Person:Robert Henderson (5)

First the family settled in Iowa and did some farming. Came to Chicago about 1893. There is an obituary for him in family papers, apparently taken from a paper called the George Square Chronicle. It says that Robert was a native and graduate of Edinburgh. He taught English at George Watson's Ladies College, Oliphant's in Charlotte Square, and a school connected with Trades' Maiden Hospital. Around 1880 the school closed, probably further inclining Robert to emigrate. In Chicago, he worked for a publishing firm reading manuscripts.

In Edinburgh 1851 census, age 16, occupation "assistant teacher." House 17, Street 123.

In 1877 Edinburgh death register (for his wife), he is identified as "Teacher Trades Maiden Hospital"

Stories told by his grandson Ronald:

When the family moved to rural Iowa, local merchants offered him credit, which he declined on principle.

Going through a low doorway, he banged his head and said, "Damn everything!" Then, realizing that he really wasn't hurt: "No, don't damn anything."

Re: The Circassia efinch@paston.co.uk (E.Finch.) on 09/24/98

The "Circassia" of 1883 was built by Barrow Shipbuilding Co, Barrow in 1878 for the Anchor Line. She was a 4,272gross ton ship, length 399.7ft x beam 42 ft, one funnel, three masts (rigged for sail), iron construction, single screw and a speed of 13 knots. There was passenger accommodation for 200-1st, 100-2nd and 800-3rd class. She was the first North Atlantic liner to have refrigerated space for meat and could carry 400 tons. Launched on 19th Mar.1878, she sailed from Glasgow on her maiden voyage to Moville (N.Ireland) and New York on 1st Jun.1878. She started her last voyage on 12th Aug.1897 when she left Glasgow for Moville, New York and Glasgow and was then laid up. In 1900 she was scrapped in Germany. [North Atlantic Seaway by N.R.P.Bonsor, vol.1,p.461] [Merchant Fleets by Duncan Haws, vol.9, Anchor Line]

Occupation as given in Chicago City Directories: 1894 clerk 1895 proofreader 1896 clerk 1897 clerk

Residence as given in Chicago City Directories: 1894 Englewood Heights, Cook Co., IL 1895-7 8622 S. Hermitage, Chicago, Cook Co., IL

Obituary, probably from the newsletter or newspaper of the school where he taught. Written in margin, probably in son Tom's handwriting: "For Bess Nov 24 1916."

Mr. Robert Henderson.

There died in Chicago on April 26th, 1910 [corrected to 1916], after a few months of feeble, health, but in his 82nd year, a former teacher on the staff of George Watson's Ladies' College, who although he has long been severed from its work and interests, yet merits a notice in the George Square Chronicle.

Mr Robert Henderson was a native and a graduate of Edinburgh. He had established a private school in Glengyle Terrace, and was English Master in Oliphant's, Charlotte Square, but on the opening of George Watson's Ladies' College in 1871 transferred his services to that Institution as Head English Master. He and Mr Thomson had been school-fellows; later they were fellow students, and it was in the nature of things that their connection should merge into that of colleagues.He continued in George Watson's Ladies' College till 1877, when he became Headmaster of the School connected with the Trades' Maiden Hospital, then situated at the head of Rillbank Terrace. About 1880 the Governors of that Institution decided to discontinue their school, and to have their pupil beneficiaries educated at George Square. Thus released from his employment, Mr Henderson departed for America, where he found scope for his abilities in various capacities, with many different experiences. About twenty years ago, however, he became connected with the publishing firm of A.C. M'Lowy [corrected to McClurg] & Co. of Chicago, as a reader of MSS., for which he was eminently qualified, and resided in that city to the end of his days.

Mr Henderson was a man of much capacity and earnestness, and as a teacher was eminently successful. He was highly esteemed by those who came under his care, and there must be many yet of the former George Square pupils who remember him, and who will learn of his death with sincere regret.

