James Pinckney Henderson
| James Pinckney Henderson | |
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United States Senator from Texas |
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In office November 9, 1857 – June 4, 1858 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas Jefferson Rusk |
| Succeeded by | Matthias Ward |
| 1st Governor of Texas | |
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In office February 19, 1846 – December 21, 1847 |
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| Lieutenant | Albert Clinton Horton |
| Succeeded by | George Tyler Wood |
| Minister to England and France Republic of Texas | |
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In office 1837–1840 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | March 31, 1808 Lincolnton, North Carolina |
| Died | June 4, 1858 (aged 50) Washington, D.C. |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Frances Cox Henderson |
| Alma mater | University of North Carolina |
| Occupation | Lawyer, Diplomat |
| Signature |  |
James Pinckney Henderson (March 31, 1808 – June 4, 1858) was a United States and Republic of Texas lawyer, politician, soldier, and the first Governor of the State of Texas.
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 on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. After graduating from the Pleasant Retreat Academy, Henderson enrolled as a law student at the University of North Carolina. Upon his graduation, he studied 18 hours a day to pass his bar exam and was admitted to the North Carolina State Bar in 1829.
Shortly after becoming a lawyer, Henderson served in the North Carolina militia, rising to the rank of Colonel. In 1835, Colonel Henderson moved to Canton, Mississippi where he opened a law practice.
His attention soon turned to the Texas struggle against Mexico. Henderson began making speeches to raise money and an army to go to the aid of the Texas cause. Henderson and several volunteers traveled to Texas hoping to participate in the fight for independence. By the time the group arrived in June 1836, many of the major events had already taken place. The Texas Declaration of Independence had already been signed on March 2, and David G. Burnet was elected interim President of the new Republic of Texas on March 10. The Alamo had fallen on March 6, and Sam Houston had been victorious on April 21 at the Battle of San Jacinto. On May 14, 1836, Antonio López de Santa Anna has signed the Treaties of Velasco agreeing to withdraw his troops from Texas. Interim President Burnet commissioned Henderson as a Brigadier general in the Texas Army, with orders to return to North Carolina to raise troops to serve in Texas. This Henderson did at his own expense.
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Wikipedia