John Henderson (February 28, 1797September 15, 1857) was a lawyer and U.S. Senator from Mississippi. Born in Cumberland County, New Jersey, Henderson worked as a flatboatman on the Mississippi River and studied law. He moved to Mississippi and was admitted to the bar, commencing practice in Woodville, Mississippi. He served as a brigadier general in the Mississippi Militia and was a member of the Mississippi Senate from 1835 to 1836. In 1838, Henderson was elected a Whig to the United States Senate, serving one full term, 1839 to 1845. There, he served as chairman of the Committee on Engrossed Bills in the 26th Congress, of the Post Office and Post Roads in the 27th Congress and of the Committee on Private Land Claims in the 27th Congress and 28th Congresses. Afterwards, Henderson resumed