James Henry Dickey Henderson

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James Henry Dickey Henderson (July 23, 1810 – December 13, 1885) was an American farmer and politician from the state of Oregon. A native of Kentucky, he lived in Missouri and Pennsylvania before moving to the Oregon Territory in 1852. He worked as a publisher, pastor, and farmer before entering politics as a Republican, and served one term in the United States House of Representatives representing Oregon.

James H. D. Henderson
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Oregon's At-large district
In office
March 4, 1865 – March 3, 1867
Preceded byJohn R. McBride
Succeeded byRufus Mallory
Personal details
Born
James Henry Dickey Henderson restingplace = Odd Fellows Cemetery

July 23, 1810
Salem, Kentucky
DiedDecember 13, 1885(1885-12-13) (aged 75)
Eugene, Oregon
Political partyRepublican
SpouseMary E. Fisher

Early life

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Born near Salem, Kentucky, Henderson moved to Missouri Territory in 1817 where he attended the public schools.[1] He entered the ministry and was pastor of a church in Washington County, Pennsylvania, from 1843 to 1851. In 1851, he returned to Missouri and published a literary magazine.[1]

The Oregon Trail

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A strong abolitionist, Henderson decided to leave Missouri, where slavery was allowed, and move to Oregon Territory.[2] He, his wife, and five children endured an arduous six-month journey on the Oregon Trail and arrived in Portland, Oregon, on October 12, 1852.[2] The family established a homestead claim in Yamhill County, where they lived for four years before resettling in Eugene and establishing fruit orchards.[1] Prior to moving to Eugene, he served on the committee that helped to establish Columbia College, which opened in 1856 in Eugene.[3]

Political career

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In 1858, Henderson was elected superintendent of Lane County schools, and then was nominated by the Republican Party as its candidate to represent Oregon in the United States House of Representatives.[1][2] Henderson went on to defeat Democrat Colonel James K. Kelly in the general election.[2] In Congress, Henderson served on the committees on the Pacific Railroad, Mines and Mining, Indian Affairs, and the special committee on the death of President Lincoln.[2]

Later career

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Henderson was not renominated by his party in 1866, and returned to his agricultural pursuits in Eugene.[1] He also continued to preach, lecture, and write.[1]

Death and burial

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He died in Eugene on December 13, 1885, and was interred in Odd Fellows Cemetery.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Biographical Directory of the United States Congress". U.S. Government Printing Office. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  2. ^ a b c d e Illustrated History of Lane County, Oregon. Portland, Oregon: A. G. Walling. 1884. p. 483. ISBN 9780598541451. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  3. ^ Morrison, Perry D. (December 1955). "Columbia College 1856-60". Oregon Historical Quarterly. 56 (4). Oregon Historical Society: 326–351. JSTOR 20612220.
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U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Oregon's at-large congressional district

March 4, 1865 – March 3, 1867
Succeeded by

  This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress