Representative Henry Dickinson Green

Henry Dickinson Green (May 3, 1857 – December 29, 1929) was an American politician and lawyer who served as a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from Pennsylvania. Representing Pennsylvania’s 9th congressional district, he served two terms in Congress from 1899 to 1903, contributing to the legislative process during a significant period in American history and representing the interests of his constituents in the House of Representatives.

Green was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, on May 3, 1857. He was educated in the public schools of Reading and graduated from Reading High School in 1872. He then attended Yale College, from which he graduated in 1877. After completing his undergraduate education, he studied law and prepared for a legal career in his native state.

In 1879, Green was admitted to the bar of Berks County, Pennsylvania, and commenced the practice of law in Reading. His professional work as an attorney quickly intersected with public service. He entered state politics as a Democrat and was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, serving the Berks County district from 1883 to 1886. He later advanced to the Pennsylvania State Senate, where he represented the 11th district from 1889 to 1896, participating in state-level legislative affairs during a period of industrial and political change in Pennsylvania.

During the Spanish–American War in 1898, Green served in the military as captain of Company G, Ninth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. His service in uniform coincided with his ongoing prominence in Democratic Party politics. He was chosen as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1900, reflecting his standing within the party at both the state and national levels.

Green’s congressional career began when he was elected as a Democrat to the Fifty-sixth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Representative Daniel Ermentrout. He took his seat as the representative of Pennsylvania’s 9th congressional district and was subsequently reelected to the Fifty-seventh Congress, serving continuously from 1899 to 1903. Over the course of his two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, he participated in the legislative deliberations of the era and represented the interests of his Pennsylvania constituents. He did not seek renomination in 1902, thereby concluding his service in Congress at the end of his second term.

After leaving Congress, Green returned to civilian life and diversified his professional activities. From 1903 to 1912 he served as editor of the Reading Telegram, and from 1911 to 1913 he was also editor of the Reading Times, playing a significant role in the civic and journalistic life of Reading. He resumed the active practice of law in Reading and expanded his legal credentials by gaining admission to the bar in Texas in 1920. In connection with his Texas admission, he became engaged in oil operations in the Mid-continent Oil Field, reflecting the broader economic developments of the early twentieth century.

Henry Dickinson Green died in Reading, Pennsylvania, on December 29, 1929. In recognition of his military service and public career, he was interred in Arlington National Cemetery.