USA > Oregon > The Oregon native son, 1900-1901 > Part 57
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Coos-P. B. Marple.
Curry-William H. Packwood.
Douglas-M. P. Deadv. Solomon Fitz- hugh, Stephen F. Chadwick, Thomas WVhitted.
Josephine-S. P. Hendershott, W. H. Watkins.
· Jackson-L. J. C. Duncan, J. H. Reed, Daniel Newcomb, P. P. Prim.
Linn-Delazon Smith, Luther Elkins, John T. Crooks, J. H. Brattain, James Shield, Reuben S. Covle.
Lane-Enoch Hoult, W. W. Bristow, Jesse Cox, Paul Brattain, A. J. Camp- bell, Isaac R. Moores.
Marion - Geo. H. Williams, L. F. Grover. J. C. Peebles, Joseph Cox, Nich- olas Shrum, Davis Shannon, Richard Miller.
Multnomah-S. J. McCormick, Wm. H. Farrar, David Logan.
Multnomah and Washington - Thos J. Dryer.
Washington-E. D. Shattuck, John S. White, Levi Anderson.
Polk-Reuben P. Boise, F. Waymire, Benjamin F. Burch.
Polk and Tillamook-A. D. Babcock. Umpqua-Levi Scott, Jesse Applegate. Wasco-C. R. Meigs.
Yamhill-M. Olds, R. V. Short, R. C. Kinney, John R. McBride.
These men, some of whom have long since passed away, gathered in a building since burned down, and framed the constitution of the state. Since then it has been pointed out to strangers as an interesting relic, because it was Marion county's first courthouse, and because within its walls the representa- tives of the sturdy pioneers who laid the foundation of the commonwealth met and established the rules of government.
In pioneer days advertisements ap- peared in the few papers published in a style somewhat different to those com- monly seen at the present time. One of these early notices to the public read as follows :
MAIN STREET HOUSE. Oregon City.
Owing to our pressing necessities, and the cheap rates of our fare, we are com- pelled to say :
To all, high or low,
Please down with your dust,
For he's no friend of ours,
That would ask us to trust.
Moss & The Widow.
The first hospital established in the Pa- cific Northwest was located at Van- couver, Washington, by Dr. John Mc- Loughlin. All persons applying for treatment received it, oft times they were unable to pay anything for the care and attention given theni, but the good doc- tor never turned anyone away because of this, and when they left, he gave them an honest and liearty "God bless you."
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NESIKA WA-WA.
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In another column of this issue will be found a biographical sketch of the late Henry L. Yesler, one of the millionaire landowners of Seattle, Wash. He ex- emplified one of the living illustrations cf the truths that the Co-Operative In- vestment Company are advocating. It will be noted that in every commercial line that Mr. Yesler became engaged, failure resulted financially, not because he was incompetent in any way to man- age his affairs, but from various adverse circumstances, not the least of which was the fire fiend, which has been the case of the financial ruin of so many good men; but after he finally became pos- sessed of real estate his losses in com- mercial lines were as nothing compared to the enhancement of value of his realty holdings, until he finally realized the truth and ceased his active endeavors in commercial lines and stood amazed at the rapid rate at which his wealth in- creased.
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Opportunities are as plentiful in the Northwest today as they were in Mr. Yeslers time.
REMOVAL .- The office of the NATIVE Sox has been removed to 82 Fourth street, between Stark and Oak streets, where all communications intended there- for should be addressed. The office of the Grand Secretary of the Native Sons of Oregon is also at the same number.
WANTED .- May, August and Septem- ber numbers of this magazine for the year 1899, and May and November numbers of 1900.
Contributions solicited upon all histor- ical subjects appertaining to the Pacific Northwest. crossing the plains, Indian wars, first settlements, adventures, le-
gends, reminiscences and other data that will be of interest.
