Author’s Bio

Sister. Rachel Lyga was born on March 5, 1935, in Pittsburg, Kansas. A woman of deep faith and self-education, she left school after the 10th grade to marry Russell Henderson and became a devoted mother of three by age 19. A true patriot, Rachel spent countless hours researching history, politics, and current events at her local library.

Using a manual typewriter, she created a perpetual calendar that records important events from the 1500s to the 1970s. Her distinctive “R” marked many of her projects, including the Early Morning “R” Track Meet, which she supported as a senior Olympian. She is known for her handmade Christian America stamp. Rachel’s life was defined by faith, family, and love of country. Her legacy honors forgotten African American pioneers and preserves their contributions with passion.