Charles Henderson (April 26, 1860 – January 7, 1937) was an American businessman serving as the 35th Governor of Alabama from 1915 to 1919 and a member of the Democratic Party.

Two years later, his father died unexpectedly, and Henderson left school to help run the family business in Troy.

[2] After his return to Troy, Henderson quickly gained a reputation as a businessman and a community leader.

In 1886, Henderson made his first successful run for mayor at age 26, defeating James Folmar.

Henderson helped the city form an electric company, the Troy Utility Department, to produce and sell power.

[5] Henderson was instrumental in establishing a state child welfare department, a workmen's compensation program, and new health laws to control the spread of preventable diseases.

[4] He never returned to politics, focusing instead on various business and community involvements, including serving as President of the Troy School Board and as a Trustee of Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University).

Henderson left some of his considerable estate to family members, but most of his money was used to establish a perpetual trust to fund education and healthcare in Troy and Pike County.