USA > Oregon > The Oregon native son, Vol. I > Part 6
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Inducing various industries to locate here is for the best. If a bonus is re- quired, raise it. After they are estab- lished, encourage and patronize them. The Union Meat Company, the Zimmer- man Packing Company, Capen & Co., the pottery industries, manufacturers of the Mount Hood shirts, and other firms, employ from 25 to 300 employes each. Their salaries are spent at home. This money keeps circulating. Increase the industries and times will be prosperous as long as the public buys the articles placed on the market.
Oregon is proud of the leading posi- tion which Homer Davenport occupies, and the world will not often furnish his equal in caricature, unless his competitor for high honors comes from his own state. Even then rivalry may not be ad- mitted, still Oregon has three other na- tive sons, who are not yet 14 years of age, in whose brains are conceived, and whose ready hands can portray, some very cred- itable illustrations. We expected to pub- lish some matter illustrated by them in this issue, but space would not permit. In our next our readers may look for it, however.
Our contributors as well as ourselves may not agree with others in estimate of the efforts of some of our early pioneers or in detail of events which took place as statehood was being carried forward. Still, while opinions may differ, and er- rors be unwittingly made, we trust that our pages will be read with the idea in view that it is our purpose to publish as much history as possible, and that all are depended upon to help along the good cause. The benefit of several opinions would in no wise be harmful, an article or statement in reference to past inci- dents, from varied standpoints, interest- ing, and mention of unpublished happen- ings a contribution to history to all most acceptable. We therefore invite all who have any knowledge of pioneer times to favor us with the benefit of such. Pio- neers are mortal, and if they delay too long in giving their reminiscences, the time will come when the voice is stilled, and it will then be too late to add to what all desire to be aware of-of all that will contribute towards a full and complete history of Oregon. Our pages are free to all who see fit to lend their aid in this matter, provided that the politics of the present or future are not made the subject upon which they write, or relig- ious opinions dwelt upon.
The Native Sons are making prepara- tion for their annual meeting, to be held in June next. Committees have been ap- pointed for service in various ways in the matter.
The Grand Cabin has taken up the question of "Pioneer Day" with a will, and the venerable state founders, who are in Portland on the 15th of June, can rest assured that their descendants will make the occasion a pleasant one if such be possible.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
RD. JOHN M'LOUGHLIN.
Father McLoughlin has been termed and well called the first real governor of Oregon. As chief factor of the Hudson's Bay Company west of the Rockies, he was more than this- he was autocrat. He was of the great in many ways -- large physically, broad of mind and in ideas, and, above all, there was no estimate of his tenderness and goodness of heart. He was nearly 40 years among us, and during that time was the peer of all others here. The Indians called him the "white- headed eagle," and the whites went to him as a father in their troubles. In a pathetic manuscript found among his papers published after his death, he calls himself the father of Oregon; and the greater the lapse of time from its writing the greater has become the idea that his claim was right and just. The circumstances of his life may be briefly told. He was born in Canada in 1784, of Scotch parents, although his mother, by some, is said to have been French.
