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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.

James P. Henderson was born in Lincolnton, North Carolina, on March 31, 1808. He was the son of Lawson and Elizabeth (Carruth) Henderson. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1829. In 1835 he removed to Canton, Mississippi. Due to his growing interest in the Texas Revolution, Henderson began enlistments for service in Texas. He arrived in Texas in June of 1836 (after independence had been won) and was commissioned as a brigadier general by David G. Burnet. He was sent back to the United States to recruit for the Republic of Texas army. He organized a company in his native North Carolina and sent it to Texas at his own expense.

After he returned to Texas, Henderson served as attorney general under Sam Houston, and became secretary of state after Stephen F. Austin's death in December of 1836. In 1837 he was appointed as a minister from the Republic of Texas to England and France. James P. Henderson married Frances Cox of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (whom he met in France) in October of 1839. Upon his return from overseas, Henderson set up a private law practice in San Augustine. In November of 1845, he was elected governor of the new state of Texas, and took office in February 1846. While still serving as governor he was granted persmission from the state legislature to personally assume command of a division of Texas Rangers being sent to fight in the Mexican-American War. Appointed Major General of Texas Volunteers he assumed command of the so called Texas Division which was composed of two regiments led by colonels John C. Hays and future governor George T. Wood. He served under Zachary Taylor in northern Mexico and fought at the Battle of Monterrey. After the battle the division was disbanded and most of the Texans returned home. Henderson did not run for a second term as governor but later served in the United States Senate from November 9, 1857 until his death on June 4, 1858. He was buried in the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D. C., but in 1930 was re-intered in the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas.

Henderson County, which was established in 1846, and the city of Henderson in Rusk County are named in his honor.

Governors of Texas

J.P. Henderson • Wood • Bell • J.W. Henderson • Pease • Runnels • Houston • Clark • Lubbock • Murrah • Stockdale • Hamilton • Throckmorton • Pease • Davis • Coke • Hubbard • Roberts • Ireland • Ross • Hogg • Culberson • Sayers • Lanham • Campbell • Colquitt • J. Ferguson • Hobby • Neff • M. Ferguson • Moody • Sterling • M. Ferguson • Allred • O'Daniel • Stevenson • Jester • Shivers • Daniel • Connally • Smith • Briscoe • Clements • White • Clements • Richards • Bush • Perry

• Congressional Biographical Directory
• Handbook of Texas Online