Background
She was born to John Cox and his wife Martha Lyman Cox on July 21, 1820, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
She was born to John Cox and his wife Martha Lyman Cox on July 21, 1820, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
She was well-educated and multi-lingual, translating books in Europe. Throughout her life, she was involved in civic work and women"s suffrage, and helped run her husband"s law office. In her final years living in New Jersey, she established the Good Shepherd home for women.
Frances became fluent in eighteen of the twenty-five languages she eventually learned to speak., becoming a literary translator at age fourteen.
She became adept at mathematics and showed talent as a musician. Later in life, she would exhibit organizational abilities that enabled her in civic endeavors.
She was also a supporter of women"s suffrage. The future First Lady of Texas met James Pinckney Henderson when he represented the Republic of Texas as a minister to France at the Tuileries Palace, and to England at the Court of Saint James"son
On October 30, 1839, the couple were wed at Street George"s, Hanover Square.
They established a residence and law office in San Augustine. Frances became educated in the practice of the law in order to help run her husband"s office. The Hendersons had five children, of which daughters Martha, Fanny and Julia lived to adulthood.
Governor Henderson died in Washington, District of Columbia in 1858 while he was serving as Senator for the Republic of Texas.
He is buried at the Texas State Cemetery. Frances was involved in civic work and established the Good Shepherd home for women.