate ancestral records.

In recent decades, genetic genealogy has emerged as a new means for tracking paternal and maternal ancestors. Autosomal, mitochondrial and Y-chromosome DNA testing have been a boon to family genealogy by providing insights into family ethnicity and deep ancestral origins Moreover, technological advancements in recent years have increased the speed and reduced the cost of genetic testing, bringing it within reach of many more people. By identifying others who share common genetic profiles, common ancestors within the last 15 generations can be identified

With the help of genetic genealogy, it has been possible to piece together the Henderson journey out of Africa about 70,000 BCE to our Henderson homelands in Scotland and Ireland. Furthermore, a paper trail of public records documents our Henderson ancestors back to those who immigrated to America and pursued the American dream down to the present day.

The primary focus of this family history is to trace the direct male line of Henderson ancestors back to Scotland. The result is presented in Chapter 3. However, other male Henderson lines are of interest because they inherited both the Henderson surname and the Y-chromosome DNA of Alexander Henderson. Ychromosome DNA testing of any living male Henderson relative could help pinpoint the geographic origin of our Henderson ancestors in Scotland. Chapter 4 identifies Other Henderson Lines in an effort to locate other living Henderson male relatives. Their names are in bold typeface in the text of Chapter 4 and in the Henderson Genealogy in Chapter 6.

All others (i.e., females, males with a different surname than Henderson or anyone related by marriage, rather than blood, are included in the text, photos and genealogy as cherished members of our extended Henderson Family Their names are in regular typeface because genetic testing is irrelevant to the primary goal of identifying the Henderson homeland in Scotland or Ireland.

Chapter 1: Hendersons in Scotland

The logical target for locating our Henderson homeland is Scotland because the Henderson surname is Scottish in origin On several trips to Scotland, I have visited three regions where Hendersons have historically been concentrated: Glencoe in Argyll, Caithness, and Fordell in Fife.1 This chapter provides an introduction to the geography and history of each Henderson cluster based on information drawn from online sources, particularly the Clan Henderson Society website, and my travels in Scotland 73,74,77,196

Hendersons of Glencoe in Argyll

Glencoe, a wide valley named for the River Coe that runs through it, is located in Argyllshire in the Scottish Highlands. It is the most famous glen in Scotland, and the Hendersons are linked to its infamous history.

Glencoe and Loch Leven, Argyll

The Hendersons of Glencoe adopted the Gaelic name Eanruig, meaning family of Henry, with males using the surname MacEanruig, meaning son of Big Henry.77 This was later anglicized as McHenry, McHendry, McKendry, MacKendrick, Henryson and numerous other variants including Henderson. The MacEanruigs claim descent from the Pictish prince Big Henry, son of King Neachtain (Eanruig Mor mac Righ Nechtan), who reigned between 700 and 724.74,77 The MacEanruigs occupied property on the north shore of Loch Leven three centuries before Angus Og, Chief of Clan MacDonald, was given the area by Scottish King Robert the Bruce for his support at Bannockburn in 1314.74,198 The direct line of the MacEanruig Clan chiefs ended in an heiress, who passed the chieftainship to her son. He inherited his father’s name and title, Chieftain of Clan Iain of Glencoe.74,77 Thereafter, Henderson land passed to the MacIains, who were vassals of Clan MacDonald.74 By the time King William III’s forces sought to bring the Highland Clans into line in 1692, the Hendersons and MacDonalds of Glencoe were blood brothers. With a reputation for size and strength, the Hendersons were the hereditary bodyguards and pipers of the MacDonald chiefs.74,77

The McDonalds controlled Glencoe until 1501, when conflict broke out with the Campbells of Argyll. There was fault on both sides; the MacDonalds stole Campbell cattle, and the Campbells repeatedly tried to annex MacDonald territory.198 The conflict carried on into the 17th century, when the clans found themselves on opposite sides of the Wars of the Covenant. The MacDonalds represented the traditional Highland way of life, spoke Gaelic and were Catholics, while the Campbells represented Scottish ties to England, spoke English, supported British troops and were Protestants. The centuries-long conflict came to a head in one of the most infamous episodes in Scottish history. King James II, the last Stuart monarch to rule over a united England, Scotland and Ireland from 1685 to 1688 and a Catholic, was deposed during the Glorious Revolution (1688-89). When his throne was usurped by Protestant King William III and Queen Mary II, many Scottish Highland clans remained loyal to King James II and were known as Jacobites (Latin for James).

King William III demanded that Highland rebels sign an oath of allegiance by 1 January 1692 or risk death. MacDonald Clan Chief, MacIain of Glencoe, reluctantly agreed to take the oath but he mistakenly went to Fort William in Inverlochy, the seat of King William III’s forces in the Highlands.74 In spite of a 16-mile walk in bitter winter conditions, MacIain arrived by the deadline. Upon arrival, however, the military governor, Lieutenant Colonel John Hill, said he was not authorized to accept the oath and sent MacIain 70 miles south to Inveraray, seat of the Campbells in Argyll 74 Delayed by heavy snow, MacIain finally reached Inveraray on 6 January 1692 and Sir Colin Campbell, the local magistrate, administered the oath of allegiance to the new monarchs.74 MacIain returned home naively believing he and his clan were safe.

Unknown to him, a force had already been assembled at Inveraray and given orders to exterminate the whole clan. The force left for Glencoe on the 1st of February, led by Captain Robert Campbell of Glen Lyon, a man with a grudge against the MacDonalds. When Captain Campbell asked for quarters for his 130 soldiers, the MacDonald Clan, including MacIains, Hendersons, Johnstons, MacColls, Rankins and other families of Glencoe, offered hospitality to the soldiers in their homes for 10 days.74,198

On King William’s order to kill all MacDonalds under the age of 70, the Campbells commenced the infamous Glencoe Massacre in the early hours of 13 February 1692.198 The soldiers rose from their beds and set about the massacre of their hosts. An estimated 38 members and associates of Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were killed by government forces.198 In addition to those killed outright, many more of the 150 who had escaped to the hills died of hunger and exposure.198 As many as 22 Hendersons were among the hapless victims of the Glencoe tragedy.73 By 1800, there were less than 30 Hendersons living in Glencoe.198

Castle Carrick

Carrick Castle is a tower house on the west shore of Loch Goil in Argyll built by the Campbells of Argyll in the last decades of the 14th century.200 King James IV of Scotland used it as a hunting lodge and Mary Queen of Scots visited in 1563.200 The castle was destroyed when Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll, attempted to overthrow King James VII (1566-1625).200

The castle was bombarded by the HMS Kingfisher captained by Thomas Hamilton and remained in ruins for centuries.200 The Carrick Estate is currently privately owned by Hannah and Darius Mellet who operate it as a wedding venue within the boundaries of the Loch Lomond Trossachs National Park.

There is a link with the Hendersons of Fordell in Fife with potential relevance to our Henderson ancestors (see Hendersons of Fordell in Fife to follow).

Hendersons of Caithness

Caithness is located at the northern tip of mainland Scotland (dark gray on the map of Scotland to the right). Caithness is bounded on the southwest by the county of Sutherland and its northern tip is only about 50 miles from Stromness in the Orkney Islands

The Caithness Hendersons were originally part of Clan Gunn, one of the oldest Scottish Clans being descendants of Pictish Mormaers of Caithness and Norse Jarls (Earls) of Orkney.196 Clan Gunn descends from Olaf the Black (1229-1237), Norse King of the Isle of Mann. Olaf’s second son, Gunni, came to Caithness at the end of the 13th century when his wife, Ragnhild, inherited estates there from her brother Harald, Jarl of Orkney.73,75 She was descended from St. Ragnvald, founder of the great cathedral of St. Magnus at Kirkwall, Orkney.73

The first chief of Clan Gunn to be definitively documented was George Gunn. King James III, King of Scots from 1460 to 1488, had chosen his Norman cousins, the Sinclairs (originally St. Clair), to be the Earl of Caithness and Orkney, and George Gunn was appointed the Earl’s Crowner (i.e., Sheriff) 73,196 He was widely known as ‘Am Braisdeach Mor,’ ‘great brooch-wearer’ referring to the symbol of his office.73

Ackergill Tower, north of Wick

In the 15th century, the Keiths challenged the Gunns for control of the region. In 1438, the two clans battled on Tannach Moor southwest of Wick. Both sides suffered heavy losses without a decisive victory. According to legend, John Keith coveted Helen Gunn but the girl stoutly resisted his advances. He kidnapped and imprisoned her in Ackergill Tower. The episode ended in tragedy when Helen threw herself from the tower rather than submit to him. Thereafter, the feud between the Keiths and the Gunns intensified with raid and counter-raid. After many males on both sides were killed, the Gunns and Keiths agreed to settle their differences by means of a Battle of Champions in July 1478. The neutral ground of St. Tear’s Chapel near Noss Head was chosen. By prior agreement, the Chiefs of both clans were to be accompanied by 12 horses for the all or nothing fight. The wily Keiths arrived with two warriors on each horse and slaughtered the outnumbered Gunns. George Gunn and several of his sons were killed and the Keiths seized George’s treasured brooch of office.

Marker at site of St. Tear’s Chapel (ruin) in Wick Parish

Henry, the youngest of George Gunn’s seven sons, avenged the subterfuge of the Keiths by tracking them to their castle at Dirlot, killing Keith of Ackergill and his son Dugald, and recovering his father’s Crowner brooch.196 When Henry’s brothers refused to acknowledge him as the rightful heir and chieftain of Clan Gunn, Henry split from Clan Gunn to found an independent sept (family line). Descendants of his line took the surname 'sons of Henry,' with various anglicized spellings including Henderson. Clan Henderson as a distinct clan in Caithness ended in 1619

Any Henderson descendants remaining in Caithness thereafter were dealt a final blow during the Highland Clearances (1742-1822). Long-term tenants throughout the Scottish Highlands and Islands were cleared from their small farms in interior straths and glens and moved to small crofts along the coast by English landlords.201 The properties they had formerly occupied were converted to large sheep holdings.201 Crofters were expected to find work in fishing, quarrying or kelp harvesting, but overcrowding led to collapse of these Industries, resulting in wide-spread unemployment and famine.201 Highlanders left in droves for the growing industrial centers of Glasgow, Edinburgh and London.

The Clan Gunn Museum and Heritage Center housed in the old parish church built in 1734 in Latheron has extensive information on the Henderson sept. However, because no specific links of our Henderson ancestors to Caithness had been identified, I made little headway during my visit there.

After 500 years of feuding, the Gunns and the Keiths signed a treaty of friendship in 1978!

Clan Gunn Heritage Center, Latheron, Caithness

Hendersons of Fordell in Fife

The third historic cluster of Hendersons in Scotland are those of Fordell on Dalgety Bay in Fife. Fife Shire is a county located between the Firth of Tay and the Firth of Forth, bounded by Perth, Kinross and Clackmannan Shires (indicated in dark gray on map) The Lowland Hendersons of Fife descend from James Henderson (1450-1513), the Laird of Fordell. He held the office of Lord Justice Clerk in Edinburgh and was Lord Advocate to King James IV of Scotland between 1494 and 1507.192

James increased his power and influence through a series of significant land acquisitions at Balbeithy in 1504, at Stratoun in 1506 and at Carrick in 1508.192

James Henderson’s purchase of the Carrick Estate, including Castle Carrick on Loch Goil, establishes Hendersons from Fordell in the Highlands of Argyll. Probate records suggest a potential link between our ancestor, Thomas Henderson, and Castle Carrick (see discussion in Chapter 3 – Generation 1 - Thomas Henderson b. 1821).

In 1511, King James IV awarded Fordell Castle on Dalgety Bay to James Henderson.192 Although James Henderson and his son, James Henderson II, died fighting with King James IV at the Battle of Flodden in Northumberland, England in 1513, Fordell Castle was held by their descendants for 450 years.192 Over the centuries, Fordell Castle was improved. The grounds include a chapel built in 1650, a bastion and formal Italianate gardens, including an ancient Cedar of Lebanon planted by Sir Robert Henderson in 1721. Stately gates were installed in 1855. Fordell Castle is no longer in Henderson hands. It is privately owned and not available for public tour

Notable Clan Leaders and Members

Alexander Henderson (1583-1646) was a Professor of Philosophy and, next to John Knox, is considered by many as the most famous Scottish Protestant Theologian. Bitterly opposed to Charles I’s attempt to reform the Church of Scotland, he drafted the National Covenant in 1638 defending the Scottish Church against the changes King Charles I attempted to impose. Alexander was elected moderator of the General Assembly at Edinburgh that planned the Presbyterian Organization. In 1643, he drafted the Solemn League and Covenant that passed both Houses and became law. He mediated between Parliament and King Charles I after he

surrendered to the protection of the Scottish army in 1646 during the Civil War. Alexander Henderson died in 1646 and is buried in Greyfriar’s churchyard in Edinburgh.

John Henderson (1605-1650) was a distinguished soldier who became enslaved by Barbary pirates while in command of a vessel on the East Africa coast. He was a staunch Royalist during the English Civil War (16421646) and was invested as a Knight by King Charles I. His successor, John Henderson (1626-1683), was created 1st Baronet of Fordell in 1664. William Henderson (1664-1708) was the 2nd Baronet, John Henderson (1686-1730) was the 3rd, Robert Henderson (1721-1781) was the 4th, John Henderson (1752-1817) was the 5th and Robert Bruce Henderson (1763-1833) was the 6th .

John Henderson of Fordell, by Gavin Hamilton 1778

John Henderson (1752-1817) studied law at St. Andrews, graduating in 1764, then earned a second degree in 1771 at Christ Church, Oxford University. He was made an advocate in 1774. On the death of his father, Robert Henderson in 1781, he became 5th Baronet. In 1782, he became a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and in 1784 was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He served as MP for several towns in Fife and became provost (mayor) of Inverkeithing from 1791 to 1807.

Thomas Henderson (1798-1844) was a 19th century astronomer of the highest status. He was born in Dundee in 1798. While serving in the post of Astronomer at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, he made extensive observations of Alpha Centauri. On his return to Edinburgh in 1834, he was appointed Professor of Practical Astronomy and the first Astronomer Royal of Scotland. In addition to a vigorous observing program at Calton Hill in Edinburgh, Observatory, he analyzed his observations of Alpha Centauri from South Africa. He discovered there was a net overall parallax shift in the star’s position of about 1 degree, yielding a distance of 3.25 light-years from the Earth. Henderson published his results in the Memoirs of the Royal Astronomical Society in London on 3 January 1839. There is a monument to Thomas Henderson located on Carlton Hill and he is buried in Greyfrier’s churchyard

Chapter 2 - Genetic Insights into Henderson Family Origins

Thomas Frank ‘Tuffy’ Henderson Genetic Testing:

23andMe

Ancestry Composition (autosomal DNA)

10 June 2014 initial report

9 Nov 2017 update based on 13,000 tests

14 Oct 2018 v2.0

4 Jan 2019 v.3.0

6 Feb 2019 update based on 16,000 tests

28 May 2019 v.5.0

31 Aug 2019 v5.2

10 Dec 2020 v5.4

Maternal Haplogroup (mitochondrial DNA)

21 Oct 2015 initial report

8 May 2017 standalone Maternal Haplogroup report

Paternal Haplogroup (Y-chromosome DNA)

10 June 2014 initial report of Y-25 SNPs

21 Oct 2015 updated

15 Nov 2016 updated paternal haplogroup names

23 May 2017 updates of E, J, K and R branches

4 Aug 2017 standalone Paternal Haplogroup report

30 July 2018 v.5 paternal haplogroup algorithm

22 April 2024 revised v.5

FamilyTreeDNA

Family Finder (autosomal DNA)

24 August 2016

23 May 2024

Paternal Haplogroup (Y-chromosome DNA)

10 June 2014 (Y-25)

6 October 2016 (Y-67)

13 July 2024 (Big Y-700)

Henderson participation in Group Genetic Projects:

Henderson surname DNA

Scottish DNA

R-L21 and Subclades

Three Collas

Ancestral Composition of Hendersons

Genetic Testing

Thomas Frank ’Tuffy’ Henderson (b. 1954), one of only three living Henderson males in our direct ancestral line, has participated in a series of genetic tests conducted by 23andMe and FamilyTreeDNA and the results provide insights into the ancestral composition and deep history of both our matrilineal and patrilineal ancestors The inclusion of his Y-chromosome test results in several genetic group projects sponsored by the Clan Henderson Society and FamilyTreeDNA has increased the likelihood that the Henderson homelands can be pinpointed in Scotland and Ulster.

Ancestry Composition

A comparison of Henderson autosomal DNA with 542 reference populations from around the world, indicates our Henderson family is 75.8% British and Irish and 24.1% French and German. Because autosomal DNA is inherited by females as well as males, these results are broadly applicable to current descendants of our Henderson line.

Neanderthal Influence

23andMe reports that our Hendersons ancestors inherited a small amount of DNA from Neanderthal ancestors. Out of 2,872 variants tested, Hendersons have 290 variants that can be traced back to the Neanderthals. Although Neanderthal ancestry accounts for less than 2% of our total DNA, we have more Neanderthal DNA than 70% of 23andMe customers.

Deep History

Maternal Lineage

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is useful for tracking maternal heritage, since it is passed on in an unbroken line from mother to child virtually unchanged. Rare mutations create specific genetic markers that define haplogroups that trace migration patterns over thousands of years. 23andme places our maternal line in the T2b haplogroup. This haplogroup is the final destination of a maternal line journey that began with Mitochondrial Eve, a single woman in Africa 180,000 years ago. Although she was one of perhaps thousands of women alive at the time, only the branches of her L haplogroup survive today. Our branch, L3, arose with a woman who lived in East Africa 65,000 years ago. While many of her descendants remained in Africa, one small group ventured across the Red Sea into the tip of the Arabian Peninsula. The N haplogroup arose with a woman who lived 59,000 years ago in the Middle East. Her descendants migrated across all of Eurasia, giving rise to new branches. R haplogroup arose 57,000 years ago and gave rise to several pre-Neolithic branches, including the T haplogroup that arose with a woman who lived approximately 25,000 years ago. The T haplogroup has two distinct subclades, T1 and T2. T2 predominates in western Europe, comprising 80% of total T lineages. It has 9 known branches. Our T2b maternal line traces back to a woman who lived about 10,000 years ago, at the beginning of the Neolithic Period when a largely nomadic hunter-gatherer way of life was giving way to a more settled, agrarian culture based on the domestication of various plants and animal species. Her descendants spread through the Mediterranean, Central and Western Europe over thousands of years. Today, T2b encompasses about half of T2 among Europeans. It is most frequent in Italy, Germany and Ireland. Among genetic test customers of 23andMe, 1 in 34 share the maternal T2b haplogroup.

Maternal Haplogroup

Arose Years Ago

L 180,000

L3 65,000

N 59,000

R 57,000

T 25,000

T2b 10,000

Paternal Haplogroup

The human Y-chromosome is a male-specific sex chromosome. Infrequent errors in the copying process arise as the Y-chromosome is passed down in a direct male line of descent. Those mutations, referred to as a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP), define a paternal haplogroup. The series of Y-chromosome haplogroups trace paternal ancestors all the way back to the most recent common ancestor of all men alive today, Y-chromosomal Adam. The following table and map summarize our Henderson Y haplogroups.

CT-M168

Our paternal haplogroup CT, characterized by SNP M168, has been referred to as “Eurasian Adam” or “Out of Africa Adam” because all modern non-African Y-lineages descend from it. From an estimated population of less than 10,000 individuals in Africa, only a small group, possibly as few as 150 to 1,000 people, living in what is today Ethiopia, crossed the Red Sea using simple rafts around 70,000 years ago. At that time, the straits at the mouth of the Red Sea, known as the Bab-el-Mandeb, were much narrower because sea levels were 70 meters lower than today due to Ice Age glaciation. The most recent common ancestor of this line lived in 63,000 BCE.

HaploGroup1 TMRCA2

T-M168 63000 BCE

F-M89 46000 BCE

K-M9 43000 BCE

R-M207 26000 BCE

R1-M173 20000 BCE

R1b-M343 17000 BCE

R-M2693 4400 BCE

R-L21 2600 BCE

R-DF133 2500 BCE

R-DF21 2350 BCE

F-M89

Haplogroup F-M89 lived on the Arabian Peninsula but, over the next 20,000 years, migrated across the Persian Gulf, through Iraq and Iran, and into the Indian subcontinent. During the Upper Paleolithic or Late Stone Age, humans were hunter-gatherers using simple stone tools to obtain a diversity of foods. Haplogroup F-M89 constitutes over 90% of paternal lineages outside of Africa.

R-M207

K-M9

The K-M9 haplogroup was formed when our paternal-line ancestors moved into the vast grasslands known as the steppes stretching from the eastern edge of Asia to central Europe. From its origin in the western steppes, the K-M9 haplogroup spread across most of the globe. It can be found among males on every continent, except Antarctica. Nearly half of all paternal lineages outside of Africa are branches of haplogroup K. The most recent common ancestor of this haplogroup lived in 43000 BCE.

TMRCA of haplogroup R lived in Central Asia 26000 years ago. During the Ice Age, as glaciers expanded over western Eurasia and much of Europe for thousands of years, his descendants roamed the Eurasian steppes, hunting huge mammals like the mammoth. The estimated population of Homo sapiens was approximately 100,000. The earliest evidence of R-M207 has been found in the remains of a four-year-old boy who lived in a hunter-gather group dated 24,000 years ago near the village of Mal’ta in the Lake Baikal area of Central Siberia.

1 The first one or two letters name the haplogroup. The letter and number following the dash identify the specific SNP change that defines the haplogroup.

2 TMRCA is Time to Most Recent Common Ancestor. TMRCA vary widely depending on assumed mutation rates. The TMRCA reported here are those used by FamilyTreeDNA based on the largest database of Y-chromosomal tests in existence.

3 Presumed positive because of positive downstream SNPs.

R-M173 (also known as R1)

Our paternal haplogroup R-M173 (R1) arose 23,000 years ago during the peak of the last Ice Age (18,000 and 14,000 BCE) on the western edge of the Eurasian steppes and branched into two descendant clades: R1a and R1b. R1a predominates in South Asia, Central Asia, Western China, South Siberia and Eastern Europe, whereas R1b, our ancestral path, is the most common haplogroup in Western Europe.

R-M343 (aka R1b)

When massive glaciers covering northern Europe and the Alps finally gave way to a warmer climate about 11,500 years ago, hunter-gatherers carrying haplogroup R-M343 migrated westward into Europe and are associated with Italo-Celtic and Germanic peoples. Today, R1b is the most frequently occurring paternal lineage in Western Europe, accounting for 50% of all paternal lineages. Distribution of R1b in Europe increases in frequency from east to west and peaks at a rate of 92% in Wales, 82% in Ireland and 70% in Scotland

R1b-M269 (aka R1b1a2)

About 10,000 years ago people in the Fertile Crescent domesticated plants and animals for the first time. About 8,000 years ago, the first farmers and herders pushed into Central Asia and the Caucasus Mountains. Some reached the steppes north of the Black and Caspian Seas, where they lived as pastoral nomads, herding cattle and sheep across the grasslands. They developed smelting and made tools and weaponry in the late Copper to early Bronze Age. Their culture is known as Yamnaya or Ochre Grave, referring to their practice of burying their dead in pit chambers. From 4400 BCE, men from the steppes pushed into central Europe and the Balkans seeking new pastures for their herds and metal deposits Their descendants established new trade routes and an unprecedented level of cultural exchange, eventually spreading the Yamnaya culture through central Europe to the Atlantic coast. Using wheeled carts and metal weapons and tools, men from the steppes outcompeted local men as they went Their success is demonstrated in the overwhelming dominance of the R1b lineage carried by 110 million males in Europe.

Analysis of physical remains of Yamnaya people has determined they were tall and massively built with dark brown eyes and moderately light skin color, though darker than modern Europeans. The Yamnaya culture is identified with Late Proto-Indo-Europeans and is the strongest candidate for Proto-IndoEuropean language, the ancestor of most modern European languages. Yamnaya culture, 3300-2600 BCE

R-L21 and R-DF133

Haplogroup R-L21 first emerged in 2600 BCE during the Early Bronze Age in Britain and Ireland. It is associated with the spread of steppe-descended peoples and their Bell Beaker culture in the British Isles and replacement of Britain’s earlier Neolithic population. One subclade, RDF13 comprising 99% of R-L21 bearers, is dominant among males in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Brittany, and is present in high frequencies in England and western France

R-DF21 branched off from R-DF13. It is a major British Isles lineage originating during the Bronze Age. Male descendants likely were born and spent their entire life in the British Isles. TMRCA for R-DF21 lived 2350 BCE.

Summary

Y-chromosome genetic data traces our Henderson male ancestors from their origins in east Africa 70,000 years ago, through the Middle East and Eurasian steppes, to their arrival in the British Isles about 2350BCE during the Bronze age. It helps to confirms the Henderson homelands in Scotland and Ireland.

Bell Beaker Culture 2800-1800 BCE

Henderson Surname DNA Project

In an effort to find a link to one of three historic concentrations of Hendersons in Scotland, I have attended Highland Games in Los Angeles California, Estes Park Colorado and Braemar Scotland. Volunteers staffing the Henderson Clan booth at these games advised me to join the Clan Henderson Society. The Society’s Genealogy Group, administered by David Henderson, established the Henderson Surname DNA Project on 27 January 2018. The project assists Society members with Henderson and related surnames (see sidebar) to establish reasonable proof of ties to one of three pre-15th century Henderson Clan clusters in Scotland: Glencoe in Argyll, Caithness, or Fordell in Fife (see Chapter 1 for details)

As April 2025, there are 829 members of the Henderson DNA Project; 628 bear the Henderson surname. Of these, 607 have had at least the YDNA12 test and 142 have had the Big Y700 test

Henderson DNA Project Surnames:

d’Handresson, Henders, Henderson, Hendrick(s), Hendrie, Hendron, Hendry, Henrisoun, Henry, Henryson, Kendrick, MacEanruig, MacHendry, MacHenry, MacKendree, MacKendrick, MacKendry, McHendry, McHenry, McKendrick and McKendry.

Henderson DNA Project test results may be viewed at: clanhendersonsociety.com. Select Genealogy from among the options in the top green band, then tap the red button - Henderson DNA Project Results. You can explore: Overview, Background, Goals and Project Statistics. Then, select DNA Results from the left-hand banner Each horizontal bar represents one person’s Y-chromosome test results. Each box along the bar represents a specific SNP. Those with a Y-DNA12 test, only have results in 12 boxes, while those who have had a Big Y test, such as T.F. Henderson, have results in 700 boxes. Each box indicates the number of STRs at that location.

Single Tandem Repeats (STRs) at specific genetic markers serve as a basis for comparing member Ychromosome test results. STRs change (mutate) at a significantly higher frequency than Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) mutations. The number of STRs at all markers define paternal lineages within the most recent fifteen generations. Assuming 20 years to a generation, that is about 32,000 individuals over 300 years.

HaploGroup1 TMRCA2

R-DF21 2350 BCE

R-Z16267 2200 BCE

R-F24434 2200 BCE

R-Z3000 150 CE

R-Z3006 300 CE

R-Z3008 450 CE

When the Henderson DNA Project moved under the umbrella of FamilyTreeDNA, T.F. Henderson’s autosomal, mitochondrial and Y-DNA test results were transferred as well. FamilyTreeDNA has a database of two million records. It is the most popular testing service for mitochondrial and Y-chromosome DNA and the fourth most popular for autosomal DNA in the world, making it possible to compare our Henderson line genetic test results with those of many more people. Participants are notified when close genetic matches are found enabling them to communicate with one another via email. It is hoped that members with known links to one of the Henderson clusters in Scotland can assist others with similar genetic profiles to establish reasonable proof of the same association.

Of the 859 members of the Henderson DNA Project, a total of 196 have a distinct Y-DNA confirmed haplogroup. Our paternal Henderson haplogroup is R-Z3008 based on STR511=9 and STR425=0. The most recent common ancestor of this haplogroup lived about 450 CE (Common Era, formerly known as AD).

T.F. Henderson has the only R-Z3008 in the Henderson surname DNA Project. That is to say, so far, his STR profile remains unmatched to anyone else in the Henderson DNA Group Project.

Other DNA Group Projects

Fortunately, other DNA Group Projects operated under the FamilyTreeDNA umbrella, have members with RZ008 haplogroups. The DNA Group Project with the highest number and frequency of haplogroup R-Z3008 members is the Three Collas. Unfortunately, most of these do not bear the Henderson surname and have not yet joined the Henderson DNA Project.

DNA Group Project Number of public

members Number in R-Z008

The Three Collas

In 2009, a FamilyTreeDNA Group Project was started for those who have Three Colla DNA, (i.e., haplogroup R-Z3008), a mutation that occurred roughly around 450 CE.213 In 2020, a study of 466 testers with Z-3008 Y-DNA found that 232 have 20 surnames found in ancient Irish genealogies descended from the Three Collas: 53 McDonald, 43 McMahon, 23 McKenna, 12 MacCan, 17 Duffy, 12 McGuire, 8 Hughes, 8 McQuillan, 8 Monaghan, 7 Boylan, 5 Hart, 5 Kelly, 4, Higgins, 4 McArdle, 4 MacDougall, 3 Carroll, 3 Cooley, 3 Larkin, 3 Neal and 2 Devine.213 McDonalds comprise almost a quarter of the total.213

Who were the Three Collas?

Aed Colla Menn, Muiredach Colla Fo Chri and Cairell Colla Uais were brothers in the 4th century who were sons of Eochaidh Doimhlen and grandsons of Cairbre Lifechair. According to Medieval Irish legend, the Colla brothers killed their uncle, Fiacha Sraibhtine (or Sroiptine), who had been king over Ireland for 37 years, at the Battle of Dubhchomar in Crioch Rois, Breagh. Colla Uais ruled in Fiacha’s place for three years (323-326 CE) and as High King of Ireland for four years. It was prophesized that the descendants of whoever killed the Three Collas would never rule Ireland, so when Fiacha’s son, Muiredach Tirech, gained the upper hand over the Colla brothers, he exiled the brothers to Alba (Gaelic name for Scotland). The mother of the Three Collas, Aileach, was the daughter of Udhaire, king of Alba. The Three Colla brothers and 300 supporters returned to conquer Ulster, the historic northern province of Ireland. They fought seven battles in a week, killing Fergus Foga, king of Ulster. In the seventh battle, Emain Macha, the Ulster capital, was destroyed and Colla Menn was killed. The two surviving Colla brothers settled in a region of central Ulster known as the kingdom of Airgialla.

Chapter 3 – Henderson Ancestors – Direct Male Line

Generation 0 - Alexander Henderson (b. 1795 Scotland)

Civil registration of births, marriages and deaths began in Scotland in 1855.142 Prior to that time, these important life events were recorded by the person’s parish

The earliest known male Henderson ancestor is Alexander Henderson, christened on 27 October 1795 in Kilcalmonell and Kilberry, a combined parish on the northwest coast of the Kintyre Peninsula in Argyllshire, Scotland.140 Alexander’s father was John Henderson; his mother’s name is not recorded on his baptismal record.140 What can be gleaned from this single public record?

As he was born in Scotland, Alexander Henderson was a Scotsman.

His birth in Argyllshire (the dark gray region shown on the map of Scotland top left) identifies him as a Highlander (the dark gray region on the map of Scotland bottom left), rather than a Lowlander (the light gray region). Likewise, his Argyll birth indicates he is more likely to be a descendant of the Glencoe Hendersons, rather than those of Caithness or Fife (For a discussion of the three main clusters of Hendersons in Scotland, see Chapter 1).

Although Kilcalmonell and Kilberry is a combined parish, Alexander’s birth can be pinpointed to Kilcalmonell, located in Clackan south of West Loch Tarbert, rather than Kilberry located north of the loch, because its church was built in 1763, before Alexander was born, whereas the Kilberry Church was not built until 1821, after Alexander’s birth.

According to findagrave.com, no Hendersons are buried in Kilcalmonell churchyard in Clachan, indicating Alexander’s parents left the parish before their death 8

Neither are Alexander’s marriage and the christening of his sons recorded there, indicating he too left the parish by 1812, when his eldest son was born.

Births were recorded in the Old Parish Registers (OPRs) of Kilcalmonell Parish Church from 1777 to 1854 and marriages from 1784 to 1854.147 There are no entries for deaths prior to 1854.147 Civil registration began in Scotland in 1855. Kilcalmonell Church, Clachan, Argyll

After the decline of paganism, most Highland Scots embraced Catholicism and were Jacobites; that is to say, they backed Catholic King James (Jacob is Latin for James) and supported the grandson of King James, Prince Charles Edward Stuart (1720-1788, aka The Young Pretender or Bonnie Prince Charlie) in his attempt to reclaim the Scottish throne.

King James VII of Scotland/Jame II of England (1633-1701), the last Roman Catholic monarch to reign over England, Scotland and Wales, was invaded in 1688 and deposed by his Protestant sonin-law, William of Orange, and daughter Mary II. King James II retreated to Ireland and mounted an effort to reclaim the throne. He was defeated at the Battle of the Boyne in County Meath, Ireland in 1690 and was exiled to France.

Clan Donald, including the Hendersons of Glencoe, were Catholics who backed Bonnie Prince Charlie during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745. On the other hand, the Duke of Argyll and Clan Campbell were Presbyterian Covenanters who backed Protestant King William II. The Rebellion of 1745 came to a brutal end with the Battle of Culloden on 16 April 1746. Troops commanded by the Duke of Cumberland, defeated the Jacobites. Over 1,000 Highland Scots were killed in hand-to-hand combat in a few hours.

Kilcalmonell Church is a parish of the Established Church of Scotland, which is Presbyterian Highland Scots historically share Gaelic language, clan culture and Catholic faith with Gaelic Ireland (see sidebar left). Alexander Henderson’s Presbyterian faith makes it unlikely that he was affiliated with the Hendersons, MacIaian and MacDonald’s of Glencoe, who are Catholic. There is no Church of Scotland/Presbyterian Church in Glencoe.

It may be noted that the Dukes of Argyll, hereditary Chiefs of Clan Campbell, have been staunch supporters of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland for generations Archibald Campbell, 8th Early of Argyll (1607-1661), during the English Civil War (1642-1651) supported the Covenanters in opposing the attempt by King Charles I of England to impose changes on the Church of Scotland that would have brought it in line with the Church of England. His son, the 9th Earl of Argyll (1629-1685) was executed for his opposition to the Roman Catholic King James II. John Campbell (1678-1743), 2nd Duke of Argyll, supported union with England and was commander of the British forces during the Jacobite rebellion of 1715.

Invereray Castle, the home of the Duke of Argyll, is less than 50 miles from where Alexander Henderson was born in Clachan, whereas Glencoe is more than 100 miles away.

Alexander served as a seaman in the U.K. Merchant Navy during his teens.33 It is not known where he and his wife married or where they were living when John, their first child, was born on 10 July 1812 Perhaps they were still living somewhere on the Kintyre peninsula. In any case, John’s petition for naturalization as an American citizen in 1844 affirms he was born in Scotland.8,141.171,34,64

After the Royal Navy imposed a blockade on U.S. maritime trade, the U.S. declared war against Britain on 18 June 1812 Alexander enlisted on 22 July 1812 and served as a gunner during the War of 1812 He was discharged 25 March 1814 209 After the war, Alexander relocated his family to northern Ireland. We know this because his younger two sons, Joseph and Thomas, were born in Ireland.

Invereray Castle

In Ireland, mandatory civil registration of all births, marriages and deaths, regardless of denomination, began 1 January 1864.173 Civil registration of non-Catholic marriages began in 1845.173 Prior to these dates, major life events were recorded in parish records.173 The primary denominations were: Church of Ireland, Roman Catholic and Presbyterian Church.173

The Irish government started taking censuses in 1821 but only fragments exist before 1901. Censuses for 1901 and 1911 are complete and available but are after Alexander likely died and his sons emigrated.

A move to northern Ireland would not have been a long journey. The Mull of Kintyre, the southern tip of Kintyre peninsula, is the closest point in all of Scotland to Ireland. From the Mull of Kintyre, it is only 12 miles across the North Channel to the Antrim Coast.5,8,33,53,62,63

Joseph (b. 1816) and Thomas (b. 1821) Henderson, Alexander’s second and third sons, were born in Ireland. Unfortunately, their baptismal records have not been found in Irish parish records and their births predate mandatory civil registration of births in Ireland (see sidebar) 173 Given Alexander’s baptism was registered with the Presbyterian Church, the baptisms of Joseph and Thomas are likely recorded in that denomination, but in which County?

County Antrim is the most likely. Alexander was in County Antrim when he collected a military pension in 1831. He resided at 1 Nelson Street, Town Parks, a townland within County Antrim, when a 16 pound land assessment tax was imposed on his house and garden in 1838.208,210 Today, Town Parks is in the civil parish of Shankill in the Baronies of Upper and Lower Belfast. Other potential sources of information regarding where Alexander and his family lived are the Irish Censuses of 1821, 1831, 1841 and 1851 but these records are fragmentary (see sidebar).

The name of Alexander’s wife was probably Elizabeth R. At the time of the 1940 U.S. federal Census, Alexander’s son John was residing in Princeton, New Jersey with his wife Ursilla and son William.127 The household adjacent to his was headed by Elizabeth R. Henderson.127 The age range given for her in the census, 40-50years, fits the likely age of John’s mother.127 Her birth between 1790 and 1800 is contemporary with Alexander Henderson’s birth in 1795. Residing In Elizabeth Henderson’s household was a male age 3040, probably her son Joseph.127

The date of Alexander’s death has not been identified. Unfortunately, the Irish Civil Registration for deaths did not begin until 1864.173 Alexander may have died in 1852 because his youngest son Thomas filed a will for probate in that year. If so, he would have been 57. His wife and two eldest sons had already emigrated and his youngest son would do so shortly after his death.

Generation 1 - Thomas Henderson (b. 1821 Ireland)

In Ireland, mandatory civil registration of all births, marriages and deaths, regardless of denomination, began 1 January 1864. Civil registration of non-Catholic marriages began in 1845.174 Prior to these dates, major life events were recorded in parish records.173 The primary denominations were: Church of Ireland, Roman Catholic and Presbyterian Church.173

The Irish government started taking censuses in 1821 but only fragments exist before 1901. Censuses for 1901 and 1911 are available but both were conducted after our Henderson kin left Ireland in 1832, 1836 and 1852.

Thomas Henderson was born in 1821 in Ireland.53 Locating his birth certificate has been difficult because he was born prior to Ireland adopting mandatory civil registration of births, marriages and deaths (see sidebar). His birth was not found in the Irish Catholic Parish Registry 1740 to 1900, but that is not surprising considering his father’s birth in Argyll, Scotland was registered in a Presbyterian parish.140 Thomas’ birth, therefore, is more likely recorded in a Presbyterian parish but locating it requires knowing in which county to look. County Donegal is the best candidate because Thomas married there No entry for Thomas Henderson appears in the Irish Censuses for County Donegal in 18211851. (see sidebar right).

As a young man, Thomas Henderson was a seaman in the U.K. Merchant Navy.33 He married Jane Virtue (b. 1822) on 29 September 1846 in Donegal (town), County Donegal, Ireland.62,63 Their marriage certificate identifies his father as Alexander Henderson and her parents as William Virtue (b. 1792), a laborer, and Elizabeth (b.1796) 62,63 Thomas’ mother had already immigrated to America, probably with her son Joseph in 1836. Thomas and Jane had two children, James (b. 1848) and Mary J. (b.1850) while still in Ireland.5,54

Our Henderson line has an association with Castle Carrick in Argyllshire. In 1852, a will filed for probate with Ireland’s Landed Estate Court in Donegal, County Donegal by Thomas Henderson was filed jointly in Castle Carrick, Argyllshire, Scotland.32 The deceased is unknown; perhaps it was Thomas’ father Alexander Henderson or his grandfather John Henderson. Thomas may have received an inheritance that enabled him to take his family to America

The Great Famine from 1845 to 1852, resulting from potato blight, resulted in over 1 million deaths and forced over 1 million Irish to emigrate in the late 1840s and early 1850s.56,57 As a result, the population of Ireland declined from a peak of 6.8 million in 1820 to 5.8 million in 1860.57 Irish immigrants fleeing famine were largely poor and unskilled. For most Irish immigrants, the trans-Atlantic passage took every penny they had, so they tended to concentrate in cities along the Eastern seaboard of New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Port cities such as Boston, New York and Philadelphia became crowded with the new arrivals from Ireland and overwhelmed by the disease and poverty.57,58 Our Henderson ancestors were part of this wave of Irish migration to the United States.

The Barque Creole was a 455-ton sailing ship, 113.7ft long by 25.45ft wide and 18.4ft deep.132 It had been part of the French Navy but was purchased in 1850 by James Corscaden & Co. of Londonderry to service the booming Irish trans-Atlantic migration.132 “The Creole was a veteran of 40 Atlantic crossings.133 It was “a well-known ship on both sides of the Atlantic, easily identified in port by its figurehead of a Creole Indian in full head-dress and war-livery.133 She remained in the passenger trade until 1862, after which she was sold and used in the Canadian timber trade.132

Thomas, Jane, James and Mary J. Henderson embarked from Londonderry on the Barque Creole, captained by John Watt, in May 1852.54,55 The ship carried 209 passengers in steerage, 5 passengers in cabins and 5 crewmen 54,55 Included on the ship’s manifest were Jane’s father, William Virtue, her mother, Elizabeth (b. 1796), and her younger brother, Anthony (b. 1830).54,55

Immigration from Londonderry to Philadelphia occurred from April to October to avoid winter storms.132 The trip via sailing ship took about a month and the fare began at 4 pounds ($20) for steerage passengers.132

A diary kept by Robert Forsythe, a 38-year-old farmer traveling with his 23-year-old wife and two daughters, ages 3 years and 7 months, aboard the Creole on its June 1850 voyage provides insight into our ancestors’ experience. In his 9-page diary, Forsythe describes “sea sickness, drunken sailors, a sailor that fell 30ft from the yardarm but recovered, fights over berths as well as cold weather and heavy seas.”132

James Corscaden (1808-1888) established his shipping company in 1830.128 He owned 2 barques that carried thousands of emigrants from Londonderry to Philadelphia, New York and St. John, New Brunswick in the 19th century.128 He served as the Chairman of the Port of Londonderry and was appointed Irish Consul to the United States.128

The Barque Creole landed in Philadelphia on 17 May 1852.54,55 The disembarkation card collected by U.S. Immigration authorities indicates that Thomas Henderson was a 30-year-old Irish tailor.54

The ship’s manifest records Thomas’ intended destination as Pittsborough (sic).55 This is curious considering everyone else listed on the ship’s manifest reported their destination was Philadelphia.55 Perhaps Thomas wanted to convey to immigration authorities that he and his family would not contribute to immigrant crowding by staying in Philadelphia. However, Thomas Henderson did not travel onwards to Pittsburgh; he remained in Philadelphia for the rest of his life.

In 1860, Thomas Henderson was working as a rigger, presumably applying the tailoring skills he acquired while a merchant navy seaman to sewing canvas sails for sailing ships.5,54 The family resided at 824 Stanley Street in Philadelphia’s 4th Ward, located on the east bank of the Schuylkill River, between the neighborhoods known as Devil’s Pocket and Grey’s Ferry.5,53 By then, James was age 12 and Mary was age 10. Both were attending school.5 A younger sibling, William (b. 1855 PA), who had been born after their arrival in Philadelphia, was 5 years old and at home with his mother.5

Tragically, Thomas died on 15 October 1867.53 He was only 45 years old and had been in America only fifteen years. He was laid to rest in Machpelah Cemetery in central Philadelphia.53

It is difficult to imagine how Jane managed to raise three children on her own. It seems unlikely that she had help from her family. Her father, William Virtue, died in 1861.53 Her younger brother, Anthony Virtue, had married, had four children and was working as a gardener. By 1880, he too was widowed.6,7 His 22-year-old son, William, worked as a wool sorter.7 His 19-year-old daughter, Jane, and even his 14-year-old son, John, worked in a hosiery mill, while the youngest, Mary Elizabeth, age 12, attended school.7

In 1870, three years after Thomas’ death, the Hendersons still resided in Philadelphia’s Ward 4, with widow Jane, age 48, as head of household.6 The older two children apparently had acquired their father’s tailoring skills. James, age 22, was working as an upholsterer and Mary J., age 19, was a dressmaker.6 William, age 15, was still in school.6

Soon after the 1870 Census, the Henderson family moved to Trenton, New Jersey. Trenton probably offered good employment opportunities because its varied industries were booming (see Mercer County, New Jersey in Chapter 5). Thomas’s elder brothers, John and Joseph Henderson, lived in the same county, just 20 miles away in Princeton.

Generation 2 - James Henderson (b. 1848 Ireland)

Civil War (12 April 1861 – 9 April 1865) Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy, authorized the first Conscription Act on 16 April 1862, requiring all white males 18-35 to serve in the Confederate Army for three years.81 As the war wore on, the eligible age was expanded to 1750.81

In the North, there was an initial rush to enlist to put down the rebellion and preserve national unity. As the conflict wore on and casualties mounted, however, volunteerism ebbed.80 In July 1862, the US Congress passed a militia law authorizing the President to draft state militia troops into service in the national army.80 Some states managed to delay implementing the draft by successfully recruiting volunteers.

In his 1 January 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, President Lincoln promised to free slaves in rebel territory, explicitly making the war a conflict over slavery, as well as saving the Union.80 This motive proved unpopular with many in the North.80 Racist sentiment, combined with fears of job competition from freed slaves and higher taxes associated with an expanded military, made recruitment for the armed forces more difficult.80 Opponents reacted with protests and violence.80 The rising need for soldiers compelled the US Congress to pass the Conscription Act of 1863.79 Every male citizen and immigrant who had applied for citizenship, who were 20 to 45 years old was required to register for military service.79

James Henderson, the eldest son of Thomas Henderson and Jane Virtue and our direct line male ancestor, was born in Ireland on 1 January 1848.34,64 His family emigrated when he was 4 years old They embarked from Londonderry on the Barque Creole and arrived in Philadelphia on 17 May 1852.1,54,55 In 1860, the Hendersons were living in Philadelphia, with his father working as a rigger, James (12) and his sister Mary J. (10) attending school and his brother William (5) at home with their mother.5

James’ youth was marked by several notable events. First, he was born in Ireland during the Great Famine (1845-1849).188 That national tragedy likely played a role in his parent’s decision to emigrate. Second, the monthlong voyage aboard the Barque Creole, a 455 ton 3masted sailing ship, from Ireland to America must have made a strong impression on a 4-year-old. Third, living in Philadelphia would have been a significant adjustment to life as he had known it in Ireland. Philadelphia’s population was over 120,000 in 1850 and grew to over half a million by 1860.134 Fourth, the political backdrop to his teens was the Civil War.

James was 13 when the Civil War started in April 1861. The first Conscription Act was passed in 1863, when he was just 15 years old and not yet a citizen, so he was exempt from the Union draft (see top left sidebar) However, on 12 January 1864, a few days after he turned 16, James enlisted in the Pennsylvania militia, claiming to be 18. James Henderson mustered in with Company A of the 183rd Regiment of the Pennsylvania Infantry (see bottom left sidebar).123 James’ patriotic exuberance waned as his regiment marched south to Virginia. He left his unit on 10 March 1864, without facing combat, and returned home to his family in Philadelphia.123

The 183rd Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry was organized from 24 December 1863 to 8 March 1864123 . The unit, attached to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division of the 2nd Army Corps, was ordered to march to the Rapidan River in Virginia to fight with the Union Army under the command of George B. McClellan (18261885) The 183rd Regiment had 16 engagements between the Rapidan and James Rivers from the Battle of the Wilderness (May 4June 12, 1864) to the surrender of Lee and his Confederate Army at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865.122,123 The regiment lost a total of 187 men - 4 officers and 92 enlisted men were killed or mortally wounded, 2 officers and 89 enlisted men died of disease.122 The 183rd Regiment mustered out 13 July 1865.122

James’ father died in a work accident in 1867. The 1870 Census records James (22) living with his widowed mother and two younger siblings in Philadelphia and working as an

upholsterer.6 As the eldest son, his earnings would have provided essential financial support for his family.53

In 1870, the Henderson family moved to Trenton, New Jersey. James became a naturalized American citizen at the age of 23 on 2 November 1871.64 On his naturalization papers, he affirmed his birth as 1 January 1848 in Ireland.64 At that time, the requirement was 5 years of US residency and 1 year of New Jersey residency. On the Naturalization Certificate, James claimed to have immigrated in April 1865, a date that met both residency requirements but hid his actual arrival in 1852, prior to the Civil War.54,64 The change in residency from Pennsylvania to New Jersey and securing U.S. citizenship may well have been a concerted effort to put military desertion behind him.

James married Catherine Rogers in 1876; he was 28; she was 20.7 Catherine was born in County Meath, Ireland on 1 April 1858.41 She was the daughter of Hugh Rogers and Catherine McGuire and had a brother Patrick Rogers who ran a mill on the Boyne River in Naven, County Meath.32,41

In 1880, Jame and Catherine resided at 26 Escher Street in Trenton with two children, Robert Emmett, age 2, and Kate, age 7 months.7 Living with them was James’ 69-year-old widowed mother, Mary Jane Henderson.7

James worked as a union stonecutter.7 Robert Emmett Henderson, his eldest son wrote in later years, “my father was a Master Workman for No.11 (trade union) and an organizer for the New Jersey Knights of Labor during his early married life.”29 His union activism may have been motivated by protracted under employment. In the 1880 Census, he reported having been “unemployed 9 months the prior year.”7

At the time of the 1885 New Jersey Census, James and Catherine were still in Trenton, Robert E. was 7 and Kate was 5.10 In the following decade, James and Catherine had five more children: James Edward (b. 1885), Marion (b. 1886), Alice F. (b. 1888), Alexander (b. 1891) and Olive M. (1893).1

Sometime in the next few years, the Henderson family moved to Mount Vernon in Westchester County, New York. Their eighth child, Veronica, was born there in 1898. The move was likely motivated by better employment prospects (see Mount Vernon, New York in Section 3). Mount Vernon is adjacent to Yonkers, the largest city in Westchester County, and immediately north of the Bronx, one of the five boroughs of New York City. Bob Henderson wrote shortly before his death that he remembered his father referring to himself as being “from Yonkers b’gosh!”29

In 1900, James (55) and Catherine (49) Henderson were at the pinnacle of parenthood.1 All eight children, from the eldest, Robert (22), to the youngest, Veronica (2), were at home, including their eldest daughter, Katherine (20), who had married Edward Gall (31).1 The Hendersons resided at 12 South 6th Avenue, centrally located in downtown Mount Vernon, a short walk to the City Hall and the Mount Vernon East train station.1

At the time of the 1905 New York Census, James (60) and Catherine (54) were still in Mount Vernon.9 Their eldest son, Robert (27), their married daughter, Kate (25) and her husband Edward (36) were employed and living on their own.9 Still at home were the six younger children: Edward (21), Marion (18), Alice (16), Alexander (14), Olive (8) and Veronica (5).9

Soon thereafter, however, the Henderson family splintered. The combined economic pressures of finding sufficient employment to sustain such a large family and difficulty of launching offspring into adult life in crowded suburban New York must have become unsustainable. By 1910, Catherine Henderson had moved to California and was renting a house at 213 Beach Avenue in San Antonio Township in Los Angeles County.22 Living with her were her two youngest daughters, Olive (15) and Veronica (12).22 Catherine is listed as “married for 33 years” but James was not residing with her.22 Considering she had no occupation except homemaker, she and James appear to have still been married.22 Her Catholic faith may have precluded divorce. A married white 62-year-old male born in Ireland in 1848 named James Henderson is recorded working as a sign painter in the 1910 US Census lodging in Assembly District 42 of San Francisco.22

There is no evidence James ever joined Catherine in Los Angeles. His daughter Alice married David Imus in 1914 and, in 1920, were living in San Francisco with their 4-year-old daughter, Geraldine Virginia. Perhaps James saw them from time to time or even lived with them because he does not otherwise appear in the 1920 US Census.23

In 1920, Catherine Henderson owned her own home at 6713 Compton Avenue in Los Angeles.23 Living with her were her adult children: Edward (35), who was working as a vegetable dealer, Olive (24), who was working as a dental nurse, and Veronica (20), who was working as a dental assistant.23

James Henderson died in 1924, age 76, and is buried in a mausoleum in Evergreen Cemetery in Oakland, Alameda California.8

In 1930, Catherine, age 73, still resided in her home at 6713 Compton Avenue in Los Angeles.24 Residing in her household

were her son Edward, age 45, who was a truck driver for an ice company, her youngest daughter Veronica, age 25 and a boarder, George Allen, who worked at an ice plant.24 He was likely a workmate of Edward’s.

Catherine (Rogers) Henderson died at age 78 on 23 March 1935 and is buried in Inglewood Cemetery in Los Angeles County.41

Generation 3 - Robert Emmett Henderson (b. 1877 Trenton, New Jersey)

Robert Emmett Henderson, called Robert in his youth and Bob in adulthood, died before any of his 4 children reached adulthood. In addition to official records accessed online, this biography is based on a couple of news clippings, a brief autobiography in Bob’s own hand written shortly before his death, several precious photos, and a few things his 23 grandchildren remember having been told about their grandfather.

Birth and Childhood

Robert Emmett Henderson was born 19 April 1877 in Trenton, New Jersey.4,78,102,120 He was the first-born child of Irish-Americans James Henderson and Catherine C. Rodgers.54 In naming their son after the famous Irish orator and freedom fighter, Robert Emmet (1778-1803), they reveal anti-English sentiment and strong support for the cause of an independent Ireland.72

England controlled Ireland for over 700 years, from the Norman conquest of Ireland in 1169 until foundation of the modern Irish state in 1822. Even today, Northern Ireland remains part of the British Empire. Following suppression of the United Irish Uprising in 1798, Robert Emmet organized a renewed attempt to overthrow the British Crown in Ireland and establish a nationally representative government.72 Although the Rising of 1803 failed and he was executed by hanging, Robert Emmet served as an inspiration to future Irish freedom fighters. Patrick Pearse, who in 1919 again proclaimed a provisional government in Dublin, declared Emmet's attempt "not a failure, but a triumph for that deathless thing we call Irish Nationality."72

In autobiographical notes, Bob describes himself as a Mick, slang for Irishman.29 Mick is short for Michael. Saint Michael for Irish Catholics is the defender of the Church, a spiritual warrior in the battle of good versus evil.71 Along with Patrick, derived from St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, Michael is the most common Irish Catholic name. Catholic Irish were looked down upon by Protestant English as poor and uneducated. Anti-Irish prejudice and negative stereotyping followed Irish Catholic immigrants to America.71 In the face of such prejudice, Bob’s adoption of the self-deprecating term Mick reflects self-confidence and pride in his Irish heritage despite those prejudices.71

In 1880, the Henderson family was living at 26 Escher Street in Trenton.7 Robert was 2 and his younger sister, Kate, was 7 months old, and their father was working as a stonecutter.7 Living with them was their paternal grandmother, Mary Henderson, a 69-year-old widow.7 Over the next 15 years, six additional siblings were born while the family continued to reside in Trenton.

The Hendersons moved to Westchester County, New York, presumably because James was in search of gainful employment. Their eighth and last child was born in 1897 after they were settled in Mount Vernon.1

Adulthood

A notable aspect of Bob’s adulthood is his military service during two wars. During the Spanish-American War, Bob Henderson, age 21, enlisted in the 4th Separate Company of Yonkers, NY, which was soon merged with Company B of the 203rd New York Infantry.78,98 Company B was mustered in on 19 July 1898 and placed under the command of Major McClintock.98 The 203rd New York Infantry was based at Camp Wetherill near Danville, Virginia for the duration of the war and did not engage in combat.98 Bob served as a Private until his discharge on 25 March 1899.78 The record confirms Bob’s date of birth as 19 April 1877.78

The Spanish-American War was a period of armed conflict between the United States and Spain from 25 April 1898 to 10 December 1898.100 It began in the aftermath of an explosion on the USS Maine in Havana Harbor in Cuba. Under the rallying cry, “Remember the Maine,” the US intervened in the Cuban War of Independence against Spain 100 Defeat of Spain ended 400 years of Spanish colonial rule in the Americas.100 Under the Treaty of Paris signed by the U.S. and Spain, Cuba won its independence and the U.S. acquired control over Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines 100

In 1900, at age 23, Bob was working as a steamfitter and living with his parents and seven younger siblings at 12 South 6th Avenue in Mount Vernon, NY.1 He was known to have been associated with boxing in young adulthood. Bob boxed for prize money and also worked as a masseur.103 One of his closest friends was Joe Sharkey, a first cousin to the prizefighter, Tom Sharkey (see photo and sidebar on following page).

Five years later at age 28, he was living on his own and, when his parents and several younger siblings moved to California, he did not join them.4 In 1910, at age 33, Bob was living in a boarding house on West 40th Street in Manhattan, employed as a grocery clerk.22 He subsequently relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, where he bought and managed a boarding house.4

During World War I (28 June 1914 - 11 November 1918), referred to at the time as The Great War, Bob registered for the draft on 18 September 1918.4 He was 41 years old. The Draft Registration Card issued by the Draft Board of Nashville City describes Robert E. Henderson as: “white male, blue eyes, grey hair, medium height and medium build, residing at 1514 Broadway in Nashville, and employed as hotel keeper/owner.”4 Next of kin is given as his mother, Katherine Henderson, residing in Los Angeles, California.4

Robert E. Henderson, 195lbs and all muscle at age 26 with book in hand, Barney Malon, standing with cigar in mouth, and Joe Sharkey, first cousin to prize fighter Tom Sharkey

Tom Sharkey was a sailor and boxer from Dundalk, Ireland who won the World Heavyweight Championship on 2 December 1896 against Bob Fitzsimmons.190 The fight was the most anticipated fight that year, the first since the former Heavyweight Champion, Jame J. Corbett, had retired.190 At the time of the fight, Sharkey was unbeaten in 24 trips to the ring with 20 knockouts.190 He had fought Corbett on 24 June 1896 in San Francisco but the match was ruled a draw after four rounds due to police interference.190 Although boxing was illegal, the fight between Sharkey and Fitzsimmons was very popular.190 The title fight was attended by city and police officials who bet on the outcome like everyone else. Suffragettes protested that the fight was restricted to men and successfully got the ban on women lifted. Sharkey was awarded the Heavyweight Championship by referee Wyatt Earp after his opponent, Bob Fitzsimmons landed a punch to Sharkey’s solar plexus, knocking him to the mat. Earp ruled that Fitzsimmons had hit Sharkey below the belt, a violation of Marquess of Queensbury rules 190 Although the ruling was contested in court, Sharkey prevailed and collected the purse of $8,500 ($366,000 today).190

Wyatt Earp had refereed 30 or so matches but had never refereed a match of national prominence. John D. Gibbs, one of the fight promoters, said: “I knew that Wyatt Earp was a cool, clear-headed person of unimpeachable reputation, and one who would be perfectly fair to both fighters.”190 He called Earp “the bravest fighter, squarest gambler, best friend and worst enemy ever known on the frontier.”190 Wyatt Earp was famed gunfighter, along with his brother Virgil, in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona on 26 October 1881.191

Tom Sharkey, World Heavyweight Champion, 2 December 1896

Bob reported to Jefferson Barracks in Missouri on 29 June 1918 for basic training.85,86 By 31 August, he had been transferred to the Medical Department and was sent to Camp Crane in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he trained as a driver with Unit 17 of the US Army Ambulance Service (USAAS).85,87,88,89

The Great Influenza Pandemic of 19181920 was the deadliest in history.69,70 It infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide, about one-third of the planet’s population, and killed an estimated 20 to 50 million.69,70 During the pandemic, more than 25 percent of the U.S. population became sick and approximately 675,000 Americans died.69,70

Not only was it wartime but the Great Influenza Pandemic (January 1918 to December 1920) was raging.69,70 The influenza virus, transmitted through the air by coughing and sneezing or by touching a common object, is highly contagious.70 It invades the lungs and causes pneumonia.70 At that time, there were no vaccines to prevent the killer flu virus and no effective antibiotics to treat pneumonia.70 Many flu victims were young, otherwise healthy adults.69,70 Soldiers during World War I, thrown together in tight quarters in military staging camps, trains and ships, and the trenches of Europe, were particularly vulnerable.69,70 In September 1918, there were 355 cases of influenza at Camp Crane alone.87 Bob ended up in New Orleans, where he met his future wife, Mary Ann Escher, who was head ward nurse at Sisters of Charity Hospital. It has long been assumed by their descendants that they met while Bob was sick from influenza and in Mae’s care, but a better understanding of Bob’s World War I military service makes it more likely that his ambulance unit was assigned to New Orleans, where troops were shipping out overseas. As an ambulance driver, he would have been responsible for shuttling sick soldiers to the hospital.

Robert Emmett Henderson and Mary Ann Escher, marriage on 7 November 1918

Marriage

Mary Ann Escher was an attractive 28-year-old nurse whose parents, Louis Escher and Katherine Meier, were first-generation German immigrants. She was raised on the family farm in Wilkinson County, Mississippi but went to New Orleans to train and work as a nurse. It was atypical for a woman of her generation to leave her family and rural home to live on her own in a big city like New Orleans.

Their courtship was short, probably due to the exigencies of wartime. Bob surely wanted to ensure that his wife would be eligible for veteran’s widow benefits. They married on 7 November 1918 in Davidson County, Tennessee.20 Marrying in Nashville, Bob’s place of residence, rather than at Mae’s family home in Wilkinson County, Mississippi, was likely a wartime expediency. Bob would have had little leave time from the Army for a wedding, much less a honeymoon. The war ended just 5 days after the wedding on 11 November 1918.101 Bob was discharged from the Army on 12 December 1918.85

The Ford Motor Company made Model T cars from Oct. 1908 to May 1927. It was the first car that was affordable for the average American. In 1924, it cost $300.

Move to Texas

Bob and Mae relocated to Fort Worth, Texas, where their first child, Billie Robert, was born on 6 September 1919.14 Bob was 42 and Mae was 27.

During his adult life, Bob worked in a variety of occupations, including steamfitter, self-employed masseur and salesman but hit on managing boarding houses as a steady source of income and lowcost lodging for himself and his family.23

In 1920, the Hendersons were living on South Main Street in Fort Worth, that Bob managed as a boarding house with eleven “roomers” from such diverse places as Norway, Minnesota, Kentucky, Nebraska and Maryland.23 After a few years, the Hendersons moved to nearby Dallas, where their daughter, Mary Katherine, was born on 8 July 1924.14 With a Model T car, a calico cat and mixed breed dog, family was clearly progressing.

Bob as Politician – Unofficial Mayor of Shady Acres and run for Texas State Legislature

Bob as Poet

Bob relocated his family to fastgrowing Houston, presumably because prospects for employment and owning a home were better there. He purchased a large, wooded lot in Shady Acres, a new subdivision located immediately west of The Heights, and built three single-story, wood-frame houses facing 21st street between Beall and Bevis.103 Bob and Mae moved into 1220 West 21st Street; it would be their home for the rest of their lives.

Even though their property was located between Turkey Gully and White Oak Bayou, it was one of the highest elevations in Houston and there were deep ditches running along West. 21st street to carry stormwater away quickly.103 The house was built on cement blocks, rather than a slab, adding further protection against flooding.103 In the early days, the yard was fenced, providing security for their young children.

Bob continued his jack-of-all-trades pursuits. He sang tenor on vaudeville stages and boxed semiprofessionally.29,103 He was a community organizer and political activist, who was pro-unionized labor, like his father.29,103 He ran twice, though unsuccessfully, for political office. Houston newspaper clippings refer to him as the “unofficial Mayor of Shady Acres." He organized rallies at the Shady Acre Civic Club, a white wooden building next to Turkey Gully on West 21st Street just two doors down from the Henderson home (see adjacent page)

In addition to his many other talents and pursuits, Bob penned poems to mark special occasions. One honored William States Jacobs (1871-1951), a charismatic orator, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Houston, civic leader and philanthropist. In addition to promoting the establishment of Houston as a deep-water port, States Jacobs pioneered the introduction of disease-resistant Brahman cattle on his 2,000 acre ranch and helped found the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Another of Bob’s poems, “Alice from Dallas,” was turned into a song for the S.M.U. football team to mark the Dallas Centennial (see adjacent page).

Another child, Alice Patricia, was born 12 September 1929.14 Shortly after Pat was born, the US stock market crashed on Black Tuesday - 29 October 1929, beginning the Great Depression, a worldwide economic downturn that would persist for the next decade.90 Businesses went under and unemployment rose dramatically.90 By 1932, one of every four workers was unemployed.90 When banks failed, life savings were lost and thousands of Americans lost their homes.90

At the time of the 1930 US Census, Bob, age 53, was married and had three children: Bill (10), Bunny (5) and Pat (1).24 He was employed as a salesman for a mercantile and owned his home at 1220 West 21st Street, valued at $3,700.24

All things considered, the Henderson family was doing relatively well. A few years later, they even had another child. Marjorie was born on 7 February 1933.14 However, only 4 years later, Bob’s luck ran out.

Illness and Death

In early 1937, Bob fell gravely ill. With him unable to work or drive, getting medical treatment in Houston was financially and logistically impossible.103 Mae’s brother, Louie Escher, drove over from his home in Alexandria, Louisiana to collect the family.103 While the three eldest children stayed with Mae’s parents in Pond, Mississippi, Bob, Mae and Margie stayed with Louie and his wife Dolly. Bob consulted with doctors at St. Frances Cabrini Hospital and the Veterans Administration Medical Center. Catholic hospitals in those days offered charity care and Bob was a Veteran.103 He was diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer and told his stomach had grown into his lower spine. There was little that could be done for him.103 Bob died on 16 March 1937 at age 59, while still in Louisiana.2,8

Given their financial situation, it would have been impossible to move Bob’s corpse from Alexandria to Houston.103 He must have been cremated.103 Louie drove Mae and her four children home to Shady Acres with his ashes.103

Bob’s grave has not been located. Mae recalled a long drive in the rain to bury Bob and a somber return drive home in the dark.103 It is not surprising Mae did not know the cemetery’s location considering she never learned to drive. Houston was then, as it is today, a fast-growing, ever-changing city.103 On another occasion when Diana was driving her past the National Veterans Cemetery on T.C. Jester, near Beltway 8, Mae suggested that Bob might have been buried there, but her grandson, Robert William ‘Jitter’ Henderson Jr., checked the records and found no record of Robert Emmett Henderson having been buried there.103

Findagrave.com records Robert Emmett Henderson, with a date of death 16 March 1937, buried in Longstreet Cemetery in Montgomery County, Texas but there is no stone that marks the actual grave.8,103 Findagrave.com records Bob’s birthdate as 7 June 1878 but this is confused with a Robert Emmet Henderson born on that date who registered for the WWI draft in Hudson County, New Jersey.4,8 He is not our relative. Bob’s correct birthdate was 19 April 1877. 4,78,102,120

At age 45, Bob’s widow Mae was faced with the daunting task of raising four children on her own. The youngest, Margie, was only 4 years old. Although Mae had worked as a nurse in New Orleans prior to marriage, she had not worked since marrying in 1918.103 In addition, she did not drive. The family’s financial circumstances were made even more challenging by a recession from May 1937 until June 1938, the thirdworst downturn of the 20th century, with unemployment hitting 10%.112

Spanish-American War Pension Act 1920, as amended 4 June 1926177

Eligibility:

At least 90 days of service and dishonorable discharge between 21 April 1898 and 4 July 1902.

Benefits:

Veteran age 62: $20/month

Veteran disabled: $20/month

Widow: $30/month

Each child under age 16: $6/month

As a widow of a Spanish-American War veteran, Mae and her three youngest children would have been eligible for survivor benefits totaling $48/month.177 The Veterans Administration Master Index Card for Robert Emmett Henderson, includes his address at Heights Station in Houston and date of death - 16 March 1937. Clearly, the VA was aware of Bob’s death and had been contacted regarding a survivor’s pension. However, no evidence was found that Mae received a pension. She is not in the Surviving Spouses of Spanish-American War Veterans database.78,82 Likewise, no VA record has been located indicating Mae Henderson received a widow’s pension for Bob’s service during WWI. Another potential source of income was Social Security survivor benefits but, even though FDR signed the Social Security Act in August 1935, monthly benefits did not begin until January 1940.114,115,130

Mae’s eldest children provided some financial assistance during World War II. Her daughter Bunny received survivor benefits after the death of her first husband, Lt. Lowe, on 31 July 1943. Bunny turned over that benefit to her mother while she worked during the war. However, that benefit would have been forfeited when she married her second husband on 26 August 1944 103 As a 1st Lt in the U.S. Army, Mae’s son Bill received officer’s pay during the war. Although he was married and had a daughter to support, there is mention in his letters sent home from the Philippines of his sending money to his mother.103

Mae was given wooded property in Wilkinson County, Mississippi by her father. That property produced some income over the years from the sale of harvested timber.103

She also would have had income from rental of the two other houses Bob built on West 21st Street and, later, from the sale of one or both properties.103

Generation 4 - Robert William Henderson (b. 1919 Fort Worth, Texas)

Youth

Robert William Henderson, the eldest child and only son of Bob and Mae Henderson, was born 5 September 1919 in Fort Worth, Texas.14 He was raised in the Shady Acres neighborhood of Houston in the home his parents built on West 21st Street.14

Bill was a lanky kid with exceptional athletic abilities. He played competitive sports at Hamilton Junior High School and John H. Reagan High School.93,103

As a high school senior, he was captain of the basketball team and led the Reagan Bulldogs to City, District and Regional Championships and placed 3rd in State.93 He was named an AllState basketball player and offered an athletic scholarship to play basketball for Texas A&M.103

Bill was active in the Reagan Dramatic Club. His senior year, he was co-president of the Thespians and represented the Dramatic Club and Thespians on the Student Council.93 He also was voted Most Popular Boy by his classmates.93

Hamilton Junior High Basketball Team –Bill Henderson (seated second from right)

College Years (1938-1943)

A growth spurt of 5 inches his senior year of high school brought his height to a towering 6’4”, giving him a competitive advantage on the court.103 At Texas A&M, Bill earned a freshman numeral and 3 varsity letters in basketball. As captain his senior year, Bill predicted victory against Texas in the final game of the 1942 season.178 He scored 22 points, to the great pleasure of 4,000 Cadets. The final minutes were hectic but Aggies prevailed with a 46-42 win.178 He was AllSouthwest Conference and second team All-American his senior year.178

Bill’s diverse athletic talents were soon tapped by other Aggie coaches. He earned a freshman numeral playing first base and was a baseball squad man his sophomore year. He earned a varsity letter his junior year by pitching several innings to win 2 conference games.178 A&M placed 2nd in baseball in the Southwest Conference in 1940 and 1941.178 Jitterbug did not go out for baseball his senior year in order to focus on track but his teammates, coached by Lil Dimmitt, had a 13 and 2 season. With his best friend, Charlie Stevenson, pitching 10 of the 13 winning games, Aggies won the ‘42 conference championship!178

In track, Henderson was a five-event man (shot, discus, javelin, high jump and long jump). He earned a freshman numeral and three varsity letters in track and made All-American as a javelin thrower.

Bill Henderson (#55) was a rookie football recruit his sophomore year on the famed 1939 Aggie football team. As a squad man, it was his job to drive the starters, including Aggie Athletic Hall of Famers John Kimbrough ‘41, Marshall Robnett ’41, Tommie Vaughn ’41 and Marion Pugh ’41, in workouts to be at their best on game day. He did his job. Under the able leadership of Coach Homer Norton, the Aggies had a remarkable 11-0-0 season to win the Southwest Conference title and defeat Tulane 14-13 in the Sugar Bowl to become National Champions.179,180

Bill Henderson (#88) was a member of the 1940 football team that was the first in Southwest Conference history to repeat its conference championship and was a starter on the 1941 team that won the conference yet again! Henderson earned 3 varsity letters in football (1940, 1941 and 1942). His adept pass reception, often with one hand, made him one of the top ten ends in the country. As an end, he made the Associated Press All-Southwest Conference team and was second team All American in 1942. His college football record is all the more remarkable because he had played a total of only five minutes of high school football and did not play any freshman football at A&M.178,179,180,181

Bill acquired the nickname ‘Jitterbug’ after winning a dance contest in Navasota. Since the winner of the dance contest was determined by applause from the audience and the audience was packed with Aggies, Bill and his partner, a fellow member of the Aggie Corps of Cadets, won the contest and prize money. When Coach Homer Norton heard about his exploits, he pinned the nickname Jitterbug on Bill and it stuck for the rest of his life.103

Jitterbug Henderson earned a total of 11 varsity letters in five sports: basketball (3), football (3), track (3), baseball (1) and swimming (1), more than any other athlete in Southwest Conference history. He is the only Aggie ever to win four varsity letters in one scholastic year (1940-41). He got two of those (track and baseball) the same afternoon and won his handball singles crown that night.

Jitterbug was heavyweight boxing champion of the all-male Texas A&M campus – TWICE (1941 and 1942).

ROTC

In addition to athletics and academics, Jitterbug was in the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Texas A&M throughout his college years. He achieved the rank of Captain in the Field Artillery Division his fifth year on campus.178

Courtship and Marriage

Jitterbug met Evelyn Gray of Hearne at an Aggie dance in spring 1942, his senior year. Evelyn was a freshman at Sam Houston State Teachers College in Huntsville. Young women at HSTC, a majority female campus, often attended social functions at Texas A&M College, an all-male college in those days. Jitterbug and Evelyn naturally were attracted to one another; both were superb swing dancers in the era of Big Band music.103

Evelyn transferred the following fall term to Bryan Business School to be near Jitterbug, who remained at A&M during the 1942-43 academic year because he had an extra year of eligibility in football, track and swimming.103

Jitterbug and Evelyn married in the First Baptist Church in Hearne on November 20, 1942. Charlie Stevenson, his basketball and baseball teammate, was his Best Man.103

Wedding reception for Jitterbug and Evelyn (Gray) Henderson, 20 November 1942 with his family: Pat, Mae and Margie Henderson

Robert William Henderson Class of 1943, Texas A&M

Military Service

Bill Henderson enlisted in the U.S. Army on 3 February 1943 but was permitted to remain with his ROTC unit at Texas A&M for the spring 1943 term. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture on 21 May 1943.182 He and Evelyn had a short visit with the Hendersons in Shady Acres before he reported to his first military assignment - Field Artillery Officer Candidate School (FA-OCS) at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma.103 Upon FA-OCS graduation, R.W. Henderson was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Thereafter Evelyn was permitted to join him in Lawton while he completed the FA Basic Officer Leader Course B. Their first child Diana Lynn was born there in August 1944. In spring 1945, Bill was transferred to Armored Force (AF) OCS at Fort Knox in Shively, Kentucky. Upon AF-OCS graduation in July 1945, he was promoted to First Lieutenant.

Evelyn’s father, Harry Gray, a switchman for the Southern Pacific Railroad, passed away in July 1945.103 Shortly thereafter, 1st Lt. Henderson was shipped out to the Philippines, via Fort Ord in California, Honolulu, Wake and Guam. Evelyn and Diana returned to Hearne to live with her widowed mother until his return.

After Victory in Europe was declared on 5 May 1945, U.S. military focus shifted to the Pacific theater of war. Intense fighting continued all summer until atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, bringing Victory over Japan on 15 August.

U.S. troops occupied Japan and General McArthur took over the Japanese Government on 31 August 1945.183

Left to right: Lt. Carl & Bunny Low, Mae, Pat, Bill, Evelyn & Margie Henderson, May 1943

Lt. R.W. Henderson (#9) was one of 27 officers in the 143rd Battalion. He led the 707 Replacement Company, which consisted of 22 men.

Athletics in the Military

Even while serving in the military, Jitterbug naturally sought out opportunities for athletic competition. At Fort Sill, he played for the 6th Regiment Cannoneers in the Field Artillery Bowl football game as a national war fund benefit. He played center for the 6th Regiment in the 1944 and 1945 Officer’s Basketball League and his team won the title both years! Jitterbug was individual high scorer in the 1944 season with 121 points, a post record.184 In the summer of 1944, he pitched for the 6th Regiment and they won the Field Artillery Replacement Training Center baseball pennant with 5 wins, 3 losses. At Fort Knox, his team won the 1945 City and County softball championships with Henderson as one of two pitchers.185

Lt. R.W. Henderson represented the Philippines team in the U.S. Army Pacific Olympics Track and Field Meet held in Manila on 27 January 1946. The Philippines came in second place with 52 ½ points behind Hawaii with 54 points. Henderson won first in shotput, chucking the 16-pound shot 45 feet 5 ½ inches, three feet better than the prior Philippine record, and won the discus throw as well. On 23 April 1946, Lt. Henderson flew to Shanghai for 7 days to compete in the 2nd Inter-Allied Western Pacific Track and Field Meet. He placed first in discus, javelin and shot put.

Aggie Muster at Corregidor

While in the Philippines, Lt. Bill ‘Jitterbug’ Henderson was one of 126 Aggies who gathered on 21 April 1946 at the entrance to Malinta Tunnel on Corregidor Island to honor those Aggies who had given their lives in defense of Corregidor, Manilla Bay and Bataan Peninsula during the Japanese siege of April 1942. Jitterbug had the honor of serving as Chaplain for the muster; he was responsible for reading the Roll Call of “all Aggies who were taken from our ranks but whose memory lives on in our hearts.” This Aggie Muster at Corregidor inspired a worldwide Aggie Muster Program held annually to honor deceased Aggies on the anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto (April 21), the date on which Texas won its independence from Mexico.

Post-War Life

Jitterbug was discharged from the U.S. Army in June 1946 and returned home safely to his family. He built a 2-bedroom garage apartment on land behind his mother’s home on West 21th Street. Anticipating the birth of their second child, Robert William Jr., in May 1944, he built a second 2-bedroom garage apartment with a modified layout to accommodate beds for both children. Subsequently, a summer kitchen

with a patio and barbecue pit, a paddle tennis court and swimming pool were added for family recreation and entertaining friends. Anticipating the arrival of a third child, Nona Ruth, in August 1952, the family moved into a new three-bedroom home on the same property but fronting West 20th Street.

Business Career

Jitterbug joined American General Life Insurance Company, where he became a top producer. He was a “Million Dollar” a year life underwriter and set a record of 98.3% renewals.

Political Career

Jitterbug was elected to the 53rd Texas State Legislature, which convened in regular session from January 13, 1953 to May 27, 1953 and in a called session from March 15, 1953 to April 13, 1954. It is noteworthy that of the 150 members of the House, 149 were affiliated with the Democratic Party. The single Independent was from San Antonio. House members included future Governor Dolph Briscoe, future federal judge Barefoot Sanders, future Texas Attorney General Waggoner Carr, and future Texas Agriculture Commissioner Jack Hightower. The 31 member Texas State Senate was comprised of 31 Democrats. The Senator representing Houston was fellow Texas Aggie and personal friend, Searcy Bracewell (D).

Evelyn & Bill Henderson with (l-r)

Thomas Frank, Robert William Jr., Diana Lynn and Nona Ruth, 1954

Jitterbug and Evelyn welcomed their fourth child, Thomas Frank, in May 1954.

Jitterbug was re-elected to the 54th Texas State Legislature, which convened from January 11, 1955 to June 7, 1955, but he had to resign during his second term after he became ill from what was subsequently diagnosed as Multiple Sclerosis. He spent a protracted period in the hospital. The only treatments available were experimental and seemed to do more harm than good. He died of congestive heart failure at age 36 on December 27, 1955 and was interred at Forest Park Lawndale in Houston.

Posthumous Accolades:

1960 -Henderson Hall - a luxury dormitory for athletes, built at a cost of $476,000 on the Texas A&M campus. The building was converted in 1974 to Texas Engineering Extension Service and subsequently used by the undergraduate honors program for advising students interested in professional schools.

1964 – one of five first inductees into the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame.

1966 - The Henderson Multiple Sclerosis Clinic in the Texas Medical Center

1967 - Bust of Jitterbug Henderson sculpted by Marshall Jackson

1968 - Citation as Top All-Time Aggie Letterman placed in Letterman’s Lounge, Texas A&M

1969 - Honoree, 30th Reunion of 1939 National Champions, Texas A&M

1969 - Henderson page in Texas Aggies 1939 National Champions – Then and Now by H.B. McElvoy

1974 - Inductee to Texas Sports Hall of Fame

1988 - Honoree, 60th Reunion of 1939 National Champions, Texas A&M

1999 - one of 224 service men from the Houston Heights whose name is engraved on the WWII Memorial located on Heights Boulevard at East 11th Street

2006 - 1939 Texas Aggies: The Greatest Generation’s Greatest Team by Mickey Herskowitz

2013 - Inductee in the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame

R. W. ‘Jitterbug’ Henderson

left to right: R.W. ‘Jitter’ Henderson Jr., Nona Ruth Henderson, Evelyn (Gray) Henderson Shaw (Jitterbug’s widow), Thomas Frank Henderson and Diana Lynn (Henderson) Beil

Diana Lynn (Henderson) Beil

Diana and John Edward Beil, Sr. (first husband) and their sons, John Edward Beil, Jr. and Robert William Beil, Sr.

