Henderson, Gano, Burgett
Catherine Henderson, wife of John Burgett
Compiled by Judy Griffin, 2007 - email address
Direct Line
Edward Henderson + Susannah
..... 2 John Henderson + Phoebe Gano
.......... 3 Catharine Henderson + John Burgett
............. 4 Phoebe Burgett +John Laird
................ 5 Squire H. Laird +Mary Jane Purget
Proposed Henderson Lineage
Edward Henderson 1735 – 1819 + (1) Susannah, (2) Rachel
..... 2 John Henderson 1764 – 1834 + Phoebe Gano 1769 - 1846
.......... 3 Edward Henderson 1792 – 1866 +
Margaret Jacobs ca. 1794/99 - 1871
.......... 3 Elizabeth Henderson 1794 – 1853 +
Ozias Deyo 1799 - 1864
.............. 4 Nelson Deyo 1827 -
.............. 4 Emily Deyo 1825 -
.............. 4 Caroline Deyo 1824 -
.............. 4 Maria Deyo 1834 -
.............. 4 Amanda Deyo 1830 - + Richard Lawrence
ca. 1825 -
.............. 4 Catharine Deyo 1832 -
.............. 4 Mary Ann Deyo 1837 -
.......... 3 David Gano Henderson 1796 - 1882 + Mary
Henderson 1796 - 1872
.......... 3 William Henderson 1797 - 1851 + Hester
Foster bef. 1804 - 1890
.............. 4 Nancy Henderson 1823 – 1882 +
Wesley Switzer 1821 - 1904
.......... 3 John Henderson Jr. ca. 1799 – 1850 +
Phoebe Wells ca. 1799 - 1887
.......... 3 Sarah Henderson 1801 – 1851 + Silas
Burget 1794 – 1847 (see Burgett history)
.......... 3 Jesse Henderson ca. 1804 – aft. 1867
+ Maria Odell ca. 1808 - 1879
.......... 3 Catharine Henderson
ca. 1805 – 1874 + John Burgett
ca. 1802 – ca. 1851 (see Burgett fhistory)
Second
wife of Edward Henderson, Rachel
..... 2 Moses Henderson 1769 – 1826 + Charity Gano 1768 –
.......... 3 Abigail Henderson 1790 - 1838
.......... 3 Rachel Henderson 1793 - 1862
.......... 3 Stephen Henderson 1796 – 1877 +
Susannah Henderson
.......... 3 Mary Henderson 1799 - 1868
.......... 3 John Henderson 1802 - 1826
.......... 3 Nathaniel Henderson 1808 -
.......... 3 Elizabeth Henderson 1809/1810 - 1862
..... 2 David E. Henderson 1770 – 1826/37 +
Elizabeth Gano 1776 - 1847
.......... 3 Mary Henderson.
.......... 3 Rachel Henderson 1798 -
.......... 3 Joseph Henderson 1799 -
.......... 3 J. (Janey) Ellen Henderson 1801 –
1878 + John N. Alshire
.......... 3 John Henderson 1803 - + Polly _?_
.......... 3 Abigail Henderson 1805/06 - 1852 + William
E. Emerick 1809 - 1890
.......... 3 Eliza Henderson 1807 - + Joseph Deyo
.......... 3 David Eaton Henderson 1809 - 1891 + Polly
McFaden 1809 - 1871
.......... 3 Silas Miller Henderson 1811 - 1886 + (1)
Sally Gorham - 1862, (2) Caroline Furrer
.......... 3 Sarah Henderson 1813 - + Thomas Ratliff
.......... 3 Elizabeth Henderson (Betty) 1815 - 1899 +
Michael Shrewbury 1791 - 1864
.......... 3 George Washington Henderson 1818 -
..... 2 Joseph Henderson 1771 - 1843
..... 2 Phineas Henderson 1774 – 1824
..... 2 Nathaniel Henderson 1777 -
..... 2 Mary Henderson 1779 - 1790
..... 2 Daniel Henderson 1781 - 1847
..... 2 James H. Henderson 1783 - 1849
..... 2 Rachel Henderson 1785 - bef. 1819
This information may be helpful:
Henderson – Gano/Ganoe marriages:
John Henderson married Phoebe Gano, 1792, Hunterdon County, NJ
Moses Henderson married Charity Gano, 1789, Hunterdon County, NJ
David E. Henderson married Elizabeth Gano, 1795/96, Hampshire County, VA
Joseph Henderson married Catharine Gano, 1797, Berkeley County, VA
Henderson – Burget(t) marriages:
Sarah Henderson, daughter of John, married Silas Burget, 1820, Pickaway County, OH
Catherine, daughter of John married John Burgett, 1825, Pickaway County, OH
Henderson – Henderson marriages:
Rachel Henderson, daughter of Moses, married her first cousin
Stephen Henderson, son of Moses, married Susannah, daughter of John and Phoebe Henderson
David G. Henderson, son of John and Phoebe, married Mary, his first cousin, 1822, Pickaway County, OH
Note that the biographical information on some of the more distant Henderson relatives gives information on early Southern Illinois and relates to our Hutchinson ancestors.
Edward Henderson
Information on Edward and his descendants is from John Marvin Henderson and Frank Henderson. (1)
Edward Henderson was born November 1, 1735 in New Jersey and died in October 1819 in Bethlehem Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. (2) Edward married Susannah circa 1764 in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Susannah was born 1740/1745. After Susannah’s death (?), Edward married a Rachel, possibly Rachel Eaton. Rachel died July 8, 1785 in Bethlehem Township, Hunterdon County. Descendants of Edward and Rachel are from Frank Henderson. (3) Edward and Susannah had only one son, our John, born April 27, 1765. Edward and Rachel had nine children: Moses, David E., Joseph, Phineas, Nathaniel, Mary, Daniel, James H. and Rachel. All these children were born in Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
Edward’s descendants have been taken from family Bible records. Research has produced records on seven of his sons. His two daughters, Mary and Rachel, both died young. Edward lived in Bethlehem Township, Hunterdon County from at least 1773 (or 1764, birth of John) until he died there in 1819. Edward placed an advertisement in the Philadelphia Gazette on November 10, 1773. In this ad he sought the location and return of a runaway indentured servant girl by the name of Elizabeth Edgeworth. He offered a reward and gave his location as “a subscriber from the upper end of Hunterdon County, West New Jersey.” In September 1784, a sheriff’s sale was held at Edward Henderson’s dwellinghouse which was referred to as being 2 miles from Daniel Buskirk’s Tavern. Edward was also listed in the rateables for Bethlehem Township, June 1778 - Sept 1789. He was taxed for 300 acres, 4 horses, 4 horned cattle and 5 hogs in 1778, and 200 acres and 9 hogs in 1789.
Edward was listed in the Revolutionary Census of New Jersey 1778-1780 as reconstructed by Stryker-Rhodda. Many entries referring to Edward, his sons and the families of James and John Henderson, Sr. were found in the Record Book of Bethlehem Township, 1756-1812. Edward was listed as Assessor 1803-1813, Overseer of Roads 1763-1791-1797-1801, Overseer of Poor 1810 thru 1813, and as Registering Ear Marks and Estrays 1775 and 1786. A sheriff’s sale ad from the New Jersey Gazette reported: “Sale to be held at the dwelling house of Edward Henderson Bethelehem Township, two miles from Daniel Buskirk’s tavern, on Sept 3, 1784, of a plantation of 250 acres late the property of William Garner, seized at the suit of Anthony White Esq.” Court records also place him in Hunterdon County during these years.
Edward’s will was dated 10 June 1819. He named George Gano and his son Joseph Henderson, of Virginia, as executors. He directed his estate to be sold and be “equally divided between my seven sons or their heirs . . . provided they call for their shares in 1 year after the sale is made.” It seems that he was not sure where they were all located. No record has been found of the distribution of Edward’s estate. An Inventory of Goods and Chattel Rights and Credits of Edward Henderson was dated October 16, 1819. An account of Edward Henderson’s Estate, dated May 17, 1821, was filed by Executor George Gano, with the August term of the 1821 Court. His real property was sold by his executors on December 9, 1821. There was a George Gano, Justice of the Peace in Hunterdon County in 1818.
Will of Edward Henderson 10 June 1819: In the name of God, Amen. I Edward Henderson of the county of Hunterdon and the state of New Jersey do make and publish this my last will and testement, and 1st I order that after my desece my body be decently intered in a Christian like manner at the discretion of my surviving friends, and secondly I order that all of my just debts and funeral charges be payed off by the executors, and thirdly I order that all of my estate, real and personal, to be sold off by my executors to the best advantage the times will admit, except my daughters bodly apparel, if found in my possession after my decese, which is to go to her brother’s daughter that bears the name of Rachel, to be put in the hands of her brother Joseph, to be by him divided as he thinks best, and forthly I give and bequest the money arising from the sale of my estate to be equally divided among my seven sons or their heirs, share and share alike, to be divided by my executors or the survivors of them provided they call for their shares in one year after the sale is made by the person or attorney otherwise to go to them that does. And lastly, I constitute George Gano and my son Joseph Henderson of Virginia my executors with full power to fulfill this my last will and testement in witness threof I have set my hand and seal this 10th day of June 1819 in presence of Henry Staats, Jacob Smith, George Warne. /s/ Edward Henderson, /s/ Henry Staats, /s/ Jacob Smith, /s/ George Warne.
Child of Edward and Susannah:
John Henderson, see below.
Children of Edward and Rachel:
Moses Henderson, see below.
David E. Henderson, see below.
Joseph Henderson was born on November 24, 1771 and died in August 1843. See below.
Phineas Henderson was born on May 8, 1774 in Bethlehem Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. He was buried in May 1824 in Cardiff Cemetery, Lafayette, Onondaga County, New York. He died on May 18, 1824 in Tully, Onondaga County, New York. See below.
Nathaniel Henderson was born on January 29, 1777 in Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
Mary Henderson was born on February 28, 1779 in Hunterdon County, New Jersey and died on August 30, 1790.
Daniel Henderson was born on February 17, 1781 in Hunterdon County, New Jersey and died on July 30, 1847. See below.
James H. Henderson was born on March 9, 1783 and on died July 25, 1849. See below.
Rachel Henderson was born on April 4, 1785 in Bethlehem Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey and died before June 1819. Family Bible records give the date of Rachel’s birth and death. Apparently her father, Edward, had her “bodily clothing” which he willed to his granddaughter, Rachel, daughter of son Joseph. [See Edward’s will.] This would indicate she died young.
John Henderson
John’s lineage is from Madeline Dillman Bechtold. (4)
John Henderson, son of Edward Henderson and his wife Susannah, is probably the father of Sarah and Catharine Henderson, who married the brothers, Silas and John Burget(t), in Pickaway County. John Henderson was born April 27, 1764 in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, and died September 15, 1834 in Pickaway County, Ohio or Warren County, Indiana. He married Phoebe Gano circa 1792 in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, daughter of Stephen Gano. She was born March 3, 1769 in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, and died December 20, 1846 in Warren County, Indiana. Phoebe’s father was Stephen or John Gano (undocumented, see Gano history).
The Hendersons were originally from New Jersey, but moved to Hampshire County, Virginia in the late 1700s. John Henderson, and several of his brothers, moved to Pickaway County, Ohio, and lived in Darby Township alongside our Burgett families (Pickaway was originally part of Ross County). They were neighbors, and several bought land in Darby Township from James Inglish in 1819. James English had 1,300 acres in the Darby Creek area and transferred acreage to Moses, John and David Henderson; Jacob and George Purget; and Frances Rush and John Combs. In the 1820 census for Darby Township, these families or family names in the lineage above were all listed near each other: James Gannoe, Francis Rush, Peter Tanner, Moses Henderson, David Henderson, Stephen Henderson, Barnet Duwit, Jacob Burget, John Martins, Christopher Wells, Samuel McChesney, Andrew and Cornelius Poulson, Jacob Foster, John and Izeral Devall, William and Elizha Polson, John Deyo, Thomas Call, John Polston, Archibald Shockley, John Henderson, James (Jonas?) Deyo, and Silas Burgat. Barnet Duwit (Barnett DeWitt), married Sarah Burgett, daughter of Frederick Burgett, moved to Indiana early, along with our John and Silas Burgett. Peter Tanner may be the father of the Elizabeth Tanner who married Joseph Henderson in 1822 (son of David Eaton Henderson and Elizabeth Gano). Francis Rush married Nancy Greenwade. Jacob Foster married Polly Burget, daughter of our Frederick Burget. William Kent may be related to our Phoebe Kent (married Frederick Burgett). Thomas Call married Rachel Burget, daughter of George Burget who was the son of Jacob Burget. John Polston married Elizabeth Burget, daughter of Jacob Burget. James Deyo was the father of Ozias who married John’s daughter Elizabeth Henderson. Silas Burgat was the son of our Frederick Burget and married Sarah Henderson.
In the 1820s, most of John Henderson’s step-brothers moved to Illinois, settling in Greene and Morgan Counties. John’s son David, who was married to the daughter of one of John’s half-brothers, went with them. Several of the Burget families, including our John and Silas with their Henderson wives, moved to Tippecanoe County, Indiana. John Henderson Jr., remained in Pickaway County until after 1830. John Henderson’s son, William Henderson, settled in adjoining Warren County, Indiana, perhaps accompanying family members of his wife, Hester Foster. William was an early settler in Warren County, Indiana, entering land in 1826: (5) Mound township, Warren County, was first settled by Thomas Cunningham, Benjamin Beckett and William Henderson in 1824. According to the election returns for the fall of 1836 the following cast a vote in Warren county in Mound Townships then organized – William Henderson, Henry Henderson, Abraham Henderson. In 1826 William Henderson entered land in the county.
In 1830, John, and probably his sons John Jr. and Edward, were in Darby Township, Pickaway County, Ohio. Solomon McCowen, who married Sarah Burget (Jacob Burget’s daughter) was also listed there, as was Thomas Burget, probably the son of Jacob Burget. Ozias Deyo who married Elizabeth Henderson was also listed. By 1840, John Henderson had died, and his widow and remaining children had moved to Warren County, Indiana, joining their son and brother, William Henderson in Mound Township. No partition records or probate records for John Henderson have been located, so this list of his children may not be totally accurate. Note: Mound Cemetery in Warren County referred to below is located near Pine Village in Adams Township.
Children of John and Susan:
Edward Henderson was born circa 1792 in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, and died in Warren County, Indiana. He married Margaret Jacobs on October or December 18, 1818 in Pickaway County, Ohio. Another researcher has Edward Henderson born in April 1793 in Hampshire County, Virginia. He died August 5, 1866 in Warren County. Edward and his family moved to Crawford County, Ohio in the fall of 1832, then moved to Warren County (one of their sons, Amos, came to Illinois in 1852). Margaret Jacobs was born circa 1794 or 1799. She died on May 1871 in Indiana.
Elizabeth Henderson was born on April 7, 1794 in Hampshire County, Virginia, and died in 1853 in Warren County, Indiana. She was buried in Upper Mound Cemetery, Mound Township, Warren County. Elizabeth married Ozias Deyo on January 11, 1823 in Pickaway County, Ohio, son of Jonas Deyo. He was born on October 8, 1799, and died on April 21, 1864 in Warren County, Indiana or Vermillion County, Indiana. He was buried in Upper Mound Cemetery, Mound Township, Warren County.
Nelson Deyo was born on November 24, 1827 in Pickaway County, Ohio.
Emily Deyo was born on May 16, 1825 in Ohio.
Caroline Deyo was born on March 8, 1824.
Maria Deyo was born on August 10, 1834.
Amanda Deyo was born on February 6, 1830 in Pickaway County, Ohio. She married Richard Lawrence on August 9, 1849 in Warren County, Indiana, son of William Lawrence and Nancy _?_. He was born circa 1825 in Ohio.
Catharine Deyo was born on June 2, 1832 in Pickaway County, Ohio.
Mary Ann Deyo was born on January 12, 1837.
