David Henderson (Canadian politician)

David Henderson
Born	Template:Birth date Nelson Township, Halton County, Canada West
Died	December 7, 1922(1922-12-07) (aged 81)
Occupation(s)	Businessman, banker, politician
Years active	1860s–1916
Known for	Member of the House of Commons of Canada, founder of Acton Banking Company

David Henderson (18 February 1841 – 7 December 1922) was a prominent Canadian figure known for his roles in commerce, banking, and politics.

Biography

Henderson was born in Nelson Township, Halton County, Canada West. His education included studies at Milton Grammar School and the Normal School in Toronto. He initially worked as an educator in Nelson before taking on the position of deputy registrar for the county. In 1869, Henderson secured a seat as a town councillor in Milton, Ontario; however, his election faced controversy amid allegations of changing political loyalties on the day of voting, a situation complicated by the absence of a secret ballot.

Business ventures

Residing in Acton, Ontario, Henderson partnered with his brother-in-law, David Darling Christie, to manage a general store. Their business interests extended to owning a quarry and associated lime kiln operations located in Kelso within Nassagaweya Township. In 1881, Henderson established the Acton Banking Company, a private bank connected with the Bank of Hamilton. This institution addressed a local need for banking services since no other banks had branches in Acton. The bank maintained operations until 1901 and was regarded as financially sound. Following Acton's incorporation as a village in 1874, Henderson contributed fifteen years on its council and served as Reeve in 1880.

Parliamentary career

Henderson entered federal politics when he won the 1888 by-election for the House of Commons of Canada seat representing Halton, triggered by the removal of MP John Waldie due to bribery charges. His election was distinguished by significant rural backing despite opposition gains in Milton and Georgetown. Nonetheless, he was soon unseated because of corrupt practices committed by his agents and lost the following by-election. Affiliated with the Conservative Party, Henderson was subsequently elected in general elections held in 1891, 1896, 1900, 1904, 1908, and 1911. In acknowledgment of his long-standing parliamentary contributions, he was appointed to the King's Privy Council for Canada in February 1916.

Electoral record

{{Canadian election result/top|CA|1891|}

External links

• The Canadian Parliament, being the 10th Parliament elected November 3rd, 1904; Montreal: The Perrault Printing Co., 1906; p.190