Henderson was the son of John & Elizabeth Dent of Zetland Street, Darlington. In 1891 his father was a locomotive engine fitter in Darlington. In 1911 he was newly married but his wife was not recorded on the census. His wife was possibly Louisa Dent (later Halifax) of The Park, Lincoln.
In 1911 Henderson was an iron moulder at the rolling mills. He joined the 15th Durham Light Infantry in October, 1914. Henderson was killed in action at Armentieres on 27th January, 1916 aged 36 & is buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord.