The Hendersons

Named after his father, George W. Jr was an outspoken and strong supporter of the Union during the U.S. Civil War. He was one of many volunteers who enlisted in the Union Army in 1862.

George W. Jr was sent to Camp Chase in Columbus, Ohio, which served as a Confederate prison camp. The camp was one of the largest for Confederate prisoners, housing more than 9,000 soldiers by 1865. George W. Jr’s role at the camp was guarding those prisoners.

Letters written by his mother Elizabeth expressed concern for her son’s health, give the conditions at the camp which included a lack of adequate food and clean water. The family sent blankets, bandages, and other necessities to the soldiers at the camp.

Disease was rampant at such camps, and George W. Jr was eventually hospitalized and then sent home to recover.

Back home, George returned Marietta College to resume his studies. During a break for Christmas, George fell ill as the family was decorating Henderson Hall for the holidays. He died of typhoid pneumonia on January 5, 1863.

His mother Elizabeth was so devastated by the loss of her son that she refused to allow the hall to be decorated for Christmas again. The family did celebrate the holiday, but the home was not lavishly decorated in holiday cheer until Michael Rolston came to live at the home many years later.