USA > Oregon > The Oregon native son, Vol. I > Part 7
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The latter years of his life were passed at Astoria. He died in Portland November 14, 1889, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Jacob Kamm, and his remains were taken to Astoria and rest beside those of his wife, who had preceded him to a better world.
It would be hard to find in the history of Oregon a man who was more thoroughly identified with its early upbuilding than William H. Gray. He was among the few first Americans to come here. He assisted in the building of the first homes, schoolhouses and churches: was foremost among those who launched the first government in our
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midst, and the evidences of his life have left indelible impress for good upon our social and political structures.
He left four sons, J. H. D., William P., Albert W. and James T., all of whom have been identified with navigation, and are lead- ing and honorable citizens. The daughters have long been known in the social circles of the state; they are Mrs. Jacob Kamm, Mrs. Sarah F. Abernethy and Mrs. Mary Tarbell, deceased.
A. L. LOVEJOY.
Asa Lawrence Lovejoy was born in Gro- ton, Mass., March 14, 1808. At an early age his parents removed to Townson, in the same state, where he remained until he was some 16 years of age. About this time he went to Boston, entering a mercantile house. After following such pursuit for a short time he entered Cambridge college, and then Am- herst, where he completed his education. He then studied law, and upon his admission to the bar removed to Sparta, Mo., where he began the practice of his profession. He be- came imbued with the idea that there were better opportunities for a young man in the far West, and in the spring of 1842 joined Dr. Elijah White and party, and started for Ore- gon. He and L. W. Hastings thought it would be the proper thing to carve their names on Independence rock, when that point in the journey was reached, and while carry- ing out the idea were captured by the Sioux Indians. After a brief captivity they were ransomed for a few trinkets and some to- bacco. On arriving at Waiilatpu, he was in- duced by Dr. Whitman to accompany him back East, but before the trip was ended he was compelled to stop at Brent's fort on ac- count of his inability to secure a fresh horse, the one he had having given out. He remained there until the spring of 1843, when he un- dertook to carry dispatches to Father De Smet, who was in the Yellowstone country. When returning he was intercepted by some Snake and Blackfoot Indians, who held him prisoner for nine days, when he succeeded in making his escape and way to Fort Boise, where he joined an emigrant train bound for Oregon, and arrived at Oregon City in November, 1843. Here he opened a law office, and from the first had a lucrative prac- tice. He was twice a candidate for the office
of provisional governor, but through com- binations was defeated both times. From the time of his arrival until 1860 he held many important offices, discharging the duties of each with ability, honesty and to the satis- faction of all. His name and acts are indel- ibly stamped upon the history of Oregon, and none among the pioneers is more entitled to praise than he for faithful and efficient services rendered in moulding the policy and progressive acts which built up the state. He died in Portland, leaving a widow, two sons and two daughters. His wife. was Miss Eliz- abeth McGary, a young lady of many per- sonal attractions, refined manners and accom- plishments, who in declining years is looked upon as one of the Oregon mothers whom all should bow to with the greatest respect and reverence. During Mr. Lovejoy's life and since his death the Lovejoy home has been one where the latchstring ever hung on the outside.
PETER GRANT STEWART.
Peter G. Stewart was born in Stanford, Delaware county, N. Y., September 6, 1809. When . 8 years of age he moved to Jefferson, Scohane county, where he received a common school education. and learned the trade of watchmaker, which occupation he followed in Middlebury until the spring of 1838, when he started on a tour of the West and South, from which he returned in poor health. On September 1, 1842, he married Miss Rebecca R. Cason. During that year he was appointed brigade paymaster by Gen- eral Smith. In April, 1843, he left Spring- field, Mo., for Oregon, and crossed the plains in company with J. W. Nesmith, Marcus Whitman, Jesse Applegate and others. At The Dalles Mr. Stewart, F. C. Cason (his father-in-law) and their families secured the services of Indians and their canoes, and in this manner came down the Columbia and up the Willamette to Oregon City, where they arrived on the 6th of November, having been seven months on the journey.
