He attended The College of William & Mary, studied law, passed his bar exam, and established a prosperous legal practice in Staunton.
Secretary of the Treasury Christopher Memminger resigned his post on July 18, 1864, and was replaced by fellow South Carolinian George Trenholm.
However, Edward C. Elmore initially stayed on as Treasurer under Trenholm, but resigned in the autumn.
Shortly afterward, Hendren posted his bond on October 10, 1864, and assumed the role of Treasurer.
[1] Following the war, Hendren returned to Staunton and was a judge for Augusta County, Virginia.