Oregon: Her history, her great men, her literature/Epoch IV
EPOCH-IV
1849-1859
OREGON UNDER
THE TERRITORIAL
GOVERNMENT
CHAPTER VIII
Motto: "Alis Volat Propriis"
No man occupied a more prominent place in the history of Oregon in the territorial days and in the years immediately following than General Joseph Lane, the first Territorial Governor. He was born in North Carolina on December 14, 1801, was reared in Kentucky, moved to Indiana when a young man, and served with distinction in the Mexican War. Upon receiving his appointment as governor of Oregon, he proceeded with Joe Meek to Oregon City, the capital of the territory, where they arrived March 2, 1849, and he assumed the duties of his office on the third which was but one day before the expiration of the term of President Polk.
JOSEPH LANE, THE FIRST TERRITORIAL GOVERNOR
(March 3, 1849)
GOVERNOR JOSEPH LANE
Upon assuming the duties of his office, Governor Joseph Lane immediately began taking a census of the new territory, which showed a population of 8,785 Americans and 298 foreigners. On June 18, 1850, he resigned the governorship under the wrong impression that the new President of the United States had appointed a successor. Mr. Lane became a candidate for delegate to Congress in 1851 and was elected. He was again appointed Governor on May 16, 1853, but three days after qualifying for the position again resigned and became a candidate for Congress. He was elected, and successively re-elected to that position, until the territory was admitted as a state in February, 1859. From the General Government, he accepted a commission as Brigadier-General in command of the volunteers, and was actively engaged in suppressing Indian hostilities in Southern Oregon in 1853. General Lane was elected one of the first United States Senators upon Oregon's admission into the Union and served for a period of two years. He was a candidate for Vice-President of the United States in 1860. He died at his residence in Roseburg, Oregon, in April, 1881, aged 80 years.
GOVERNOR JOSEPH LANE BRINGING TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT TO OREGON
Territorial Seal of Oregon. Upon the establishment of a territorial form of government in 1849, a new seal was adopted known as the Seal of the Territory of Oregon. Characteristic of those times, a ship denoting commerce was placed in the midst of the seal. Above the ship was a beaver denoting fur trade, while below was a plow representing agriculture. At the left of the ship stood an Indian with bow and arrows, while at the right was an eagle. Reaching from the shoulder of the Indian to the beak of the eagle and circling above the beaver was an unfurled banner bearing the territorial motto, "Alis Volat Propriis"—She flies with her own wings—implying self-reliance. The legend of the territorial seal was "Seal of the Territory of Oregon." Instead of the date, five stars appeared at the bottom of the territorial seal of Oregon.
SEAL OF OREGON
TERRITORIAL
GOVERNMENT
Beaver Coins. The early settlers of Oregon suffered much inconvenience because of the scarcity of coin. When a farmer purchased goods, he usually offered in exchange a calf, or wheat, or a beaver skin, or something of the kind. In fact, wheat was made legal tender under the Provisional Government. Notwithstanding the scarcity of money, the people generally prospered. When gold was discovered in California, much of it came to Oregon, so that there was more gold per capita in Oregon than ever before or afterward. Because gold dust was so plentiful and somewhat difficult to handle, merchants allowed only $10 to $11 an ounce for it; although it was really worth about $18 an ounce. This led the Provisional Government to arrange for the coining of five and ten dollar gold pieces. "But the termination of the Provisional Government by the arrival of Governor Lane rendered the statute nugatory."[1] As a remedial measure the Oregon Exchange Company was promptly organized, and immediately proceeded to the coining of gold pieces having the value of $5 and $10 respectively. This money was called "Beaver Money" for the reason that a beaver was stamped on each coin. Containing eight percent more gold than coins from the U. S. Mint, beaver money disappeared from circulation as soon as U. S. currency became plentiful. Therefore, with the exception of a few mementoes, the Oregon beaver coins exist only in history. It is somewhat singular that no one was ever
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OREGON BEAVER COINS
Fort Dalles. The arrival of United States troops—the Rifle Regiment—late in the fall of 1849, resulted in the establishment of the military post at The Dalles. In the following May, the log Fort Dalles was built and occupied
HISTORICAL BUILDING AT THE DALLES
by Major Tucker. In 1858 Colonel George Wright in command of the 9th U. S. Infantry replaced the old log barracks with a fine new fort of which there remains only one building. This was the surgeon's quarters. It is now the property of the Oregon Historical Society. It serves the purpose of the local historical building, by which name it is known. The site of Fort Dalles overlooks the camp[2] of Lewis and Clark where the American flag in October 1805 was displayed for the first time in that part of Oregon.
Names of Two Counties Changed. On the third of September 1849, the Territorial Legislature changed the name of Twality County to Washington County, in honor of George Washington. Also on the same day Champooick
County, (which had come to be spelled Champoeg) was changed to Marion County in honor of General Francis Marion, of the American Revolutionary War. GOVERNORS PRITCHETT AND GAINES
June 18. 1850— May 16. 1853
To Kintzing Pritchett of Michigan, belongs the distinction of having been Governor of Oregon Territory for sixty days. He was appointed secretary of the Territory by President Polk upon its creation by Congress and served in that capacity until the resignation of Governor Joseph Lane on June 18, 1850. John P. Gaines had been appointed Governor but did not arrive in Oregon until August, taking the oath of office on the I 8th of that month. During this interim, Mr. Pritchett served as Governor.
Governor John P. Gaines Received His Appointment from the newly elected president. Zachary Taylor, and assumed the duties of his office August 18, 1850. He served as Governor of Oregon until May 16, 1853. In 1855 he was the whig nominee for Congress, but was defeated by Joseph Lane. He died at his home in Marion County, in 1857.
In connection with the appointment of Mr. Gaines in 1 849, it is worthy of note that the position was first offered to Abraham Lincoln, whose term in Congress had just expired. Mr. Lincoln had taken an active part in the campaign which resulted in Taylor's election to the presidency, and made a special trip to Washington City to support his application for the appointment as Commissioner of the General Land Office; but that position had already been promised to another. President Taylor, however, offered to appoint him Governor of Oregon Territory, but Mrs. Lincoln, his wife, objected to going to such a far-distant section, and the offer was declined. It is interesting to surmise what the effect would have been on the history of the United States, if Lincoln had become Governor of Oregon Territory.
