Ezra Fisher facts for kids
Reverend Ezra Fisher (1800 – 1874) was an American Baptist missionary and a pioneer in Oregon. He helped establish churches and schools in the early days of the Oregon Territory.
Ezra Fisher's Life Story
Ezra Fisher was born on January 6, 1800, in Wendell, Massachusetts. He went to Amherst College and later studied at Newton Theological Seminary to become a minister. In 1830, he officially became a minister and also got married.
In 1845, Fisher moved to the Oregon Country. This was a large area in the Pacific Northwest that was not yet a state. He traveled with another minister, Hezekiah Johnson, and their families. They worked for the American Baptist Home Mission Society, which helped set up churches in new areas. The Fisher family spent their first winter living with another Baptist family, the Lenoxes, on the Tualatin Plains.
Later, Ezra Fisher joined the California Gold Rush. This was a time when many people went to California hoping to find gold. He returned to Oregon with about $1,000 in gold. In 1850, he bought a piece of land near Oregon City. This land was originally claimed by a pioneer named Sam Barlow. Fisher also helped start Oregon City College, which later became Linfield College.
In 1861, Fisher moved to The Dalles. There, he continued to preach as a minister. He also worked as the school superintendent for Wasco County. This meant he was in charge of the schools in that area.
His Impact on Oregon
Ezra Fisher is remembered as an important person in Oregon's history. His name is one of 158 names painted in the Oregon State Capitol building. You can find his name in the Senate chamber. This shows his lasting influence on the state.