He was employed in early manhood as a physician by the Northwest Fur Company, and was stationed for a time at their posts in Canada. On the consolidation of this com- pany with that of the Hudson's Bay Company he was selected to come West and take full charge of the interests of this great corpora- tion. In 1824, together with his family and a retinue of the company's servants, he came overland to his post. On his arrival at Asto- ria, and on looking around the country he concluded that the site where Vancouver, Wash., now stands would be a better location than Astoria for a post, and to such place he removed and established himself, making it the headquarters of the company west of the Rockies. During all the years of his admin- istration as chief factor of the company he served his employers with marked fidelity, ability and an accurate and broad apprecia- tion of his duties as a Christian. His conduct to the early American settlers was admirably humane, and showed that the claims of hu- manity outweighed mere business considera- tions of every degree. It may be well enough imagined that the efforts and scenes through which he passed from 1840 to 1847 were ex- ceedingly harassing. Then began the decline
of his personal control over this country, which, during the long time, he had made exclusive. The Americans first broke the arch of his authority, and his humane and benevo- lent treatment of these Americans, who could brook no government except their own, soon drew upon him the censure of the English. and he was rebuked by his employers for his toleration and kindness, when he resigned the trust he had so faithfully, honestly and capably administered. After severing his connection therewith he moved to the falls of the Wil- lamette, and there settled upon a claim, found- ing Oregon City thereon, and some 300 of its lots were by him donated to schools, churches and private parties. He also became an Amer . ican citizen, but the change of affairs did not bring cessation of trouble. He was persecuted by men claiming the knowledge of Christian experience, defamed by designing politicians and knowingly misrepresented at Washington as a British intriguer, until he was unjustly deprived of the greater portion of his land claim. Subsequent examination into the true status of the case brought conclusive proof that he had been wronged, and to the credit of the state the wrong done was, in part. righted before his death. The wreck of his former influence, the unjust condemnation passed upon him and false accusations made concerning him, the loss of his fortune and the ingratitude of those he had befriended in hours of starvation and need, embittered his declining years. After a sorrowful experience of man's ingratitude to man, he closed his eyes in death on the 3d of September, 1857. aged 73. Beneath the morning shadow of the old gray cliffs that overlook the pioneer town of the Anglo-American on the Pacific. which he himself founded-Oregon City-he lies at rest and peace within the ever-moaning sound of the mighty cataract of the Willam- ette. Dr. McLoughlin was a grand old man. the father of Oregon. His depth of discern- ment, force of will, strict integrity and his abounding sense of humanity and gentleness gave him a touch of greatness. Oregon has most fittingly placed in the statehouse along with its various governors an oil painting of him. and should monuments ever be erected to the memory of its dead. the first to be raised should be in his honor. The wife of
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the doctor was the widow of Alexander Mc- Kay, who lost his life on the ill-fated Tonquin, the loss of which being due to Indian treach- ery and lust for greed. By this union three sons and one daughter were born, the latter, Mrs. Eloise McLoughlin Rae, being the mother of Mrs. Theodore Wygant and Mrs. Joseph Myrick, of Portland.
GEORGE ABERNETHY.
Oregon's first governor was born in Aber- leen, Scotland, in 1807. The family moved o the United States soon after, and the future executive spent the first 32 years of his life n New York. In 1839 Rev. Jason Lee was n the East after recruits for the Methodist mission established in the Willamette valley, nd Mr. Abernethy joined the expedition as a ay member. It came in the ship Lausanne, which arrived at Vancouver June 1, 1840. Mr. Abernethy was placed in charge of the mis- ion store at Willamette Falls, now Oregon City. What interest he took in the formation of a government by the settlers was of a neg- tive or indifferent nature until it was con- eded to have become firmly established. In 843 the executive powers of the common- wealth were vested in a committee of three; n 1845 it was determined to change this and lect one, a governor, instead. There were everal conflicting interests, which put up sev- ral candidates for the honor. Mr. Aber- ethy was absent in the Sandwich islands on usiness at the time, but his supporters suc- eeded in electing him to the position by a mall majority. At the close of his term he vas re-elected, and before the end of his sec- nd term Oregon became by action of the overnment a territory of the United States. "his gave him the honor of being the only rovisional governor Oregon ever had. Gov- rnor Abernethy was a wise executive, and Il unite in saying that his administration was conomical, clean and beneficial. He was in- trumental in the starting of various enter- rises in Oregon City, the then metropolis of Oregon. In some of his speculations he was nfortunate. Others, however, paid him hand- ome revenues. In 1861 he was considered rell-to-do, when the great flood of that year wept away his buildings and effects, and in hese vanished the savings of his active life. Vith but a small remnant of his fortune he emoved to Portland in that year so disas-
trous, where he resided until his death, which occurred in May, 1877. He was married in New York city January 15, 1830, to Miss Ann Pope, who died in New York April 30, 1884. He left a family consisting of a son, William, and a daughter, Anne. The former married a daughter of William H. Gray, a pioneer of 1836, and the latter became the wife of Colonel . Henry Hodges, U. S. A.
