David Hill (Oregon politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Hill
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|---|---|
| Executive Committee of the Provisional Government of Oregon | |
| In office 1843–1844 |
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| Preceded by | position created |
| Succeeded by | Second Executive Committee |
| Constituency | Oregon Country |
| Legislator in the Provisional Government of Oregon | |
| In office 1844–1849 |
|
| Preceded by | position created |
| Succeeded by | position dissolved |
| Constituency | Tuality District |
| Oregon Territory House of Representatives | |
| In office 1849–1850 |
|
| Preceded by | position created |
| Succeeded by | Ralph Wilcox |
| Constituency | Washington County |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1809 Connecticut, United States |
| Died | May 9, 1850 (aged 40–41) Hillsboro, Oregon |
| Resting place | Hillsboro Pioneer Cemetery 45°31′13″N 123°00′21″W / 45.52019°N 123.00592°W |
| Spouse | Lucinda McWilliams Wilson Hill Simmons |
| Residence | Hillsboro, Oregon |
| Occupation | farmer, legislator |
David Hill (1809 – May 9, 1850) was an important American pioneer. He helped settle the area that became Hillsboro, Oregon. He served in the first government of Oregon, called the Provisional Government of Oregon. He worked in both the executive (like a governor) and legislative (law-making) parts of this government. Later, he was a lawmaker in the first Oregon Territorial Legislature. A town called Columbus was renamed Hillsborough in his honor in 1850.
Contents
David Hill's Early Life
David Hill was born in 1809. Some records say he was born in Connecticut, in the United States. We don't have many details about his early life. He may have lived in Virginia or Ohio before moving west.
Journey to Oregon
Mr. Hill traveled to the Oregon Country on the Oregon Trail. He came by wagon train with other pioneers. He likely arrived in October 1841. He settled on a large piece of land, about 640 acres. This land is now part of Washington County, Oregon, where Hillsboro is located.
His land claim was officially recorded on July 4, 1847. However, he started living on the land in June 1842. On his land, he built a cabin. This cabin was even used as the county courthouse for a while! In 1846, David Hill married Lucinda Wilson.
Serving in Government
David Hill became involved in Oregon politics in 1843. He was chosen for a committee that helped create the first government for the Oregon Country. This was called the Provisional Government.
He attended an important meeting at Champoeg on May 2, 1843. There, he voted to create the Provisional Government. After it was formed, David Hill became one of three leaders on the First Executive Committee. This committee acted like a governor for the region. He served alongside Joseph Gale and Alanson Beers until 1844.
After this, David Hill was elected to the Provisional legislature. Later, in 1849, he became a member of the Oregon Territorial Legislature. This happened after Oregon officially became a U.S. territory in 1848. David Hill often disagreed with the powerful Hudson's Bay Company and some missionaries.
Elected Positions in Oregon
| Year | Government | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1843 | Pre-Provisional | Legislative Committee |
| 1843 | Provisional | First Executive Committee |
| 1844 | Provisional | Legislature |
| 1845 | Provisional | Legislature |
| 1847 | Provisional | Legislature |
| 1849 | Territorial | Legislature-House |
Founding Hillsboro
In 1850, David Hill sold part of his land to Washington County. This land was used for the first Washington County Courthouse. The county planned to sell off parts of this land to create a town.
The court decided on February 2, 1850, that the new town would be named Hillsborough. This was done to honor David Hill. He passed away a few months later, in May 1850. Since he died before receiving all the money from the land sale, his wife was paid instead.
David Hill's Family
David Hill's wife in Oregon was Lucinda Wilson. She had been married before David. Her first husband was John McWilliams. Her second husband, William Wilson, died on their journey to Oregon. After David Hill passed away, Lucinda married Wheelock Simmons. Lucinda Hill was born in 1810 and died in 1879.
Death and Lasting Impact
We don't have any pictures of David Hill. People described him as tall, about six feet one inch. He had black hair and was slim. David Hill died on May 9, 1850. The cause of his death is not known. He was still serving in the legislature when he passed away. The legislature paused its work to honor him.
David Hill is buried at the Hillsboro Pioneer Cemetery. This cemetery is located on what used to be his land claim.
Several things are named after David Hill:
- David Hill Elementary School: This school in Hillsboro was named in his honor. It opened in 1888 but closed in 2008.
- David Hill Winery: This winery in Forest Grove is partly named after him. It sits on a hill also named David Hill.
- Oregon State Capitol: His name is one of 158 names carved into the walls of the Oregon Legislative Assembly building. His name is in the House of Representatives chamber.
Gravemarker Message
His grave marker reads:
- "David Hill
- 1809-1850
- Came to Oregon Country 1842.
- Voted for provisional government
- at Champoeg May 2, 1843.
- Chairman executive committee which
- virtually made him first governor of
- Oregon Country.
- Founder of Hillsboro"