He only once revisited Scotland and Edinburgh, in 1900, when he was careful to seek out and to visit former pupils who had kept in touch with him in various ways. He was also present at one of the Reunions of the Former Pupils' Club, where old colleagues and pupils were rejoiced to see him, and to learn of his American doings. The Reunion he greatly enjoyed, contributing no small share to its attractiveness by his racy conversation, pleasantly enlivened by genuine good humour, and the touch of kindliness which is so large a part of what we call charm. That Reunion was made memorable by his presence. He was impressed by the speech and bearing of the President of the year, and complimented her by saying that he wished she had been his pupil. And the President replied that she would have been fortunate if she had been his pupil.

He bade us good-bye at the close, doubtless feeling, as some one has said, that every man is a debtor to his profession, in the friends it brings, in the young lives that may be led to noble attainment and at the same time to gentleness, sympathy, and moral worth.

Robert Henderson's honourable and useful place in the world knows him no more, but to all who knew him his memory remains a fragrance.

1. ↑ Robin Henderson. Robin Henderson email, Recipient: Harold Henderson, Author E-mail: robin.kate@verizon.net
   27 July 2001, citing Scottish Origins website Old Parish Register transcripts.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6} Illinois Certificate of Death for Robert Henderson, Record Type: Certificate of Death, Name Of Person: Robert Henderson, Number: 12934. (28 April 1916).
3. ↑ Thomas Henderson. Tom Henderson letters, Recipient: Aleck Henderson, Eleanor Henderson, Author Address: WA. (1950s)
   4 March 1956 to Aleck.
4. ↑ 1851 Scottish Census Index, Record Type: Scotland Census 1851 Index, Household: Edinburgh. (1851)
   236.
5. ↑ Robin Henderson. Robin Henderson email, Recipient: Harold Henderson, Author E-mail: robin.kate@verizon.net
   22 Jan 2000, Robert and Elizabeth's 1866 marriage record.
6. ↑ Births St. George Edinburgh, Number: via scotlandspeople.gov.uk
   page 379, #1135, Mary Henderson 1867; 685/01/1135.
7. ↑ Deaths, St. George District, Edinburgh, Volume: from 685/01, scotlandspeople.gov.uk
   page 141, #422, Margaret Henderson 1 April 1869; 685/01/0422.
8. ↑ The Scotsman. (http://archive.scotsman.com)
   advertisement "Mr. Henderson's School," 27 Sep 1869, page 4.

   MR. HENDERSON'S SCHOOL, 11 GLENGYLE TERRACE, BRUNTSFIELD LINKS (Near the Barclay Church.) Head-Master -- Mr. ROBERT HENDERSON, for the last twelve years one of the English Masters in Mr Oliphant's School, Charlotte Square. Lady Superintendent -- MISS THOMSON. EMINENT MASTERS are engaged for ENGLISH, FRENCH, MUSIC, DRAWING, WRITING, &c. The ELEMENTARY CLASSES, for Pupils of both Sexes, were OPENED on the 21st of SEPTEMBER. The PRIVATE ADVANCED CLASSES for YOUNG LADIES will COMMENCE on the 1st of OCTOBER. Prospectuses may be obtained from the Janitor.

9. ↑ Births St. George Edinburgh, Number: via scotlandspeople.gov.uk
   page 348, #1044, James R. Henderson 1871;.
10. ↑ Births in the District of Newington in the City of Edinburgh, Record Type: Births, Number: via www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk
    page 450, #1349, Thomas Davidson Henderson, 19 Nov 1872; 685/05/1349.
11. ↑ Extract Entry of Birth, under the 37th Sect. of 17 and 18 Vict. Cap. 80, Record Type: Birth Registration Extract, Subject: Alexander Henderson, Number: 390. (15 April 1874).
12. ↑ Births in the District of Newington in the City of Edinburgh, Record Type: Births, Number: via www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk
    page 472, #1415, Elizabeth Davidson Henderson, 24 Nov 1875; 685/05/1415.
13. ↑ Robin Henderson. Robin Henderson email, Recipient: Harold Henderson, Author E-mail: robin.kate@verizon.net
    7 Mar 2002, 1877 Register of Deaths Edinburgh.
14.   1910 US Census Illinois Cook County, Record Type: US Census, Film: Series T624, Roll 279. (1910)
    Roll 279, page 298, 32nd Ward, Lake Township Tract 9 of 17, .

