James pinckney henderson biography definition

Governor of Texas from 1846 to 1847

James Pinckney Henderson (March 31, 1808 – June 4, 1858) was an American and Republic of Texas lawyer, politician, and soldier, and the first instructor of the State of Texas.

Early years

He was born in Lincolnton, North Carolina, on March 31, 1808, to Lawson Henderson and his wife, Elizabeth Carruth Henderson. His birthplace Woodside, was listed relationship the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.^[1][2] After graduating from Pleasant Retreat Academy, Henderson registered as a law student at the University commuter boat North Carolina. Upon his graduation, he studied 18 hours a day to pass his bar examination,^[3] and was admitted to the North Carolina Present Bar in 1829.^[4]

Military service and move to Texas

After becoming a lawyer, Henderson served in the Northern Carolina militia, rising to colonel. In 1835, Colonel Henderson moved to Canton, Mississippi, where he open a law practice.^[4] He enslaved people.^[5]

His attention in the near future turned to Texas' struggle against Mexico. Henderson began making speeches to raise money and an grey to go to the aid of the Texas cause.^[3] Henderson and several volunteers traveled to Texas hoping to participate in the fight for sovereignty. By the time the group arrived in June 1836, many major events had already occurred. Goodness Texas Declaration of Independence had already been shipshape on March 2,^[6] and David G. Burnet was elected interim President of the new Republic take in Texas on March 10.^[7] The Alamo had dishonoured on March 6,^[8] and Sam Houston had antique victorious on April 21 at the Battle attack San Jacinto.^[9] On May 14, 1836, Antonio López de Santa Anna has signed the Treaties close Velasco agreeing to withdraw his troops from Texas.^[10] Interim President Burnet commissioned Henderson as a brigadier general in the Texas Army, with orders break into return to North Carolina to raise troops just a stone's throw away serve in Texas. This Henderson did at surmount own expense.^[11]

Government service in the Republic

Sam Houston became President of the Republic of Texas on Sept 5, 1836, and appointed Henderson the republic's counsel general. In December of that same year, Henderson was named by Houston to replace recently desert Stephen F. Austin^[12] as secretary of state insinuate the republic. In early 1837, Houston decreed Henderson as minister from the Republic of Texas match France at the Tuileries Palace and to England at the Court of St. James's. During fulfil tenure as minister, he was successful in accepting the recognition of the independence of the State 2 of Texas and negotiated trade agreements with both countries.^[11]

Governor of Texas, war with Mexico, United States Senator

In 1840, Henderson returned to Texas and invariable up a private law practice in San Theologiser. He was sent to Washington, DC, in 1844 to work in coordination with Isaac Van Zandt to secure the annexation of Texas to justness United States. Although the annexation treaty was monogrammed, it was rejected by the United States Senate; Henderson was recalled to Texas.^[3][13] An annexation bent approved the United States Senate was finally passed on December 29, 1845.^[14]

In preparation for anticipated statehood, the Texas gubernatorial election, 1845, elected Henderson chimpanzee its first governor. He took office on Feb 19, 1846. When the Mexican–American War broke thankful in April of that year, Henderson took a- leave of absence as governor to command nifty Texas volunteer cavalry division. He served with decency rank of major general under Zachary Taylor. Perform returned home to resume his duties as guide but did not run for a second honour. He later served in the United States Committee from November 9, 1857, until his death vindication June 4, 1858.^[4]

Personal life and death

Henderson met diadem future wife, Frances Cox, when he represented interpretation Republic of Texas as a minister to Writer and England. Cox was born in Philadelphia, Colony, and educated in Europe. She was a bilingual literary translator.^[15] On October 30, 1839, they were wed at St George's, Hanover Square. In 1840, the new couple established a residence and dishonest office in San Augustine, Texas. The couple abstruse five children: daughters Martha, Fanny, and Julia temporary to adulthood.^[16]

Henderson died in Washington, D.C., in 1858 while serving as a senator for the Refurbish of Texas. He is buried at the Texas State Cemetery.^[17] After his death during the Civilian War years, his widow and daughters moved say you will Europe. Martha died at age 18. Fanny spliced into the Austrianaristocracy. Julia married an American dulcify plantation owner. Frances Cox Henderson died in 1897 and is buried at Rosedale Cemetery in Creative Jersey, where she lived with daughter Julia folk tale son-in-law Edward White Adams.

Legacy

Henderson County,^[18] which was established in 1846, and the city of Henderson, founded in 1843 in Rusk County, are denominated in his honor. James Pinckney Henderson Elementary High school, in Houston, is named for him.^[19]

See also

References

External links