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James H. D. Henderson
James HD Henderson.JPG
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 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 (born July 23, 1810 – died December 13, 1885) was an important American farmer and politician from Oregon. He was born in Kentucky. Before moving to the Oregon Territory in 1852, he lived in Missouri and Pennsylvania. Henderson worked as a publisher, a church leader (pastor), and a farmer. He later became a politician with the Republican Party. He served one term representing Oregon in the United States House of Representatives, which is part of the U.S. Congress.

Early Life and Work

Growing Up in Missouri

James Henderson was born near Salem, Kentucky, in 1810. When he was about seven years old, his family moved to the Missouri Territory in 1817. There, he went to public schools.

Becoming a Pastor and Publisher

As an adult, Henderson became a minister, leading a church. He served as a pastor in Washington County, Pennsylvania, from 1843 to 1851. In 1851, he went back to Missouri. While there, he worked as a publisher for a literary magazine.

Journey to Oregon

Leaving Missouri for Oregon

Henderson was a strong abolitionist. This meant he was against slavery. Because slavery was allowed in Missouri, he decided to move his family. They chose to go to the Oregon Territory, where slavery was not permitted.

Life on the Oregon Trail

In 1852, Henderson, his wife, and their five children began a long journey. They traveled for six months on the difficult Oregon Trail. They finally arrived in Portland, Oregon, on October 12, 1852.

Settling in Oregon

The Henderson family first claimed land in Yamhill County. They lived there for four years. Later, they moved to Eugene and started growing fruit in orchards. Before moving to Eugene, James Henderson helped to create Columbia College. This school opened in Eugene in 1856.

Political Career in Oregon

Starting in Local Politics

In 1858, James Henderson was elected to a local leadership role. He became the superintendent of schools for Lane County. This job involved overseeing the schools in the area.

Serving in Congress

The Republican Party chose Henderson to be their candidate for Congress. He ran to represent Oregon in the United States House of Representatives. Henderson won the election against Democrat Colonel James K. Kelly.

While in Congress, Henderson worked on several important committees. These included committees on the Pacific Railroad, mining, and Native American affairs. He also served on a special committee that looked into the death of President Lincoln.

Returning to Private Life

In 1866, the Republican Party did not choose Henderson to run for Congress again. So, he returned to his farm in Eugene. He continued to preach, give speeches, and write. James Henderson passed away in Eugene on December 13, 1885. He was buried in Odd Fellows Cemetery.

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