Charles Henderson was born in Pike County, Alabama, on April 26, 1860, to Jeremiah Augustus and Mildred (Hill) Henderson, both natives of that county. Henderson, the fourth son in a family of five boys and two girls, received his academic education in the schools of Troy. In 1875, he entered Howard College at Marion, but left upon the death of his father and failed to complete his course work.

While only seventeen years of age, he was relieved (by the Legislature) of the disabilities of non-age and began a successful business career. In the ensuing years, Henderson served in many civic, business, and/or political capacities, some of which included mayor of Troy, inspector general on Governor Samford's staff, aide-de-camp on the staff of Governor Jelks, director in the Standard Chemical and Oil Company, director in the Troy Compress Company, and director in the Farmers and Merchants National Bank of Troy. Additionally, he was one of the founders of Troy State Normal College, established the present system of grade schools in Troy, and served as an associate commissioner and later, president of the Alabama Railroad Commission.

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