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ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Capital Changed from Oregon City to Salem. A bitter contest was waged against the proposed removal of the Territorial Capital from Oregon City to some point further south. Governor Lane had by proclamation declared Oregon City to be the capital, but the session of 1850 passed an act locating the seat of government at Salem. Governor Gaines refused to recognize the constitutionality of the act, and was sustained by two of the supreme judges; and while the judges remained at Oregon City, the legislature met in Salem. On May 14, 1852, Congress settled the matter by confirming the act of the legislature.
Southern Oregon Military Road Built. With the settlement of Southern Oregon came the demand for wagon roads. Being at the head of tidewater navigation on the Umpqua River, Scottsburg was, in 1850, the starting point for commercial operations with the interior and especially with the gold mines of northern California. The original Indian trails were widened, temporary ferries were established at crossings over the Umpqua river, and abrupt declivities avoided, so that a pack horse could carry a load from the ship's side at Scottsburg into the northern edge of California. But public spirited promoters soon saw the necessity of a suitable wagon way. Through their influence, therefore, the Oregon territorial legislature, in 1852»3, was induced to memorialize congress, with the result that $120,000 was appropriated from the national treasury for a military wagon road from Scottsburg to Stewart Creek tn the Rogue River Valley. The route for die road was surveyed first by Lieutenant Withers, U. S. A., October, 1854; and after a further appropriation the survey was completed by Major Atwood, U. S. A., assisted by Jesse Applegate. The survey practically followed the old Southern Oregon Trail. The construction of the road was superintended by Colonel Joseph Hooker, detailed by the War Department for that purpose. The road was completed in 1858. The Southern Oregon Military Road answered* the purposes of the people of the Umpqua Valley until the completion of the railroad to Roseburg.—Binger Hermann.
First Steamboats Built in Willamette Valley. Steam propulsion having been established on the rivers of Oregon as early as 1836-1837, by the Hudson's Bay Company steamship "Beaver," Lot Whitcomb, a progressive settler, built the first steamboat in the Willamette Valley (1850). She was a side-wheeler, was named after the builder and owner, engined by Jacob Kam, and commanded by Captain J. C. Ainsworth. The Lot Whitcomb" was constructed almost entirely of Oregon wood, at a site where Milwaukie now stands. She was projected to run between the Milwaukie site and Astoria, touching all points along the route except Portland which already promised to be a strong competitor with Milwaukie as the chief townsite on the lower Willamette River. After a successful career of four years, the "Lot Whitcomb" was purchased by a Sacnmento firm that took her to California. The "Jennie Clark," built in 1854 on the ways where the "Lot Whitcomb" was built, was the first stern wheel steamer that ran on the rivers of Oregon. She was succeeded by the "Carrie Ladd" built in Portland in 1856. The company that owned the "Carrie Ladd" came to be the nucleus of the Oregon Steam Navigation Company, whose boats as to efficiency and elegance in subsequent years became rivals of the "Mississippi River Palaces."
WAR WITH THE ROGUE RIVER INDIANS
1850-1856
Causes of the Indian Wars.The long considered question as to who and what caused the Indian wars had its relation to Oregon, as elsewhere in our early settlements.
The First Cause.The natural objection to the invasibn of the whites and their conquest of the Indian domains, and trespww upon their hunting and fishing rights. To the mis* sionary and the trader who laid no claim to the country the Indian never seriously objected.
The Second.The disregard of the whites to to Indian rights and privileges. The Indians were too often regarded as intruders, were forced from their favorite camping grounds, and driven further and further back to the bleak, barren and inferior places.
The Third.The Indians feared that they would never be compensated by the Government for their relinquished lands. This fear was confirmed by the delays of the Government in the execution of treaty agreements.
Finally, there were the wanton and ruffianly invasions of unprincipled white men and then violations of the family and domestic relations of the peaceful and neighboring Indians, together with lustful and murderous attacks by these same whites when remonstrated with. Their lands and their family rights were thus both set at naught. The saddening inhuman sentiment—"A good Indian is only a dead Indian"—became among many whites an accepted axiom. Our history teems with unprovoked attacks upon unoffending Indians peacefully gathered around their campfires. Want of space prevents a recital of the many instances which history unfolds. While this commentary in no wise justifies many equally savage attacks and robberies on the part of the Indians, it yet sheds a truthful light on the reasons for much of the Indians' deadly hostility to the white race. Had the whites treated the Indians with decent regard for the principles of humane and reasonable conduct, aboriginal sovereignty of the territory would have been peacefully relinquished, and some of our most desolating wars and terrible massacres avoided. As to these fast disappearing people, we can afford at this late day to lift much of the opprobrium which our history has placed upon them.
Fifth Treaty with the Rogue River Indians.After a number of depredations had been committed by the Rogue River Indians, Governor Lane with fifteen white men and Chief Quatley of the Klickitats, a fierce enemy of the Rogue Rivers, set out for Sam's Valley, where the party arrived about the middle of June, 1850. Upon invitation from the Governor, the Indians came for a talk with the view of forming a treaty of peace and friendship. But not understanding the integrity of Governor Lane, the abused his confidence by coming one hundred fifty strong with hostile purpose. After the Governor had instructed them to cease their war* fare and had also given them assurance that they would be paid for their land and would be instructed in the knowledge of the white men. a circle who formed in which stood Lane and the chiefs. But just before the conference a second band of Indians appeared,—all fully armed. Lane suspected treachery, and had Quatley, the Klickitat chief, enter the circle with a few of his Indians and stand beside the Rogue River Chief, who uttered words that raised the war cry of his band. Thereupon, Chief Quatley with one hand seized the Rogue River Chief, and with the other held a knife directed at his captive's throat: At this point the captive Chief, at Governor Lane's request, sent his warriors away with instructions to return at the end of two days, but not before. In their absence the Rogue River Chieftain was the prisoner and guest of Governor Lane; and from what the savage chief saw and heard during his brief captivity, he became convinced that it was both policy and wisdom for his people to join in a treaty of peace with the whiter. This advice he gave to his warriors when they returned at the time designated. The treaty of peace was signed, and Governor Lane gave the Indians slips of paper guaranteeing them the protection of the whites. As a token of respect for Governor Lane the old Chief requested the Governor to bestow his name upon him; and the Governor and the people ever after knew the chief by the name of "Joe."
