Andrew Thayer

Andrew Thayer was a Democratic U.S. Representative who served Oregon's at-large congressional district from 1861 until 1863. Born on November 27, 1818, in Lima, New York, Thayer had a diverse career as an attorney and public servant. His journey to Congress was marked by a contested election, and after his time in the House, he continued to contribute to the legal profession and public service in Oregon. Thayer's legacy includes his work as a district attorney and a justice of the Oregon Supreme Court, as well as his familial connections to Oregon's political landscape.

Early life and career

Andrew Thayer was born into a family that valued education and public service. He attended public schools in New York, where he developed an interest in law and governance. Following his education, Thayer began practicing law in Lima, New York, alongside his brother, William W. Thayer. The two brothers would later play significant roles in Oregon's political and legal history. In March 1853, seeking new opportunities, Andrew Thayer embarked on a journey to Oregon, traveling via ox team along the Oregon Trail. This arduous journey concluded in August 1853 when he arrived in Salem, Oregon.

Upon settling in Oregon, Thayer initially took up farming near Corvallis while continuing his legal practice. His dual focus on agriculture and law exemplified the spirit of many early settlers in the region, who often engaged in multiple professions to support their families and communities. Thayer's legal acumen did not go unnoticed, and in 1859, he was appointed by President James Buchanan to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Although he held this position for only six months, Thayer's tenure as U.S. Attorney was significant, as it marked his entry into the political arena. He chose to resign from this role, expressing a preference for defense work over prosecution, which reflected his legal philosophy and approach to justice.

House tenure

Thayer's political career took a pivotal turn in November 1860 when he was elected as a Democratic Representative for Oregon's at-large congressional district. However, this election was marred by controversy. Earlier that year, in June, George K. Shiel had also been elected to the same congressional seat, leading to a complex legal and political dispute. The Oregon House of Representatives had passed a bill to move the date of U.S. Congress elections to November, but this bill was not reconciled or signed into law before the elections took place. Despite this, Thayer's election was certified, and he took his seat in Congress in March 1861.

The legitimacy of Thayer's election was immediately challenged by Shiel, who argued that the Oregon constitution had been circumvented and that the June election should be upheld. Thayer countered that the election specified by the state constitution applied only to Oregon's first congressional election in 1858, asserting that the June 1860 election was invalid. He maintained that Oregon had a right to congressional representation in the absence of a law governing election dates. The dispute escalated to the House of Representatives Committee on Elections, which ultimately sided with Shiel, declaring Thayer's election invalid. The committee's decision was based on the interpretation that the June election date was applicable to all elections, and since no law had been enacted to change this, Thayer was unseated.

The controversy surrounding Thayer's election highlighted the complexities of early statehood and the evolving nature of electoral laws in the United States. Prominent figures in Congress, including Representative Thaddeus Stevens, supported Thayer's argument, suggesting that the decision violated the constitutional authority of state legislatures to set election dates. Despite these arguments, the House ultimately stripped Thayer of his seat, and Shiel was sworn in as the representative for Oregon.

Legislative focus and committees

Although Thayer's time in Congress was brief and overshadowed by the electoral dispute, it nonetheless marked an important chapter in his career. After leaving Congress, he returned to his legal practice in Oregon, where he continued to contribute to the state's legal and political landscape. Thayer's professional journey did not end with his congressional tenure; he went on to serve as the district attorney for Oregon's second district from 1862 to 1864. This role allowed him to further engage with the legal system and contribute to the administration of justice in Oregon.

In 1870, Thayer was elected to the Oregon Supreme Court, replacing John Kelsay. His appointment to the state's highest court underscored his legal expertise and the respect he garnered within the legal community. As a justice, Thayer also participated in circuit riding for Oregon's second judicial district, a practice that involved traveling to various locations to hear cases, thereby ensuring access to justice for residents in remote areas. His commitment to the law and public service was evident throughout his career, and he remained active in the legal field until his untimely death.

Andrew Thayer passed away on April 28, 1873, in Corvallis, Oregon. He was interred at the Crystal Lake Masonic Cemetery in Corvallis, leaving behind a legacy that included significant contributions to Oregon's legal and political systems. His brother, William W. Thayer, would go on to serve as the governor of Oregon, further solidifying the Thayer family's influence in the state's history. Andrew Thayer's life and career reflect the complexities of early American politics, the challenges of establishing governance in newly formed states, and the enduring impact of legal professionals in shaping public policy and justice.