Daniel Sullivan Henderson was born April 19, 1849 and died November 17, 1921. His legacy can be described as lawyer, legislator, publicist, educator, Christian, and father. As valedictorian of his Charleston College class, his remarks regarding the aftermath of the Civil War were characteristically prophetic, yet realistic. At age fifteen, he enlisted in Culwark’s Calvary. In later years, Henderson’s legal and legislative work would champion the fair treatment of veterans.
Daniel Henderson’s legal career began in the offices of Simon and Siegling of Charleston. Upon admission to the bar in 1872, he located his busy practice in Aiken. He soon came to be considered one of the finest trial lawyers in South Carolina. In 1912, he served as President of the South Carolina Bar.
As a recognized leader in public affairs, Henderson was elected to the South Carolina Senate. He authored a bill to prevent dueling, and in 1895, was instrumental in having a “duelling oath” inserted into the Constitution. Henderson also advocated the first act that provided for the creation of a Railroad Commission, in addition to playing a prominent part in the debates concerning suffrage and education.
Located in Attorney’s Room, 120F.