The Battle Rock Incident.During nearly a year the Indians observed the treaty with Governor Lane. However, numerous depredations were committed in the vicinity of Rogue River, which were attributed to the Indians. One of these occurred in June, 1851, at Port Orford on the Coast and about thirty miles north from the mouth of the Rogue River. Nine men had been landed by the steam coaster "Sea Gull" to open a trail for pack trains from that place to Jacksonville. The Indians ordered them to leave; but it was too late, since the coaster had sailed. Thereupon, on the 10th of June, the men carried their effects to the top of a great rock near by, and loaded a small cannon which had been the signal gun on the boat. After a spirited harangue by the chief, a half-hundred Indians rushed up the rock upon a narrow trail, at which time the carefully aimed cannon hurled them into eternity. The remaining warriors were put to flight, and the wailing in the Indian villages for the dead was beyond description. That night the victorious party of nine changed their course from Jacksonville, and after enduring severe hardships reached the Umpqua Valley, a hundred miles away. Upon relating the story of their fight with the Indians, they gave the name "Battle Rock" to the place of their well-earned victory.
Second Indian Outbreak on Upper Rogue River. Chief Killed by the Whites. On the 23d day of June, 1851, thirty-one Oregon farmers were returning from the California gold mines, and near Table Rock they were attacked by 200 hostile Indians, The whites were well armed and defended themselves valiantly. In the struggle the commanding Indian C hief was killed, with no injury to the whites, except the loss by robbery of sixteen hundred dollars in gold dust and nuggets.
Captain Stuart Killed. At the time. Major Phil. Kearney, of the United States Dragoons, with a few soldiers was exploring for a roadway from Rogue River through the Umpqua canyon; and messengers having hastened to notify him of the difficulty at Table Rock, he rushed to the rescue. He suddenly came upon the hostiles in ambush and routed them, with the death of eleven Indians. Captain James Stuart, who led the whites in the fight, lost his life. His death, singular to relate, was from an arrow shot by an Indian whom the Captain had knocked to the earth, bow in hand. Captain Stuart was buried near the scene of the battle at the mouth of a little creek, afterwards known as Stuart Creek.
Arrival of General Lane. This engagement was five miles below Table Rock. Afterward the hostiles again rallied at their old resort on top of the rock, from which they could signal to the Indians at a distance. Major Kearney hesitated to renew the attack upon them entrenched in that stronghold. He waited for reinforcements and soon was joined by thirty miners, all well armed, who were on their way to the Willow Springs mines, not far away. Soon there also came a body of forty men in company with General Lane, who were journeying to the California mines.
Battle of Table Rock. Major Kearney Attacks the Indians. Major Kearney now had a total force of one hundred men eager to begin the assault of the enemy entrenched behind their formidable bulwarks upon Table
TABLE ROCK Photo. Ed. Weston, Medford, Ore.
Rock, which was the tribal headquarters of the Indians of Rogue River. On June 23, 1851, Major Kearney directed the attack from behind log defences. No advantage was gained that day. On the next day, two more attacks were made, morning and evening. The Indians were cautiously directed by Old Chief Joe, later General Lane's friend and imitator. His boasting voice could be heard declaring that the white men had few guns, but he had bows enough "to keep 1,000 arrows in the air all the time."
Defeat of the Indians. The Indians held their ground and fought with such bravery, desperation and strategy that two days' continuous siege failed to defeat them. Then Major Kearney offered them terms of peace, demanding their answer by the next day, which was the 25th. But when the day dawned they could be seen hurriedly speeding down the rocky declivity and the full force retreated down the river for seven miles, then crossed over and continued toward Sardine Creek, a short distance away. The troops hastily mounted their horses and pursued the hositles, overtaking them on the opposite side of the river. Instead of halting and offering battle, the Indians hastily scattered in all directions, even deserting their squaws and children, who fell into the hands of the soldiers. The remainder could not be overtaken, and their pursuit was not continued. There were thirty among those captured, who were delivered to General Lane as Major Kearney had no place to retain them. These were conveyed to a point near where Grants Pass is now located, and placed in custody of Governor Gaines, who had gone that far south. 1 his was July 7. 1851. With these captives in his possession the Governor induced about eleven of the more prominent Indians, with one hundred others of the tribe, to come in from the field, surrender and make peace.
More Atrocities. About June 1, 1853, a party of white men from Jacksonville, aroused by the massacre of seven white people near Grave Creek the winter before, caught a sub-chief named Taylor and two other Indians who were believed to have been the murderers, and hanged them; and going to the Indians encamped at Table Rock, they fired into their village, killing six. These acts impelled the Indians to engage in numerous horrid atrocities. There being no military companies in that part of Oregon, volunteer white companies were enrolled and Captain Alden's Company of regulars of Fort Jones in California were called in aid with arms and ammunition. Aid en was also given chief command of the volunteers. Governor Curry was appealed to and sent a volunteer company under Captain Nesmith and Fort Vancouver sent Lieutenant Kautz with six artillerymen and a howitzer. Captain Goodall also came with eighty volunteers from the Umpqua. The enemy were found on F.vans Creek and a fight took place, with killed and wounded on both sides; and then an armistice was agreed to in which all engaged were to meet at Table Rock to make a treaty. Before this, General Lane came and also engaged the enemy. A son of Chief Joe was taken as a hostage for the Indians' attendance at the treaty grounds.
Second Treaty with Rogue River Indians. "Upon a little point under the shadowy walls of Table Rock was enacted the treaty of September 10, 1853, in which the Rogue River Indians relinquished their land titles and agreed to move to reservations provided for them. At the armistice preceding, it was agreed between the chiefs and military commanders that at the council at Table Rock all should be unarmed and equal in numbers. But when the whites approached the council grounds they were astonished to behold 700 Indians all armed and reclining upon the grassy arena. Captain Nesmith expressed to General Lane his fear that a massacre was premeditated, and as a precaution had previously concealed a small weapon within his garments. Being the interpreter, the Captain chose to sit close by the side of the old chieftain, Joe, so that in case of trouble, the chief's escape could be prevented. The treaty compact was then read aloud and when nearly concluded, there rushed into the assemblage an Indian in breathless haste and with wailing accents proclaimed his grievance. At once every Indian rifle was uncovered and poised for action. General Lane arose to his feet, gazed defiantly at the chief, and without a tremor in his voice, demanded to know the meaning of the threatening demonstration. He was told that the miners at Applegate had killed an Indian. The General replied by promising to punish the murderers and to make indemnity to the tribes, and expressed his astonishment that those present should so treacherously plan violence upon the few whites present. This pacified the Indians. As the officers were returning to their commands, Nesmith observed to Lane, 'When you have another council of war, I wish to be excused.' The general said in reply: 'Captain luck is always better than war'."—Binger Herman.
