USA > Oregon > The Oregon native son, Vol. I > Part 14
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Everything is moving along as rapidly and smoothly as possible in connection with the preliminary arrangements, toward permanent organization of the Native Daughters. The delay is due to a desire to await the actions of the grand cabin, which convenes on the 13th of June. Some steps will be pushed for- ward at such time, in way of a getting up a ritual and promulgating other neces- sary 'matters, incident to a beginning of the work. Portland will start out with a membership of about 150 at least, and show a lively increase as time passes. From the meetings held heretofore and the interest shown and the popular favor given them, the future is well assured. All want to be enrolled as charter mem- bers.
The Native Daughters of Junction City have effected a preliminary organi- zation, and will be ready to begin per- manent work as soon as the grand cabin is heard from.
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PURPLE AND GOLD.
Matters relative to the annual reunion, the twenty-seventh, of the Oregon Pio- neer Association, are progressing very favorably. From the outlook it will be more largely attended than any held in previous years. Many pioneers have passed away during the past year, but distance, time and other circumstances did not permit of the greater number of them identifying themselves with the as- sociation; still when one of them, no mat- ter where he lived, paid nature's debt, those surviving dropped a tear in remem- I rance of a hero or heroine who had passed away.
All who are not members of the associ- ation are urged to become so, as far as practicable this year, the fiftieth since the United States assumed territorial jurisdiction over the Pacific Northwest, all at that time being embraced within the boundaries of Oregon.
The secretary of the association re- ceives inquiries from the Eastern states concerning the possible whereabouts of relatives who came to Oregon during the early days of its settlement, and through the records he is enabled to give the information desired. Often, how- vver, all effort is fruitless, owing to the large number who have never enrolled themselves as members.
The general committee on arrange- ments for the grand cabin has just com- pleted arrangements with the Southern Pacific Company for the following round-trip rates over the company's lines for June 13, 14 and 15, returning from Portland on any regular train on or be- fore the morning or evening of the 17th: Medford* .$429.00 Woodburn .$ 57.60 Ashland 443.30'Corvallis . 155.20
Grant's Pass ... 415.80 Independence 121.60
Roseburg 277.20 McMinnville* 80.00
Eugene* 172.20| Dallas* 100.80
Junction City *. 154.00|Sheridan
91.20
Oakland
253.60|Newberg 41.60
Albany* 128.00|Dundee 44.80
Brownsville 153.60 Hillsboro* 33.60
West Stayton .. 105.60 Lafayette 54.40
Silverton 73.60|Turner
96.00
Salem* 84.80|Aurora
44.80-
Gervais 62.40|
These rates are for carloads of sixty people. Any point named herein can obtain a car by raising the sum desig- nated and placing such amount in the hands of the local agent of the railroad company. The car will be fur- nished by the company at such time as desired on the dates named. It will be necessary, of course, for some one at the respective points at once to take hold of this matter, and make arrangements as speedily as possible, as the railroad com- pany will have to arrange for coaches and print a special ticket for this excur- sion, and must have reasonable time in which to do these things.
Cabins are located at all points indi- cated by a star, and Native Sons are expected at these points to take charge of this matter and fill the cars as nearly as possible with Pio- neers, Native Sons and Daughters. At other points, where no cabins are lo- cated any Pioneer, Native Son or Daugh- ter can take this matter up; but, of course, are expected as nearly as possible to bring only the class of people above named. These rates are certainly suffi- ciently low to permit all Pioneers, Native Sons and Daughters, and especially all members of subordinate cabins through- out the state to attend the grand cabin exercises at Portland, Or., on the 13th and 14th, the grand encampment of the Indian War Veterans on the 14th, and the Pioneers', Native Sons' and Daugh- ters' reunion on the 15th.
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OREGON NATIVE SON.
The grand cabin at its first annual ses- sion, will convene at Elks' hall, at II o'clock Tuesday, June 13, and will be composed of the present grand officers and delegates of cabins throughout the state. Under the constitution all mem- bers in good standing in subordinate cabins are permitted to visit as guests the grand cabin during its session. The business of the grand cabin will continue over the 13th, the evening of the 13th and the 14th, until 6 P. M. On the evening of the 14th an entertainment will be given under the auspices of the grand cabin at the Marquam Grand the- ater, public to Pioneers, Native Sons and Daughters, and attending delegates upon the grand cabin. Native talent only will be used at this entertainment. Hon. T. T. Geer, a charter member of Abernethy's Cabin, and the first Native Son governor of Oregon, will deliver a short address on that occasion.
