Popular Resident of East Santa Cruz Is Dead at Age of 86

Paris Henderson, known to a great many persons as “the man who knew Lincoln,” died at his home, 94 Coulter Ave, this city, yesterday afternoon at 3.20 o’clock. Mr. Henderson was born in College Corners, Ind., June 14, 1850. He was the son of J. M. [This is incorrect, it should be James W.] and Sarah Henderson and was a birthright Quaker. Henderson’s father was a great friend of Abraham Lincoln and the small lad, Paris, knew him very well and had slept with Lincoln when he was an overnight guest in the Henderson home in Illinois. He had a number of souvenirs given him by Lincoln which he prized very highly. [The souvenirs and Lincoln memorabilia left the family after his death. Their location is unknown.] His wife, Mrs. Henderson, died last May after a lingering illness.

There were six children born to Mr. And Mrs. Henderson, of whom five are living. [This is incorrect, Laura was Paris’ third wife and they did not have any children together. The children living are from Paris’ first and second wives] They are: James Henderson of Santa Cruz, Mrs. Mary Wilkins, of Fresno, Alva Henderson of San Luis Obispo, William Henderson of Onaga, Kan., and Mrs. J. C. Miller [Georgie Emma Opal Henderson] of Kerman, Calif. One son, John Henderson, died during the war, May 28, 1918. He was in service, but had not gone overseas as it was early in war days. There are 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews surviving. [The only recorded nephews are the sons of Rhuhamia Henderson Thomas. No other siblings or nieces or nephews have been discovered.] All the children with the exception of the son in Kansas, will be here for the funeral.

Funeral services will be held in the East Side Methodist church Monday at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Leslie O. Dabritz will officiate. Mr. And Mrs. Henderson were both devoted church members of the East Side M. E. church and Mr. Henderson was the oldest man on the church roster. The body is at the Chase Mortuary.

Mr. Henderson has been a member of the I.O.O.F. for over 50 years and his son, James, has been a member of the order for over 25 years.

A beautiful 50-year jewel was presented to Mr. Henderson by the Odd Fellows at the completion of his 50 years’ membership. He valued it very highly. Mr. Henderson had been in demand as a speaker before various clubs, as his personal reminiscences of Lincoln were interesting to all.

He was not able to attend the Lincoln day observances at the East Side church last February but he sent a hammer Lincoln had given him when he was six years old. A rail fence was set up in the church and the Sunday school pupils were each allowed to use the hammer on the rails, a privilege the children appreciated. The Sunday school stood in silent prayer for Mr. Henderson after the program, as he was quite ill then.

The present pastor of the East Side church came to Santa Cruz through the influence of Mr. Henderson. Rev. Dabritz was located at Kerman before coming to this city. [Paris and family lived in Kerman in the 1920s]

Mr. Henderson held a license as a local preacher in Kansas. He organized several farmers’ unions in several places. He also organized the Sun Maid Raisin Association in Fresno. [No documents have been found to substantiate his involvement in Union activity or the Sun Maid Raisin Association.]

All information [bracketed] has been supplied by Tiffany Van Hoosan Pourner.

Source: Newspaper article, Unknown Santa Cruz Newspaper.