James Henry Dickey Henderson

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 by	John R. McBride
Succeeded by	Rufus Mallory
Personal details
Born	James Henry Dickey Henderson restingplace = Odd Fellows Cemetery July 23, 1810 Salem, Kentucky
Died	December 13, 1885(1885-12-13) (aged 75) Eugene, Oregon
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Mary E. Fisher

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.

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

• Oregon Historical Quarterly
• James Henry Dickey Henderson at Find a Grave

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