Diana and Marshall Watkins (second husband, d. 24 Feb. 1997)

Madelynn, Diana, Camille, Robert Jr. and John ‘Bo’ Beil

Gina Pizzini with sons, Robert Jr. and John ‘Bo, ’ daughters, Camille and Madelynn Beil, and pets, Jody (a Siberian Husky) and Grandpaw (a hairless sphynx cat)

Madelynn, Camille and Diana (Henderson) Beil and Gina Pizzini (daughter-in-law)

Robert William Beil, Sr. (Diana’s son)

Maggie Beil and her partner, Robbie Collup with Sophie

John Edward Beil, Jr. and Nancy (Yateman) (second wife) with their children: Maggie Beil and Keegan Wimberly

John and Nancy Beil Jr. with Jesse, Nicole, Kicen, Everly and Oren Garner

Aurora Yracheta (John’s first wife) and their daughters: Anna Rangel (left), Maggie Lynn Beil (center) and Mary Beth Belcik (right)

John Edward Beil, Jr. (Diana’s son)

Robert William ‘Jitter’ Henderson

Heather (Henderson) (Jitter’s daughter) and Jake Maloy, Donna and Jitter Henderson with grandchildren: Fisher (12), Georgia Grace (8) and Holden (10) Maloy

Jitter & Donna (Stockton) Henderson

Cristin (Henderson) (Jitter’s daughter) and Kevin Ryan with Austin (16) and Kylie (14)

Tyler (son) and Rosemma (Lawrence) Strombom and their children, 2023

Hiking in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand: Nona, Dan, Rowan (9), Tyler, Violetta (2), Coralynn (6) and Evelyn, Jan 2025

Nona Ruth Henderson

Nona Henderson & Dan Strombom (husband)

Evelyn Henderson Strombom (daughter)

Thomas Frank ‘Tuffy’ Henderson

Tuffy and granddaughters

Mabry and Scotlyn with Soka and Tano

Mabry

Tuffy and Diana (Bucey) Henderson

Thomas Jr. (Tuffy’s son) and Katherine (Shaunfield) Henderson with daughters

(14) and Scotlyn (10)

Mabry canoeing with Gigi & Tuffy

Chapter 4 - Other Henderson Lines

Other Descendants of Alexander and Elizabeth R. Henderson

John Henderson (b. 1812 Scotland, d. 1874, Princeton, New Jersey)

John Henderson was born on 10 July 1812 but the place of birth has not been found. 8,34,64,126 His U.S. Naturalization record confirms his country of birth as Scotland but his christening is not recorded in the Kilcalmonell Parish in Argyll, where his father was born.64,140 United Kingdom Merchant Navy records include seaman John Henderson born in Fife in 1812.33 His parents are known to have relocated to Ulster (northern Ireland) because John’s younger brothers were born in Ireland, so John was raised there.

John emigrated from Ireland at age 20, departing Londonderry on the ship Asia, arriving in Philadelphia on 18 June 1832 and settling in Princeton, Mercer County, New Jersey.31,54,55,127 John and his wife Ursilla (b. 1811) had two children: William R. (b. 1835) and Maria L. (b. 1843).3,51,127 He became a naturalized U.S. citizen on 1 November 1844 in Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey 34,64 John worked as a carpenter and was a member of the teamsters union.127, 51,5,6

During the Civil War, John Henderson, age 50, enlisted on 1 September 1862 and served as a private in G Company of the 22nd New Jersey Volunteer Infantry.48,126 He fought for the Union for nine months and was discharged on 25 June 1863.48,126

John Henderson passed away on 4 June 1874 at age 62 and is buried in the Princeton Cemetery.8,49,126 Ursilla survived him by 16 years and received a pension for John’s service to the Union.126 She passed away on 16 May 1890 and is buried near her husband in the Princeton Cemetery.8

Generation II – children

of John and Ursilla Henderson

William R. Henderson (b. 1835)

During the Civil War, William R. Henderson (26) served as a private in the New Jersey Volunteer Infantry.48 He was mustered into Company G on 28 May 1861 and fought for the Union for 2 years until he was honorably discharged due to disability on 21 October 1863.48

At age 30, William R. Henderson married Anna Elizabeth Drake (b.1834), daughter of Daniel Drake, on 22 November 1865 in Princeton, New Jersey.50 They had a son Charles E. (b.1869).3 In 1870, William R. Henderson (34), Annie E. (27) and Charles E. (2) were living independently in Princeton, with William working as a blacksmith.6 The following year, another son, John L. (b.1871), was born.3

In a few years, a triple tragedy befell the young family. William R. Henderson died at age 39 on 21 April 1874.8 His father, John Henderson, died a few months later at age 62 on 4 June.8 William’s son, Charles, also must have died because he does not appear with his mother in the 1880 U.S. Census.7

In 1880, Anna (46) was working as a dressmaker.7 Public records suggest that widow Anna E. Henderson had help from her extended family in raising her son. She and John L. (8) were living in the household of her brother, John H. Drake (35), a railroad switch tender, at 108 Jefferson Street in Trenton.7 Also in the household were John’s wife Lizzie and their son Freddie.7 Anna E. (Drake) Henderson’s widowed mother,

Catherine S. Drake, lived in Trenton and may have helped Anna with tending John L. but she still had three grown sons: James (32), Benjamin (28) and John G. (25) living at home.7 All were employed.7 Another brother, Henry S. Drake (32), lived independently at 552 Perry Street.7

According to the 1895 New Jersey Census, Anna Henderson (52) and her son John L. (25) were residing independently from Anna’s family in a boarding house in Trenton.132

Maria L. Henderson (b. 1843) lived with her parents into adulthood and with her mother after her father’s death in 1874.5,6,7,10 After Ursilla Henderson died in 1890, Maria boarded in the homes of widows in Princeton.1,22 She died in 1918 and is buried in the Princeton Cemetery.8 No record has been found of her having married or had children.

Generation III – Son of William R Henderson and Anna Elizabeth Drake

John L. Henderson (b. 1871) married Annie J. Johnston (b. 1867) in 23 October 1895 in Trenton, Mercer County New Jersey.3,50 He was 24, she was 18. They had two children: Clifford McKinley Henderson (b. 26 Oct 1896) and George J. Henderson (b. 1904). 3

John L. worked as a brass spinner and the family lived at 402 Clinton Street in Trenton.1 His widowed mother, Anna E. (Drake) Henderson (57), resided with them.1

Tragically, John L. Henderson died at age 33 on 28 August 1904, the same year George J. was born.8 He is buried in Riverview Cemetery in Trenton.8

Widowed Annie J. (Johnston) Henderson and her two sons moved in with her widowed mother, Margaret Johnston, at 58 Banks Street in Trenton.30,22,38 Residing in the same household were Anna’s adult siblings, George M. and Margaret Johnston, and a cousin, Anna Subers.3,30,22 Next door at 56 Banks Street were Anna’s younger brother, James J. Johnston (35), his wife Amelia and their two daughters, Edith and Eleanor.1,3,22,30

After Margaret Johnston passed away in 1912, the household at 58 Banks Street continued as before with George M. Johnston assuming head of household.8,38 However, a few years later, George served in the military during World War I from March 1916 to December 1918.139 With the only adult male in the household away at war, it must have been tough going financially for Anna, her two sons and her sister.

Anna J. (Johnston) Henderson survived her husband by 50 years. She died on 8 February 1954.49

Generation IV – sons of John L. Henderson and Anna J. Johnston

Clifford McKinley Henderson (b.26 Oct 1896)

Clifford M. Henderson (21) registered for the draft in 1917 but no record of his having served during World War I has been located.4

In 1920, at age 24, Clifford was married to Anna Mae Bunting (20) and renting at 287 Bellevue Avenue in Trenton. Residing with them were his brother George (16), mother Anna J. (Johnston) Henderson (50) and

grandmother Anna E. (Drake) Henderson (76).23 Clifford and George worked in a stationery store and Anna Mae worked as a stenographer.23

By 1930, Clifford M. and Anna had two sons, Clifford Wallace (b. 1920) and Earl Bunting (b. 1927).3,24 They owned their house worth $5,500 and Clifford M. was working in a stationery store in Trenton, probably in the one associated with the retail print shop owned by his brother George 24 Neither his mother nor his grandmother were still residing with him.24

By 1940, Clifford and Anna Mae had divorced.25 She and her two sons were living with her mother, Martil Bunting, who worked as a demonstrator in a retail department store.25 Anna was working as a stenographer.25 Clifford W. (19) was out of school but not working and Earl B. (13) was in school.25

In 1950, at age 53, Clifford M. Henderson was working as a watchman at a department store and living in Upper Makefield Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.97 He was married to Mary Richardson Flatt from Sparta, Tennessee. Her first marriage to Fowler Flatt in 1924 in Tennessee, resulted in two sons and a daughter.97 They are not related by blood to our Henderson line.

Clifford McKinley Henderson died on 22 February 1960 and is buried in Newtown Cemetery in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.8 He was survived by his sons, Clifford Wallace and Earl Bunting Henderson, who were 39 and 32, respectively.

George J. Henderson (b. 8 November 1904) married Florence E. Mansley, had three children: George J. Jr. (b. 1926), Edgar Llewellyn (b. 1929) and Carol Joan (b. 1931) and lived in Trenton.24,25 George J. Jr. died in his youth.8

In 1930, George J. (26) and Florence owned a home on Concord Avenue in Ewing Township valued at $6800. George worked as a salesman in a stationary store and Florence was at home tending Edgar, age 1.24

By 1940, George J. (36) and Florence owned a retail print shop.25 Edgar was 11 and Carol Joan was 9.25 In 1950, the family was living at 150 Schumacker Drive in Buckingham Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.97 George J. (45) was managing his retail stationery store and Florence (41) was working as a sales clerk in their store.97 Edgar (21) and Carol (19) were grown but still living at home; neither were employed or married.97

George J. Henderson Sr. died 9 February 1954, just a day after his mother, Annie J. (Johnston) Henderson passed away.49 His children: Edgar and Carol, were 25 and 23, respectively.

Generation V to VI

Descendants of Clifford McKinley Henderson and Anna May Bunting: Clifford Wallace Henderson (b. 27 Nov 1920)

During World War II, Clifford Wallace Henderson enlisted in the Coast Artillery Corps of the National Guard on 6 January 1941 and in the Army Reserves on 17 August 1942.117 On his enlistment form, he mentioned having 3 years of college and skills as a baker.117 Notably, he served in the US Army as a Tec 4 on the Manhattan Project during the war.8 Clifford married Arlene Lockett in Philadelphia in 1946 and had a son, Michael W. Henderson (b. 1949). Their marriage ended and Clifford W. married Janet ‘Janny’ Holdren.8,138

Clifford W. Henderson was living in New Bern, Craven County, North Carolina when he died on 30 January 2006.8,13,102 Janet died in 2019. Both are buried in Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Brevard County, Florida.8

Michael W. Henderson had two daughters - Schuyler Janae Henderson (b. unknown) and Courtney Michelle Henderson (b. 1984), who were raised in New Bern, North Carolina. Schuyler married Raymond Earl Cox and Courtney married Mr. Newkirk. Both live in Greenville, North Carolina. Michael W. Henderson died in November 1974 with no known male descendants.

Earl Bunting Henderson (b. 1927) married Alice Przemieniecky (b. 1932) and had two daughters, Ruth and Jill, and one son, Earl Edward 8 Earl Bunting Henderson was a Trenton resident most of his life, summered in Strathmere and retired to New Smyrna Beach, Florida before settling in South Carolina.207 He worked as a tool and die maker for RCA and retired from Western Electric. 207 He served in the Coast Guard during World War II, achieving the rank of Sergeant 2nd Class.207 He was a member of Ashler Masonic Lodge and the Trenton Forest Tall Cedars No. 9 Scottish Rite and Crescent Temple. 207 He was a clown with the Shriners, past patron of Morning Star 22, The Mini Mules Club of New Smyrna and a former Elk in New Jersey and Florida. 207 He died at age 81 on 14 December 2008 in Hartsville, South Carolina. 8 He is interred in Greenwood Cemetery in Hamilton, New Jersey. 8

Ruth married J. Bradley Mobley and had one daughter, Katherine. Jill married Ed Brennan and had two daughters, Rachel and Jennifer. Rachel married Mr. Kowalski and had two children, Traci H. and Mathew. As of this writing, Jennifer is not married.

Earl Edward Henderson (b. 1922) married Nelda and had three children: Madelyn, Emily and Thomas Nothing has been found on any of these.

Descendants of George J. Henderson Sr. and Florence E. Mansley

George J. Henderson Jr. (b. 10 July 1926) died in his youth on 29 August 1932.6

Edgar Llewellen Henderson (b.22 August 1928) registered for the military draft in Bristol, Bucks County, Pennsylvania on 22 August 1946.186 No information has been found regarding military service, marriage or children. He died 9 May 2007 and is buried in Beechwood Cemetery in Bensalem, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.8,13,102

Carol Joan Henderson (b.1931) - No information has been found.

Conclusion

John Henderson was born in Scotland on 10 July 1812, immigrated to the United States at the age of 20 in 1832, settled in Princeton, Mercer County, New Jersey, married a woman named Ursila and had two children. No living male descendant of John Henderson has been located but there are two prospects. Thomas Henderson, son of Earl Edward Henderson, and his wife Nelda, but his birth date and place are not known. Edgar Llewellen Henderson (b. 1928, d. 2007), son of George J. Henderson, Jr. and his wife Florence E. Mansley. He died on 9 May 2007 in Bensalem, Bucks County, Pennsylvania and no record of marriage or children have been found.102

Joseph Henderson (b. 1816 Ireland, d. 1879, Princeton, New Jersey)

The second son of Alexander and Elizabeth Henderson and the elder brother of our direct Henderson ancestor, Thomas Henderson, is Joseph Henderson.8 He was born 26 December 1816 in Ireland and emigrated at age 19, embarking from Londonderry on the ship Amy 54,55 He landed in Philadelphia with 3 barrels of personal goods on 23 August 1836 declaring his occupation as carpenter.54,55 He settled near his elder brother John in Princeton, Mercer County, New Jersey.127

In 1840, Joseph was living with his mother near his elder brother in Princeton.127 He married Nancy Hagerman on 5 August 1842, and they had two daughters, Mary Elizabeth (b. 1843) and Harriet (b. 1846).3,50,51 In 1850, Joseph was working as a tailor and residing with his wife and two daughters in Princeton Township.51 Two sons: Rodman Price (b. 1853) and Frank (b.1856), were born during the following decade.3,5

By 1860, Joseph (43) had become the proprietor of a stage rental business.5 His household consisted of: his wife Nancy, their four children: Mary Elizabeth (17), Harriet (13), Rodman Price (6) and Frank (4). Two boarders, Joseph Longs, age 23, and Ralph Hubbard, age 18, were drivers for Joseph’s stage rental company.5

On 12 June 1862, at the age of 46, Joseph Henderson mustered in as a Private with Company G, 10th Regiment of the New Jersey Volunteer Infantry.48 He fought for the Union during the Civil War for almost 3 years, was promoted to Sergeant and was mustered out on 1 July 1865 at Hall’s Hill, Virginia.48

In 1870, Joseph, age 53, and Nancy were living in Princeton.6 In their household were their sons, Rodman (17) and Frank (13), eldest daughter Mary Elizabeth (27), her husband John Rowand and two grandchildren, Josephine (4) and James (2).6 Times must have been hard with such a large household. His stage rental business appears to have gone under while he was away from home fighting during the Civil War because, after the war, he returned to working as a tailor.6 Joseph filed for a Civil War Pension on 12 December 1865. Considering his 3 years of military service, presumably he received it.

Joseph Henderson died at age 62 on 13 May 1879 and is buried near his elder brother John in the Princeton Cemetery with a headstone honoring him as a Union Veteran.8,172

Generation II - Children of Joseph Henderson and Nancy Hagerman

Mary Elizabeth ‘Eliza’ Henderson (b. 1843) married John W. Rowand (b. 1842).6 In 1870, they were living with Eliza’s parents and had two children: Josephine (b. 1866) and James (b. 21 Dec 1868).6 In 1880, they were living in a house on Mercer Street with John’s widowed mother, Ann, age 70.7 In 1900, Josephine and James, though in their 30s, were still living at home. John Rowand worked as a day laborer, Josephine as a dressmaker and James in dry goods sales.10 James married Bertha Whyte and had a daughter. John Rowand

died in 1914, Eliza died at age 85 on 5 April 1927, and James died in 1957.8,45 All are buried in Princeton Cemetery.8

Harriet Henderson (b. 1846, 1909) married Charles Rue on 11 February 1869.50 By 1885, they had four children: Elizabeth (b. 1870), Cassie (b. 1873), Lillian May (b. 1877) and Leroy (b. 1883) and lived on a farm in Hopewell, New Jersey near the Drakes, Updikes, Terhunes, Griggs, Stouts and other farming families.10 Griggstown, New Jersey on the Delaware-Raritan Canal is named after the Griggs family. A descendant of the Terhune family still operates a farm offering U-pick fruits and vegetables in Lawrence Township. The historic Updike farmhouse in Princeton is currently a special events venue. Several Henderson descendants married into the Drake and Stout families. By 1900, Charles Rue was working as a produce dealer and the family lived at 149 Jackson Street in Trenton.1 Living with them were their three daughters, including the eldest Elizabeth (30), who had married Theodore Hoff and had a son Russell (5).1 Their only son, Leroy, had passed away.1`

Rodman Price Henderson (b. 22 Sept 1853) married Caroline ‘Carrie’ Stanley Leigh (b. Sept 1853) on 1 January 1873.50 They had three children: Price Stanley (b. 1874), Mary (b. 1876), and Anna (b. 1878). After his father died in 1879, Rodman, Carrie and their three children moved in with his widowed mother. In 1880, they lived in the family homestead on Mountain Avenue in Princeton. Caroline’s parents, Isaac and Sarah Leigh, lived next door.

During the following decade, Rodman and Carrie had four more children: Caroline E. (b. 1881), Charles Bertram (July 1882), Isaac Leigh (b. May 1884) and Joseph Leigh (b. Oct 1891). 3,8 In 1900, Rodman was working as a contractor. He and Carrie were living at 67 Bayard Lane in Princeton.1 At home were their children: Caroline (19), Charles B. (17), Isaac L. (16) and Joseph L. (8), and Rodman’s mother, Nancy (Hagerman) Henderson, age 79.1

The eldest, Price Stanley Henderson (26), was a market gardener. He and his wife, Mary Belle, were living independently at 124 Cedar Grove. Mary (24) was no longer recorded in her parent’s household; she is presumed to have married. Anna (22) married Walter Stout and had a son Leon (b. 1902).

Living with Rodman and Caroline in 1905 were their sons, Isaac (19) and Joseph (13), daughter Annie (27) and grandson Leon (3).

In 1910, Price S. (36), Charles B. (27), and Isaac L. (24) were married and living with their spouses in separate households but on their parents’ land in Princeton.22 Price S. and Isaac L. were carpenters and Charles B. was a painter.22 Perhaps they learned their trades from their father who was a contractor. The youngest son, Joseph L. (17) was still at home as were their daughter Annie (33) and grandson Leon (8).22 Rodman’s mother Nancy (Hagerman) Henderson, age 90, and Caroline’s parents, Isaac (90) and Caroline (76) Leigh also lived with them.22

In 1915, at age 62, Rodman and Caroline lived on Mountain Avenue in Princeton. Still at home were their youngest son, Joseph (25), daughter Annie (36) and grandson Leon (12).38 Their sons Price S., Charles B. and Isaac L. and their families lived in separate households on adjacent land on Mountain Avenue.38 Caroline’s

parents may have passed away. Their eldest daughter Eliza was living with Isaac and his family.38 Their mother, Nancy, was still alive but is not listed in his household.38

In 1920, Rodman and Carrie, both age 66, were still living on their farm on Mountain Avenue.23 Living with them were their daughter Anna (41) and grandson Leon (18).

Rodman Price Henderson died on 16 January 1928.8 Caroline ‘Carrie’ Stanley Leigh Henderson followed on 2 December 19298. Both are buried in Princeton Cemetery.8

Frank P. Henderson (b. 1857), the youngest of Joseph and Nancy’s four children, married Annie E. Jones on 2 February 1892. He was 36 and she was 33. In 1900, Frank (41) and Annie (39) were living in Lawrenceville; he was working as a farmer.1 They had been married 9 years but had no children.1 In 1910, Frank was still working as a farmer, but he and Annie were living in Princeton Junction.22 In 1920, at age 63, Frank and Annie were renting a house on Henderson family property on Mountain Avenue in Princeton; he was working as a janitor at a college, presumably Princeton.23 In 1930, Frank (74) was working as a janitor in the chapel of a university. By this time, they owned their home worth $7000.24 Frank died 8 May 1932 and Annie survived him by 18 years. She passed away on 5 January 1950.8 Both are buried in Princeton Cemetery.8

Generation III and IV - Descendants of Rodman Price Henderson and Carrie Stanley Leigh

Price Stanley Henderson (b. 1874) married Mary Belle (b. 1868) in 1899. In 1930, they owned their home on Mountain Avenue in Princeton valued at $10,000. Mary Belle died on 16 May 1934.8 Price survived her by more than 30 years. He married Louisa M. Anderson, who passed away in 1941.8 Price died on 4 June 1966 without having children by either wife.8 He, both of his wives and his sister Mary are buried in adjacent graves in the Princeton Cemetery.8

Mary W. Henderson (b. 1876) appears to have remained in Princeton all her life and never married. She is buried in a plot near her brother Price Stanley Henderson and his first and second wives in the Princeton Cemetery under her maiden name.8

Anna A. Henderson (b. 19 Jan 1878) married Walter S. Stout (b. 1875) and had a son, Leon, in 1901. After Walter drowned in the Delaware River in 1904, Annie returned to her parent’s home and, with their help, raised her son Leon. She later married Henry James (b. 1860). She died in November 1967 and is buried the Baptist Meeting House Cemetery in Hopewell next to Walter.8 Leon Stout married first Ethel Hullfish in 1925 and later Jessie Dye Poinsett in 1954. Leon died in 1973 and Jessie followed in 2004. Both are buried in the Lawrenceville Cemetery.8

Charles Bertram Henderson Sr. (b. 3 July 1882) initially tried farming in Hunterdon County with his father’s help in 1905 but apparently did not take to it. He married Catherine L. Heacock (b. Nov. 1880) and lived near his brothers, Price and Isaac, on Mountain Avenue in Princeton, where he worked as a house painter. They raised four children: Charles Bertram Jr. (b. 1906), Helen Catherine (b. 1910), Arthur Rodman (b. 1912) and John Edmond (b. 1917).8

Arthur Rodman Henderson enlisted on 14 April 1941 and served in the US Army during World War II. He was discharged from Fort Dix, NJ on 13 March 1944. At the time of the 1950 Census, Charles B. Jr. (44) and Arthur R. (40) were still single, living with their parents and working as house painters with their father.97

Presumably, neither married or had children. Helen married Jefferson Drake Collings Sr. and had two children: Jefferson Drake Jr. and Joyce. John married Dorothy F. Cole (b. 1915) but no children are known.

Charles Bertram Henderson Sr. died in 1957, Helen Henderson Collings in 1965, Catherine Heacock Henderson in 1966, Charles Bertram Henderson Jr. in 1976, John Edmond Henderson in 1988 and Arthur Rodman Henderson in 1990.8 Members of the Charles Bertram Henderson Sr. family are buried in the Princeton Cemetery.8

Isaac Leigh Henderson (b. 30 May 1884)

Isaac L. Henderson was a carpenter. In 1907 at age 23, Isaac married Emma E. Stout (b.1882). In 1914, at age 29, Isaac registered for the World War I draft but it is not known whether he served in the military.4 In 1915, Isaac and Emma lived on Mountain Avenue with their children, Earl Stout (b. 1908) and Marion E. (b. 1912) and Emma’s mother, Eliza E. Stout. In 1930, Isaac, age 45, owned his home on Mountain Avenue, valued at $6,000. Earl (22) and Marion (18) were still living at home.

Earl Stout Henderson married Frances Mildred Eubank (b. 1911) and lived in Millville, Cumberland, New Jersey. Earl S. Henderson died on 22 January 1990. No record has been found of their having had children.

Isaac L. Henderson died in 1969, Emma in 1974, Earl S. in 1998 and Mildred in 2001.8 All four are buried in the Princeton Cemetery.8,13

Marion E. Henderson married George Callighan, an Irish-American who worked as a clerk in the registrar’s office at a university, presumably Princeton. They had two children: Barbara (b. 1939) and Thomas B. (b. 1948).

Joseph Leigh Henderson (b. Oct 1891) was a gardener. He married Hannah Nilsson (b. 1881), an immigrant from Sweden. In 1920, Joseph L. (28) and Hannah (38) resided on Henderson family property on Mountain Avenue in Princeton with their daughter Anna M. (2). By 1930, Joseph L. owned a home and greenhouse on Mount Lucas Road in North Princeton valued at $9,000 and was working as a self-employed florist.24 He and Hannah had two children: Anna M. (b. 1917) and Carl Joseph (b. 1922).24 By 1940, the value of the property had dropped to $2,000, presumably due to the adverse impact of the Great Depression.25 Up through 1950, Anna M. (32) and Carl Joseph (28) remained single and were still living with their parents but the family had moved to a house on Henderson Avenue off Mountain Lakes Avenue in Princeton.97 Carl J. was working as a storeroom clerk for a chemical laboratory.97

Hannah N. Henderson died in 1959, Joseph Leigh Henderson in 1980, Anna M. Henderson in 1996, and Carl Joseph Henderson in 2001.8 All are buried in the Princeton Cemetery.8

Conclusion:

Joseph Henderson, who was born in Ireland on 26 December 1816, immigrated to the United States at the age of 20 in 1836, settled in Princeton, New Jersey, married Nancy Hagerman and had four children. Four generations of Henderson kin from this line are buried in the Princeton Cemetery and other cemeteries of Mercer County, New Jersey. A thorough search reveals that the last known male descendant of this line bearing the Henderson name was Carl Joseph Henderson (b. 1921), who died in 2001. No living male descendant of Joseph Henderson has been located.

Other Descendants of Thomas and Jane (Virtue) Henderson

Mary Jane Henderson (b. 1850 Ireland)

Mary Jane Henderson emigrated from Ireland at age 3 with her parents, Thomas Henderson and Jane Virtue, and elder brother James on the Barque Creole from Londonderry in 1852.5,54,55 They arrived in Philadelphia on 17 May 1852.54 The 1860 Census records Mary J., age 10, living with her parents and going to school in Philadelphia.5 Her father died in 1867, when Mary was 17, placing her family in difficult financial circumstances.53 In 1870, at age 19, she was living with her mother and siblings and working as a dressmaker.6

Mary J. Henderson married John N. Fuchs (b. 1849 PA) on 8 October 1876 in Philadelphia.137 They had three children: John (b. 1877), Louisa J. (b. 1877) and Joseph (b. 1881). Louisa died at age 3 months in 1877, John at age 4 years in 1881, and Joseph at age 1 year in 1882.53 A fourth child, John Otto, was born 22 July 1887.36,124 Subsequent events of this line have not been traced.

William Henderson (b. 1855 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

William Henderson was the third and last child born to Thomas and Mary Jane (Virtue) Henderson. He was born in 1855 in Philadelphia, three years after his parents immigrated.5 In 1860, when he was 5 years old, his family resided at 12 South Stanley Street in Philadelphia.5 He was at home with his mother while his father worked as a rigger on sailing ships and his elder siblings, James and Mary J., attended school.5 William was only 12-years-old when his father died in 1867.53 In 1870, he was still in school but his two elder siblings were working.6 In 1880, at age 25, William was still living with his mother at 12 Stanley Street in Philadelphia.7 He was single and working as a waterman. He died in Camden in 1886 from consumption at the age of 31.49 No record has been found of his having married and had children.

Conclusion:

No other living Henderson male descendants of Thomas and Jane Henderson have found.

Other Descendants of James and Katherine (Rogers) Henderson

The children of James Henderson and Katherine Rogers are the 3rd generation of Hendersons in America. Their eldest child, Robert ‘Bob’ Emmett Henderson, our direct line male ancestor, was described in detail in Chapter 3. The following summarizes what is known about Bob’s seven siblings. The younger sisters, Alice, Olive and Veronica, who lived in Los Angeles, California, were in contact with Bob’s eldest daughter Bunny Welling, who lived in the San Francisco Bay Area. Photos included of Alice (Henderson) Imus with her family are those shared with Bunny.

Mary Katherine Henderson (b. 1879 Trenton, New Jersey)

Katherine Henderson was born in Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey in September 1879. She was named after her mother but was called Katie by her family. She met and married Edward Gall (b. Feb 1870), a German immigrant from Rain, Bavaria, after her family moved to Mount Vernon, Westchester County, New York.17 She and Edward resided in Mount Vernon for at least 30 years.1,9,22,39,23,40,24

As a young married couple in 1900, they lived with Katie’s parents.1 Five years later, Edward (36) and Katie (25) were living on their own at 116 Second Avenue in Mount Vernon.9 Edward was working as a day laborer and Katie was a homemaker with 3 children: Florence (5), who was in school, Edward Jr. (4) and Clarence (2).9

Something untoward must have happened to Katie. In 1910, Edward, age 9, and Clarence Gall, age 6, were inmates in the Institution of Mercy in Tarrytown, New York.22 In 1915, Edward Jr. was back home with his father but Clarence’s whereabouts is unknown.39

In 1920, Edward (49) and Katie (40) Gall were renting at 172 Chestnut in Mount Vernon.23 He was working as a driver for a dairy, Florence was 20 and Edward Jr. was 18.23 Clarence, age 17, still was not listed as a member of the household.23 Edward reports his place of birth as Michigan and the nationality of his parents as Swiss, probably to avoid anti-German sentiments during WWI (1914-1918).23

In 1925, Edward (55) appears to be living alone.40 Perhaps Katie has passed away; she does not appear in the 1930 federal census in which Edward (60) is head of household, still working as a laborer and a veteran.24 He claims he and his parents were born in Michigan.24 Florence apparently had married; her name is Massell but, at age 30, she is living with her father without her husband.24 Edward Jr. (24) was working as a policeman.24 They were renting at 15 Chestnut Place for $35/month.24

Edward Gall Sr. died on 9 February 1939 and is buried in Mount Sinai Cemetery in Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York.12 In 1940, Edward Gall Jr. (39) and his sister Florence Massell (40) were still renting at 15 Chestnut Place in Mount Vernon.25 Edward was a fireman for the Mount Vernon City Fire Department.25 In 1950, Edward Gall (49) and Florence A. Massell still resided at 15 Chestnut Place and Edward had become Fire Chief in Mount Vernon.97

Edward James Henderson (b. 1884 Trenton, New Jersey)

Edward James Henderson grew up in Trenton, New Jersey but moved with his family to Mount Vernon, New York shortly before the turn of the last century.1 In 1905, at age 21, he was still living with his parents in Mount Vernon but did not move with them when they relocated to California.9 Instead, he went to Cape May, New Jersey, where he was employed at a goldbeating plant.22 He married Rebecca Laird and had a daughter, May, born in 1909.22 In 1910, at age 26, he was head of household and fully-employed as ‘a beater.’ His wife’s occupation is listed as a “cutter” in the same plant but she had not worked the prior year as she was home with May. Living with them on West Perry Street was Rebecca’s mother, Mary Laird (55).22 Edward M. and Rebecca Henderson appear in the federal censuses for Cape May for 1920, 1930 and 1940.23,24,25. By 1940, they owned a house on Windsor Street, their daughter was grown and was no longer living with them.25

Hastings Goldbeating Company operated on Goldbeaten Alley from 1881 to 1931. Workers cut gold bars into thin slices, then beat them paper-thin.46,47 Ladies working at 201 Broadway in Cape May took those paper-thin leaves and inserted them between pieces of rice paper.46,47 The thin gold leaf was then sent north to Philadelphia to be used in decorative arts.46,47

Confusingly, the 1930 US Census for Los Angeles records Edward, age 45, living with his mother, Katherine Henderson in Los Angeles.24 He is listed as single and delivering ice for a local ice plant.24 Perhaps although he and May had separated, she continued to list her husband in the 1930 and 1940 federal censuses. Another confusing item was Edward Henderson’s World War II Draft Registration Card. In 1942, he registered at Hicksville, Long Island, NY.21 He was 58 years old, surely too old to be drafted.21 He gave his permanent residence as: 6713 Compton Avenue in Los Angeles, California – his mother’s address. This seems to confirm that California was his home in later years but, then, why did he register for the draft Hicksville, New York?21 His death certificate, issued in Los Angeles on 26 June 1949, gives his correct birthdate as 18 February 1844, his father as James Henderson, and his mother as Katherine Rogers.41 In any case, as the Edward Henderson in Cape May had only 1 child, a daughter, the Henderson surname and genes did not carry on in his line.

Marion L.

(b. 1885 Trenton, New Jersey)

In 1905, Marion, age 20, was living with her parents in Mount Vernon, New York but she did not move to California with her mother and younger three sisters.9 A residence listing was found for Marion L. Henderson in the 1922 Directory for Jersey City, Hoboken and Bayonne.67 She would have been 37 years old at the time. Nothing more of her adult life is known.

Frances Henderson (b. 1888 Trenton, New Jersey)

In 1905, Alice, age 16, was living with her parents in Mount Vernon, NY.9 She moved to California but did not reside with her mother and two younger sisters at the time of the 1910 US Census.22 She married David Loren Imus (b. 19 Apr 1888) on 16 March 1914 in Orange County, CA.18 He was 25 and working as a salesman; she was 19 working as a bookkeeper.18 Their only daughter, Geraldine Virginia, was born 11 June 1915.19 In 1920, they were renting a house on Rincon Street and Virginia was 4 years old.23 By the time of

Henderson

Alice

the 1930 Census, Alice (39) was renting at East 67th Street in San Antonio Township in Los Angeles County.24 Virginia (15) was living with her; David was not.24

Virginia Imus married Thomas Haywood Flippin on 21 January 1935 in Los Angeles.18 They had two children, Neal Edward Flippin (b. 23 June 1937) and Robert Lee Flippin (b. 21 April 1945).19 Alice Imus and her daughter Virginia Flippin sent family photos to Bunny Welling.

David Imus died in 1962 and Alice followed in 1977.41

Alice Francis (Henderson) and David Loren Imus

Top, left to right: Alice (Henderson) Imus, Virginia (Imus) Flippin, Virginia’s friend (unknown), Thomas Haywood Flippin, Thomas’s brother (unknown)

Bottom: Neal Edward Flippin, Los Angeles CA, ca. 1942

Alexander Henderson (b. 1890 Trenton, New Jersey)

In 1905, Alexander, age 14, was living with his parents in Mount Vernon NY in 1905.9 He does not appear to have moved with his family to California. In 1910, he was not living with his mother in Los Angeles or his father in San Francisco.22 No additional information has been found regarding him.

Olive M. Henderson (b. 1893 Trenton New Jersey)

Olive, who was born in Trenton in 1893, moved with her parents to Mount Vernon, New York and subsequently with her mother to Los Angeles CA.1,9,22 In 1921, Olive married Otto Grossman (b. 1896).18 He had moved to California with his parents and brother Walter. In 1930, Otto, age 36, and Olive, age 31, were living at 860 W. Florence Avenue in Los Angeles.24 Otto was employed as a welder and their house was valued at $4700.24 Olive reports that her father was born in Northern Ireland, another clue for locating James Henderson’s birth certificate.24

No children resulted from the marriage and, by 1940, Otto (46) and Olive (41) were separated.25 Otto was living with his brother Walter at 852 W. Florence Avenue and Olive at 860 W. Florence Avenue.24 Otto died in 1943.41 Olive died in 1992 at age 98 and is buried in Inglewood, Los Angeles County California.8

Veronica Henderson (b. 1898 Mount Vernon. New York)

Veronica moved with her mother and sister Olive to Los Angeles, California. In 1910, at age 12, she was living with them in a house at 213 Beach Avenue.22 She married Albert Ryan but no children are known to have resulted from the marriage. They are listed in the 1942 City Directory for Los Angeles as living at 8228 S. Mariposa Avenue. She continued to reside in Los Angeles until her death in 1982.41

Conclusion

Two sons of James and Katherine Henderson, other than our direct line ancestor R.E. ‘Bob’ Henderson, were Edward James Henderson (b. 1884) and Alexander Henderson (b. 1890). Considering both had the Henderson surname and Alexander Henderson’s Y-chromosome genes, they are of keen interest but no male descendants were found.

Other Descendants of Robert Emmett and Mary Ann (Escher) Henderson

Mary

Katherine Henderson Welling (b. 1924 Dallas Texas)

Mary Katherine Henderson was born on 8 July 1924 while her parents, Bob and Mae Henderson, were living in Dallas. Her parents and adoring elder brother Bill called her Bunny, a nickname that suited her so well it stuck all her life. Family pets included a calico cat and a large mixed-breed dog A few years later, her family moved to Houston and built a 1-story, 3-bedroom, wood-frame house on a large wooded lot at 1220 West 21st Street in Shady Acres, where she grew up.

In September 1929, when Bunny was five, her family welcomed a new addition, her younger sister Alice Patricia.14

Within a few weeks, the stock market crashed plunging the nation into an economic downtown known as The Great Depression that lasted a decade.50

From age 6, Bunny attended Helms Elementary. She rode to school on the back of her brother Bill’s bicycle. Another sister, Marjorie, was born in February 1933.14 Family life carried on through the Great Depression with Bunny and Bill attending school and Margie at home with her mother.24,25 They did not have much money, but neither did anyone else. A few years later, however, life changed profoundly.

Bill (13), Bunny (8) and Pat (2.5), Easter ‘32

War Years

In March 1937, when Bunny was only 13, her father died of stomach cancer.2,103 His death left the family in dire financial circumstances. Although Mae had worked as a nurse in New Orleans prior to marriage, she had not worked since 1918 and she never learned to drive 103 Making matters worse, the US economy took another deep dive In May 1937 with unemployment hitting 10%.90

Bunny’s brother Bill graduated from John H. Reagan High School in June 1938 and went off to college at Texas A&M.93,103

Bunny had a keen sense of style. She made her own clothes in order to have a striking wardrobe on a tight budget.103

Although World War II loomed large on the global stage from September 1939, the Henderson family remained unaffected because the U.S. had not yet entered the fight.116 Soon after Bunny married Carl Thomas Low, a pilot in the Air Corps, on 15 November 1941, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii on 7 December, compelling President Roosevelt to declare war on Japan and the Axis Powers and to mobilize all branches of the US military.11

Bill married Evelyn Gray on 20 November 1942, enlisted in the U.S. Army in February 1943, and graduated from Texas A&M in June 1943.16,117 The Henderson family gathered in Shady Acres in June 1943 just before Carl shipped out to Honolulu and Bill was sent to Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma for officer training.109 Tragically, on 31 July 1943, 2nd Lieutenant Carl Low was killed during flight training in Hawaii, leaving Bunny a widow at age 19.103,118 She went to work as a secretary for an oil company that hired widows of servicemen.103 With her salary and military widow’s pension, Bunny was able to help her mother manage financially during those challenging years.103

Bunny & Carl Low; Mae, Pat, Bill, Evelyn & Margie Henderson

Bunny and Pat

Bill, Bunny, Pat & Margie, 1937

A friend and fellow war widow at her job, Mary Jane (Welling) Carvel, thought her stunningly beautiful friend with a sweet disposition was a perfect match for her brother Conrad, a Navy pilot.103 Mary Jane arranged for Conrad and Bunny to meet while Conrad was home on leave and he was smitten.103

Conrad’s Youth

Conrad Gerhart Welling was born 21 June 1919 in St. Louis, Missouri, the second child of Conrad Arthur Welling (1892-1955) and Otillia ‘Tilly’ M. Brefeld (1890-1953).23,103 He had an elder sister, Annarose (1918), and four younger siblings: Mary Jane (b. 1920), Albert Louis (1923), John Fredrick (1924) and Elizabeth (1929).24,25 By 1930, the Welling family had moved to the West University section of Houston. Mr. Welling worked as a manager of an auto dealership.24

Education

and Early Career

Conrad graduated from San Jacinto High School and joined the military at age 17.130 He attended Texas A.&M College from 1939-1941, where he majored in Aeronautical Engineering

Conrad underwent pilot training as a Naval Aviation Cadet at the 53rd School Squadron of the Air Corps, Randolph Field in San Antonio, Texas.5 He completed an M.S. in Engineering Electronics at the Naval Postgraduate School and earned his wings as a naval aviator.

