| James H. D. Henderson | |
| Image Name: | James HD Henderson.JPG |
| State: | Oregon |
| Party: | Republican |
| Term: | March 4, 1865 - March 3, 1867 |
| Preceded: | John R. McBride |
| Succeeded: | Rufus Mallory |
| Birth Date: | July 23, 1810 |
| Death Place: | Eugene, Oregon |
| Spouse: | Mary E. Fisher |
| Birthname: | James Henry Dickey Henderson restingplace = Odd Fellows Cemetery |
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]