David Gano Henderson was born on August 23, 1796 in Hampshire County, Virginia. He married Mary Henderson on April 2 or 7, 1822 in Pickaway County, Ohio (his first cousin). She was born on November 8, 1796 in Hampshire County, Virginia. David died on January 16, 1882 in Morgan County, Illinois, and Mary died on September 15, 1872 in Morgan County. David and Mary are buried in Arcadia Cemetery. Biography of David G. Henderson [Note the early description of Jerseyville, Jersey County area, where the Hutchinsons settled.]: (6) “Henderson, David G. - Among the names of those who have taken a deep interest in the history of Morgan county, and have preserved many mementos of the past, will be prominently found the subject of this record. He was born in Hampshire county, Virginia, on the 23d of August, 1796. His father (John Henderson) and mother (whose maiden name was Phoebe Ganoe) were old residents of the county, and were related to some of the oldest and most respectable families in the state. His father was a tailor by trade, and chose that profession on account of his lameness. After residing in Virginia a few years after the birth of David, the family removed to Pennsylvania. Not satisfied with the rugged soil and climate of the Keystone State, the family emigrated to Ohio, and after removing from one county to another, finally located permanently in Pickaway county. A farm was purchased, and David, when at home, assisted his father in improving the farm and making the home pleasant and agreeable. He also attended school for a limited time, and imbibed some instruction, which ever has been to him a source of great satisfaction. Even before this, while a small boy in Virginia and Pennsylvania, he was accustomed to work for the neighboring farmers. When eight or nine years of age he was bound out to a Mr. Jacob Ersom, a farmer on the south branch of the Potomac. At the age of twenty-six he left his home in Pickaway county, and was married to Miss Mary Henderson (his cousin), daughter of David Henderson, Esq., an old resident of Pickaway county, and one of the most prominent citizens of that section. Now that he was started out in life, with a family to support, he thought of the far-famed prairies of Illinois, and resolved to remove to that locality. After remaining in Ohio two years, engaged in agricultural pursuits, in company with another family, he started in a four-horse wagon for the Prairie State. The route extended through some of the finest portions of Indiana, and the longer they rode the more beautiful seemed the country. They crossed the Wabash river just above Terre Haute, at a place called “Derger’s Ferry,” and the Sangamon near the present site of Decatur, and, finally, stopped in Greene county, where they made preparations to winter, on Apple Creek, on the 26th of August, 1825. So we notice, that the trip, commencing on the first of July, 1825, lasted till the latter part of August of the same year. There were no roads in Illinois at that time, and a narrow Indian trail was their only path. The settlers along their route told them that they could not travel in the daytime on account of the green-head flies, which would kill their horses. The groves were fifteen miles apart, and were the resorts of all emigrants. Upon approaching the first, which was called “Hickory Grove,” [later Jerseyville] about 10 o’clock A.M., the horses were bleeding and suffering great pain from the attacks of their little savage foes. This grove was recently used as a camping ground by some party, as fires were still burning. They remained here until sundown, when they again started, being now free from the bloodthirsty insects, and arrived, after a short journey, at Linn Grove. The wolves were barking all that night, though the moon shone brightly. Some of the party were greatly disturbed, but with the exception of their howling the emigrants suffered nothing from their presence. They passed over the Okaw, by Platt’s, on the Sangamon, near the present site of Decatur, by Springfield to Apple Creek, Greene county. They remained one night at the residence of Rev. John Greene, a true friend to the emigrant, and one who loved to assist the pioneer, without money or price, rather than to coin treasure out of their necessities. They arrived at Apple Creek, as above stated, on the 26th of August, 1825. In the vicinity of where now Whitehall is situated, Mr. Henderson found three uncles, and this made him feel that, though in the distant west, yet he was not without friends. The cabin the family occupied during the winter of 1825-6 was a poor miserable affair that would not at the present time be used for a barn for any decent farmer’s horse or cow. They were glad, however, to accept of the shelter of this hut, as it served to keep off, in a measure, the intense cold of that severe winter. It was erected by a family a short time before Mr. H.’s arrival. Since they vacated it, the stock and flies had occupied the same much to the detriment of its cleanliness, if it ever possessed any. The family cleaned the cabin as well as they could, and prepared it for the long fall and winter. The house possessed neither floor nor upper loft, and was in very poor condition to shelter human beings from the chill winter blasts. For forty days and nights it never thawed, according to the report of all those persons in that section.
“That fall Mr. Henderson cultivated a portion of North Prairie, then owned by Mr. Duvall, and planted five acres in wheat, hoping to have white bread during the next season, instead of the regular corn, which had been for a long time their only sustenance as regards grain. A Mr. North had a horse mill and still house, and used the same on week days. During Sunday of each week the poor emigrants would come, work the mill with their own horses, and pay twelve and half cents per bushel for the privilege of using the mill. The new comers were happy if they could get their corn ground even at that price. Few to-day are prepared to give credence to this tale, but by talking with many of our old citizens, the reliability of the above may easily be assured.
“On the first day of April, 1826, Mr. Henderson left Apple Creek for Morgan county, traveling via the Rattlesnake spring, near the present situation of Winchester, through the prairie where Lynnville is located, thence to Swinnington Point to James Deaton’s, in the timber. During the fall of 1825 a destructive storm had occurred, destroying much of the timber and blockading the paths with the limbs and trunks of forest trees. Mr. H. was forced to literally cut his way through the timber. Finally, after the considerable labor, on the evening of the 2d of April (Sunday), they arrived in Jersey prairie, and commenced to look for a permanent abiding-place. Without money or friends, Mr. H. now experienced hard times. We have heard Mr. H. relate many incidents illustrating the kindly feelings of the parties who were then living on Jersey prairie. True friends they were, indeed, to the poor emigrant who had arrived in the almost unbroken wilderness.
“Without delay, he purchased a cabin of a Gus Smith, who had built the same on section 16, range 10, during the previous fall, paying for the same a cow valued at ten dollars. Mr. H. had not two cows and two ponies, upon which to depend for sustenance. He rented, of Squire Thomas Barston, some ground which Mr. H. planted in corn and cotton. When harvest came, the grain crop having failed, he started for Greene county to look after his wheat crop. With a sickle in his hand, on foot he traveled to Apple Creek, a distance of over forty miles. When the grain was cut, he threshed the old way - by having the horses trample it - and carried it to a tread-mill near Alton, where it was ground; it was then taken home, where it delighted the family, so long a time deprived of good wheat bread. “Twas delicious, and at that time tasted to me far better than any sweet cake since that eventful trip.” As for their clothing, it was not fashioned according to the present mode. The settlers raised flax and cotton for their domestic use. After the flax was rolled, braked &c., by the men, the women, after the usual preparation, separated it into three parts, viz: lint, coarse and fine tow. The coarse was used for breeches, &c. and the fine for shirts. The cotton was prepared with considerable difficulty, the seeds having to be picked out by hand. Mr.H. would remain at work carding with the hand-cards till a late hour night after night. His wife would spin and manufacture the cotton to suit the various wants of the family. Of course, coloring was needed for most of the above cloths. Indigo was raised for that purpose; and there being no earthern or iron vessels, they were forced to manufacture something to hold the dye. A large log that laid in the yard was dug out and used for dying purposes. There being no hot dyes known at that time, of course it answered all demands made upon it. Our space will not permit mentioning any other of these incidents, but we will proceed to note some of the offices, &c., held by Mr. Henderson. Upon arriving in the precinct he was elected constable, and held that office for over eight years. The people soon found that Mr. H. was a man possessed of some character, and thereupon elected him justice of the peace. For over sixteen years he filled the position to the satisfaction of all, and Squire Henderson was often called upon to settle disputes and grievances. As township treasurer, he served over twenty-eight years, without a single doubt as to his honor and integrity as a public official. In 1847 we notice his name as county commissioner, which position brought him in contact with all the leading citizens in the county. Nearly all the time since 1826 he has served the people in some capacity. This fact alone is ample evidence as to his ability as an officer and his popularity as a citizen. Though now in his seventy-seventh year, his mind is unimpaired, and his memory still preserves its accustomed vigor. Squire Henderson is to-day a living example of those brave men who founded this county - changed the wilderness into a populated section, and planted and encouraged the present system of intellectual and religious instruction. May we prove worthy of his labors, and show that we appreciate the struggles and trials of those brave pioneers for their own and their state’s existence.”
