PIKE COUNTY, Mo. — A Pike County, Missouri man played a huge role in the nation's first presidential impeachment case.

Missouri U.S. Senator John Brooks Henderson of Louisiana was one of only seven Republicans who voted to acquit Democrat President Andrew Johnson in 1868. James Grimes of Iowa and Lyman Trumbull of Illinois also were among the group.The decision came at a steep political price for Henderson. But if he had regrets, there was never a mention. Henderson stood firmly by the Constitution, even though he appeared at times to be torn about the situation at hand.

Henderson urged his colleagues to practice tolerance, moderation and common sense in dealing with the Johnson impeachment. He warned against the mob mentality and said those involved should "promote the great cause of truth." President Johnson avoided being thrown out of office by one vote in a trial that took 11 weeks. Henderson went on to campaign for women's voting rights and prosecute federal tax cheats.