Marriage Bunny and Conrad married on 26 August 1944, with a reception in his parent’s home in Houston.6 Bunny was a beautiful bride in a dress she had fashioned herself. Conrad was a handsome groom in his Navy dress uniform.

Conrad and Bunny Welling, with their mothersTilly Welling and Mae Henderson, 26 August 1944

During the summer of 1946, after Bill’s discharge from the US Army, he, Evelyn and Mae Henderson drove over to Pensacola, Florida to visit Bunny and Conrad, who was stationed at the Naval Air Station.

Conrad and Bunny Welling (second couple from right). Evelyn Henderson (second from left). Where is Bill Henderson? Behind the camera!

Birth of First Child

Bonnie Lynn was born in February 1947, while Conrad was pursuing post-graduate studies at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. An interesting story occurred at this stage of their marriage. As new parents, Conrad and Bunny planned a much-anticipated weekend in New York City, including a Broadway show and dining out. Bunny, an accomplished seamstress who designed her own outfits for special occasions, had made several dresses with matching hats for the weekend, and Conrad arranged to fly them up in a Republic Seabee airplane from the base. Loaded to the hilt with luggage, Conrad decided to take off from land, rather than the water. Realizing at the last moment that the plane was not gaining enough altitude to clear trees at the end of the runway, he told Bunny, who was holding Bonnie, to brace for an aborted takeoff as he cut the engines and lowered the flaps. The plane stopped in time but tipped on its nose, tossing their belongings, including Bunny’s hat boxes, onto the runway. Conrad jumped out of the plane and ran around to help Bunny and Bonnie get out. Bunny exited with her usual grace and composure but was nonetheless upset about the state of her clothes and hats. Neither wanted to miss their muchanticipated weekend in NYC. A colleague, who responded to the accident, indicated he could drive them to the train station and would return to take care of the plane. An article about the accident, that appeared in the local paper, indicated the Navy pilot and his family were missing and could not be reached for comment. The report was picked up by national news media and was seen by the Welling and Henderson families in Houston, prompting calls of concern to Conrad and Bunny’s home in Annapolis. Naturally, they could not be reached; they were having a grand ol’ time in the Big Apple!

and Bunny

fashion show, Key West, Florida. 1950

Bonnie

in a

Growing Family and First House

The Welling family welcomed two new additions - Conrad Gerhard Welling II In March 1950 and Patricia Ann in June 1951. Conrad Sr.’s next tour of duty was at the Pentagon, where he contributed to development of the Polaris Missile Program.13 To accommodate their growing family, they bought their first house in Falls Church, Virginia. Conrad built a master bedroom, bath and carport and installed a wishing well in the front yard, guaranteeing all wishes would come true!

Falls Church, VA, 1953

In 1957, the Welling family moved to a house on Ball’s Hill Road in McLean, Virginia, where Master Chefs Conrad and Bunny welcomed friends to Saturday barbecues, serving selections from “How to Cook Hamburger 100 ways!”

Mr. & Mrs. Claus organize another Better Homes and Gardens Holiday, 1958

Welling Family in Easter finery made from Bunny’s creative hand House in

Navy Retirement, 1959

During his 20-year career with the military, Conrad flew a wide range of aircraft, including carrier landings with the S2-F. He served in the US Navy until 1959, achieving the rank of Commander.13

Career with Lockheed in California

After retiring from the Navy, Conrad went on to develop a second career. He spent 30 years involved in various ocean research development programs. He was program manager of ocean mining at Lockheed Missiles & Space Company prior to becoming Vice-President for programs for Ocean Minerals Company in November 1977, where he was responsible for program management, technical direction, and development of ocean mining, processing and exploration activities.13 Through his leadership, the company was the first U.S. licensee under the Deep Seabed Hard Minerals Resources Act and, in 1978, successfully tested a remotely operated mining vehicle. Conrad was an innovator and visionary who developed a remotely operated ocean mining vehicle, whose technology has yet to be matched.13 The mining system influenced the design of ocean mining systems throughout the world.

Home in Atherton, California

Conrad and Bunny moved their family to a lovely house on a 1-acre corner lot in the Lindenwood neighborhood of Atherton, California. Over the years, they transformed it into a fabulous five-bedroom, five-bath home, where they resided for 51 years. Bunny and Conrad were consummate hosts whose hospitality was reflected in the inscription over the mantle in their living room, “Nuestra casa es su casa.”

While Conrad applied his considerable design and engineering talents to a series of home remodeling projects, Bunny artfully applied her special knack for elegant interior decoration. Over the years, they also developed a magnificent garden retreat. The following are some of the major remodeling projects they undertook.

A glass-roofed central courtyard off the living room for climate-controlled entertaining year-round.

As a 25th wedding anniversary gift for Bunny, Conrad designed and built a lighted gazebo in the garden.

A glass-walled dining room with a recessed ceiling featuring a chandelier purchased in Murano, Italy.

A den, with a wet bar, for the family to relax and watch television. When they entertained guests, sliding glass doors along one wall were opened to offer access to the terrace and pool.

A master bedroom with glass walls offering views of the garden, gazebo and pool.

The wishing well at the original Falls Church, Virginia house really worked. All Welling wishes really did come true!

A spectacular master bathroom with walk-in shower, heated tile floor and jacuzzi with glass doors providing access to the garden and pool.

The house remodeling crew disguised as aristocratic mansion owners. Bunny in a spectacular Easter bonnet with her handsome escort in 1967.

Special Occasions

Over the decades, Bunny and Conrad celebrated many special occasions in their lovely home. Clothing and hair styles changed with the years but the family always dressed with panache.

The Wellings celebrate Bonnie’s high school prom and graduation, 1965

The Wellings at the Cockburn wedding, River Oaks Country Club, 1975

Conrad beams as Bunny shines in an original creation, 1971

Patty marries Jerry Leugers in the garden, Atherton, August 1984

40th Wedding Anniversary Celebration, 1984

50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration, 1994

Christmas Holidays

The Christmas holidays were always a special time for family, particularly after the arrival of grandchildren, Patrick (1989) and Conrad (1991).

A Toys R Us

Christmas 1994

Conrad’s Cadillac El Dorado – The Red Bomber, Christmas Card 1990

Plane cycle built by Grandpa Conrad 1992

Travel

In later year, Bunny and Conrad enjoyed sharing world travel with family.

Capitols of Europe Trip 1984

Far East Trip 1988 Australia Trip 1992

Greece Trip 1993

Czech Republic and Germany, 1995

Bunny and Conrad celebrated their 60th Anniversary with a family cruise to Alaska in 2004

Bunny and Conrad had an extraordinary 62-year marriage. Their positive outlook on life, love of family and gracious hospitality were always in evidence. Bunny passed away in 2006 and Conrad in 2010. Both are buried in Gates of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Los Altos, California.8,13 They were much beloved parents of Bonnie, Gary, Patty and son-in-law Jerry Leugers, grandparents of Patrick and Conrad Leugers, and aunt and uncle of the Henderson and Welling clans in Houston.

Alice Patricia Henderson Meyer (b. 1929 Houston Texas)

Alice Patricia, Mae and Bob Henderson’s third child, was born on 12 September 1929 in Houston. Her parents and elder siblings, Bill and Bunny, called her Pat 103

Shortly after Pat was born, the US stock market crashed on 29 October 1929, beginning a worldwide economic downturn that lasted for a decade until 1939.50 Businesses failed and unemployment rose dramatically.50 Banks foreclosed and many lost their life savings. By 1932, 25% of all workers was unemployed.50

In the early days of The Great Depression, the Hendersons were doing relatively well Pat’s father was employed as a salesman for a mercantile and owned a 3-bedroom home on an acre of land, valued at $3,700, at 1220 West 21st Street in Shady Acres, adjacent to fashionable Houston Heights.24

Bob, Mae, Bill and Bunny Henderson welcome Pat, 1929

Pat’s younger sister Majorie was born in February 1933.

Only four years later, family circumstances took a dramatic turn for the worse.14 Bob Henderson developed stomach cancer and died at age 59 on 16 March 1937. Pat was only 8 years old and attending Helms Elementary School when her father died.24,25

Bill, Bunny, Pat and Margie Henderson, 1937

Pat’s brother Bill went off to college at Texas A&M on a basketball scholarship in the fall of 1938.93 World War II began a year later in September 1939, but the Henderson family remained relatively unaffected because the U.S. remained out of the conflict. Bill was in ROTC at A&M, but was primarily preoccupied with athletics. Pat’s older sister, Bunny, married Lt. Carl Low, a pilot in the Air Corps, in November 1941. A month later, the situation changed dramatically. The Japanese attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on 7 December 1941 made it impossible for the U S to remain a bystander in the global conflict President Roosevelt declared war on Japan and other Axis Powers and quickly mobilized its military.116

With 3 more semesters of athletic eligibility, Bill was able to remained in college and marry Evelyn Gray in November 1942 Pat attended the wedding and reception in Hearne with her mother and younger sister Margie. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army in February 1943 but remained with his ROTC unit at A&M until graduation in June 1943.

The Henderson family gathered in Shady Acres in June 1943. Shortly afterwards, Carl shipped out for Hawaii and Bill was sent to OCS at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Tragically, 2nd Lt. Carl Low was killed during training maneuvers in Honolulu on 31 July 1943, leaving Bunny a widow at only age 19.8 She went to work as a secretary for an oil company and married Conrad Welling, a Navy pilot in August 1944.16

Bill was away in Oklahoma and Kentucky for OCS training from June 1943 to July 1945. In July 1945, just prior to shipping out to the Pacific, Bill and Evelyn brought their daughter, Diana Lynn, home to Shady Acres to meet the family. Pat and Margie embracing their new role as aunties.

Pat, Mae, Margie, Bill and Evelyn

2Lt. Carl & Bunny Low, Mae, Pat, Bill, Evelyn and Margie Henderson

During the war years, Pat attended Hamilton Junior High and Reagan High School. She learned to sew at an early age and fashioned her own clothes. As an attractive and stylish young women, she had early careers in modeling, print media and radio advertising.103

Bunny, Evelyn, Pat and Margie, 1945

Pat married Bryan Harry Meyer (b. 30 Sept. 1929), the son of Bryan Henry Meyer, a German-American grocer, and Alma Kinze.14 He grew up on West 25th Street just a few blocks away from Pat’s childhood home on West 21st Street.

On her wedding day, Pat was a statuesque, stunningly beautiful bride wearing a dress she made herself.

Pat and Bryan raised seven children: Mary Rhondalyn (b. 1952), Bryan Harry, Jr. (b. 1954), Linda Marie (b. 1956), Darlene Nannette and Eilene Annette (twins, b. 1958), Paul (b. 1963) and Mark (b. 1965) 14 They lived next door to Pat’s mother on West 21st Street in one of the houses Pat’s father had built.

Pat and Bryan Harry Meyer Sr. with their children (l to r): Bryan Jr., Darlene, Paul, Linda, Mark, Darlene and Rhondalyn

Bryan Meyer was an entrepreneur who established several businesses, including President’s First Lady, a top-end gym located off Katy Freeway, with Dick Minns and Richard Love.103 The Meyer family moved into a spacious new house in Spring Branch for a while before moving back to Shady Acres, where Bryan established and operated Meyer Lamps, a lamp-assembly company. Pat was a homemaker and the children attended Hamilton Junior High School and Waltrip High School.

Pat and Bryan were blessed with nine grandchildren: Ryan Wayne, Brent Allen and Lauren Elaine Harris, Bryan Harry Meyer III, Patricia Diane and Kalynn Michele Evans, Amanda Leigh Murphree and Brittney Shere and Mark Allen Meyer Jr.

As busy as she was raising her seven children and entertaining grandchildren, Pat always found time for hobbies, such as sewing, scrapbooking and jewelry making.

Pat and her sister Bunny

TOP ROW: Renée (Eggert) Miller, Eilene (Meyer) Murphree, Amanda Murphree (16), Bunny (Henderson) Welling, Bethany Weaver (14), Darlene (Meyer) Evans, Patricia Evans (12), Pat (Henderson) Meyer, Rhondalyn (Meyer) Harris, and Linda Marie Meyer

BOTTOM ROW: Kalynn Evans (7), 1995

After a protracted battle with breast cancer, Pat passed away at the age of 68 on 8 January 1996 15

Bryan survived Pat by more than twenty years. He passed away on 29 May 2016, at the age of 87.15

Rhondalynn (Meyer) Harris

Ryan Wayne Harris Family: Top Row: -Ryan, Landon, and Madeline, Bottom Row: Kristen, Cash and Hayden

Brent and Hannah Harris with children: Brock, Hannah and Lyla

Lauren (Harris) and Robert Hernandez with children: Mateo, Elena and Harrison

Rhonda and her grandchildren: Hannah, Landon, Madeline, Harrison, Lyla, Cash, Mateo, Hayden and Brock

Bryan Harry ‘Bubba’ Meyer II

Bryan Harry Meyer III and Svetlana with sons: Jaxon and Hank.

Darlene (Meyer) and Doug Evans

Kalynn (Evans) and Wade Mitchell with daughters: Mae Michele and Rose Nannette

Patricia (Evans) and Chris Bomar with daughter, Eva Frances

Wade, Kalynn, Doug, Patricia, Chris and Darlene

Eilene (Meyer) and Garland Murphree

Amanda ‘Mandie’ (Murphree) and Colin Webb with children: Layla and Della

Linda Meyer

Mark Allen Meyer, Sr. and Laurie

Mark Meyer Jr. and Brittany

Mark Sr. and daughter Brittney

Brittany and Kaylee

Haley (Meyer) and Chris Haynes with children: Salem, Staska and Saint

The Meyers

Mark, Eilene, Darlene, Bryan and Rhonda

Lauren Hernandez and Elena, Patricia Bomar and Eva, Hannah Harris and Brock, Kalynn Mitchell and Mae

Pat and Bryan Meyer’s Grandchildren: Ryan Harris Jr., Brent Harris, Lauren (Harris) Hernandez, Bryan Meyer III, Patricia (Evans) Bomar, Kalynn (Evans) Mitchell, Britnney Meyer, Mark Meyer Jr., and Amanda (Murphree) Webb (non-pictured)

Mark Meyer Jr. and his bride Brittany celebrate with: Bryan, Karen, Rhonda, Darlene, Doug, Patricia, Chris, Laurie, Mark, Salem, Saint, Staska and Haley, Wedding Shower, Spring 2025

In Memoriam

Ryan Harris Sr. (d. 7 April 2015)

Ryan Harris Sr. passed away on 7 April 2015. He was a hardworking, self-employed mechanic who used his wide range of handyman skills to help everyone in the Harris and Meyer extended families. He is sorely missed by Rhondalyn, his wife of almost 43 years, and his three children, Ryan, Brent and Lauren.

Paul Matthew Meyer (d. 29 July 1998)

Paul Matthew Meyer died tragically from an accident on 29 July 1998 while helping his father clear a fallen tree from the roof of the family home. The Meyer family established the Paul Meyer Living Life Memorial Fishing Tournament held annually in Matagorda, Texas in July.

Marjorie Ann Henderson was born on 7 February 1933 in Houston. She was the fourth child of R.E. ‘Bob’ Henderson and Mary Ann ‘Mae’ Escher.14 She was called Margie by her parents and elder siblings, Bill, Bunny and Pat 14 By the time Margie was born, her family was well-established in their 3-bedroom home in Shady Acres, a quiet, wooded neighborhood located west of The Heights. It was her home throughout her childhood and for much of adulthood.

Margie had more than her fair shake of hard knocks at an early age. She was born during the Great Depression and her father died of stomach cancer in March 1937, when she was only 4 years old. In addition to the economic hardship these events imposed on her family, Margie experienced early separation from her elder siblings. She was five years old when Bill left to attend Texas A&M in the fall of 1938 and eight when Bunny married in November 1941.

Although Margie was too young to anticipate the implications of her country going to war in December 1941, she undoubtedly was emotionally impacted by the prolonged absence and death of loved ones that wartime brought into her life.

Marjorie Ann Henderson Eggert (b. 1933 Houston, Texas)

1220 West 21st Street, Shady Acres, Houston TX

After one happy family gathering in Shady Acres in June 1945, Bunny’s husband, 2Lt. Carl Low, a pilot, shipped out to the Naval Air Station in Honolulu. Tragically, he was killed during flight training maneuvers on 31 July 1943.8,103,118

Bill, who had enlisted in the U.S. Army, was stationed in Oklahoma and Kentucky from June 1943 to July 1945 for OCS training, then the Philippines from August 1945 to June 1946. While away, Bill wrote letters to Margie encouraging her to “help your mother and try not to bite your fingernails.”119 She was 13 when Bill finally returned home from the war.

Mae was a loving mother who made every effort to provide a happy childhood for Margie, in spite of their difficult circumstances. Mae sewed outfits for school, a new outfit at Easter and handmade toys for Margie. For one birthday, Mae fashioned a cowgirl costume and organized a pony ride for her. She also gave Margie a dog, that was a good companion for her.

Carl, Bunny, Mae, Pat, Bill, Evelyn & Margie, 1943

Margie and Bill

Bill and Evelyn brought their first child, Diana Lynn, born on 15 August 1944, home to Shady Acres to introduce her to the Hendersons in July 1945.103 Photos taken at that time indicate Margie, age 12, adored her new role as ‘Aunt Margie.’ At last, she was no longer the youngest member of the Henderson family!

While Bill was overseas, Evelyn often brought Diana to Shady Acres to see her grandmother and aunties. Margie and Diana maintained a strong bond into adulthood. Years later, Margie asked Diana to be godmother to her daughter Claire Renée.

Margie’s elder sisters, Bunny and Pat, and her Aunt Evelyn (Bill’s wife) were poised and attractive women with a flair for fashion. All were good seamstresses who made their own clothes. Margie emulated them and soon caught up in poise and beauty.

Margie, Diana, Bill and Mae , picnic in Shady Acres, July 1945

Diana and Margie

Bunny, Evelyn, Pat & Margie, 1945

Education: Margie attended Helms Elementary School, Hamilton Junior High School and John H. Reagan High School in the Houston Heights.103 According to her senior yearbook (1950-51), Margie was active in a variety of school activities.93 As a member of Thespians, she performed as “Shotput” in Nine Girls, the senior play, and in the 1950 May Fete.93 Showing athleticism that was a hallmark of the Hendersons, she was a team leader in her physical education class, a member of the Bowling Club, and on the Red Coats drill team.93 She also participated in Future Homemakers Association and Christian Student Union, foreshadowing adult interests in homemaking and religious engagement.93

Margie, P.E. Team Leader, demonstrates the tennis swing

Future Homemakers Assn., Reagan High School 1951, Margie Henderson (front row, 4th from rt)

Courtship and Marriage

Margie first met Johnny Eggert when she was 16 years old.103 Bryan Meyer, who was courting her sister Pat, brought his Reagan classmate to the house.103 Johnny’s first sight of Margie was in her bare feet, playing baseball in the yard. She was too engrossed in the game to take any notice of him, but he liked her natural athleticism and grace.103 Several years later in 1951 while he was serving in the military, Johnny came around again to court Margie.103 By then, she had graduated from high school and welcomed his interest.103 Marjorie Ann Henderson married Johnny Lawrence Eggert on 24 February 1954 at St. Rose of Lima Church.16

Johnny and Margie Eggert, with his mother and step-father, Larry & Louise Newton, and her mother, Mae Henderson

Johnny Lawrence Eggert was born 6 July 1928 in Port Arthur, Jefferson County, Texas.14 He was the only child of John Lendo Eggert Jr. (1906-1931), originally from Canton, Illinois, and Mary Louise Simpson (19082000), originally from New Iberia, Louisiana.14 Johnny’s parents married in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Houston on 24 December 1926.16 In 1930, when Johnny was a 1 year old, his father was working in advertising for a newspaper.24 His father died at age 25 on 2 July 1931 in a hunting accident, when Johnny was 3.15 His mother remarried when Johnny was 10.103 In 1940, Johnny was living with his mother, who was working as a stenographer for a luggage store, and stepfather, Larry Newton, who was a credit manager for a department store.25 Living with them were his step-brother Lawrence Newton and maternal grandparents August and Lucille Simpson.25 On 8 July 1946, while working as a clerk for the Second National Bank and immediately after turning 18, Johnny registered for the WWII Draft.21 The war had ended in Europe on 8 May 1945 and would end in the Pacific on 2 September 1946, so he was not called up for service.103 However, when the United Nations deployed peace-keeping operations in Korea (25 June 1950 - 27 July 1953), Johnny enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Japan.103 He trained as an electrical engineer and achieved the rank of Sergeant.103 The U.S. Air Force transported troops and equipment from Japan to Korea, evacuated American nationals, provided intelligence through aerial reconnaissance and, most importantly, helped to slow the North Korean advance so that the United Nations forces could construct a defensive position on the peninsula.94

Renée (Eggert) Miller remembers that her father brought back from Japan a huge parachute composed of brightly colored purple, fuchsia, deep gray and lavender silk pieces.103 They were stored among the boxes of fabric that Margie kept for sewing projects.103 Renée remembers mending the torn sleeve of her father’s green canvas flight jacket.103 It had an ink drawing of a woman on the back that her mother intended to embroider but never got around to.103 Renée recalls being told her father was stationed in Florida for six months.103 She thinks it was after her parents married but the Korean conflict ended in July 1953, so it seems more likely he was in Florida prior to their marriage in February 1954.103

Married Life

After marriage, Johnny worked for Schlumberger near Hobby Airport.103 He and Margie resided in a 3bedroom house at 8503 Anacortes and had six children: Mary Louanne (b. 1954), Ava Lynn (b. 1955), Mary Katherine (b. 1956), Claire Renée (b. 1958), Johnny Lawrence Jr. (b. 1959) and Steven Edward (b. 1961).103

Mae Henderson, Ava, Renée & Luannne, December 1958

Mary Louanne, Claire Renée, Ava Lynn & Mary Katherine Eggert, March 1959

The family marked Christmas and Easter by dressing up in their Sunday-best and attending mass. Professional studio portraits of the Eggert children in outfits crafted by Margie were taken every five years.

Eggert family during Easter visit to John’s Uncle Raymond and Aunt Berta’s house, April 1962

Move to Shady Acres

The Eggert family moved to Shady Acres to reside with Bama in her home at 1220 W. 21st Street in 1962 Prior to the move, John added a new wing to Bama’s house that included three bedrooms and a bathroom. Louanne, Ava and Kay attended Helms Elementary School that year.

Margie got the chance to have lunch with film star, Jimmy Stewart by winning an essay contest offered by his fan club in Houston.103 Amazingly, even though she was 8 months pregnant with her 7th child, her beauty and fashionable outfit caught the attention of Mr. Stewart and the photographer sent to cover the event.103 Margie’s photograph with Mr. Stewart appeared in the Style Section of a Houston newspaper.103

Three more children: Robert William (b. 1963), Rebecca Marie (b. 1964), and Leah Elizabeth (b. 1965) were born after the Eggerts moved to Shady Acres.103

Renée recalls of her father:

“He and Bama were often at odds through the years but, in time, he was kind in his response to her wisdom.” “Daddy consistently provided for his large family’s sustenance, shelter and covering. He often bathed children, cooked and fed his children meals, and rocked and sang his babies to sleep. He was a tender young father, sacrificing his living independently in order to provide consistent safety and supervision for his growing young family. When the siblings argued, Daddy never took sides: Even if the correct choice was obvious, he withheld deciding vote. I believe this showed his trust in his children’s ability to debate, negotiate, compromise and acquiesce; helping us all learn much needed relationship building tools.” “He danced with Momma in the living room while a 78 vinyl record played Johnny Mathis. He loved Mother deeply and without a doubt gave all he had to her comfort. He told me, in 1996, he was proud of me when I began Medical Practice. Those words are remarkably valuable; a rare blessing.”

Jimmy Stewart flirting with Margie, Dec. 1962

It was a busy household with school, church and other activities of 9 children. Feeding a 12-member family was a challenge, but school lunch and meal preparation was organized in a production line reminiscent of the book and film, Cheaper by the Dozen.

Renée says of her grandmother:

“Bama was the true matriarch in our home. Mother often had heart problems and undiagnosed MS symptoms. Bama orchestrated the housework, meal preparation and childcare. She entertained her grandchildre with her songs, crafting and playing cards. I am able to knit and crochet sweaters, afghans and share beautiful winter gifts thanks to Bama having taught me yarn skills. My fingers began their training at age four when Bama first handed me a threaded needle, embroidery hoop and cotton dish towel.”

A large garden in the side yard produced a variety of fresh vegetables. Coops filled with rabbits and chickens provided fresh meat and eggs. Johnny Sr. took his sons on annual hunting trips to Escher property in Wilkinson County, Mississippi, and they brought back deer, rabbit and quail to stock the freezer.

Renée says of her father:

“He thoroughly enjoyed teaching his children to hunt, fish, basic auto mechanics, home maintenance and how to dress out a deer and process venison.”

The Eggert Family, December 1968

Top: Ava, Margie & Johnny Sr.

Middle: Johnny Jr., Renée, Louanne & Rebecca

Bottom: Robert, Steven, Mary Kay & Leah

Margie with her youngest child, Leah, 1968

Margie and John Eggert’s Wedding Anniversary 1989

Top: Louanne, Margie, Rebecca, Ava, Renée, Kay and Leah

Bottom: Robert, Stephen, Johnny Sr. and Johnny Jr.

Although they were practicing Roman Catholic during their youth and childbearing years, Margie and John converted to Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1972.

After a long, progressively debilitating battle with Multiple Sclerosis, Margie passed away on 12 November 1999 at age 66.95

“Margie will be remembered not only for her quick wit, contagious humor and perseverance, but also for the intense love she had for others and for God’s word.”95

Johnny survived Margie by almost 18 years. He shared in many happy family gatherings, such as the 25th wedding anniversary of his youngest daughter, Leah, and her husband, Stephen Castro. He passed away on 27 September 2017.

Margie and Johnny Eggert’s 9 children blessed them with 21 grandchildren.

Louanne (Eggert) and Robert Reacer (center) with Robert’s children (left) and Louanne’s daughter Cara Jo & her husband (right)

Louanne’s son, Jeffrey Michael Hansen with his wife and their children

Louanne and Rob Reacer, 2022

Ava and Glen with Mae ‘Bama’ Henderson at their wedding

Ava and her daughter, Ashley

Ava (Eggert) and her husband, Glen Adams

Their sons, Jason, Christopher and Brandon, and their daughters, Maegen and Chelsea, 1982

Kay (Eggert) and husband, Robert Castro, at their wedding, 1975

Jason Castro, his wife and their son at his daughter Kailey’s wedding.

Claire Renee (Eggert) Miller with her children, Joseph Andrew Weaver, Bethany Grace (Weaver) Holman and Kaitlyn Claire (Weaver) Eggert

Renee and eldest granddaughter, Katherine Nicole Ball-Weaver

Renee and Danny Miller, with their grandchildren: Aiden Michael & David Jonathan ‘D.J.’ Orr

Johnny Eggert Jr.’s son Nicholas and daughter Monica

Johnny Eggert Jr. (right) with siblings Steven, Ava, Leah and Renee

Steven Eggert and his wife Rachael

Steven’s daughter Nina and son Anthony Eggert

Robert’s daughter, Amber

Rebecca Marie ‘Becky’ (Eggert) Wyse

Robert William Eggert Sr.

Lauren, and her son

Leah (Eggert) and Stephen Castro

(top row - left to right): Brandon Castro (Kay’s son); Anthony Eggert (Steven’s son); Chelsea & Maegan (Kay’s daughters), Leah (Eggert) Castro, Nicholas Eggert (Johnny Jr.’s son); (bottom row - left to right) Kindel & Blake (Kay’s grandchildren)

In Memoriam

Mary Ann (Escher) Henderson (b. 23 February 1892) died on 2 July 1987 at the age of 95. Lovingly called Bama by her 23 grandchildren, she is fondly remembered for her sweet smile, easy disposition, unconditional love and unwavering kindness toward her family.

Mary Katherine ‘Kay’ Eggert Castro (b.25 November 1956) perished in a car accident at age 39 on 25 February 1996, a day after Margie and Johnny’s 42nd anniversary. She is survived by her husband, Robert Castro, and five children: Jason Robert (b. 1976), Christopher Rhett (b. 1978), Brandon Shane (b. 1981), Maegan Louise (b. 1984), and Chelsea Kay (b. 1987). Stephen Castro, Robert’s brother, and Leah Castro, Kay’s sister, stepped up to help Robert raise his youngest three children. Kay would have been a great-grandmother in September 2022, when the daughter of her eldest son gave birth to a baby girl.

Daniel Edwin Miller (b. 1958), Renee (Eggert)’s cherished husband and ‘love of her life,’ died of metastatic colon cancer on 10 October 2021.

Ashley Lynn Adams (b. 2 May 1987), beloved daughter of Ava and Glen Adams, passed away on 10 January 2025.

The life of Zachary Alexander Castro (b 1984), beloved son of Leah and Stephen Castro, was tragically cut short at age 37. He died unexpectedly in his sleep from undiagnosed heart disease on 7 December 2021. In pre-school, Zac was a precocious reader as a 4-year-old. His teacher put him in charge of “his students,” the kids who spoke English. While he taught them their numbers and ABCs, she was able to focus on the Spanish-speaking kids and teach them English! In adulthood, he was a talented graphic artist and restorer of antique books by trade. Zac was an avid reader on wide-ranging topics and was nicknamed Google by his friends because of his photographic memory and eclectic knowledge.

The Henderson family homestead at 1220 West 21st Street in Shady Acres, where Margie was raised and where she and Johnny Eggert raised their 9 children, was moved to make way for construction of 12 townhouses. Such changes are inevitable but can never dim the happy memories associated this place.

Chapter 5 - Geographic and Historical Settings

Scots-Irish Heritage

Our ancestor James Henderson reported in the 1880 U.S. Census that he and his parents, Thomas and Jane (Virtue) Henderson, were born in Ireland.7 At that time, all of Ireland was united and under the control of England. James’ eldest son, Robert Emmett Henderson, reported fifty years later in the 1930 U.S. Census, that his father was born in Northern Ireland, affirming he was an Ulster Scot.24

Ulster is the northern-most of four ancient provinces of Ireland; the others being Connaught, Leinster and Munster (see map of Ireland below). Ulster was comprised of nine counties: Antrim, Down, Armargh, Monaghan, Cavan, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Derry and Donegal.

Ulster Scots refers specifically to Protestant Scots from the Lowland and Border regions of Scotland who were encouraged to settle in Ulster during the 17th century under ‘the Plantation Scheme’ promulgated by King James I. However, anyone of Scottish heritage who settled in the 9 northern counties of Ulster are considered Ulster Scots. In America, their descendants are called Scots-Irish.204 They are often called Scotch-Irish but that is incorrect. Scotch is a whisky made in Scotland.

The Ulster Plantation Scheme (1609-1690) was set in motion when two of the most powerful Irish chieftains in Ulster, Hugh O’Neill, the 2nd Earl of Tyrone, and Rory O’Donnell, the Earl of Tyrconnell, fled with 90 of their followers to Spain after failed rebellions against English hegemony over Ireland in September 1607. The English Crown seized their lands and those of Cahir O’Doherty in County Donegal after he led another failed uprising.

Arthur Chichester, Lord Deputy of Ireland, put forth a plan to populate Ulster with subjects loyal to the British Crown. After two years of planning, six counties were selected: Armagh, Cavan, Coleraine (renamed County Londonderry in 1613), Tyrone, Fermanagh and Donegal. Catholic Irish tenants were forced to vacate and Protestant Lowland Scot or English farmers were invited to settle there. The new settlers were barred from taking on Irish tenants or selling their land to any Irishman. This was seen as a solution to the longstanding threat of uprising in the north of Ireland.

The population of Scotland in 1600 has been estimated at 500,000, with the largest city, Edinburgh, having about 10,000 inhabitants. The Highlands had a very sparse population as did the southwest Lowlands because the soil was poor and difficult to farm. Only the Eastern Lowlands had good farmland. So, naturally, Scots farmers were enticed by the offer of good farm land to move to Ulster

The Ulster Plantation Scheme was contemporaneous with the Jamestown settlement in the Virginia Colony established by the British in 1607. Of the two, the Ulster Plantations were more appealing because they were closer to home and returning to Scotland was more feasible if things did not work out as hoped. An estimated 200,000 Lowland Scot planters settled on Ulster Plantations. They came from Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, the Borders and the Lothians. English settlers were also invited to migrate to the Ulster Plantations, but English farmers had better farming conditions at home. Those English who did come were mostly

craftsmen, masons, carpenters and blacksmiths whose skills were needed to build new villages and fortifications.

The flax and wool sectors in the Ulster Plantations were so productive that, by the late 1690s, Ulster Plantations were more prosperous than any other Irish province and many English counties as well. Ironically, their success brought about a series of regulatory restrictions. In 1633, the manufacture of woolen cloth was prohibited to protect English manufacturers. Then, in 1698, under pressure from English businessmen, the Irish parliament passed the Woolens Act, which prohibited exportation of Irish wool to anywhere but England and Wales. As a result, an economic depression set in in Ulster. In the early 1700s, rack-renting was made legal, allowing rents to be raised when leases expired. The 30-year leases with stable rents had encouraged renters to maintain the land and make improvements. The imposition of higher rents forced many long-term tenants off the land. A severe drought that stretched from 1714 to 1719 reduced grazing grass that, in turn, reduced wool production. In addition, a series of efforts to force Presbyterian Ulster-Scots to conform to practices of the Church of England were seen as a last straw by some. Meanwhile, positive reports from the American colonies were a clarion call promising a better life across the Atlantic.

Londonderry

Seven of our Henderson ancestors departed from the port of Londonderry on Loch Foyle. What was that port city like?

Derry is the oldest continuously occupied place in Ireland.203 The oldest historical reference to Derry is a 6th century monastery founded by St. Columba.203 Until the 11th century, Derry was primarily a monastic settlement.203 Until 1610, the city of Derry was part of County Donegal.203 Under the Plantation of Ulster scheme, the west bank of the future city was combined with the County Coleraine, part of Antrim and a large portion of County Tyrone to form County Londonderry (dark gray region on map).203 High walls were built from 1613-1619 to defend against Irish insurgents who opposed the Ulster Plantation scheme, and the town was renamed Londonderry.203 Today, Derry is the largest city in County Londonderry, the second-largest in Northern Ireland and the fifth-largest on the island of Ireland.203 It is the only completely intact walled city in Ireland.203

City Walls, built from 1613 to 1619, are one mile in circumference, vary in height from 12 to 35 feet, and contain seven gates: Bishop’s, Ferryquay, Butcher’s, Shipquay, Magazine, Castle and New Gate.203 These fortifications have never been breached. The walkway on the walls provides a unique promenade around the inner city.

From 1718 to the beginning of the American Revolution in 1775, 250,000 Ulster Scots, who were descendants of 17th century Scottish Presbyterian settlers in Ulster, emigrated through Ulster ports of Derry, Portrush, Larne, Belfast and Newry to British colonies in North America.202

Derry became one of the chief Irish ports for transatlantic crossings in the age of sail during the 18th century.202

The Derry Cathedral was built in 1633 and dedicated to St. Columba.205

The Siege of Derry (1689)

The most famous historical event of the city occurred during the Glorious Revolution (1688) Londonderry resisted sieges, first on 7 December 1688 by Jacobite forces who supported Catholic King James II, then from 18 April to 1 August 1689 by Protestant forces of William of Orange and James’ daughter Mary.206 A garrison of 8,000 resisted storming of the walls and an attempt to starve the inhabitants into submission for 105 days. About 4,000 perished. A song commemorates the city’s successful resistance:

“We'll fight and not surrender But come when duty calls, With heart and hand and sword and shield We'll guard old Derry's Walls.”

The Londonderry Port stands at the head of virtually land-locked Lough Foyle.203 The Lough, 24 miles long and only 2 miles wide at the head, is sheltered from prevailing westerly winds by the Inishowen peninsula.203 In the age of sail, the harbor was a refuge from foul weather.203

Around 75,000 people, 30% of all Ulster emigrants, departed through Derry to North America prior to the American Declaration of Independence.202

In the 18th c., strong trade links developed between Derry and Philadelphia.202 From 1731, American flaxseed could be imported directly into Ireland. Farms in Pennsylvania and New York cultivated flax to produce seed that was shipped to Ulster. Ships that carried passengers to Philadelphia were consigned to carry flaxseed to Ulster for the linen industry on their return voyage 202

Every facet of Ulster life became tied to the linen economy in the 18th century.202 Flax was grown on farms, prepared and spun into linen yarn, woven into cloth by families in their own homes, and sold in linen markets in towns to the linen drapers and bleachers who finished the linens and exported them.202 The domestic linen industry expanded so rapidly across Ulster that annual exports of linen cloth increased 40fold.202

The Great Migration of Ulster Scots that began in 1717 continued unabated for nearly 60 years until the American Revolution (17751783). An estimated 90% of Ulster Scots who landed in Philadelphia poured into Pennsylvania, continued down the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and into the Carolinas. By the Revolutionary War, they dominated a one-thousand-mile frontier along the spine of Appalachia from Pennsylvania to South Carolina. To this day, these states display a remarkably rich Scots-Irish heritage. After the war, Ulster-Scots spearheaded the first thrusts across the Appalachian range, through the Cumberland Gap, into Kentucky and Tennessee.

Trade between Ulster and North America resumed after the Revolutionary War. By 1833, seven merchants in Londonderry – Daniel Baird, James Corscaden, John Kelso, William McCorkell, James McCrea, John Munn and Joseph Young – owned fifteen vessels. Of 38 emigrant ships advertised to sail from Derry in 1836, 12 were destined for Saint John, New Brunswick, 12 for Philadelphia, 7 for Quebec and 6 for New York. Two voyages per year, one in spring and one in autumn, with an outward cargo of emigrants and a homeward cargo of timber or grain, ensured sizeable profits.

Irish Famine

From 1845 to 1852, potato blight that destroyed most of the crop in Ireland brought about mass starvation. Over one million people in Ireland died of hunger and related diseases.145 With no hope for a future in Ireland, an estimated two million people, nearly a quarter of the total Irish population, fled the country for foreign shores, including the United States.145

Two of Thomas and Jane (Virtue) Henderson’s children, James (b. 1848) and Mary J. (b. 1850), were born during the Irish potato famine. The famine was undoubtedly a contributing factor in the family’s decision to emigrate in 1852.

Irish Roots in County Meath

Our Henderson ancestors who emigrated from Ireland were Thomas Henderson, his wife Mary Jane (Virtue), their son James and daughter Mary J. They set sail from Londonderry, Ireland on the 3-masted sailing ship, Barque Creole, and, after about a month at sea, landed in Philadelphia in 1852. The ship’s manifest and disembarkation card confirm they were from Ireland. James Henderson reported in the 1880 U.S. Census that he and his parents were born in Ireland.1,7 Furthermore, his mother, Mary Jane (Virtue) Henderson, who was living in his household, affirmed that not only was she born in Ireland but her parents, William (b. 1792) and Elizabeth (b. 1796) Virtue, were as well. Therefore, for two generations on the paternal and maternal sides of our ancestors who immigrated to America were born in Ireland!

The 1930 US Census provides another important clue as to the origins of our Henderson ancestors. Robert Emmett ‘Bob’ Henderson reported that his father, James Henderson, was born in Ireland and his mother (Catherine Rogers) was born in the “Irish Free State” (indicated in medium gray on the map below). As with all Irish Catholic patriots, Catherine Rogers likely yearned all her life for Irish independence from the yoke of British control. Bob’s reporting his mother’s place of birth as the Irish Free State, even after her death, must have been with bittersweet pride. Erin go bra - Long live Ireland!

Ireland was conquered in 1169 by Anglo-Normans when the King of Leinster, invited Strongbow’s assistance in defeating his Irish enemies in exchange for the hand of his daughter in marriage. Anglo-Normans gradually acquired large swathes of land from the Irish, over which the Kings of England claimed sovereignty. Except for a brief decade of independence during the 1640s, the Irish lived as part of the English, then British, Empire for over 700 years. Not until 1922 did Ireland gain a level of autonomy within the British Commonwealth as the Irish Free State. It eventually became independent in 1949 as the Republic of Ireland. To this day, Northern Ireland remains part of the United Kingdom (indicated in pale gray on the map to the right).