. JOSEPH LANE,
General Lane was born in North Carolina December 14, 1801. At an early age his father moved to Henderson county, Kentucky, where he lived until the age of twenty. At this early period of life he married Miss Polly Hart, and they moved to Vanderburgh coun- ty, Indiana, where for some twenty-five years he led the life of a farmer. Being an active participant in all matters of enterprise that would bring the greatest good to the county, his abilities were soon recognized and he was sent as its representative to the legislature, remaining a member of it until the breaking out of the Mexican war, when he resigned as state senator to accept the colonelcy of the Second regiment, Indiana volunteers. He was badly wounded in the shoulder at the battle of Buena Vista, where he commanded the left wing of the army, but, nothing daunted, he refused to leave the field until victory was assured. Subsequently, while in command of a corps destined to the relief of General Scott, he defeated the Mexicans in several engage- ments. After joining General Scott, he was actively engaged very prominently in the war until peace was restored. From the rank of colonel he rose through merit and bravery to brigadier-general and major-general of vol- unteers. No sooner had the sun of military life seen its setting than that of political dawned again, for on his return from the battle-field he found himself commissioned governor of Oregon territory. He immedi- ately set out for the scene of his new duties, coming via Mexico and Arizona, accompanied by a military escort to San Francisco, where he took passage on a sailing vessel for Ore- gon City, the then seat of government. On the 3d of March, 1849, he issued his proclama- tion as governor. In 1851 he was chosen delegate to congress, and served in that capacity until Oregon was admitted in 1859 as a state, when he was elected one of its first
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
United States senators. In 1853 he distin- guished hinself in the Rogue river Indian war, receiving a severe wound at the battle of Evans creek. The subsequent treaty with the Indians at Table Rock was brought about largely with his influence with the hostiles. In 1860 he was the nominee of one out of three factions into which the hitherto victorious democratic party had been divided, for the office of vice-president, the nominee for pres- ident on the same ticket being John C. Breck- inridge. The house divided against itself re- sulted in its defeat, the republican ticket head- ed by Abraham Lincoln being elected. Gen- eral Lane then retired to his home near Rose- burg, where the remaining years of his life were brought to a well-rounded close in the heart of his family. In the spring of 1881 this good and noble man slowly but surely began to feel the ebbing tide of a life well spent, and in April of that year closed his eyes to all things earthly. In battle he was fearless, in political life clean, at home the idol of his family, and among his neighbors none was more loved or respected for his virtues. He left behind a large number of relatives, one of whom, Lafayette Lane, a son, was a member of congress from this state, and Harry Lane, a grandson, is a well-known physician of Port- land; and Eugene Shelby, another grandson, has been for years the agent of Wells, Fargo ยท & Co., at Portland.
JOHN WHITEAKER.
The first governor of Oregon after it be- came a state is the subject of this sketch. Governor Whiteaker was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, May 4, 1820. He subse- quently lived in Illinois and Missouri. In the latter state he married Miss N. J. Hargrave, a native of Illinois. They were married on August 22, 1847. In 1849 he caught the Cal- ifornia gold fever, and, leaving his family for the time, went to the mines of that state, re- maining there until 1851, when he returned home. In 1852 he came, with his family, across the plains to Oregon. Politically the governor has always been a democrat, and as the stand- ard-bearer of that party has represented Lane county in the legislature, as governor of the state, as congressman and in government position. In all of his official life embraced in these various trusts he was true to his con- victions of right, was faithful and honest. As
a private citizen he was exemplary in his con- duct and a credit to the community and state.
