Obadiah Benton McFadden (1814-1875) - Find a Grave Memorial

US Congressman. He received his education locally through the public school system and at McKeever Academy. He was married in 1837 and began to practice law after being admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1843. He ventured west and after deciding to enter the political arena, he served several positions in both the Oregon and Washington Territories. President Franklin Pierce appointed him as associate justice of the Oregon Supreme Court in 1853. That was a temporary assignment and when it ended in 1854 he was assigned to the Washington Supreme Court when the Washington Territory was formed from the northern part of the Oregon Territory. He served on that court until 1861 and for the final three years he served as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. At the same time he fought in what was known as the Yakima War against the Native Americans. He served as the president of the Washington Legislature's Council Chamber from 1861 to 1864. He then returned to private practice and engaged in agricultural pursuits in Olympia, Washington until 1872 when he was elected as a Democrat to serve the territory in the 43rd US Congress. He served for two years and was not a candidate for reelection.

Bio by: Tom Todd