After the entertainment a banquet will be served at Brandes' restaurant to the grand officers and delegates in attend- ance upon the grand cabin and invited guests. The morning of the 15th, Pio- neers' day, will be heralded by strains of music and the assembling of Native Sons and Daughters at the Tabernacle build- ing, corner Twelfth and Morrison streets, which will be decorated with evergreens, flowers and colors of the order. At this place, during the morning of the 15th, the Native Daughters will serve refresh- ments and coffee for the Pioneers, and the First Regiment band will furnish aconcert from 9 until 12. This is to be the home and general rendezvous of Pioneers, In- dian War Veterans, Native Sons and Daughters until they march to the Ar- mory, where the programme of the State Pioneer Association will be rendered. The Native Sons will form a guard of honor to the Pioneers in their march to the Armory, and will turn out in full
force in a grand parade, under the charge of John. W. Minto, grand marshal of the grand cabin, assisted by the marshals oi the subordinate cabins throughout the state as aids. Nothing will be left un- done by either the Native Sons or Daughters to give our statebuilders, the fast-passing pioneer, a cordial and earn- est reception on this Pioneer day in- the year that marks the semi-centennial his- tory of Oregon.
June 14th will be the date of ineeting of the grand encampment, Indian War Veterans, and as the meeting will be one of the greatest importance to veter- ans all of them that can possibly attend should do so. This will be the fifty- third anniversary of the first Indian war in Oregon. The wives and daughters of the veterans of Portland will furnish a fine dinner for all connected with the so- ciety on the afternoon of the 14th. The session of the encampment will be held in G. A. R. hall, likewise the dinner given. Those who are entitled thereto and who have not yet made application to Grand Commander T. A. Wood for a copy of the history of the Indian wars of the state, which was recently published by the state, should do so at once or secure the same while attending the grand en- campment. It is claimed that there are inaccuracies in the volume published and all desire correctness; if veterans will send in their stories of the wars, then and then only will the full resume of what occurred be known and claimed errors rectified. Another volume will be printed givingother data and pages point- ing out differences of opinions in rela- tion to these wars. Remember the vet- erans all, you are getting older day by day, and if you don't forward your manu- script soon it will not be long before it is too late to do so and valuable contri- butions to history will be lost. Special attention is called to the following:
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NESIKA WAWA.
Among the more than worthy acts performed lately can be mentioned the gift of a piece of property, valued at about $20,000, to the Homeopathic Med- ical Society for hospital purposes, and the presentation to the Thompson public school of a piano and a library of some 340 volumes, together with suitable cases for them. Both of these gifts were from pioneers; the former was the generous offering of Hon. H. W. Corbett and the latter came from Hon. D. P. Thompson, for whom the school was named.
The Native Son is in receipt of sketches from several of the native-born boys of Oregon. A set illustrating some of the early incidents of Homer Daven- port's life, will be found in the biograph- ical sketch of him in this number. They are the work of Sammy Gellert. Some of his sketches Homer has seen, and has advised Sammy's parents to the effect that if they will give him an opportunity that he will make a name for himself. We also have some sketches drawn by Fred Cooper, of McMinnville, which show great talent in the caricature line,
almost every stroke of his pen fairly bristling with a story without words. We endeavored to have them reproduced for our magazine, but could not do so be- cause the lines were drawn so fine that they would not stand a reduction and show half of them. Both of these boys will be heard from in the future, for they are born artists.
Hon. L. F. Grover sailed from Phila- delphia late in December, 1850. on a ves- sel commanded by Captain Isaac A. Bray, of Newburyport, Mass. The ves- sel was owned in Newburyport, but was chartered to carry a load of goods from Philadelphia to San Francisco. During the voyage the captain showed to Mr. Grover a British sailing chart of the Pa- cific coast, supposed to have been pub- lished about 1790, on the margin of which was printed, opposite the Oregon of later years, substantially the following words: "This coast is called Origan, from the Origanum, which is found in the interior." If a copy of this chart could be found it is not improbable a flood of light would be let in on the dim history of the name.
NESIKA WAWA.