    Robert Henderson household 1248 87th St.

15. ↑ Robin Henderson. Robin Henderson email, Recipient: Harold Henderson, Author E-mail: robin.kate@verizon.net
    11 May 2002 transcribing Hendersons in 1881 census from Scotsorigins.
16. ↑ Alastair Banks. Edinburgh Census Dates, Recipient: Harold Henderson, Author E-mail: "Alastair Banks" (alastair banks@optusnet.com.au). (19 May 2002).
17. ↑ Thomas Henderson. Tom Henderson letters, Recipient: Aleck Henderson, Eleanor Henderson, Author Address: WA. (1950s)
    17 April 1955.
18. ↑ Passengers' List, Anchor Line of Transatlantic Steam Packet Ships, Ship Name: Circassia, Series: FHL Microfilm number 295799. (25 April 1881)
    Henderson passengers 25-31.
19. ↑ The Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago 1894. (The Chicago Directory Company, Lakeside Building, Clark & Adams Streets, 1894)
    763.
20. ↑ The Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago 1895. (The Chicago Directory Co., Lakeside Building, Clark & Adams Streets, 1895)
    788.
21. ↑ ^21.0 21.1 The Lakeside Annual Directory of the city of Chicago 1896. (The Chicago Directory Co., Lakeside Bldg., Clark & Adams Streets, 1896)
    879.
22. ↑ ^22.0 22.1 The Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago 1897. (The Chicago Directory Company, Lakeside Press Bldg., Plymouth Court, Cor. Polk Street, 1897)
    928.
23. ↑ ^23.0 23.1 The Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago 1898. (The Chicago Directory Company, Lakeside Press Bldg., Plymouth Court, Cor. Polk Street, 1898)
    813.
24. ↑ ^24.0 24.1 The Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago 1899. (The Chicago Directory Company, Lakeside Press Bldg., Plymouth Court, Cor. Polk Street, 1899)
    829.
25. ↑ The Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago 1900 ( question ). (The Chicago Directory Company [?], Lakeside Press Bldg., Plymouth Court, Cor. Polk Street [?], 1900)
    855.
26. ↑ 1900 US Census Illinois Cook County, Record Type: US Census, Record Info: Series T623, Roll 264. (1900)
    Roll 285, page 89, Chicago, 31st Ward, Robert Henderson household.
27. ↑ The Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago 1901. (The Chicago Directory Company, Lakeside Press Bldg., Plymouth Court, Cor. Polk Street, 1901)
    885.
28. ↑ The Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago 1902. (The Chicago Directory Company, Lakeside Press Bldg., Plymouth Court, Cor. Polk Street, 1902)
    913.
29. ↑ The Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago 1903. (The Chicago Directory Company, Lakeside Press Bldg., Plymouth Court, Cor. Polk Street, 1903)
    957.
30. ↑ The Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago 1904. (The Chicago Directory Company, Lakeside Press Bldg., Plymouth Court, Cor. Polk Street, 1904)
    959.
31. ↑ The Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago 1905. (The Chicago Directory Company, Lakeside Press Bldg., Plymouth Court, Cor. Polk Street, 1905)
    996.
32. ↑ 1910 US Census Illinois Cook County, Record Type: US Census, Film: Series T624, Roll 279. (1910)
    Roll 279, page 298, 32nd Ward, Lake Township Tract 9 of 17, Robert Henderson household 1248 87th St.
33.   LDS microfilm. ((from Robin))
    Recorded 10 Mar 2002.
34. ↑ Death certificate gives birthplace as Scotland
35. ↑ Died 10 PM. Cause of death "Nephritis (chronic)" contributing cause "Endocarditis (chronic)" -- attending physician Agnes V. Fuller 1665 W. 103rd Av. Undertaker C. E. Lackore 1971 W. 111th Pl.
    
    "I told her that he died on April 26 - 1916 almost 40 years ago, and all of us including both Bess and Kate at his bedside when he passed"
36. ↑ Obituary, probably from the newsletter or newspaper of the school where he taught. Written in margin: "For Bess Nov 24 1916."
    
