Henderson, James Henry Dickey

From Lane Co Oregon

James Henry Dickey Henderson (July 23, 1810 - December 13, 1885) was a U.S. Representative from Oregon.

Born near Salem, Kentucky, Henderson moved to Missouri Territory in 1817 where he attended the public schools. He learned the art of printing and 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]

In 1859, Henderson was elected superintendent of Lane County schools, and then was nominated by the Republican as its candidate to represent Oregon in the United States House of Representatives (March 4, 1865-March 3, 1867).[2][1] 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 for periodicals.[1] He died in Eugene on December 13, 1885 and was interred in Odd Fellows Cemetery.[1]

1. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. U.S. Government Printing Office.

2. (1884) Illustrated History of Lane County, Oregon. Portland, Oregon: A. G. Walling, p. 483.