Alanson Beers facts for kids

Alanson Beers (born August 19, 1808 – died February 20, 1853) was an important American pioneer and politician. He lived in the early days of the Oregon Country. He was a blacksmith by trade. He joined the Methodist Mission in Oregon and helped build up the area.

Beers was born in Connecticut. He helped start the Oregon Institute. He also took part in the Champoeg Meetings. At these meetings, he was chosen to be part of the first Executive Committee in 1843. This committee helped lead the early government of Oregon.

Early Life and Family

Alanson Beers was born on August 19, 1804, in Weston, Fairfield County, Connecticut. His father, Isaac Beers, was a soldier in the American Revolutionary War. Alanson learned to be a blacksmith there. Before moving to Oregon, he married Rachel. They had six children together: Elenor, Benjamin, William, Oliver, Abigail, and Jonathan.

Life in Oregon

Alanson Beers moved to Oregon in 1837. He arrived on a ship called the Diana in May. He was part of a group sent to help the Methodist Mission in Oregon. This mission was a religious settlement. Jason Lee had traveled back east to find people like Beers to help.

After arriving, Alanson and his wife brought supplies from the ship. They used small boats on the Willamette River. Beers then built a home and a blacksmith's shop at the Mission. He also worked for the Mission's school for Native American children. Later, he worked at the Oregon Institute. This school is now Willamette University. As a blacksmith, he made tools and parts for buildings.

In 1843, important meetings took place. These were called the Champoeg Meetings. Alanson Beers was chosen to be on a committee. This committee wrote the first laws for Oregon's early government. Then, on July 5, he was elected as one of three leaders. These leaders formed the First Executive Committee. The other members were David Hill and Joseph Gale. Beers was chosen to represent the interests of the Methodist Mission in this new government.

While on the executive committee, Beers helped organize a local defense group. This group was like a small army, called a militia. This happened in 1844. It was in response to some issues with Native American groups in the Willamette Valley.

Later Years

Beers' grave at Lee Mission Cemetery (note the birth date is incorrect on gravestone)

In July 1844, Alanson Beers decided to leave the Methodist Mission. Instead of returning to Connecticut, he received a farm, tools, a blacksmith shop, and $1,000. The mission was changing its leadership at this time.

In 1846, Alanson started a business with George Abernethy. They bought flour mills near Oregon City, Oregon. Their company was called the Oregon Milling Company. They used the mills to cut lumber and grind flour.

Before he passed away in 1853, Beers built a house. This house was meant to be a dormitory for students at the Oregon Institute. After his death, the school bought the house for $300. They named it Beers House. The school also gave each of his children a scholarship. Alanson Beers is buried at the Lee Mission Cemetery in Salem, Oregon.

See Also

• Provisional Government of Oregon
• Champoeg Meetings
• Methodist Mission in Oregon