HENDERSON, Charles W. 1824-1910

HENDERSON, WHITTAKER, BRIGGS, AUSTIN

Posted By: Marilyn O'Connor (email)
Date: 1/13/2006 at 13:32:48

Osage News Feb. 3, 1910

Henderson

George W. Henderson was born in Sturracca, Wayne county, Pa., Aug. 21, 1824, and passed away at his home in Osage, Iowa, January 26, 1910, in the 86th year of his life.

His childhood and youth were spent in the place of his birth, but in young manhood, he went to Deposit, N.Y., where on the banks of the Delaware, his grandfather, Jesse R. Whittaker, was the earliest settler and possessed a large tract of land. Here Mr. Henderson continued to reside until 1858, when realizing the large opportunities offered by the developing western country, he came to Iowa and settled in Osage.

Being a good carpenter, he worked at his trade for about 15 years (except when away in the army) and many are the buildings in and around Osage which he either constructed or helped to build. In 1873, he moved to a farm north east of town where he remained for about 25 years, when he returned to Osage. Here he has made his home ever since with the exception of a year spent with his son, in California, in 1898 and 1899, and again last winter.

In 1862, with Lincoln's call for troops he enlisted in the 9th Minnesota, regiment, Co.C., and went to the front, leaving his wife and three little children. He was first sent under Gen Sibley to settle an Indian uprising at New Ulm Minnesota. Later he was sent with the troops to the southland and although engaged in a number of hard fought battles he escaped without being wounded. He was honorably mustered out of the service at the close of the war in 1865.

On July 12, 1848, he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Briggs,at her home in Deposit, N.Y. For more than sixty years Mr. and Mrs. Henderson have been sharing the other's burdens and joys, loved and respected by friends and neighbors.

Three children were born into their home, two sons, Charles W., of Little Cedar and Frank P. of New Castle, California, and one daughter, Mrs. Martha J. Austin, who with her parents lived together and who with her mother has been with her father, throught his sickness. His son, Charles has also been much at his bedside, while Frank who came for his parents last and winter and returned with them in April was ready to come if it had been needful or wise.
There are also 7 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren, all of whom he was exceedingly fond.

It is a remarkable fact that in all of their family this is the first death.

Mr. Henderson had been in failing health for some months but had kept around until about 7 weeks ago since which time he has been almost constantly confined to his bed.

He was a quiet unassuming man, fond of his home, no loafer, no troubler, but devoted to his family, genial, openhearted and hospitable. For more than 40 years he had been a member of the local Masonic order of which attended the funeral in a body and conducted at the house the services of the orderd usually held at the grave.

The funeral service was held at the home Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. D. I. Coon who came back from Washington for the occasion, and the body was placed in the Osage cemetery.