In May, 1844, he was elected one of the ex- ecutive committee of the provisional govern- ment. In 1845 he was elected by the legisla- tive committee first judge of the district court for Clackamas county. In 1850 he became interested in the townsite of Pacific City, at the mouth of the Columbia, where he lived nearly three years, when the government re-
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served the land for military purposes, and, although thousands of dollars had been spent improving it, he was refused any compensa- tion whatever, until within the last month, and was not even permitted to take up an- other donation land claim in its stead, the result of which was that he was left in desti- tute circumstances. It seemed like mockery, in 1853, to be appointed by President Pierce surveyor and inspector of the revenue for the port of Pacific City, as the revenues were not sufficient to provide the barest necessities of life. In 1861 he moved to Portland where, in October, 1863, his wife died, leaving him with a family of five children to mourn her loss. His business in Portland proved fairly pros- perous until the big fire of December, 1872, when nearly everything was swept away in a few minutes. Again, the following August, when the business portion of the city was destroyed, the fire fiend visited him, and swept away the remnant of his possessions. In September, 1876, he again married, this time the widow of Dr. Rosecrans, of Butte- ville, and located at Gervais, where he served as city recorder for three years. Mr. Stewart is an honored member of the Masonic fra- ternity. He was a charter member of Mult- nomah lodge No. I, the first fraternal order established on the Pacific coast.
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CAPTAIN JOHN H. COUCH.
Captain Couch was born February 21, 1811, at Newburyport, Mass. Upon arriving at an age when he could set out for himself, he chose the seafaring life, and until 1840 his voyages were confined to the waters of the Atlantic. In that year he rounded the Horn in command of the brig Maryland, and was soon in the waters of the Columbia. This vessel was sold in the Sandwich islands, when he returned home. In 1843 his employers again sent him to this coast in the brig Chenamus, and on his arrival at Oregon City he opened a general merchandise store, remaining in charge of the same until 1847, in the meantime sending the vessel back to its home port. In 1848 he was again at New- buryport, when he received the commenda- . tion of his employers for his fidelity and prudence in the management of their affairs in this far away section. Again they tendered him further employment of a like nature, but he declined. He was, however, prevailed up-
on to again return in the interests of another firm, and in 1849 the Madonna unloaded car- go at Portland which he was to dispose of, leaving the ship in command of Captain Geo. H. Flanders, his brother-in-law. After Cap- tain Flanders had made several trips, he also gave up following the sea, and went into co- partnership with Captain Couch. This firm remained unbroken until the death of the latter. Captain Couch was treasurer of the provisional government; he was commission- er of Multnomah county; he was the first appointee to the office of inspector of hulls, a position which he retained under all admin- istrations until his decease. After the organ- ization of the state government he served as port warden and pilot commissioner. In each and every trust confided to him, never did a custodian more wisely, honestly and with greater fidelity fulfill the duties devolv- ing upon him. As in public employment, so in private life. He was an exemplary citizen, and so genial and whole-souled in disposi- tion that he was personally known and es- teemed by every man, woman and child in Portland. What is known as Couch's addi- tion to Portland was his donation claim, but little of it now remains uncovered by resi- dences or buildings devoted to the various trades, manufactories and enterprises known to the city. Early in life Captain Couch was married to Miss Caroline E. Flanders. The union was blessed with four daughters, the three eldest becoming the wives of Dr. R. B. Wilson, C. H. Lewis and Dr. Rodney Glisan; the youngest, Miss Mary H., is a native daughter. Captain Couch died January 19, 1870; his wife survived him until July 19, 1885.
Mrs. Couch was also born in Newburyport, Mass. She was a little over three years older than her husband, having been born October 24, 1807.
Of all the people who have been Ore- gonians, and especially residents of Portland, none were more highly esteemed during life, or their death more regretted, than this pio- neer father and mother.
GEORGE H. WILLIAMS.