In autobiographical notes penned prior to his death, Bob Henderson pinpoints the Irish origins of his wife, Katherine Roger, to Trim in County Meath (indicated in dark gray on the above map).

Trim

Trim is a market town on the River Boyne surrounded by green, rolling countryside. It is one of Ireland’s Heritage Towns brimming with an ancient and colorful history. Trim is located 28 miles northwest of Dublin on the frontier of “The Pale,” an area of land encircling and including Dublin that stretches from Dundalk in County Louth to Bray in County Wicklow The Pale (indicated in white on the adjacent map) was under control of English Rule in Ireland, whereas “beyond the pale” was considered more the lawless, uncivilized domain of the Irish.43

Trim Castle

The most notable landmark in Trim is Trim Castle. It is the largest, best-preserved, and most impressive AngloNorman castle in all of Ireland. King Henry II granted the Kingdom of Meath, along with custody of Dublin, to Hugh de Lacy, a Norman baron. He was trying to curb the expansionist policies of Richard de Clare, 2nd Earl of Pembroke in Wales and Lord of Leinster, best remembered in Irish history as ‘Strongbow.’

Hugh de Lacy converted a ringfort in Trim into a wooden castle with a spiked stockade. This structure was seen as a threat to the Gaelic Irish and, in 1174, Rory O’Connor, King of Connacht and High King of Ireland, attacked and destroyed the castle. The following year, work began on a stone replacement and, over the following decades, Hugh de Lacy and his son, Walter, built Trim Castle. In the Middle Ages, this was a strong symbol of Anglo-Norman strength and power at the edge of The Pale.

Trim Castle was acquired by the Irish State in 1993. Because Trim Castle is in such good condition, Braveheart, the epic film about William Wallace and the First War of Scottish Independence, was filmed here in 1995 although there was no historic linkage of the event to the site. The Office of Public Works began a major program of conservation costing over $US 7.8 million and the castle was opened to the public in 2000.

St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church

The Catholic church in Trim dates from 1891, when the first stone was laid. The Gothic-style church was finished in 1902 and has spectacular stainedglass windows and beautiful mosaic work. The marble altars were made by the Pearse Brothers, one of whom was the father of Patrick Pearse (1879-1916), who was executed, along with his innocent brother Willie, for his involvement as a leader of the 1916 Easter Rising against the British.

St. Mary’s Abbey was founded by Augustinians in the 12th century on land given to St. Patrick by an Irish king. It is situated on the north bank of the River Boyne, opposite Trim Castle. The abbey was dissolved and buildings destroyed during the Reformation by Henry VIII of England but the abbey’s bell tower, the ‘Yellow Steeple,’ is still standing.

According to Bob Henderson’s autobiographical notes, Catherine Rogers’ father owned property on the road leading west out of Trim toward Kildalkey. That property was located across the road from the Mornington Estate, home of Garrett Wesley, 1st Earl of Mornington, and Anne Hill, parents of Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, who Bob boasts, “put the toe hold on Napoleon.”

Duke of Wellington

The Duke of Wellington defeated Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo, Belgium on June 18, 1815, bringing an end to the Napoleonic era of European history. Although he was likely born in Dublin, the young Arthur Wellesley was educated in Trim before going to Eton. He entered the British army at age 18 and was elected Member of Parliament for Trim in 1789. In 1795, he left with his regiment for India, where his elder brother, Lord Mornington, became GovernorGeneral. By 1815, following his successes against Napoleon’s troops in the Peninsular War in Spain, he was regarded as Britain’s foremost general. He was, therefore, the natural choice to command the campaign against Napoleon that led to the British victory at Waterloo.

Wellington Column

A 75-foot monument was erected at the main crossroads in Trim in 1817, two years after Wellington’s famous victory over Napoleon at Waterloo. The statue depicts the Duke in military uniform, with one arm raised in triumph. Local tradition holds that Wellington originally brandished a sword in his upraised hand, but some Irish patriot took offense at this during the War of Independence and shot it away. I have found no documentary evidence backing up this story but the Irish rarely let a lack of facts prevent them from telling a good story.

After Waterloo, Wellington became an increasingly influential Tory politician. He resigned as Commander-in-Chief to become Prime Minister from 1828 to 1830. The highlight of his office was Catholic Emancipation for Ireland. His speech in the House of Lords in favor of Emancipation was one of his best. Although Catholic Emancipation is identified primarily with Daniel O’Connell, it was Wellington who pushed the Catholic Relief Act through Parliament despite opposition from his own party. It passed with a majority only with the help of the Whigs. Wellington also threatened to resign as Prime Minister if King George IV did not give his Royal Assent.

When The Duke of Wellington died on 14 September 1852, age 83, over one million people crowded to see his funeral. He is buried in Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London in the crypt alongside Lord Nelson. The two rank among Britain’s greatest national heroes.

During Catherine Rogers’ youth, the Duke of Wellington, an Irish-born war hero, would have occupied a prominent place in the collective consciousness of all Irish, particularly those in Trim, the Duke’s hometown.

Mornington Estate / Butterstream Garden

In the early 1970s, the historic Mornington Estate that had belonged to the Duke of Wellington’s parents was transformed into the renowned Butterstream Garden by landscape designer Jim Reynolds. Alas, by the time Evelyn and I visited Trim in April 2014, the beautiful garden had been turned into a residential development called Butterstream Manor with no sign of the garden remaining.

County Meath

Several sites within County Meath played significant roles in Irish history from Neolithic times to the Christian era, including the River Boyne, Navan, Bru na Boinne, Hill of Tara, Hill of Slane, Kells, and Battle of the Boyne.

River Boyne

The River Boyne is 70 miles long and flows through County Meath toward the Northeast to the Irish Sea between Mornington in County Meath and Baltray in County Louth.

Former mill on the Boyne River at Navan, 1915

Woolen Mills in Navan

Just 8 miles from Trim is the manufacturing town of Navan on the River Boyne. It was the center of Irish woolen carpet-making, before that industry was lost to overseas competition.

Bob wrote, “Katherine Rogers’ brother, Mickey Rogers, operated a mill in Navan” and “was one of the wealthiest men in Ireland.”

Bru na Boinne

About 20 miles northeast of Trim, lying on a ridge overlooking the Boyne River, are three Neolithic tombs, Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, collectively known as Bru na Boinne. These huge passage tombs, built around 3200 BC, are among the most famous archaeological sites in all of Europe. Newgrange and Knowth are surrounded by a ring of carved kerbstones; taken together these stones comprise the majority of Neolithic art in Europe. At sunrise on the summer solstice, the sun rises above a hill on the other side of the Boyne Valley and enters the passage via a special “roof box,” a window built above the entrance to the mound. A beam of light slowly works its way along the passage until it lights up the central chamber. The sun illuminates the chamber for about 20 minutes on the summer solstice and two days immediately before and after; this is the only time of year natural light enters the central chamber.

Hill of Tara

The Hill of Tara (Cnoc na Teamhrach) is located near the River Boyne, about 10 miles east of Trim. On a clear day, the promontory affords views south to Dublin and Wicklow, southwest across Meath to Offaly and Laois, west across Westmeath, northwest to Longford and Cavan, north to Monaghan, and northeast to Louth – ten counties in all! Little wonder then, use of the site can be traced into prehistory as far back as the Neolithic period, roughly 5,000 years ago. The Hill of Tara is documented in an 11th century text, The Book of Invasions, as the seat of the Celtic High Kings of Ireland. On the Tara hilltop is the Fort of the Kings (Raith na Riogh), an oval Iron Age ring fort.

Within the enclosure is a double ring barrow known as Cormac’s House (Teach Chormaic) and the Royal Seat (the Forradh), a standing stone which is believed to be the Stone of Destiny (Lia Fail) at which the High Kings of Ireland were crowned.

Hill of Slane

Within sight of the Hill of Tara is the Hill of Slane, the oldest Christian settlement in Ireland, dating back to the 5th century. Around 433AD, St. Patrick built a fire to celebrate Easter on the Hill of Slane, coinciding with the feast of Beltaine, the spring rite of renewal and rebirth in the Celtic world. Celtic tradition held that all fires must be extinguished and relit from the King’s bonfire on the Hill of Tara. Patrick’s Easter fire on Slane Hill being visible from the Hill of Tara, the High King Laoire sent for the person responsible for breaking with tradition. At their meeting, legend says, the High King charged his courtiers to remain seated and extend no gesture of respect towards Patrick. However, Erc mac Dega, a pagan Druid touched by Patrick’s saintliness, stood and greeted Patrick warmly and, thereby, became the first of the King’s circle to convert to Christianity. Patrick established a monastery on land granted to him by the son of the High King, and appointed Erc the first Bishop of Slane. The monastery survived successive Viking raids but now is in ruins. It has long been a site of religious pilgrimage.

Kells, an ancient monastic site located a short distance from Navan and Trim, is famous for its high crosses and round tower. The Abbey of Kells was founded by Saint Columba around the years 550-554 on the site of a former hill fort. According to the Book of Lismore, King Diarmait (Dermot), High King of Ireland, granted the Dun (fort) of Kells to Saint Columba to establish a religious community.

The abbey was refounded in the early ninth century when monks fled Iona, the island monastery founded in Scotland by Saint Columba, to escape repeated invasions and raids by Vikings. The monks transferred their principal monastery from Iona to Kells. From 804-807, a new church was completed and the Abbot of Iona, Ceallach, moved to Kells. The move did not protect against Viking attack. Kells Abbey was repeatedly raided during the tenth century, prompting the construction of the Round Tower as a place of refuge during Viking raids. Originating at the abbey was The Book of Kells, a famous and highly-treasured illuminated manuscript now in Trinity College Dublin, and the Kells Crosier, now in the British Museum.

Battle of the Boyne

One of the most significant events in Irish history is the Battle of the Boyne, between Protestant King William II and his Catholic father-in-law King James II on 1 July 1690. The kings were rival claimants to the English, Scottish and Irish thrones. Protestant King William of Orange had deposed Catholic King James in 1688. The Williamites, William’s army, numbered 36,000 English, Irish, Scottish, Dutch, Danish and Huguenots (French Protestants). The opposing Jacobites were mainly Irish Catholics, reinforced by 6,500 French troops sent by King Louis XIV. The Jacobites chose the River Boyne as the best defense against William’s troops moving towards Dublin. The armies camped on opposite sides of the river, and all the fighting took place on the south bank as the vastly outnumbered Jacobite forces attempted to defend their position against the advancing Williamites. William’s victory at the Battle of the Boyne was the turning point in James’ unsuccessful attempt to regain the Crown. The battle ultimately ensured the continuation of British Protestant supremacy in Ireland.

Major General Philip Kearny (1815-1862)

R.E. ‘Bob’ Henderson reported that his wife, Katherine Rogers, was a blood relative of General Philip Kearny (1815-1862), a US Army officer notable for his leadership in the Mexican-American War and in the Union Army during the American Civil War.37,68 Raised in a wealthy family, Kearny attended Columbia University and became a lawyer.68 Kearny’s mother was Susanna Watts, daughter of John Watts, who had vast holdings of ships, mills, factories, banks and investment houses.68 When John Watts died in 1836, Philip Kearny inherited a fortune of over $1 million. The equivalent purchasing power in 2025 is $34 million!37,68

Although quite wealthy, Philip Kearny joined the military in 1837 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 1st Dragoons, the regiment of his uncle, Brigadier General Stephen Watts Kearny.37 Shortly after joining the unit, Kearny traveled to France where he attended the French Cavalry School in Saumur and participated in battles with the French cavalry in Algiers in 1840.37 He returned to the US and became aide-de-camp for General Alexander Macomb and Winfield Scott 37 During the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), he served in an escort company for General Scott and participated in the battles of Contreras and Churubusco.37 Although he lost an arm in battle, Kearny earned a reputation as a brilliant and gallant cavalry officer.37 In 1851, Kearny retired to his New Jersey estate but joined Napoleon III’s Imperial Guard in 1859 to fight with the French in Italy.

When the American Civil War broke out, Kearny was among the first to be commissioned a brigadier general and placed in charge of the First New Jersey Brigade.10 Kearny served with the Army of the Potomac during the Seven Days Battles in 1862, was promoted to major general in July 1862, and commanded a division during the battles of Williamsburg and Fair Oaks in the Peninsula Campaign.10 After the Union defeat at the battle of Second Manassas, Kearny led his men during the retreat and engaged Confederate forces at the

Major General Philip Kearny (1815-1862)

battle of Chantilly.10 While scouting positions near his men, Kearny inadvertently rode near Confederate forces and was killed while attempting to escape.10 General Robert E. Lee, who held great respect for General Kearny, forwarded his remains under a flag of truce to Union lines in order to ensure that the general received a proper burial.10

Kearny was buried at Trinity Churchyard in New York City but was exhumed and re-interred at Arlington National Cemetery, where there is a statue in his honor, one of only two equestrian statues at Arlington.

Kearny has received numerous posthumous honors including: City of Kearny, New Jersey named in his honor and a statue erected outside the main Kearny Post Office; Fort Phil Kearny in Wyoming named in his honor; statue of Kearny erected in Military Park, Newark, NJ; and statue of Kearny in the National Statuary Hall Collection in the U.S. Capitol.

The Rogers family linkage to General Kearny is a lead for additional genealogy research; perhaps Katherine Rogers’s mother was a Kearny or a Watts or perhaps her brother, Mickey Rogers, married into the Kearny or Watts family.

Toe hold in America - Philadelphia

Thomas and Jane (Virtue) Henderson and their children, James and Mary J., arrived in America as the Barque Creole landed in Philadelphia on 17 May 1852. Although Philadelphia’s waterfront on the Delaware River was crowded with ships, the port did not host the immense Atlantic commerce seen at Boston, New York and Baltimore.52 Instead, the docks were busy places as immigrants disembarked onto quays lined with mariner’s lodgings and taverns.

Philadelphia streets were laid out on a grid plan. Main streets, many named for trees, lead from the wharves into the city. Streets numbered consecutively crossed them at right angles making navigation easy, even for newcomers. Market Street divides north and south Philadelphia.

One of the city’s most attractive streets was Chestnut, where handsome buildings and the best shops were located. Another fashionable thoroughfare was Walnut Street. The two main business streets were Market and Broad.

Notable buildings included Independence Hall, the U.S. Mint and the Merchants Exchange.52 Hotels such as the Girard House, the International and the Continental had magnificent exteriors and offered commodious accommodations.52

Philadelphia had an urban transit system that was inexpensive and relatively simple to use. Main streets were lined with iron rails on which horse-drawn cars were pulled. Passengers on one line were able to obtain free transfers to lines that crossed it at right angles.52

Although Philadelphia was founded by Quakers known for modest meeting houses, several prominent churches had already been built, including the Protestant Episcopal Church of St. Mark’s and the Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter and Paul on Logan Square.52

During the 1850s, when American cities were sadly deficient in the amount of space allocated to park facilities, Philadelphia was an exception. Handsome trees were planted on either side of main streets. The squares of Philadelphia were tastefully laid out with shade trees, shrubs, grass and gravel walks.52

Fairmount Park, the largest open green space in the city, offered scenic outdoor recreation on the banks of the Schuylkill River.

Festooned with statues and fountains as well as trees and grass, it was a favorite resort of the city dwellers on summer evenings.52

In 1850, Philadelphia’s population was over 120,000. Three out of ten Philadelphians in 1850 were foreign born, the highest proportion ever recorded. About 20,000 Germans and 70,000 Irish lived in the city, accounting for more than three-quarters of total inhabitants. Many German, Irish and Scots-Irish who landed in Philadelphia were farmers. They moved westward through Pennsylvania in search of good, inexpensive land to farm. Their descendants moved southward into the Shenendoah Valley of Virginia. During the following decade, as even

more immigrants flowed into the city, Philadelphia’s population grew over 300%. On the eve of the Civil War (1861-1865), the city had over a half-million inhabitants, making it second only to New York City among U.S. cities.134

During the American Civil War, Philadelphia was an important source of troops, weapons, medical care and supplies for the Union.144 More than 50 infantry and cavalry regiments were recruited fully or partly in Philadelphia.144 The city was the main source for uniforms, manufactured weapons and warships. Philadelphia also had the two largest military hospitals in the United States: Satterlee Hospital and Mower Hospital.144

After Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth in Ford’s Theater in Washington DC on 15 April 1865, 25,000 mourners turned out in Philadelphia on 19 April as the presidential coffin processed to Independence Hall, where, in 1861, Lincoln had declared he “would rather be assassinated on this spot than to surrender the principles of the Declaration of Independence.

By 1870, there were 675,000 inhabitants in Philadelphia. This fastgrowing city was the environs in which our Henderson ancestors gained a toe hold in America.

Mower Hospital

Troops mustered in Philadelphia during Civil War, 1861-1865

Mercer County, New Jersey

Mercer County, New Jersey figures prominently not only in our nation’s history but also in the lives of our immediate Henderson ancestors and two other Henderson lines in the early years after their arrival in the United States. James Henderson, who immigrated to Philadelphia with his parents Thomas and Mary Jane (Virtue) Henderson in 1852, settled in Mercer County in adulthood. He and his wife, Catherine Rogers, resided in Trenton during their early married life and had seven of their eight children there, including our grandfather, Robert Emmett Henderson. In addition, James’ paternal uncles, John and Joseph Henderson, who immigrated in 1832 and 1836, respectively, settled in Princeton. Many Henderson kin from these two lines are buried in the Princeton Cemetery.

Hugh Mercer (1726-1777) was a brigadier general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.150 He fought in the New York and New Jersey campaigns and was mortally wounded at the Battle of Princeton.150 He was born in Pitsligo, Aberdeenshire, Scotland and studied medicine at the University of Aberdeen.150 He served as an assistant surgeon in Charles Edward Stuart’s army during the Battle of Culloden in the Jacobite rising of 1745.150 After the failed uprising, Mercer immigrated to Pennsylvania, where he worked as a physician.150 He served alongside George Washington in the provincial troops during the French and Indian War and they became close friends.150 On Washington’s recommendation, he moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia in 1760 to practice medicine and establish an apothecary.150 In 1767, he joined the Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge.150 Eight members of the lodge, including Washington and Mercer, were generals of the Continental Army, far more than any other group, institution or organization during the Revolutionary War.150

Pivotal events at the time of the Revolution took place in what later became Mercer County. Three signers of the Declaration of Independence were from Mercer County: John Hart of Hopewell, and Richard Stockton and John Witherspoon of Princeton.65 Furthermore, America’s path to victory in the Revolution took place in Mercer County, notably the Battles of Trenton and Princeton.

Disastrous defeats in the 1776 New York Campaign had necessitated a precipitous retreat of colonial troops into Pennsylvania.83 On Christmas Day 1776, General George Washington crossed the Delaware River on Johnson’s Ferry, landed in Hopewell, and marched his troops on Trenton. After routing Hessian (German) mercenaries fighting for the British who were quartered there, he marched his troops onward to Princeton.83 Although General Hugh Mercer, for whom the county was later named, was killed at the Battle of Princeton, General Washington led his troops to victory over the British at William Clarke’s farm, resulting in British retreat. The Battle of Princeton turnrf the tide of the war.83

In 1838, the New Jersey State Legislature carved out portions of surrounding counties - Hunterdon, Burlington, Middlesex and Somerset - to create Mercer County.65 The county was named in honor of General Hugh Mercer, the Revolutionary War hero who fell at the Battle of Princeton.65 The new county included Princeton and Trenton, with the latter serving as the county seat.

Monument depicting death of General Hugh Mercer and General Washington leading his troops to victory at Battle of Princeton, 3 January 1777

Trenton

The First Provincial Congress meeting in Trenton in 1783 agreed to build the nation’s new capital in Trenton.66 In the winter of 1784, again while meeting in Trenton, the Continental Congress voted $100,000 to fund necessary buildings for the national capital.66 But, in 1785, before any official construction got underway, General George Washington convinced the Continental Congress that an alternate site on the Potomac River - present day Washington DC was preferable, thus ending Trenton’s bid to become the seat of power of the new nation.66

Trenton became New Jersey’s capital as of 25 November 1790. The State House erected the same year is the third oldest state house in the country.66

From the earliest days, Trenton was a place coveted for its economic promise due to its siting on the Delaware River, halfway between New York and Philadelphia. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it had a gristmill, ironworks, plating and blade mill, tanning yard and paper mill.65 Its most important 19th c. industries were iron, steel, rubber and pottery.65

Trenton’s debut as a leading industrial center in the world began in 1847 with the founding of the Trenton Iron Company.65 Owners, Edward Cooper and Charles Hewitt, became the first to produce wrought iron beams for fire-proof buildings.65 During the Civil War, they developed desperately needed gun metal.65

In 1848, John A. Roebling located his ‘wire rope’ operation south of Trenton.65 He completed the Wheeling Bridge, which linked West Virginia and Ohio, in 1856.65 Then, from 1869 to 1883, his firm built the Brooklyn Bridge, a suspension bridge spanning the East River to Manhattan.65 By 1870, the Roebling plant produced 100 tons of wire rope annually and employed 85 people.65 The Roebling Company produced materials for the George Washington Bridge across the Hudson and the Golden Gate Bridge across San Francisco Bay.65

The rubber industry began in 1850 with Jonathan Green’s plant.65 Others followed after 1900 to supply tires to the booming car industry.65 Rubber production reached its peak when Trenton produced materials for World War I.65 At one point, there were 18 rubber companies in Mercer County, making Trenton “the nation’s tire capital.”65

The pottery industry had its origins in Trenton in 1799, when John Stiles McCully opened the first permanent pottery factory.65 In 1872, Thomas Maddock began manufacturing glazed earthenware. In 1899, Walter Scott Lenox, founded a company that became a world leader in china production.65 President Wilson commissioned a 1,700-piece set of Lenox china for the White House in 1917.65

Trenton became famous for porcelain production when Edward Marshall Boehm moved his porcelain factory from Maryland to Trenton in 1949.65 Boehm’s exquisitely crafted pieces have been given as Presidential gifts to world leaders.65

The Route 1 bridge over the Delaware River evokes the city’s proud industrial history by displaying a sign, “Trenton Makes, The World Takes,”.

Mount Vernon, Westchester, New York

Sometime between 1893 and 1898, James and Catherine Henderson moved with their seven children from Trenton, New Jersey to Mount Vernon, New York.1 The move was likely motivated by employment opportunities in the fast-growing city.

Mount Vernon is located on the southern border of Westchester County Immediately north of the Bronx, one of the five boroughs of New York City. To the west, is Yonkers.187 After the New York City and Northern Railway Company connected Yonkers to Manhattan by rail in 1888, the city grew to be the largest in Westchester County and emerged as a manufacturing powerhouse.

The Otis Elevator Company, Alexander Smith and Sons Carpet Company and Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic, were among the companies that were based in Yonkers at the time.

Mount Vernon, Westchester County, New York State

In 1900, when James and Catherine Henderson moved their family to Mount Vernon, the population of the city was 21,000, more than double what it had been just the decade prior 187 Over the following decade, the population increased by 50% to 31,000 in 1910.187 Mount Vernon was surely a bustling place. Its downtown included City Hall, the main post office, public library, office buildings, retail business and other municipal establishments.187

The Hendersons resided at 12 South 6th Avenue in Mount Vernon, within walking distance of these public services and amenities and a trolley ride away from employment opportunities in Yonkers. Given their large family and financial circumstances, it seems unlikely that the family ever made the trip into New York City by train but the Mount Vernon East train station was only a 10-minute walk from their home.

S. Fourth Avenue, Mount Vernon, 1890

Trolley company building, Mount Vernon

Houston Heights and Shady Acres

Millionaire Oscar Martin Carter and a group of investors established the Omaha and South Texas Land Company in 1891 and purchased 1,756 acres of land 4 miles northwest of downtown Houston.155,163 Streets, parks, schools and utilities worth $500,000 were installed, establishing the Heights as one of the earliest planned communities in Texas.155,163 Early advertisement invited home buyers to “come out to the beautiful Houston Heights where pine trees grow so high they tickle the toes of the angels.” Wooded open space was attractive to families as places for children to play.163

A notable feature of the community, then and today, is Heights Boulevard with its broad double-lane roads in either direction divided by a treed esplanade. Seventeen homes were built by the Omaha and South Texas Land Company, primarily on Heights Boulevard and Harvard Streets.155 All were spacious, two-story homes built from the plans of George Franklin Barber, an early Knoxville, Tennessee architect who designed homes and published them for sale through catalogs.155 Five of these became homes for Carter and his associates: Daniel Denton Cooley, G.B. Hengen, John Milroy and N.L. Mills.155 Other first occupants were doctors, lawyers and businessmen.163 Of the original 17 houses, only three remain standing today – 1802 Harvard Street, 443 Heights Boulevard and 1102 Heights Boulevard but about 100 houses and other properties in the Heights are on the National Register of Historic Places.155 Smaller, more modest cottages were built by local carpenters and self-built by residents.163

Carter planned a portion of Houston Heights to attract industry, presumably to provide employment for area residents and tax revenues for the municipal government.163 The Oriental Textile Mill, a large brick building at 2201 Lawrence Street, was built in 1893.164 Owners of the mill bought four city blocks and built small houses for workers near the plant, making it one of the first industrial complexes in the Houston Heights and the last remaining.164 The Mill is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.164

In the early 1950s, Evelyn Henderson thought she might make a few extra dollars by working in the Venetian blind factory located in the Oriental Textile Factory.103 While Diana and Billy were at school, she rode her bike to the factory enthused by the prospect of the money she would make.103 The first day, however, she found that the pedal she operated to stamp the cotton ribbon to the wooden blinds was so jarring it made her leg hurt.103 She did not return the following day, bringing an end to that economic venture.103

Houston City Street Railway Company

The Houston City Street Railway Company offered excursions to The Heights to view the wonders of the development.167 The first excursion was offered on the No.2 car on Sunday, October 24, 1892, at a cost of 5 cents.167 Every Sunday hence, streetcars took visitors to The Heights.167 No matter how many cars were added to the line, there never were enough cars to accommodate the curious visitors.167 On April 2, 1893, trailers were added to the cars for the first time, but even then, demand was so great some people rode on top of the streetcars.167

Heights City Hall / Fire Station

The Heights was its own municipality with a 7,000 ft2 city hall and jail constructed in 1914 at 12th Street and Yale.155 The building became a fire station when the City of Houston annexed the Heights in 1919 and was used in that capacity until 1985.155

In the early 1920s, the Shady Acres Investment Company bought 100 acres that had been part of the 1847 Henry Reinermann land grant in Harris County (see Appendix A).166 Shady Acres is bounded on the south by West 15th Street, on the east by North Shepherd Drive, on the north by W. 26th Street (now the North 610 Loop Freeway) and on the west by T.C. Jester Boulevard that runs along both sides of White Oak Bayou.153

Lots of 1 acre or smaller were offered for sale by John W. Beall and W.T. Helberg Realty Companies, advertising in local papers in 1927: “Buy an acre for the same price as a city lot. Close in. Gas line is now being laid. 3, 4 and 5 room homes built to suit. Terms as you like it.”152

As its name suggests, Shady Acres is heavily treed with tall white pines and mature white oaks. Stormwater from heavy rains, that occur frequently in the coastal plain of Texas, is carried away by large ditches on either side of streets in Shady Acres to White Oak Bayou.

Shady Acres Civic Club

The Shady Acres Civic Club was organized in 1938 at a meeting of Boy Scout Troop #67.152 The group’s concerns included: the need for city postal service, bus service to the Houston Heights and downtown Houston, dealing with oil drillers within the neighborhood, and general improvements of the community through the garden and dramatic clubs.152 There were about 20 charter members. J.E. Capps was

Houston Streetcar, ca. 1893

elected President.152 The same year, the Shady Acres Civic Club requested city postal services be extended into the neighborhood. The requirement at the time was that at least 50% of the area had to be developed with improved streets, numbered houses and street signs.152 Shady Acres did not meet the requirements at the time, so rural mail service continued.152 With donations to cover materials and volunteer labor, a small wooden structure was built on land adjacent to Turkey Gully that served as a social gathering place for the community.

Shady Acre Merchants

Shady Acres was a residential neighborhood but there were a few notable retailers. Sam’s Grocery, at the corner of West 19th and Beall Streets, was owned by Sam Spadacine.103 He was a butcher and worked behind the meat counter, while his wife, Anne, worked the cash register.103 Sam was the functional equivalent in those days of an ATM; he advanced cash to trusted customers from a wad of bills in his pocket.103 Kids sent to the store to pick up essentials for dinner signed the back of the receipt and their parents paid the bill at the end of each month.103 The Spadacine’s lived on Beall between West 18th and 19th.103 Sam’s son, Anthony, opened a liquor store on West 19th Street, initially renting a building a few doors down from his father’s store but later building his own store directly across the street.103 The other grocer in the neighborhood was the Chinaman’s at the corner of West 23nd and Bevis.103 He had a narrower selection but was a good place to pick up basic groceries, candy and snacks.103

Raymond’s Barbershop on Beall Street between West 20th and West 21st was owned by Raymond Almador.103 In the 50s., most boys got burr cuts to take them through hot, humid Houston summers.103 Hair styles tended toward longer hair in the 1960s, such as shags and mullets, or dramatic Mohawks with hair long through the middle and shaved on both sides.103 Raymond’s daughter, Donna, was a classmate of Renée Eggert’s.103 Cooper’s Garage on West 20th Street was owned and operated by Ralph Cooper, who lived on West 21st Street across the street from the Meyers. Mr. Cooper provided a much-used car maintenance and repair service in the neighborhood.103 In addition, he serviced commercial trucks, both in the shop and out on the roadway; he was the emergency AAA road service of those times.103

A significant change in the Shady Acres retail profile occurred in the early 1970s when K-Mart built a megastore on West 20th, between Bevis and TC Jester.103 It was such a show place, Evelyn’s sister, Martha Alice, and brother-in-law, Peck Westmoreland, came from Lockhart to see it!103 Much to the embarrassment of their youngest child, Brad, Peck took photos of the store to share with friends back in Lockhart.103 The arrival of megastores, such as K-Mart, and shopping malls were the death knell for small, owner-operated businesses in The Heights.103

Turkey Gully and White Oak Bayou

Turkey Gully wends through the neighborhood forming a greenway that was used by kids back in the 50s and 60s as a shortcut to visit friends and as a natural playground for collecting minnows, frogs, snapping turtles, snakes and crawfish as short-term pets.103

Turkey Gully flows into White Oak Bayou, which in turn drains into Buffalo Bayou.151 White Oak Bayou originates near the intersection of Texas State Highway 6 and US Highway 290 and meanders southeast for 25 miles until it joins Buffalo Bayou downtown at Allen’s Landing, the official birthplace of Houston.151

Eureka Oil Field

To the west of Shady Acres, beyond White Oak Bayou, was the Eureka Oil Field, which stretched as far as Highway 290.152 Development of the field brought economic prosperity to the Houston Heights and contributed to the initial residential building boom in Shady Acres.152

Houston Texas and Central Railway (H&TC) was an 872-mile railway system chartered in 1848.168 The line eventually stretched from Houston northward to Dallas and Denison and westward to Austin and Waco.168 The H&TC serviced the Eureka Oil Field with a stop. During World War II. When Evelyn and Diana lived with Mama Jessie in Hearne while Jitterbug was in the Philippines, they were able to travel to Houston by passenger train on the HT&C Railroad to visit Jitterbug’s mother and sisters in Shady Acres.103

Public Schools - After the City of Houston annexed the Heights, the Houston Independent School District (HISD) began building schools to serve Heights’ residents and fast-growing subdivisions to its west, including Shady Acres.

Heights High School opened in 1919 on 20th Street at the north end of Heights Boulevard.156 HISD paid $406,000 to build the neo-gothic style brick building, designed by Maurice J. Sullivan, and another $86,000 for equipment and furnishings.156 The soaring towers at the school’s entrance are fronted by native white pine growing in the esplanade of the boulevard.156

Helms Elementary School

at 503 West 21st and Nicholson Street, was constructed at a cost of $49,000.155 The 150ft-long red-brick building opened in 1921 with 291 students in 1st to 6th grades.155 The school was named in honor of James F. Helms, owner of the Texas-Louisiana Lumber Company, chief clerk in the Harris County court from 1915 to 1924, and Heights School Board member.154 J.W. Mills was the first Principal.154 A school auditorium and wellequipped kitchen, financed by the PTA, were finished and opened January 24, 1928.154 The Texas Lone Star flag presentation was considered important because a majority of the students were native born Texans and proud of it.154

Helms Elementary School

Original Heights High School

John H. Reagan High School

The surrounding subdivisions grew so fast during the 1920s that a new high school was built between Oxford and Arlington, 13th and 14th Streets in 1926 and named after John Henninger Reagan. To open the new high school, students and teachers processed down Heights Boulevard from the old high school to the new.156 Famous graduates of Reagan High School include: Robert William ‘Jitterbug’ Henderson (famed Texas Aggie athlete, inductee in the Texas A&M and Texas Sports Halls of Fame, and Texas state legislator), Red Adair (oil well firefighter), Mary Kay Ash (founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics), Dr. Denton A. Cooley (heart surgeon), Larry Hovis (actor in Hogan’s Heroes), Dan Rather (journalist), Craig Reynolds (professional baseball player for Pittsburgh Pirates, Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros), and Wayne Graham (professional baseball player for Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets and head baseball coach of Rice University Owls).156 In 2016, the name reverted to Heights High School.156

John H. Reagan (1818-1909) had an illustrious career of public service, including: deputy State surveyor of public lands 1839-1843; member of the Texas State House of Representative 1847-1849; judge of the district court 1852-1857; elected as a Democrat to the 35th and 36th Congresses 1857-1861; elected to the secession convention of Texas in 1861; deputy to the Provisional Congress of the Confederacy; Postmaster General of the Confederacy from 1861 to close of the war; member of the Texas State Constitutional Convention 1875; elected as a Democrat to the 44th and six succeeding Congresses 1875-1887; elected as a Democrat to the US Senate 1887-1891; and chair of the Texas Railroad Commission 1897-1903.157

Alexander Hamilton Junior High School

The Old Heights High School became the Junior High School in 1926 and was named after Alexander Hamilton (17551804).156

S. P. Waltrip High School

Alexander Hamilton (1755-1804) was founder of the nation’s financial system and first Secretary of the Treasury in President George Washington’s first Cabinet.159 Hamilton played a central role in the Federalist Party, which dominated national and state politics up until 1800, and was a leader in seeking to replace the weak national government under the Articles of Confederation.159 He spurred Congress to call a Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia and helped ratify the Constitution by writing 51 of the 85 installments of The Federalist Papers.159 He also founded the US Coast Guard and New York Post newspaper.159 He was an outspoken opponent of the policies of Thomas Jefferson and was infamously shot and killed in a duel with former Vice-President Raymond Burr.159

A new high school was built in 1969 at 1900 West 34th Street and named after Stephen Pool Waltrip, a funeral home owner and the first principle of John H. Reagan High School in 1919.158 S. P. Waltrip High School served students in grades 10 through 12 from Shady Acres, as well as Garden Oaks, Timbergrove, Shepherd Forest, Shepherd Park, Lazybrook, Oak Forest and Candlelight Grove. Notable alumna include: Patrick Swayze (actor

and dancer), John H. Whitmire (Texas Senator), Debra Maffett (Miss America 1983), Shelley Duvall (actress), Toni Lawrence (former Houston City Councilwoman), and Keenan McCardell (professional American football wide receiver for Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers).158

Parochial Schools

St. Rose of Lima School opened its doors in September 1948 with 185 students attending grades 1st to 5th in five classrooms.160 The school was run by Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.160 The school was expanded in 1957 with the addition of 15 classrooms and a library, bringing enrollment to 800 students in grades 1st to 8th 160

St. Pius X Catholic High School

St. Pius High School was established by Dominican Sisters of Houston in 1956 at 811 West Donovan Street to serve students from grades 9th to 12th . 161

Churches

St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church

The church that figured most prominently in the lives of the Henderson family was St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church, established in 1946. When Bill and Evelyn moved to Houston after WWII, there was no church structure, not even the grounds on which to build one, but 110 families registered in the parish gathered for mass in the auditorium of Helms Elementary School on West 21st Street or the Heights Fire Station on West 34th Street.160 The Rev. Paul C. Pieri served as the first pastor and was instrumental in raising funds to purchase the first tract of land on Brinkman Street between 34th and Wakefield.160 Two additional purchases expanded the property.10 Groundbreaking for the religious complex was on April 12, 1947.10 The cornerstone of the present church was laid July 1, 1962 and was dedicated on the Feast Day of St. Rose of Lima, August 30, 1962.160

Original St. Rose groundbreaking in April 1947

Father Pieri, St. Rose of Lima 1961

Father Pieri, 1947

St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, 1948

Baptist Temple

A community of Baptists in the Heights was established in 1908 with meetings in the upper room of Simon Lewis’ Grocery.169 The first church building was built in 1912 at 230 West 20th Street, at the corner with Rutland Street, on land donated by the Houston Heights.169 It grew to a heyday in the mid-1950s with a congregation of 1,500 under the leadership of Pastor T.C. Jester.169 After his death and changes in the community, the congregation began to decline.169 By the time the new pastor, Kelly Burkhart, arrived in 2004, the congregation was at a low of 175, with the average age being 72.169 Under Burkhart’s leadership, the congregation sold two buildings on one end of the block to a drugstore chain in 2008. Then, in 2016, they sold the 1949 sanctuary, along with the first sanctuary built in 1912.169 The buyer demolished them and erected buildings to house retail tenants.169 These sales enabled renovations to the remaining 65,000 ft2 building with a 300-seat sanctuary, new entrance and foyer and support staff to expand outreach to the diverse Heights community, which is undergoing rapid redevelopment.169

Heights Public Library

Heights Presbyterian Church

The Heights Presbyterian Church, founded in 1903 at W. 18th Street and Ruland, is the oldest house of worship still operating in the Heights.

The Heights Public Library, located at 1302 Heights Boulevard, was opened in 1926.162 The Italian Renaissance Revival style building, featuring pale pink stucco and arched windows, was designed by architect J.M. Glover and constructed by the Universal Construction Company.162 Under the able leadership of Jimmie May Hicks, branch librarian from 1931 to 1964, Heights Public Library was an important resource for school research projects and recreational reading.162 It also played a central role in the neighborhood for civic gatherings.162 The building attained landmark status in 1984, when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.162 In 2005, it was designated a protected city of Houston landmark.162

Heights Hospital

In 1945, Heights Hospital provided services for over 3,000 patients.163

A new 260-bed facility opened in January 1966.163 After mergers with Memorial Healthcare System in 1976 and Herman Hospital in 1997, the name changed to Memorial Herman Northwest Hospital.163 The hospital, located at 1635 North Loop West, was renamed Memorial Herman Greater Heights Hospital in October 2015.163

Heights Merchants

In the 1940s through the 1960s, Heights merchants included Kaplan’s Ben Hur department store, Yale Pharmacy and Harold’s men’s clothing store. 103

Entertainment included going out for a doughnut at Shipleys or a root beer float at Princess Drive In, to see a movie at the Heights, Garden Oaks or Shepherd Drive-In Theater, roller skating at the Tradewinds Roller Rink and dancing or bingo at the Czech SPJST Lodge.103

Evolving Community

The Houston Heights has undergone many changes since its founding in 1896, from initial economic boom to bust during the Great Depression, renewal in the post-war years, then another economic slump in the mid to late 1960s to renewal in recent decades led by the Houston Heights Association organized in 1973.163

Residents and business owners work together to maintain the quality of life and preserve the historic character of the community.163

Likewise, Shady Acres has undergone significant redevelopment in recent decades, with small homes on large lots replaced with densely clustered duplexes, condos and townhouses.

Shady Acre Restaurants and Bars

Recent gentrification has spawned a variety of restaurants and bars in Shady Acres, including Rainbow Lodge, Crisp’s, Cedar Creek Grill, the Shady Acre Saloon and Preslee’s.

Rainbow Lodge, at 211 Ella Blvd, features wild game and seafood served elegantly in the historic log cabin or casually on the deck overlooking White Oak Bayou.

Crisp’s, at 2220 Bevis, owned by a descendant of the Thompson family on 21st Street, offers craft beer and updated comfort food.

Cedar Creek Grill, at 20th St. and Beall, offers Hill Country cuisine and dining on its deck overlooking Cedar Creek (formerly Turkey Gully).

