Jeremiah Augustus Henderson facts for kids

Jeremiah Augustus Henderson, often called "Gus," was a smart businessman and a captain in the Confederate army. He came from a place in Alabama called Gainers Store (which is now Henderson, Alabama). Gus Henderson had two famous sons: Charles Henderson, who later became the governor of Alabama, and Fox Henderson, who was also a very successful businessman.

Gus Henderson's Early Life

Jeremiah Augustus Henderson was born on June 12, 1832. His hometown was Gainers Store, Alabama. Today, this town is known as Henderson, Alabama.

When Gus was a kid and a teenager, he worked in his parents' store. His parents, Eli and Mary Darby Henderson, taught him a lot about business. This early start helped him become a great leader. As he grew up, Gus became known for his smart business ideas. He also became known for his strong leadership skills.

The Civil War and His Role

Before the American Civil War started, there was a lot of tension in the United States. States in the South were thinking about leaving the country. Gus Henderson was chosen to represent Pike County at a special meeting in Alabama. This meeting was to decide if Alabama should leave the Union.

Gus Henderson was part of the Whig party. He personally did not want Alabama to leave the Union. However, he listened to the people he represented. So, he voted for Alabama to secede, or leave, the Union.

Alabama officially left the Union on January 11, 1861. A few months later, the Civil War began. This happened after Confederate soldiers attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina. Gus Henderson was not sure what the future would hold. He sold all of his businesses. He used the money to buy land. Then, he joined the Confederate Army. He became a captain in the 57th Alabama Infantry Unit. He stayed in the army for the entire war.

Returning Home After the War

After the Civil War ended, Gus Henderson went back to Gainers Store. He started farming on some of the land he owned. He also opened a new store. He used $550 from his father to start this business.

His store grew very quickly. It became hard for him to get and send goods using wagons. In 1869, Gus moved his store to Troy, Alabama. Troy was closer to the Mobile and Girard Railroad. This made it much easier to transport goods.

Gus Henderson soon became one of the richest businessmen in southeastern Alabama. His trade reached beyond Troy. He did business in other parts of Alabama and even in Florida.

Gus Henderson's Family

When Gus Henderson was 21 years old, he married Mildred Elizabeth ("Millie") Hill. They had seven children together. Two of their sons became very well-known. One was Charles Henderson, who became the governor of Alabama. The other was Fox Henderson, who became a major business leader in Troy.

Jeremiah "Gus" Henderson died suddenly on April 6, 1877. He was 46 years old. He is buried with his wife, Mildred, in Oakwood Cemetery in Troy, Alabama. Some of his direct family members living today include Jeremiah Augustus ("Jere") Henderson II and Jeremiah Augustus ("Jeremy") Henderson III.