USA > Oregon > The Oregon native son, 1900-1901 > Part 44
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PACIFIC NORTHWEST CHRONOLOGY.
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In 1824 Dr. McLoughlin and James Douglas arrived at Astoria, and in 1825 the doctor establishes Vancouver, moving there in March of that year. Same situated on the Point Vancouver of Lieutenant Broughton. Called by the Chinooks Skit-so-to-ho, and Ala-si-kas by the Klik- itats. Its meaning is "place of mud- turtles."
The proper title of Dr. John McLough- lin was that of Chief Factor. He was, however, called by courtesy the "Gov- ernor." The real Governor at that time of the Hudson's Bay Company was Sir H. Pelly, in England, and Sir George Simpson, in Canada. Dr. McLoughlin had knighthood conferred upon him in the '40s. He was made a knight of the Order of St. Gregory by Pope Gregory the XIV.
Dr. William C. Mckay was born in 1824. His father, Tom McKay, was of the Astor expedition coming on the Ton- quin in 1811. His mother was a daugh- ter of Concomly, chief of the .Chinooks. When his mother died, his father married the half-breed daughter of Montoure, the confidential clerk of the Hudson's Bay Company. By this latter marriage a son, Donald, was born.
The first "dude" to come to the Pa- cific Northwest was J. Lee Lewis, who arrived as an employee of the Hudson's Bay Company in 1824. It is said that though a fop, he was a man of fine ap- pearance, well educated, and possessed of good qualities. He retired from the service of the company in 1846, after
having charge of many of their important trading posts, and went to Australia. Not liking that country, he returned and settled in the Red River section. A son of his, A. Lee Lewis, was the first repre- sentative to the territorial legislature of Oregon from Vancouver (Clarke) Coun- ty.
1825-Fort Colville established by Hudson's Bay Company.
Fort Boise, the first fort in Idaho, was established by the Hudson's Bay Com- pany.
1826-David Douglas, Scotch scientist, who found and named the Douglas spruce of the Pacific Coast, discovered the natives cultivating the indigenous tobacco plant of the Columbia River.
1827-The first apple trees grown. in the Pacific Northwest were planted at Vancouver. Washington. They sprang from the seed of an apple eaten at a din- ner party given in London, England. One of the ladies present, more in jest than in earnest, took the seeds from an apple brought in with the desert, and gave them to Captain Simpson, of the Hudson's Bay Company's Coast service, who was also a guest, telling him to plant them on his arrival at Vancouver. While at a dinner at Vancouver in IS47. the Captain was reminded of the seeds given him and handed them to Bruce, the gardener at the Fort, who planted them in boxes, under glass. With care- ful nursing and forcing, he soon had some strong, healthy sprouts, which soon bore fruit.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
WALTER J. HOLMAN.
The subject of this sketch was born in the City of Portland, Or., August 5, 1875. His parents were Edward and Mary (DeLin) Holman. His father came to Oregon in 1863. making Portland his home. His
mother was a native daughter, her parents being pioneres of 1852. She died in 1879.
Mr. Holman received his education in the public schools of his birth place. Subse- quently he became a member of the Edward Holman Undertaking Company, of which he is the secretary. In 1899 he led to the altar one of Oregon's most charming native daughters, Miss Mabel M. Bird. This happy union occurred on October 4th of that year. Their fireside is one where unalloyed con- tentment dwells. They have no children.
He is a member of the Woodmen, Modern Woodmen, Native Sons and the Knights of Pythias. In the latter order, to which he has given more attention than to the others, he has advanced well to the front rank, be- ing a past chancenor of Castle Lodge, of which he is a member, and it is said that the honors received by him were bestowed through merit.
Mrs. Holman first saw the light of day in Yamhill county, the date of her birth being April 27, 1877. Her parents were Nathan and Alice (Talbot) Bird. Her father is a native son of Oregon, and her mother a pioneer, she having crossed the plains in 1849 With her parents when a small child. When Mrs. Holman was quite young her parents removed from their country home to Portland, where they have since continued to reside, and in that city she was educated.
GEORGE F. M'CORKLE AND WIFE.
George F. McCorkle was born in Lincoln County, Mo., September 10, 1819. In 1840, when 21 years of age, he was married to Miss Elizabeth B. Howell, who was born in Granger County, Tenn., in 1822, and who went with her parents to Indiana in 1828, and to Missouri in 1837.
