William Henderson

William L. Henderson, 91, formerly of Otisco Valley, Marietta, New York died peacefully, Friday, October 12, 2018, while in the care of Community Hospice’s Truman House at New Philadelphia, Ohio.

A son of the late Ray M. and Edna M. Brezee Henderson, Bill was born on March 9, 1927 at Syracuse, New York and was a graduate of Solvay High School.

Bill once left school early to attend a public auction where he purchased the family farm on Otisco Lake. His family relocated to the lake and Bill purchased the old schoolhouse across the street and lived there for many years.

Bill served his country as a member of the United States Army during World War II where he was stationed in Italy. Professionally, Bill was employed by the state of New York as a Surveyor and Real Property Officer.

Bill had a passion for collecting antiques, researching genealogy, and traveling. As a teen, Bill built a canoe with his brother and father. Together, they enjoyed many paddling and camping adventures. Those who were fortunate to have met Bill were well aware of his great sense of humor and unique personality.

His third great-grandfather, Phineas Henderson walked from New Jersey to New York to clear a military tract allotment, which had been awarded to Michael Christian, his future father-in-law, following the Revolutionary War. After clearing the land and building a log cabin on the settlement, Phineas returned to New Jersey and soon after brought his family to their new homestead, Christian Hollow, in Tully Township. Bill’s namesake, William Henderson, was born in the log cabin. “Colonel” William, as he was known, was credited as Chairman of the committee that drew up the charter establishing the City of Syracuse, New York in 1845.

Bill is survived by his nieces and nephews, Linda Henderson, Susan Bishop, Scott Henderson and Ted Solum, as well as many great-nieces and nephews and numerous cousins. For the past years, Bill’s care has been attentively and lovingly provided by his cousin, Susan Sutton and his niece by marriage, Barbara Henderson.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley H. Solum and a brother, John A. Henderson.

Cremation care has been conducted by Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley at Dover, Ohio. A memorial service for Bill will be held in the Amber Congregational Church at Otisco Lake at a later date.