Owing to sickness and absence from the city of our editorial force, the issue of the present number has not only been delayed, but we have been compelled to make one number of the months of Jan- uary and February. Our March number will be larger than usual and contain in- teresting matter of such historic worth to make up for deficiencies, and. we trust that subscribers will forego criticism or complaint.
The Southern Pacific Railroad Com- pany has placed on our table a folder recently issued by that company. We find it to be one of the best of all the advertising pamphlets ever issued on this coast. The ' resources, industries, com- merce, products, climate, etc., of Oregon are each given space. While the sub- jects treated upon are not spoken of at length, what is said is worded right to the point. A portion of the folder is taken up by a fine map showing in the most comprehensive manner the contour of the country, its rivers, lakes, hills and dales. Reference is made to agri- cultural productions, transportation fa- cilities, manufacturing, education, cli- mate, dairying, lumbering, mining, fish- eries and educational advantages. The Willamette valley, Eastern Oregon. Rogue river valley, the Umpqua and coast districts are described from point of industry, advantage, etc. If one de- sires a brief and comprehensive resume of information concerning Oregon, either for their own edification or for sending to friends or prospective emigration, .they could not secure a better medium with which to bring about their wants. This folder can be secured by applying to any of the company's agents free of cost.
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PACIFIC NORTHWEST CHRONOLOGY.
1828 -- Massacre of the Smith party by the Rogue River Indians.
Hudson's Bay Company's ship William and Ann wrecked on the bar. Some twenty lives lost, said to have been mur- dered by the Clatsop Indians, who plun- dered the vessel. Dr. McLoughlin caused their village to be bombarded, during which many of them were killed, among the number two chiefs, and since then their chiefs have been merely phantom rulers.
1829-James M. Bates, American, set- led at Scappoose, Oregon.
Etienne Lucier settled where Portland (east) now stands. He afterwards moved to French prairie. Was one of the fifty-two who voted to form the pro- visional government. Died March 6, 1853.
The Vancouver, a two-niasted schoon- er built at Vancouver, Washington. by the Hudson's Bay Company, was the first vessel constructed on the Columbia River entirely of native timbers. The first vessel built by American was the Star of Oregon, built at Swan Island, Willamette River, in 1811,
Dr. McLoughlin located Willamette Falls, ( Oregon City), and erected a saw- mill there.
Captain Dominis, of the brig Ovhee, arrived from the Atlantic seaboard. On the voyage out, he secured some peach trees at the Island of San Juan Fernan- dez (Crusoe's Island ), which he brought to Vancouver and presented to Dr. Mc- Loughlin, who had them planted. These were the first peach trees to come to the Pacific Northwest .. During his stay on the coast. the Captain went to California, and while there brought up a shipment of sheep, the pioneer shipment. The Captain was a good sailor, but a poor stock raiser. When the sheep were landed they were all found to be wethers. On his return to Boston he took with him a shipment of salmon in . barrels. This was the first shipment of this kind going to the Eastern States.
Hogs arrived at Vancouver during this year from China and the Sandwich [-]- ands. Cattle came from Fort Ross, Red River settlement.
1833-Nathaniel J. Wyeth's overland expedition arrived. Wyeth was the first to export salmon, sending to market halt a ship's load in barrels in 1835. He es- tablished Fort William on Wapato (Sauvie's ) Island, in 1834. Left in 1835.
1832-Hudson's Bay Company estab- lished an English fur trading post on the Umpqua River. It was besieged in 1839 by Indians.
1833-First school taught in the Pacific Northwest at Vancouver by John Ball. one of the Wyeth party of 1832. The scholars were all Indians.
Louis LaBonte settled in Yamhill County, Oregon. He was the first set- tler in that section.
Fort Nisqually established.
1834-Revs. Jason and Daniel Lee. Methodist missionaries arrive. They es- tablish a mission on the Willamerte River. In 1840 same was moved to Che- meteke plain, now Salem. ·
Rev. Jason Lee preaches first sermon delivered in the Pacific Northwest on Sunday, July 27, at Vancouver. and the first in the Willamette Valley on Septem- ber 28.
