HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.



     RICHARD HENDERSON, for whom Henderson County, and
the City of Henderson are named, was born in Hanover County, Vir-
ginia, April 20th, 1735. His father was Colonel Samuel Henderson,
of Scotch, and his mother, Elizabeth Williams, of Welsh descent. The
family emigrated in 1756 to the presest home of the descendantsGran.
ville County, North Carolina. His parents were poor, and hence his
education neglected. It is said, but the authority for it is not given,
that he grew to maturity before he had learned to read and write.
Certainly, after he was of age, he improved his opportunities with won-
derful energy. The first position that opened up to him a new view of
life, was that of constable; followed soon after by that of under-sheriff
to his father, who had been made sheriff. These duties educated him
largely in that practical knowledge of men and things for which he
became distinguished in after life. He read law for twelve months
with his cousin, Judge John Williams. He then applied for license to
Charles Berry, Chief Justice of the Colony, whose duty it was to ex-
amine applicants, and on whose certificate the Governor issued a
license to practice. " He was asked how long he had read and what
books When the limited time was stated, and the number and names
of books he had read, the Judge remarked that it was useless togo into
any examination, as no living man could have read and digested those
works in so short a time. With great promptness and firmness, Hen-
derson replied that it was his privilege to apply for a license, and the
Judge's duty to examine him, and if he was not qualified, to reject
him; if qualified, to grant the certificate. The Judge, struck with his
sensible and spirited reply, proceeded to a most scorching examina-
tion. So well did the young man sustain himself, that the certificate
was granted, with encomiums upon his industry, acquirements and
talents."
    Such energy and spirit knew no rest. He soon rose to the high-
est ranks of his profession, and honors and wealth followed. Under
the law of 1767, providing for a Chief Justice and two associates for
the province, Governor Tryon, about 1768, appointed Mr. Henderson
one of the associate justices. While holding the Superior Court at
Hillsboro, OTange County, Monday September 24th, 1770, the " Regu-
lators " (those who first resisted the aggressions and extortions of the
crown officers) "assembled in the court yard, insulted some of the
gentlemen of the bar, and in a riotous manner went into the Court
House and forcibly carried out some of the attorneys, and, in a cruel
manner, beat them." Judge Henderson, finding it impossible to hold
court, left Hillsboro in the night. At the battle of Alamance, near



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