Edwin Henderson, a contractor and builder, resides one-half mile northeast of Port Washington. He was born in the village of Oyster Bay December 2, 1834, being a son of Robert and Elizabeth D. (Wilson) Henderson, natives of Long Island. His father, who was a wheelwright and millwright, also engaged as a house and ship carpenter, meeting with fair success in these various lines of labor. In 1842 he came to Port Washington and here he continued to reside until his death. An industrious, persevering man, he was known and honored as a kind neighbor and accommodating friend. By his marriage to Miss Wilson he became the father of six children, of whom Edwin is the third in order of birth and the only survivor with the exception of Charles W., who is a carpenter, living near his brother. In his political views the father was A Whig and always cast his ballot for the principles advocated by that party.

Commencing his education in the common schools of Oyster Bay the subject of this record later prosecuted his studies in Port Washington, to which place he accompanied his father at the age of eight years. His boyhood years were passed uneventfully, and at the age of eighteen he began to learn the trade of a carpenter with Daniel Hegeman, with whom he remained for two years, receiving $36 the first year and $48 the second. For a time thereafter he was employed by the day at his trade and still later was engaged at journeyman work. About 1859, he and his brother began to take contracts for the erection of buildings, but after a time resumed work as a journeyman.

The first marriage of Mr. Henderson took place in 1858, when Miss Jane Moore became his wife. The three children born of their union are named as follows: Mrs. Alice Wiggins; Robert J., a contractor and builder living at Oyster Bay; and John E., who lives at Manhasset. Mrs. Jane Henderson died in 1864, and the following year our subject married Miss Anna M., daughter of Solmon and Catherine (Hyde) Cocks, and a native of Port Washington. There were five children born of this union, namely: George C., a carpenter, who is married and lives at Port Washington; William S., who is married and has one child; Burton, Daniel C., and Ernest, who remain with their parents.

Mr. Henderson is proud of the fact that his first ballot was cast for John C. Fremont, and while he failed to secure the presidency, our subject has never regretted casing a vote for him. In his political views he has always advocated Republican principles and can give a good reason for his advocacy of protection of American industries. Some years ago he was nominated for assessor of the town of North Hempstead, but as he has never sought nor desired office, he refused to work actively to secure election and did not go to the polls. Notwithstanding this he was defeated by only nine votes. Personally he is a man of honor and unblemished character and enjoys the friendship of his associates throughout the town.

Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record of Queens County (Long Island) New York"
(Copyright 1896 by Chapman Publishing Company)

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