Third Outbreak of the Rogue River Indians. Being convinced that war with the Rogue River Indians was about to begin again, Governor Curry on the 15th of October, 1855, issued a proclamation from Corvallis, the temporary capital of Oregon, for nine companies of mounted cavalry. Four companies, designated as the southern battalion, were to have headquarters at Jacksonville. The Northern battalion, which was to consist of five companies-two from Lane, one from Linn, one from Umpqua and one from Douglas-were to rendezvous at Roseburg. Each volunteer was to furnish his own horse, arms and equipment, and was to receive four dollars per day from the territory of Oregon for his services. It is said that every able bodied man of proper age in the district placed his name on the muster rolls, which accounts for the fact that there were in all about eight hundred volunteers.
Battle of Grave Creek. The volunteers found a large number of Indians on a rugged ridge between Cow Creek and Grave Creek. From Grave Creek House the troops moved at midnight, and by daybreak the next morning, October 30, they reached a high point, formerly occupied
A Heroine of the Rogue River War. "The ninth of October, 1855, was one of the bloodiest days in Oregon Indian warfare. It had been the design of the Indians to wipe out the white population of Rogue River on that day, and they almost succeeded in their gory undertaking. To give an idea of the terrible experiences of the white people, the following incident is related: By noon, when the savages had carried on murder and devastation throughout much of the settlement, they shot a Mr. Harris. The wounded man ran into his home and fell. His wife barred the door, and with rifle, shotgun and pistols kept the Indians away while she cared for her dying husband and a little daughter, also wounded in the fray. Within an hour the husband was a corpse, but the heroine, with the dead husband and wounded daughter at her feet, courageously defended her home till near nightfall, when the Indians withdrew. Relief arriving the next day, the bereaved mother and daughter were taken to Jacksonville where they were given such comfort and consolation as conditions would permit; and the mother—the heroine of the previous day—was lauded as a typical home-defender of the Oregon frontier."—Pioneer Campfire.
by the Indians. Some hours later the savages were seen on Bald Peak, a high mountain a few miles to the north. A mile distant, the troops saw the Indians drawn up in line of battle. Thereupon the volunteers became so eager for the fray that they threw down their coats and blankets and made an assault. The Indians retired into the brush, whence they poured a deadly fire into the ranks of the soldiers. All day long the battle continued; and at dark the whites retired a short distance to obtain water for their wounded and dying. The next morning the Indians made a desperate attack but were forced to retire to the brush. Nevertheless "they retained a good position on the battle ground and held their scalp dance to celebrate the victory. But the victory was dearly purchased, inasmuch as the Indians not only . failed to pursue the retreating whites, but left immediately for their stronghold down the Rogue River."
Last Battle with the Rogue River Indians. "The last and most eventful year of the war came in 1856 at the Big Meadows on Rogue River near where the hostiles had fortified for a final test. Gen. Lamerick, Col. Kelsay, Col. W. W. Chapman and Major Bruce were active in command of the volunteers. The battle began but was maintained by the volunteers with so little energy and daring that the casualties were small on both sides. It was really a draw. The whites went into camp and the Indians withdrew
"The Government was discouraged with these ineffectual attempts to overcome the hostilities, and resolved upon a more determined and decisive prosecution of the war. Regular troops were ordered up from California, in addition to those already in the country. The Indians observing these preparations, assembled in their natural fortifications in the mountain fastnesses, for defense, along the Rogue river. The military plan entered upon was for the California troops to move up the Coast and ascend the river, and for those on the upper river to descend and there to concentrate, and between them to crush the hostiles on their own ground. These movements had their influence upon the hostiles, who being communicated with agreed to a conference with the military authorities at a place upon the Illinois river.
"Lieutenant Colonel Buchanan was in command and most of the regular troops, with throngs of Indians, were present, at the time and place agreed upon. The main body of the assembled Indians agreed to remove to the reservation; all except their great Chief John who insisted on remaining upon his own favorite grounds, otherwise he said he would fight. Another council, to meet at Big Meadows on May 26th, 1856, was mutually agreed upon, when the removal to the reservation should begin.
"The Military Under Captain A. J. Smith with his 80 dragoons, was present on the day named, but no Indians came. The wretched weather seemed an excuse. Toward evening two squaws came into camp with a message from Chief George to Captain Smith, warning him to expect an attack. The Captain at once removed his troops to a more elevated and defensive position, and there he prepared to meet the enemy. Early on the 27th he dispatched an aid over the mountains to Col. Buchanan, announcing the expected attack. The aid returned with the Colonel's request to know if reinforcements were desired, to which the Captain explained the necessity for such. His messengers becoming lost on the trails, delayed the reply for some hours, but when received a company under Captain Augur, afterwards a general in the Civil War, hurried to Smith's relief, and came suddenly in view just as the savages were making their last assault upon three sides of the beleaguered fort. The troops had fought all day and already nearly one-half had been slain and wounded. They had been cut off from all water and their ammunition was nearly exhausted, while the Indians were being continually reinforced. The loud commanding voice of Chief John could be distinctly heard sending forth his orders, with all the deliberation and saneness of a military disciplinarian.
"The onrush of Captain Augur's company was a surprise to the Indians, who now being attacked in the rear, made a hurried flight down the hillsides and away into forest cover to the Chief's headquarters. The siege was turned and the day saved.
"This defeat with much loss of life to the Indians, compelled their surrender on May 30th, with Chief John and a few of his renegades still holding out. But by July 1st all had gone in, including John, and the Indian Wars of Southern Oregon were forever at an end.
"The captives, 1300 in number, were assembled at Port Orford. From there all were removed to the reservation."—Binger Herman.
BISHOP THOMAS FIELDING SCOTT
Bishop Thomas Fielding Scott. With the development of Oregon came the growth of her churches. Among those taking firm hold was the Episcopal Church, which made effective appeals for a bishop, in answer to which, Thomas Fielding Scott was sent in 1633 as Missionary Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Oregon. He was chosen from the diocese of Georgia in 1853, the selection being made by the General Convention of the Episcopal Church then in session at New York. Promptly on his election he assumed the duties of his office. He found two churches already erected in Oregon—St. Johns at Milwaukie and Trinity at Portland. Others were soon built at Salem, Eugene and elsewhere. In the autumn of 1861 the good Bishop opened Spencer Hall, a girls' school at Miywaukie; and "The Churchman," the official organ of the diocese, was established that year. "The Episcopal church was making steady advance, when on July 14, 1867, during an absence in New York Bishop Scott suddenly died, universally lamented. A fresh impetus was however imparted to the life of the church when a new missionary, Bishop B. Wistar Morris, arrived in Oregon, June, 1869." During the first year of Bishop Morris' incumbency, the church built two influential schools in Portland—St. Helen's Hall for girls and a grammar and divinity school for boys, named in honor of Bishop Scott. When Bishop Scott entered upon the duties of his office as missionary, bishop of Oregon, his diocese included the original territory of Oregon, which was subsequently divided into three states and a portion of two others, each of which now belongs to a diocese of its own.