With the first general immigration train in 1843 Mr. and Mrs. McCorkle crossed the plains to Oregon with an ox team. After spending one year in Oregon City, they settled on a donation claim on Howell's prairie, where they each resided until claimed for a higher life. To them were born eight children, four of whom are now living. Isabelle Looney. Josephine Bagless, J. H. McCorkle and Albert McCorkle: also fifteen grandchildren and one grandchild.
The McCorkles were highly respected in
the community where they lived so long. In early life Mrs. McCorkle joined the Bap- tist Church, and a few years ago became a member of the Christian Church.
Mr. McCorkle died in July, 1891, and Mrs. McCorkle on September 26th, last. With the passing away of the McCorkles we are reminded that it is only a question of a very short time when the brave, sturdy, honored pioneers of Oregon will all have joined the great majority on the other side, "in that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns."
CHARLTON BRISTOW PERKINS.
The young man whose name stands as the caption to this sketch was born in Eu- gene, Or., December 20, 1875, and received a common school education in the public schools of that place and Llewellyn. He enlisted in the United States Navy Septem- ber 18, 1896; was rated as navigation writer, and assigned to duty on the U. S. S. Monad- nock. He took an active part in the Span- ish-American war, also in the suppression of the insurrection in the Philippines. Dur- ing the memorable attack by the Insurgents on Manila, February 4, 5, and 6, 1899, when the city and surrounding country were wrapped in lurid flames, and smoke from burning buildings and nepa huts, making it impossible to signal between the Navy and Army, he and two of his companions were detailed by the Captain of the Monad- nock to communicate with the Army, and deliver an important message in order that the guns of the ship, which were being rapidly fired at the Insurgents, might not interfere with our advancing forces.
They were taken in a steam launch as near the shore as the boat could approach for shallow water, when they waded ashore and ran nearly half a mile through a galling fire from the Insurgents' guns, delivered the message to Lieutenant Truman, of the Army, and returned to the ship without re- ceiving a scratch or a wound. For this act of bravery they were highly commend- ed by the Captain. At the present time he is a naval clerk in the Cavite navy-yard. Philippine Islands.
When the Monadnock was ordered to Hong Kong for repairs, in April, 1899, he took a trip to Canton and other interior cities of China, and wrote a series of ar- ticles on the silk culture and other indus- tries of the "Flowery Kingdom," which was extensively published in the country and attracted wide-spread attention. His
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letter to the Lowell (Mass.) Pan." giving an account of the "Cruise of the Monadnock" in her hazardous voyage of 8000 miles across the Pacific from San Francisco to Ma- nila, "startled all Lowell." and atracted much attention in the East.
HENRY W. PRETTYMAN.
The well-known pioneer whose name gives title to this brief sketch is a native of Delaware, having been born in Sussex County, in that state, July 31. 1839. His parents were Dr. Perry and Elizabeth H. Prettyman, who were among the earlier settlers of the Pacific Northwest. In 1842 Mr. Prettyman removed to Missouri with his parents, and in 1847 came across the plains with them to Oregon. The family resided in Oregon City until the fall of 1849, when a donation land claim was lo- cated opposite Portland. some three miles east of the Willamette River. At that time their claim was well covered with timber, but is now adorned with the elegant sub- urban homes of Portland people.
- At that time there were only two fam- ilies, those of James B. Stevens and Rev. Clinton Kelly, living near them. Then educational facilities were very limited in this locality, the log schoolhouses being few and far between. Mr. Prettyman's parents were, however, well educated. and, through their home teaching he acquired the greater portion of his earlier education, finishing latterly in the public schools.
The professional services of his father, one of the very few physicians then here, being in great demand from far and wide, the sons were kept at home to attend to the cultivation and improvement of the farm; and it can be said they brought it to the fore in a manner highly creditable to them. In 1863. however. Mr. Prettyman started out for himself, going to the mines in Idaho. In 1864 he returned to his old home and began business as a nurseryman and florist. From a small start his endeavor grew to a large and thriving enterprise, which he relinquished in isss for a very considerable sum to other parties. and he now lives upon the income from his earn. ings.
While engaged in business, he sought to bring his venture to an advanced state in all ways, and, through close attention and time devoted to experimenting and culture of new varieties, his efforts resulted in the introduction of many before unknown spe- cies, among them being the famous Ore- gon cherry.