Shady Acres Saloon, at 19th St. and Beall, is the local honkytonk and watering hole, Shady Acres Saloon, offering live music, a jukebox and pool.

Preslee’s, at 1430 W. 19th Street, serves Southern-style fare in a casual setting. It was voted one of Houston’s 10 Hottest New Restaurants.

White Oak Bayou Greenway

Installation of the White Oak Bayou Trail in 2018 was a significant enhancement of the quality of life in Shady Acres and surrounding neighborhoods. A lighted, 10-ft wide concrete and asphalt trail runs parallel with the bayou and T.C. Jester, providing bicyclists and pedestrians with 17 miles of public green space. In 2006, The Houston Press named White Oak Bayou Trail the “Best Bike Path in the City of Houston.”151

Houston Heights World War II Memorial

The Houston Heights World War II Memorial was installed in the wooded median strip of Heights Boulevard at West 11th Street in 1999.170 It includes the names of all those Heights residents who served in the U.S. armed forces during World War II.170

Inscribed in the monument are Lt. Robert William Henderson, who served in the U.S. Army in the Philippines, and Lt. Carl Low, Bunny Henderson’s first husband, who served in the U.S. Navy as a pilot and was killed in a training accident in Honolulu, Hawaii.170

Chapter 6 – Henderson Genealogy

Alexander Henderson (b. 1795 Scotland)

0 Alexander Henderson (b. 1795, Kilcalmonell and Kilberry Parish, Argyllshire, Scotland) M1YR-SHS

m. Elizabeth R. (b. unknown, d. 22 Jan 1861 Mercer Co. NJ)49

1. John Henderson (b 10 July 1812 Scotland, d. 4 June 1874 Princeton, Mercer Co. NJ)8

2. Joseph Henderson (b. 26 Dec 1816 Ireland, d. 13 May 1879 Princeton, Mercer Co. NJ)8

3. Thomas Henderson (b. 1821 Ireland, d. 12 Oct 1867 Philadelphia, Philadelphia Co. PA)8

John Henderson (b. 1812 Scotland)

1.0 John Henderson (b 10 July 1812 Scotland, d. 4 June 1874 Princeton, Mercer Co. NJ)8,34,64 M5TJ-ZPJ

Immigrated 183254,55 Naturalized citizen 184434,64

m. Ursilla (b. 23 Jul 1811, d. 16 May 1890)8 M5TJ-ZPB

1.1. William R. Henderson (b. 1835 Mercer Co. NJ, d. 21 Apr 1874)8 M5TJ-ZGN

m. Anna Elizabeth Drake (b. 1843, d.unknown)8 M5TJ-ZPM m.22 Nov 1865 Mercer NJ50

1.1.1 Charles E. Henderson (b. 1869, deceased before 1880)3,6,7 G8LV-F7W

1.1.2 John L. Henderson (b. Nov 1871, d. 28 Aug 1904)3,8 LQYR-22W

m. Annie J. Johnston (b.1870, d. 8 Feb 1954 Trenton, NJ)3,49 9969-89W

m. 23 Oct 1895 Trenton, Mercer Co. NJ50

1.1.2.1 Clifford McKinley Henderson (b. 26 Oct 1896, Mercer Co. NJ, d. 21 Feb 1960 Yardley, Bucks Co. PA)3,8 LBNB-YLC

m1. Anna Mae Bunting (b. 1901 PA) GWWF-MKK (or LBN1-MLD) m.

1.1.2.1.1 Clifford Wallace Henderson (b. 27 Nov 1920 Trenton NJ, d. 30 Jan 2006 New Bern, Craven County NC)3,8 LBN1-7KP

m1. Arlene Lockett m. 1946 divorced

m2. Janet Holdren (b. 13 May 1921, d. 6 Dec 2019)8

1.1.2.1.1.1 Michael W. Henderson

1.1.2.1.1.1.1 Schuyler Janae Henderson

m. Raymond Earl Cox

1.1.2.1.1.1.2 Courtney M Henderson (b.17 Oct 1984)

m. Mr. Newkirk

1.1.2.1.2 Earl Bunting Henderson (b. 26 Sept 1927 Trenton Mercer NJ, d. 14 Dec 2008 Hartsville, Darlington SC)3,8 LBN1-WLC

m. Alice Marie Przemieniecky (b. 26 Jun 1932, d. 30 Sept 2004)8 Q5M-KCV

1.1.2.1.2.1 Ruth Henderson

m. J. Bradley Mobley

1.1.2.1.2.1.1 Katherine Mobley

1.1.2.1.2.2 Jill Henderson

m. Ed Brennan

1.1.2.1.2.2.1 Rachel Brennan

m. Mr. Kowalski

1.1.2.1.2.2.1.1 Traci Hewett Kowalski

1.1.2.1.2.2.1.2 Mathew Kowalski

1.1.2.1.2.2.2 Jennifer Brennan

1.1.2.1.2.3 Earl Edward Henderson (b. 5 Apr 1922, d. 16 Jan 2012)13

m. Nelda (m2. Mark Schultz, child: Erik Schultz)

1.1.2.1.2.3.1 Madelyn Henderson

m. Peter Van Salisbury

1.1.2.1.2.3.2 Emily Henderson

1.1.2.1.2.3.3 Thomas Henderson

m2. Mary Richardson Flatt (b. 1906, d. 1992) GWWK-MKK

1.1.2.2 George J. Henderson (b. Feb 1904, 9 Feb 1954)3,8,49 G8LV-6KM

m. Florence E. Mansley

1.1.2.2.1 George J. Henderson Jr. (d. 10 July 1926, d. 29 Aug 1932)8

1.1.2.2.2 Edgar Llewellyn Henderson (b. 22 Aug 1928, d. 9 May 2007)24

1.1.2.2.3 Carol Joan Henderson (b. 1931)25

1.2 Maria L. Henderson (b. Nov 1843, d. 1918)8 G8LV-2Q9

Joseph Henderson (b. 1816 Ireland)

2.0 Sgt. Joseph Henderson (b. 26 Dec 1816 Ireland, d. 13 May 1879 Princeton, Mercer NJ)8 M5RL-J9F Immigrated in 1836

m. Nancy Hagerman (b. 1820) m. 5 Aug 1842 Trenton, NJ50 M5RL0J95

2.1 Mary Elizabeth ‘Eliza’ Henderson (b. Mar 1843, d. 30 May 1927)3,8 GZ19-SZS

m. John W. Rowand (b. Mar 1842, d. 1914)8 GXC9-K6T

2.1.1 Josephine Rowand (b. Apr 1865)8

2.1.2 James Rowand (b. 21 Dec 1868, 28 Oct 1957)8

m. Bertha Whyte

2.2 Harriet Henderson (b. July 1846. d. 1909)3 LH5P-YCX

m. Charles W. Rue (or Rice) (b. Apr 1844) m. 11 Feb 186950 LH5P-Y92

2.2.1 Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Rue (b. 1870)1,10

m. Theodore Hoff (b. May 1870)1

2.2.2 Catherine ‘Cassie’ Rue (b. March 1873)1,10

2.2.3 Lillian ‘May’ Rue (b. May 1877)1,10

2.2.4 Leroy Rue (b. 6 Sept 1883, d. prior to 1900)1,10

2.3 Rodman Price Henderson (b. 22 Sept 1853, d. 16 Jan 1928)3,8 L7WF-M1G

m. Caroline ‘Carrie’ Stanley Leigh (b. Sept 1853, d.2 Dec 1929)8 GXH1-2HJ m. 1 Jan 187350

2.3.1 Price Stanley Henderson (b. 8 Jan 1874, 4 June 1966)7,8,13

m1. Mary Belle W. (b. Nov. 1868, d. 16 May 1934) m. 1899

m2. Louisa M. Anderson (d. 9 Nov 1941)

2.3.2 Mary Henderson (b. 1876)7

2.3.3 Anna A. Henderson (b. 19 Jan 1878 Princeton, Mercer NJ, d. Nov 1967 Hunterdon NJ)7,8

m1. Walter S. Stout (b. 1875, d. 1904) m. 21 Feb 1899 Princeton NJ50

2.3.3.1 Leon Bertram Stout (b. 28 Sept 1901, d. 31 Mar 1973)8

m2. Henry James (b. 1860, d. 11 Jan 1935)

2.3.4 Caroline Edna Henderson (b. 1 Mar 1881, d. 26 Nov 1929) LX9Y-7WB

m. Bertram Kintner (b. 1881, d. 1920) 9Z8H-4J5

2.3.5 Charles Bertram Hendeson (b. 3 July 1882, 8 Dec 1957)8 GQHD-GSB

m. Catherine Leidy Heacock (b. Nov 1880, d. 5 May 1966)8

2.3.5.1 Charles Bertram Henderson Jr. (b. 2 Aug 1906, d. 24 May 1976)8

2.3.5.2 Helen Catherine Henderson (b. Nov 1910, d. 1965) m. 1936 GQHD-PVP

m. Jefferson Drake Collings Sr. (b. 1913, d. 1997) L1X2-L1H

2.3.3.2.1 Jefferson Drake Collings Jr. (b. 1937, d. 2014) GQHD-TDV

2.3.3.2.2 Joyce Collings

2.3.5.3 Arthur Rodman Henderson (b. 24 Sept 1912, 20 Dec 1990)8 GQH6-4CS

2.3.5.4 John Edmond Henderson (b.2 Nov 1915 ,d.15 Oct 1988)8,13,102 GQHD-KBP

m. Dorothy F. Cole (b. 1915, d. 15 Aug 1990)8 GVSP-QD5

2.3.6 Isaac Leigh Henderson (b. May 1885, d. 20 Oct 1969)8 L1S9-XQ7

m. Emma Elizabeth Stout (b. Jan 1882, d. 23 June 1974) 9Z8H-7VS

2.3.6.1 Earl Stout Henderson (b. 19 July 1908 Mercer NJ, d. 22 Jan 1998 Cumberland NJ)

m. Frances Mildred Eubank (b. 1911, d. 2001) L199-9WK

2.3.6.2 Marion E. Henderson (b. Nov. 1911 NJ)

m. George Callighan (b. 1908 Ireland)

2.3.6.2.1 Barbara Callighan (b. 1939)

2.3.6.2.2 Thomas B. Callighan (b. 1948)

2.3.7 Joseph Leigh Henderson (b. 17 Oct 1891, d. 1980)3,8 L7WF-M1K

m. Hannah Nilsson (b. 1881 Sweden, d. 28 Feb 1959)8 GNIZ-MYK Immigrated 1903

2.3.7.1 Anna M. Henderson (b. 1917, d. 2 Aug 1996)8

2.3.7.2 Carl Joseph Henderson (b. 19 June 1921, d.1 Sept 2001)8,24 GG1X-YS2

2.4 Frank P. Henderson (b. 6 May 1856, 8 May 1932)8 GZ1M-1C2

m. Annie E. Jones (b. 1834, d. 5 Jan 1950)8 m. 2 Feb 1892

Thomas Henderson (b.1821 Ireland)

3.0 Thomas Henderson (b. 1821 Ireland, d. 12 Oct 1867 Philadelphia PA)5,22 GCSD-KSZ immigrated: 17 May 185254

m. Mary Jane Virtue (b. 1822 Ireland, d. 8 April 1898)5,22 GFLZ-B5Q m. 29 Sept 1846 Donegal, County Donegal, Ireland62 immigrated: 17 May 185254

3.1 James Henderson (b. 1 Jan 1848 Ireland, 25 June 1949 Oakland CA)5,41,64 LK5L-NT5

3.2 Mary Jane Henderson (b. 1850 Ireland)5 m. 8 Oct 1876 Philadelphia137

3.3 William Henderson (b. 1855 Philadelphia PA, d. 1886 Camden NJ)5,53

3.1 James Henderson (b. 1 Jan 1848, Ireland, d. 25 June 1949 Oakland CA)5,41 LK5L-NT5 (99Y1-C34)

immigration 17 May 185254 naturalized: 2 Nov 187134,64 occupation: stonecutter.1

m. Catherine C. Rogers (b. 1 April 1856,2,3 Trim, County Meath, Ireland)1,25 LK5L-N1D (99Y1-C32) immigration 1866, age 10, with parents born in Ireland. m. 18761

3.1.1 Robert Emmett Henderson4 (b. 14 April 1877 Trenton, Mercer Co. NJ,1,2,4 d. 16 Mar 1937 Alexandria, Rapides Parish LA)2 LK5L-J36 m. Mary Anne ‘Mae and Bama’ Escher (b. 23 Feb 1892 Wilkinson Co., MS, d. 2 July 1987 Houston, Harris Co., TX)13 LVVD-B6Z m. 7 Nov 1918 Davidson Co. TN19

3.1.1.1 Robert William Henderson, LVVD-YGW (b. 5 Sept 1919 Fort Worth, Tarrant Co, TX, d. 27 Dec 1955 Houston, Harris Co, TX)13,14,15

m. Evelyn Gray (b. 2 Sept 1924 Hearne, Robertson Co, TX, d. 5 April 2004 Brenham, Washington Co, TX LVVD-YP8 m. 20 Nov 1942 in Hearne, TX

3.1.1.1.1 Diana Lynn Henderson (b.15 Aug 1944 Comanche OK, d. July 2020 Harris TX)

m1. John Edward Beil (b. 28 July 1944) m. 13 Sept. 1961) div. March 1965

3.1.1.1.1.1 Robert William Beil (b. 16 April 1962)14 m1. Michelle Brown

3.1.1.1.1.1.1 Camille Beil (b. 20 April 1986) m2. Gina Pizzini (b. 14 Nov 1967) m. 23 Nov 1988, div. 1997

3.1.1.1.1.1.2 Robert William Beil, Jr. (b. 31 Dec 1988)

3.1.1.1.1.1.3 Madelynn Mae Beil (b. 3 April 1993)

3.1.1.1.1.1.4 John Giovanni ‘Bo’ Beil (b. 30 Aug 1995)

3.1.1.1.1.2 John Edward Beil, Jr. (b. 15 Aug 1963)14

m1. Aurora Yracheta (b. 24 Dec 1962) m. 2 May 1992, div. 1997

3.1.1.1.1.2.1 Mary Beth Belcik (b. 30 May 1990) (by former union)

3.1.1.1.1.2.2 Maggie Lynn Beil (b. 4 April 1993 Austin TX)

3.1.1.1.1.2.3 Anna Rangel (b. 6 Jan 1997) (by subsequent union)

m2. Nancy Yateman Wimberly (b. 13 Sept 1962) m. 21 Sept 2013

3.1.1.1.1.2.4 Keagan Wimberly (b. Oct 1996) (by prior union)

m2. Marshall Watkins (b. 21 Sept 1936, d. 24 Feb 1997) m. 20 Nov 1992

3.1.1.1.2 Robert William ‘Jitter’ Henderson Jr. (b.16 May 1948 Harris Co. TX)14 G66B-PTZ

m. Donna Jean Stockton (b. 1 Jan 1947 Brenham, TX) G6XG-4YN m. 25 Nov 1972

3.1.1.1.2.1 Heather Dawn Henderson (b. 23 Jun 1975 Harris TX)14 m.5 Sept 2008

m. Jason ‘Jake’ Elwyn Maloy (b. 31 Oct 1972 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

3.1.1.1.2.1.1 Fisher William Maloy (b. 3 Dec 2011 in Austin TX)

3.1.1.1.2.1.2 Holden Elwyn Maloy (b. 16 Oct 2013 in Austin TX)

3.1.1.1.2.1.3 Georgia Grace Maloy (b. 14 Jan 2016 in Austin TX)

3.1.1.1.2.2 Cristin Renée (b. 22 Feb 1979 Harris Co, TX)14 m. 22 April 200616

m. Kevin James Ryan (b. 16 July 1978)

3.1.1.1.2.2.1 Austin Henderson Ryan (b. 31 July 2008)

3.1.1.1.2.2.2 Kylie Ann Ryan (b. 17 April 2010)

3.1.1.1.3 Nona Ruth Henderson (b. 2 Aug 1952 in Houston, Harris, TX)14 GMZJ-MRK

m. 26 Sept 1981 in Burton, Washington Co., TX 16

m. Dan Bryan Strombom (b. 2 June 1952 Pullman, Whitman WA) G661-2MN

3.1.1.1.3.1 Tyler Cole Henderson Strombom (b. 11 Jan 1984)

m. Rosemma Carole Laurence (b. 22 Aug 1982) m. Oct. 26, 2013

3.1.1.1.3.1.1 Rowan Strombom (b. 3 June 2016 in New York NY)

3.1.1.1.3.1.2 Coralynn Strombom (b. 14 Feb 2019 New Plymouth, NZ)

3.1.1.1.3.1.3 Violetta Strombom (b. 1 April 2023 Hawke’s Bay, NZ)

3.1.1.1.3.2 Evelyn Ariel Henderson Strombom (b. 5 Feb 1990) G661-XR9

3.1.1.1.4. Thomas Frank ‘Tuffy’ Henderson, Sr (b. 3 May 1954 Harris Co. TX)14 G66B-1LC

m1. Jill Ann Jenkins (b. 14 April 1956) G6XG-3TW m. 20 May 197816

3.1.1.1.4.1 Thomas Frank Henderson, Jr. (b. 14 April 1984 Washington Co TX)14

m. Katherine Moore (b. December 1986)

3.1.1.1.4.1.1 Mabry Moore (b. 23 September 2009) (by former union)

3.1.1.1.4.1.2 Scotlyn Love Henderson (b. 12 June 2014)

m2. Diana Lynn Bucey Henderson (b. 21 Aug 1954) m. 9 July 2011

3.1.1.2 Mary Katherine Henderson (b. 8 July 1924 Dallas TX, d. 26 Oct 2006 San Mateo CA)14 VV6-MKG

m1. Lt. Carl Thomas Low (b. 2 Dec 1920 Harris TX, d. 31 July 1943 Hawaii) m. 15 Nov 1941 Fort Bend, Texas

m2. Commander Conrad Gerhart Welling (b 21 Jun 1919 St. Louis, MO, d 20 Aug 2010 San Mateo CA)11 LDM1-LCP m. 26 Aug 194416

3.1.1.2.1 Bonnie Lynn Welling (b. 14 Feb 1947)

m. Robert Steve Parks m. 28 Apr 1973, div. 1982

3.1.1.2.2 Conrad Gerhart Welling II (b. 8 March 1950)

3.1.1.2.3 Patricia Ann Welling (b. 28 Jun 1951)

m. Jerome J Leugers (b. 14 Feb 1952) m. 7 Jan 1984 San Mateo CA

c1. Patrick Welling Leugers (b. 26 Jan 1989 Santa Clara CA)

c2. Conrad Michael Leugers (b. 27 May 1991 Santa Clara CA)

m. Alizae

3.1.1.3 Rebecca Henderson (b. 2 Feb 1928, d. 5 Feb 1928 Woodville, Wilkinson Co. MS)

3.1.1.4 Alice Patricia Henderson (b. 12 Sept 1929 Harris Co. TX, d. 8 Jan 1997 Harris TX)14 LVV6-MGQ

m. Bryan Harry Meyer, Sr (b. 30 Sept 1929 Harris TX, d. 29 May 2016 Harris TX)14 GC35-G39

3.1.1.4.1 Mary Rhondalyn Meyer (b. 2 Sept 1952)14 m. 1 July 1972 GF26-YZK

m. Ryan Wayne Harris Sr (b. 27 August 1950, d. 7 Apr 2015) GFLZ-KPG

3.1.1.4.1.1 Ryan Wayne Harris Jr. (b. 16 Jan 1974) GFLZ-KZR

m. Ashley Reid

3.1.1.4.1.1.1 Landon Paul

3.1.1.4.1.1.2 Madeline Leigh

3.1.1.4.1.1.3 Cash Ryan

m2. Kristen

3.1.1.4.1.1.4 Hayden

3.1.1.4.1.2 Brent Allen Harris (b. 25 Nov 1978) GFLZ-VT8

m. Shekara

3.1.1.4.1.2.1 Hannah Shae

3.1.1.4.1.2.2 Lyla

M2. Hannah Brockermeyer

3.1.1.4.1.2.3 Brock Allen

3.1.1.4.1.3 Lauren Elaine Harris (b. 31 July 1983) GFLZ-2T8

m. Dusty Dorbritz

3.1.1.4.1.3.1 Harrison

M2. Robert Hernandez

3.1.1.4.1.3.2 Mateo

3.1 1.4.1.3.3 Elena

3.1.1.4.2 Bryan Harry Meyer, Jr. (b. 30 July 1954)14 GF26-2PK

m1. Brenda Gayle Gilbert, GFLZ-2XD div.

3.1.1.4.2.1 Bryan Harry Meyer III (b. 10 Nov 1983)12 m. Svetlana Konik

3.1.1.4.2.1.1 Jaxon Paul

3.1.1.4.2.1.2 Hank

m2. Deborah Elizabeth Wikstrom (b. 13 Apr 1956) GFLZ-R2T

p3. Karen Moody

3.1.1.4.3 Linda Marie Meyer (b. 3 Mar 1956 Harris Co. TX)14 GF26-FHG

3.1.1.4.4 Darlene Nannette Meyer (b. 30 July 1958)14 GF26-G14, m. 26 Mar 1983

m. Douglas Keith Evans (b. 8 August 1954) GFLZ-GSD

3.1.1.4.4.1 Patricia Diane Evans (b. 27 Sept 1984) GFLZ-GL7 m. 9 Nov 2013

m. Christopher Lee Bomar (b. 15 April 1979)

3.1.1.4.4.1.1 Eva Frances (b.11 Jan 2023)

3.1.1.4.4.2 Kalynn Michele Evans (b. 21 Mar 1989) GFLZ-YZ5 m. 8 May 2021

m. Wade Doyle Mitchell (b. 12 June 1988)

3.1.1.4.4.1.2 1 Mae Michele Mitchell (b. 6 June 2022)

3.1.1.4.4.1.2.2 Rose Nannette Mitchell (b. 12 March 2025)

3.1.1.4.5 Eilene Annette Meyer (b. 30 July 1958)14 GF26-9K4, m. 26 Jan 1979

m. Garland Wesley Murphree (b. 12 Oct 1949) GFLZ-PRT

3.1.1.4.5.1 Amanda ‘Mandy’ Leigh Murphree (b. 26 Sept 1980) LFLZ-RX7

m. Colin Webb (b. 5 Oct 1982)

3.1.1.5.4.1.1 Layla Mae Webb (b.17 Feb 2013)

3.1.1.5.4.1.2 Della Rae Webb (b.20 April 2018)

3.1.1.4.6 Paul Matthew Meyer (b. 31 Dec 1963, d. 28 July 1998)14 GF2X-3YB

3.1.1.4.7 Mark Allen Meyer Sr. (b. 14 Aug 1965)14 GF26-25W

m1. Rebecca Antoinet Policano GFL8-9HS

3.1.1.4.7.1 Brittney She’re Meyer (b. 21 July 1989) GFLZ-87D

3.1.1.4.7.2 Mark Allen Meyer, Jr. (b. 16 April 1991) GFL8-MWP

m2. Brittany Callahan (b. 19 Jan 1990) m. 2 June 2025

3.1.1.4.7.2.1 Kaylee (b. 9 Aug 2014)

m2. Sheila Brossette

3.1.1.4.7.3 Haley Meyer

m. Brandon Haynes

3.1.1.4.7.3.1 Salem Haynes

3.1.1.4.7.3.2 Staska Haynes

3.1.1.4.7.2.3 Saint Haynes

M3. Laurie

3.1.1.4.7.4 Michael

3.1.1.4.6.5 Caroline

3.1.1.5 Marjorie Ann Henderson Eggert (b. 7 Feb 1933 Harris Co. TX, d. 12 Nov 1999)14 LVV6-MRZ m. 24 Feb 1954 St Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Houston TX16

m. John Lawrence Eggert, Sr. (b. 26 July 1928 Jefferson Co. TX, d. 28 Sept 2017) GFLZ-VQ3

3.1.1.5.1 Mary Louanne Eggert (b. 4 Dec 1954 Harris Co. TX)14 GFPC-F5T m. 5 April 1973

m1. Jeffrey Albert Hansen GFP8-7FQ

3.1.1.5.1.1 Jeffrey Michael Hansen (b. 2 Oct 1973)

3.1.1.5.1.2 Cara Jo Hansen (b. 21 December 1975)

m2. Robert Reacer

3.1.1.5.2 Ava Lynn Eggert (b. 27 Nov 1955 Harris Co. TX)14 GFPC-J67 m. Glen Allen Adams, Sr. GFP8-SLB

3.1.1.5.2.1 Glen Allen Adams, Jr. (b. 19 Dec 1984)

3.1.1.5.2.2 Ashley Lynn Adams (b. 2 May 1987, d. 10 January 2025)

3.1.1.5.3 Mary Katherine Eggert (b. 25 Nov. 1956 Harris Co. TX, d. 26 Feb 1996)14 GFP8-RPT

m. Robert Castro GFPD-WGT

3.1.1.5.3.1 Jason Robert Castro (b. 16 July 1976) GFP8-Y14

3.1.1.5.3.2 Christopher Rhett Castro (b. 5 Dec 1978) GFP8-ZK6

3.1.1.5.3.3 Brandon Shane Castro (b. 9 Aug 1981) GFPD-3FW

3.1.1.5.3.4 Maegan Louise Castro (b. 19 July 1984) GFP8-RRH

3.1.1.5.3.5 Chelsea Kay Castro (b. 16 Nov 1987) GFPD-W5G

3.1.1.5.4 Claire Renée Eggert (b. 9 Jan 1958 Harris Co. TX)14 GFP8-G9P

m1. Rickey Wayne Weaver m. 3 July 1976, div. GFP8-LN7

3.1.1.5.4.1 Joseph Andrew Weaver (b. 18 Dec 1978) GFP8-YXG

3.1.1.5.4.2 Bethany Grace Weaver (b. 11 July 1982) GFPD-MPJ

3.1.1.5.4.3 Kaitlyn Claire Weaver (b. 23 May 1985) GFPD-DZS

m2. Daniel Edwin Miller (b. 5 Nov 1958, d.10 Oct 2021) m. 26 Jun 2009, Harris Co TX

3.1.1.5.5 John Lawrence Eggert, Jr. (b. 16 June 1959 Harris Co. TX)14 GFP8-LMR

m. Sara Alicia Molina GFPD-8HK

3.1.1.5.5.1 Monica Michelle Eggert (b. 15 July 1983) GFP8-GKV

3.1.1.5.5.2 John Ross Nicholas Eggert (b. 27 Aug 1986) GFPD-9ZR

3.1.1.5.6 Steven Edward Eggert (b. 4 Nov 1961 Harris Co. TX)14 GFP8-RNZ

m1. Sheila Ann Vargas GFPD-SQR

3.1.1.5.6.1 Anthony Steven Eggert (b. 23 Feb 1984) GFPD-SKJ

3.1.1.5.6.2 Nina Marie Eggert (b. 3 May 1985) GFPD-6J4

m2. Rachel

3.1.1.5.7 Robert William Eggert (b. 25 Jan 1963 Harris Co. TX)14 GFPD-PY1

m1. Elizabeth Rose Pena GFPD-8FP

3.1.1.5.7.1 Robert William Eggert (b. 18 June 1982) GFPD-PB6

3.1.1.5.7.2 Amber Lauren Eggert (b. 3 July 1983) GFPD-F4Y

3.1.1.5.8 Rebecca ‘Becky’ Marie Eggert (b. 6 Sept 1964 Harris Co. TX)14 GFP8-NJ9

m. Stephen Delbert Allee Wyse GFPD-9VR

3.1.1.5.8.1 Katherine Marie Wyse (b. 21 February 1985) GFPD-FRR

3.1.1.5.8.2 Bradley William Wyse (b. 22 April 1988) GFPD-WSL

3.1.1.5.9 Leah Elizabeth Eggert (b. 24 Nov 1965 Harris Co. TX)14 GFPD-KSG

m. Stephen Paul Castro (b. 9 Nov1963) GFPD-J6P

3.1.1.5.9.1 Zachary Alexander (b. 2 Sept 1984, d. 7 Dec 2021) GFPD-KSG

3.1.2 Catherine ‘Katie’ Henderson (b. Sept 1879 Trenton, Mercer NJ)1 LK5L-JWR m. 1899

m. Edward Gall Sr. (b. 23 Feb 1870 Rain, Bayern, Germany)17 KLDJ-LGY Immigrated 1886.1

3.1.2.1 Florence Gall (b. 1900)9 GFYC-WR1

3.1.2.2 Edward Gall Jr. (b. 1901)9 GFYC-4CB / GFYC-QQW

3.1.2.3 Clarence Gall (b. 5 Jan 1903 Bronx, New York NY)9,44 KLDJ-LG5

3.1.3 James Edward Henderson, Jr. (b. Feb 1884 Trenton, Mercer NJ,1 d. 26 June 1949 LA CA)1,41 LK5L-JZ4

m. Rebecca Laird22

3.1.3.1 May M. Henderson (b.1909 Cape May NJ)22

3.1.4 Mary (Marion) Henderson (b. Oct 1885 Trenton, Mercer NJ)1,3 99Y1-CS1 / LK5L-JD9

3.1.5 Alice Francis Henderson (b. Mar 1888 Trenton, Mercer NJ, d. 16 Nov 1977 Los Angeles CA)1,8,13

m. 16 Mar 1914 Santa Ana, Orange CA18 div. 1933

m. David Loren Imus (b. 19 Apr 1888 Franklin OH, d. 19 June 1962 Los Angeles CA)8,13,41

3.1.5.1 Geraldine Virginia Imus (b. 11 Jun 1915 Los Angeles CA, d. 15 Sept. 2005 Los Angeles CA)13,19

m. Thomas Haywood Flippin18 m. 21 January 193518

3.1.5.1.1 Neal Edward Flippin (b. 23 June 1937, deceased)19 LK5L-X3Q

m. Shirley A. Bracy (b. 1939) m.25 Mar 1961 GNN9-YKD

3.1.5.1.2 Robert Lee Flippin b. 21 April 194519 GNNS-SXR

3.1.6 Alexander Henderson (b. Nov 1890 Mercer NJ, deceased)1 LK5L-JHC

3.1.7 Olive M. Henderson (b. Oct 1893 Trenton, Mercer NJ, d. 12 Aug 1992 Los Angeles CA)1,8 LK5L-JV2

m. Otto E Grossman (b. 1896, d.7 Sept 1973 in CA)41 m. 6 Aug 1921 LA CA18

3.1.8 Veronica Henderson (b. 19 Feb 1897 Mount Vernon, Westchester NY, d. 7 Jan 1982 in LA CA)1 LK5L-J2N

m. Albert Ryan

3.2 Mary Jane Henderson (b. 1850 Ireland)5 m. 8 Oct 1876 Philadelphia)137 immigrated: 17 May 185254

m. John N. Fuchs (b. 1849 PA)137

3.2.1 John N. Fuchs Jr. (b. 1877, d. 1881)53,124

3.2.2 Louisa Fuchs (b. 1877, d. 1877)53

3.3.3 Joseph Fuchs (b. 1881, d. 1882)53

3.3.4 John Otto Fuchs (b. 1887)36,124

3.3 William Henderson (b. 1855 Philadelphia PA, d. 1886 Camden NJ)5,53

Chapter 7 - Sources

New Jersey

Mercer County

Princeton Township

Cottrell, Ann Elizabeth (head, widowed 64), William Cottrell (son 29), Walter (son 26), Mary E. Seger (daughter 37), Charles E. Seger (son-in-law), Lizzie Torrence (boarder 57) and Maria L. Henderson (boarder 57)

Henderson, Price M. (head, b. Jun 1872 market gardener), Mary B. (wife, b. Nov 1868)

Residence: 124 Cedar Grove

Henderson, Rodman Price (head b. Sept 1853), Caroline (wife b. 1853), Caroline E. (daughter b. 1881), Charles B. (son, b. Mar 1881), Isaac Leigh (son, b. May 1884), Joseph Leigh (son b. Oct 1891), Nancy Henderson (mother b.1821)

Rowand, John (head, 58 b. 1842 NJ), Mary E. (wife, 57 b. 1843), Josephine (daughter, 35 b. 1865), James (32, b. 1868)

Lawrenceville

Henderson, Frank (head farmer), Annie (wife) Trenton

Drake, Catherine (head, widow 57 b. Aug 1843 PA), William H. (son 35 b. Apr 1864)

Henderson, John L. (head, b. Nov 1871 NJ, brass spinner), Annie (Johnston) Henderson (wife, b. Aug 1870 NJ), Clifford (son, b. Oct 1886 NJ), Annie E. (Drake) Henderson (mother, widow b. June 1843)

Residence: renting at 402 Clinton St.

Johnston, Margaret (head b. Feb 1838 Ireland, im.1860), George M. (son, b. Mar 1871, paper salesman), Margaret E. (daughter b. Sept 1878 NJ), Anna H. Subers (niece b. Sept 1877) residence: 58 Bank St., Trenton

Johnston, James (head b. Apr 1875 NJ, bookbinder, both parents born in Ireland), Eleanor (wife b. Dec 1878), Edith (daughter b. 1900) residence: 56 Bank St., Trenton NJ

Rue, Charles W. (head b. Apr 1844 NJ, produce dealer), Harriett (wife, b. Jul 1846 NJ), Catherne (daughter b. May 1873 NJ), Lillian (b. May 1877 NJ), Elizabeth Hoff (daughter b. Jun 1870), Theodore Hoff (sonin-law b. May 1870), Russel (grandson b. May 1895)

New York, Westchester County

Mt. Vernon City, Jun 2:

Henderson, James (head, 52 b. Jan. 1848 Ireland, parents born in Ireland, immigrated 1867), Catherine (wife, 44, b. Apr 1856 (sic) Ireland, parents born in Ireland, im. 1866, 8 living children: Robert E. (son, 22 b. Apr 1878 New Jersey, steamfitter, parents born in Ireland)

Gall, Catherine (daughter, 20 b. Sept 1879 NJ, parents born in Ireland)

Gall, Edward (son-in-law, 31 b. Feb 1869 Germany, laborer, parents born in Germany) im. 1886

James Edward (son, 16 b. Feb 1884 NJ, parents born in Ireland)

Marion (daughter, 15 b. Oct 1885 NJ, parents born in Ireland)

Alice F. (daughter, 12 b. Mar 1888 NJ, parents born in Ireland))

Alexander (son, 10 b. Nov 1880 NJ, parents born in Ireland))

Olive M. (daughter, 7 b. Oct 1893 NJ, parents born in Ireland))

Veronica (daughter, 3 b. Feb 1897 NY, parents born in Ireland))

Residence: 12 South 6th Avenue

Pennsylvania Philadelphia County

Virtue, Anthony (head b. May 1833 Ireland, widower, retired, owns home), William (son b. May 1856 PA. gardener)

2 Louisiana Deaths, 1850-1875 & 1894-1960: Henderson, Robert Emmett (b. 1878 Trenton, Mercer NJ, d. 16 Mar 1937, Alexandria, Rapides LA)

Spouse: Mary Ann Henderson, Parents: James Henderson and Catherine Rogers

3 New Jersey Births and Christenings, 1660-1980:

Essex County, Newark: Henderson, Robert Emmet (b. 5 Jun 1880) Parents: James Henderson and Mary McDavitt (NOT OUR FAMILY)

Mercer County

Princeton Township: Henderson, William R. (b. 1836 Princeton, Mercer Co. NJ) Parents: John and Ursilla Henderson

Henderson, Mary Elizabeth (b. 1843) Parents: Joseph Henderson and Nancy Hagerman

Henderson, Harriet (b. 1846) Parents: Joseph Henderson and Nancy Hagerman

Henderson, Rodman Price (b. 22 Sept 1853) Parents: Joseph Henderson and Nancy Hagerman

Henderson, Frank (b. 6 May 1856) Parents: Joseph Henderson and Nancy Hagerman

Henderson, Charles E. (b. 1869) Parents: William R Henderson and Elizabeth Drake

Henderson, John L. (b. 1871) Parents: William R. Henderson and Anna Elizabeth Drake

Henderson, Joseph Leigh (b. 17 Oct 1891) Parents: Rodman P. Henderson (b. 1853) & Caroline S. Leigh (b. 1853)

Rowand, James (b. 15 April 1869 Princeton, Mercer Co. NJ) Parents: John Rowand and Eliza Henderson

Trenton:

Henderson, Mary (b. 27 Oct 1885) Parents: James Henderson (b. 1849 Ireland) and Kate Rogers (b. 1856 Ireland):

Henderson, Clifford McKinley (b. 26 Oct 1896) Parents: John L. Henderson (b.1871) & Annie Johnston (b.1870)

Henderson, George J. (b. 1904) Parents: John L. Henderson (b. 1871) and Annie J. Johnston (b. 1870)

Henderson, Clifford W. (b. 27 Nov 1920) Parents: Clifford M. Henderson (b. 1896) & Anna M Bunting (b. 1899)

Henderson, Earl B. (b. 1927) Parents: Clifford McKinley Henderson (b. 1896) & Anna May Bunting (b.1899)

Johnston, Anna (b. 2 Aug 1867) Parents: George and Margaret Johnson

Johnston, George M. (b. 14 Mar 1871) Parents: George and Margaret Johnson

Johnston, James (b. 25 Apr 1875) Parents: George and Margaret Johnson

Johnston, William (b. 10 Apr 1878) Parents: George and Margaret Johnston

4 US World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918:

New Jersey, Hudson County Dist. 5:

Henderson, Robert Emmet (b.7 June 1878), Current Address: Chestnut St., Kearny NJ. White, native born. Nearest Relative: Catherine Henderson, 60 Darcy Street, Newark NJ (Not our family – wrong DOB)

Mercer County

Henderson, Clifford McKinley, age 21 (b. 28 Oct 1896 Trenton NJ) current address: 287 Belleview Ave, Trenton NJ. Next of kin: Anna E. Henderson (mother) 287 Bellevue Ave, Trenton NJ

Henderson, Isaac Leigh, age 33 (b. 30 May 1885, building foreman, foundation company) residence: Mountain Ave., Princeton. Next of kin: Emma E. Henderson (mother), Princeton NJ

Tennessee, Davidson County, Nashville City, Dist.3:

Henderson, Robert Emmett #30824287, age 41 (b. 19 April 1877, hotelkeeper, owner). White, native-born. Height: Medium, Build: Medium, Color of Eyes: Blue, Color of Hair: Grey, Any physical disqualification: None. Date of Registration: 21 Sept 1918. Current Address: 1514 Broadway, Nashville, TN. Nearest Relative: Katherine Henderson, Los Angeles, California

5 1860 US Census:

New Jersey, Mercer Co., Princeton

Henderson, John (head, 48 teamster), Ursilla (wife, 49), William (son, 24, blacksmith), Maria L (daughter, 18)

Henderson, Joseph (head b.1816, stage proprietor), Nancy (wife), Mary Elizabeth (daughter), Harriet (daughter), Rodman P. (son) and Frank (son), Joseph Longs (23) and Ralph Hubbard (28) drivers

Pennsylvania, Philadelphia County, Philadelphia, Eastern Division, Ward 4

Henderson, Thomas (Head, 40, b. 1820 (sic) Ireland, married, rigger); Jane (wife, 38, b.1822 Ireland); James (son, 12, b.1848 Ireland); Mary J. (daughter, 10, b. 1850 Ireland); William (son, 5, b. 1855 PA) (Yes) Virtue, Anthony (head, 27, b. 1833est. Ireland), Hannah (wife, 25 b. 1835 est. Ireland), William (son, 2yrs b. 1858 PA), Eliza (daughter, 1yr (b. 1859 PA) Residence: Cheltenham, Montgomery Co. PA (Yes) 6 1870 US Census:

New Jersey, Mercer County, Princeton Henderson, John (head 58 b. 1812 house carpenter), Ursula (wife, 59 b. 1811), Maria (daughter, 24 b. 1846) Henderson, Joseph (head b. 1816), tailor), Nancy (wife), Rodman Price (son b. 1853 NJ), Frank Price (son b. 1857 NJ), John Rowand (son-in-law b. 1844 NJ, huckster), Mary Elizabeth Rowand (daughter b. 1846 NJ), Josephine Rowand (granddaughter b. 1866 NJ), James Rowand (grandson b. 1868 NJ)

Henderson, William R. (head b. 1836 NJ, blacksmith), Anna E. (wife b. 1846 NJ), Charles E. (son b. 1868 NJ) Pennsylvania, Philadelphia County Philadelphia, Ward 4:

