George Augustus La Dow


George Augustus La Dow was a U.S. Representative from Oregon. Elected as a Democrat due to a split among Republicans, La Dow died before Congress assembled.

Early life

Born in Cayuga County, New York near Syracuse, La Dow moved with his family to McHenry County, Illinois where he attended public school and studied law. In 1850, he was admitted to the bar and opened a law practice in Waupaca, Wisconsin. From 1860 to 1862, he served as district attorney of Waupaca County.
In 1862, he moved his law practice to Wilton, Minnesota and served as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1868 and 1869.

Congressional campaign of 1874

In 1869, La Dow moved to Pendleton, Oregon, serving one term as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives from 1872 to 1874.
In 1874, he was selected as the Democratic nominee for Oregon's seat in the United States House of Representatives. Though little known outside of Umatilla County, due to a split among Oregon Republicans, La Dow faced not only Republican candidate Richard Williams, but also Timothy W. Davenport, who ran as an Independent. Williams and Davenport debated each other all around the state, split the Republican vote, and handed La Dow a plurality and the election.
However, before Congress convened its session, La Dow died on May 1, 1875. He was interred in Pioneer Park Cemetery in Pendleton.