BISHOP B. WISTAR MORRIS
Gold Discovered in Oregon. When gold was discovered in California, it was believed that the El Dorado or "golden land" extended northward. This led to the discovery of indications of gold, in 1849, near the present town of Gold Hill, Oregon. However, the precious metal was not found in paying quantities. Fabulous prices offered in California at this time for farm produce led to the discovery of rich gold mines in a singular manner. In 1851 James Cluggage and James R. Poole, who were conducting a pack train used in conveying supplies from Oregon to California, chanced to camp on the present site of Jacksonville. While searchsearching for water, they accidentally found placer gold in what was afterwards named Rich Gulch. Also they prospected in Jackson Creek, where they saw the glittering metal on all sides. Realizing they had made a rich discovery, they at once located the town of Jacksonville, and became wealthy and influential citizens. News of the gold discovery at Jacksonville rapidly spread, and miners came in vast numbers from all directions; so that within fifteen years after the Jacksonville event nearly all the placer gold mines of Oregon were discovered.
Oregon's First Custom House. Gen. John Adair was the first collector of customs for the Oregon District. He was appointed October 9, 1848, and occupied an office
OREGON'S FIRST CUSTOM HOUSE
in a rented building in Upper Atoria. His salary was $1,000 per annum, besides fees and per cent of duties collected. The building was destroyed by fire, and the Government erected the edifice above, this being Oregon's first custom house.
The Baptist Church in Oregon. The first Baptists came to the Pacific coast in 1843; and a Baptist church was organized at West Union, near Hillsboro, May 25, 1844. The first resident Baptist minister on this coast was Rev. Vincent Snelling, who came to Oregon in 1844. The first missionaries on the Pacific Coast, sent by the American Baptist Home Missionary Society, were Rev. Hezekiah Johnson and Rev. Ezra Fisher, who arrived December 1845. The first Baptist meeting house on the Pacific Coast was built by Rev. Johnson in Oregon City, 1848. The Oregon City University was opened by the latter in Oregon City, 1849. The first formal meeting of Baptists in the Pacific Northwest for educational purposes was held in June, 1851. The first Baptist ministerial conference on the Pacific Coast convened at Pleasant Butte, near Brownsville, 1854. McMinnville College, which was tendered to the Baptists convened at Soda Springs in 1836, by Rev. S. C. Adams of the Christian Church and accepted by the Central Baptist Association of Oregon in 1857, was opened under Baptist control in 1858. Its enrollment the first winter was 178. The first Baptist Sunday School missionary on the Pacific Coast was W. J. Laughary, appointed in 1872. The first Baptist Chinese Mission in the Pacific Northwest was organized by the First Baptist Church of Portland in 1874. The first Baptist Chinese missionary in this territory, Rev. Gong Tyng, arrived in 1875. The organization of the first Baptist Scandinavian mission in the Northwest was effected by the First Baptist Church of Portland, in 1875, in which city the beginning of the Baptist Women's Foreign Mission movement in Oregon took place in the following year. The first constitutional commitment of the Baptists of Oregon to the foreign mission work was by the convention and some of the associations in 1880. The first formal council to recognize the organization of the Baptist Church in Oregon was convened at Grants Pass, 1886.—Baptist Annals of Oregon.
Joab Powell. Many of the Oregon colonists were Baptists. They exhibited genuine missionary spirit, and were noted for their acts of charity, for the building of churches and for other enterprising deeds, among which was the establishment of McMinnville College. From the outset there were strong preachers among them. Hut while others may have been greater, the most noted Baptist preacher in Oregon was Rev. Joab Powell, who occupies a peculiar place in pioneer history.
Established Providence Church. In 1852, Rev. Powell came from Missouri to Oregon and located on the Santiam River, where he established Providence Church, a colony organization with four hundred members—a following which was very remarkable in that time on account of its large membership in so sparsely settled a locality.
REV. JOAB POWELL
Baptized Three Thousand Souls. Futhermore it is recorded in the Baptist Annals of Oregon that during his ministry Joab Powell baptized "nearly or quite three thousand souls," which is a greater number than any other person baptized west of the Rocky Mountains. Rev. Powell was illiterate from the academic standpoint; but he was so thoroughly versed in the Bible that he did not require it for reference in the pulpit, although his sermons abounded in biblical quotations. He could scarcely read or writer yet he knew the hymn book from cover to cover. While he had no school training, he was thoroughly versed in the things that pioneers know best. He understood men, and he communed with nature as with a friend. He was so original, so eccentric,[3] so ready in good humored repartee, so equal to every occasion, and so powerful in the pulpit that people came from every direction to hear him preach—many out of mere curiosity;[3] many to hear the peculiar but stirring message which he brought For want of churches large enough to accommodate his audiences. court houses, public schools and theatres were commonly placed at the command of this peculiar preacher[4]—the Baptist forerunner in Oregon—who lived on plain diet and went about clad in homespun.
First Mining Code of Oregon. Upon learning that gold had been discovered in the Rogue River Valley, a crew of sailors at Crescent City, deserted their ship, and with pick and shovel ascended the Illinois River to Waldo, Josephine County, where they found gold in paying quantities. Soon other miners came, and the place was called "Sailor Diggin's." Already the belief prevailed that goldmining would be carried on extensively in Oregon. Hence there arose the demand for a common understanding regarding the rights of miners. Therefore, at a meeting held in "Sailor Diggin's" April 1652, the following mining rules and regulations were adopted:
- That fifty cubic yards shall constitute a claim on the bed of the creek extending to high water on each side.
- That forty feet shall constitute a bank or bar claim on the face extending back to the hill or mountain.
- That all claims not worked when workable, after five days, to be forfeited or "jumpable."
- That all disputes arising from mining claims shall be settled by arbitration, and the decision shall be final.
Such was the mining code of "Sailor Diggin's" which was the center of the first mining district of Oregon.