Biographical information on David’s son, Jackson, also gives information on the family: (7) “Henderson, Jackson, one of the most widely known and highly respected agriculturists of Morgan County, residing in Literberry, Morgan County, was born on his father’s farm half a mile southeast of Arcadia (now owned by Mr. Henderson’s younger brother, M. M. Henderson), July 24, 1827, and is a son of David G. and Mary (Henderson) Henderson. David G. Henderson was born in Hampshire County, Va., August 23, 1796, and was a son of John and Phoebe (Gano) Henderson, who were representatives of two of the oldest and most highly honored families of the Old Dominion. John Henderson was a tailor by trade, having chosen that vocation on account of his lameness. A few years after the birth of David G., the family removed to Pennsylvania, and thence to Ohio, finally locating in Pickaway County, that State. On that farm the son David was reared to manhood, attending the early schools of the neighborhood. At the age of eight or nine years he had been bound out to Jacob Ersom, a farmer on the south branch of the Potomac. At the age of twenty-six he left his home in Pickaway County and was married to Mary Henderson, his cousin, the daughter of David Henderson, a pioneer of the county named. Having determined to remove to Illinois, of the wealth of those prairies he had heard much, in 1824 he started with a four-horse wagon for this State. Reaching Greene County, he located for the winter on the banks of Apple Creek. There were no roads in Illinois at that time, the only paths across the country being narrow Indian trails, and the settlers along their route informed them that they could not travel in the daytime, on account of the great swarms of green-head flies, which would kill their horses. The groves, about fifteen miles apart, were the resorts of all emigrants. Upon approaching their first stopping place, Hickory Grove, their horses were covered with blood as the result of the attack of these pests. At sundown they resumed their journey, after a short time arriving at Linn Grove. With the exception of the howling of the wolves which surrounded their camp, they suffered no further discomforts during their journey. On this trip they remained one night at the residence of the Rev. John Greene, a true friend to all emigrants and pioneers, and on August 25, 1824, they arrived at Apple Creek, near the present site of Whitehall. Here Mr. Henderson found three uncles who had preceded him. The cabin occupied by the family that winter was a rough structure such as few farmers now would offer shelter for their stock; but although it had neither floor nor loft, it served, in a measure, to protect them from the severe cold of the winter. For forty days and nights it did not thaw, and the sufferings of these pioneers may well be imagined. That fall Mr. Henderson occupied a portion of the North Prairie, and planted five acres in wheat, hoping to have white bread during the next season, instead of corn, which, for a long time, had been the only grain from which they had made flour. A pioneer settler named North, who had a small mill and still house, permitted the early settlers to grind their grain there, they paying him twelve and a half cents per bushel for the privilege.
“On April 1, 1826, Mr. Henderson started for Morgan County, passing through Rattlesnake Spring (now Winchester) and the prairie where Lynnville is now located, to Swinnerton’s Point and to James Deaton’s home, which was located in the timber. As a destructive storm of the preceding year had blown down many trees along the route, Mr. Henderson was compelled to cut his way through with an ax much of the way. On the evening of Sunday, April 2d, he arrived at Jersey Prairie, and began looking about for a permanent home. Moneyless and friendless, Mr. Henderson entered upon an era of hardship which the present generation cannot comprehend. As soon as possible he purchased of Augustus Smith a cabin, for which he gave a cow valued at $10. Mr. Henderson now possessed two cows and two ponies. Renting of Thomas Barston a tract of land, he planted some corn and cotton. The grain crop proving a failure at harvest time he started for Greene County to look after the wheat crop, traveling about a distance of over forty miles, with his sickle in his hand. Threshing this grain in the old-fashioned way, by the trampling of horses, he carried it to Alton, where it was ground by a treadmill. This furnished the first white flour which the family had eaten since they had left Ohio. All the clothing worn by the family, after that which they brought with them was discarded, was made by hand from cloth spun from the flax and cotton; the coarse flax being used for trousers and the finer, for shirts. Night after night Mr. Henderson would sit and pick the seeds from the cotton by hand, while his wife would spin and weave to meet the requirements of her family. For coloring the cloth indigo was raised and prepared by hand, a dye-vat being made by hollowing a large log.
“Mr. Henderson immediately took an active interest in public affairs in Morgan County. Soon after arriving in the precinct he was elected to the office of Constable, serving in this capacity for eight years. His eminent fitness for official life having become evident to all, he was then elected Justice of the Peace, filling that position for over sixteen years. For over twenty-eight years he served as Township Treasurer, and in 1847 he was elected County Commissioner, holding that position for a long period. Squire Henderson,’ as he was popularly known throughout Morgan County, was one of the most striking figures of the pioneer period. A man of great integrity, strength of character and a disposition which prompted him to accomplish everything possible for the betterment of the condition of the whole people, he found many opportunities for assisting materially in the promotion of the public welfare. No citizen of his day was more highly honored than he; and this brief record of his life, preserved forever in the annals of the county, forms no unimportant chapter in the history of the early development of Morgan County.
“Reared amid typical pioneer surroundings, Jackson Henderson early became imbued with those principles of thrift and industry which were so characteristic of his father and his grandfather. The house in which he was born was a one-room cabin built of round, unhewn logs. It had a puncheon floor, one window and one door, the latter of land-split clapboards. The first school which he attended was taught by Johnathan Atherton, and was located about three-quarters of a mile from his home. Its architecture was very similar to that of his home - built of round, unhewn logs, with slab seats, puncheon floor, and plank desks running along the walls. Here he received instruction during the winter months, but the remainder of the year he assisted his father in the important work of clearing his land and developing a farm out of the wilderness prairie. He remained upon his father’s farm until his marriage, which occurred December 24, 1847, and united him with Dianah Petefish, daughter of George Petefish, one of the pioneer farmers of Morgan County. (An extended sketch of the Petefish family will be found on other pages of this volume.) In 1849 he purchased a small farm near that upon which he was raised, where he remained one year. He then purchased 33 acres in the same neighborhood, which he operated for three years. In 1852 he disposed of this property and removed to Louisa County, Iowa, where he purchased 160 acres of land at $5 per acre. Upon this he erected a log cabin, one of the first built in that part of Iowa, of which he was one of the earliest pioneers. Indians were numerous in the Territory in those days, and for several winters they hunted and fished in the vicinity of his home; but they were peaceably inclined and gave him no trouble. In 1862 he returned to Morgan County and purchased a farm of 120 acres, the nucleus of his present farm of 460 acres. Here he was successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising until his removal to Literberry March 7, 1905. In politics Mr. Henderson was originally a Whig, casting his first presidential vote for William Henry Harrison. Upon the organization of the Republican party, he entered its ranks, being one of the first men in Morgan County to align himself with that organization and cast his vote for General John C. Fremont. Though a stanch supporter of the men and measures of that great party, he was never sought nor consented to fill political office. He became one of the charter members of Arcadia Lodge, No. 92, I. O. O. F., which was organized in 1852, and has passed all the chairs and been Representative to the Grand Lodge.
“Mr. Henderson’s wife died in 1863, leaving the following named children: Minerva, who died at the age of fourteen years; Commodore Perry, who resides upon a farm located near that of his father; Phoebe A., wife of Richard Gudgell, residing in Iowa; Mary E., who died at the age of twenty; and Ada M., wife of John Myers, residing near Literberry, Ill. On October 24, 1865, Mr. Henderson was united in marriage with Mrs. Martha E. Ray, widow of James K. Ray, who was killed at the battle of Dallas, Ga., May 15, 1863, the day on which Mrs. Dianah P. Henderson, Mr. Henderson’s first wife, died. Mrs. Henderson is a daughter of Ira Henderson, a native of Morgan County and a son of David W. Henderson, who migrated to Illinois from Ohio in 1824, taking up Government land in Morgan County. By her marriage to Mr. Ray she became the mother of one son, Charles T., now a resident of California. Four children have been born of her union with Mr. Henderson: Nora, wife of Lewis Maul, a farmer near Arcadia; Fred J., a farmer near Arcadia; Allen, who died at the age of twelve years; and one son, who died in infancy. Mrs. Henderson is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Arcadia.