Hon. George H. Williams was born in New Lebanon, Columbia county, N. Y., on the 26th day of March, 1823. When quite young his father moved to what was then
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called western New York, but which is now the central portion of the state. From early boyhood he lived here in the town of Pom- pey, Onondaga county, and attended district school until he was 14 years of age, after which he attended the Pompey academy for three years. During this time he worked on a farm, and thus earned enough money to pay tuition at the academy. At the age of 17 he entered the law office of Daniel Gott, an em- inent lawyer, and at one time a member of congress from New York. Four years were spent in this office, at the end of which he was admitted to practice in the courts of that state. Friends provided money with which to buy a small law library, and at the age of 21 he started for the territory of Iowa, and located at Fort Madison, where he formed a partnership with a lawyer named Daniel F. Miller, and immediately entered upon a large practice. When the state gov- ernment was formed in 1847, he was elected judge of the first judicial district, and retained the office for five years. At the end of this time he was offered a unanimous election by whigs and democrats, but refused to be again a candidate for the office. In 1852 he was nominated by the democratic convention as a presidential elector-at-large, and can- vassed the state for Franklin Pierce. In 1853 he was appointed chief justice of the territory of Oregon, and came here in June of that year. He was reappointed by President Buchanan, but shortly afterwards resigned. He was elected to the constitutional conven. tion, and was made chairman of the judiciary committee. During and after this convention he earnestly and actively opposed the estab- lishment of slavery in Oregon. In Septem- ber, 1864, he was elected to the United States senate, and was made chairman of the com- mittee on private land claims, and was a member of the committees on finance and public lands. He was a member of the joint committee on reconstruction, and was chair- man of the sub-committee, having in charge Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee for investigation, in which capacity he examined a great number of witnesses as to the condi- tion of these states, among whom was Gen- eral Robert E. Lee. This committee pre- pared and reported the 14th amendment to the constitution, and section 2 is substantially as he prepared it. He prepared and intro- duced a bill for the reconstruction of the in-
surrecting states, which was passed, unde which the rebelling states were recognize. and admitted to representation in congress He prepared and introduced the tenure o office act, which was passed, the object o which was to prevent Andrew Johnson fron removing from office Union men and filling their places with Southern sympathizers. He prepared the act, which was passed, regulat ing the election of senators. He was in. Washington when Lincoln was assassinated, and accompanied the remains to Springfield as a representative of the senate. Soon after retiring from the United States senate, he was appointed by President Grant a member of the joint high commission, to provide for the settlement of the Alabama claims. Among other questions to come before this commis- sion was the Northwestern boundary. Both governments, by a long correspondence, were fully committed to their respective positions. Great Britain contended that the Rosario straits was the true boundary, whereas the United States claimed it was De Huro canal. This seemed an insurmountable obstacle, but it was finally suggested that it be referred to the German emperor for arbitration. This Judge Williams refused to agree to, unless it was specifically agreed in the treaty that the arbitrator should decide which of the two channels was the true boundary, and thus prevent a compromise decision. This was agreed to, and Emperor William decided in favor of the United States, thus giving us San Juan and adjacent islands. At the conclusion of the commission's work, President Grant appointed him attorney-general of the United States. At this time an unhappy condition of affairs prevailed in several of the Southern states, where Ku Klux Klan, the Invisible Empire and other secret societies were cre- ating a reign of terror, by acts of violence upon white and black Union men. He in- augurated a vigorous prosecution of the ring- leaders, who were convicted and imprisoned, thus destroynig the societies. So successful was his work in this matter that the presi- dent entrusted him with the entire manage- ment of Southern affairs, at this critical period, when political disturbances and up- heavals were constantly occurring. There were two state governments organized in Louisiana, and a bloody turmoil was im- pending, when the president requested him to decide which government should be recog-
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mized All the ballots had been destroyed, but, siter careful investigation, he advised the rec- Pension of the republican administration, ah.ch was done. Two state governments at- tempted to organize in Arkansas, and friends of each were arming for battle. Federal troops were on the scene, and bloodshed seemed un- avoidable. Judge Williams made a thorough investigation of conditions, and recommend- od that the democratic administration be recognized, which was promptly done. In Alabama there were two legislative assem- bhes, both of which sent delegates to Wash- ington, and the issues between them were submitted to him. He formulated a plan by which the two bodies were consolidated into one. subsequently known as the "Williams legislature." In 1873 he was appointed chief justice of the United States supreme court. tout his confirmation was bitterly opposed by democrats, assisted by a few republicans. Af- ter a suspense of six weeks without action, he dokrd the president to withdraw his name, which he did with great reluctance. In 1874 he resigned the office of attorney-general, unce which time he has been practicing his profession in the city of Portland.