United Brethren Missionary Train. Church Colonzation Authorized. Among the church colonies that came to Oregon was the United Brethren Missionary Colony. In 1652, Rev. Thomas Jefferson Connor, of Hartsville, Indiana, was delegated by the United Brethren Conference then in
session at Canal, Ohio, to organize and conduct a missionary colony to Oregon. Five hundred dollars had been contributed by the church for the project. The amount was incredibly small for so great an undertaking. Yet it was one-fifth
as much as Congress had appropriated for the Lewis and Clark expedition to Oregon less than a half century before. The party of ninety-eight persons from various quarters gathered at Council Bluffs; and (May 7) began the journey to Oregon, with Rev. T. J. Connor as their leader.
They arrived in the Willamette Valley in the following September. The most of them settled in Benton County, where they
REV. THOMAS JEFFERSON CONNOR i i- i i i i j
established churches, and rigidly observed many of the rules of religious life established by the Puritans. Regular attendance at church and the strict observance of Sunday as the Sabbath were among their requirements. Furthermore, dancing was frowned upon while simplicity of dress and plainness of manner were regularly taught from the pulpit. They believed in the kinship of cleanliness and godliness so thoroughly that Monday was set apart for putting their homes in order. Hence there were no schools in session on that day, but instead, Saturday was observed as a school day. Christian education of the young was an important canon of their faith. Therefore they were diligent in organizing church schools; they erected fine homes, and they prospered in the land of their pilgrimage. Many of the leading citizens of Oregon are descendants of that missionary band.
Beach Mming. Beach mining was probably introduced in Oregon as early as 1832. In 1853 a thousand miners were engaged in wsishing gold from the sand along the south" em beach of the Oregon Coast It waa gold that had once been carried by stream and freshet from the mountain to the 8ea» then wadied with ^e sand from the ata, to the shore* and shifted back and forth by the wares until it became so fine that much of it could be seen only by means of the microscope. Yet with the aid of quicksilver, shovel, and golddust pan the miner obtained it in paying quantities^
OregoriDivided Into Tenrllories. The Territory ofOregon in 19H~was larger than the German Empire was in Sff^tSS^9\4, Hence it was only natural that it should eventually be divided into other territories. But few were they who realized that this would come to pass and that the new territories would be so large that th^ in time would become states to be subdivided into other states. Yet within nineteen years after Oregon was proclaimed a territory, this succesrion of changes began.
Washington. In response to a petition from a portion of the Oregon Country lying north of the Columbia River, Washington was organized as a Territory, March 2, 1853, and admitted into the Union as the iorty-second State, November 1 1, 1889. Its capital is Olympia. Washington is bounded: on the north by British Columbia, east by Idaho, south by Oregon, and west by the Pacific Ocean. It has a total area of 69, 127 square miles^ and (1917) a population of 1,565.810.
Idaho was organized as a Territory, March 3, 1863, and admitted into the Union as the forty-third State, July 3, 1890. It is composed of part of the following states: Oregon, Washington, Utah, and Nevada, it is bounded on the north by Briti^ America and Montana, east by Montana
and Wyoming, south by Utah and Nevada, and west by Oregon and Washington. Idaho has a total area of 84,3 1 5 square miles and (1917) a population of 436,66 1 .
Montana, The northeast comer of the Oregon Country Mrhich was secured to the United States by Great Britain in 1646, became the north¥rest part of Montana, May 26, 1 664, when Montana became a Territory which on November 6, 1669, became the forty first State in the Union. Montana has a total drea of 146,572 square miles and (191 7) a population of 466,2 1 4.
Wyoming, The Oregon Country contained a region which is now a portion of Wyoming. Wyoming was organized as a Territory, July 25, 1868, and vras admitted into the Union as the forty-fourdi State, July 10, 1690. It contains a total area of 97,9 1 4 square mOes, and (1917) has a population of 162,264.
GOVERNORS CURRY, DAVIS, AND CURRY
(May 19, 1853— March 3, 1859) CHAPTER IX.
"Those pioneers Who set their plowshares to the sun Were kings of heroes every one."—Joaquin Miller.
Governor George L. Curry was born in Philadelphia, July 2, 1 820. In 1 843, he started west, and, after an experience of three years in the newspaper business in St. Louis, crossed the plains to Oregon, arriving there on August 30, 1 846. For a time he was editor of the Oregon * 'Spectator,** and in May, 1853, was appointed Secretary of OregonTerritory, becoming Gov e r n o r (upon the resignation of General Lane) and serving in that governor and mrs. oeorge l. curry capacity until the following December.
Governor Davis. John W. Davis was appointed governor by President Pierce and arrived in Oregon on December 2, 1853, but resigned August 1 of the following year. Governor Davis had been a member of Congress from Indiana for four terms and had served one term as Speaker of the National House of Representatives. He was also at one time United States minister to China. He was not acquainted with western spirit or customs; hence resigned his office. His career as Governor was uneventful and after his brief service he returned to Indiana, where he died in 1859. 156 HlS i ORY OF OREGON
Curry»» Seomid Term as Governor. Upon the resignation of Governor Davis, George L. Cuny on August 1, 1 854, again became Governor of Oregon. He continued to fill that ollice until the inauguration of John Whiteaker, the first Governor under the state constitution. Oregon had a territorial government ten years, and Governor Curry was its chief executive for half of that time. He vras a cultured man of die people^ and left a ^lendid record. Governor Curry died at his home in Pordand on July 28, 1 878.
The United PtasMeriui Churdi Qriginnind in Oregon.^ Notwithstanding the sparsely settled condition of the country, there were four branches of the Presbyterian church in Oregon in 1851* They were the First Presbyterians, Cumbedand Presbyterians, Assodate Presbyterians, and Associate Refonned Presbyterians. To meet the situation the last two of these organizations came to believe that it vrould be the part of wisdom for them to consolidate. These two churches were seceders from the old Church of Seodand, one withdrawing as early as 1688, and the odier in 1733; and, therefore, were among the oldest of the Dissenting Churches. Their secession was principally on account of departure from evangelical doctrine and lazness of discipline on the part of the mother church.
