The social political and business history of Queens County is filled with the deeds and doings of self-made men, and if by this word we understand that a man, solely through his unaided exertions, has risen from an humble position to one of influence, then certainly Thomas Henderson may be called self-made. The family of which he is a member, while an old and prominent one, has never been wealthy, and in his youth he had few advantages, being obliged by force of circumstances to earn his livelihood. It was in 1882 that he came from New York City to Far Rockaway, and here he has since resided, being engaged in the real estate and insurance business.

From his forefathers Mr. Henderson inherits the traits of perseverance and honesty that have ever characterized the Scotch nationality, as well as the thrift that is peculiarly English. His father, James, was born in Scotland, but emigrated to America and settled in Westchester County, N. Y., where he followed the occupation of a carpenter and builder; he married Ann Pettit, a native of England, who came to America in girlhood and afterward resided in Westchester County. In the town of Westchester, that county, our subject was born November 1, 1841, and there he spent the years of youth, learning the carpenter’s trade under his father’s instruction and remaining with him until of age. Later he was employed as a carpenter in New York City, and there remained until 1870, when he went to Livingston County, Mich. During the eleven years he remained there he was engaged in the cultivation of a large farm much of the time and was also in the grocery and produce business. Returning to New York city he resumed his former occupation, but in a short time came to Far Rockaway, where he built a carriage house and stables for Judge Aiken.

The winter after coming here Mr. Henderson erected a store building on Central Avenue and in the spring he opened up a stock of hardware, establishing the business now conducted by W. L. Starks, to whom he sold after having been proprietor of the store for twelve years. This was the first hardware store ever started here, and in the venture he was discouraged by many, but he persevered and achieved a large success, selling an immense amount of goods and making considerable money. He married Miss Mary L. Kimball, of Jefferson County, N.Y., and they are the parents of a daughter, Maude E., in whose training and welfare they take the deepest interest.

Politically Mr. Henderson is a Republican, active, aggressive, and always interested in local and national affairs. Under the administration of President Harrison he was postmaster for four years, discharging the duties of the office with efficiency. Socially he is a charter member of Olympia Lodge, No. 808, F. & A. M., and the Oceanic Hose Company. In the organization of the Far Rockaway Bank he took an active part and is now one of its directors, holding a similar position in the gas company. While he is not identified with any denomination, he attends the Presbyterian Church and is president of the board of trustees, his services being especially valued in the financial matters pertaining to the church.

Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record of Queens County (Long Island) New York"
(Copyright 1896 by Chapman Publishing Company)