THOMAS HENSHAW, engaged in the practice of law in Carrollton, has gained the success which follows individual merit and the careful preparation of cases. He has a large clientage connected with much of the important litigation tried in the courts of the district, and his earnest effort, close application and close study of the principles of jurisprudence have been the salient features in his advancement.
Mr. Henshaw was born in St. Louis county, Missouri, April 19, 1848, and is a representative of southern ancestry, the family having been founded in America in colonial days. His grandfather, Captain William Slaughter Henshaw, was a native of Martinsburg, West Virginia, where also occurred the birth of Hugh L. Henshaw, the father of our subject. After arriving at years of maturity he went to Missouri, the date of his removal being 1845, and he continued a resident of St. Louis county until his death, which occurred on the 25th of November, 1861, resulting from the kick of one of his horses. He followed the occupation of farming throughout his business career. He married Miss Fanny Patterson, a native of St. Louis county and they became the parents of seven children.
Thomas Henshaw, the eldest of the family, acquired his preliminary education in the public schools and afterward attended Bryant & Stratton Business College in St. Louis. He was but thirteen years of age at the time of his father's death. In 1867 he came to Greene county, where he began teaching school, following that profession until the spring of 1876 and giving an upward impetus to the schools with which he was associated, for he was an able instructor, imparting readily and clearly to others the knowledge that he had acquired. During the latter part of that period he devoted his leisure hours to the study of law and in July, 1876, he went to Winchester, Illinois, where he became a law student in the office of Knapp & Riggs. In January, 1878, he was admitted to the bar and opening an office in Carrollton he began practice. In March, 1879, he removed to White Hall, where he remained in practice until November, 1890, when he returned to Carrollton and has since remained a member of the bar of that city. His advancement has been continuous and has resulted from his devotion to his clients' interests, his careful preparation of cases and his clear and forceful presentation of his cause before judge or jury.
On the 14th of October, 1880, Mr. Henshaw was united in marriage to Amanda, a daughter of Absalom Boren, a citizen of Pike county, Illinois, and a representative of one of the old families of this state. Their children are Harold, who is now in Chicago, and Lesah Virginia.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Henshaw is an Odd Fellow and is also connected with the Masonic fraternity, a member of Carrollton Lodge, No. 50. In his political views he is a Democrat and while living in White Hall he served for two terms as city attorney, being the first to occupy that position after the incorporation of the city. He was a member of the board of education for three terms and during the last term was president of the board. In matters of citizenship he is always deeply interested and has been the champion of many measures which have proved effective for the public good. In 1888 he was elected state's attorney and was re-elected in 1892 without opposition. He proved most capable and retired from office as he had entered it, with the confidence and regard of all who knew aught of his official service. He is now giving his undivided attention to the private practice of law and has secured a good clientage, while the legal fraternity, as well as the public, recognizes his capability and accords him a creditable position in its ranks.