DAVID P. THOMPSON.
lion. D. P. Thompson was born in Cadiz, O. November 8, 1834. He is of Scotch-Irish descent. his father being of Irish extraction, his mother of Scotch. He received his edu- ration in the public schools and the leading high school in Harrison county, Ohio. He then learned the trade of blacksmith, but was subsequently engaged in railroad surveying with General Blickensdorfer. He crossed the plums to Oregon in 1853, driving sheep, and walking every step of the way. Soon after arriving he got a job of cutting cordwood, which lasted through the winter. He was -: pointed United States deputy surveyor to survey the public lands of the territories of Diegon and Washington, serving in that Kapacity until 1863. He was first a lieutenant then captain in the First Oregon cavalry, and offered his services under the call of Presi- Sent Lincoln to the governors of Ohio and Pennsylvania, respectively, but his offer was evaned on account of the expense of sending temps via the Isthmus of Panama. He built the first railroad in Oregon, around the Wil- 'sinette falls at Oregon City. In 1866 he be-
came manager of the Oregon City Manu- facturing Company, then the largest concern of the kind in the Northwest, and served two years. In 1866 he was elected to the state senate from the twelfth district, which office he held until 1872, when he was appointed by the interior department to survey and allot Indian reservations in Oregon and Washington. He served in the lower house of the state legislature in 1878, again in 1882 and 1889, and was the republican candidate for speaker of the house in 1878. In 1874 President Grant appointed him Governor of Idaho, which position he resigned in 1876 and removed to Portland, where he has re- sided ever since, serving two terms as mayor of the city. In 1876 he was a delegate to the national republican convention that nomi- nated Hayes, and served on the committee appointed to notify him, and in 1884 was a presidential elector. He has been largely in- terested in railroad construction in Oregon and California, and was president of the Ore- gon Construction Company, which built most of the Oregon Railway & Navigation Com- pany's lines, and at the present time is presi- dent of the latter corporation, and a director of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Com- pany. In 1890 he was the republican candi- date for governor, but was beaten by a com- bination of democrats, populists and dissat- isfied republicans. At one time he was pres- ident or director of a number of banks, but retired from the banking business in 1891. In 1892 President Harrison appointed him min- ister to Turkey, at which time he showed wonderful tact, together with energy and firmness, in dealing with the Armenian diffi- culties that for a time threatened to cause se- rious complications between this country and Turkey. American lives had been sacrificed and American property destroyed by the sul- tan's subjects, and it seemed impossible to unravel the difficulty or get any satisfactory settlement. However, Mr. Thompson pushed matters with such vigor that the guilty par- ties were finally discovered and punished, and the destroyed property paid for by the Otto- man empire, besides which unusual privileges were granted to Americans. The lesson thus taught the sultan will result in great good to this country. In 1893 Mr. Thompson re- signed, and upon his return to Washington was introduced to his successor by Secretary of State Gresham, who said: "You take the
office of minister to Turkey with a perfectly clean record. Mr. Thompson has effectually settled every difficulty, and you should have no trouble."
Throughout his entire life he has been noted for activity and energy. A man of firm and positive character, tenacious of pur- pose, active in business and successful in his undertakings. He has accumulated a fortune by persistent, hard work, and is devoting the shady side of his life to a wise use of his ac- cumulation. He is a close observer, has trav- eled extensively, is thoroughly patriotic and particularly interested in the welfare of his adopted state and city. This interest is shown in many ways, but notably by his long and unselfish labor in the interest of public edu- cation. For a number of years, he has been a regent of the Oregon State University, is president of the Portland Business College, and for ten years was a member of the Port- land school board. His interest in such mat- ters did not cease with the expiration of his term of service as a director, but has con- tinued to manifest itself by the bestowal of medals, personal work among teachers and students, and frequent lectures before them descriptive of foreign countries, both ancient and modern, as also the ways and customs of their people. Not only have Mr. Thompson's efforts been directed to the dissemination of knowledge in our public schools, but to the proper construction and management of the buildings and the procuring of the latest im- proved methods and appliances for the ad- vancement of education, as well as the preser- vation of the children's health. His labors in this line are appreciated by the public, and in recognition thereof the directors have named one of the recently completed buildings the D. P. Thompson school, to which he has pre- sented a library, a piano and other things of value. The building is provided with every convenience that modern engineering skill can devise, and is presided over by a compe- tent corps of instructors, who use the best methods obtainable.