Among the very many kind notices we have received from the press, not only of Oregon, but elsewhere, we copy the fol- lowing from The Lantern of May 5, 1809. It does full justice to the pioneer, to what should be done in way of en- deavor along the line of the history of the state, and to our aim to accomplish the much-needed end desired:
"The Native Son, a magazine devoted to the interests of the native sons and daughters of Oregon, and the sturdy pioneers, who. footmore and weary, wended their ways beyond 'the States,' and builded an empire 'in the in- numerable woods,' which Bryant peopled with the dead alone, whose efforts made it possible
tervened between the people of the Atlantic and those of the Pacific, from the maps of our country, now lies before us. The magazine is typographically and artistically perfect, and its pages are replete with articles of heretofore unwritten local history and Indian legends from the pens of many noted native writers, and embellished with the counterfeits of the countenances of many of the state's noted public men. It is full time that steps should be taken by those born and raised in our noble state to organize, as they are now doing. into bands of sociality and fraternity. It is full time that an effort should be made to expunge from the records the foul aspersions which have been cast upon the noble men and women who, almost leaving hope behind. car- ried the banner of civilization, liberty and . ... 1 ......
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OREGON NATIVE SON.
ing the savages to peaceful pursuits, and driv- ing the wild beasts of the forests before them. to make way for the cabin of the husbandman, that he should 'tickle the soil until it laughed a crop.' The hair of those who were to the cabin born, and the first epoch in whose lives was marked by the time in which they grew 'big enough to pull the latch string,' is already frosted by implacable Time, while their fath- ers and mothers, who have not already solved the great problem of the hereafter, are stooped by the same relentness agency to the height of the latch, and are pulling on the string for entrance into the great eternity. It is full time that the epitaph of the pioneers should be written; and the history which they have made should be justly recorded. Those who acted have passed away; but those who saw and knew, and who in the circle of each year's growth bear a remembrance of some hardship endured or act of heroism and brav- ery enacted by their sturdy parents, should stand up manfully and speak. Such appears to be their purpose, and the magazine be- fore us is their selected organ. May its wordly success be measured by its efforts to search out the truth and record it."
We are also in receipt, among others, of the following:
New Whatcom, Wash .. May 17 .- Native Son Publishing Company: I am delighted with the
new magazine, and I sincerely regret that I was unable to send you a contribution to you: first number. I shall do so as soon as pos- sible, and shall be glad to help you all I can.
When it comes to the erection of a home for the society, I hope most earnestly that it may be a Grand Cabin in reality-as grand as you please, but built of logs and finished in native woods, with big fireplaces and his- toric "cranes" and shovels and tongs and "grub boxes," etc. It could be made large, beautiful and picturesque, and stand forever, in memory of those who are proud to have been born in a log cabin-as I am. Yours sincerely, ELLA HIGGINSON.
Klamath Agency, Or., May 19 .- Native Son Publishing Company: Thanks are due some friend for the initial number of the Oregon Native Son, a publication which promises to supply a long-realized want. The preserva- tion of true historical data in regard to early times upon the Pacific coast, is well worthy the earnest efforts of the sons and daughters of the noble men and women who planted American settlements, under circumstances of trial and danger, many of which have never been adequately told. The society of the Native Sons of Oregon and its organ have my heartfelt wishes for prosperity and suc- cess. Very truly yours,
O. C. APPLEGATE.
The half-tone portraits we publish will not all be as perfect portraits as we should like, but this cannot be helped, on ac- count of the poor quality of material we secure to work from. A good, clear-cut photo of a first-class subject will pro- duce a good half-tone, but a photo not well taken, or taken from a crayon, paint- ing, or enlarged from a small photo will not be any better than the original.
The grand cabin adopted as a uniform a beaver hat, shaped like the military hats usually worn for parade purposes. It is hoped that all will secure them, so that those in line of march or in Portland on the 13th, 14th and 15th will have a dis- net. and will be at once known
by all. These hats cost but very little. They are on sale at Will Wolf's, 208 Mor- rison street, and will be at the cabin and grand cabin. All wanting them should purchase at once, so as to insure a cor- rect fit. First come, first served.
Daniel H. Lownsdale was the pioneer tanner of the state. One of his sales was to F. W. Pettygrove, to whom he traded leather valued at about $5,000 for the present site of the city of Portland.
