Albert E. Tozier facts for kids

Albert E. Tozier (born March 7, 1860 – died June 27, 1937) was an American newspaper editor and a local historian from Oregon. He was born in Nebraska but moved to Oregon as a child with his family. They settled in a town called Hillsboro. Albert's father, Charles T. Tozier, was important in the town, even serving as its mayor. Albert himself worked as an editor for The Hillsboro Argus newspaper and helped manage the museum at Champoeg.

Albert Tozier's Early Life

Albert Tozier was born in Cass County, Nebraska, on March 7, 1860. His parents were Charles and Zerilda Tozier. His family had French roots and first moved to North America in Nova Scotia. Later, they came to the United States.

In 1863, when Albert was three, his family traveled to Oregon. They used a team of oxen and followed the famous Oregon Trail. They settled in Washington County, close to Hillsboro.

Albert went to a special school called Tualatin Academy in Forest Grove. He finished school there in 1881.

The New Year's Bell Tradition

A fun tradition started for Albert in 1872. He rang the bell at the Hillsboro Methodist Church on New Year's Eve. This was to announce the start of the new year. He loved this tradition so much that he did it for 64 years in a row! He even traveled from far away places like New York City and South America to make sure he didn't miss it.

Albert Tozier's Work with Newspapers

In 1883, Albert Tozier started a newspaper called the Lewis County Nugget. He began this paper with his cousin. It was based in Lewis County, Washington, in the town of Chehalis. This newspaper later became known as the Chehalis Nugget.

Two years later, in 1885, Albert became the editor and part-owner of the Hillsboro Independent newspaper. This paper is now known as The Hillsboro Argus. He worked there until 1887. Also in 1885, he helped create the National Editorial Association. He later served as the president of this important organization for one year.

Albert was also the secretary for the Oregon Press Association for 15 years. By 1906, he was working for another newspaper called the Farmer in Portland.

Tozier as a Historian

Albert Tozier was very interested in Oregon's history. He collected many old items and documents with his sister, Edith. These items helped tell the story of Oregon.

He also worked as the keeper of historical items at what is now Champoeg State Park. At that time, it was a museum run by the Oregon Historical Society.

Albert Tozier's Later Years

Albert Tozier's grave marker

In the early 1930s, Albert Tozier gave his large collection of historical items to the county historical society. This collection included old books, pictures, maps, and other important things. His donation became the start of what is now the Washington County Museum.

In 1936, Albert's health was not good. This meant he could not ring the bell at the Methodist Church for New Year's Eve. This ended his amazing 64-year tradition.

Albert Tozier passed away on June 27, 1937. He was 77 years old. He was buried at the Hillsboro Pioneer Cemetery.