In 1868 Mr. Prettyman was married to Miss Rachel D. Vandevort, whose parents were pioneers of 1852. She remained the joy and comfort of her home until April 25, 1900, when she was called to a higher life, greatly mourned by her husband and a surviving child, and regretted by a numer- ous circle of friends.
Mr. Prettyman became so well known as a leader in fruit culture that the office of president of the American Pomological So- ciety for Oregon came to him unsought. This honorable position he held for five years. He devotes considerable of his hours of ease to hunting, etc., and is con- sidered one of the best wing shots on the Pacific coast. Being a leader among those who believe in the protection of game in the state, his influence toward the enact- ment of laws for that purpose has been very great. He is at the present time deputy state game warden and forester and deputy state fish commissioner for Mult- nomah county. With him these offices are not sinecures, nor is favoritism by any means shown to those who consider them- selves above the law. In perfect accord with his principles, he so performs his of- ficial duties as to demonstrate the amen. ability of all, be they of high or low de- gree.
Mr. Prettymian resides on a portion of the old donation land claim, now better known as Mount Tabor, where he is sur- rounded by every convenience and com- fort. His daughter, Sadie, makes her home with him. The family have been consistent members of the Methodist Church, and rec- ognized as being among those who have al- ways practiced the greatest of all command- ments-charity.
WANTED .- May, August and Septem- ber number of the year 1899, and May numbers of 1900.
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CHRISTMAS.
Meekly, before that humble door, Three veiled kings bend low,- The stars above the city's street A path of glory slows : A Caravan of dreams arrives, To bear the Babe away : So wondrous is this miracle That happens every day. Nellie Evans.
MAMITA
SMAO.L.SA
BAKERY
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Buchtel, Photo.
PORTLAND, OREGON, 1854.
View from Front and Washington Streets.
PORTLAND, OREGON.
ITS FOUNDERS AND EARLY BUSINESS MEN.
It has been said that A. E. Wilson, -afterwards the first regular supreme judge of the provisional government- was the first white man to settle upon the land now occupied by the metropolis of the Pacific Northwest, doing so in 1842.
Thwaites. Photo. A. LAWRENCE LOVEJOY. A Pioneer of 1842.
The first person known to have laid claim to its ownership was William Overton. The date of his locating is fixed at 1843. What kind of a dwelling place he con- structed, if any of more than a temporary nature, is unknown. For a time he made shingles for a livelihood. but being of a restless and roving disposition, he soon left and drifted to the Sandwich Islands. Not enjoying good health there he returned to Oregon, arriving in the summer of 1844. Soon after his return he visited Vancouver and while there met A. L. Lovejoy, a lawyer living at Oregon City. To him, Overton portrayed the ad- vantages of his location in such a man- ner, that he was induced to entertain the idea of stopping off to look at it on his way home, and, after concluding his
business, set out in a canoe on the re- turn trip, landing on the way to make a personal examination of the premises. Being impressed with the location, he decided to take a half interest therein.
What remuneration Overton was to receive, is not a matter of known record. It has been stated, however, that he was not financially able to secure title to the claim according to law, and that Lovejoy was to receive half of it in consideration of his paying the expenses incident to its being recorded. If this be true, he did not pay more than thirty-six cents for his interest. To substantiate this as- sertion, one has only to call to mind the land laws of that period. Prior to 1843,
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FRANCIS W. PETTYGROVE. A Poneer of 1843.
claims were held by right of occupancy. On July 5, of that year, the provisional government enacted a "Law of Land Claims," and provided for the election of a recorder. The fees of this official were fixed at twelve cents for each hundred words of any instrument of land bound- aries presented for record. It is hardly probable that the length of the docu-
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mient necessary for Overton to file, in order to protect his title to the claim, ex- ceeded three hundred words, and the fess in consequence, thirty-six cents, as
DANIEL H. LOWNSDALE. A Pioneer of 1845.
stated. This statement coming from what might be considered a very reliable source, looks doubtful without its being coupled with other consideration given. Legal advice may have been taken into consideration as being of consequence. and made a portion of the purchase price.
