Henderson, William B.

Fl. 1892–98

William B. Henderson, African-American state senator, farmer, and resident of Middleburg, was elected to the North Carolina General Assembly in 1892 as a Republican representative from the Eleventh District (Vance and Warren counties). Almost immediately, on 24 Jan. 1893, Henderson's seat was challenged by his recent opponent, John P. Leach of Warren County. Leach claimed that he was the "legitimate" candidate. Henderson and several other Republicans found themselves displaced by legislative action. He appealed to Congressman Thomas Settle, pointing out that his election had been certified by the Democratic Canvass Board and that he had defeated Leach by 653 votes.

The appeal was unsuccessful. The era was one of great emotion, rivalry, and charges by the Democrats of collusion between the Populists and the Black Republicans. Henderson ran again, was elected, and served in the North Carolina Senate in 1897 and 1898. He was not active and seldom spoke, although on occasion he proposed measures pertaining to fences and livestock as well as the desirability of a register of deeds and a dispensary for Vance County. He served on committees dealing with penal institutions, public roads, the psychiatric hospital, and claims. In 1898 Governor D. L. Russell named Henderson to be chief fertilizer inspector, replacing James Young.