“The life of Jackson Henderson has been such as to entitle him to recognition as one of the conspicuous landmarks of Morgan County. Inheriting from his ancestors those strong and striking characteristics which were so noticeable in the character of his father, he has made the most of the opportunities which have presented themselves to him, and has won an honorable success solely by reason of his own energy, industry and perseverance. Throughout his entire career he has been inspired by the highest motives. He has never shirked his duty as a citizen, and has been a generous contributor of his time and means for the advancement of all worthy enterprises calculated to elevate the material, social, moral and intellectual status of the community.
William Henderson was born November 25, 1797 in Hunterdon County, New Jersey and died March 7, 1851 in Warren County, Indiana. He married Hester Foster on September 21, 1822 in Pickaway County, Ohio, the daughter of Jacob Foster and Sarah Clark. She was born before 1804 in Ross County, Ohio (later Pickaway County, Ohio), and died on August 15, 1890 in Warren County, Indiana. William and Hester were buried in Upper Mound Cemetery, Mound Township, Warren County, Indiana. Another researcher has the following: William G. Henderson was born on November 25, 1797 in Hampshire County, Virginia. He died on March 7, 1851 in Indiana. William married Hester Esther Foster on October 22, 1822 in Pickaway County, Ohio. Hester was born February 4, 1804 and died on August 5, 1880 in Indiana. Hester married William G. Henderson on October 22, 1822 in Pickaway County, Ohio. They had a daughter, Nancy Henderson, born on July 12, 1823 in Ohio and died on April 10, 1882 in Vermillion County, Indiana. She married Wesley Switzer on July 3, 1841 in Vermillion County, Indiana, son of Peter Switzer and Mary Ann Hoover. Wesley was born March 24, 1821 in Pike County, Ohio and died May 4, 1904 in Vermillion County, Indiana. Child: Mabel Switzer. She married George A. Beckett November 24, 1892, son of George W. Beckett and Amanda Taylor. He was born July 2, 1855.
John Henderson Jr. was born circa 1799 in Hampshire County, Virginia, and died circa 1850 in Warren County, Indiana. He married Phoebe Wells in 1824 in Pickaway County, Ohio. Phoebe was born circa 1799 in Pennsylvania and died March 18, 1887 in Warren County, Indiana.
Sarah Henderson was born on June 7, 1801 and died on September 20, 1851 in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. She married Silas Burget on March 25, 1820 in Pickaway County, Ohio, son of our Frederick Burgett and Phebe Kent. Silas was born on May 15, 1794 in Hampshire County, Virginia (now Mineral County, West Virginia), and died on April 21, 1847 in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. See Burgett history.
Jesse Henderson was born circa 1804 in Virginia or Ohio and died after 1870 in Sidney, Fremont County, Iowa. He married Maria Odell circa 1828 in Ohio or Vermillion County, Indiana. She was born circa 1808 (or September 1, 1808, Connecticut) and died on June 8, 1879 in Sidney, Fremont County, Iowa. The child of Jesse Henderson and Maria Odell was Loren R. Henderson, was born on March 24, 1831 in Vermillion County. Loren married Martha Lawrence on April 10, 1856 in Warren County, Indiana, daughter of William and Nancy Lawrence. Martha was born circa 1834. Some information and additional children except Loren: (8)
Mary Henderson, was born circa 1829 in Vermillion County, Indiana.
Loren R. Henderson was born on March 24, 1831 in Vermillion County, Indiana.
Emarilla Henderson was born on October 19, 1834 in Vermillion County, Indiana.
Elmira Henderson was born circa 1836.
Elizabeth Henderson was born circa 1841 in Steuben, Warren County, Indiana.
Martha E. Henderson was born on May 29, 1845 in Steuben, Warren County, Indiana. Undocumented information lists her parents as Jesse Henderson and Sarah Mariah Odell. She married John Jordan, June 14, 1860, Warren County, Indiana, and died on December 19, 1881, Sidney, Fremont County, Iowa.
Sarah Mariah Henderson was born in 1846 in Steuben, Warren County, Indiana. Undocumented information lists her parents as Jesse Henderson and Sarah Mariah Odell. She married John Valentine, March 15, 1866, at Sidney, Fremont County, Iowa. She died on July 23, 1879, at Sidney, Fremont County.
Harriet L. Henderson was born on May 16, 1851 in Steuben, Warren County, Indiana. Undocumented information lists her parents as Jesse Henderson and Sarah Mariah Odell. She married Greenville P. Thompson, August 3, 1869, Sidney, Fremont County, Iowa. She died on March 24, 1884, Sidney, Fremont County.
Walter S. Henderson was born in 1854 in Steuben, Warren County, Indiana, and died on October 2 or 20, 1926, Sidney, Fremont County, Iowa. Undocumented information lists his parents as Jesse Henderson and Sarah Mariah Odell. He married Amanda E. West, July 4, 1876, Sidney, Fremont County.
Catherine Henderson was born circa 1805 in Hampshire County, Virginia, and died in 1874 in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. She was probably buried in Harrisonville Cemetery, Tippecanoe Township, Tippecanoe County, Indiana. She married John Burgett February 4, 1825 in Pickaway County, Ohio, son of Frederick Burgett and Phebe Kent. He was born circa 1802 in Hampshire County, Virginia (now Mineral County, West Virginia), and died circa 1851 in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. He was probably buried in Harrisonville Cemetery, Tippecanoe Township, Tippecanoe County, Indiana. (See Burgett history)
Moses Henderson
Moses Henderson, the son of Edward and Rachel Henderson, was born on March 20, 1769 in Bethlehem Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Moses was married on December 20, 1789 to Charity Gano, daughter of Stephen and Abagail (Allen) Gano, who was born on December 12, 1768 in New Jersey (see Gano history). Moses died on June or January 13, 1826 in White Hall Township, Greene County, Illinois and was presumably buried in White Hall Township, Greene County. Charity died on May 19, 1854 in Morgan County, Illinois and was buried in May 1854 in the family cemetery, Arcadia Precinct, Morgan County. Moses was the second son of Edward but the first by his second wife Rachel. The first record of Moses was a record of his witnessing a will of Watford James in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, on December 27, 1791. He was next found listed in 1793 as a member of the militia in Kingswood Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Moses apparently migrated about 1795 to Hampshire County, Virginia (West Virginia), where he was found with his younger brother, David E., purchasing 117 acres of land from Samuel Stephenson on October 19, 1795. Moses was listed as a son-in-law in the will of Stephen Gano, filed April 30, 1809 in Hampshire County, Virginia (West Virginia), having married Stephen’s daughter, Charity.
The family migrated to Ohio where on April 13, 1811 they settled in Darby Township, Pickaway County, Ohio. They are said to have sold the land in Hampshire County from Ohio. The 1820 Federal Census listed him as living in Darby Township with his wife, three sons and five daughters. Listed as living nearby were his son Stephen, his brother David E., and his half-brother John. He migrated to Greene County, Illinois, where in December 1824 he purchased 80 acres of public domain land in Sections 19 and 20. He purchased another 80 acres in Section 13 the following December. His son Stephen was administrator of his estate. His wife, Charity, moved to Morgan County where she died May 19, 1854. A stone marks her grave in the old Henderson Family Cemetery located in Arcadia Precinct, north of Jacksonville. His heirs sold his land to his son Nathaniel and a final settlement of his estate was made by Stephen Henderson, his administrator, July 21, 1828. The 1840 Illinois census for Morgan County listed: Charity Henderson 60-70; James 50-60 (son of Charity); Rachel 40-50 (wife of James); Nathaniel 30-40 (son of Charity); Celinda 20-30; Charlotte 20-3-; Moses 15-20; Charity 10-15; William H. 5-10; John O. 0-5; and Samuel E. 0-5. The children of Moses and Charity were:
Abigail Henderson, born April 24, 1790
Rachel Henderson, born March 25, 1792
Stephen Henderson, born October 12, 1796
Mary Henderson, born August 19, 1799
John Henderson, born April 9, 1802
Nathaniel Henderson, born August 6, 1805
Mary Elizabeth Henderson, born September 21, 1808
David E. Henderson
David E. Henderson, son of Edward and Rachel Henderson, was born on August 18, 1770 in Bethlehem Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, and married on January 7, 1796 in Hampshire County, Virginia (West Virginia) to Elizabeth Gano, daughter of Stephen and Abagail (Allen) Gano, who was born on November 16, 1775. David Eaton died in February 1826 in Greene County and was buried in September 1847 in Arcadia Cemetery, Arcadia Precinct, Morgan County, Illinois. According to family Bible records, David E. Henderson was born August 18, 1770 in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. The E. probably stood for Eaton. His son was listed as David Eaton Henderson Jr., thus the assumption. David E. and his younger brother, Joseph, were listed as members of the Bethlehem Township militia in 1793. David E. migrated to Hampshire County, Virginia (now West Virginia) circa 1795. David and his older brother, Moses, purchased 117 acres of land in Hampshire County from Samuel Stephenson. On April 30, 1809, David and a William Ely were listed in the will of Stephen Gano as co-executors. David was a son-in-law of Stephen, being the husband of his daughter, Elizabeth.
