HENDERSON, James (1854-1905)No enrolment record is known for James Henderson as no enrolment register has survived for the period 1861 to 1870. A James Henderson does appear in the Prize Lists of 1865 awarded as follows:
1865 2nd, English, 2nd Class
1865 2nd, Arithmetic, 1st Class
1865 2nd, Scripture History, 1st Class
He probably left at the end of 1865 as his father's obituary notes that he was only in Geelong for about seven years after arriving in about 1859.
His father, the
Reverend James Henderson (1820-1905), was a founder of Geelong College and had been a member of the committee established to enquire into the feasibility of establishing a Presbyterian Grammar School in Geelong in 1861.
James Henderson's sister, Elizabeth Henderson (1852-1896), daughter of the Rev. James Henderson, married John William Downer (1843-1915) in 1871. John Downer was twice Premier of South Australia, 16 June 1885 – 11 June 1887 and 15 October 1892 – 16 June 1893. With Elizabeth, he had three children, John Henry Downer (1872-1911), James Frederick Downer (1874-1912), and Harold Sydney Downer (1875-1885). Sir John Downer later married Una Stella Haslingden nee Russell (1871-1955), daughter of Henry Edward Russell (1836-1917) and Frances Emily nee Robey (1846-1899) in Sydney in 1899.
The
Register newspaper of Adelaide carried an obituary of James Henderson:
'The death is announced of Mr. James Henderson, which took place at his residence, ‘Duntocher’, East Terrace, on Thursday. Deceased, who was a member of the well-known firm of solicitors, Messrs. J. and W. Henderson, and Hayward, was at his office until October 24, when he found it necessary to take to his bed. An operation was performed, and even as late as midday on Thursday it was confidently, hoped that he would recover, but a change for the worse occurred, and he died a few hours afterwards. Mr. Henderson was born at Duntocher, near Glasgow, in 1854.
Four years later he accompanied his parents - his father was the late Rev James Henderson - to Australia. He received his education at Scotch College, Geelong, and subsequently at Whinham College. North Adelaide, on leaving which he spent some time in the Marine Board and Audit Offices. He then became articled to Sir John Downer, and took the degree of B.A. at the Adelaide University. In 1864 he began practice as a solicitor with his brother (Mr. William Henderson), and later Mr. C. W. Hayward joined the firm.
Mr. Henderson was a member of the University Council, a prominent Freemason, and an active member of St. John's Church. He was closely identified with the Sunday school, and conducted the young men's Bible class. Mr. Henderson was highly esteemed in the city, and had a wide circle of friends. He has left a widow and four children, and four brothers - Dr. H. Henderson, of Crafers; Mr. William Henderson, solicitor; Mr. Robert Henderson, of Kalgoorlie; and Mr. Bruce J. Henderson, of New South Wales; and one sister, - Mrs. J. McEwin, of North Adelaide. The late Lady Downer and Mrs. G. E. Fulton were sisters of the deceased.' Adelaide's
Chronicle newspaper noted the funeral:
'The funeral of Mr. James Henderson was conducted on Friday afternoon at the North Road Cemetery, and there was a large gathering of the legal profession at the graveside. Members of the University Council, of which Mr. Henderson was a member and of the Lodge of St. Alban attended, and the funeral procession comprised about 50 vehicles. The burial service was conducted by Canon Hopcraft, who was assisted by, the Rev J. Robertson, M.A.' Sources: The Register (Adelaide) 3 November 1905 p4 (NLA); The Chronicle (Adelaide) 11 November 1905 p37 (NLA).