Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Willamette farmer. (Salem, Or.) 1869-1887 | View Entire Issue (May 28, 1886)
VOL. XVIII. OREGON PIONEER HISTORY. SKETCHES OF EARLY DAYS. --HEN AND TIMES IN THE FORTIES. HY S. A CLARKE Copyright ipplltd (or. AM rUliti rtierrel .NU.MDKIt SIX. The Journey ot Judgo Thornton from Oregon to Washington. TLo recent interesting discussion of tho authorship of tho HGth section to tlio common school fund Mrs. Victor's at tack mid Judgo Thornton's reply in Tho Oregonian, mnko it timely to givo a chapter of early political history which involves that very interesting question. Therefore I will leap over tho intorval from early in tho '-10s to tho fall of 1817, n timo when various immigrations luul peopled this valley, but to tho weak con dition of tho unprotected settlements excited more apprehension and alarm. At that timo communication with tho Atlantic States wns very infrequent nud uncertain. Tho bark Whiton had ar rived with missionaries in tho summor and was preparing to return. No Legis lature could act to a appoint a roprceon- tntivo or dologato to present tho caso to tho national government, nnd it was thought important and necessary to send Bomcono by this vessel to present tho facts of lifo and sottlomcnt in Oro- gon to Congress and tho President. To recur to tho condition of things hero at that timo it is nccossary to pro- sent tho caso in good form. Tho Indians wcro many and in uncertain tamper. Tho scattered settlements could havo been easily attacked and ii'iuiWIated if tho Indians had formed the combination they afterwards mde, and had shown tho united and suvogo spirit that sur rounded all tho Oregon settlements with n oordon of savage tribes in 1855. Matters wore o uncertain that leading mon of tho now Territory nover mot without oxchango of fear und appre hensions. Tho settlers in their homes talked over the dangers that environed them. Whitman at that timo appre hended the fate that was to befall him in a few week?, and plainly ex pressed his fears. Tho only whites who felt no alarm wcro tho Hudson's Day Company men, and they walked tho earth free of all senso of dangor. It was a cause of trouble to many that this was so. Thoy felt that it was possible fur this company to lot loose s.tvaga hordes on woak settlements if so inclined. That company was powerful and could quell an outbreak if it oatno, but tho settlor who was newly hero timidly ask ed, though there was no reason to fear snch a course, "What if tho inlluenco of this great corporation should bo usod against us, or oven not usod for us, in caso of an Indian rising?" All tho infant settlomcnts wcro in a state of apprehension, if not of alarm, nnd all persons of iniluonco urged soino action, calling on tho government for aid and protoction. In this emergency Governor Abornothy selected Judgo Thornton of tho supremo court of tho provisional government, and at tho di rect instaneo of somoof tho most promi nent men then in Oregon, who signed tho request to that effect, apjointed him as an official representative of Oregon interests at tho national capital. At that time Judgo Thornton had been two yoars in tho country and had bocomo thorough ly awaro of its needs und its valuo to tho nation. To him Oregon was an adoptod mother, for whom ho was willing and anxious to do service. Ho was then in tho prime of life, and accoptod tho mission intrusted to his chargo with all possible senso of its importance and anxiety to so disehargo it as o secure tho best possiblo remits. The bark Whiton was to sail for Sun Francisco ; thenco for tho lower coast, and thence around Capo Horn for Boston. But something more negotiable than tho authority of Oregon's provisonal lilllililllr5 W nA H 111 mi H 0m' ' SALEM, governor was necessary for tho perform anco of so long n journey and so im portant a mission. At that timo money was non est in Oregon. Wheat and other products formed a basis of trado and commcrco ; legal tender was mado up of commodities, tho most popular of all being orders on stores, most especially on tho Hudson Bay Company. But a minister oxtraortlinnry, such as Thornton was, could not travel far ou such stock in trado. But thero was it will and also thoro was a way. Rov. tleorgo fleary of tho M. 13. mission, assisted Judgo Thorn ton to tho extent of .