Soon afterward Overton disposed of his remaining interest to F. W. Petty- grove, an Oregon City merchant, for an "outfit" costing about fifty dollars, giv- ing it out that he was going east. Fur- ther of him, history relates but little. It has been said that he came across the plains to California in 1841, and from there to Oregon in 1842 or 1843. No doubt it was the latter year, and that he came in the employ of Joseph Gale, who. at that time, brought up a band of cows, the purchase price of the schooner Star of Oregon. One writer in speaking of him says: "This man Overton stalks through the twilight of these early an- nals like a phantom of tradition, so little is known of his history, character or fate." Others state, that subsequent to his selling out to Pettygrove, he wander- ed east and southward, finally reaching Texas, and there winding up his earthly career at the end of a rope.
At this time the site was covered with a dense growth of fir, cedar, hemlock and a few maple trees. Historic page and re membrance of events given by those familiar with the hour, generally state that the first house built stood at the foot of Washington street. Mrs. Lovejoy, however, claims that it was located on the ground now occupied by the St. Charles Hotel. It was a store building and dwelling combined. The walls were of logs hewn smooth on the inner sur- face and weather boarded on the out- side with riven planks; flooring of pun- cheons and chimney of sticks and mud. It was considered an imposing structure, and its old chimney, standing like a sent- inel of promising future greatness, was looked upon with as much pride in those days, as the present inhabitants view the high uplifted tower of the Oregonian building.
This structure was erected for Petty- grove, and when ready to put together, there was the usual house raising famil- iar to pioneer days. A number of men- folks were gathered together to assist in
BENJ. STARK. A Pioneer of 1846.
the work, coming to the scene in canoes or batteaux. In the latter was stored a bountiful supply of good things to cat. and feasting was mingled with the labor of the hour. Instead of occupying for
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protection against ray of sun, they were seated beneath the shadows of the noble firs : the green sward beneath served as a tablecloth and maple leaves for nap- kins.
Browning, Photo. GEN. STEPHEN COFFIN. A Pioneer of 1847.
As soon as the situation would permit, the store room was stocked with goods and the dwelling made habitable. In charge was placed George Bell formerly a clerk with Pettygrove & Co., of the falls city, but now their representative in their branch house in Portland. With him came his wife, the first white woman to set foot upon the location. If she wished to receive calls from, or pay a visit to the "400," a trip to Vancouver or Ore- gon City, where her nearest neighbors lived, was necessary. A short time sub- sequently, the new place received a name, the selection being made during the course of a dinner at Oregon City. Love- joy was from Massachusetts and wanted it called Boston : Pettygrove came from Maine, and desired that it should be called Portland. It was agreed to leave the issue to the toss of a copper penny, no doubt then the only one in Oregon. Pettygrove won, and the townsite was christened Portland.
Genl. A. L. Lovejoy came across the plains as far as Waiilatpn with the emi- gration of 1842. On his arrival there
Dr. Whitman induced him to return east with him on his memorable trip, the object of which has been the subject of much difference of opinion. On their reaching Bent's Fort, here, owing to un- forseen circumstances, Lovejoy was com- pelled to remain until the following spring, when he again set his face west- ward, reaching Oregon City in 1843. when he began the practice of law. He figured much in the early politics of the territory ; was twice a candidate for the office of governor of Provisional Ore- gon, but was defeated both times by Geo. Abernethy. He served the com- monwealth in various official positions with ability; was identified with the earlier railroad development and la- bored assiduously for the promotion of the public weal as a private citizen.
Francis W. Pettygrove proved an efficient and energetic partner. He came here in 1843 in the bark Victoria with a stock of goods. Finding Oregon City. where he located, to be inaccessible to sea going craft, and believing that Port- land was, he entered into its establish- ment in earnest. In 1851, prospects for bettering his fortunes on Puget Sound
COL. W. W. CHAPMAN. A Pioneer of 1847.
seemed alluring, and, selang out his in- terests here, he with others loaded a ves- sel and set sail for new fields, becoming one of the founders of Port Townsend;
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its first merchant and life-long leader in business circles. Portland lost a good citizen and a worthy man by his depart- ure. He was judge of the district court
Browning, Photo. CAPT. JOHN H. COUCH. A Pioneer of 1840.
of Clackamas district in 1844-45. re- signing in the latter year.
