Charles Drain (pioneer) facts for kids
Charles Drain was an important person in Oregon's history. He was a politician and is known for starting the city of Drain. He lived from 1816 to 1894.
Charles was born in Pennsylvania. When he was five years old, his family moved to Indiana. Sadly, his parents passed away when he was young. In 1839, he married Nancy Ensley. Later, in 1852, they moved their family all the way to Oregon. They settled in the beautiful Willamette Valley to farm.
Contents
Becoming a Leader in Oregon
Charles Drain became involved in politics in Oregon. In 1855, he was chosen to be part of the Oregon Territorial Legislature. This was the government for Oregon before it became a state.
Serving the State
In 1858, just before Oregon officially became a state, Charles Drain was elected to the Oregon State Senate. This is a part of the state's government that makes laws. He also led the Territorial Legislature as its President from 1858 to 1859.
Founding the City of Drain
In 1860, Charles Drain moved his family to Douglas County. There, he started buying land. Over time, his farm grew to be very large, about 2,000 acres. He even bought some land from a famous pioneer named Jesse Applegate.
A New Town Begins
In 1872, Charles Drain sold 60 acres of his land to the Oregon and California Railroad. He sold it for just one dollar! The railroad needed the land to build a town and a train station. This new town was named Drain, after him.
Charles Drain's Family
Charles Drain passed away in 1894. He had three children who survived him. His son, John C. Drain, became the first mayor of the city of Drain. John also served as a leader in the Oregon House of Representatives.
Another daughter, Catherine A. Drain, married Simon R. Lane. Simon was the son of Joseph Lane, another important figure in Oregon's early history. Charles's other son, Charles Douglas Drain, built a famous house in Drain called the Charles and Anna Drain House. It is still a landmark in the city today.