$150, by draftou tho mission board at tho East. A remark able character who then lived here and did business under tho assumed name of Noycs Smith loaned tho uowly-appoint cd agent forty barrels of flour and gavo him loiters to friends Kast that was afterwards of sorvico to him. Tho flour was shipped on tho bark Whiton and found a fair market at San Francisco. Judgo Thornton thus had somo moans at command und went on board tho bark expecting to bo taken to Panama, thence to cross tho isthmus and find a passago to Now York from there by tho same vessel. Tho vosicl reached San Francisco, remained there somo weeks, sailed for Lower California and sloped nt San Jose, a small seaport on tho coast of Lower California, insido tho Ciulf of California not far from Capo St. Lucas. Hero tho captain changed his mind, gavo up tho voyage homo and concluded to remain and trado along tho coast. At that timo wo wero at war with Moxico. Thoro was a small fort near San Jose that had been captured by tho United States forces, and was held by a small party commanded by a lieutenant. Tho sloop of war Portsmouth lay off there, with her guns commanding tho fort, to bo used in un attempt at recapture. One day Lieutenant Bartlett of the Ports mouth camo on board tho Whiton and thero learned tho unhappy fix in which tlm Oregon ropreontniivo was placed. On board the bark wore five or b'ix men who had been out to Oregon, ''prospect ing" the country or on a tour of obbcr ration. They were inteuding to niuko tho same trip that Thornton contem plated, but when the captain changed tho plan of his voyage tln-v changed their Then procuring Mime convey ances aeio-s tho tiuii ot .Mexico to Mazatlan, intending to goucro-nto Vera Cruz and thenro home. This journey involved more estpouvi than Thornton could ttflord, and it may ! cuppo-wl that ho was well nigh doctorate in mind in view of his stranded condition, ilo could neither go on nor turn back; it was impossible to seo his way out, and Jcsporation is tho only word that reaches his forlorn condition. It seems as if a special providenco hero intorposcd for Oregon and for its sadly disappointed omissary. Tho sloop of war Portsmouth was commanded by Captain .1. 11, Montgom ery, a very noblo officer and gentleman, who becamo greatly interested in Lion tonaut Bartlott's description of the Oregonian's difficulties. Ho sent him immediately back with an invitatiot for Mr. Thornton to visit him on board tho Portsmouth, and a request that ho would bring any papers ho might havo with him bearing on his mission to Washing ton. This ho did.nud Captain Montgom ery J expressed himself satisfied with tho fact of his mission and its impor tance. Ho oxplancd that tho genoral instructions of tho -service required n naval commander, in case he found any I'nited States minister, or diplomat, in such circumstances, to tike him home, or to render any pronation in his power. Ho sM that under thi-, rule ho should not hestitato to oiler Mr. Thorn ton passago to Boston, if he would accept it, which it may bo supposed tho strand cii delegato did most thankfully. Cap tain Montgomery did nothing by liulves. He took Mr. Thornton as he would somo foreign minister who had received sud- OREGON, FRIDAY, don dismissal. Ho gavo tho roprcntativo of Oregon all tho honors ho could be stow and maintained this courtesy nnd kindness all tho months of the long voyage. Tho captain and his son had occupied a handsome suito of rooms that ho vactatcd, having two hammocks swung in tho dining cabin for his own and his son's use. No protest availed. Thero was a spare room in tho officers quarters tho ward room and its ac companiments but tho guest of tho ship was not allowed to bo on a" par morly with his subordinates. They shared tho cabin daytimes nnd tho voyago was very pleasant so far as the captain and his chief officers could mako it. They stopped at Valparaiso, where tho cap tain and tho Oregon representative dined with the American consul. Speaking of Valparaiso reminds mo of an incident that formed tho only shadow on tho long voyage, an incident that Captain Montgomery probably nover hud knowledgo of. Somo timo be fore, a Lieutenant Schouck, ot tho navy, when in Oregon, tried to locate a section of land for himsolf, but tho provisional government refused to rceognlzo claims where thoro was no residonco. This matter was known and talked of on tho Portsmouth, and Oregon's supremo judgo was asked why it was so. Tho danger of claiming lauds for non-residents wan explained and tho necessity of residence dwolt on, but u certain lieutenant of marines could not bo satisfied. Ho day aftor day, and continually, harped on this matter and would not bo pacified. Not n day passed that tho lioutonaut of marines did not ongage Thornton in conversation, ns ho took his ovoning walk on deck, nnd would manago to lug in this quostion until in timo it becamo a discourtesy. Recognizing his position on board.Thornton always wont patiently over his arguments. At last his patiouco was exhausted, and ho said : "I nm sorry, lieutenant, not to bo able to