In 1861 he married Miss Mary R., daugh- ter of John and Susan Meldrum, of Oregon City, to whom have been born three children.
SOLOMON HIRSCH.
Ex-United States Minister Sol. Hirsch was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, March 25, 1839, and attended the common schools there
until his fourteenth year, when, with his par- ents, he sailed for New York and soon after secured a clerkship in New Haven, Conn. He remained here but a few months, then returned to New York and a short time there- after accepted a position in Rochester, N. H., where he remained until 1858, when he came to Oregon by way of the isthmus, reach- ing Portland in April of that year. A few weeks later he engaged in business with his brother Edward at Dallas, where they re- mained two years, then removed to Silverton and continued until 1864, when he disposed of his interest and went to Salem, to assist his elder brothers. In the fall of that year he came to Portland, and in partnership with L. Fleischner and A. Schlussel, under the firm name of L. Fleischner & Co., bought out the wholesale general merchandise store of Haas Brothers, and continued the business until 1874, when the same partners formed a new partnership with Jacob Meyer, under the firm name of Fleischner. Meyer & Co., from which time they have conducted a wholesale dry goods business of princely proportions, being today one of the largest on the coast, of which Mr. Hirsch is the head.
Mr. Hirsch has always been an ardent re- , publican, and has borne a prominent part in sharing the policy of his party in Oregon. His first active work in politics was in 1864, when he secured the election of his brother as a delegate to the national republican con- vention which gave to Mr. Lincoln his sec- ond nomination. In 1872 he was elected to the legislature from Multnomah county, and served on the committee of ways and means. During this session he secured the passage of a bill providing for a public school, to be taught in the German language, under which. law such a school was established in Portland. In 1874 he was elected to the state senate, and at the expiration of his term of office in 1878 was re-elected by an increased majority. During his second term he devoted his ener- gies to the passage of a bill to take the place of the national bankrupt act, which had ex- pired by limitation, and was successful in his efforts. This law inct with the hearty ap- proval of the commercial community. In 1880 he received the unanimous vote of his party associates for president of the senate, and won the respect and esteem of both polit- ical parties by his firmness and impartiality. While occupying this position, he delivered the address of welcome to President Hayes
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and other distinguished guests, who were ten- dered a reception in the senate chamber. Very much against his will and protest, he was nominated for a third term in the senate, and although he devoted but little time or at- tention to the canvass, was elected by an un- precedented majority. In April, 1882, he was unanimously elected chairman of the repub- lican state central committee, and devoted almost his entire time to the campaign, to the total disregard of his private interests. The result was a brilliant victory for his party. For the first time since 1870 the entire repub- lican state ticket was elected, as also both branches of the legislature. During the ses- sion of 1895, he was the caucus nominee of his party, and on several ballots received within one vote of the required number for election. Balloting was continued for many days, but the session finally came to a close without a choice being made. At the expira- tion of his third term, he positively refused to accept a re-nomination, but continued to be an active power in politics.
In December, 1888, Mr. Hirsch visited Karlsbad, and while there was surprised to receive the announcement of his appointment by President Harrison as envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to Turkey. This honor was entirely unexpected and unsolic- ited, he not having been an applicant for any political position. Confirmation by the sen- ate followed quickly, and Minister Hirsch proceeded to Constantinople, where he was received by the sultan, after which he was granted a leave of absence to return home and make necessary arrangements for taking up his residence with his family at the capital of Turkey. Possessed of a large fortune, a man of broad views, cultured mind, polished manners and of pleasing personal address, Minister Hirsch was by nature and' cultiva- tion peculiarly fitted to uphold the dignity and honor of his country in its relations with one of the oldest and most important powers on earth.
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