John Henderson
John Henderson (c1812-1858) of Fox, Henderson and Co
Industrialist, engineer, philanthropist and supporter of education for the working classes. Known especially for his work on the construction of the building for the 1851 Great Exhibition and the reconstruction at Sydenham Hill.
c. 1812 Born Middlesex [1] [2]. Brother: David.
c. 1830s Married Barbara Robson[3]. One child: Margaret born c.1836.
By 1841 John Henderson had joined Bramah, Fox and Co
1841 living in Handsworth, Birmingham[4].
1842 the company's name was changed to Fox, Henderson and Co after Bramah retired, with John Henderson as a partner.
1851 Living at Oldbury Road, Harborne, Smethwick[5]: occupation: engineer master.
1858: 4th January John Henderson died "prematurely" [6] at Kelvingrove near Birmingham [7]. Address given as Cape Hill, Smethwick. His funeral was marked by a public service, in response to the strength of wishes from his friends and acquaintances, even though it had been intended to be a private affair [8]. A fund was established to provide for his widow and daughter with contributions from many people well known in the engineering professions. At the time of his death he had been preparing for the re-establishment of his business [9].