Alexander Dawson Henderson Jr.

Portrait of Alexander Dawson Henderson Jr.

Alexander Dawson Henderson Jr. was a man of great compassion. Throughout his lifetime, he demonstrated a constant concern for the welfare of young children. He worked on projects in education, medicine, sports, business, and politics.

Important Facts

February 16, 1895	Alexander D. Henderson was born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Alexander Dawson Henderson Sr. and Ella Margaret Brown.	Alexander Henderson Jr.
June 14, 1900	The 1900 U.S. Census lists the Henderson family living on 174 Pulaski Street in Brooklyn, New York: Alexander Sr. (36), Ella B. (35), Alexander Jr. (5), and servant Mary Kiley (23).
1905	The family moved to Suffern, New York. He spent most of his early life in Suffern.
1909	His grandmother died, at which time his father, Alexander Henderson Sr., inherited his share of his father's estate ($25,000).
1909	His father built a Georgian-type house on the hill near the Nyack Turnpike in New York.
	A postcard was made of their Suffern house looking at the residence from the bottom of the driveway. The printing at the top of the postcard reads: “Residence of Mr. A. D. Henderson, Suffern, N.Y.” Source: Suffern Free Library, Suffern, New York; postcard; col.; 3 x 5 in. (7.7 x 12.7 cm.).	A. D. Henderson House Suffern, New York
April 19, 1910	The 1910 U.S. Census lists the Henderson family living in Brooklyn, New York: Alexander Sr. (45), Ella B. (42), Alexander Jr. (15), and Girard B. (5).	A. D. Henderson Jr.
1914	When Alex was 19, the family took a two-month vacation-business trip to buy “essential oils from the French.” The family visited the oil factories that made the perfume and saw beautiful fields of flowers in France. Source: Jerry's autobiography, So Long, It's Been Good to Know You, p. 6.	A. D. Henderson Jr.
1912-1915	Alexander attended the New York Military Academy , an engineering preparatory school at Cornwall, on the west shore of the Hudson River, four miles north of West Point and fifty-two miles from New York City. A.D. Henderson was listed as Captain on the basketball team. He was also listed as Lieutenant of Company B from Suffern, N.Y. Source: New York Military Academy Catalogue, 1914-1915.	Cadet Henderson at academy.
1915	The 1915 Shrapnel yearbook included the graduating class of the New York Military Academy.
1916	Alexander attended Dartmouth College but quit midyear to join the U.S. Army during World War I.
1916	Mr. Henderson met Mary Barnes Anthony at a costume party given by Mrs. Elmer Snow. Source: Mary's Family Connections, p. 93.	Lt. Henderson during WW I.
1916	His father invested $25,000 in the California Perfume Company and acquired one-quarter of the entire stock of Avon Products.
1917-1918	Mr. Henderson volunteered for the U.S. Army during World War I. Because of his military experience at the New York Military Academy, he became a Lieutenant in the Cavalry, stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey. During the war, he wrote a letter to his mother describing his command and his desire to buy Mary an engagement ring. The letter was written from Co. D, Hughes High School, Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 5, 1918. At age 22, Alexander D. Henderson Jr. of Rockland, New York, signed a registration card at the Student Officer Training Camp in Ramapo, Rockland, New York precinct. Source: World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918.
1919	Mr. Henderson took a position with the California Perfume Company. Source: Bagpiper newspaper, August 1964.	Henderson's Suffern House.
February 11, 1920	The 1920 U.S. Census lists Alexander D. Henderson (55), Ella B. (52), Alexander D. Henderson Jr. (25), and James Wynne (40), their butler, living on South Monsey Road in Suffern, N.Y. Source: 1920 Census: Ramapo, Rockland, New York; Roll: T625_1259; Page: 8A; Enumeration District: 232; Image: 241.
February 14, 1920	Married Mary Barnes Anthony at her parents’ Ridgewood home in New Jersey.
1920	His father, Alexander D. Henderson Sr., built the couple a house in Suffern, New York, across the road from their own house.
	Maurice Henderson, Mary Ann, Charles, and Angie Hendrickson would come to his father's house in Suffern for Thanksgiving. Source: “Mary's Family Connections,” 1979, p. 90.
