John Henderson

John Henderson was a prominent American attorney and politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Missouri from 1862 to 1869. A member of the Republican Party, Henderson is particularly noted for his role in co-authoring the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which abolished slavery in the United States. His political career spanned a transformative period in American history, marked by the Civil War and the subsequent Reconstruction era. After leaving the Senate, Henderson continued to engage in public service, notably as the first special prosecutor in U.S. history, investigating the Whiskey Ring.

Early life and career

John Henderson was born on November 16, 1826, near Danville, Virginia. His family relocated to Lincoln County, Missouri, where he spent his formative years. Henderson's early education was largely self-directed; he worked as a farmhand while also teaching school. His dedication to education and self-improvement led him to pursue a legal career, and he was admitted to the bar in 1844, beginning his practice as an attorney.

Henderson's political career began in the Missouri House of Representatives, where he served two non-consecutive terms from 1848 to 1850 and again from 1856 to 1858. His involvement in politics was initially aligned with the Democratic Party, reflecting the political landscape of Missouri at the time. In 1861, during the Civil War, he was commissioned as a brigadier general in the Missouri State Militia, where he commanded federal forces in northeast Missouri. His military service during this tumultuous period further solidified his political standing.

Senate tenure

On January 17, 1862, John Henderson was appointed to the U.S. Senate as a Unionist, filling the vacancy left by the expulsion of Trusten Polk. His appointment came at a critical time when the nation was deeply divided over issues related to the Civil War and slavery. Henderson won a special election in January 1863 to complete Polk's term and was subsequently re-elected later that same year, serving until March 3, 1869.

Throughout his Senate tenure, Henderson experienced shifts in party affiliation as the political landscape in Missouri underwent significant changes. Initially a conservative unionist, he was nominated by the Emancipation Party during the January 1863 special election, representing a moderate faction that supported gradual emancipation. His political alliances evolved, and he later formed a coalition with more radical elements within the Missouri General Assembly, ultimately being re-elected as a Radical Unionist in November 1863.

One of Henderson's most significant contributions during his time in the Senate was his involvement in the drafting and promotion of the Thirteenth Amendment, which sought to permanently abolish slavery in the United States. Henderson co-authored and co-sponsored the amendment, which was initially proposed on January 11, 1864. The amendment was a culmination of collaborative efforts among various congressional leaders and was approved by Congress on January 31, 1865. It was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln the following day, marking a pivotal moment in American history.

Henderson's Senate career was not without controversy. During the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson, he broke ranks with his party, voting for acquittal alongside several other Republican senators. This decision was influenced by concerns regarding the fairness of the proceedings and the manner in which evidence was presented. Following the trial, allegations emerged suggesting that some senators had been bribed to vote for acquittal, leading to further investigations.

Henderson chose not to seek re-election in 1868, concluding his Senate career on March 3, 1869. His departure marked the end of a significant chapter in his political life, but it did not signify the end of his public service.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the Senate, John Henderson was actively involved in various legislative matters and served on several committees. He was the chairman of the Committee to Audit and Control the Contingent Expense during the Thirty-ninth Congress. Additionally, he was a member of the Committee on Indian Affairs during both the Thirty-ninth and Fortieth Congresses, reflecting his engagement with issues affecting Native American tribes and federal policies regarding Indian affairs.

Henderson's legislative focus was shaped by the pressing issues of his time, particularly those related to the Civil War and its aftermath. His role in co-authoring the Thirteenth Amendment underscored his commitment to civil rights and the abolition of slavery, a stance that was particularly notable given his representation of a slave state. His political maneuvers and alliances during this period illustrated the complexities of navigating a rapidly changing political environment.

After leaving the Senate, Henderson continued to be involved in public affairs. He was an unsuccessful candidate for the governorship of Missouri and later sought re-election to the Senate but did not succeed. In 1875, he was appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant as the first special United States attorney tasked with investigating the Whiskey Ring, a political scandal involving tax fraud and corruption. However, his investigation was cut short when he was dismissed by Grant, who objected to Henderson's inquiries into the president's personal secretary.

In the later years of his life, Henderson returned to Washington, D.C., where he lived until his death on April 12, 1913. He and his wife, Mary Foote Henderson, resided in Henderson Castle, a notable residence. His contributions to American politics, particularly his role in the abolition of slavery, remain significant in the historical narrative of the United States. Henderson was interred at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York, marking the final resting place of a figure who played a crucial role in shaping the nation's legal and political landscape during a pivotal era.