Legislative Action in Ewing Young Estate. Since the discussions in connection with the estate of Ewing Young had much to do with the formation of the Oregon Provision
Oregon was approaching statehood, and a popular vote was taken on the negro question, it is noteworthy that while the vote against slavery was almost three to one, the sentiment on the negro question was so intense that the vote against
al Government, it is interesting to note that December 16 1844, the Executive Committee reported to the Legislative Committee at Willamette Falls, "This government has in its possession notes amounting to $3,734.26, most of which are already due. These notes are a balance in favor of the estate of Ewing Young, deceased, intestate. We will therefore advise that these demands be settled and appropriated to the benefit of the country, the Government being at all times responsible for the payment of them to those who may hereafter appear to have a legal right in them. Thereupon the money was devoted to the building of a jail at Oregon City, the first of the kind west of the Rocky Mountains."[1] A few years afterward, Joaquin Young, of New Mexico, established his claim as a son of Ewing Young and the full amount mentioned was paid to him.
Governor and Legislature Provided. "A session of the Legislative Committee was held in Oregon City beginning December 16, 1844, and continuing seven days. Upon the recommendation of the executive committee, a committee was appointed to frame an amended Organic Law which was to be submitted to the people at a special election, and if approved by the popular vote, the amendments were to
- ↑ Among those who were held as slaves in Oregon was Louis Southworth, (died in Corvallis 1917) who in 1855 had purchased his freedom from his master in Benton County for $1,000. Also in 1857, Reuben Shipley (colored) residing three miles west of Corvallis paid $400 (or $700) for his wife, who was claimed as a slave in Polk County, Oregon.
"History of the Willamette Valley."