Henderson, Jane (Head, 52, b. 1818 Ireland, housekeeper); James (son, 22, b. 1848 Ireland, upholsterer); Mary (daughter, 19, b.1851 Ireland, dressmaker); William (son, 15, b. 1855 PA, at school)

Henderson, William (head, 34, b. 1836 NJ), Anna Elizabeth (wife, 27, b. 1843 NJ), Charles E. (son, 2, b. 1868 NJ) (son of John Henderson)

Virtue, Anthony (head, 40, b. 1830 Ireland, gardener), Hannah (wife, 38 b. 1832 Ireland), William (son, 12 b. 1858

7 1880 US Census

PA), Jane (daughter, 10 b. 1860 PA), John (son, 4 b. 1866 PA), Mary E. (daughter, 3 b. 1867 PA)

Pennsylvania, Philadelphia County

Henderson, Jane (head, 64 b. 1816 Ireland, widowed. parents born in Ireland), James (son, 30, b. Ireland, upholsterer, parents b. Ireland), William (son, 25 b. 1855 PA, waterman, parents born in Ireland). 12 Stanley Street, Philadelphia

Fuchs, Mary (Henderson) (30 b. Ireland, tailoress, parents born in Ireland)

Virtue, Anthony (head, 48 b.1832 Ireland, widowed, gardener), William (son, 22 b. 1858 PA. wool sorter), Jane (daughter, 19 b. 1861 PA, works in hosiery mill), John (son, 14 b. 1866 PA. works in hosiery mill), Mary E. (daughter, 12 b. 1867 PA at school)

New Jersey, Mercer County Princeton

Henderson, Rodman P. (head, 28 b. 1852 NJ farmer), Carrie (wife, 28 b. 1852 keeping house), Price (son, 6 b. 1874 NJ), Mary (daughter, 4 b. 1876 NJ) Annie (daughter, 2 b. 1878 NJ),

Henderson, Ursula (head, widowed 64), Maria L. (daughter, 32), Nancy Robinson (roomer, 75)

Leigh, Isaac (head, 60 b. 1820 NJ farmer), Sarah (wife, 46 b. 1835 NJ), Josephine Drake (step-daughter, 22 b. 1853 NJ), George Stout (16 b. 1864 NJ laborer)

Rue, Charles (head, 35 b. 1845 laborer), Harriet (Henderson) (wife, 28 NJ), Lizzie (daughter, 10 b. 1870 NJ), Cassie (daughter 8, b. 1872 NJ, May (daughter 4, b. 1876 NJ)

Trenton, Precinct 2, June 8:

Henderson, James (head, 30, b. 1850 Ireland, stonecutter, unemployed 9 months in prior year, parents born in Ireland), Kate (wife, 25, b. 1855 Ireland, housekeeping, parents born in Ireland), Robert (son, 3, b. 1877 NJ) and Kate (7months, b. 1880 NJ, parents born in Ireland), Mary Henderson (mother, 69, b. 1811 Ireland, parents born in Ireland) residence: 26 Escher Street:

Drake, Catherine S. (head, widow, 60), James (son 32 laborer), Benjamin (son 28 clerk in store), John G. (son 25 plasterer), George Applegate (boarder 26 jeweler), Mary Applegate (boarder 45) residence: 224 Broad

Drake, John H. (head, 35, head, railroad switch tender, NJ), Lizzie S. (wife, 37), Freddie V. (son), Anna Elizabeth (Drake) Henderson (sister, 36, b. NJ, dressmaker, parents b. NJ) (widow of William R. Henderson), John L. Henderson (nephew, 8 b. NJ, going to school (son of William R. and Anna E. (Drake) Henderson)

Residence: 108 Jefferson Street (now in Hamilton Township)

Drake, Henry S. (head, 32, brakeman, NJ), Mary L. (29, wife, NJ), Stephen H. (9, son, NJ), Evan I. (7, son, NJ) residence: 552 Perry Street

Rowand, John (head, 37), Elizabeth (wife, 36), Josephine (daughter, 15), James (son, 11), Ann (mother, 70)

8 Findagrave.com:

California

Alameda County, Oakland

Evergreen Cemetery

Henderson, James (b. 1848 Ireland, d. 1924 Alameda CA)

Florida

Brevard County

Cape Canaveral National Cemetery

Henderson, Clifford Wallace (b. 27 Nov 1920, d. 30 Jan 2006) Sec 1 Site 385 #207618797

Henderson, Janet Holdren (b. 13 May 1921, d. 6 Dec 2019) Sec 1 Site 385 #207618806

Mississippi

Wilkinson County

Evergreen Cemetery

Escher, Katherine (d. 5 Dec 1939) Wilkinson MS) #69082712

Escher, Louis (d. 6 Apr 1947) #69082714

New Jersey

Mercer County

First Baptist Church Cemetery, Hopewell

Kintner, Caroline Edna Henderson (b. 1881, d. 1967)

Greenwood Cemetery, Hamilton

Henderson, Earl B. (b. 26 Sep 1927, d. 14 Dec 2008 Hartsville, Darlington Co. SC) #138411384 Sec C-SE Plot 330

Henderson, Alice Marie Przemieniecky (b. 26 Jun 1932, d. 30 Sept 2004) #138411442 Sec C-SE Plot 330

Lawrenceville Cemetery, Lawrenceville

Stout, Leon Bertram (b. 28 Sep 1901, d. 31 Mar 1973) #72563039

Stout, Jessie Dye Poinsett (b. 1910, d. 2004) #143342185

Hopewell Baptist Meeting House Cemetery, Hopewell

James, Anna A. Henderson Stout (b. 19 Jan 1878, d. 8 Nov 1967) #143342389

Stout. Walter S. (b. 8 Sep 1875, d. 23 Jul 1904) #117168666

Princeton Cemetery, Princeton

Collings, Helen C. Henderson (b. Nov 1910, d. 22 May 1965) Sec 4 Block 29 Lot 29 #143280991

Henderson, Anna E. Jones (b. 1834, d. 5 Jan 1950)6 Sec. 3, Block 1, Lot 25, Grave 4, #172097181

Henderson, Anna M. (b. 1917, d. 2 Aug 1996) Sec 3A Block 21 Lot 14 Grave 1 #172097183

Henderson, Arthur R. (b. 24 Sept 1912, d. 20 Dec 1990) Sec 4 Block 28 Lot 56 Grave 1, #172097185

Henderson, Carl Joseph (b. 19 June 1921, d. 1 Sept 2001) Sec 3A Block 21 Lot 14 Grave 2 #172097186

Henderson, Caroline Stanley Leigh (b. Sept 1853, d. 2 Dec 1929) Sec 3, Block 1, Lot 26, #143342514

Henderson, Catherine L. Heacock (b. Nov 1880 NC, d. 5 May 1966) Sec 3 Block 1 Lot 24 #143303511

Henderson, Charles Bertram Sr. (b. 3 Jul 1882, 8 Dec 1957), Sect 3, Block 1, Lot 24 #143303113

Henderson, Charles Bertram Jr. (b. 2 Aug 1906, d. 24 May 1976) Sec 4 Block 28 Lot 56 Grave 2 #143303173

Henderson, Dorothy F. (d.15 Aug 1990) Sec 4 Block 28 Lot 60 Grave 1 #172097188

Henderson, Earl Stout (b. July 1908, d. 22 Jan 1998) Sec 3A Block 14 Lot 9 Grave 5 #172097182

Henderson, Emma E. Stout (b. Jan 1882, d. 23 Jun 1974) Sec 3A Block 14 Lot 9 Grave 2 #172097189

Henderson, Frances M Eubank (b.23 May 1910, d.17 Aug 2001) Sec 3A Block 14 Lot 9 Grave 6 #172097184

Henderson, Frank P. (b. 6 May 1856, d. 8 May 1932) Sec. 3, Block 1, Lot 25, Grave 3. #172097169

Henderson, George J. Jr. (b. 1926, d. 1926) Sec 3A Block 25 Lot C Grave 12 #172097180

Henderson, Hannah N. (b. 1881, d. 28 Feb 1959) Sec 3A, Block 21 Lot 10 Grave 2

Henderson, Isaac Leigh (b. May 1884, d. 20 Oct 1969) Sec 3A Block 14 Lot 9 Grave 1 #172097177

Henderson, John (b. 10 Jul 1812, d. 4 Jun 1874) #61459200

Henderson, John Edmond (b. 2 Nov 1915, d. 15 Oct 1988) Sec 4 Block 28 Lot 60 Grave 2 #172097176

Henderson, Sgt. Joseph (b. 26 Dec 1816, d. 13 May 1879) #39674914 Civil War Union Soldier

Henderson, Joseph Leigh (b. Oct 1891, d. 14 Ju 1980) Sec 3A, Block 21, Lot 10 Grave 1 #172097175

Henderson, Louisa M.A. (d. 9 Nov 1941) Sec 3 Block 7 Lot 036B Grave 2 #172097173

Henderson, Mary Belle (b. Nov 1868, d. 16 May 1934) Sec 3 Block 7 Lot 036B Grave 4 #172097172

Henderson, Maria L. (b. 1843, d. 1918) #123313097 (John & Ursula Henderson’s daughter)

Henderson, Mary W. (b. 1876, d. 23 July 1955) Sec 3 Block 7 Lot 036B Grave 1 #172097171

Henderson, Price Stanley (b. 8 Jan 1874, d. 4 Jun 1966) Sec 3 Block 7 Lot 0368 Grave 3 #172097170

Henderson, Rodman Price (b. 22 Sept 1853, d. 16 Jan 1928) Sec 3, Block 1, Lot 26 #143342512

Henderson, Ursilla (b. 23 Jul 1811, d. 16 May 1890). #61459137

Henderson, William R. (b. 1835, d. 21 Apr 1874) #2286201

(son of John & Ursilla Henderson, husband of Anna E.Drake)

James, Henry (b. 1860, d. 11 Jan 1935) Sec. 3, Block 1, Lot 028 #143342526

Rowand, John W. (b. 1842, d. 1914) #155918513

Rowand, Mary E. (Henderson) (b. 1843, d. 30 Mar 1927) #155918521

Rowand, James (b. 21 Dec 1868, d. 28 Oct 1957) #155917543

Mercer Cemetery, South Clinton Avenue, Trenton

Johnston, George (b. 6 Nov 1818 Ireland, 20 May 1890 Trenton NJ), #53364418

Johnston, George M. (b. Mar 1871, d. Mar 1939) #61116228

Johnston, Margaret (b. 1838, d. 26 Mar 1812 Trenton NJ) #53364461

Riverview Cemetery, Trenton

Henderson, John L. (b. 1871, d. 28 Aug 1904) #27527977

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia County

Mount Moriah Cemetery

Henderson, Mary (d. Jan 1882) #207257809

Henderson, Mary (d. May 1885) #202574672

Henderson, Thomas (b. 1821 Ireland, d. 12 Oct 1867 Philadelphia) profession: rigger; residence: 824 (or 324)

Stanley St. rear, Ward 4. Burial: 14 Oct 1867. Machpelah Cemetery, Philadelphia PA (north side of Washington Avenue between 10th and 11th Streets from 1832 to 1895) removed to Mount Moriah Cemetery, southwest Philadelphia, presumably in 1895. #105796013

New Cathedral Cemetery

Virtue, Anthony (b. May 1830 Ireland, d. 10 Mar 1902 Philadelphia) #134538859

Bucks County

Beechwood Cemetery, Bensalem

Henderson, Edger L. (b.1928, d. 2007) #141428504

Newtown Cemetery, Newtown

Henderson, William S. (b. 1904, d. 1982) #58228468

Henderson, Clifford McKinley Henderson (b. 26 Oct 1896, 1960) #62422817

Texas

Galveston County, Galveston

Welling, Otillia M. Brefeld (b. 3 Aug 1890 Clinton IL, d. 9 Mar 1953) ID: 151183067

Montgomery County, Dacus: Longstreet Cemetery

Henderson, Robert Emmett (b. 7 Jun 1878 NJ (sic), d. 16 Mar 1937 Alexandria, Rapides Parish LA) #40341408.

Spouse: Mary Anne Escher Henderson. Parents: James Henderson & Catherine Rogers (DOB confused with Robert Emmet Henderson born in Hudson County NJ on this date)

Harris County, Houston

Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, Houston

Beil, Diana L. Henderson, b. 15 Aug 1944, d. 28 July 2020

Carvel, Mary Jane Welling, b. 23 Aug 1920 Harris TX, d. 19 Sept 2010 Harris TX, ID: 151182211

Henderson, Maria Anna Escher, b. 1893, d. 2 July 1987

Henderson, Robert William b. 5 Sept 1919 Fort Worth, Tarrant Co. TX, d. 27 Dec 1955 Houston, Harris Co. TX #10863049

Low, Lt. Carl Thomas (b. 2 Dec 1920 Wichita TX, d. 31 Jul 1943 Hawaii, ID: 217830514

Milam, John Greenwell (b. 1892, d. 1966) #39970708

Milam, Elizabeth Mitchell (b. 1891, d. 1968) #39970973

Shaw, Evelyn Gray Henderson (b. 2 Sept 1924, 5 April 2004) #10863042

Welling, Conrad Arthur (b. 21 Nov 1892 Germantown, Clinton IL, d. 26 May 1955) ID: 151183030

Welling, Otillia M. Brefeld (b. 3 Aug 1890, d. 9 Mar 1953) #151183067

Memorial Oaks Cemetery

Schark, Annarose Welling, b. 9 Feb 1918 St. Louis MO, d. 28 Jan 2007 Harris TX, ID: 157716556

9 1905 New York Census

Westchester County, Mount Vernon:

Henderson, James (head, 47, b.1858 US (sic)) stone carver); Katherine (wife, 47, b. 1858 US); Edward (son, 21, b. 1884 US); Marion (daughter, 18, b. 1887 US), Alice (daughter, 16, b.1889 US); Alexander (son, 14, b. 1891 US), Olive (daughter, 8, b. 1897 US), Veronica (daughter, 5, b.1900 US), Gall, Edward (head, 36 b. 1869 Germany. Day laborer), Katie Gall (wife, 25 b. 1880 US housework), Florence (daughter, 5 b. 1900 US. at school), Edward (son, 4 b.1901 US. at home), Clarence (son, 2 b. 1903 US. at home). Residence: 116 Second Ave

10 1885 New Jersey Census, Mercer County Princeton

Henderson, Ursilla (head, widowed 60), Maria L. (daughter 42)

Trenton

Drake, Catherine S. (head, widow), James M. (son), John G. (son)

Henderson, James (head), Kate Henderson (wife); Robert Henderson (son), Kate Henderson (daughter) and James E. Henderson (son)

Johnston, George (head), Margret (wife), Annie I. (daughter 18 b. 1867), George M. (son 14 b. 1871), James (son 10 b. 1875), Maggie (daughter)

Rue, Charles (head, white male, age 20-60), Harriett (wife), Lizzie (daughter), Cassie(daughter), May (daughter), Leroy (son)

11 1890 US Census – most national records destroyed by fire

12 New York Death Index, 1880-1956

Gall, Edward b. 1870 Rain, Bavaria, d. 9 Feb 1939. Mount Sinai Cemetery, Brookhaven, Suffolk Co. NY #9718

13 US Social Security Death Index:

Flippin, Virginia Imus b. 11 Jun 1915, d. 15 Sept 2005

Henderson, Clifford Wallace b. 27 Nov 1920 Mercer, NJ, d. 30 Jan 2006 Craven, NC

Henderson, Earl Edward b. 5 Apr 1922, d. 16 Jan 2012 (may not be our family)

Henderson, Edgar Llewellen b. 22 Aug 1928, d. 9 May 2007 Bucks Co. PA

Henderson, George b. 8 Nov 1904, d. Dec 1954

Henderson, Isaac b. 30 May 1885, d. Oct 1969, Mercer Co. NJ

Henderson, John Edmond b. 2 Nov 1915, d. 15 Oct 1988

Henderson, Mary d. 2 Jul 1987

Henderson, Price b. 8 Jan 1874, d. 4 June 1966

Henderson, Robert William d.27 Dec 1955

Imus, Alice Henderson d. Nov 1977

Imus, David b. 19 Apr 1888, d. Jun 1962

Massell, Florence b. 5 July 1900, d. 2 March 1977, Chatham, Georgia

Welling, Conrad Gerhart d. 20 Aug 2010

14 Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997: Tarrant County:

Henderson, Billie Robert (b. 5 Sept. 1919) #45254, parents: Robert Henderson and Mary Henderson

Dallas County:

Henderson, Mary Katherine (b. 8 July 1924) #41847, parents: Robert Henderson and Mary Henderson: Harris County:

Beil, Robert William (b. 16 April 1962) parents: John Edward Beil and Diana Lynn Henderson

Beil, John Edward Jr. (b. 15 Aug 1963) parents: John Edward Beil and Diana Lynn Henderson

Henderson, Alice Patricia (b. 12 Sep 1929) parents: Robert E. Henderson and Mary Ann Escher

Henderson, Marjorie Ann (b.7 Feb. 1933) parents: Robert Emmett Henderson and Mary Annie Escher

Henderson, Robert William Jr. (b. 16 May 1948) parents: Robert William Henderson Sr. and Evelyn Gray

Henderson, Nona Ruth (b. 2 Aug 1952) parents: Robert William Henderson Sr. and Evelyn Gray

Henderson, Thomas Frank (b. 3 May 1954) parents: Robert William Henderson Sr. and Evelyn Gray

Henderson, Heather Dawn (b. 23 June 1975) parents: Robert William Henderson Jr. and Donna Jean Stockton

Henderson, Cristin Renée (b. 22 Feb 1979) parents: Robert William Henderson Jr. and Donna Jean Stockton

Henderson, Thomas Frank Jr. (b. 14 April 1984) parents: Thomas Frank Henderson Sr. and Jill Ann Jenkins

Meyer, Bryan Harry Jr, b. 30 Sep 1929, parents: Bryan Harry Meyer Sr. and Alma Kinze

Meyer, Mary Rhondalyn (b. 2 Sept 1952) parents: Bryan Harry Meyer Jr. and Alice Patricia Henderson

Meyer, Bryan Harry Jr. (b. 30 Jul 1954) parents: Bryan Harry Meyer Jr. and Alice Patricia Henderson

Meyer, Linda Marie (b. 3 Mar 1956) parents: Bryan Harry Meyer Jr. and Alice Patricia Henderson

Meyer, Darlene (twin) (30 July 1958) parents: Bryan Harry Meyer Jr. and Alice Patricia Henderson

Meyer, Eilene (twin) (30 July 1958) parents: Bryan Harry Meyer Jr. and Alice Patricia Henderson

Meyer, Paul Matthew (b.31 Dec. 1963) parents: Bryan Harry Meyer Jr. and Alice Patricia Henderson

Meyer, Mark Allen (b.14 Aug 1965) parents: Bryan Harry Meyer Jr. and Alice Patricia Henderson

Eggert, Mary Louanne (b. 4 Dec 1954) parents: Johnny Lawrence Eggert and Marjorie Ann Henderson

Eggert, Ava Lynn (b.27 Nov 1955) parents: Johnny Lawrence Eggert and Margie Ann Henderson

Eggert, Mary Katherine (b. 25 Nov. 1956) parents: Johnny Lawrence Eggert and Marjorie Ann Eggert

Eggert, Claire Renée (b. 9 Jan 1958) parents: Johnny Lawrence Eggert and Marjorie Ann Eggert

Eggert, John Lawrence Jr. (b. 16 June 1959) parents: parents: Johnny Lawrence Eggert and Marjorie Ann Eggert

Eggert, Stephen Edward (b. 4 Nov 1961) parents: Johnny Lawrence Eggert and Marjorie Ann Eggert

Eggert, Robert William (b. 25 Jan. 1963) parents: Johnny Lawrence Eggert and Marjorie Ann Eggert

Eggert, Rebecca Marie (b. 6 Sept 1964) parents: Johnny Lawrence Eggert and Marjorie Ann Eggert

Eggert, Leah Elizabeth (b 24 Nov 1965) parents: Johnny Lawrence Eggert and Marjorie Ann Eggert

Miller, Daniel Edwin (b. 5 Nov 1958) parents: Clarence Edwin Miller and Bobbie June Holt

Jefferson, Port Arthur:

Eggert, Johnny Lawrence Jr. (b. 06 July 1928) parents: J. L. Eggert Jr. and Mary Louise Simpson

15 Texas Deaths, 1890-1976

Harris County:

Eggert, John Lendo, #34075, d. 2 July 1931

Henderson, Robert W. #61011, d. 27 Dec 1955

Milam, John Greenwell #66414, d. 6 Oct. 1966

Milam, Elizabeth Mitchell #86487, d. 22 Dec. 1968

Henderson, Mary d.2 July 1987

Meyer, Alice Patricia Henderson, d. 8 Jan 1997

Meyer, Bryan Harry Sr., d. 29 May 2016

Tarrant County:

James Henderson d. 19 Oct. 1922. #29952

16 Texas Marriage Index, 1837-1973: Fort Bend

Low, Lt. Carl Thomas and Mary Katherine Henderson, 15 Nov 1941

Harris County, Houston

Eggert, John Lendo and Mary Louise Simpson, m. 24 Dec 1926

Meyer, Bryan and Alma Pauline Kinze. m. 14 Aug 1927

Welling, Conrad and Mary Katherine Henderson, m. 26 Aug 1944

Eggert, Johnny Lawrence and Marjorie Ann Henderson, m. 24 Feb 1954, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church

Beil, John Edward and Diana Lynn Henderson, m. 13 Sept 1961

Henderson, Robert William and Donna Jean Stockton, m. 25 Nov 1972

Weaver, Rickey W. and Claire Renée Weaver, m. 3 July 1976

Henderson, Thomas F. and Jill A. Jenkins, m. 20 May 1978 #062724

Miller, Daniel E. and Claire Renée Eggert, m. 26 June 2009

Robertson County, Hearne

Henderson, Robert William and Evelyn Gray, m. 20 November 1942

Tarrant County, Fort Worth

Ryan, Kevin James and Cristen Renee Henderson, m. 22 April 2006

Travis County, Austin

Maloy, Jason Elwyn and Heather Dawn Henderson, m.5 Sept 2008

Washington County:

Strombom, Dan Bryan and Nona Ruth Henderson, m. 26 Sept 1981

17 Deutschland, Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898:

Gall, Eduard (b. 23 Feb 1870)

18 California, County Marriages, 1850-1952:

Orange County:

Imus, David Loren (b. 11 Jun 1888 Franklin OH) and Alice Frances Henderson (b. 19 Mar 1888 Trenton NJ) m. 16 Mar 1914, Santa Ana, Orange CA.

Parents of the bride: James Henderson and Catherine C. Rodgers

Parents of the groom: William E. Imus and Marcella R Johnson

Los Angeles County:

Flippin, Thomas Haywood (b. 1914) and Geraldine Virginia Imus (b. 1916) m. 21 June 1935

Parents of the bride: David Loren Imus and Alice Francis Henderson

Parents of the groom: Walter Flippin and Earnie Maunt

Grossman, Otto Ernest (b. 1896) and Olive M Henderson (b. Oct 1893), m. 6 Aug 1921

Parents of the bride: James Henderson and Catherine C. Rodgers

19 California, Birth Index, 1905-1995:

Los Angeles County:

Flippin, Neal Edward (b. 23 June 1937) parents: Thomas Haywood Flippin and Geraldine Virginia Imus

Flippin, Robert Lee (b. 21 April 1945) parents: Thomas Haywood Flippin and Geraldine Virginia Imus

Imus, Geraldine Virginia (b. 11 June 1915) parents: David Loren Imus and Alice Francis Henderson

20 Tennessee, County Marriages, 1790-1950:

Davidson County, Marriage Record, Book 36, Oct 1918-Jun 1919

Henderson, Robert (41, b. 1877) and Mary A. Escher (26, b. 1892), m.7 Nov 1918. Certificate #18285 residence: 2411 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, TN.

21 US World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942:

Eggert, Johnny Lawrence (b. 26 July 1928) registered 8 July 1946 at Houston, Harris County, Texas

Henderson, Edgar Llewellyn (b. 22 Aug 1928) registered 22 Aug 1946 at Bristol, Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Residence: 150 Schumacher Drive, Bristol, Bucks County, PA

Henderson, Edward James (b. 18 Feb 1884) registered 1942 at Hicksville, Long Island New York, residence: 6713 Compton Avenue, Los Angeles CA. next of kin: Catherine Henderson, mother

Henderson, Robert William (b. 5 Sept 1919) registered 16 Oct 1940) at Houston, Harris County, Texas

22 1910 US Census:

California

San Francisco County, Dist. 42

Henderson, James (62, b. 1848 Ireland, lodger, white male, married 30years, father born in Scotland, mother’s

place of birth unknown, year of immigration 1865, self-employed sign painter) residence: 568 Golden Gate Ave

Los Angeles County, San Antonio Township, May 11:

Henderson, Katherine (head, 50, b. 1860 NJ (sic), married 33yrs, 10 children born/7 living, parents born in Ireland), Olive (daughter, 15, b.1895 NJ single), Veronica (daughter, 10, b.1900 NY). 213 Beach St

New Jersey

Cape May County, Cape May

Henderson, Edward (head, 26, gold beater), Rebecca (wife, 18), May (daughter, 1), Mary Laird (mother-in-law, 55), residence: house on West Perry Street.

Mercer County:

Princeton

Henderson, Rodman Price (head, 56 b. 1854), Caroline (wife, 56 b. 1854), Joseph L. (son, 17), Annie A. Stout (daughter 22), Leon B. Stout (grandson 8), Nancy Henderson (mother 90), Isaac Lee (sic) (father-in-law 90), Caroline S. Lee (mother-in-law 76)

Henderson, Frank (head, 54, janitor at a college), Annie (wife, 51)

Henderson, Price S. (head, 36, carpenter), Mary B. (wife 42)

Henderson, Isaac L. (head, 24, carpenter), Emma E. (wife 26)

Henderson, Charles B. (head 27, painter), Katherine L. (wife 28), Charles B. (son 3)

Moore, Mamie (head, widowed 39), William (son 15), Maria L. Henderson (boarder 65)

Rowand, John W. (head, 67), Mary E. (wife, 66), James (son, 40), Bertha (daughter in law, 25) Trenton

Johnston, Margaret (head, widow 72, b. 1838 Ireland im. 1850), George M. (son, 39 b. 1871 NJ), Margret E. (daughter, 29 NJ), Anna J. Henderson (daughter, widow 42 NJ), Clifford Henderson (grandson, 13), George Henderson (6 grandson NJ), Anna H. Subers (42, niece NJ). Residence: 58 Banks St. Trenton

Johnston, James J. (head), Amelia (wife), Edith (daughter) and Eleanor (daughter) residence 56 Banks St. New York

New York City:

Henderson, Robert b. 1878, age 32, single, clerk in a grocery, unemployed 8 wks in prior year, boarder in house owned by Margaret Morrison (40) on West 40th Street, Westchester County, Tarrytown, Greenburgh town:

Gall, Edward (9, b. NY) & Clarence Gall (6, b. NY) Inmates in Institution of Mercy, father b. Germany, mother b.NJ 23 1920 US Census:

California, Los Angeles County:

Henderson, Catherine (head, 60, b.1860 Ireland, parents b. Ireland, widowed, owns home on Compton Ave), Edward J (son, 35, b. 1885 NY (sic), single, dealer in vegetables, Olive M. (daughter, 24, b. 1896 NJ, single, dental nurse), Veronica (daughter, 20, b. 1900 NY, single, dental assistant)

San Francisco County. Assembly Dist. 21, ED2:

Imus, Alice (head, 29, b.1891 NJ), David Imus (husband, b.1890 OH), Geraldine Virginia (daughter, 4, CA) Missouri

St. Louis County

Conrad Welling (head, 28); Otillia (wife, 29); Annarose (daughter, 1, Conrad (son, infant).

New Jersey, Mercer County:

Henderson, Rodman P. (head 66), Caroline (wife 66), Anna A. Stout (daughter 41), Leon Stout (grandson 18)

Henderson, Frank (head 63), Annie (wife 61)

Henderson, Joseph Leigh (head 28), Hannah (wife 38), Anna M. (daughter 2yrs)

Henderson, Price (head 46), Mary B. (wife 52)

Henderson, Isaac L (head 34), Emma (wife 36), Earl (son 10, b. 1910), Marion (daughter 8, b. 1912)

Henderson, Clifford M. (head, 24, b. 1896 NJ), Anna M. (wife, 20, b. 1900), George Henderson (brother, 16, b.1904 NJ), Anna J. Henderson (mother, 50 NJ), Anna E. Henderson (grandmother, 76 NJ)

Cape May County:

Henderson, Edward M. (head, 35, b. 1885 NJ, married, gold beater, both parents born NJ), Rebecca A. (wife, 28, b. 1892 PA, married, both parents born PA), May M. (daughter, 10, b.1910 NJ, single), Mary Laird (mother-in-law, 63, b. 1857 PA, widowed, both parents born in Ireland). Renting. New York, Westchester County, Mount Vernon:

Edward Gall (49, b. 1871 MI, driver for dairy, both parents born in Switzerland), Katie (40 b. 1880 NJ); Florence (20 b. 1900 NY; Edward Jr. (18 b. 1902 NY)

Texas, Tarrant County, Fort Worth, Dist.112:

Henderson, R.E. (Head, 42, 1878 NJ, self-employed masseur, parents born in Ireland), Mary Anna (wife, 27, MS, parents born in Germany), Robert (son, 3mon.TX). Residence: 105 South Main Street

24 1930 US Census:

California, Los Angeles County, San Antonio

Henderson, Catherine (head, 73, b. Irish Free State, married, married at age 19, own home valued at $2500, parents b. Irish Free State), Edward (son, 45, single, b. 1885 NY (sic), truck driver on ice route), Veronica (daughter, 25, single, b. 1905 NY, parents born in Northern Ireland), George Allen (boarder, 52, widowed, b. Michigan, laborer at ice plant) residence: 6713 Compton Ave. Imus, Alice L. (Henderson) (head, 39, b. 1891 NY), Virginia Imus (daughter, 15, b. 1915 CA). renting East 67th St Grossman, Otto (head, 36), Olive (wife, 31) residence: 860 W. Florence Avenue, LA New Jersey, Cape May County:

Henderson, Edward M. (head, 46, b. 1884 NJ, married, gold beater at gold leaf factory, father born in England, mother born in NJ), Anna Rebecca (wife, 38, b. 1892 PA, married, father born PA, mother born Northern Ireland), May M. (daughter, 20, b.1910 NJ, single). Owns home valued at $7000, has a radio

Cumberland County:

Henderson, Earl Stout (head, 22 b. 1908 NJ), Frances M. (wife, 19)

Mercer County:

Lawrenceville:

Henderson, Frank (head, 74) and Annie E. (wife, 71) Own home valued at $7,000

Princeton Township:

Henderson, Bertram (head, 47), Catherine (wife,49), Charles B. (son, 23), Helen C. (daughter, 19), Arthur (son 17), John (son, 13) residence: 249 Mountain Ave. Own home valued at $6,000

Henderson, Isaac L. (head, 45), Emma (wife, 48), Earl S. (son, 22), Marion (daughter 18). Residence: 250 Mountain Ave, Own home valued at $6,000

Henderson, Joseph Leigh (head, 39, florist, greenhouse), Hannah N. (wife 49 house cleaner), Anna M. (daughter, 12), Carl Joseph (son, 8) residence: Mount Lucas Road, Princeton NJ. Own home valued at $9000

Henderson, Price S. (head, 56), Mary Belle (wife, 62) residence: 248 Mountain Ave. Own home valued at $10,000

Trenton:

Henderson, Clifford M. (head, 33, b. 1897 NJ, married, works in stationery store), Anna May (Bunting) (wife, 30 b. 1900 PA), Clifford W. (son, 9 b. 1921 NJ), Earl B. (son, 2yr 7mon b. 1928 NJ)

Henderson, George J. (head, 26, b. 1904 NJ, married, salesman in stationery store, owned home on Concord Ave. valued at $6800), Florence E. (wife, 22, b. 1908 PA), Edgar L. (son, 1, b.1929 NJ)

New York

Westchester County, Mount Vernon:

Gall, Edward Sr. (head, 60, laborer, veteran), Edward Jr. (son, 29, b.1901 policeman), Florence Massell (daughter, widow 30)

Texas

Harris County, Houston

Eggert, John Lendo Jr. (head, 25, IL, newspaper), Mary Louise (wife, 20 LA), Johnny (son, 1yr 9mon TX)

Henderson, Robert E. (head, 53, b. NJ, father Northern Ireland, mother Irish Free State, own home $3700, salesman, mercantile company); Mary Ann (wife, 38, b. MS); Robert W. (son, 10, b. TX, attending school); Mary K. (daughter, 5, b.TX); Alice P. (daughter, infant, b. TX) residence: 1220 W. 21st Hill, Robert R. (head, 43, LA, auto mechanic in an auto repair garage), Martha E. (wife, 36, Michigan, at home) residence: 1221 W. 19th

Meyer, Bryan H. Sr. (head), age 24, TX, proprietor of grocery store; Alma P. (wife), age 26, TX; Bryan H Jr. (son, age 10, TX)

Marchese, Sam Otavio ‘Theodore’ Marchese (head, 54, Sicily, owns home $3000, peddler of vegetables), Lena (wife, 42, LA), Samuel Jake (son, 23, LA), Victoria (daughter, 20, TX), Mary (daughter, 18, TX), Caroline (daughter, 16, TX), Henry (son, 14, TX), Anthony (son, 11, TX), Josephine (daughter, 9, TX), Joseph (son, 7, TX), Lenamase (daughter, 3, TX) residence: 540 Arlington

Welling, Conrad A. (head),37), Ottila (wife, 39), Annarose (daughter, 12); Conrad (son, 10); Mary Jane (daughter, 9); Albert Louis (son, 6); John Frederick (son, 5); Elizabeth (daughter, Infant)

California, Los Angeles County:

Grossman, Olive (head) 860 W. Florence Ave. LA

Grossman, Otto (head), Walter (brother) 852 W. Florence Ave. LA

Flippin, Thomas (head, 25), Geraldine Virginia (wife, 24), Neal (son, 2)

New Jersey

Cape May County:

Henderson, Edward M. (head, 56, b. 1884 NJ, married, gardener), Anna Rebecca (wife, 47, b.1893 PA) own house on Windsor Street

Mercer County:

Princeton

Henderson, Joseph Leigh (head, 47 flower grower in a greenhouse), Hannah N. (wife, 57), Anna M. (daughter, 22 sales woman in 5 and dime store), Carl Joseph (son, 18) residence: Mount Lucas Road, Princeton NJ

Trenton

Owned house $2000

Bunting, Martil (head, widow 62 demonstrator in retail department store), Anna May Henderson (daughter, 39, stenographer for state department), Clifford (grandson 19), Earl (grandson 13)

Henderson, Clifford M. (lodger, divorced 43 b. 1897 NJ) residence: Trenton NJ

Henderson, George J. (head, 36, b. 1904 NJ, married, proprietor, retail printing), Florence (wife, 31, b. 1909), Edgar (son, 11, b. 1929, NJ), Carol Joan (daughter, 9, b. 1931 NJ) Residence: Barne St.

New York

Westchester County, Mount Vernon:

Gall, Edward (head, 39 b. 1901 NY. fireman, Mt. Vernon City Fire Dept), Florence A. Massell (sister,40 b. 1900NY)

Texas, Harris County, Houston

Beall, John (head, 60, TX, real estate developer), Jesse (wife, 61, TX) residence: 940 W. 19th

Beil, John (head, 35, 1905 Germany, carpenter contractor), Maggie (wife, 25,1915 TX), Iva Jean (daughter, 3, TX), Freida (daughter, infant, TX) – 117 Seed Tick Rd

Campise, Tony (head, 50, TX, owner, grocery store), Lena (wife, 46, LA), Lee (son, 22, TX), Jimmie (son, 20, TX), Frank (son, 17, TX), Rosie (daughter, 12, TX) Samuel Spadachene (son-in-law, 26, TX, butcher in grocery store), Anne Campise Spadachene (daughter, 24, TX), Anthony (grandson, 2,TX) residence: 3023 Liberty

Drago, Jack (head, 38, TX, welder for oil field equipment manufacturer), Ima (wife, 35, TX), Ima (daughter, 13, TX) residence: 1118 W. 19

Guidry, Lee (head, 28, TX, auto mechanic), Fay (wife, 27, TX), Patsy (daughter, 2, TX) – 1303 W. 22nd Guidry, Velty (head, 52, LA, poultry raiser, urban farm), Irene (wife, 50, TX) – 1315 W.22nd Henderson, Mary A. (head, 47, MS 1893, widowed, own home valued at $3,000), Robert W. (son, 20, TX), Mary C. (daughter, 15, TX attending school), Alice P. (daughter, 10, TX attending school), Marjorie A. (daughter, 7, TX attending school) residence: 1220 W. 21st Hill, George (head, 25, TX, proprietor of café), Leona (wife, 22, TX) residence: 1027 19th St Hill, Robert R. (head, 53, LA, window screen worker), Martha E. (wife, 46, Michigan) residence: 1221 W. 19th Hill, Robert S. (head, 20, TX, architect, home construction), Agnes (wife, 19, TX) – 1220 W. 20th Hopkins, Carl (head, 56, OH, retired), Rose (wife, 60, OH) residence: 1244 W. 21st Leifeste, Herbert (head, 38, FL, truck driver for building materials co.), Marguerite (wife, 32, TX), Gloria Jean (daughter, 5, TX) residence: 1302 W. 21st Lima, Francis (head, 22, TX, air conditioning installer), Bredie (wife,22, TX), Frank (son,1, TX) residence: 156

Harvard

Lima, Vincent (head, 22, TX, machine operator, blueprint manufacturer), Eleanor (wife, 19, TX) Lima, Vito J. Jr. (head, 35, LA, bottler at a brewery), Vera (wife, 26, TX)

Mabry, Charles (head, 37, TX, proprietor of wood working shop), Lourene (wife, 43, TX), Howard Hightower (step-son, 19, TX) residence: 924 W. 21st

Martindale, Charlie (35, TX, operator, Bowling alley), Carolyn (daughter, 28, TX) residence: 267 Kaufman Martindale, J.L. (head, 22, TX, public works), Louise (wife, 18,TX) residence: 115 Seed Tick Rd McWilliams, Jay D. (head, 25 TX, chef in restaurant), LaVergne (wife, 23, Wisconsin) residence: 1246 W. 21st Meyer, Bryan Harry Sr. (head, age 33, TX; Alma P. (wife), age 36, TX, merchant retail grocery; Allen R. (son, 18, TX), Bryan H. Meyer (son, age 10, TX) residence: 2419 Thomas Mixon, J.C. (head, 54, GA, farmer, farming), Laura (wife, 51, TX), Jack M. (son, 18, TX), Iris (daughter, 17), Ouida (daughter, 14, TX), Kelly (son, 10, TX), Georgia (daughter, 9, TX) residence: 116 Seed Tick Rd.

