Henry Massie Rector (May 1, 1816August 12, 1899) was an American politician, slaveowner, and lawyer who served as the sixth governor of Arkansas from 1860 to 1862. Rising in his political career through family connections, Rector led his state to secede from the Union during the American Civil War, but his administration proved unpopular and he lost his bid for reelection in 1862.
Early life and education
Henry Massie Rector was born in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of Fannie Bardella (Thruston) and Elias Rector. His Rector family descended from the German-speaking families of Germanna in the Colony of Virginia, though both parents were also of English descent. He was educated by his mother and attended two years of school in Louisville. He moved to Arkansas in 1835, where he was later appointed U.S. Marshal. By the 1850s, he held over 1000 acres of land in Pulaski County, and owned 21 slaves. Rector studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1854.
Political career
At the time Rector moved to Arkansas, local Democratic politics and state government was dominated by the Conway and Sevier families, a group he was related to known as "The Family" or "The Dynasty". Rector's cousin Ambrose H. Sevier was one of Arkansas's US senators, one cousin was Governor James Sevier Conway (in office 1836–1840), and another cousin was Governor Elias N. Conway (in office 1852–1860). Absent any reinforcements or orders from Washington, the commander of the arsenal agreed to abandon the post in exchange for safe passage out of the state, and on February 8 a triumphant Rector led a march to seize the arsenal.
However, the aggressive nature of the arsenal standoff had made Rector and the secessionist position unpopular, and the vote to secede failed, with the convention adjourning while still leaving Arkansas in the Union.
Wartime governor and downfall
Rector's antics during the secession crisis made him unpopular with conservatives supported by The Family.