In 1853 he took up a. donation claim in Lane county, and upon this he lived the greater portion of the time since. In 1856 he was elected probate judge of Lane county, and the following year represented that coun- ty in the territorial legislature. In 1858 he was elected governor of the state. He was inaugurated on July 8, and participated in the confusion arising from the inaction of con- gress on the enabling act, which. led to the misunderstanding, in consequence of which both the territorial and state governments were maintained until 1859, when Oregon was duly admitted as a state. He was a member of the legislature in 1865, when called in spe- cial session by Governor Gibbs to accept the constitutional amendment abolishing slavery, and voted against the same. He also repre- sented Lane county in the legislature as a representative, in 1866-68 and 1870; and as a ' senator in 1876. In 1878 he was elected a member of congress, and was appointed, col- lector of internal revenue for the district of Oregon by President Cleveland during his first term of office; this position the governor held for four years, at the expiration of which he settled in Eugene, where he has since re- sided. In December, 1877, he was stricken with paralysis, which affected him both phys- ically and mentally. Though improving, it is doubtful whether he will ever fully recover from the stroke. Mrs. Whiteaker is still alive. and it is unnecessary to say that she is one of the well-known women of the state, a lady of refinement and culture; one who by her actions has brought her the esteem of all who have ever met her. Their home has been a model one, one where sunshine, kindness and welcome abounds. Six children have been born to thiem, two of which are deceased. Francis dying on the plains, and Dr. J. C. in 1886. Miss Annie lives at home. Estelle is the wife of Professor D. W. Jarvis, principal of the Atkinson public school, Portland, and Ben and James H. look after the farm.
THEODORE THURSTON GEER.
Governor T. T. Geer was born in the Waldo hills of Marion county, March 12, 1851, soon after which he removed with his parents to Silverton, where he remained until 1861, when he went to Salen and attended the district
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OREGON NATIVE SON.
school two years. On September 5, 1863, he entered the WMlamette University, remaining until April, 1865. Professor T. M. Gatch, now president of the Agricultural College at Corvallis, was then at the head of that insti- tution. Among his schoolmates were Lieu- tenant Fred Schwatka, Hon. C. B. Moores, Sam and Syl. Simpson, and others, now well- known native sons. For a year and a half after leaving school, he worked on his uncle's farm in Marion county, at the expiration of which time he went with his father to Union county, where they engaged in the nursery business together, remaining there ten years. On June 16, 1870, he was married to Miss Nancy G. Batte, who died between the time of his election and inauguration as governor, and while they were on their way to visit her relatives in Missouri, whom she had not seen for 34 years. Two daughters and a son survive as the fruit of this union. In June. 1877, he returned to Marion county, since which time he has continued to reside on the old donation land claim of his uncle, George Eoff, within a mile of the place where he was born. In 1880, '88, '90 and '92, he was elected to the legislature, and during the session of 1891 was speaker of the house. In 1894 he was nominated by the republican state con- vention as a presidential elector, and can- vassed the state for McKinley, establishing a reputation as a ready speaker of keen wit and convincing logic, winning the enthusiastic support of his friends and the respect and es- teem of his opponents. Subsequent to the election he was chosen by his associates to carry the vote of the state to Washington, which he did. After the inauguration of Mc- Kinley he became a candidate for collector of customs for the port of Portland, but was re- fused the place and another was appointed. when another office was offered him, but was promptly declined. This brought him prom- inently before the people of the state, and at the convention of his party held the follow- ing April he was nominated for governor by acclamation, being the only time in the his- tory of the republican party in Oregon when a governor was so nominated. While this convention was assembling and in session, he was quietly at work on his farm in the Waldo hills, where a committee subsequently found and notified him of the honor conferred by his party. Here Diogenes strayed, with a commission in hand, and, without a lantern,
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found an honest man tilling the soil, and called this Cincinnatus of the West to steer the ship of state. At the election in June, 1898, he received the largest majority ever cast for a governor in Oregon, and was inaugurated in January of tlfe present year.
Governor Geer first attracted attention about fifteen years ago, by voluntary contri- butions to the Oregonian, in which he dis- cussed live issues of the day, sometimes in protracted discussions with representatives of opposing parties. In this manner he con- manded the attention of party leaders, by his freedom of thought and action, and deep knowledge of political questions, and his ad- vice was sought in party councils.
WILLIAM H. GRAY.