David was listed in the 1810 Federal Census as living in Hampshire County, Virginia (West Virginia) with a family which included: 3 males under 10; 1 male, 26-44; 3 females under 10; 2 females, 20 to 25; and 1, 26-44. By 1820 the family had migrated to Darby Township, Pickaway County, Ohio and was listed the Federal Census as including: three males under 10; one male 10-15; one male 16-18; two males 16-25; one male 45 and over (David); two females under 10; two females 10-15; two females 16-25; and one female 26-44 (Elizabeth). By 1824 David E. had moved the family from Ohio to Greene County, Illinois, where David died. From there the family moved to Morgan County, Illinois.
Moses and Charity and David and Elizabeth sold the land they owned in Hampshire County, Virginia (West Virginia) to Solomon Park in 1826. In about February 1826 David is said to have ridden back to Greene County to settle up family affairs. He died shortly thereafter. The location of his death is a topic of debate. He is said to have been buried in the family burying grounds 20 miles from Winchester. Conflicting stories place his death and burial in Virginia (West Virginia) and Ohio. It is likely that he is buried in the family cemetery located in White Hall Township, Greene County, Illinois. Some say he may be buried in the old part of Arcadia Cemetery next to his wife in Morgan County, Illinois. No stone has as yet been found to mark his grave.
David’s wife Elizabeth gave up her right of administration of his estate to a cousin-in-law, David G. Henderson. He was appointed administrator of David’s estate. He was the husband of Mary, David E.’s daughter Mary, and the son of his half brother, our John. An Inventory of Goods and Chattels of David Henderson was made in Morgan County, Illinois on December 5, 1826 by David Hendersshott and David (G) Henderson, appraisers. David’s widow, Elizabeth, was listed in the 1830 Federal Census as living in Morgan County with a family which included: one male 10-15; one male 15-20; one female 15-20; one female 50-60. She died in Morgan County, Illinois on September 11, 1847. Her birth date may have been January 17, 1776. She was buried in the old part of Arcadia Cemetery where a stone marks her grave. Records of the Anderson Funeral Home, Jacksonville, Illinois, September 12, 1847 showed her son Silas Henderson purchased a coffin for his mother, paying $8.00. She was survived by eight children: Mary, wife of David G. Henderson; J. Ellen, wife of John N. Alkire; John Henderson; Abigail, wife of William E. Emerick; David Eaton Henderson Jr.; Silas Miller Henderson; Sarah Henderson, wife of Thomas Ratliff; and Elizabeth, wife of Michael Shrewberry. Not listed as a survivors of Elizabeth Gano Henderson were: Rachel T., Joseph, Eliza, and George Washington. The children of David and Elizabeth were:
Mary Henderson, born November 8, 1796. See David G. Henderson, son of our John.
Rachel T. Henderson, born May 31, 1798
Joseph Henderson, born September 24, 1799
Jamey Ellen Henderson, born May 6, 1801, married John N. Alkire.
John Henderson, born June 5, 1803
Abigail Henderson, born July 5, 1805, married William E. Emerick.
Eliza Henderson, born June 15, 1807
David Eaton Henderson, Jr., born April 10, 1809
Silas Miller Henderson, born January 4, 1811
Sarah A. Henderson, born March 19, 1813, married Thomas Ratliff.
Betty Elizabeth Henderson, born February 24, 1815, married Michael Shrewberry.
George Washington Henderson, born April 10, 1818
Joseph Henderson
Joseph Henderson, son of Edward and Rachel Henderson, was born on November 24, 1771 in Bethlehem Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, and married on April 30, 1797 in Berkeley County, Virginia (now West Virginia), Catharine Gano, daughter of James and Rebecca Gano, who was born on August 20, 1775 (granddaughter of our Isaac Gano, see Gano history). Joseph died on August 4, 1843 in Berkeley County, Virginia (West Virginia) and was buried there in August 1843. Family Bible records say that Joseph Henderson was born November 24, 1771, presumably in Bethlehem Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
Joseph was found in Morton’s book, New Jersey, 1793, where he along with his older brother David E. were listed as being members of the Bethlehem Township militia. Joseph apparently migrated to Berkeley County, Virginia (West Virginia) along with several of his brothers. He was married there on April 3, 1796 to Catharine Gano (from family Bible record). Joseph was listed in the 1802 tax list of Berkeley County as paying taxes on 100 and 115 acres of land on Back Creek. He, along with Stephen and Daniel Gano, were listed as witnesses to the will of Mary Yingling in Berkeley County on January 11, 1806. He and his family were listed in the census of 1810. On December1817 an affidavit was filed in the Hunterdon County Court House, Flemington, New Jersey by Joseph Henderson of Berkeley County, Virginia (West Virginia), agent and attorney in fact for Hannah and Abraham Kitchen, stating upon his oath that Peter Wyckoff of New York is indebted to Hanna Kitchen in the sum of forty pounds with interest from December 1808. This apparently refers to the legacy left to Hanna by her grandfather, John Henderson Sr. This is another indication of a relationship between the Henderson families of Bethlehem Township.
Joseph was listed as son-in-law in the will of Stephen Gano on November 9, 1818. In 1819 he was listed as administrator of his father, Edward’s, estate, back in Bethlehem Township. Records from that county show that on December 9, 1820, he and George Gano, executors, sold the land of Edward Henderson in Bethlehem Township to Benjamin H. Opdycke. The Federal Censuses for Berkeley County for 1820 and 1830 listed Joseph and his family. The 1840 census listed John E./T. Henderson, who is probably the son of Joseph, with a male 50 to 60 and a female 40 to 50 in the household. These may be Joseph and Catharine. Joseph is said to have died in August 1843 but no record has been discovered to indicate where he and Catharine died or where they are buried. Several of their sons have been traced to Ohio where some of them located in Shelby and Henry counties and some moved west to Illinois. Children of Joseph and Catharine:
James G. Henderson, born November 18, 1797
Edward Henderson, born February 24, 1799
John Henderson, born June 8, 1802
Daniel Henderson, born July 3, 1805
David Henderson, born January 14, 1807
Rachel Henderson, born April 17, 1810
Mary Mable Henderson, born September 11, 1814
Phineas Henderson
Phineas Henderson, son of Edward and Rachel Henderson, grew up in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, married there and then went to Tully Township, Onondaga County, New York. Most of the information on Phineas comes from a historical sermon given at Collingwood, New York, in June 1894 by a Reverend A. R. Palmer, a descendant who gave the following account: “Phineas Henderson was a neighbor of Michael Christian, a Revolutionary War veteran in New Jersey. As a veteran, Michael had drawn Lot 18 near Tully, New York, as a reward for his military service. He offered young Phineas 100 acres if he would go to New York and develop the land and build a house. Phineas, recently married, left New Jersey early in 1796 with his wife and small daughter for New York. He is said to have married Elizabeth Miller, a niece of Michael Christian. Shortly after he arrived in New York his second child, Peter, was born. Peter is said to have been the first white child to be born in the area of the town of Tully, New York. Phineas built their first home, a crude log cabin with oiled paper for windows and blankets for doors. They had but one cow and few provisions. Phineas, it is related, made a trip back to New Jersey, and when he returned he carried with him a straw hive of bees. These were said to be the first domesticated bees to be introduced into the area. Phineas developed the land for Christian and later, when Christian sold the land, Phineas was given another lot of land to improve and build on. Joe Christian, a son of Michael, lived on Dutch Hill near the Hendersons.” Phineas sold his land in 1821 to Andrew English for $1129.62 and bought land on “the ledge,” an area nearby. He later sold this land to the Winchell family.