    Mr. Robert Henderson.
    
    There died in Chicago on April 26th, 1910 [corrected to 1916], after a few months of feeble health, but in his 82nd year, a former teacher on the staff of George Watson's Ladies' College, who although he has long been severed from its work and interests, yet merits a notice in the George Square Chronicle.
    
    Mr Robert Henderson was a native and a graduate of Edinburgh. He had established a private school in Glengyle Terrace, and was English Master in Oliphant's, Charlotte Square, but on the opening of George Watson's Ladies' College in 1871 transferred his services to that Institution as Head English Master. He and Mr Thomson had been school-fellows; later they were fellow students, and it was in the nature of things that their connection should merge into that of colleagues.He continued in George Watson's Ladies' College till 1877, when he became Headmaster of the School connected with the Trades' Maiden Hospital, then situated at the head of Rillbank Terrace. About 1880 the Governors of that Institution decided to discontinue their school, and to have their pupil beneficiaries educated at George Square. Thus released from his employment, Mr Henderson departed for America, where he found scope for his abilities in various capacities, with many different experiences. About twenty years ago, however, he became connected with the publishing firm of A.C. M'Lowy [corrected to McClurg] & Co. of Chicago, as a reader of MSS., for which he was eminently qualified, and resided in that city to the end of his days.
    
    Mr Henderson was a man of much capacity and earnestness, and as a teacher was eminently successful. He was highly esteemed by those who came under his care, and there must be many yet of the former George Square pupils who remember him, and who will learn of his death with sincere regret.
    
    He only once revisited Scotland and Edinburgh, in 1900, when he was careful to seek out and to visit former pupils who had kept in touch with him in various ways. He was also present at one of the Reunions of the Former Pupils' Club, where old colleagues and pupils were rejoiced to see him, and to learn of his American doings. The Reunion he greatly enjoyed, contributing no small share to its attractiveness by his racy conversation, pleasantly enlivened by genuine good humour, and the touch of kindliness which is so large a part of what we call charm. That Reunion was made memorable by his presence. He was impressed by the speech and bearing of the President of the year, and complimented her by saying that he wished she had been his pupil. And the President replied that she would have been fortunate if she had been his pupil.
    
    He bade us good-bye at the close, doubtless feeling, as some one has said, that every man is a debtor to his profession, in the friends it brings, in the young lives that may be led to noble attainment and at the same time to gentleness, sympathy, and moral worth.
    
    Robert Henderson's honourable and useful place in the world knows him no more, but to all who knew him his memory remains a fragrance.
    
    #
37.   Probably, Robert went to America some time after his wife's death and before the 1881 census was taken.
    
    1880 given as date of coming to US in 1910 census.
38. ↑ absent from 1880 US census
39. ↑ Robin's transcription via e-mail 11 May 2002 of 1881 Scottish census from Scotsorigins website
    HENDERSON Alexander U M 7 31 Gillespie Crest Edinburgh St Cuthberts Edinburgh Edinboro Edinburgh Scotland Son Scholar
    HENDERSON Elizabeth U F 5 31 Gillespie Crest Edinburgh St Cuthberts Edinburgh Edinboro Edinburgh Scotland Daughter Scholar
    HENDERSON Isabella U F 49 31 Gillespie Crest Edinburgh St Cuthberts Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh Scotland Head In Charge Of Children Expenses
    Paid By Father
    HENDERSON James U M 9 31 Gillespie Crest Edinburgh St Cuthberts Edinburgh Edinboro Edinburgh Scotland Son Scholar
    HENDERSON Mary U F 13 31 Gillespie Crest Edinburgh St Cuthberts Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh Scotland Daughter Scholar
    HENDERSON Robert U M 11 31 Gillespie Crest Edinburgh St Cuthberts Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh Scotland Son Scholar
    HENDERSON Thomas U M 8 31 Gillespie Crest Edinburgh St Cuthberts Edinburgh Edinboro Edinburgh Scotland Son Scholar
    MATTHEWSON Alison M F 47 31 Gillespie Crest Edinburgh St Cuthberts Edinburgh Pentland Edinburgh Scotland Sister In Law
    Robert is missing. I guess he was probably in America, getting everything ready to bring his children over. I would like to see the passenger list and find out, did he go back for them or did Aunt Isabel bring them?
    