Newton, Larry (head, IL, credit manager for department store), Mary Louise (wife, LA), Johnny Eggert (son, 11 TX), August Simpson (father-in-law, LA), Lucille Simpson (mother-in-law, LA)

Thompson, John F. (head, 48, machinist in brake shoe factory), Mimmie (wife, 44, TX), Raymond E. (son, 16, TX), Kenneth (son, 13, TX), Jess (son, 11, TX) – 1321 W. 21st

Welling, Conrad A. (head, 48), Otillla M. (wife, 49), Conrad G. (son, 20); Mary Jane (daughter, 18); Albert L. (son, 16); John Frederick (son, 15); Elizabeth A. (daughter, 10), Anna Brefeld (mother-in-law, age 85)

26 1900 Trenton City Directory:

Henderson, Annie (head, widow of William Henderson), John L. Henderson (son, brass spinner) 402 N. Clinton

27 1882 Trenton City Directory:

Drake, Henry S. (conductor) 18 Sheridan

Drake, John H. (brakeman) 552 Perry

Henderson, Anna (widow of William Henderson, daughter of Catherine Drake, sister of Henry, John, Benjamin and James Drake) residence: 552 Perry

Drake, Catharine (head, widow), Benjamin (son, clerk), James (son, railroader), John (son, plasterer) 127 Cooper

28 1881 Trenton City Directory:

Drake John H. (brakeman), Anna E Henderson (widow of William Henderson, sister of John H. Drake)

Drake, Henry S. (brakeman) 552 Perry

29 Robert Emmett Henderson, handwritten autobiographical notes written just prior to his death

30 1905 New Jersey Census, Hunterdon County, Clinton Township Henderson, Rodman P. (head b. Sept 1852), Caroline F. (wife b. 1853), Isaac L. (son b. 1886), Joseph (son b. 1892), Anna A. Stout (daughter b. 1877), Leon Stout (son 3yrs b. 1902)

Henderson, Charles B. (head b. Jul 1881), Katherine (wife b. Jul 1880)

Mercer County, Trenton

Johnston, James (29 b. 1876), Amelia (wife 28 b. 1877), Edith C. (daughter 5 b.1900), Eleanor P. (daughter 3 b. 1902)

Johnston, Margrett (58 b. 1847 Ireland), George M. (son 34 b. 1881 NJ clerk), Margrett (daughter 25 b.1880 NJ), Annie J. (Johnston) Henderson (daughter 37 b. 1868 NJ), Clifford M. (grandson 9 b. 1896 NJ), George J. (grandson 1 b. 1904 NJ), Annie H. Subers (niece 25 b. 1880 NJ) residence 58 Bank St. Trenton NJ

31 Immigrant Ships Transcribers Guild, Immigrant Ships Transcribers Guild, National Archives and Records Administration: https://immigrantships.net/1800/

Ship Asia, 18 June 1832

Ship Amy, 23 August 1836

Barque Creole, 17 May 1852

32 Ireland Landed Estate Court Files, 1850-1885: Henderson, Thomas. 1852 Donegal, Ireland Probate, Alternate Event Place: Scotland, Carrick Castle

33 United Kingdom, Merchant Navy Seaman Records, 1835-1941: Henderson, Alexander, 59 b. 1797 (est), Argyllshire, Scotland Henderson, John, b. 1812, Fife, Scotland Henderson, Thomas, b. 1821, County Donegal, Ireland

34 Petitions for Naturalization, 1838-1988, U.S. District Court of New Jersey, Trenton Division: Henderson, John b. 10 Jul 1812 in Scotland, naturalized US citizen 1 Nov 1844. #599364 Henderson, James b. 1 Jan 1948 in Ireland, naturalized US citizen 2 Nov 1871.

35 23andMe, paternal haplogroup https://you.23andme.com/reports/paternal_haplogroup/

36 Pennsylvania Births and Christenings, 1709-1950 Philadelphia County: Henderson, William (b. 1855) Parents: Thomas Henderson and Jane Virtue (searched for but not founded) Fuchs, John Otto (b.22 July 1887 Philadelphia PA) Parents: John N. Fuchs and Mary J. Henderson Henderson, Charles E. b. 23 Jun 1888. Parents: William and Anna Henderson Virtue, Anthony (b. 1830 Ireland, d. 1902 Philadelphia) and Hannah (b. 1833, d. 1874), William (b. 1858, d. 1902), Elizabeth (b. 1859, d. 1864), Jane A. (b. 1861, d. 1884), John (b. 1866, d. 1866) and Mary A. (b. 1867, d. 1892)

37 Major General Philip Kearny Jr., Civil War Trust, www.civilwar.org

38 1915 New Jersey State Census: Cape May County, West Cape May Borough: Henderson, Edward (head,31, b. Feb 1884 NJ, married, gold beater), Rebecca (wife, 24, May 1891 PA), Milicent

(daughter, 6, b. Apr 1909 NJ single), Mary Laird (b. Oct 1862 Ireland, widowed) Renting on Broadway

Mercer County: Princeton

Henderson, Rodman P. (head 62), Caroline (wife 62) and Joseph L.(son 24)

Henderson, Charles B. (head 32), (wife 33), Charles B. (son 8), Helen (daughter 4) and Arthur R. (2)

Henderson, Isaac L. (head 30), Emma (wife 32), Earl S. (son 6), Marian E. (daughter 3), Eliza Stout (elder sister 65)

Henderson, Price S. (head 41), Mary B. (wife 39)

Trenton

Johnston, George (head, b.1870), Margaret (sister, b. Sept 1878), Annie J. Henderson (sister, b. 1867), Clifford Henderson (nephew, 19 b. 1896), George J. Henderson (nephew, 11 b.1904)

39 1915 New York State Census:

Westchester County, Mount Vernon, Ward 1: Gall, Edward (head, 45 b. 1870 US (sic), Florence (daughter, 15 b.1900 US), Edward (son, 14 b. 1901 US)

40 1925 New York State Census:

Westchester County, Mount Vernon, Ward 1: Gall, Edward (head, 55 b. 1870) (no other entries are visible. available online for fee via ancestry.com)

41 California, County Birth and Death Record, 1800-1994: 1905-1939; 1940-1997: Los Angeles County:

Grossman, Olive M. (b. 1 Oct 1893 Trenton NJ, d. 12 Aug 1992 Los Angeles CA)

Grossman, Otto Ernest (b. 24 Sept 1893, d. 7 Sept 1973)

Alice C. Henderson (b.

Henderson, Catherine C. (b. 1 April, 1858 County Meath, Ireland, d. 23 March 1935 Los Angeles CA)

Residence: 6713 Compton Avenue. Cause of death: acute nephritis, stomach cancer

Burial: Inglewood Cemetery

Husband: James Henderson

Parents: Hugh Rogers b. County Meath, Ireland and Catherine McGuire, b. unknown, Ireland Death certificate signed by daughter, Veronica Henderson, 6713 Compton Ave, Henderson, Edward James (b.18 Feb 1884 Trenton, Mercer NJ, d. 25 June 1949 Los Angeles CA)

Imus, David Loren (b. 19 Apr 1888, d. 1977)

Ryan, Veronica Henderson(b. 19 Feb 1898 Westchester Co. NY, d. 7 Jan 1982 Los Angeles CA) m. 18 years

Parents: Henderson and Rogers

Spouse: William P. Ryan, parents: Michael Ryan b. Ireland and Sarah Catting b. Ireland

Residence: 237 Linden Ave., Long Beach, LA Co. CA

46 Trolleying West of Cape May – Goldbeater Alley. https://www.nj.com/shore/blogs/2011/07/post_1.html

47 Hastings Goldbeater Company 1881-1931, Borough of West Cape May – Insider NJ. https://www.insidernj.com/map-poi/borough-west-cape-may/

48 1890 US Census of Union Veterans and Widows of the Civil War: New Jersey, Mercer County: Henderson, Joseph, Sgt, G Company, 10th Regiment of the New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. Mustered in on 12 June 1862 and mustered out 1 July 1865 at Hall’s Hill, Virginia. (Thomas Henderson’s elder brother)

Widow: Nancy Henderson

Henderson, William, Pvt, G Company, New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, enlisted 28 May 1861, discharged honorably on 21 Oct 1863 due to disability, duration of service: 2 years, 4 months, 25 days.

Widow: Anna E. (Drake) Henderson (William R Henderson was John Henderson’s son) Henderson, John, Pvt, G Company, 22nd New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. Enlisted: 1 Sept 1862. Mustered in 22 Sept 1862 and was honorably discharged 25 June 1863. (Thomas Henderson’s eldest brother) Pennsylvania, Philadelphia: Henderson, James, Company A, 183rd Pennsylvania Regiment, enlisted 12 January 1864

49 New Jersey Deaths and Burials, 1720-1988: Camden County, Camden: Henderson, William, age 31 (b. 1855, d. 13 Aug 1886) cause of death: Consumption. Mt. Peace Cemetery, Philadelphia, 16 Aug 1886. (Thomas and Jane Henderson’s son) Mercer County, Princeton

Henderson, John (b. 1812 d. 4 Jun 1874) age 61, married, carpenter Trenton:

Henderson, Annie Johnston d. 8 Feb 1954. Trenton Evening Times. residence: 58 Bank Street, Trenton NJ)

(widow of John L. Henderson, sons: Clifford M and George J.)

Henderson, Elizabeth R. d. 22 Jan 1861.

(possible wife of Alexander and mother of John, Joseph and Thomas Henderson)

Henderson, Mary b. 1830, d. 8 April 1898

(possible wife of Thomas Henderson -Mary Jane Virtue Henderson, who was born in 1822)

Johnston, George M. d. 23 Mar 1939

50 New Jersey Marriages, 1670-1985:

Hudson County:

Stout, Walter S. and Anna A. Henderson m. 21 Feb 1899

Mercer County: Princeton

Rue (or Rice), Charles and Harriett Henderson m. 11 Feb. 1869. Bride’s father: Joseph Henderson Trenton

Drake, Stephen H. (21 b. 1870) and Kate Pullen (18, b.1873) m. 31 Aug 1891 (Annie E.Drake Henderson’s brother)

Henderson, John L. (24, b. 1871 NJ) and Annie J. Johnston (25, b.1870) m. 23 Oct 1895

Henderson, Joseph and Nancy Hagerman m. 5 Aug 1842

Henderson, William R. and Anna E. Drake m. 22 Nov 1865

Groom’s parents: John and Ursula Henderson. Bride’s father: Daniel Drake Hopewell

Henderson, Rodman Price (b. 1853) and Carrie S. Leigh (b. 1853) m. 1 Jan 1873

Fathers: Joseph Henderson and Isaac Leigh

Drake, John H. (b. 1844) and Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’

West Windsor

Drake, Henry S. and Mary L. Heddon m. 30 Dec 1869 (Annie E. Drake Henderson’s brother)

51 1850 US Census:

New Jersey, Mercer County

Princeton:

Henderson, John (head, 39 b. 1812 Scotland, carpenter in Princeton Township), Ursula (wife, 39 b. 1811 NJ), William R. (son, 14 b.1836 NJ) and Maria B (daughter, 7 b. 1843 NJ)

Henderson, Joseph (head 34 b. 1816 Ireland), Nancy (wife b. 1820 NJ), Mary E. (daughter b. 1843 NJ), Harriet (daughter b.1846 NJ)

52 Stern, Ivan D. Philadelphia in the 1850s: As Described by British Travelers

53 Pennsylvania, Philadelphia City, Death Certificates, 1803-1915:

Henderson, Thomas, age 40 (b. 1827 Ireland, d. 12 Oct 1867, Philadelphia PA) Occupation: rigger. Residence: 824 (or 324) Stanley St. rear, Ward 4. Findagrave.com #105796013

Burial: 14 Oct 1867. Machpelah Cemetery, Philadelphia PA, located on the north side of Washington Avenue between 10th and 11th Streets from 1832 to 1895. removed to Mount Moriah Cemetery, 200 acres on either side of Cobbs Creek in Southwest Philadelphia.

Fuchs, Louisa J. (b, 1877, d. 22 March 1877 Philadelphia PA) – died age 3 months of lung congestion. Lafayette Cemetery. Parents: John and Mary (Henderson) Fuchs, residence 1026 S. 9th St., Philadelphia, Ward 2

Fuchs, Joseph (b. 1881, d. 1882 Philadelphia PA)

Fuchs, John (b. 1881 Philadelphia)

Henderson, William (b. 1855 Philadelphia, d. 1886 Camden NJ) died age 31 of consumption. Mt. Peace Cemetery (Thomas and Jane Henderson’s youngest son, husband of Anna E. Drake)

Henderson, James, age 55 (b. 1847 Ireland, d. 20 Oct 1902 Philadelphia PA) Occupation: Stone Mason. Residence: Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown, Springfield Township, Montgomery Co. PA. Cause of death: Phthisis Pulmonalis (tuberculosis) Mt. Moriah Cemetery, 23 Oct 1902 (Yes)

Virtue, William (b.1792 County Donegal Ireland, d. 1 Oct 1861 Philadelphia PA)

Virtue, Anthony (b. May 1830 Ireland, d. 10 Mar 1902 Philadelphia) Burial 13 Mar 1902. New Cathedral Cemetery, Philadelphia PA Parents: William and Elizabeth Virtue

54 Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Passenger List Index, 1800-1906:

Ship Asia, 195 passengers. Departure: Londonderry, Ireland. Arrival: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 18 June 1832

Henderson, John (passenger # 116, 20 b. 1812 Scotland, tailor) Destination: USA

Ship Amy, 458tons, 183 passengers. Departure: Londonderry. Arrival Port: Philadelphia, 23 August 1836, Henderson, Joseph (passenger #123, 19, b. 1817 Ireland, carpenter)

Barque-Creole, 455tons, 214 passengers. Departure: Londonderry, Arrival Port: Philadelphia: 17 May 1852

Henderson, Thomas (30 b. 1822, tailor), Mary Jane Virtue (wife 30), James (child 5) and Mary J. (child 3). Nationality – Ireland, Destination: Pittsborough (sic)

Virtue, William, 60 (b. 1792 Ireland), occupation: labourer: wife: Elizabeth, 56 (b. 1796 Ireland); son: Glen Anthony 22 (b. 1830) labourer.

55 US Index to Passenger Arrivals, Atlantic and Gulf Ports, 1820-1874: Asia, Londonderry, Ireland to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 18 June 1832

Amy, Port of Departure: Londonderry. Arrival Port: Philadelphia, 23 August 1836

Barque Creole Manifest, Londonderry, Ireland to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 17 May 1852

57 Irish Immigration – 1850. https://www.intimeandplace.org/Immigration/Irish/Section6.html

58 The Irish American Journey. http://www.irishamericanjourney.com/2011/10/irish-ships-to-america.html

59 Ireland, Valuation Office Books, 1831-1856, County Donegal, Raphoe, Townland of Shannon Middle Land Assessment, 1836: Joseph Henderson, Principal

60 Ireland, Catholic Parish Registers 1740-1900:

Marriages:

Rogers, Hugh and Rose Maguire, 11 Feb 1820

61 Ireland Births and Baptisms, 1620-1881:

62 Ireland Civil Registration Indexes, 1845-1958:

Births:

Rogers, Catherine, b. 22 April 1854, Bohermeen, County Meath, Ireland

Parents: Hugh Rogers and Catherine Maguire

Rogers, Mark, b. 15 Mar 1852, Bohermeen, County Meath, Ireland

Parents: Hugh Rogers and Cath Maguire

Rogers, Patrick, b. Oct 1859, d. 1921

Deaths:

Rogers, Patrick, age 62, b. Oct 1859, d. 1921 Navan, County Meath, Ireland Virtue, William, age 84, b. Sept 1814, d. from July 1898 to Sept 1898, County Donegal, Ireland

Marriages:

Henderson, Thomas (25, b. 1821) and Jane Virtue (26, b. 1820), 29 Sept 1846, Donegal, County Donegal, Ireland

Fathers: Alexander Henderson and William Virtue Rogers, Patrick, 1900 Trim, County Meath, Ireland

63 Ireland Marriages, 1610-1898: Henderson, Thomas and Jane Virtue, m. 29 Sept 1846, County Donegal, Ireland

Fathers: Alexander Henderson and William Virtue

64 New Jersey, County Naturalization Records, 1749-1986: (5 years of residency in US and 1 year in NJ required.) Mercer County: Henderson, John (b. 10 Jul 1812 Scotland), naturalized US citizen 1 Nov 1844. #599364 Henderson, James (b. 1 Jan 1848 Ireland), naturalized US citizen 2 Nov 1871

65 Mercer County: The Capital County. https://www.mercercounty.org/community/history/the-birth-of-mercer-county

66 History of Trenton: 1679-1929. The Trenton Historical Society. https://www.trentonhistory.org

67 US City and Business Directories, ca. 1749-ca.1990: Jersey City, Hoboken and Bayonne, 1922: Marion L. Henderson (Residence)

68 Major General Philip Kearny Jr., Wikipedia

69 1918 Flu Pandemic, History.com, www.history.com/1918-flu-pandemimc

70 1918 Flu Pandemic, Wikipedia

71 McCabe, James, Paddywhacking and Mick-taking: Of Being on First-name Terms with the Irish Other in L’Autre, J. Dove-Rume, M. Naumann and T. Tran (eds). Presses universitaires Francois-Rabelais, p.387-406 https://books.openedition.org/pufr/5076?lang=en

72 Robert Emmet, Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Emmet

73 Henderson, p.166-167, and Gunn, p.399, in Scottish Clans and Family Encyclopedia. 1998. Barnes & Noble Books

74 Henderson Clan History, Gaelic College Foundation, St. Ann’s, Nova Scotia

75 Orkneyinga Saga: The History of the Earls of Orkney. 1873 ed., p. 73

76 Henderson, John. 1884, Henderson, Caithness Family History. David Douglas, Edinbugh, p. 319

77 Clan Henderson, Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Henderson

78 United States Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940:

Henderson, Robert E. #2327584, Cp1 Co.B 203 NY Infantry (b. 19 April 1877, d. 16 Mar 1937), enlisted 19 July 1898, discharged 25 Mar 1899. Address: Heights Station Box 433, Houston TX

79 Enrollment Act (aka Civil War Military Draft Act) of 1863, Wikipedia

80 The Draft and Draft Riots of 1863. A. James Fuller, University of Indianapolis. https://billofrightsinstitute.org/essays/the-draft-and-the-draft-riots-of-1863

81 Confederate Conscription Acts 1862-1864, Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederate_Conscription_Acts_1862%E2%80%931864

82 Surviving Spouses of Spanish-American War Veterans https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/38/1536

83 Revolutionary War, Battle of Princeton. American Battlefield Trust. https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/princeton

84 Military Personnel, National Personnel Records Center. https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/military-personnel

85 US Enlisted & Officer Muster Rolls & Rosters, 11/1/1912-12/31/1943: 1918: Henderson, Robert E. ID #3082487 – June 19, 1918 (joined); June 29, 1918; assigned to Jefferson Barracks, MO; August 31: Private in Medical Department, transferred Aug. 22, 1918; Sept. 2: Camp Crane A.A.R.D., Unit 17; December 12: discharged - December 12, 1918

86 Jefferson Barracks Military Post, Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson_Barracks_Military_Post

87 Camp Crane, Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_Crane

88 The History of the United States Ambulance Service with the French and Italian Armies, 1917-1919. John R. Smucker Jr.

89 United States Army Ambulance Service. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Ambulance_Service

90 The Great Depression, Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression

91 Texas Death Records Index, 1903-2000 Eggert, Marjorie Ann d. 12 Nov. 1999

92 History of Marine Corps Recruit Training, Marine Corps University: https://www.usmcu.edu/Research/Marine-Corps-History-Division/Brief-Histories/History-of-Marine-CorpsRecruit-Training/

93 John H. Reagan High School, The Heights, Houston, Texas. The Pennant (senior yearbook) 1938, Robert William ‘Bill’ Henderson 1951, Marjorie Eggert

94 USAF units and aircraft of the Korean War, Wikipedia.

95 Houston Chronicle, Deaths: Eggert, Marjorie Henderson 12 Nov. 1999 in Saturday, 14 Nov. 1999 issue.

96 Mississippi Death Certificate Index, 1912-1943: Henderson, Rebecca b. 2 Feb. 1928, d. 5 Feb. 1928 (image of death certificate unclear, unable to identify parents)

97 1950 US Census: New Jersey Mercer County Princeton

Henderson, Charles B. Sr. (head, 57, painter, own business), Katherine (wife 69), Charles B. Jr. (son, 43 carpenter-painter), Arthur R. (son, 38 painter) residence: Mountain Ave, Princeton Henderson, Isaac L. (head, 64 NJ, carpenter superintendent for construction company), Emma E (wife, 66 NJ), Marion E. Callighan (daughter NJ, 38), George Callighan (son-in-law, 42 Ireland), Barbara (granddaughter, 11), Thomas B. (grandson, 2 NJ) residence: Mountain Ave, Princeton Henderson, John E. (head, 34, painter for university), Dorothy (wife, 34) residence: Mountain Ave, Princeton Henderson, Joseph Leigh (head, 58 gardener), Hannah (wife, 68), Anna (daughter, 32), Carl Joseph (son, 28 store room clerk for chemical laboratory) residence: Henderson Avenue, Princeton

Trenton

Henderson, George J. (head, 45, manager of stationery store), Florence (wife 42, sales clerk in department store), Edgar (son, 21 unemployed), Carol (daughter 19 unemployed)

New York

Westchester County, Mount Vernon: Gall, Edward (head, widow 49, Fire Chief) and Florence A Massell (sister, widow 50) Reside at 166 Chestnut Pl. Pennsylvania

Bucks County, Upper Makefield Township: Henderson, Clifford M. (head, 53 b. 1897 NJ, watchman for department store), Mary (wife 43 b. TN), W. Cecil

Flatt (son, 22 TN), Netty L. Flatt (daughter 17 TN)

Texas

Harris County, Houston:

Beil, John (head, 45, Germany, carpenter in construction), Maggie (wife, 35, TX), Iva (daughter, 13, TX), Freida (daughter, 11, TX), John E. (son, 5, TX) – 916 W. 23rd

Britton, William (head, 26, TX, accountant for oil company), Marjorie (wife, 28, TX), Nancy (daughter, infant, TX) residence: 1221 W.20th (apt)

Cooper, Ralph Sr. (head,27, Ohio, mechanic for light company), Christine (wife, 28, TX), Ralph Jr. (son, 3, TX) residence: 1229 W. 21st

Drago, Ima D. (head, 44, TX, owner of trailer park), Marlene L. (daughter, 7, TX) residence: 1118 W. 19th

Hill, Robert R. (head, 63, LA, buttonhole & hem stitching), Martha E. (wife, 56, MI) residence: 1221 W. 19th Hayden, Albert M. (head,40, Missouri, carpenter, building construction), Ella M. (wife,40, TX) – 1213 W. 20th Hayden, Ed (head, 30, Missouri, construction foreman), Loretta (wife, 26, LA), Brenda (daughter, 8, TX), William E. (son, 6, TX), Linda (daughter, 5, TX) residence: 1231 W. 21st Hill, Robert S. (head, 30, TX, architect for architect), Agnes (wife, 29, TX), Francis (daughter, 7, TX), Lunell (daughter, 1, TX) residence: 1220 W.20th

Henderson, Mary A. (head, 57yrs, MS 1893, at home), Alice P. (daughter, 20yr, TX 1930, modeling instructor at a modeling school), Marjorie A. (daughter, 16yr, TX 1934, attending school), Bennie J. Papa (lodger, 26, LA, engineer for gas company) residence: 1220 W. 21st

Henderson, Robert W. (head, 30, TX, insurance salesman for insurance company), Evelyn (wife, 26, TX), Diana L. (daughter, 6, OK), Robert W. Jr. (son, 2, TX) residence: 1221 W. 20th, apt. Hopkins, James C. (head, 64, OH 1886, salesman for wholesale distributor), Rose (wife, 67, MI 1883, at home) residence: 1244 W. 21st

Lima, Joseph (head, 86, LA, retired), Mary L. (wife, 71, LA) residence: 1815 W. 23rd

Lima, Vincent Sr. (head, 31, TX, welder for pipe company), Elenor (wife, 28, TX), Vincent Jr (son, 9 TX) residence: 1104 W.21st

Lima, Vito J. (head, 46, LA, owner, building contractor), Vera Leona (wife, 37, TX) residence: 1106 W.21st Mabry, Charles B. (head, 47, TX, owner of mill), Laurene (wife, 49, TX) residence: 924 W. 21st McWilliams, J.D.(head, 35, TX 1915, coater operator for a can company), LaVergne (wife, 33, WI 1922), Patricia Ann (daughter, 6, TX 1944), James D. (son, 2, TX 1948) residence: 1246 W. 21st Meyer, Bryan H.W. (head, 43, TX, proprietor, retail grocery), Alma P. (wife, 46, TX) residence: 1241 W. 25th Milam, John Greenwell (head, 58, TX, pharmacist in drug store), Elizabeth (wife, 54, OK, cleaning lady for an insurance company) residence: 1227 W. 21st

Poe, Hugh (head, 32 TX, tile setter, tile company), Katie, wife, 33 TX), Huey (son, 6 TX) residence: 1238 W. 22nd

Spadacene, Samuel (head, 35, TX, clerk in grocery store), Anne (wife, 34, TX), Anthony (son, 12, TX) –residence: 1819 Beall

Spadacene, Smith (head, 38, TX, sales clerk in retail grocery), Sarah (wife, 34, TX) – 2607 Bevis Strickland, George W. Sr. (head, 41, TX, auto parts salesman for auto supply), Evelyn (wife 31, TX), John J. (son, 15, TX), Janice (daughter, 11, TX), George W. Jr. (son, 4, TX), Robert P. (son, 2, TX), –residence: 1702 W. 21st

Thompson, John F. (head, 58, TX, lathe operator & boring machine for wheel division of brake shoe factory), Mimmie E. (wife, 54, TX), Jesse C. (son, 21, TX, materials control superintendent in building construction) residence: 1321 W. 21st

Thompson, Kenneth (head, 23, TX, bus driver for city transit), Leeoma (wife, 20, TX) residence: 1322 W. 22nd

Thompson, Raymond Earle (head, 26, TX, soft molder at aluminum & brass works), Marie (wife, 22, TX), Raymond E. Jr. (son, 2, TX) residence: 1315 W. 21st

Wind, Isadore B. (head, 38, TX, cleaner & presser at laundry), Emma A. (wife, 39, TX), Robert E. (son, 6, TX), Earline (daughter, 5, TX), John Sanders (lodger, 21, TX)- 1223 W. 21st

98 Roster of the 203rd New York Volunteer Infantry, The Spanish-American War Centennial Website, contributed by John LeBarre https://www.spanamwar.com/203nyroster Company B, Privates: Robert E. Henderson

99 Legacy Obituary online:

Drago, Edward, d. 1 Nov. 2004

Drago, Robert Lee, d. 28 Sept 2006

Drago, Lillie Mae ‘Lil’ Keepers, d. 14 May 2015

Drago, Winnie Whitaker, d. 14 Jan 2018

Fisher, Susan Thompson d. 1 April 2022

100 Spanish-American War, Wikipedia

101 World War I, Wikipedia

102 U.S. Social Security Numerical Identification Files, 1936-2007: Henderson, Arthur Rodman, b. 24 Sept 1912, d. 20 Dec 1990

Parents: Charles Bertram Henderson and Katherine Leady Heacock Henderson, Clifford McKinley, b. 26 Oct 1896, d. 1960)

Parents: John L. Henderson and Annie J. Johnston

Henderson, Clifford Wallace., b. 27 Nov 1920 Trenton, Mercer Co. NJ, d. 30 Jan 2006 New Bern, Craven Co. NC.

Parents: Clifford M. Henderson and Anna Ma Bunting. SS Application: 25 Mar 1983

Henderson, Earl S. b. 19 Jul 1909, d. 22 Jan 1998 Millville, Cumberland NJ)

Henderson, Edgar Llewellyn b. 22 Aug 1928 Trenton, Mercer Co. NJ, d. 9 May 2007 Bensalem, Bucks Co. PA

Parents: George J. Henderson and Florence E. Mansley

Henderson, George J. b. Feb 1904, d. 9 Feb 1954

Parents: John L. Henderson and Annie J. Johnston

Henderson, John Edmond b. 2 Nov 1915, d. 15 Oct 1988

Parents: Charles B. Henderson and Katherine L. Heacock

Henderson, Robert Emmett, b. 19 Apr 1877 Trenton, NJ. Social Program Application Date: Dec. 1936

Parents: James Henderson and Catherine C. Rogers

Massell, Florence Gall, b. 12 Jan 1900 Mount Vernon, Westchester NY, d. 15 Dec 1970)

Parents: Edward Gall and Cathern Hendersen (sic) prior residence: Perkinsville, Windsor, Vermont

103 Family oral history remembered by Bama Henderson’s grandchildren: Diana Henderson Beil, Robert William Beil Jr., Nona Ruth Henderson, Thomas Frank Henderson, Bonnie Welling Parks, Patricia Welling Leugers, Claire Renée Eggert Weaver Miller and Leah Eggert Castro.

105 Wall, Barbara Mann, 2012, American Catholic Nursing: An Historical Analysis, Medizin Historisches J., Vol 47:160-175

106 History of Nursing in the United States, Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_nursing_in_the_United_States

107 Demographic history of the United States, Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographic_history_of_the_United_States

108 Charity Hospital, New Orleans, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charity_Hospital_(New_Orleans)

109 Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daughters_of_Charity_of_Saint_Vincent_de_Paul

110 History of Nursing Program, Delgado Community College http://www.dcc.edu/academics/charity-school-nursing/history.aspx

111 Sister Stanislaus, The Angel of New Orleans, Catholicism.org https://catholicism.org/sister-stanislaus-%E2%80%93-winged-angel-of-new-orleans.html

112 Recession of 1937-1938, Federal Reserve History

113 Woodville Republican, 18 August 1928: 70th birthday of Louis Escher.

114 Disability and dependent pensions in the First World War. https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/disability-dependents-pensions- firstworld-war/

115 Social Security Survivor Benefits. https://www.ssa.gov/history/1940

116 World War II, Wikipedia

117 U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946: Henderson, Arthur R. 14 Apr 1941, Trenton, NJ, US Army. Discharged at Ft.Dix NJ 13 Mar 1944 Henderson, Clifford W. 6 Jan 1941, Philadelphia, 4 yrs of high school, Coast Artillery Corps Henderson, Clifford W. 17 Aug 1942, Philadelphia, 3 yrs of college, skills: bakery production Henderson, Robert William, 3 Feb 1943 Ser. #38415072, Low, Carl Thomas Ser.#18115163

118 Headstone Application for Military Veterans, 1925-1970: Low, Carl Thomas, Rank: 2Lt, 73rd Fighter Squadron, 318 Fighter Group Air Corps. Killed in Service, Christian, Cemetery, Forest Park, Lawndale, Houston, Texas

119 Personal correspondence between Evelyn and Bill Henderson while he was serving in the Philippines during WWII.

120 No birth certificate has been found for Robert Emmett Henderson in Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey, where his family lived according to the 1880 US Census.7 However, his day and place of birth are confirmed his Veterans Administration Master Index Card,78 his WWI Draft Registration,4 and U.S. Social Security Numerical Identification Index card.102

121 Pennsylvania, Register of Military Volunteers, 1861-1865 Henderson, James, 18yrs, b. 1846 (est). Enlisted: 12 Jan 1864 for 3 years, Company “A”, 183rd Pennsylvania Regiment. (If this is our relative, he has overstated his age by 2 years. He was only 16 years old)

122 183rd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, Wikipedia

123 Battle Unit Details – The Civil War, U.S. National Parks Service www.nps.gov

124 Pennsylvania, Philadelphia City Births, 1860-1906:

Fuchs, John b. 1877. Parents: John and Mary Fuchs

Fuchs, John Otto b. 22 July 1887, Philadelphia. Parents: John and Mamie Fuchs

Henderson, William. b.1860. Parents: William and Elizabeth Henderson

Henderson, Rodmond F. b. 1891. Parents: William and Anna Henderson

125 Henderson, Thomas Frank, 23andMe

genetic test dated 10 June 2014

expanded test dated 8 November 2017 updated DNA Origins from Ancestry.com

126 New Jersey, Mercer County, Veteran’s Service Office, Grave Registration Records, 1779-1979: Henderson, John, b. 10 July 1812, d. 4 June 1874

127 1840 US Census: New Jersey, Mercer County, Princeton

Henderson, John (head, age 20-30), female age 15-20) and male <5)

Henderson, Elizabeth (age 40-50), (male 30-40) and (female 15-20)

128 Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Marriage Indexes, 1885-1951:

Henderson, Clifford W. and Miss Lockett, 1946 Section Number 809385

129 Public Records Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI):

Census Search Forms for people living in Antrim, Armagh, Cavan, Derry, Donegal, Down, Fermanagh, Monaghan and Tyrone who were attempting to prove their age via the 1841 and 1851 Census in order to apply for a pension under the Old Age Pension Act of 1908.

Guide to Church Records

130 The Social Security Act, January 1935 in Historical Background and Development of Social Security, Social Security Administration

131 Family Tree DNA Learning Center Population Clusters website: British and Irish West and Central Europe Scandinavian

132 1895 New Jersey Census

Drake, Catherine E. (head, widow), Frederick Drake (brother), Esther M. Drake (niece 5), J.C. Arrowsmith (boarder)

Henderson, Anna E. (head, widow), John L. Henderson (son) residence: boarding house

133 Laxton, Edward, The Famine Ships: The Irish Exodus to America

134 Demographics of Philadelphia, Wikipedia

135 Miller, Fredric M., Philadelphia: Immigrant City Ellis Island, Historical Society of Pennsylvania

136 New Jersey, Mercer County, Veteran’s Service Office, Grave Registration Records, ca. 1770-1979: Henderson, John (b. 10 Jul 1812, d. 4 Jun 1874 Princeton, Mercer Co. NJ

137 Pennsylvania Marriages, 1709-1940:

Fuchs, John N. (27 b. 1849 PA) and Mary J. Henderson (25 b. 1851 (est) Ireland) m. 8 Oct 1876 Philadelphia, Philadelphia PA (Mary J. Henderson is daughter of Thomas and Jane (Virtue) Henderson)

138 1890 Census – Special Schedule of Surviving Soldiers, Sailors and Marines

Henderson, Nancy, widow of Joseph Henderson, Private, G Company, New Jersey Volunteer Infantry

139 U.S. Enlisted and Officer Muster Rolls and Rosters, 1816-1939

Fuchs, John N. 31 Aug 1918 – 31 July 1919 #85713803

Johnson, George M. 17 July 1916 – 31 Dec 1918

140 Scotland Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950: Henderson, Alexander, c. 27 Oct 1794, Kilcalmonell and Kilberry, Argyll, Scotland. Father John Henderson

141 Scotland Presbyterian & Protestant Church Records, 1736-1990

142 Scotland Civil Registration: Government (as opposed to church) registration of births, marriages and deaths began on 1 January 1855 in Scotland. Each parish and large city has a registrar’s office which create the record and send them to the General Register Office in Edinburgh.

143 Donegal (town), Wikipedia

144 Philadelphia in the American Civil War, Wikipedia

145 Irish Emigration to America, National Museum of Ireland

146 Ireland, Merchant Navy Crew Lists, 1857-1922, National Archives of Ireland: June 1884, Ship nos. 39196 (cont.)-49739:

Henderson, Alexander, b. Argyllshire

147 Kilcalmonell and Kilberry Parish Records, FamilySearch Library Film Number 1041068 items 3-4

Births recorded 1777-1854

Kilcalmonell: July 1777-1783 mother’s name not recorded

Tarbert: 1777-1783 mother’s name recorded; April 1783-1854 mother’s name not recorded, Kilberry: 1824-1854

Marriages recorded 1784-1854

Kilcalmonell (and Tarbert) 1784-1854

Kilberry 1824-1854

Deaths: no entries

148 Scotland Census 1841, Kilcalmonell and Kilberry, FamilySearch Library Film Number 1042716

149 Scotland Census 1851, Kilcalmonell and Kilberry, FamilySearch Library Film Number 1042351

150 Mercer, Hugh, Wikipedia

151 White Oak Bayou, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Oak_Bayou

152 Shady Acres History, https://www.shadyacres.org/history (no longer available)

153 Shady Acres map, Google Maps.

154 Helms Community Learning Center, https://wwwhelmsduallanguage.org/history (no longer available)

155 Houston Heights, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston Heights

156 Heights High School, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heights_High_School

157 John Henninger Reagan, Directory of the United States Congress, http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=r000098

158 S. P. Waltrip High School, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waltrip_High_School

159 Alexander Hamilton, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Hamilton

160 St. Rose of Lima Catholic Community History, http://www.stroselima.org/parish/history

161 St. Pius X High School https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Pius_X_High_School_(Houston)

162 Heights Public Library, Texas State History Association Online, https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/lch04

163 History Overview, Houston Heights Association http://www.houstonheights.org/about/history/

164 Oriental Textile Mill, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriental_Textile_Mill

165 Lackner House, Landmark Designation Report, Planning and Development Department, City of Houston https://www.houstontx.gov/planning/HistoricPres/landmarks/09L221_Lackner_House_2002_Bolsover_St.pdf

166 History and Significance of the Reinerman Survey in The American Brakeshoe Company Building, Landmark Designation Report, City of Houston https://www.houstontx.gov/planning/HistoricPres/landmarks/14L294_3315_W_12th_American_Brakeshoe.pdf

167 Houton City Street Railway Company in HouTran, Wikipedia

168 Houston Texas and Central Railway, Wikipedia

169 Heights Church (Baptist Temple), https://heightschurchhouston.org/about/history/

170 World War II Memorial, Houston Arts Foundation https://houstonartsfoundation.org/installation/world_war_II_memorial/

171 Parish of Kilcolmonell and Kilberry https://www.scottish-places.info/parishes/

172 US Records of Headstones of Deceased Union Veterans, 1879-1903: Henderson, Joseph (d. 3 March 1879) Princeton Cemetery, Princeton, Mercer Co. NJ

173 Irish Family History: Civil Registration – Free UK Genealogy

174 Irish Civil Registration: www.irishgenealogy.ie

Index of Births: 1864-1916

Index of Marriages: 1864-1941, non-Catholic marriages began in 1845

Index of Deaths: 1864-1966

175 Ireland Census, 1831

County Londonderry, Kernaught Barony, Largyreagh (Drumachose Parish) Henderson, Joe: 2 males, 2 females

176 George Brinton McClellan, Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_B._McClellan

177 Spanish-American War Pension Act of May 1, 1926, Library of Congress

178 Texas A&M, The Longhorn (yearbook)

1941 Robert W. Henderson (junior year)

1942 Robert W. Henderson (senior year)

1943 Robert W. Henderson (fifth year)

1791939 Texas A&M Football Team, Wikipedia

180 Hershowitz, Mickey, The 1939 Texas Aggies: The Greatest Generation’s Greatest Team, Halcyon Press Ltd, Houston TX 2006

181 McElvoy, H.B., The 30th Anniversary Reunion of 1939 Texas Aggies National Champions: Then and Now, 1969

182 Commencement Program, Texas A&M, May 21-22, 1943

183 World War II: Pacific Theater, Bataan, Corregidor, Victory in Europe, Victory in Japan, Wikipedia

184 Fort Sill Cager Sets Scor Mark to Boost Team’s Lead, Fort Sill News, 10 Feb 1945

185 Fort Knox Opens City Softball Defense With No-Hit Triumph over Clifton, Sports, Morning News, Louisville, Kentucky 14 Aug 1945

186 Pennsylvania, World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1940-1945 Bucks County, Bristol Henderson, Edgar Llewellyn (b. 22 Aug 1928)

187 Mount Vernon, New York, Wikipedia

188 Great Famine (Ireland), Wikipedia

189 Ireland Church Records, Wikipedia

190 Bob Fitzsimmons vs. Tom Sharkey, Wikipedia

191 Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Wikipedia

192 James Henderson of Fordell (1450-1513), WikiTree

193 Fordell Castle, Wikipedia

194 Henderson memorial on Carlton Hill, Edinburgh.

196 History of Caithness - Clan Gunn https://electricscotland.com/webclans/dtog/gunns.pdf

197 Stephen, Rev. William, History of Inverkeithing and Rosyth, G.& W. Fraser, 1921.

198 Historical Henderson Branches, Clan Henderson Society, clanhendersonsociety.com

199 Massacre of Glencoe, Wikipedia

200 Carrick Castle, Wikipedia

201 Highland Clearances, Wikipedia

202 The story of emigration from Derry in the age of sail and steam – Part I, Derry Journal, 20 June 2022

203 Londonderry, Wikipedia

204 Scotch-Irish is incorrect. Scotch is an alcoholic beverage distilled in Scotland. People from Scotland are Scots.

205 St. Columb’s Cathedral, Londonderry, Wikipedia

206 Siege of Derry, Wikipedia

207 The Times (Trenton NJ) obituaries: Clifford B. Henderson, 18 Dec 2008

208 United Kingdom, Chelsea Pensioner’s Service Record, 1760-1913 Pension, 1831: Henderson, Alexander, b. 1795, County Donegal, Ireland, military rank: gunner, age 20, Antrim, County Antrim, Northern Ireland (Box 1235, 2 images)

Henderson, Alexander, b. Argyllshire, Scotland, service branch: Royal Flying Corps (air arm of the British Army during World War I. In 1918, merged with the Royal Naval Air Service to become the Royal Air Force), box 3031, person 9969

209 Great Britain, War Office Registers, 1772-1935 Military Service: Henderson, Alexr, Military Service, 22 July 1812, 31 August 1812, 31 August 1813, 25 March 1814

210 Ireland, Valuation Office Books, 1831-1856, Land Assessment County Antrim, The Town Parks 1838, Henderson, Alexander, 1 Nelson Street, house and yard, 16 pounds

211 Ireland, Tithe Applotment Books: County Donegal

Keeldrum Middle, a townland and civil parish, 1825

Thomas Henderson

212 Yonkers, New York, Wikipedia

213 The Three Collas, Wikipedia