Albert E. Wilson facts for kids

Albert E. "A.E." Wilson (born around 1813 – died March 28, 1861) was an American pioneer and businessman. He moved to the Oregon Country, which later became the U.S. state of Oregon. There, he opened shops, got involved in local government, and was even chosen as the first judge for the early Provisional Government of Oregon.

Early Life

Albert Wilson was born in Massachusetts around 1813. In 1842, he traveled to the Oregon Country. This area was still being debated by different countries. He arrived on a ship called Chenamus.

Starting a Business

When he arrived, Albert Wilson opened a store. This store was in Oregon City. He sold goods he had brought from the East Coast. He owned this store with a partner, George W. LeBreton.

Getting Involved in Politics

Albert Wilson was active in the community. In 1842, he helped start the Oregon Lyceum. This was a group in Oregon City for learning and discussions.

The Land Claims Petition

In 1843, Wilson got involved in a big issue. This was about land claims at Willamette Falls in Oregon City. Dr. John McLoughlin and the Hudson's Bay Company claimed ownership of islands there. These islands were perfect for building mills.

Robert Shortess sent a petition to the United States Congress. This petition tried to challenge these land claims. George Abernethy helped write it. Albert Wilson copied the document. This was so Abernathy's name would not be publicly linked to it. Only Wilson and Shortess signed the petition. This first attempt didn't work. However, later efforts in 1850 did remove McLoughlin's legal claim to the land.

Helping Form a Government

Later in 1843, Wilson took part in the Champoeg Meetings. Settlers met to decide on creating a government. On May 2, 1843, they voted. Wilson voted to create the government. The vote was very close, 52 to 50.

After the vote, an election was held on July 5. Albert Wilson was chosen as the supreme judge. He would have powers over legal matters. He was meant to replace Ira L. Babcock. However, Wilson decided not to take the job.

Later Years

By 1845, Albert Wilson owned a blockhouse. This was a strong building along the Columbia River. It was a few miles from Fort Astoria.

Founding Astoria

In 1846, Wilson opened a store near Astoria, Oregon. He was one of the people who helped start that town. He was also the first American merchant there.

In 1847, he sold some land. This land was on the east side of the Willamette River. It was near Johnson Creek. He sold it to Henderson Luelling. Wilson only had "squatter's rights" to the land. This meant he lived there but didn't legally own it yet. Luelling later got legal ownership through the Donation Land Claim Act.

The next year, Wilson started new businesses. He partnered with David McLoughlin. They opened stores in Portland, Oregon City, and Champoeg. These stores operated under the name Pettygrove and Company. Wilson also worked in the timber industry. This involved cutting down trees for wood. He worked along the lower parts of the Columbia River.

Albert E. Wilson passed away on March 28, 1861. He was buried in Oregon City.