Meetings Were Held to DiseuBS Consclldation, the re* suit being the passage of the following resolution at a convention made up of delegates from both of the local organizations: **Resolved, that there is not that difference between the public standards of the two churches which warrants the maintenance of a separate communion and ecclesiastical organization, therefore, we do agree and resolve henceforth to unite in one body, to be known as *The United f^esbyterian Church of Oregon.** The leaders in this movement were: Rev. James P. Millar, D.D.; I^v. Thomas S. ^nieaned from a paper read by Tlon. C. II. Stowart at the celebration of the 50(1) annfrerp.il y ot the orgaaizallon o£ the Willamette Con^e^allon at Oak ville, Ore^ou,
Kendall, D.D., and Rev. Samuel G. Irvine, D.D., of the Associate branch; and Rev. Wilson Blziin, Rev. S. D. Gager, Rev. Jeremiah Dick, and Rev. James Worth, of the Associate Reformed branch.
TWO OF THE ORIOINATOBS OF THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH REV. THOMAS S. KENDALL. D. D. REV. WILSON BLAIN
The Organizations Merge Into One. Accordingly a meeting of the presbyteries representing these branches was held at the residence of Rev. Wilson Blain, at Union Point, three miles from Brownsville, in Linn County, Oregon, October 20, 1852, at which time both organizations formally merged into one under the name mentioned. The basis adopted was: "The Word of God is the only rule of faith and practice, and the supreme authority for the regulation of doctrine, worship and government—the Westminister Confession of Faith, and the Catechisms, larger and shorter — all matters of previous separation to be held as matters of private opinion and Christian forbearance."
First Psahn^inging Congregation in West Half of
America. Of the congregations forming tKe union in 1852, but one has had continuous existence to the present time. This is "Willamette Congregation," located at Oakville, six miles to the south-east of Corvallis. This congregation was oiganifld in July, 1850—^the first congregation of Psalm•tnglng people in the western half of the United States.
Firat U»F.Chureh in N<nih America, Vnder the auspices of the new denomination a conssregation was or* ganized in Albany, Oregon, October 10, 1 85 3, which is still in existence, and it bears the distinction of being the first congregation organized in North America under the name of *tJnited Presbyterian/ The mother churches in the East had been anxiously watching this movement, and at the first meeting of the synods to which the congregations belonged, their action in concludini'; the union was approved. In fact the two small organizations m the West had, through force of circumstances, accomplished something that the mother churches had very much desired for many years; and no douljt elided in bringing about the union between them six years later at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. The new church in the East was known as The United Presbyterian Church of North Anienca," and it set forth a declaration of principles strikingly similar to those previously adopted by the church in Oregon. Steps were taken immediately to Ijring, into the organization the little band in Oregon that had blazed the way to uh. hi ind at a meeting of the Oregon Church, held at Kendalls' Bridge, Linn County, on May 5, 1859, they became a part of the United Presbyterian Church of North America. *
R('9iilts of the Con^olidatiori. The formation of thf United Presbyterian Chtirch in Oregon is an instance where the members of two church families, holding practically the same doctrine, and being almost altogether cut off by dis ■
! tance from fellowship with the mother denominations, were led to adapt themselves to prevailing conditions, and the local union thus effected, proved to be so happy in its results that the parent bodies in the East, after witnessing the course of their children for several years, emulated their example and brought about a general family reunion. And now one may travel from the mother United Presbyterian Church at Albany, through almost every State in the Union, then to South America, Europe and Asia, and then ascend the Nile to the United Presbyterian University in North Africa, and yet worship every Sunday in a sanctuary of the Church that originated in Linn County, Oregon.
Pacific University. Following the advice of Rev. George H. Atkinson, who had been sent to Oregon as a special missionary superintendent with instruction to found an academy, the Congregationalists and Presbyterians in conference at Oregon City in 1 848, decided to establish an academy at Forest Grove; and Mrs. Tabitha Brown's Orphan School, opened the year before, formed the nucleus of the institution. In 1 849, the school was formally incorporated under the special act of the Oregon Territorial Legislature as Tualatin Academy. Rev. Atkinson and his co-workers erected a college hall in 1851. Two years later Rev. Sidney H. Marsh, the first president
of the proposed college, sidney h. i^aAESH
came through the wilder- First President Pacific University.
ness from New England and took up his residence in the new hall. In 1854, the legislature chartered the college under the name of Pacific University. The University held its first commencement in 1863, graduating but one student. This was Harvey W. Scott, who came to be one of the foremost newspaper editors of the nation.
MARSH HALL, PACIFIC UNIVERSITY
Japan Patronizes Pacific University. In 1872, the progressive movement in Japan resulted in sending many of the sons of prominent families to schools in America and Europe. Pacific University was selected for three of them, all of whom graduated in 1876. They were Yei Nosea and Hatstara Tamura, both of whom became prominent educators and writers; also Kin Saito who is chief justice of the Court of Hokaido, Japan.
Christian College. In 1854, Rev. John E. Murphy, Elijah Davidson, J. B. Smith, T. H. Lucas and S. Whitman donated a mile square of land in Polk County on which to found a town, the proceeds from the sale of town lots to be used in establishing a college under the supervision of the local Christian Church and to be called Monmouth University. At a mass meeting the town was named Monmouth. Money was donated, a small building erected, and the school was placed in charge of the Christian Church of Oregon. An endowment of $20,000 was immediately raised from the sale of forty scholarships at $500 each; thus what had been a cow pasture and a wheat field came to be the site of a college community. In 1858, a wooden building was erected at the cost of $5,000 on the present
T. F. CAMPBELL
President of Christian College
TERRITORIAL CAPITOL
AT CORVALLIS, 1855
Eugene and Corvallis Lead for the Capital. The legislature in Salem, December 18, 1855. By a strange coincidence the new State House in which the Legislature met, was destroyed by fire on the night of December 29th. Upon the sudden loss of the State House with the library and archives of the territory the legislature decided to submit the question of locating the capital to popular vote at the next general election; and it was provided that in case no town had a clear majority of all the votes cast a special election should be held the first Monday in October to decide between the two receiving the greatest number. At the general election in June (1856) Eugene City received 2627 votes; Corvallis, 2,327; Salem, 2101; Portland, 1154. Neither had a majority, but "Eugene and Corvallis were the highest two and the final decision was to be made at the popular election in October." However, four counties failed to make election returns according to law, hence the official result as announced by Secretary Harding gave Eugene City
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CORVALLIS COLLEGE (1876)
(The First College Cadets in the Pacific Northwest were organized by Captain B. D. Boswell, U. S. A., in Corvallis, 1872. See page 164.)