	He and his father were driven in his father's car with his chauffeur after an early breakfast, first to the California Perfume Company plant or laboratory in Suffern. Then they were both driven to the train station to take the train to the CPC New York offices.	Mary-Ella Henderson
April 17, 1922	Mary-Ella Henderson was born at 6:45 A.M. at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, New York. Source:
June 10, 1922	The New York & Suffern Express was incorporated for $10,000; W. V. A. Clar, A. D. Henderson Jr., and L. Riley. (Attorney, M. Lexow, Suffern.) Source: ProQuest Historical Newspapers, The New York Times.
March 26, 1924	Alexander D. Henderson III was born at the Fifth Avenue Hospital in New York City, New York, at 11:45 A.M. Source: Birth Certificate.
January 25, 1925	His father, Alexander D. Henderson Sr., died in Suffern, New York, after a very short illness. He was mourned by his family and associates. Source: NY Death Certificate #5375 and the Suffern newspaper.	Alexander D. Henderson III
1925-1951	By 1925 Mr. Henderson had become Vice-President and a director of CPC. *Source: Bagpiper* newspaper, August 1964.
1927	Mr. Henderson was Vice-President in charge of Purchases. He would buy the ingredients from which everything in the CPC line was made. “As such, he is, of course, a most important factor in maintaining the high quality and low prices of the products you sell.” Source: Introducing You to the CPC booklet.
1929-1932	The family moved into a large two-story home in Tallman, New York. They lived in Tallman for four years. They had a chauffeur, cook, and an upstairs maid. His polo pony, Ginger, was kept in the barn. The 5-acre property had an apple orchard. His mother-in-law Anthony had a lovely cottage on the property (behind the orchard).	Alexander D. Henderson Jr. Vice-President in charge of Purchases California Perfume Company
April 3, 1930	The 1930 U.S. Census lists Alexander D. Henderson (35), Nonny (30), Mary Ella (7), Alexander (5), and Laura J. Anthony (61, mother-in-law) living on Cherry Lane in Ramapo, Rockland, New York. Source: Year: 1930; Census Place: Ramapo, Rockland, New York; Roll: 1641; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 38; Image: 12.0.
1930	When the Depression hit in 1930, Mr. McConnell cancelled the dividends on the common stock of the California Perfume Company, and their income was cut in half. Source: Mary's Family Connections, p. 97.
1933	The family spent winters in Palm Beach, Florida.
1934	Mary and Mr. Henderson were separated.
August 2, 1934	Mr. Henderson (39) and Lucy (23) were passengers on the Southern Cross departing from Hamilton, Bermuda, to New York City. Source: New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957; Microfilm serial: T715; Microfilm roll: T715_5522; Line: 1.
1935	Mary and Mr. Henderson were divorced in Las Vegas.
December 17, 1935	Alexander Dawson, Inc. was incorporated and the certificate of incorporation was filed with the Secretary of State of Trenton, New Jersey. Mrs. Ella B. Henderson transferred securities she held to the company in exchange for shares in company stock. Source: ADI Certificate of Incorporation.
December 18, 1935	The first meeting between the board members of Alexander Dawson, Inc. was held at 111 John Street, Manhattan, New York. Three directors were elected: Ella B. Henderson, Alexander D. Henderson, and Girard B. Henderson. Source: ADI Certificate of Incorporation.
1936	Alex married Lucia Maria Ernst, whom he met at Avon.
1939	The California Perfume Company became Avon Products Inc. in 1939, in tribute to David McConnell’s favorite playwright, William Shakespeare, and Stratford-upon-Avon.
January 17, 1940	Mr. Henderson’s mother, Mrs. Ella Brown Henderson, died suddenly at her home on Nyack Turnpike, Suffern, New York. Funeral services were held at her home on Jan. 19, 1940, at 2 PM. Source: ProQuest Historical Newspapers, The New York Times, p. 23.
March 1, 1940	A special meeting of the board of directors for Alexander Dawson Inc. was held at room 2707, 111 John Street, Borough of Manhattan, New York City. At this meeting it was announced, “With deep sorrow, the death of Mrs. Ella B. Henderson on January 17, 1940, was recorded.” The board voted that Alexander D. Henderson was elected President of the Corporation and Girard B. Henderson was elected Vice President and Treasurer. Source: 1940 ADI Board Minutes.
November 1, 1941	His parents’ home in Suffern Park caught fire as workmen were engaged in tearing it down. The Suffern and Tallman fire departments saved the partly demolished building from complete destruction. Source: The Rockland County Journal News.	Henderson Home in Suffern
December 7, 1941	The attack on Pearl Harbor prompted the U.S. to declare war on Japan.