While the preliminary work of clear- ing the new site was done in the main by hired help, it is said that both Love- joy and Pettygrove took off their coats and assisted in furthering it. They could not well give the enterprise which makes success crown one's efforts at an early date, and for the reason that the legal business of one and the traffic of the other stood in the way. The growth of Portland therefore lagged along until 1845, when greater activity than formerly was apparent. In this year streets were laid out and some sixteen blocks platted, Thomas A. Brown. as- sisted by James M. A. Terwilliger, do- ing the surveying. The lots were sold at a very nominal figure and often given away to those who would improve them. n 1847 Job McNamee jumped the claim, but finding that his plans of occupancy and for valid title. could not be secured to him, abandoned his attempt to hold it.
Quite a large emigration arrived dur- ing the year both by sea and the plains
across. Among those coming was a fu- ture U. S. senator, Benj. Stark, as super- cargo of the Tulon, Capt. Nathaniel Crosby, master. Soon after his arrival Stark purchasd the interests of Love- joy, and in 1848 Petttyorove trans- ferred his interests to Daniel H. Lowns- dale. The purchase price in the latter sale was $5,000 worth of leather. Upon the consummation of the transfer, Lownsdale disposed of his tannery, situated a little distance back, to other parties and de- voted himself entirely to making Port- land the emporium of the Pacific North- west. After a time he became convinced that his endeavor needed assistance, and he took into partnership Stephen Coffin and subsequently W.W.Chapman was ad- mitted to the firm. As long as Lowns- dale lived he took a lively interest in the city, contributing to the churches, schools and social state with a liberal hand. Gen'l Coffin came to Oregon in 1848 as a passenger on the bark Sequin. He was one of those men whose noble presence, courtly bearing and generous natures, made him friends wherever he went. Being a practical business man.
Tontian. 1 1010. AMOS N. KING. A Pioneer of 1845.
his work in furthering the best interests of the city, was most conspicuous. He always treated the emigrants arriving in a kind and friendly manner making
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them welcome to his home. In danger lie was to the fore, and when the Yakima Indian war broke out in 1855, he was one of the first to move for the defense of
JAMES M. A. TERWILLIGER. A Pioneer of 1845.
the settlers. There were plenty of vol- unteers, but no funds for transportation and he provided a steamer largely at his own expense, never making any claim upon the government for the out- lay. If he had of done so, it is not probable that it would have been paid. as justice in this respect has never been given the volunteer soldiers of our early Indian wars. In 186t he was ap- pointed by Governor Gibbs, brigadier- general of the state militia, a post at that (late demanding an able man. He filled the trust with credit to the state and to himself.
Col. Chapman had achieved no little distinction previous to his coming to Oregon. He had been a district attor- ney of Michigan, and when Wisconsin was set off from that state as a territory, became its U. S. district attorney. and when Iowa was separated from it as a territory, its citizens, so well pleased with him, elected him the first delegate to congress therefrom. He participated in the Indian wars of 1855-56 as lieu- tenant-colonel, showing himself as brave as the bravest. He incouraged improve-
ments both local and in general through- out the state and Pacific Northwest in which enterprise he spent a fortune, not for private gain as the facts plainly show, but for the public good. At his pio- neer home was to be found the only li- brary of consequence in the city in early years, and all residents, or others desir- ing, were welcome to share it with him and be made comfortable by his fireside. He was certainly the best friend Port- land ever had, and his like will never be known again. This article could not be written without giving him frequent mention and then but a moity of his worth to the community would be spoken. The record of his life would fill a volume, and it is to be regretted that in these pages tlie space for mention of him is confined to fewest words.
Of the company thus formed, . Coffin was president and Chapman secretary, their "claim" being held as an undivided interest. The three combined had con- siderable capital, and being well equipped with determination and ability, Portland soon began to come into prominence
Moore, Photo. WILLIAM SHERLOCK. A Poneer of 1850.
dangerous to the prospects of the older settled places. Vancouver had so long been surrounded by the influence of the Hudson's Bay Company that the Ameri-
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cans would take but little interest in its welfare, in consequence of which it was not listed as a rival of any of the pros- pective cities. Oregon City had become so swelled up with pride from the fact of her being the capitol of the territory, that she, like Rome, believed that "all roads must lead to her" and did not make much of an effort to maintain suprem- acy. Again she was handicapped be- cause the Clackamas rapids below prevented sailing vessels and steamers of large draft from reaching her docks. What opportunities she had were there- fore neglected, and it was but a brief period before she was compelled to sur- render commercial supremacy Mil-
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