14 Facts About Henry Failing

Henry Failing was a banker, and one of the leading businessmen of the Pacific Northwest of the United States.

Henry Failing was one of Portland, Oregon's earliest residents, and served as that city's mayor in two non-consecutive periods, two-and-a-half years starting in 1864 and later a two-year term starting in 1873.

Henry Failing was born in New York City on January 17,1834, to Josiah Failing and Henrietta Failing, one of eleven children.

Henry Failing began his business career in a French importing and shipping house, where he learned the French language and business accounting.

Henry Failing left New York on April 15,1851, with his father and younger brother.

Josiah retired in 1864, and Henry Failing narrowed the business's focus to hardware and iron supplies in 1868.

Henry Failing would remain associated with the business until January 1893.

On October 21,1858, Failing married Emily Phelps Corbett, sister of US Senator-to-be Henry W Corbett, who was a neighbor of the Failing family business.

Henry Failing was elected to the first of his three terms as mayor of Portland in 1864.

Henry Failing then passed measures and ordinances improving the government efficiency, many of which have lasted into the 21st century.

Henry Failing was elected to a second 15-month term in June 1865, with only five votes cast against him out of 790, making it the nearest-unanimous mayoral election in Portland history.

Henry Failing was later elected to a third term as mayor in 1873, on the Citizens Ticket.

Henry Failing maintained an interest in other business enterprises, and held valuable real estate both in and on the outskirts of Portland.

Henry Failing served as a regent of the University of Oregon, a trustee and treasurer of Pacific University, president of the Portland Library Association, treasurer of the Portland Children's Home, and a founder of River View Cemetery.