John Henderson (Mississippi politician)

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For other people with the same name, see John Henderson.
John Henderson
John Henderson (Mississippi politician)

In office
March 4, 1839March 3, 1845
Preceded by Thomas H. Williams
Succeeded by Jesse Speight

Born February 28, 1797
Cumberland County, New Jersey, USA
Died September 15, 1857
Pass Christian, Mississippi, USA
Political party Whig
Profession Politician, Lawyer, Flatboatman

John Henderson (February 28, 1797September 15, 1857) was a lawyer and U.S. Senator from Mississippi.

Born in Cumberland County, New Jersey, Henderson worked as a flatboatman on the Mississippi River and studied law. He moved to Mississippi and was admitted to the bar, commencing practice in Woodville, Mississippi. He served as a brigadier general in the Mississippi Militia and was a member of the Mississippi Senate from 1835 to 1836. In 1838, Henderson was elected a Whig to the United States Senate, serving one full term, 1839 to 1845. There, he served as chairman of the Committee on Engrossed Bills in the 26th Congress, of the Post Office and Post Roads in the 27th Congress and of the Committee on Private Land Claims in the 27th Congress and 28th Congresses. Afterwards, Henderson resumed practicing law in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1851, he was tried in the United States District Court in New Orleans for violation of the neutrality laws of 1818 for complicity in expeditions against Cuba, however was acquitted. He retired from public life and died in Pass Christian, Mississippi on September 15, 1857. He was interned in Live Oak Cemetery in Pass Christian.

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Preceded by
Thomas H. Williams
United States Senator (Class 1) from Mississippi
March 4, 1839March 3, 1845
Served alongside: Robert J. Walker
Succeeded by
Jesse Speight