Ex-Vice-President Thomas A. Hen- dricks was an applicant for the position of United States district judge of Ore- gon, at the time the late Judge Deady was appointed to the office.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
MRS. MARY RICHARDSON WALKER.
Mrs. Walker was born at Baldwin, Me., April 1, 1811. Her parents, Joseph and Char- lotte (Thompson) Richardson, came of old American families, and for several generations were prominent members of the Congrega- tional church. The Thompsons were orig- inally of Scotch descent, the ancestry being traceable back for upwards of two hundred years. Count Rumford was of this family stock. Judge D. P. Thompson, the author of "The Green Mountain Boys," "L'ock Ams- den" and "May Martin," was a second cousin of Mrs. Walker's. Both her grandfathers were Revolutionary soldiers, .Daniel Thompson falling in the second day's skirmish at Lexing- ton. Miss Richardson's parents both had a good education. Her mother was of an in- tensely religious nature. Her father was a man of sterling worth, and had an original and prac- tical turn of mind, which the daughter in- herited.
There were eleven children in her father's family, but the eldest child died when Mary was about three months old, leaving her the oldest of the remaining children. She re- ceived a good education at the Maine Wes- leyan seminary, at Reedfield. Me., which she finished when about 20 years of age, after which she taught school until about the time of her marriage. She joined the Congrega- tional church at about 20, and six years after- wards offered herself to the American board as a missionary and was accepted. At first she was to go as a single lady missionary to Siam. but before it was time to leave, she became acquainted with Elkanah Walker, a then re- cent graduate from the Bangor theological seminary, whom she married March 5, 1838. Previous to this marriage it was the intention of the board to send them to the Zulus of South Africa, but a war in that country be- tween two Zulu chiefs delayed their departure. In the meantime, in the latter part of 1837. Mr. W. H. Gray came with a message from Dr. Marcus Whitman and Rev. H. H. Spald- ing, who had come out to Oregon as mission -. aries the year previous. for more helpers. They readily responded to this call, and start- ed the day after their marriage. on a bridal tour that did not end until they reached Dr. Whitman's station, August 29. 1838, having traveled about 3,500 miles. The journey from
the Missouri river over a trackless wilder- her the courage to face unknown dangers, hardships and trials incident to a trip to Ore- ness was made on horseback, or, rather, for Mrs. Walker, on muleback, for the Indians stole her pony soon after leaving the above river. The winter of 1838-39 was spent at Dr. Whitman's, where Cyrus H. was born, Decem- ber 7, 1838. Here they learned to know how horse meat tasted.
March 5, 1839, just one year from her mar- riage, they left Dr. Whitman's and went 150 miles further north, to Tshimakain, where the mission among the Spokanes was located. Here one daughter and four sons were born. This was her home until in the spring of 1848, when that mission was abandoned on account of the Whitman massacre the November pre- vious. Nearly two years were spent in Ore- gon City, or until the fall of 1849, when the family removed to Forest Grove, which was her home until her death.
The summer of 1871 she accompanied her husband on a visit to their New England homes, after an absence of 33 years. She was left a widow by the death of her husband, November 21, 1877. During the greater part of the succeeding years her affairs were looked after by her youngest born, Samuel T. In later years of her life her mind was sadly clouded, requiring patient and even heroic watchfulness, that was faithfully ren- dered by her sons, Samuel T. and Levi C., she dying at the home of the latter. She was widely known as "Grandma Walker," and when her death took place, December 5, 1897. the sad news was swiftly heralded all over the North Pacific coast. She was laid to rest beside her husband and two sons, who had preceded her, on the 59th birthday of her eld- est born. The funeral discourse was delivered by Rev. Myron Eells. in compliance with her request, made some time previous to her death. She was the last to die of the mission- aries sent out by the American board. the longest on the coast. and the oldest when called from earth.
MRS. MYRA FAIRBANK EELLS.
