Henderson moves from Virginia to Missouri as a youth, studies law on his own and passes the bar before entering state politics. While a slave owner, he is also a moderate Democrat and a strong supporter of the Union. He becomes Brigadier of the Missouri State Militia when the war begins and serves until entering the U.S. Senate in 1862 after his predecessor, Trusten Polk, refuses to sign an oath pledging loyalty to the government. Despite its strong pro-slavery history, Missouri never secedes, and on January 13, 1864, Henderson introduces a resolution to abolish slavery, which becomes the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. His vote against impeaching Andrew Johnson costs him his senate seat, but he becomes fabulously wealthy by cashing in war bonds, and moving to DC after wedding Mary Foote in 1868.
John B. Henderson
