Henderson, David B. 1840-1906

HENDERSON

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 4/17/2017 at 10:25:22

Source: Ireton Weekly Ledger (3-2-1906)and Find A Grave

Birth: March 14, 1840
Death: February 25, 1906

FAMOUS IOWAN PASSES AWAY AFTER LONG STRUGGLE

David Bremner Henderson was born in Old Deer, Aberdeenshire, Scotland March 14, 1840. The family came to America when David was 6 years old.

Weakened in body and nine months’ suffering, his mental faculties dimmed by sickness and his vision obscured by paralysis, former Speaker David B. Henderson passed away at Mercy Hospital, Dubuque, Iowa, at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon. The end came peacefully. Surrounded by his wife, Augusta and daughters, the gallant soldier and eminent statesman gave up the struggle and breathed his last in the city he loved to call his home.

His last struggle was a valiant one and it was not until the once powerful and rugged frame had wasted away that death was victories. It was a pathetic scene in the death chamber. All through Saturday night the members of the family waited around his bedside for the end. Sunday the distinguished patient failed rapidly, and the end was only a question of minutes. When death came the news spread rapidly and there was a general feeling of sincere regret.

Throughout his illness Col. Henderson never failed to recognize his devoted wife, Augusta, who had been at his bed side since his illness began, but he had failed to recognize other members of the family and old friends. However, towards the last he became stronger mentally and recognized all the members of the family. Friday afternoon he became so much stronger that the physicians were led to believe that his life might be prolonged for a week or more, but Friday evening he again grew weaker, and it was believed he would not live until morning. From noon Saturday his death had been momentarily expected.

Col. Henderson last illness became manifest when he suffered a stroke after his return from California.

Civil War Union Army Officer, US Congressman. At the start of the Civil War he enlisted in the 12th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, rising from Private to 1st Lieutenant of Company C. He received a wound in the neck during the Union Army capture of Fort Donelson in February 1862, and was wounded in the foot during the October 1862 Battle of Corinth, Mississippi. The second wound eventually necessitated the amputation of part of his leg, which would cause his discharge in February 1863. In June 1864 he was commissioned Colonel and commander of the 46th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, a unit that served for 100 days enlistment. The regiment served as garrison and rear guard duty in the Army under Major General William T. Sherman and was mustered out in September 1864. After the war David B. Henderson studied law and was admitted to the Iowa Bar Association. He was elected as a Republican to represent Iowa's 3rd Congressional District in the United States House of Representative, serving from 1883 to 1903, and serving as Speaker of the House from 1899 to 1903.

David B. Henderson was buried in Linwood Cemetery, Dubuque County, Iowa.