satisfy you, but tho fault sooms to ba I cannot furnish yon with brains." This was overheard and repeated, and tho ward room officers wcro provoked that ono of them Bhould havo Ihicu so annoying, while somo thought Thornton too rude. It is true ho was to hasty in speaking so. Tho laugh scorned on tho young man, and he muet have been annoyed by the criticisms and jokes. Ho was determined to vhallonga Thornton to mortal combat when thoy should reaeh land. Tho first land was Valparaiso, but tho challenge w.is not sent. Thornton heard of tho intention, and announced thathu should unhesitatingly rofiuo tho nhnllcngo ami might word tho refusal in undignified language. It had gone so far that tho officer of marines had his second picked out, and that "friend in need" was a son of Paul llcvoro! But, asido from this incident, tho voyago on tho Portsmouth was a delightful ospisode. Ho full that Oregon in his person was shown overy honor a distinguished oflicor and gentle man could pay. To bo continued. Tim commencement exercises of the Pacific University of Forest Grovo, take placo beginning May HOth, in tho Con gregational church at that place. On Sunday, Rov. G. A- Hockwood, of Ore gon City, will deliver tho Baccalaureato sermon. Hon. Raleigh Stott willdoliver nu address before tho Gamma Sigma society on May .list. Graduating oxer cues take placo Tuesday and Wednes day. Commencement address by Itov. T. K. Clapp of Portlund. Wo hoped to bo able to present to our leaders the programme of excorcises of of tho Grange picnic to be held near Joflercon at nu early date, but at a late hour wo are informed that it was tout away to Albany for publication. There is an old saying about "hiding your candle under a bushel measure." Our granger friends evidently don't want to seo a large attendance, or wus it spite work? MAY 28, 188(. Jorrc0nilcucit. a Trip Through Marlon County. tj Aiwsvim.k, Or., May 22, 18815. Ktlltor Willamette Farmer x If briof mention of observations tnkon during n run towards tho northern part of tho county aro of interest, horo thoy aro at your service Travoling per a ono horso bicycle, I first brought up at Snlcm; thence to Crossau's mill, on Pudding river, three miles cast of Brooks. Here is n steam sawmill of capacity of 8,000 feot, per diem, of a first class articlo of fir lumber. My next objective point was tho resldonco of n young (ar mor, nativo to thu manor born, two miles cant of Woudburn. Passing what remained of the night with theso hospitablo friends, tho citizens of Wood burn returned my salutation nt oight o'clock next morning. This appears n thriving place, pervaded with n refresh ing nppcaranco of recontly. Hero the railroads cross, and the car shop of tho 0. 11. aro locnted; C. W. Ridgoway is tho urbane rustlor in tho It. It. and express office, and tho honor of being the rest douco of B. F. Cooloy, Domocrntio nominee for Itoprcsontativo, appertains to Woodburn. Gorvnis was tho noxt point visited. This was ono of tho promising towns on tho 0. Si 0. B. 11., but thiscondilion appears to havo given placo to n sort of n flavor of mild decay, as though it had already outlived tho day of its U'ofulnoss, nnd was seriously contemplating suicide. Tho only ap pearance of freshness was tho now paint which was boing put on tho It. 11. station houso. Vet tho citizens aro lively and sociable, in marked contrast to their surroundings. Returning to Crossau's mill, I took dinnor with a gonial mill-man, and directed tho noso of my buckskin horso towards Ml. Angel. This station ou tho 0. 11. Co's. roml is five miles northwest of Silverton. and appears to bo quito a thriving little burg. J. H. Palmer Si Co., deal in general merchandise, and- thero is a hotel, and a saloon. Near this place is a settlement of Catholics, known I be lieve at tho "Benedictine brotherhood." I did not visit their place, hut meeting with Mr. "Mac" Cooloy. whom I had known in our young days, I roiirnnl with him about two mill's towards Silvcrton, to his placo whore I remained over night. Mr. C. showed mo over his place, which is a hundred acres of extra first-chus land, (airly well improved, and and yet ho is liko tho average i ostium Oregonian, and will soil out (or a modcrato consideration, nnd romovo elsewhere. To Silvcrton in tho morning. This placo has an nir of business nnd thrift, and its citiens are good naturcd and social. The location of Silvorton is not felicitous, being in a low valley where tho Iwreal breezes of winter, and tho fervid post-moridian sun of summer, has tho advantago of tho citiens. This town is remarkablo for boing tho resl donco and business placo of ono Fitz Gerald, a harnessmakcr, who is perhaps tho only man in America who