Richard Williams (congressman) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Richard Williams
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Oregon's At-large district
In office March 4, 1877 – March 3, 1879
Preceded by	Lafayette Lane
Succeeded by	John Whiteaker
Personal details
Born	November 15, 1836 Findlay, Ohio
Died	June 19, 1914 (aged 77) Portland, Oregon
Political party	Republican

Richard Williams (born November 15, 1836 – died June 19, 1914) was an important lawyer and politician from the state of Oregon. He was born in Ohio and moved to Oregon in 1851. There, he became a successful attorney. As a member of the Republican Party, he served as a United States Congressman for Oregon for one term, from 1877 to 1879.

Who Was Richard Williams?

Richard Williams was a well-known figure in Oregon's early history. He helped shape the state through his work as a lawyer and his time in Congress. His life story shows how people moved west and built new lives in America.

Growing Up and Becoming a Lawyer

Richard Williams was born in Findlay, Ohio, in 1836. When he was about 15 years old, his family made a big move. They traveled to Oregon in 1851, following the famous Oregon Trail.

His family first settled in Milwaukie, Oregon. Later, they moved to Salem, where Richard continued his education. He also attended Willamette University in Salem. After studying hard, he passed his exams and became a lawyer in 1857. This meant he could officially practice law.

Richard Williams then moved to San Francisco, California, for a short time to start his law career. But he soon returned to Oregon. He practiced law in different towns like Kerbyville and Corvallis. By 1862, he was back in Salem. That same year, he married Clara J. Congle, and they had one daughter. He worked with other famous lawyers in Salem, including Rufus Mallory. In 1872, his family moved to Portland, where he continued his law practice.

His Time in Politics

Richard Williams was a member of the Republican Party. In 1874, he decided to run for Congress. He ran against a Democrat named George A. La Dow. There was also another Republican, Timothy W. Davenport, who ran as an Independent. This split the Republican votes, and La Dow won that election.

But Richard Williams didn't give up! He ran for Congress again in 1876. This time, he won the election, defeating the person who was currently in office, Lafayette Lane. Even though his election was challenged by another candidate, Samuel McDowell, Williams was confirmed as the winner. He served one term in the United States House of Representatives, from 1877 to 1879.

Life After Congress

After serving his term in Congress, Richard Williams returned to Portland. He went back to working as a lawyer. He also cared a lot about education. He served on the Portland School Board for 20 years, starting in 1890. This shows he was dedicated to helping his community.

Richard Williams passed away in Portland in 1914 when he was 77 years old. He was buried at River View Cemetery in Portland.