Phineas lived near Tully most of his life. He died testate May 18, 1824, at age 51. He was buried in the Cardiff Cemetery, where a large marker identifies his grave and that of his wife. The name and death date of his daughter Rachel H., the wife of John Segar, is on the monument along with the name of his daughter Sarah. No death date is given for Sarah. Her husband is shown as Vanranseler Woodmansey. She may not be buried there.
Phineas’s will: (9) Phineas Henderson of the town of Tully and county of Onondaga - Unto my three daughters, Rachel, Sally and Betsy, the some [sic?] of one hundred dollars each to be paid to each within four years after my decease in the following manner, each fifty dollars in two years and each fifty dollars in two years after; remainder of real and personal estate to be equally divided amongst my six sons, Peter, Edward, John, William, Harry and Perry. Executors - Sons, Peter and John Henderson. Written 3 May 1824 Witnesses: Daniel Smith, Eleaser Prindle, Danil Fellers. Proven - 24 January 1825.
Children of Phineas and Elizabeth, all born Onondaga County unless otherwise noted:
Rachel Henderson, born 1795 in New Jersey.
Peter Henderson, born March 14, 1797 in Tully.
Edward Henderson, born January 13, 1800 in Tully.
John H. Henderson, born 1802 in Tully.
Sarah Henderson, born 1805.
Betsy Henderson, born March 9, 1807 in Tully.
William Henderson, born 1808 in Tully Township.
Harry H. Henderson, born April 9, 1810 in Tully.
Perry Henderson, born 1812.
Daniel Henderson
Daniel Henderson was born circa 1781 in New Jersey. Daniel died July 30, 1847, and was buried in the family cemetery located in White Hall Township, Greene County, Illinois. He married Sarah Collins in Ohio. Sarah was born on November 24, 1782 in Pennsylvania. Daniel probably followed the same general migration route as several of his brothers. He moved from New Jersey to Virginia (West Virginia), to Pennsylvania, to Ohio where he married, and then to Greene County, Illinois in 1820, where he settled in Wrights Township. (10)
Sarah, his widow and the other heirs, sold land in Rawlings Township on Sept 16, 1847, to Sarah’s son Joseph for $180.00. (11) Signing were Sarah by her X, John Stout and wife Mary, Edward and wife Margaret of Pike County, Jacob Stout and wife Juliann, Mary “Polly” by her X and Mariah by her X and John L. Henderson, all of Greene County, Illinois except as noted. After Daniel died, Sarah lived for several years as indicated by Federal Census records: in 1850 she was listed as living north of Apple Creek in Greene County, Illinois as Sarah Henderson, age 67, born in Pennsylvania with daughters, Mary 37 (born Ohio), Mariah 35 (born Ohio), Rachel 16 (born Illinois), Melissa 14 (born Illinois). In 1860 she was listed as living in White Hall Township, Greene County as Sarah Henderson age 71, born in Pennsylvania with $1200 real property and $300 personal property. Living with her were her daughters Mary and Rachel. The 1860 Atlas of Greene County showed Sarah Henderson as owner of 60 acres. (12) Sarah died June 23, 1860 at age 77y 8m 29d. She was buried in the old Henderson family cemetery in White Hall Township. The cemetery is located on the homestead of James Henderson, Daniel’s brother. A stone marks the grave of Daniel and Sarah.
The children of Daniel and Sarah were:
David Henderson, born 1806.
Edward Henderson, born May 26, 1806 in Virginia, married Margaret _?_.
Mary “Polly” Henderson, born November 9, 1811 in Ohio, (married John Stout?). Mary Henderson died September 10, 1865, 53y 10m 1d.
Joseph Henderson, born May 26, 1813 in Ohio. Joseph’s biography: (13) “Joseph Henderson, a worthy representative of one of the old settler families of this county, is a native of Ohio, having been born there in 1813, his parents being Daniel and Sarah (Collins) Henderson. With his parents, Joseph came to Illinois, in 1820, and settled on section 7, Wrights township, where Joseph has ever since resided. He was united in marriage, in 1832, with Mary Ann Stout, a native of Ohio. Mrs. Henderson departed this life Sept. 3, 1876. Mr. Henderson was again married, Sept. 3, 1885, to Clara Davidson, a native of this county, born Feb. 20, 1867. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, while his wife affiliates with the Baptists. Joseph was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he has followed all his life. He is now the owner of 100 acres of land, which is all improved. In politics, he is a republican, but has had no ambition for political preferment. He is a kind, genial gentleman, and is much respected by all his friends and acquaintances.” His obituary: “Joseph Henderson died Oct. 28, 1897 after long illness. Born May 22, in Ohio, came to IL with parents in 1824. Married to Mary A. Stout 1841. She was taken from him by death in 1876. Funeral took place at the home Sat. conducted by Rev. B.F. Drake of W.H.. Interment in Henderson cemetery.” (14) Mary Ann Stout’s tombstone: Mary Ann Henderson, 9 Sep 1876 51y 2m 13d, Wife of Joseph Henderson.
Mariah Henderson, born December 12, 1813 in Ohio.
Julianna Henderson, born 1818, married Jacob Stout.
Amy Ann Henderson, born October 6, 1821 in Ohio.
Rachel Henderson, born circa 1824 in Illinois.
John L. Henderson, born 1825 in Illinois, married Elizabeth Oakes, Elizabeth’s tombstone: Elizabeth Henderson, 29 Mar 1888 64y 1m 24d “Death Is As Certain As The Hour Unseen.”
Melissa Henderson, born circa 1826 in Illinois.
James Henderson
James Henderson, son of Edward and Rachel (Eaton?) Henderson, was born on March 9, 1783 in Bethlehem Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey and married on January 1, 1808 in Circleville, Darby Township, Pickaway County, Ohio to Mary White, daughter of Thomas and Amy (McGee) White. (15) Mary was born on October 25, 1787 near Old Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania. James died July 25, 1849, 66y 4m 15d, in White Hall Township, Greene County, Illinois and was buried in July 1849 in Henderson Cemetery, White Hall Township. Mary died August 9, 1849, 61y 9 m 16d, in White Hall Township and was buried in August 1849 in Henderson Cemetery.