First case of heart disease reported. Louis Shangretta dying with it on French Prairie.
Webley Hauxhurst erectes ag rists mill at Chainpoeg. He was the first white person to become converted in the Pacific Northwest. ( January. 1837.)
Hall J. Kelly and Ewing Young ar- rive in October. Kelly's plan for a Fa- cific Northwest metropolis embraced all the land between the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers on the east bank of the Willamette and south of the Columbia.
1835-Rev. Samuel Parker a Presby- terian missionary. arrives at Vancouver, coming across the plains. January 2. the next year. he left via the Sandwich
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PACIFIC NORTHWEST CHRONOLOGY.
islands and did not return. Dr. Whit- man came with him as far as Green River and returned East for reinforce- ments.
Cox Plain, Washington, named for + Kanaka. He was formerly one of the Hawaiian king's bodyguard, but after coming here heardled hogs.
There was at Vancouver at this time 100 horses, 200 sheep, 40 goats and 300 hogs, belonging to the Hudson's Bay Company. This company raised on it: Vancouver farm this year 5000 bushels of wheat, 1300 bushels of potatoes, 1000 bushels of barley, 1000 busliels of oats, 2000 bushels of peas and garden vege- tables in proportion. The garden com- prised five acres, and besides the vege- tables grown therein. apples, peachcs, graps and strawberries had a good start and in some cases were plentiful. A grist- mill, with machinery propclled by oxen, was kept in constant use, and a saw- mill about six miles up the river fur- nished lumber. The first to bring sheep from California was a better sailor than stockraiser. When those he brought to Vancouver were turned loose, it was found that they were all wethers, and a new consignment had to be secured for stock purposes.
1836-Dr. W. J. Bailev, the first doctor to locate in the Willamette Valley, ar -. rived. He died at Champoeg, February 5. 1876.
Ewing Young and Lawrence Carmich- ael set up a still and manufactured whiskey.
Rev. Herbert Beaver and wife arrived by sailing vessel at Vancouver. He was the first Episcopal divine to come to the Pacific Northwest. They left again in 1838.
Steamer Beaver arrived, the first steam vessel to come to the coast. Came under sail. First ran under steam in the Columbia April 17. Was wrecked in 1888 in Burrard's Inlet.
Lieutenant William A. Slacum, a United States naval officer. visited the Willamette Valley. He came as a secret service agent.
Dr. Whitman and wife. Rev H. rI. Spakling and wife and W. H. Grav al-
rived and established a mission at Waii- lat-pu. Mrs. Whitman and Mrs. Spalding were the first white women to cross il c plains and come to the Pacific Coast.
John Work explored the Umpqua.
1837-(Sir) John Douglas and Miss Nellie Connollev were married at Van- couer by Herbert Beaver. This was the first marriage ceremony performed in Washington. Miss Connolley had In- dian blood in her veins.
July 16th occurred the first marriage among the white race on the Pacific Coast. Rev. Jason Lee was married to Miss Anna M. Pitman and Mr. Cyrus Shepherd to Miss Susan Downing. It was a do uble wedding. Rev. Daniel Lee performed the ceremony.
Alice C., daughter of Mr. and Mrs Whitman, born at Waiilatpu, the first white child born on the Pacific Coast She was drowned in the Walla Walla River, June 22, 1838.
The first sheep were introduced in this vear.
Miss Elvira Johnson, first lady teacher in the Pacific Northwest taught at the Methodist mission. All scolars were In- dian children.
Cornelius Rogers teaught Indian chil- dren at Lapwai Mission. He was also the first teacher at Waiilatpu.