Mrs. Eells was the daughter of Joshui and Sally Fairbank. and was born at Holden. Mass .. May 26. 1805. At the early age of 13 she made a profession of religion. and all
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OREGON NATIVE SON.
her future was guided by such act, giving gon in its wild and savage state in 1838. She became acquainted with her future husband, Rev. Cushing Eells, while he was teaching school in her native town, and on March 5, 1838, they were united in marriage. On the next day they started for Oregon, where Dr. Eells had engaged to go as a missionary among the Indians. Only two women-Mrs. Whitman and Mrs. Spalding-had ever made the trip before, in 1836, and in the company of which they were a part, was Rev. E. Walker and wife, Rev. A. B. Smith and wife, Wm. H. Gray and wife, and Mr. C. Rogers. The most of the trip from the Missouri river was made on horseback. They arrived at Waiilatpu in August, 1838, and there spent the winter with Dr. Whitman. In the spring of 1839 they, with Rev. Mr. Walker and wife, who were their asso- . ciates until 1848, went to their mission station, Tshimakin, among the Spokane Indians. Up- on the massacre of Dr. Whitman, they moved to the Willamette valley. They both taught school for a short time at Abiqua, and in 1849 removed to Forest Grove, where they had accepted a request to teach in what was the beginning of the now well-known Tuala- tin Academy and Pacific university. In 1851 they removd to Hillsboro, and in 1862 to Walla Walla. Here the plans were laid for the building up of Whitman college, in memory of his co-laborers. In 1872 they removed to Skokomish, on Puget sound, and there, on August 9, 1878, she passed away, at the age of 73 years, leaving behind to mourn her loss, her husband and two sons, Edwin and Myron, and friends in all sections of the Pacific Northwest, who recognized in her a true Christian woman, a firm friend and a lovable companion and neighbor.
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MRS. MARY AUGUSTA GRAY.
This pioneer mother was born January I, 1810, her maiden name being Mary Augusta Dix. During her early life she received an education which, togther with her appearance and manners, fitted her for the most polite society. In addition to these accomplish- ments, she was a humble and consecrated Christian, at all times endeavoring to spread sunshine among those with whom she came in contact, and had a word of cheer and hope for those in trouble. In 1838 her hand was given in marriage to William H. Gray, who caine across the plains in 1836 with Dr. Whit-
man, and who had returned to the East for reinforcements for the mission, which had been established in Oregon by the doctor and his associates. The marriage took place at Champlain, N.Y., on March 5, 1838, and almost immediately they set out for the scene of their labors, a labor for the Master among the Indians, a work which entailed a long and weary six months of travel across the plains, one of self-denial, banishment from home, its comforts, associations and benefits; an under- taking that required fortitude and bravery to accomplish. The party arrived at Waiilatpu September 1, 1838. After a short sojourn there she accompanied her husband to the Lapwai mission. Here Mrs. Gray entered heartily into the work of teaching the Indian women and children. Of the latter there was from 50 to 100, whom she taught under a pine tree during the fall, and until a log schoolhouse was built. This is described as "a puncheon-seated, earth-floored building, and here she taught her pupils until March, 1839
In the fall of 1839 she left for the Whitman station with her husband and infant son in a Chinook canoe, paddled and steered by two Nez Perces Indians. They remained there. Mrs. Gray assisting Mrs. Whitman in teaching until 1842, when they came to the Willamette valley. Later they removed to Clatsop plains. where they resided for several years, and finally settled in Astoria. Wherever they went they strove to advance the kingdom of Christ, and exerted a decided influence in the cause of education, temperance and benev- olence. In 1846 they assisted in forming the first Presbyterian church in Oregon, with Rev. Lewis Thompson and Mr. and Mrs. Condit, at Clastop Plains. (Clatsop church organized September 19, 1846.)
Judge J. H. D. Gray, of Astoria: Caroline A. (Mrs. Jacob Kamm), of Portland; Mary S. (Mrs. Frank Tarbell), of Tacoma; Sarah F. (Mrs. William Abernethy). of Dora, Coos county, Or .; Captain William P. Gray. Cap- tain Albert W. Gray and Captain James T. Gray, of Portland, are children of Mr. and Mrs. Gray, a family which occupies leading and respectable positions wherever they are known.
In 18;0. after an absence of 32 years. Mrs. Gray, accompanied by her husband. returned to New York for a visit. going by steamer to San Francisco, and thence by rail to New York. One can imagine their sensation as
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
they were rapidly whirled over the ground which they had crossed so many years before so slowly and laboriously.
On the 8th of December, 1881, Mrs. Gray died at her home on the Klaskanine farm, aged 71 years II months and 7 days.
Her husband survived her until November 14. 1889, when he closed his eyes in death, to reopen them and stand beside the faithful wife and mother who had gone before, and receive from the Master that crown of righteousness which is bestowed upon all true Christians.
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