Travis Clack Henderson

Duane's take

Here's my telling of what the official marker says about Travis Clack Henderson, out of Lamar County, Texas. Now settle in, because this is a life that covered some ground. Travis Clack Henderson came into this world on June 24, 1836, in Alabama, the son of John Henry and Minerva Bernard Henderson, one of eight children in that household.

Eight children. You can imagine there wasn't much room for a man to stretch out and make his mark at home, and sure enough, in 1856, Travis pointed himself toward Texas, landing in Paris, where he set about establishing himself as a farmer. He joined the local militia in 1860, which, given what was coming around the bend, turned out to be a relevant decision.

When the Civil War arrived, Henderson served with the 32nd Dismounted Texas Cavalry, rising to Captain and staff officer. Then came 1864, and with it, capture. He became a prisoner of war.

That is a hard thing to carry, however long you carry it. He was released in 1865, and rather than let that be the last chapter, he came back. Back to Lamar County, back to the life he'd been building.

In 1866, he wed Martha Susan Thomas, known to those close to her as Mattie, and together they raised seven children. Mattie passed in 1885. But the Henderson name kept showing up where things were happening in Lamar County, especially in education and in government.

Travis served the area for twelve years in the Texas House of Representatives and then two more as a State Senator. Eight children to start, seven children of his own, twelve years in the House, two in the Senate. Some men make their mark in a single moment.

Travis Clack Henderson just kept making his.

What the marker says

One of eight children, Travis Clack Henderson was born in Alabama on June 24, 1836 to John Henry and Minerva Bernard Henderson. In 1856, he moved to Paris, Texas, and established himself as a farmer. He joined the local militia in 1860. During the Civil War, he served with the 32nd Dismounted Texas Cavalry as Captain and staff officer, and became a prisoner of war in 1864. Released in 1865, he returned to Lamar County and wed Martha "Mattie" Susan Thomas (d. 1885) in 1866. The couple had seven children and were active in the community, especially in educational and governmental efforts. He represented the area for 12 years in the Texas House of Representatives and for two years as a State Senator. (2004)