Charles Henderson (Alabama politician)
| Charles Henderson | |
|---|---|
Henderson in 1915
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| 35th Governor of Alabama | |
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In office January 18, 1915 – January 20, 1919 |
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| Lieutenant | Thomas Kilby |
| Preceded by | Emmet O'Neal |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Kilby |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
April 26, 1860 Pike County, Alabama |
| Died | January 7, 1937 (aged 76) Troy, Alabama |
| Resting place | Oakwood Cemetery |
| Political party | Democratic |
Charles Henderson (April 26, 1860 – January 7, 1937) was the 35th Governor of Alabama from 1915 to 1919 and a member of the Democratic Party. Before serving as governor, Henderson was mayor of Troy, Alabama from 1886 to 1906 and played a key role in Troy’s business and civic development. After his term as governor, Henderson remained active in the community. In 1937, after a bout with influenza, Henderson suffered a stroke and died at age 76. The public high school in Troy bears his name.
Charles Henderson was born on April 26, 1860 in Pike County, Alabama. Charles was the third son of Jeremiah Augustus "Gus" Henderson and Mildred Hill Henderson. Charles Henderson’s keen business sense developed in childhood while helping out with his father’s successful mercantile business in Troy. At age 15, Henderson enrolled in Howard College in Marion, Alabama. Two years later his father died unexpectedly, and Henderson left school to help run the family business in Troy.
After his return to Troy, Henderson quickly gained a reputation as a businessman and a community leader. In addition to helping with the family business, Henderson founded Troy’s first wholesale grocery company, helped form the Alabama Midland Railroad Company, and owned a cotton-buying firm.
In 1886, Henderson made his first successful run for mayor at age 26, defeating James Folmar. During his terms as mayor, Henderson continued his involvement in Troy’s business and community development:
• In 1887, Henderson helped establish Troy State Normal School (now Troy University) to train teachers for Alabama public schools. While serving on the Normal School’s board of directors, Henderson met his wife, Laura Montgomery Henderson, when she was hired to teach at the school.
• In 1891, Henderson brought electricity to Troy. Henderson helped the city form an electric company, the Troy Utility Department, to produce and sell its own power. Laura Montgomery Henderson threw the switch at 8:10 pm on May 7, 1891.
• In 1904, Henderson brought the telephone to Troy and southern Alabama with the formation of the Standard Telephone and Telegraph Company.
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