Robert Johnson Henderson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Johnson Henderson
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| Born | November 12, 1822 Newton County, Georgia, US |
| Died | February 3, 1891 (aged 68) Atlanta, Georgia, US |
| Buried |
Henderson (Southview) Cemetery, Covington, Georgia
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| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel, CSAAppointed to duty as: Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 42nd Georgia Infantry Cumming's Brigade (acting) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | planter |
Robert Johnson Henderson (born November 12, 1822 – died February 3, 1891) was an important officer in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He held the rank of colonel. After a brave action in battle, he was given the role of a brigadier general. However, this promotion was never made official.
General Joseph E. Johnston saw Colonel Henderson lead a very daring charge at the Battle of Bentonville in North Carolina in March 1865. Because of this bravery, General Johnston gave Henderson the job of brigadier general. Even though he acted as a general, the official paperwork for his promotion was never completed.
Robert Henderson's Early Life
Robert Johnson Henderson was born in Newton County, Georgia, on November 12, 1822. His parents were Isaac and Ruth Shepherd (Johnson) Henderson. His father, Isaac Henderson, was a successful farmer and a member of the state government.
Robert Henderson went to Franklin College, which is now the University of Georgia. He graduated in 1843. After college, he became a lawyer and a judge. He also owned a mill and large farms. He was a major in the Georgia militia, which was like a local army. In 1859 and 1860, he served in the Georgia state government. At the start of the Civil War, he was a wealthy farmer in Covington.
Robert J. Henderson was married to Laura (Wood) Henderson. They had three sons: John F. Henderson, Charles Z. Henderson, and William H. Henderson. They also had two daughters, Mary Ruth Hill and Claudia L. Hill.
Robert Henderson's Civil War Service
Robert Johnson Henderson did not join the Confederate Army right away when the Civil War began. In early 1862, he helped create the 42nd Georgia Infantry Regiment. He was chosen to be its colonel on March 20, 1862. His regiment soon fought in the Battle of the Cumberland Gap in June 1862. In this battle, Union forces took control of the gap for a short time.
Henderson led his regiment in the Battle of Champion's Hill and during the Siege of Vicksburg. He was captured when Vicksburg surrendered on July 4, 1863. After being captured, he was paroled, which meant he promised not to fight again until he was officially exchanged for a Union soldier. He was later exchanged and returned to duty.
Henderson was hurt at the Battle of Resaca during the Atlanta campaign. He recovered and returned to lead his regiment during the Carolinas Campaign. General Joseph E. Johnston saw Henderson lead a very brave charge at the Battle of Bentonville, North Carolina, from March 19–21, 1865. This charge helped save a part of the Confederate army that was about to collapse.
General Johnston then gave Henderson the job of brigadier general. However, Johnston did not have the power to officially promote officers to general. The Confederate government was in chaos, and the Senate had already met for the last time. This meant Henderson could not get an official promotion or commission. Even so, Henderson led the brigade as a general until Johnston's army surrendered in April 1865.
Henderson was known for his courage, strict rules, and how well he managed his soldiers in battle. When he signed his release papers in 1865, he listed his rank as brigadier general. Later, when he asked for a pardon, he said he had been recommended for the promotion but never officially received it.
After the War
After the war ended, Henderson found that his property was damaged. But he was able to rebuild his mill and his farming business.
Robert Johnson Henderson passed away on February 3, 1891. He died at his daughter's home in Atlanta, Georgia. He is buried in a family cemetery in Covington, Georgia.