This pioneer of pioneers and historian of events in which he took so conspicuous, a part was born in Fairfield, N. Y., on Septem- ber 10, 1810. At the age of 14 he lost his father, and was apprenticed to learn the cab- inet-makers' trade, and before finishing his time became foreman of the shop. Upon at- . taining his majority he began the study of medicine, but through the intercession of Dr. Samuel Parker and the American Board of Missions he was induced to enlist in mis- sionary work in Oregon before his gradua- tion. In 1836 he left home to accompany Dr. Whitman and Rev. H. H. Spalding and their wives to the field of their new labors. The little party left New York in the early part of that year, and, after a long and tiresome trip, arrived at Vancouver on the 12th of Septem- ber following. As they passed The Dalles, Mr. Gray was of the opinion that such place offered extra inducements for a site for a mission, but being in the minority was over- ruled in the matter of establishing one there. Subsequent events, however, proved his judg- inent far-reaching, as the Methodists after- ward selected the location for such a purpose, and it was one of their most successful ones. From the time of arrival, he was associated with his colleagues in the establishment of missions until the spring of IS37, when it was arranged that he should return to the East for reinforcements. To defray the ex- penses of the trip he drove a band of twenty horses along, being assisted by a few young Flathead Indians. All went well until Ash hollow, on the Nebraska, river, was reached.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
when they were attacked by a war party of 300 Sioux, The small though intrepid souls de- fended themselves with such ardor that the Sioux signaled for a cessation of hostilities and a conference, which was accepted, but the terms proposed being such that Gray and his party would be left defenseless they were promptly rejected. Upon this show of de- termination the Sioux withdrew their de- mands, and allowed the party to proceed with- out renewal of hostilities. In the fracas, how- ever, the Sioux lost quite largely, among those slain being a leading war chief. Of Mr. Gray's party five were killed, and he narrowly escaped such fate, having his hat pierced by a bullet and two horses shot under him. On the return trip he was accompanied by his newly made bride, formerly Miss Mary A. Dix, of Ithica, N. Y., and the Rev. Elkanah Walker, Cushing Eells and A. B. Smith, with their wives, and Cornelius Rogers. Mr. Gray was assigned to the Lapwai mission, and from thence until July, 1842, his labors were among the Flatheads. At this time he re- signed and came to the Willamette valley, where he was engaged as general superintend- ent and secular agent of the Oregon Insti- tute-now Willamette University-in which occupation he remained several years. The services of Mr. Gray in the establishment of the provisional government were as that of originator of the scheme, and he was no sooner located in the valley than he began to agitate such a course among the settlers. He gathered a few of like opinion together for consultation as to the best means of bring- ing about the desired end, and they devised a simple but most effective plan-one which worked to a charm. Many domestic animals had been destroyed by wild beasts, and a meeting was called on February 2, 1843, for the ostensible purpose of exterminating them, nothing being said about a more important object. The meeting was largely attended, and the fate of the animals was referred to a committee who was to report at a meeting set for the first Monday in March following. At this meeting the animals were lost sight of when Mr. Gray introduced the following:
"Resolved, That a committee be appointed to take into consideration the propriety of taking measures for the civil and military pro- tection of this colony.
"Resolved. That said committee consist of twelve persons."
The resolutions were unanimously adopted. Mr. Gray was one of the committee. The meeting adjourned to meet May 2, 1843, at which time a legislative committee of nine members was, by the report adopted, selected, he being one of the number. This was really the first legislature of Oregon. The session was held at Oregon City, July 5, 1843, and lasted three days.
In writing of these events, the words of Hon. J. Quinn Thornton, in an address de- livered in 1874, are recalled. He said: "His- torical justice requires the fact to be noted that William H. Gray, by his untiring labors, ceaseless vigilance and ready tact, which seemed to render him equal.to any emergency, contributed more than any other man to the result of the measures which brought about the meeting of July 5, 1843."
After the free establishment of the pro- visional government on a firm foundation, he left the more active duties of its conduct to others, and turned his attention to business pursuits. In 1852 he made another trip East for a band of sheep, which he drove across the plains in safety, but when almost at home the scow upon which he had placed them for transport down the Columbia was wrecked on Chinook spit, near Astoria, and all of the flock were drowned, In 1849 he dug gold in California. In the '6os we find hini in the Frazer river mines, and in 1864 writing his history of Oregon from 1792 to 1849, which he published in 1870. He was one of the promotors and indefatigable workers for the erection of the monument which marks the scene where Dr. Whitman and others niet their death at the hands of the Indians, and are buried. An organization of the Oregon Pioneer and Historical Society in 1872 was brought about through his efforts.
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