    Surname Forename Marital status Sex Age Address District County
    Birth parish Birth county Birth country Relation Handicap Occupation
    Film no GRO Codes
    1 2 3 4 5
40. ↑ "Sunday April 17 - 1955 . . . Probably about this time 74 years ago we were all pretty busy feeding the fishes over the rail of the Circassia"
    
    Among the 99 cabin passengers:
    
    25 Miss Henderson 32 F Scotland
    26 Mary 13
    27 Robt 11
    28 Jas 9
    29 Tho 8
    30 Alex 7
    31 Lizzie 5
    
    A search 30 March 2003 of the international passenger records on genealogy.com (free trial) produced 21 pages of "finds" for Robert Henderson, none of which was the least bit useful.
    
    The Immigrant Ships Transcribers Guild web site, searched same date, had lists for the Circassia trips 1879 (2), 1880, and 1883 in volumes 1-3, nothing in volumes 4-6. All trips Glasgow-NYC, sometime stopping at Moville N. Ireland.
    
    New York passenger lists (not indexed) available:
    12-30 April 1881, FHL #295799, NA M237#435
    2-18 May 1881, FHL #295800, NA M237 #436
    19 May-2 June 1881, FHL #295801, NA M237 #437
    
    From http://istg.rootsweb.com/1800/circassia18790324.html
    CIRCASSIA information:
    The "Circassia" was built by Barrow Shipbuilding Co, Barrow in 1878 for the Anchor Line. She was a 4,272 gross ton ship, length 399.7ft x beam 42 ft, one funnel, three masts (rigged for sail), iron construction, single screw and a speed of 13 knots. There was passenger accommodation for 200-1st, 100-2nd and 800-3rd class. She was the first North Atlantic liner to have refrigerated space for meat and could carry 400 tons. Launched on 19th Mar.1878, she sailed from Glasgow on her maiden voyage to Moville (N.Ireland) and New York on 1st Jun.1878. She started her last voyage on 12th Aug.1897 when she left Glasgow for Moville, New York and Glasgow and was then laid up. In 1900 she was scrapped in Germany. [North Atlantic Seaway by N.R.P. Bonsor, vol.1, p.461] [Merchant Fleets by Duncan Haws, vol.9, Anchor Line] - [Posted to The ShipsList by Ted Finch - 24 September 1998]
41. ↑ According to death certificate, lived in state 24 years before death and at present address for 23 years.
    
    (But this flatly contradicts contemporary evidence of city directories!)
42. ↑ Henderson Robert, clk. 119 Wabash av. h. Englewood Heights
43. ↑ Henderson Robert, proofreader, h. 8622 S. Hermitage av. [1895 entry]
44. ↑ Henderson Robert manuscript reader 215 Wabash av h 1832 W 87th
45. ↑ Henderson Robert head WM Apl 1834 6 W Scotland Scotland Scotland manuscript reader
    James R son WM July 1870 29 S Scotland Scotland Scotland Salesman Wd Paper??
    Alexander Son W M Mar 1874 26 S Scotland Scotland Scotalnd In School
    Davidson Katherine niece W F May 1856 44 S Scotland Scotland Scotland Stenographer
46. ↑ Henderson Robert manuscript reader 215 Wabash av h 8624 S. Hermitage av.
47. ↑ Henderson Robert manuscript reader 215 Wabash av. h 1348 W. 87th
48. ↑ Henderson Robert manuscript reader 215 Wabash av. h 8624 S. Hermitage av.
49. ↑ 1248 269 313 Henderson Robert head M W & WD Scot SCOT Scot 1880 manuscript reader
    Isabella sister F W 80 S Scot Scot Scot 1881
    Elizabeth D. dau F W 34 S Scot Scot Scot 1881 stenographer Machinery Mfr
    Davidson Katherine niece F W 53 [??] S Scot Scot Scot 1893 housekeeper private family
50. ↑ Cause of death "Nephritis (chronic)" contributing cause "Endocarditis (chronic)"