Travis Clack Henderson, one of eight children of John Henry and Minerva Bernard Henderson, was born in Alabama on June 24, 1836. He moved to Paris, Texas, in 1856 and established himself as a farmer, then joined the local militia in 1860. During the Civil War, he served with the 32nd Dismounted Texas Cavalry as a captain and staff officer and became a prisoner of war in 1864. After his release in 1865, he returned to Lamar County and married Martha "Mattie" Susan Thomas in 1866. They had seven children and were active in the community, especially in educational and governmental efforts. He represented the area for 12 years in the Texas House of Representatives and for two years as a State Senator.