is so popular that ho neither advortises, nor oven hahgs out a sign lest ho should be overwhelmed with more business than he ran manage. Accompaiued by this popular harnossmakor I entered tho 'dun' of the Silverton Appeal man, with whom I sjtcntan hourin pleasant and profitable converse, ilo is uuuouoieuiy an u. k. man, whom tho citizons of Silverton will do well to sustain. While in this place I railed on a lady who has caged, ono of tho po-callod "blossom nippers." The bird in question is tho Hespoii- phonia vesperiua; evening grosbeak; and lives on seed, im-ectB, and fruits. Ho is badly slandered by tho bloom nipper theorists. Looking back on Silverton from the pleasant hills, on my wny home, I re membered the raying that "God iiuulo tho country, and man made the town," NO. 1(; and was impressed with tho idea that tho hand of providenco was not con spicuously apparent in tho making of Silverton. Whcrovcr I wont tho crops appear promising, with tho exception of cherries and poars, which aro not up to average. But this spring is quito ro marknulo for tho absonco of the usual number of injurions insects, nnd tho proscuco of unusual numbers of insec tivorous binls. Probably accounted for by tho mild winter which saved tho birds, and the cold lato spring, which, together with tho birds, has got nway with tho iiuocts. Tho winter wheat is now jointing freely ; tho grouso and quail aro sitting, and tho fanners aro already look ing forward to tho timo when tho towns shall pour forth tho'r hordes of pilfering trespassers, to travcrso thotr fields with dogs and gun, tramping down their grain and shooting their binls. What nuuisanco this is. Has tho farmer no rights that tho marauding sportsman is bound to respect? Lot a (armor go ou tho premises of theso rod and gun gentry and commit liko trespass, nnd sen how long it will bo until ho is fined and jailed. But that is ndifleront matter, said ono of theso fellows to mo ou occasion. Of cnurso it is. Ono is tho farmers rights which are being outragod, tho other is tho "city follow," that'B the difleronce. Some additional legislation is neoded in this mattor, and a. littlo more buck bono on the part of tho (ar mor; and a taste of fine and jail ad ministored to tho freq and easy poachor would correct this ovil-eomowhnt. That tho game, fish, wild fruits, etc., ou a far mers laud do not belong to him, and that it is not stealing to tako thorn with out his knowledgo or consent, is an out rageous humbug. They oro as much his property as his farm, animals or grain crops, nnd should bo so declared by law, and the punishment for diking them should be the same, both legally mid morally. Lot us ask tho coming Legislature to relievo us from tho unjust and oxpcuivo nuisance, and no longor require us to raise birds, fish, and fruits for others who have no right to thorn, yot take thrm without compensation. Tho lav should also lie winded so as to dofino tlm rights of farmer, to includo tho property in question, in t'lo public roads, either iu;ro, o over against his land. I nm alieady advised that all tho rights tin- publii' have in, or to n public road, is tln right of peacnble transit; yot mot pxi'ims, especially this gunning elms think thoy may commit almost iiiin tri'sprtss they please, with impunity, in t'iM public highway ; and the statues should -sK-oially dellne this matter for the licncfit of all parties concerned. The farmer should certainly bo given eveiy facility (or protecting his own against thoso having no respect for tho rights of others. Mattkhon. stock sales. WiiiTi.AKr.it, Or., May 21, 1880. IMiturWillmnetto Farmer: 1 bog leave to report sales of stock as follows: Jessio Kdwards, ol Nowburg, Oregon, sold that finu hull calf "John," out of Kosoby Johnson Bull. To J. F. Davis, of Harrisburg, Oregon, one Shropshire, two years, "Buck," Wooloy Kyes, No. 1). by Pride of Montfoid, No.!i. (i. W. Hunt. Havo you Taken 8. L. R7 Tin.,, vnn pmi tin frnnd lit' r-.inimiirii eating toothers an unfailing euro for jjysepsia, uoimipnuon, jionuacue, Biliousness and Kidney directions. "I lnviin' KiillVri'il from ilnbilitv. bn.ail. aelii'.uizziiios and lossoi appetite, irom .. . ..., ......-.- -. . ..--....-,,, ........ an inactive liver, Simmons Liver Regu lator wae recommemied liy a Iriontl. Procuring n bottle, 1 was greatly bono- (il oil In ii ulirirL linn- mill I'liiwiitov if. mi ......a ... . ..-..- ..-.-- ...... ......... sv .... almost indispeiihible household rumody, I. M. Detteror, William Ponn P. ()., .Montgomery uo. ru. Wo want 100,000 pounds of wool, Win. Brown & Co., dealers in Boots' and Shoes and Leather. The highest price paid for hides, c!ts nnd furs, 2111 Com mercial street. Salem, Oregon. tf,