J. Pinckney Henderson, 1846–1847

b. 1808 – North Carolina
Governor: 1846–1847

Henderson left Mississippi and arrived at Velasco in June 1836. He was commissioned by David G. Burnet as brigadier general and sent throughout the U. S. to recruit for the Texas army. An active member of the Convention of 1845, Henderson was appointed attorney of the Republic, served as secretary of state, and Texas’ minister to England, France and Washington, D.C.

When Texas joined the Union in 1845 Henderson was elected its first governor. He returned to the governorship after the war but did not seek a second term and later served in the U. S. Senate. Henderson County is named for him.