Paris, Lamar County
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)