164 THE OREGON B8SPORTS MAG 
age of 24 years. He was married in 1869 and thereafter spent a year 
| and a half practicing law in California, Returning to Oregon, he was 
elected Municipal Judge of Portland in 1871. Later he was appointed 
Internal Revenue Collector and held that position about three years, 
when President Grant appointed him Ambassador to China and later 
promoted him to the position of Consul General at Shanghai. While 
at Shanghai in 1882, Judge Denny sent the first live Chinese pheasants 
to America. The shipment of birds was made in the spring, and be- 
cause of a very rough voyage, improper quarters and the birds dashing 
themselves against the cage, they all died in Seattle, Washington, where 
they were landed. 
The next shipment of birds, numbering about fifty, by constructing 
special large quarters on board the ship and extra care being taken at 
large expense, arrived safely in Portland, Oregon, consigned to H. A. 
Morgan, and were liberated on the old Denny homestead near Peter- 
son’s Butte in Linn County. Therefore, Linn County became the 
original home of the Chinese pheasant in Oregon. 
The liberation of the birds was made the occasion for a big cele- 
bration, the event being well remembered by the surviving pioneers of 
that section to this day. Since that time the Chinese pheasant has 
propagated and multiplied in the Willamette Valley, until today 
Western Oregon is famous the world over for its wonderful game 
birds. 
Judge Denny became ill at his post in Shanghai, resigned as Consul 
General and returned to Portland, although implored by General Foote 
of Korea to accept the office of Viceroy of Korea. Soon after return 
ing to Oregon he purchased a farm and engaged in the thoroughbred 
stock raising business, at the same time practicing law in Portland. 
In 1884 a massacre took place in Korea. General Foote sent for 
Judge Denny and asked him to accept the viceroyship, but not until 
many friends had urged him to accept the office, and upon receiving 
a cablegram from Li Hung Chang, the Chinese statesman, did he decide 
to return to the far East and become the ‘‘Foreign King’’ in a 
eorgeous palace. He was later adopted by the Koreans. Thus it came 
to pass that Mrs. Denny was once a royal queen. She still has in 
her possession several royal articles that serve as pleasant reminders 
of the time she was Queen of Korea. 
Judge Denny held the position of Viceroy of Korea until his health 
again failed, and not being able to resign because he had been adopted 
by Korea, he was compelled to leave, returning direct to Portland in 
1891. Back to the farm near Lafayette, in Yamhill County, did his 
physician send him to regain his health. In 1895 he was appointed 
receiver of a bank in Portland and remained in charge until relieved 
by Senator J. M. Dolpn. Judge Denny died in 1900. 
A beautiful gold match box, inlaid with gold quartz, was presented 
to Judge Denny by sportsmen of Oregon in November, 1882. At that 
time there was considerable talk of erecting a monument to his mem- 
ory, but the movement failed of materialization. 
Years have passed without proper recognition being accorded this 
pioneer sportsman for the sacrifices of energy, time and money spent 
in introducing the Chinese pheasant into Oregon and the Nation. When 
it was discovered by the sportsmen that Mrs. Denny was still living 
in Portland and was in need of funds with which to save her home, the 
movement was inaugurated to assist her financially, and at the same 
time, in a small measure, discharge the debt of oratitude and honor 
the memory of this most honorable pioneer. 
The Oregon Sportsman is deeply interested in the successful termi- 
nation of this campaign, 
