Alvin F. Waller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alvin F. Waller
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| Born | May 8, 1808 |
| Died | December 26, 1872 (aged 64) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | preacher |
| Employer | Methodist Mission |
| Known for | Willamette University |
| Spouse(s) | Elpha White |
Alvin F. Waller (1808–1872) was an important American missionary who lived in the Oregon Country. A missionary is someone who travels to a new place to share their religious beliefs and help the community. Alvin Waller was also a key leader at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. He was born in Pennsylvania. He helped start the very first Protestant church west of the Rocky Mountains in 1843. This church was built in Oregon City.
Early Life and Journey to Oregon
Alvin Waller was born in Abington, Pennsylvania, on May 8, 1808. He became a Methodist minister. This meant he was a religious leader who preached to people. He preached along the East Coast of the United States.
In 1833, he married Elpha White. They had five children together. In 1839, another missionary named Jason Lee asked Waller to join his mission in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Waller sailed to Oregon in October 1839 on a ship called the Lausanne.
He arrived in Oregon in May 1840. He was part of a large group called the "Great Reinforcement" for the Methodist Mission. Other important people in this group included George Abernethy and Gustavus Hines.
Life in Oregon
Once in Oregon, Alvin Waller was given a special job. He was asked to start a new part of the main mission. This new mission was at the waterfalls on the Willamette River. In 1840, with help from Jason Lee, the Willamette Falls Methodist Mission was created.
The land where they built the mission was also claimed by the Hudson's Bay Company. This company was led by Doctor John McLoughlin. In 1844, Waller and McLoughlin worked out their land disagreement. Waller and the Methodists received some town lots, $500, and 5 acres (20,000 m2) of land from McLoughlin.
In 1842, Waller helped build the Methodist church at the waterfalls. This area later became Oregon City, Oregon. The church was finished in 1844. It was the first Protestant church built west of the Rocky Mountains.
After the main mission in Salem closed, Waller moved to the Wascopam Mission in 1844. He took over from other missionaries there.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1847, Alvin Waller moved to Salem, Oregon. He served as the pastor, or religious leader, for the old mission's church until 1857. The next year, he claimed land in the city under the Donation Land Claim Act. This law allowed settlers to claim free land.
Waller also worked with the Oregon Institute. He helped it become Willamette University in 1853. During this time, he helped raise money to build a new brick building for the school. This building was finished in 1867 and was first called University Hall. In 1912, it was renamed Waller Hall to honor him.
Alvin F. Waller stayed active in religious and education work. He helped start several churches in Oregon in his later years. He passed away on December 26, 1872, in Salem. He was 64 years old. He was buried at the Lee Mission Cemetery in Salem.
Images for kids
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Waller Hall at Willamette University, named after Alvin F. Waller.