1941	Mr. Henderson, with his wife Lucy, joined his brother, Girard B. Henderson, at Lady’s Island. Jerry wanted to help the war effort by patrolling the Carolina coast for U-boats and growing crops on his 600-acre farm in Beaufort, South Carolina.
1942	Alexander Dawson Henderson is listed in the U.S. World War II Draft Registration Card. His residence is listed as Riversville Road, Fairfield, Connecticut. Lucy Henderson is listed on his draft card. His business address was 400 Madison Ave., N.Y., N.Y. Source: Ancestry.com. U.S. World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942; United States, Selective Service System. Selective Service Registration Cards, World War II: Fourth Registration. National Archives and Records Administration Branch locations: National Archives and Records Administration Region Branches.
January 14, 1943	The annual meeting of stockholders for Alexander Dawson Inc. was held at room 2707, 111 John Street, New York City. The minutes note a motion made and seconded to elect four directors for one year: A. D. Henderson, G. B. Henderson, Lucy B. Henderson, and Theodora Henderson. In addition, the minutes stated the amount of shares each stockholder owned. Source: 1943 ADI Board Minutes.
January 13, 1944	The annual meeting of stockholders for Alexander Dawson Inc. was held at Colony Gardens, Beaufort, South Carolina. The minutes show that the bylaws were amended to provide that meetings of the stockholders could be held anywhere in the continental United States. The corporation accountant was noted as Mr. Adolph Manson, who prepared the 1943 balance sheet and the profit-and-loss statement. Source: 1944 ADI Board Minutes.
January 9, 1945	One of the annual meetings of stockholders for Alexander Dawson Inc. was held at Colony Gardens, Beaufort, South Carolina. The minutes state that the Chairman announced that he and the Secretary had acted during the past year as the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors; that they had declared dividends to be paid on the preferred and common stock; and that they had attended all the stockholders’ meetings of Allied Products Inc. and Avon Products Ltd. of Canada and voted the stock held by the Corporation. The Chairman authorized G. B. Henderson to vote all the stock held by this Corporation at such stockholders’ meetings. Source: 1945 ADI Board Minutes.
August 15, 1945	Japan surrendered, ending World War II.
1945	Alex left Lady’s Island and moved back to New York City.
March 9, 1946	Douglas Henderson was born in New York City.	A. Douglas Henderson
1951	At age 56, Mr. Henderson retired from Avon and moved to Hillsboro Beach, Broward County, Florida. He lived in a white two-story house at 1011 Hillsboro Mile (A1A) with an ocean view.	A. Douglas Henderson
1952	Mr. Henderson contributed to the Henderson Clinic of Broward County for emotionally disturbed children in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
August 10, 1955	The list of passengers coming from Honolulu, Hawaii, to San Francisco on the S.S. Lurline included: Alexander D. (60), Lucy E. (44), and Alexander Douglas Henderson (9). Source: California Passenger and Crew Lists, 1893-1957.
1956	Mr. Henderson was the founder and administrator of the Hillsboro Country Day School in Pompano Beach, Florida. He devoted his vast energies and considerable financial resources to the operation of this school. He acquired the Avon by the Sea apartments across the street from the Hillsboro Country Day School. Source: ProQuest Historical Newspapers, The New York Times, p. 7.	A. D. Henderson Jr. Founder of the Hillsboro Country Day School
1958-1964	Mr. Henderson was elected Mayor of Hillsboro Beach, Florida, for six years.
1959	The A. D. Henderson Foundation was founded in 1959 by Alexander D. Henderson and his wife, Lucy E. Henderson. The Foundation is dedicated to providing an opportunity for all children to succeed, with a special interest in promoting literacy for children and families. Source: A. D. Henderson Foundation website.	A. D. Henderson and wife Lucy
1960	Mr. Alexander D. Henderson and his wife Lucy gave the Henderson Mental Clinic Avon Products stock as well as property. The money from the sale of the stock enabled the clinic to build the structure and purchase the furnishings. The clinic was renamed Henderson Clinic of Broward County in 1961. Lucy Henderson continued to support the clinic with grants from the A. D. Henderson Foundation.	A. D. Henderson and wife Lucy
1961	Alexander and Lucy Henderson made significant contributions needed to start the Saint Andrew's School , an Episcopal school for boys in Boca Raton, Florida. Mr. Henderson was also a trustee at Saint Andrew's School. Founded by people of Scottish heritage, Saint Andrew's School was named for the patron saint of Scotland, Saint Andrew.
December 6, 1961	Mr. Henderson wrote his will in the state of New York. He appointed his wife, Lucy E. Henderson, as the executor of the will.	Alexander D. Henderson painting by M. J. Keith
July 8, 1964	At age 69, Alexander D. Henderson Jr. died at Deaconess Massachusetts General Hospital (New England Deaconess Hospital) in Boston, Massachusetts, of a blood disease. The Sun Sentinel of Pompano Beach, Florida, and The New York Times covered his death. The Kraeer Funeral Home in Pompano Beach was in charge of funeral arrangements. The service was held at St. Martins-in-the-Field Episcopal Church in Pompano Beach at 10 a.m., Monday, July 13. The family requested that contributions be made to the Debbie-Rand Memorial Service League, Inc. in Boca Raton, Florida.	Alexander D. Henderson painting by M. J. Keith
July 10, 1964	The New York Times ran an article titled Alexander D. Henderson, Avon Products Director. It said: “Alexander D. Henderson of Hillsboro Beach, Fla., a director and former vice president of Avon Products, Inc., cosmetics company, died Wednesday in New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston. He was 69 years old.” Source: ProQuest Historical Newspapers, The New York Times, p. 29.
	The Hillsboro Town Commission held a reorganizational meeting to appoint a successor as mayor and to name someone to fill out Henderson’s unexpired commission term.
August 1964	The Bagpiper of Saint Andrew's School paid tribute to him in their newspaper and in a “Henderson Memorial Resolution,” which recognized him as a “good citizen, a man outstandingly successful in his career, a devoted public servant, a generous benefactor, and most important of all, a staunch and loyal friend.”
September 23, 1964	Avon Products Inc. announced it had filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a proposal for the sale of 720,000 shares of capital stock by the estate of Alexander D. Henderson, director of the cosmetics company. Source: ProQuest Historical Newspapers, The New York Times, p. 76.
1967	His brother, Girard Henderson, opened the Alexander Dawson School (a.k.a. Colorado Junior Republic) at 4801 N. 107th Street, Lafayette, Colorado.
Dec. 1, 1968	The dedication of the Alexander D. Henderson University School and special convocation was held in Boca Raton, Florida. The school was made possible by a gift ($1,350,000) to the State and Florida Atlantic University from his wife, Lucy E. Henderson. Lucy received an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. Countless generations of school children will benefit from this generosity.	The Henderson School Logo
	His wife, Mrs. Lucy Henderson Edmondson, established the Alexander D. Henderson Memorial Scholarship. In addition, Henderson Hall is named for Mr. Henderson, and the Chapel of Saint Andrew the Apostle is a memorial to Mr. Henderson. Source: Saint Andrew’s School 2001-2002 Endowment Fund Contributions.
April 18, 1969	The E. B. R. Corporation bought the property of the Hillsboro Country Day School and Avon Apartments. Lucy E. Henderson sold the property for $975,000. Source: ProQuest Historical Newspapers, The New York Times, p. 7.
July 1, 1991	The Alexander D. Henderson University School was legislated school district number 72, developmental research school, effective July 1, 1991.
2001	The 2001 School Recognition Report said that the Alexander D. Henderson University School (ADHUS) is a developmental research school located on the campus of Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton, Florida. The school serves students in elementary-middle school (K-8). The student population reflects the demographics of the state population and is pooled from Broward and Palm Beach counties.	Alexander D. Henderson Univ. School 777 Glades Rd Boca Raton, FL
December 15, 2004	A.D. Henderson University School (part of Florida Atlantic University) held a celebration and hoisted the Blue Ribbon School flag in recognition of its prestigious achievement of being named one of 239 Blue Ribbon Schools in the United States. The event was held on Friday, December 17, at 8 a.m. in front of A.D. Henderson University School, FAU's Boca Raton campus, 777 Glades Road. “It was a team effort that enabled us to meet the challenge and enjoy the achievement of being a Blue Ribbon School,” said Dr. Marla Lee, principal of the Henderson School. “Raising the bar and reaching new goals, that is what this is about.” A.D. Henderson was one of five Florida public schools presented with the National Blue Ribbon School award. Source: FAU, Boca Raton, FL.