Quick Facts
Biography
Henry Heitfeld (January 12, 1859 – October 21, 1938) was an American politician. A Populist, he served as a United States Senator from Idaho.
Early life
Heitfeld attended public and private schools in St. Louis. He moved to Seneca, Kansas, then Washington, and finally to Lewiston, Idaho Territory, in 1883, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock raising. On November 25, 1884, he married Anna M. Jacobs (1861–1923), who was originally from Jacobs Prairie, Minnesota.
Political life
Heitfeld was elected to the Idaho State Senate from 1894 to 1897, then was elected as a Populist to the United States Senate in 1896. He did not seek reelection in 1902 .
Heitfeld was a candidate for Governor of Idaho in 1904 but was defeated by Republican Frank R. Gooding. The following year Heitfeld became mayor of Lewiston, serving until 1909.
From 1914 to 1922 Heitfeld was a registrar of the United States Land Office at Lewiston. He engaged in fruit growing during this period. At the age of 71, in 1930 Heitfeld returned to politics as a member of the Nez Perce County Commission, eventually serving as its chair. He retired in 1938 and moved to Spokane, Washington, shortly before his death. He was the last living Senator to have served in the 19th century.
Heitfeld is buried in Normal Hill Cemetery in Lewiston, next to his wife.