Henderson Smokey Mt. Mystery

Book excerpt: F. Robert Henderson has had an improbable life. He was born in Texas in 1933. His parents were both born in Kansas. At the age of eight, his father and mother split up. He grew up under his mother’s care. He attended college and received a Master’s Degree in Botany and Zoology from Fort Hays Kansas State University. He attended the University of Kansas where in 1960 a book he wrote was published by the Kansas State Biological Survey, entitled “Beaver in Kansas”. From 1961-1968, he worked as a Field Biologist for the state wildlife agency in South Dakota. During that time he wrote several articles in scientific journals, the most important being the results of the first study of Black-footed Ferrets in the wild, this animal is one of the rarest mammals in North America. In a research study he trapped and banded more than 10 thousand sharp-tailed grouse. More grouse that has ever been studied before. And during the study found a new method of determining the sex of these grouse. From June of 1968 until 1996 he was promoted from Assistant Professor to Professor at Kansas State University, where he received many awards for his work as Extension Specialist in helping people cope with conflicts involving wild animals. He became recognized as a national expert in preventing coyote damage to livestock. Many agencies and groups have honored him for his work. Among these awards include: Meritorious Service USDA Award for Outstanding Extension Work; USDA and Kansas State University Awards for Extraordinary Leadership in Kansas, the Great Plains and nationally for the development of educational programs; and the Great Plains Agriculture Council’s Outstanding Service Award in 1993. F. Robert Henderson did not accomplish these things without a lot of help and understanding and encouragement. F. Robert is grateful for the exceptional support of Karen, his wife and children, Tammy and Todd as well as numerous farmers, ranchers, hunters, colleagues and research associates. As a diversion from the stress of his work, in 1978, F. Robert Henderson began to study his roots, especially on the Henderson side of his family. At that time his late father, Frank Paul Henderson did not know who his second great grandfather was, or even, much about family history from that time back. Together, F. Robert Henderson and his father worked together to gather facts about their ancestors. This book is a result of that study.