Isaac Henderson

Isaac Henderson Jr. or Isaac Austin Henderson (February 13, 1850 – March 31, 1909) was an American newspaper publisher, novelist, and dramatist. He was associated with the New York Evening Post for ten years. In 1864, his father was arrested and tried for issuing false vouchers when he was Navy Agent. After a well-publicized trial, he was found not guilty on technical grounds.

Henderson's early education was at a Quaker academy in Rhode Island and under tutors. He attended Williams College, graduating with a bachelor's degree, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Civil Law.

Career

Newspaperman In 1872, Henderson started working for the New York Evening Post, becoming assistant publisher in 1875. Sperry had married Henderson's sister.

Novelist and dramatist In 1886, Henderson published his first novel, The Prelate which was successful story about American ex-patriates in Rome. The Brooklyn Union called it "an uncommonly clever book." The Boston Traveler raved, "One of the most brilliant and fascinating romances that has been published in many a day." Its cover was a painting by English artist Felix Moscheles, who was inspired to create a painting after hearing Henderson's summary of the novel in progress. By 1889, Agatha Page was in its fifth edition.

Despite his successful books and plays, Henderson was not a prolific author. The Washington Herald noted, "If he had been a poor man, Mr. Henderson would doubtless have been a prolific writer, but his modest fortune was abundant for his needs, and he wrote but little."

Publications Agatha Page: A Parable. Boston: Ticknor and Company, 1888. The Prelate: A Novel. Boston: Ticknor and Company, 1886. The Mummy and the Humming Bird. New York: Z and L. Rosenfield, 1902 Out Yonder: A Play in Four Acts, 1909.

Personal life Henderson married Marion Temple Brown on February 13, 1880, at the Madison Square Presbyterian Church.