Jefferson
Franklin Henderson
J. F. Henderson,
the subject of the following sketch, is a citizen of Orange Township, Rush
County, Ind., and was born in that township, February 2, 1841, and is the son
of George and Eliza (Spurgeon) Henderson. The father was born
in Ohio, in 1811, and was the son of Joseph Henderson, was was of
Irish and Dutch lineage. Joseph was a farmer by occupation and removed
from Ohio to Indiana and became an early settler of Rush County, in which county
he lived for many years. His life was identified with the pioneer settlers
of this county. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was a well
respected citizen. George, the father of our subject, was a farmer by
occupation. He was reared on a farm, and he followed his occupation with
zeal, and was an industrious and well respected citizen. He was married
early in life, and when he began the battle of life, had no capital other than
willing hands, but by his honesty and industry, together with frugality, he made
an average success in life, and was surrounded at death with many friends, and
with prosperity. His death occurred in the fall of 1875. He was a
member of the Protestant Methodist Church, and was universally respected by all
who knew him. The mother of our subject was born in Kentucky, in 1807, and
now resides in Rush County. She is the mother of three sons and four
daughters, who are now living: Joseph S., John,
Nancy, Jefferson Franklin, Matilda, Melvina and
Mary. Our subject was reared on a farm, and educated in the country
schools, and has followed farming as an occupation, and had no capital to begin
the occupation, and many have been the obstacles that have appeared before him,
but by industry and hard toil he has made a success of life. He is a
self-made man, and a representative citizen. He has established an
unquestioned character and in the spring of 1886, he was elected as the
Democratic candidate, for Township Trustee, for Orange Township. He has
always been an advocate of free education, and has manifested an interest in
schools, to churches he has been avid, and is a member of the Christian Union
Church, and is a progressive citizen. In 1864, November 11, he
married Sarah A. McDuffee, daughter of Robert
McDuffee, of Shelby County, Ind.
History of Rush County, Indiana, Brant & Fuller, 1888, "Orange
Township", page 481.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
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