2319, Salem 2049, Corvallis 1998, and Portland 1154. "Hence the vote was to be taken on Eugene City and Salem. The citizens of Corvallis were greatly incensed and the public much disgusted. So when the first Monday in October came few people took the trouble to vote. Less than a hundred votes were cast in Portland, while in many places no polls were opened. Five counties made no returns to the Secretary. Eugene City having received the largest majority of the votes became the seat of justice; but the election was ignored, and both the Legislature and the Supreme Court assembled at Salem in December.[6]
PRESIDENT B. L. ARNOLD
Corvallis College Founded. Corvallis College took its name from Corvallis, the town in which it was located. In 1856, the edifice housing the institution was erected by a private corporation; and although called a college, it was opened as an academy. In 1858, Corvallis College was chartered as a non-sectarian school. Later the property belonging to the institution was transferred to the Pacific Conference of the M. E. Church South. In 1865, Rev. William Finley was chosen president and the school offered an advanced course of instruction leading to the degree of bachelor of arts. In 1868, the college was incorporated by the M. E. Church South. Also, during that year it was designated by the legislature of Oregon as the Oregon Agricultural College. Upon the resignation of President Finley, Dr. B. L. Arnold was chosen president, and the chair of agriculture was established in Corvallis College with Professor B. J. Hawthorne as director; whereupon scientific agriculture on the Pacific Coast was taught for the first time. In 1885, the State of Oregon assumed control of the school; and three years later the agricultural department of the school was transferred to the present site. At the end of one year Corvallis College—the original institution—closed its doors; and in 1899 the building was razed.
Oregon Decided to Hold Constitutional Convention. The most important event occurring during the administration of Governor Curry was the convention which formulated the state convention. The question of authorizing a constitutional convention had been submitted to the people by the Legislature in 1856, and was carried by a vote of 7209 in favor and 1616 against. The Indian wars of 1855 and 1856 had resulted in many claims against the United States Government, and it was thought better opportunity for their favorable consideration would exist if Oregon were represented by men who could vote in Congress.
The Constitutional Convention. The constitutional convention met in Salem on August 17, 1857. and consisted of 60 members. Among them were 34 farmers and 18 lawyers. All three justices of the Territorial Supreme Court were members—Judge Matthew P. Deady, Judge George H. Williams, and Judge Cyrus Olney. Judge Deady was elected president of the convention, and Chester N. Terry secretary. On September 18, sixty days after it began its labors, the convention adjourned, having adopted the proposed constitution by a vote of 35 in favor and 10 against, 15 being absent. At a special election held on the second of the following November, the document was adopted by the people by a vote of 7195 to 3215 against, and on February 14, 1859, Oregon was admitted into the Union as the thirty-third State.
Negro Slavery Submitted to the People. Two questions were submitted separately to the people, one as to whether the new state should adopt slavery, and the other declaring that free negroes should not be permitted to reside here. The vote for slavery was 2645, against 7727. Against free negroes as residents, 8640; and for, 1081. The new constitution thus declared against free negroes living in Oregon, but its enactment was never enforced.
Bethel College. Bethel College, near McCoy, Oregon, was built by the religious denomination known as The Christians (1857). The school prospered for a number of years.
BETHEL COLLEGE, 1917
But as Bethel College and Christian College were dependent upon the same sources of support, the doors of Bethel College were later closed and the working force of the institution was moved to Christian College, located at Monmouth.
First Woolen Mill West of the Rocky Mountains. Oregon women first manufactured wool into yarn by hand labor; and by hand the yarn was knit into stockings. Hand looms were soon introduced into homes where material for clothing was woven, and homespun garments were common. However, housewives' duties were somewhat diminished in 1854, when a wool carding mill was introduced in Albany. The next year machinery was erected on LaCreole, for carding, spinning and weaving of flannel; and in 1857 William H. Rector, as superintendent, built at Salem the first woolen mill west of the Rocky Mountains. The next woolen mills erected were: one at Oregon City in 1664, another at Ellendale (Polk County) 1866, and the third at Brownsville in 1875. It required several years to establiak a reputation for Oregon Woolen Mills. Aocordingly it was veiy difficult at first to market in our state the goods that were manufactured fay our mills. It was frequently necessaiy, therefore, at first to ship the Oregon made fabric into other states where it was purchased unwittingly by our merchants who brought it back to be sold to iSkmr customers But a wonderful change took place, Oregon woolen mills were very fortunate in competing for medals in national and interrational expositions. In course of time, foreign and domestic recognition was won for our woolen manufacture, resulting in the erection of several other woolen mills.
McMinnville College. Pioneer Baptist missionaries established Oregon City College in 1849; but for want of ample support the school was closed and the property sold. The money thus acquired was paid into the funds of McMinnville College, which in the meantime, had come into existence in the manner related by Bancroft, the historian, as follows: "The Legislature in 185 7-8, granted a charter to the Baptist College at McMinnville, a school already founded by the Disciples, or Christian Church, and turned oyer to the Baptists with the belongings, six acres of ground and a school building as a free gift upon condition that they should keep up a collegiate school."
Federal Court Established. By an act of Congress of March 3, 1859, the State of Oregon was constituted a judicial district, within which a district court should be established with powers and jurisdiction like the District Court of the United States for the District of Iowa, and the judge of said district court was authorized to hold regular annual sessions at the seat of the government of the State, to commence on the second Mondays of April and September respectively, in each year. Judge Matthew P. Deady was appointed District Judge by President James Buchanan. He opened the first term of the district court at Salem, Oregon, on the 12th day of September 1859. Judge Deady was dissatisfied with Salem as the place of holding the Federal court, and succeeded, in September, 1860, in having it changed to Portland.
- ↑ "Popular History of Oregon."
- ↑ Near the O. W. R. N. Co.'s Passenger Depot.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 The Oregon Senate was pursuing a policy which Rev. Joab Powell could not approve; so one morning when the President invited him to serve as Chaplain, the senators arose when Mr. Powell offered this striking prayer: "O Lord, forgive them for they know not what they do. Amen," which is said to be the shortest prayer ever offered by a chaplain before the Oregon Senate.
- ↑ Rev. Joab Powell was noted for humorous stories and western sayings that were clad in homely phraseology familiar to frontiersmen. It may be said in his behalf, however, that to every border story or saying attributed to Rev. Powell, ten can be found to the credit of Abraham Lincoln; and Abraham Lincoln was one of the greatest men of his age.
- ↑ In April Mr. Asahel Bush moved the "Oregon Statesman" from Salem to Corvallis, as he had previously done from Oregon City to the editor replied that the "Statesman" was published at the seat of Government wherever that might chance to be.—Wells.
Salem. Much newspaper comment was made upon the matter, but
- ↑ Wells.