David B. Henderson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Bremner Henderson
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| 34th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives | |
| In office December 4, 1899 – March 3, 1903 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas B. Reed |
| Succeeded by | Joseph G. Cannon |
| Leader of the House Republican Conference |
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| In office December 4, 1899 – March 3, 1903 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas Brackett Reed |
| Succeeded by | Joseph Gurney Cannon |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Iowa's 3rd district |
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| In office March 4, 1883 – March 3, 1903 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas Updegraff |
| Succeeded by | Benjamin P. Birdsall |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 14, 1840 Old Deer, Scotland |
| Died | February 25, 1906 (aged 65) Dubuque, Iowa, United States |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | Upper Iowa University |
| Profession | Law |
| Signature | .png){kind=small} |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | Union Army |
| Rank | .svg){kind=small} Colonel |
| Unit | Company C, 12th Iowa Infantry Regiment 46th Iowa Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | |
David Bremner Henderson (born March 14, 1840 – died February 25, 1906) was an important American politician. He was a Republican from Dubuque, Iowa. Henderson served for ten terms in the United States House of Representatives. From 1899 to 1903, he was the speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
Henderson made history in several ways. He was the first congressman from west of the Mississippi River to become Speaker. He was also the last Civil War veteran to hold this high position. Additionally, he was only the second person born outside the U.S. to be Speaker. David Henderson is still the only person from Iowa to have served as Speaker of the House.
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Early Life and Family
David Henderson was born in Old Deer, Scotland, on March 14, 1840. When he was six years old, his family moved to the United States. They first settled in Winnebago County, Illinois in 1846. A few years later, in 1849, his family moved to a farm near Clermont, Iowa.
Henderson went to local schools and later attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa. While at college, he met Augusta Fox. They studied together and became very close. After finishing their studies, David joined the army. Augusta returned home.
David Henderson was badly hurt in the war and lost a leg. But he bravely returned to duty. After the war ended, he and Augusta got married. Augusta was from Ohio but had moved to Iowa when she was young. They had two daughters and one son. Their daughter Isabelle was a talented musician.
Serving in the Civil War
David Henderson was a soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was wounded twice. The first time, he was shot in the neck. Later, he was shot in the leg, which led to him losing part of it.
He joined the Union Army on September 15, 1861. He started as a private in Company C of the 12th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was soon promoted to first lieutenant. During the Battle of Fort Donelson, he was shot in the neck. He returned to his regiment in April 1862.
In October 1862, he was wounded again at the Second Battle of Corinth. This time, he lost a foot and part of his leg. He was discharged from the army in February 1863 because of his injuries. After recovering, he rejoined the army in May 1863. He became a colonel of the 46th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He led this regiment until September 1864.
Becoming a Lawyer
Before becoming a politician, David Henderson was a successful lawyer. He studied law and became a lawyer in 1865. He started his law practice in Dubuque, Iowa.
From 1865 to 1869, he worked as a tax collector for Iowa's third district. He then became an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa. He held this job until 1871. After that, he worked as a private lawyer in Dubuque until 1882.
A Career in Congress
In 1882, Henderson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He represented Iowa's 3rd congressional district as a Republican. He served in Congress from March 4, 1883, to March 3, 1903.
In 1889, he tried to become Speaker of the House. He did not win that time. During his time in Congress, he led important committees. He was chairman of the Committee on Militia. He also chaired the Committee on the Judiciary.
Henderson was known for being a strong debater. He was very loyal to the Republican Party. He often spoke out against Democrats. He combined popular Republican ideas with issues important to his voters. For example, he supported a high tax on oleomargarine. He also worked to increase benefits for veterans and their families. Helping veterans was a major focus throughout his career.
Serving as Speaker of the House
In 1899, David Henderson was elected Speaker of the House. He had strong support from other Republican politicians from western states. He took over from Thomas Brackett Reed. As Speaker, Henderson also led the Committee on Rules. He served two terms as Speaker.
On September 16, 1902, Henderson announced he would not run for re-election. This surprised many people. He said that some Republicans felt he did not represent their views on taxes. It is also believed that his old war injuries might have played a part in his decision. His resignation led to Joseph Gurney Cannon becoming the next Speaker.
Later Life and Legacy
After leaving Congress, Henderson worked as a lawyer in New York City. Later, health problems caused him to retire. He moved to Southern California.
David Henderson passed away in Dubuque, Iowa, on February 25, 1906. He was 65 years old. He is buried at Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.
His portrait hangs in the Speaker's Room in the U.S. Capitol building. There are also statues of him in Iowa. "Allison-Henderson Park" in Dubuque is named after him and Senator William B. Allison.
