Robert Henderson, 1840-1906

HENDERSON, NORTON, GETTS, RICHARDSON, LAMSON

Posted By: IAGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 6/30/2013 at 18:33:06

Death of Robert Henderson

Robert Henderson was born May 16 1840, in Delaware County, New York, and died at his home in Delta, Colorado, December 24, 1906, aged 66 years, seven month and 8 days. He was the eldest of a family of twelve children. One brother and six sisters still survive him. In his early childhood his parents moved to Ohio and from there in 1857 to Alogna, Iowa. They were among the first settlers of that part of the state. They knew of the trials of early pioneers and helped to redeem that part of the wilderness and make a glorious future for it. Then there were only slow-going teams to transport any goods or mail for them. When the first mail route was established there, James Henderson, Robert's father, had some of the first contracts for carrying the mail in that section. Robert, then a young man, carried the mail the first time across from Algona to Spriit Lake. At a later period he carried from Algona to Blue Earth, Minnesota. At that time there were very few houses on the praries. In winter they had to mark their route across by willows stuck in the snow at short distance so they would not lose their way in the sever storms.

He entered as volunteer on November 18, 1867, as a private in Company I, Seventh Regiment, Iowa Cavalry. He served three years and was in a number of sever engagements. He was honorably discharged at Sioux City, Iowa on November 23 1864, as a lieutenant, at the expiration of his term of service.

On December 26, 1864 he was married to Nancy Norton. From this unison there were born six children. One died in infancy and the rest, Mrs. Cora Getts, Mrs. H. A. Richardson, Mrs. W. E. Lamson and Edna E. residents of Delta, and William Henderson of Algona, and also his wife still are living. He spent most of his life except while in the army, at and near Algona, until four years ago when he went to Delta to make his home.

He was a quiet, unassuming man, of sterling character and higley esteemed by all who knew him.

Printed obituary, source unknown. Lot 89, Plat 2, Space 4, owner Nancy M. Henderson