1838-The first step taken to secure a government for Oregon by Amer- icans was made March 16. 18;8. Thirty-six of the settlers n the Willamette Valley sent a memorial to Congress setting forth the re- sources and conditions of the country, ne- titioning occupation by the United States This was presented in the Senate o11 January 28, 1839, and after its reading was laid on the table and reglected. In June, 1840, another memorial bearing seventy signatures was presented, a part of it being worded: "Your petitioners wherefore pray the Congress of the United States of America to establish, as soon as may be, a territorial government in Oregon Territory."
First saw mill erected by Americans. built on the Chehalem. Yamhill County, by Ewing Young. The remains of the first mastodin found in the Pacific North-
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OREGON NATIVE SON.
west were discovered and sent by Dr. McLoughlin to a London museum.
Oregon Temperance Society organ- ized. It was the pioneer society.
Mission founded at The Dalles in March, by Revs. Jason Lee and H. K. W. Perkins. Mrs. Perkins was the first white woman to reside there.
Rev. Jason Lee visited the Umpqua in this year, but concluded that it would be unwise to establish a mission there on account of the unfriendliness of the In- dians.
Mrs. Jason Lee ( Anna Maria Pitman) died June 26. Her infant son was born on the previous 6th, and died on the 16th. They were buried at Salem.
The first paper called The Oregonian was published this year at Lynn, Mass.
1839 - (Archbishop) Blanchet and (Bishop) Demers, the pioneer Catholic missionaries, arrive.
Rev. Demers rings the first church bell in the Pacific Northwest at the Cowlitz mission, Washington, October 14.
Rev. Blanchet blesses the first church bell blessed in the Willamette valley on French prairie, December 23; also cele- brates the first mass to be celebrated in the valley at the same place in January, 1810. The first mass celebrated in Washington was celebrated at Fort Nisqually.
Pioneer printing press of the Pacific coast brought from the Sandwich Isl- ands. Set up at Lapwai mission. Boo !.- lets, etc., printed in the Spokane and Nez Perce languages. It was brought here by E. O. Hall. He was the first printer to work at his trade on the coast. This press and type is now in the custody of the Oregon Historical Society.
Rev. J. S. Griffin arrives. He pub- lished the first paper issued in the Pa- cific Northwest.
Peoria party arrives. This was the first company of immigrants to come.
1840 -. Harvey Clarke missionary party arrives.
Ship Lausanne arrives with second re- inforcement to the Methodist missions.
Governor George Abernethy cam. this vessel.
The first white boy born in the y :!. lamette valley, a son of Dr. Elijah White. was drowned at the Cascades.
The American settlers again petitione .: congress to establish a territorial gor- ernment in Oregon, referring to the ac- tivity of the Hudson's Bay Company, the keeping by the English government of a surveying squadron on the Oregon coast during the previous two years and the likelihood that England would insist on holding the territory north of the Columbia.
1841 - Admiralty inlet surveyed by Lieutenant Ringold.
First American vessel, the Thos. H. Perkins, to enter the Columbia with cargo arrives. She was chartered by Lieutenant Wilkes, of the wrecked schooner Shark, who changed her name to "Oregon." This is believed to have been the first sailing vessel to have borne this name.
Stephen L. Meek was the first pur- chaser of a lot in Oregon City. Lots la. been previously given to the Methodists by Dr. McLoughlin, the owner of the townsite.
St. Mary's mission founded on Bitter Root river, Montana, September 24. . 1841, by Father De Smet.
Joseph Gale and others built the Star of Oregon, the first vessel built by Americans in the Pacific Northwest. Tlte first was built by the Hudson's Bay Com- pany at Vancouver. It was a two-masted schooner called the Vancouver. Mr. Gale was one of the first executive committee of the provisional government. He died ir. Wallowa county, December 23. 1881. aged 92 years.
Clatsop plains mission established. Lieutenant Wilkes celebrates the Fourth of July at American Lake, Wash- ington.
Salem. Oregon, founded. First called "The Mill." called "Chemekete" by the Indians. The latter nanie means "here we rest" or "place of peace." "Salem' has also a similar meaning.
MY HUMBLE WREATH.