In 1804, at the age of 21, James immigrated to Virginia (West Virginia). Two years later he moved to Pickaway County, Ohio where, on January 1, 1808, near West Fall, he married Mary White, eldest daughter of Thomas and Amy W. (McGee) White. They lived in Ohio near Mary’s parents, seven miles east of Circleville, on Pigeon Creek, until 1818. Biography of James: (16) “James Henderson was the first to make a claim on land north of Apple Creek, in this county, which was in Aug., 1818. He was born in Hunterdon county, N.J., March 9, 1783. He was the youngest of 10 children. His father’s name was Edward, and of Protestant Irish descent. At the age of 21, he went to Virginia, remained there two years, and then went to Ohio, where, in 1807, he married Mary White, eldest daughter of Thomas and Amy W. White, born Oct. 25, 1787. Her father’s mother’s maiden name was Shreve, whose grandfather, Derick Arison immigrated to New Amsterdam in 1680, from Holland. The maiden name of Mrs. White was McGhee, and her parents were Scotch. The children of James and Mary Henderson were eleven, 10 of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, three daughters and seven sons. Of these - Caroline, born in Oct., 1808, married by Rev. Bogarth, Jan. 1, 1828, to Geo. W. Allen, who died in Jan., 1864, and his widow now resides in Greenfield; Hope, married by John Allen, Esq., in Oct., 1831, to Rev. Amos Prentice, who died in Shelbyville, Ill., in Aug., 1849, she dying in Nov., 1879; Nathaniel, married in Dec., 1833, by John Allen, Esq., to Martha E. Bacon, who died in May, 1850, her husband following her in July, 1863, dying in Macoupin county; Thos., who now lives in Harrison county, Ia., married in June, 1834, to Eliza Estes, by Rev. J. B. Corrington; Edwin, now of Macoupin county, married in Nov., 1839, to Eliza J. Williams, by Rev. J. B. Corrington; James, now of Harrison county, Ia., married in March, 1841, to Elizabeth Peters; Perry, married to Ellen Williams, in Jan. 1846, by Rev. H. Wallace; his wife died in March, 1858, and he was found dead in his bed, on his farm, on Rock river, Rock Island county, Ill., June 10, 1882; Amy A., married to T. J. Robinson, in Jan. 1846, by Rev. H. Wallace; they now reside in Rock Island county; Safety M., married Hezekiah J. Williams, March 5, 1854, Rev. Rutledge, officiating; Franklin, married in July, 1851, by Rev. C. P. Baldwin, to Sarah A. Metcalf; F. Henderson, now resides in Towanda, Ill.; S. M. Henderson now lives on the old homestead, where he was born, three miles southeast of White Hall. He says, “Few and evil have been the days of the years of my pilgrimage, and I have not attained unto the days of the years of my fathers.” James H. Henderson died July 25, 1849, after a long and painful illness. His wife followed him Aug. 9, of the same year, having been an invalid for nine years. There are more than 150 descendants of James and Mary Henderson now living. . . . ”
A fairly detailed history of James and Mary Henderson was published in 1897 by L. P. Allen, entitled The Genealogy and History of the Descendants of Mercy Shreve and James White: “In May1818, with his brother-in-law Levi Reeder, James Henderson decided to migrate with their families to the territory of Illinois, then the limits of western civilization, where land was rich and cheap. Their lives had always been of a rural character, so the toil and dangers attending the lives of pioneers had no terror for them. At that period, in the western country, all travel was overland in rude wagons or by water in flat (keel) boats. On 7 May 1818 James Henderson purchased, of one Isaac Keys, a one-fourth interest in a keel boat, ‘which the said Keys had built.’ James agreed ‘to pay one-fourth of the expenses, and to have one-fourth of the profits arising from hire, freight and sale (if they should sell her).’ This boat was no larger than necessity compelled, had one sail and rudely constructed cabins to shelter them from sunshine and storms. In this they embarked with their families and several prospectors to make the voyage down the Sciota and Ohio Rivers to the rich and attractive territory of Illinois, then with a population sufficient to enter statehood, but widely scattered. Levi Reeder had recently married Eliza White, the youngest child of Thomas White and a sister of Mary Henderson. The Hendersons’ children ranged in age from seven and a half to one year. The two sisters and a young girl eloping were the only women in the company, and the only children were the Hendersons’ and the eldest child of Eliza Reeder. The remainder were prospectors and a boat crew of six men. Alfred Hinton, many years a highly respected citizen of Greene County, Illinois, joined them as far as Cincinnati. They traveled by day and when the nights were moonlit, but usually tied up at night. The women did the cooking on the land for the entire company.
“In after life many incidents of the trip were related to the children by the parents. One is remembered vividly. ‘Among the crew were to bullies, who, after indulging in drink too freely, had an encounter that threatened to be fatal to one of them. Each one had his friends so no one dared to interfere, as a riot would surely have been precipitated. None but a woman was equal to the occasion. Seizing a bucket filled with water, Mary Henderson threw it upon them, complete drenching them. They did not resent the unexpected method of interference. As a woman she had their respect, while a man dared not interfere. They ceased their struggle. This incident was the occasion of James Henderson asserting some legal authority he had. He informed Mr. Keys that he was legal owner of a part of the boat by contract, and, as such, he had a right to tie the vessel up, which he would do, and his family go no further unless Keys would consent that the liquor be placed in charge of the women, to dispense among the crew only when necessary. Keys consented and no further trouble arose from that source.’ They descended the Ohio to its convergence with the Mississippi. From Cairo the boat was ‘cordelled’ up the Mississippi River, 160miles, landing 4 June 1818 at the mouth of the Wood River, a few miles east of Alton, in Illinois. . . . The Hendersons and Reeders passed the summer, fall and winter of 1818 on the Hills of Piasas, one and a half miles east of Alton. The winter was cold and the families suffered much. On December 4 a child was born to Mary Henderson, named Mary for her mother. In August of that year, in company with a few others, James Henderson made a tour of inspection of the fertile lands northward, of which they heard glowing descriptions. They selected locations and accordingly, on the advent of spring 1819, James Henderson hired a man with an ox team to take them the 45 miles to north of Apple Creek. They were the first families to locate in that section which later was to become Whitehall township. James Henderson laid the first claim north of Apple Creek and located on a stream which bore his name for many years. James and his wife were to live out their lives on this homestead and are buried in a family cemetery located on the land they settled. Madison County then extended over that territory, but subsequently was divided and the new county was named Greene. Several years later the town of White Hall was surveyed and platted, two miles distant, north. . . . James Henderson gave names to the several streams, names which they still bear. ‘Wolf Run’ was so called because he had seen a large black wolf on its bank and killed it. Another named ‘Crooked Run,’ as streams in his native state were called ‘runs.’ ‘Bear Creek’ was so named as a very large bear was seen in its vicinity. A stream near his own home was called ‘Henderson Creek’ for himself; later it became known as Seminary Creek. . . . The autumn of 1819 saw the death of the infant daughter, Mary, age 9 months. This was the first death in the settlement. . . .”
Children of James and Mary:
Caroline Henderson, b. October 13, 1808.
Hope Henderson, b. February 22, 1810.
Nathaniel Henderson, b. December 25, 1811.
Thomas Henderson, b. April 15, 1813.
Edwin Lee Henderson, b. June 15, 1815.
James White Henderson, b. February 10, 1817.
Mary Henderson, b. December 4, 1818.
Perry Henderson, b. December 6, 1820.
Amy Ann Henderson, b. October 29, 1822.
Safety McGhee Henderson, b. June 10, 1826.
Franklin Henderson, born September 15, 1828, married Sarah A. Metcalf on August 11, 1851. Their first child died young: Willie Morton Henderson, 10 Dec 1854 2y 2m 14d, Son of F. & S.A. Henderson.
Endnotes
1 Descendants of Phineas Henderson, sites.rootsweb.com/~nyononda/FAMILY/HENDERSO/phineas.htm. Frank Henderson & John M. Henderson.
2 Edward’s birth date from a cousin of John Henderson.
3 Online family tree of Frank Henderson. He collaborated with John Marvin Henderson.
4 Dillman-Kelley-Burgett Families of Tippecanoe, IN, Updated: Apr 13, 2002.
5 Thomas A. Clifton, Editor, Past and Present of Fountain and Warren Counties Indiana.
6 Plat Book of Morgan County, Illinois 1894. sites.rootsweb.com/~ilmorgan/1894/henderson.htm.
7 Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois & History Of Morgan County, Munsell Publishing Company, Publishers, 1906. sites.rootsweb.com/~ilmorgan/1906/hendersonj.htm.
8 Ancestry/Rootsweb online Family Tree, Don Burt, 2003.
9 Book D, Page 105 Onondaga Co, New York Wills, p. 6, Vol II 1824-1830. Source: Henderson Family Tree: To The Best of My Knowledge, written1958 by Fay W. Reed Sr, a grandson of Col William Henderson.
10 Daniel settled in Wrights Township, Section 7, Range 11NW. Records of Public Land Sales to Patentees indicate that on September 23, 1831, Daniel purchased 80 acres in W1/2 NE Section 18, Township 11N, Range 13W of 3rd PM at $1.25 per acre for $100.00. On April 28, 1834, Daniel bought 371/2 acres N2 of E2 of NW1/4 in Section 1, Township 11N, Range 11W of the 3rd PM from John J. Lakind for $46.85 ½.
11 Sarah, his widow and the other heirs, sold SEW 1/4 of SE 1/4 Section 7, Township 11N, Range 11W, Rawlings Township on Sept 16, 1847.
12 1860 Atlas of Greene County, Illinois showed Sarah Henderson as owner of 60 acres in Section 18, Township 11N, Range 13W.
13 History Of Greene & Jersey Counties, Illinois – 1885, Springfield, Ill.: Continental Historical Co., p. 946.
14 Nov 5, 1897, White Hall Register.
15 The Genealogical History of the Shreve Family from 1641, by L. P. Allen Private Printing, Greenfield, IL 1901 gives a rather complete history of her ancestry.
16 History Of Greene & Jersey Counties, Illinois – 1885, Springfield, Ill.: Continental Historical Co., p. 1074.