s.
He worked his way through an academy in Ohio by blacksmithing
and came to Oregon in 1849 as a young lawyer of 25. He lived for
a while in Yamhill County and for a while in Douglas County, but
the greater part of his useful life was spent in Portland, where he
died in 1893. In addition to making distinguished contributions to
the laws and government of Oregon, he was a resourceful leader in
developing its culture and education. One example of his ingenious
and "arduous" public service was his idea of selling life memberships
in the Portland Library Association. These were priced at $250 each.
It was a one-man drive — he sold them all himself, 101 of them
among his friends. He served as president of the board of regents of
the University of Oregon, and Deady Hall, the oldest University
building, is named after him.
Fellow Citizens , Friends and Old Neighbors of the Umpqua Valley:
Westward the course of Empire takes it way! But little more than a quarter of a century ago this beautiful and pic turesque aggregation of hill and vale, mountain and stream, forest and prairie, now called the Umpqua, was almost an unknown and unoccupied country. Occasionally the camp fire of the traveler was kindled along the trail which led through it from Oregon to California. Late in the year, when the beauty of its matchless verdure had partially disappeared, a few immigrant trains had passed over it on their weary way to the far-famed Wallamet. The very spot where we are met to celebrate this one hundred and first anniversary of American Independence —now a busy thriving town and com mercial centre — was still a silent grove. The stately oaks which adorn the site, were then only the shelter of the wild deer and the aborigine... . Oregon! The matchless land of snow-capped mountains and verdure clad valleys —of swelling rivers and placid lakes—of majestic forests and broad prairies —of rich har vests and luscious fruits —of fair women and brave men. Oregon! — Our own loved land! The first American com munity on the Pacific coast —may she ever be such a State! A pillar of this Union, firm and unswerving as her ever lasting hills. Upon her patriotic sons and daughters is de volved the duty of keeping this pillar in position. They must
