subject of far-away Oregon, its condition and its wonderful natural resources, mild and equable climate, and its advantageous geographical location with reference to the growth of civilization and the aggrandizement of the United States among the growth and development of the Nations of the world. He attended the Methodist Episcopal Conference at Alton, Illinois, and commanded the rapt attention of all there in his theme and his personality. From there he went to Peoria, and lectured, and at that point was organized the first company of Americans who were not missionaries to seek permanent homes in Oregon.
While in the East, Mr. Lee met and married Lucy Thompson, of Barre, Vermont, a lady of rare culture and attractiveness, who accompanied him back to his far Western home. Here in old Chemeketa was their family fireside, here was set up their family altar; here, on February 26, 1842, their daughter, Lucy Anna Maria Lee, was born; here that daughter grew to womanhood and developed into one of the most lovely and lovable of Christian characters ever known on the coast.
Wherever he was, Jason Lee was abundant in labors. In his chosen field here, from the California line to Puget Sound, his activities were incessant. A great many trips were made by him up and down the Columbia River, with no conveyance except an Indian canoe, and no shelter when overtaken by nightfall but the friendly earth and the forest and sky overhead and round about. On the 9th day of October, 1839, a company of missionaries and their families, some fifty-two persons in all, sailed from New York in the ship Lausanne for the "Oregon Country,' to reinforce the work of Mr. Lee. These were recruits, enlisted through his efforts. They arrived at the mouth of the Columbia River June 1, 1840, and twelve days later met at Vancouver for consultation. Mr. Lee, as super-