TO ALICE G. SHERIDAN
There are many who shall praise thee F'or thy beauty's matchless power; Many hearts will pay thee homage, Unto thee, thou peerless flower, Pleased by their fond adulation, Wilt thou heed this lay of mine? My humble wreath-true friendship's gift- Wilt around thy brow entwine.
I have looked in that sweet volume- Beauteous, sacred, unuefiled- I have read thy heart, bright maiden, And have loved thy spirit mild, wor thy angel spirit beareth More of beauty, more of light, Than the shrine that spirit weareth, Though that shrine be heavenly bright.
Like to some sweet budding blossom, Opening 'neath a quiet sky, Thou bloom'st upon this earth's fair bosom, Child of light and purity. Like some bird of rarest p:umage, Warbling the divinest lay, Like a sylph in story olden, Thou art sweet and glad alway.
Thou art true and earnest-hearted As tne seraphs in the skies, And a glory empyrean Beameth from thy dark blue eyes. Through earth's light and somber shadow, Journey thou, oh, spirit pure, Shedding light amid the darkness Which shall evermore endure. -Ella Henneberry.
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M. E. CHURCH, OREGON CITY. Used as a State House by the Provisional Government in 1847.
OREGON INSTITUTE, SALEM.
Used as a State House by the Provisional Government in 1851.
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THE CAPITOL OF OREGON
ITS VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND LEGISLATIVE AS- SEMBLIES
T HE inherent inclination in the character of the American people to organize themselves into some form of self-government, no matter if they have come together as strangers, and from various sections of the Union, is a well-known fact. If in pursuit of the precious metals they meet by accident in the mountainous solitude where no law prevails, they adopt a code of laws and select of- ficers to enforce obedience to them, restraining any dissolute or mischievous element that might be or come into the community. So it was with the set- tlers to the original Oregon. Composed of various classes and various qualities of character, having reached here by trip across the plains with ox teams or by sea from distant and diverse localities, they, by natural bent of mind, assembled to take counsel as to the most advisable procedure to form some kind of a government for their mutual benefit and protection. On their arrival they found the country practically occupied and under the dictation of the Hudson's Bay Company, a corporation powerful and arrogant, and representing a government inim- ical to them in interest and occupation. What few settlers that had preceded them consisted of dis- charged servants of the company, French Cana- dians, trappers, hunters and voyageurs, who had spent the best years of their lives in toil, dangers and hardships, for a mere pittance commensurate with their services rendered by them, only to be cast aside in their declining years to keep soul and body alive as best they could.
The greater portion of these had settled upon farms situated in what is now known as French Prairie, Oregon. While they were supposedly free
Cronise photo. REP. E. D. BRIGGS.
Cronise photo. REP. J. L. KRUSE. An Oregonian.
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OREGON NATIVE SON.
Cronise photo. REP. CLARENCE BUTT.
Cronise photo. REP. A. W. VINCENT.
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Cronise photo.
REP. B. L. EDDY. An Oregonian.
to come and go at will, they were not their own masters, being under the influence of the Hudson's Bay Company, to whom they looked for supplies and a market. But, as subsequent years disclosed, they were qualified to make good American citi- zens, and, when the influence of the company was no longer a controlling factor, they were willing to assimilate themselves with new conditions as soon as circumstances demanded. As the number of American settlers augmented, the less grasping be- came the monopoly of the company, and the pristine condition of the country began to blos- som into thriving settlements independent of it, and finally it surrendered not only direction of affairs, but occupancy of the country to the newer arrivals. To these first settlers must we look to for the be- ginnings that have brought about the establish- ment of the four great states comprising the Pacific Northwest. . To write of all of these commonwealths would occupy much more space than can well be taken up by one article, and in consequence the subject matter herein will apply especially to the state of Oregon. :
In order to portray the different removals of its seat of government, together with mention of the various buildings occupied as a legislative hall, a resume of pioneer history must be given, embracing within its scope much concerning early endeavor to effect a stable commencement.
