Gus C. Henderson
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Gus C. Henderson (November 16, 1862–1915) was an
Early life
Henderson was born near Lake City in Columbia County, Florida in 1862. His mother died when he was ten years old, leaving him to survive on whatever small wages he could earn himself. Despite this, Henderson read compulsively and taught himself. He remained in his home town for twenty years, before accepting a job working as a salesman for a company based in New York. Although initially successful in this job, designated the first "commercial tourist" in Florida and among the most effective salesmen in the company, he was asked to resign when it was realised that he was African-American, and left the company after just five months. The 24-year-old Henderson then made his way to Winter Park, Florida, where he would contribute significantly to the development of the young community.
Contributions to Winter Park
Henderson was a staunch
Henderson also founded a newspaper for the city, the
After two years, Henderson left the Winter Park Advocate and moved away from Winter Park to
References
- Florida Collection – Archives (Rollins College): Chase, "Winter Park Scrapbook" 1889-1906, Vol. 1 and 2-3, Lochmede, 1887, Vol. 1, 2, and 3, Livingston, Fairolyn, "A Window on Hannibal Square." Research Paper.
- Clark, James C. "Black History Highlights," Orlando Sentinel, February 6, 1990, E4.
- Robison, Jim. "Black history spotlight on…Gus Henderson," Orlando Sentinel, February 23, 2001.
- Shofner, Jerrell H. Orlando: the City Beautiful. Tulsa, Oklahoma: Continental Heritage Press, 1984.
- Florida Collection – Archives (Rollins College) Chase, "Winter Park Scrapbook" 1889-1906, Vol. 1 and 2-3 Lochmede, 1887, Vol. 1, 2, and 3 Livingston, Fairolyn, "A Window on Hannibal Square." Research Paper.
- Clark, James C. "Black History Highlights," Orlando Sentinel, February 6, 1990, E4.
- Robison, Jim. "Black history spotlight on…Gus Henderson," Orlando Sentinel, February 23, 2001.
- Shofner, Jerrell H. Orlando: the City Beautiful. Tulsa, Oklahoma: Continental Heritage Press, 1984.