James D. Richardson

James D. Richardson
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee's 5th district
In office March 4, 1885 – March 3, 1905
Preceded by	Richard Warner
Succeeded by	William C. Houston
House Minority Leader
In office 1899–1903
Preceded by	Office Created
Succeeded by	John Sharp Williams
Personal details
Born	March 10, 1843(1843-03-10) Rutherford County, Tennessee
Died	July 24, 1914(1914-07-24) (aged 71) Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Political party	Democratic

James Daniel Richardson (1843–1914) was an American politician and a Democrat from Tennessee. Richardson represented Tennessee's 5th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1885 through 1905. He was among the earliest U.S. House Minority Leaders, holding that position from 1899 to 1903, during the 56th and 57th United States Congresses.

Born in Rutherford County, Tennessee, Richardson served in the Confederate States Army during the Civil War. He was admitted to the bar and commenced practice January 1, 1867, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Richardson was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives, serving 1871-1873, and then to the Tennessee Senate, serving 1873-1875. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in 1876, 1896, and 1900, and presided as permanent chairman at the 1900 convention.

Pursuant to an act of Congress on August 20, 1894, Richardson was charged with compiling the "Messages and Papers of the Presidents," a multi-volume work including every single important document from the federal Government, from the early days of President Washington through the second administration of Grover Cleveland, plus some papers from the administration of William McKinley.

External links

• James D. Richardson at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Works by James D. Richardson at Project Gutenberg
• James D. Richardson at Find a Grave

Preceded by David B. Culberson	Democratic Caucus Chairman of the United States House of Representatives 1897–1899	Succeeded by James Hay
Preceded by Joseph Weldon Bailey	Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives 1899–1903	Succeeded by John Sharp Williams