Charles Henderson (April 26, 1860 – January 7, 1937) was an American businessman serving as the 35th Governor of Alabama from 1915 to 1919 and a member of the Democratic Party. Before serving as governor, Henderson was mayor of Troy, Alabama from 1886 to 1906 and played a role in Troy's business and civic development. After his term as governor, Henderson remained active in the community. In 1937, after a bout with influenza, Henderson suffered a stroke and died at age 76. The public high school and middle school in Troy bear his name. Early life Charles Henderson was born on April 26, 1860, in Henderson, Alabama. Charles was the third son of Jeremiah Augustus "Gus" Henderson and Mildred Hill Henderson. Charles Henderson's keen business sense developed in childhood while helping out with his father's successful mercantile business in Troy. At age 15, Henderson enrolled in Howard College in Marion, Alabama. Two years later, his father died unexpectedly, and Henderson left school to help run the family business in Troy. Business and political leadership After his return to Troy, Henderson quickly gained a reputation as a businessman and a community leader. In addition to helping with the family business, Henderson founded Troy's first wholesale grocery company, helped form the Alabama Midland Railroad Company, and owned a cotton-buying firm. In 1886, Henderson made his first successful run for mayor at age 26, defeating James Folmar. During his terms as mayor, Henderson continued his involvement in Troy's business and community development: • In 1887, Henderson helped establish Troy State Normal School (now Troy University) to train teachers for Alabama public schools. While serving on the Normal School's board of directors, Henderson met his wife, Laura Montgomery Henderson, when she was hired to teach at the school. • In 1891, Henderson brought electricity to Troy. Henderson helped the city form an electric company, the Troy Utility Department, to produce and sell power. Laura Montgomery Henderson threw the switch at 8:10 pm on May 7, 1891. • In 1904, Henderson brought the telephone to Troy and southern Alabama by forming the Standard Telephone and Telegraph Company. • In 1906, Charles organized the Troy Bank and Trust Company with his brother Clem Henderson; both men also served on the Board of Directors of Farmers and Merchants National Bank of Troy. In addition, Henderson served on the board of directors for the Standard Chemical and Oil