John Brooks Henderson helped to change America, and there will soon be a permanent tribute in his hometown of Louisiana Missouri.

A bust of the man who drafted and introduced the 13th Amendment outlawing slavery will be dedicated during this summer's Louisiana Bicentennial Celebration.

World-renown local artist John Stoeckley undertook the project a year ago, and is putting the finishing touches on a clay rendering that marks the first phase of design.

Henderson served in the Senate from 1862 to 1869. Orphaned at age 10, he became a lawyer and served with the Union early in the Civil War. After coming to Washington, he became a confidant of President Abraham Lincoln and later defied Republican colleagues by voting to acquit Democrat President Andrew Johnson of impeachment charges.

Henderson also worked on such issues as women’s voting rights, Native American affairs and prosecution of alleged federal tax cheaters.

In May, the completed bust will be taken to a Chesterfield foundry, where it will be cast in bronze. A foundation measuring three-by-six feet will then be built. The bust itself will be about 25 inches tall.

The dedication will take place in Henderson Park on the bluff overlooking the 1928 Champ Clark Bridge and the new one that’s under construction. The senator once owned the land.

Donations will help pay for the work. Information about making a contribution may be found at www.louisiana200.com.
Louisiana's Bicentennial Celebration is scheduled for June 30th to July 4th.