The first step taken to secure a government for Oregon by Americans was made March 16, 1838. Thirty-six of the settlers in the Willamette valley sent a memorial to congress setting forth the re- sources and conditions of the country, petitioning occupation by the United States. This was pre- sented in the senate on January 28, 1839, and after its reading was laid on the table and neglected. In June, 1840, another memorial bearing seventy sig- natures was presented, a part of it being worded : "Your petitioners wherefore pray the congress of the United States of America to establish, as soon as may be, a territorial government in Oregon ter- ritory." Knowing that many months would elapse before the matter could be settled, the pioneers addressed themselves to the task of providing such
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THE CAPITOL OF OREGON.
government as they believed circumstances required for peace and security in the meantime. A meet- ing was called on February 7, 1841, at Champoeg, the then metropolis of Oregon, "for the purpose of consulting upon steps necessary to be taken for the foundation of laws and the election of officers to execute them." Nothing, however, was done be- vond a discussion of the matter, and the meeting adjourned. An event happened on the 15th of February following which revived the subject with great vigor. This was the death of Ewing Young, a prominent settler who possessed considerable property, but left no visible heirs, and no one to administer upon his estate. Had he been connected with the Hudson's Bay Company or associated with the missions, there would have been no doubt about tlie disposition of his property, but he was an in- dependent settler, and no company or association had a right to proceed, nor yet private individual authority to act in the premises.
The event naturally suggested the necessity of laws-of legislature to make them, courts to ad- minister them, government to enforce their ob- servance. Mr. Young was buried on the 17th, and those attending again took up the matter discussed on the previous 7th. This meeting was held at the cabin home of the deceased in the Chehalem valley, but not being well attended, it was adjourned to meet at the Methodist mission on the following day, the 18th, at which time nearly all of the settlers were on hand. Officers were elected, con- mittees appointed, and an adjournment taken until the first Tuesday in June folowing. At this meet- ing Dr. Ira L. Babcock was elected supreme judge, with probate powers, and his commission, dated April 15, 1841, authorized him to administer upon the estate of the deceased settler. This document was the first official one issued west of the Rocky mountains. No heirs appeared at that time to claim the estate, and the revenues derived from the sale of the effects were used in the construction of a jail at Oregon City, in which were latterly confined the Indians who were concerned in the massacre of Dr. Whitman and others at Waiilatpu in 1847, and from whose portals they were led by Colonel Joe Meek to execution.
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('ronise photo. REP. R. D. HUME.
Cronise photo. REP. WVAN M'QUEEN.
Cronise photo. REP. D. A. McALLISTER.
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Cronise photo. REP. G. L. HAWKINS.
Cronise photo. REP. A. S. ROBERTS.
Cronise puolu. REP. R. J. NICHOLS. An Oregonian.
At the appointed time the settlers assembled within "the new building near the Catholic church" for deliberation, but the anxiety for a government manifested in February had grown into indifference by that time and through the influence of the Hud- son's Bay Company, in the main, the action taken in the former meeting in relation to officers was undone, which effectually killed the project until 1843. A motion was, however, passed to adjourn to meet at the "American mission house" on the first Tuesday of the following October, but this meeting did not convene. It did not make much difference, as nothing arose for the attention of a governing power.
It will be remembered that in the winter of 1836- 37 the Wallamet Cattle Company was formed, all the settlers being more or less interested in it. Their herds multiplied and would have increased more rapidly had it not been for the wolves and other wild animals which preyed upon them. The subject of organization to take united action to get rid of these pests began to be agitated in 1843, and those who had not forgotten former efforts to or- ganize a government, made the wolves an excuse to call a meeting to bring about their aims if possi- ble to do so. As there was not a man in the coni- munity but who had lost stock through wild ani- mals, they were very willing to attend the meeting. Only the initiated few were at the first gathering. and not all of them understood its inward purport.
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