Business and Political Leadership
After his return to Troy, Henderson quickly gained a reputation as a businessman and a community leader. In addition to helping with the family business, Henderson founded Troy’s first wholesale grocery company, helped form the Alabama Midland Railroad Company, and owned a cotton-buying firm.
In 1886, Henderson made his first successful run for mayor at age 26, defeating James Folmar. During his terms as mayor, Henderson continued his involvement in Troy’s business and community development:
• In 1887, Henderson helped establish Troy State Normal School (now Troy University) to train teachers for Alabama public schools. While serving on the Normal School’s board of directors, Henderson met his wife, Laura Montgomery Henderson, when she was hired to teach at the school.
• In 1891, Henderson brought electricity to Troy. Henderson helped the city form an electric company, the Troy Utility Department, to produce and sell its own power. Laura Montgomery Henderson threw the switch at 8:10 pm on May 7, 1891.
• In 1904, Henderson brought the telephone to Troy and southern Alabama with the formation of the Standard Telephone and Telegraph Company.
• In 1906, with his brother Clem Henderson, Charles organized the Troy Bank and Trust Company; both men also served on the Board of Directors of Farmers and Merchants National Bank of Troy.
In addition, Henderson served on the Board of Directors for the Standard Chemical and Oil Company, the Alabama Warehouse Company, and the Troy Compress Company. During this time, Henderson also served as Inspector General for Governor William Samford and aide-de-camp for Governor William Jelks.
Henderson resigned as mayor in 1906, after being appointed president of the Alabama Railroad Commission. He held this position until 1912.
Read more about this topic: Charles Henderson (Alabama Politician)
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