Charles G. Henson Henderson County KY Biography

Charles G. HENSON, one of the oldest and best known residents of Henderson, Kentucky, was born in the city of Evansville, Indiana, 04 Aug 1830. His parents were both born in England. His paternal grandfather came to this country in 1816 and located first at Georgetown, D. C. Two years later the father of Mr. HENSON came to Evansville, Indiana, where he was married in 1820. He and his wife celebrated their golden wedding there in 1870. Two years later he died and she followed him in 1882. During his life his father was a contractor and builder. In early life he was a Whig and was later a Republican. Both parents were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which the father was an elder for fifty years. They had a large family, only three of whom are now living.

Charles G. HENSON received a common school education and after leaving school learned the carpenters’ trade, which occupation he followed in Evansville until 1853, when he came to Henderson, where he continued to work at it until 1860. He then became interested in photography and followed that business until 1878, since which time he has been engaged in the real estate business. He now lives practically retired from active affairs, looking after the rentals of his houses, of which he owns several, both in Henderson and Evansville. Mr. HENSON is seventy-four years old and is hale and hearty for one of his age. He laconically attributes his good health to the fact that he “never aspired to office.” He has been a great student of music, especially vocal music, and was for over thirty years the musical director of the Presbyterian Church. During most of that time his first wife, who was also proficient in music, was a member of the choir.

Mr. HENSON has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Frances A. TILESTON, of Evansville, to whom he was married in 1853. His second marriage was in 1890 to Martha L., daughter of J. M. and Nancy L. (CALVERT) HIGGINS, of Caldwell County. Nancy CALVERT was a granddaughter of Spencer CALVERT, who served in the Revolutionary War, came to Kentucky in the time of Daniel BOONE, returned to Maryland, where he married, and then came back to Kentucky and there passed the rest of his life. Three children born to Mr. HENSON died in infancy.