|
"The Williams from Tennessee built the house at 401 North Neches in 1885 and Henry Henderson lived with them. Mrs. Williams became ill, died and was taken back to Tennessee for burial by her husband and son. Henry bought the house. Henry's brother, John Franklin (J. F., Sr.) Henderson met a school teacher, Dora Dean Hardin of Paint Rock, courted, and married her December 18, 1895. He brought the bride to a little cottage that he had built by the Santa Fe Railway Station in the northwest part of Coleman. In this house were born three children: John Franklin, Jr. (Johnnie), September 28, 1896; Ada Irene, June 29, 1899; and Dora Belle, June 13, 1901. As this family grew, Henry asked his brother John to move to the house at 401 North Neches and pay the taxes as well as keep the place. About 1910 John bought the complete block from Henry (Hy). John F., Sr. was not only a rancher but also a merchant in Coleman. One time his business was known as: Henderson and Roach, Thompson and Henderson, Candler and Henderson, and last as Henderson and Son Grocery Store, it closed in 1932. John F., Sr. belonged to the First Christian Church, died May 22, 1945, buried in Coleman." (John Harris Henderson Family, by Irene Henderson, A History of Coleman County and Its People, 1985, page 711, edited by Judia and Ralph Terry, and Vena Bob Gates.)
"In 1929, John F. Henderson, and his wife Dora, were residing at 401 North Neches Street. He was part owner of J. F. Henderson and Son. Miss Belle Henderson and Miss Irene Henderson were also living at this address. Belle was a teacher at West Ward School, and Irene was a teacher." (Coleman City Directory, 1929 - Hudspeth.)
carport on the north side of 410 North Neches Street |
