George Abernethy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Abernethy
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| Governor of the Provisional Government of Oregon | |
| In office June 3, 1845 – March 3, 1849 |
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| Preceded by | Second Executive Committee |
| Succeeded by | Position dissolved (Joseph Lane as territorial governor) |
| Constituency | Oregon Country |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 7, 1807 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | March 2, 1877 (aged 69) Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
| Spouse | Anne Pope |
| Occupation | Merchant, politician |
George Abernethy (born October 7, 1807 – died March 2, 1877) was an important American pioneer and politician. He became the very first governor of Oregon when it was still a "provisional government." This means it was a temporary government before Oregon officially became a U.S. territory.
Abernethy traveled to the Oregon Country as part of the Methodist mission. There, he got involved in politics. He also helped start the first American newspaper west of the Rocky Mountains.
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Early Life and Journey to Oregon
George Abernethy was born in New York City on October 7, 1807. His family had roots in Scotland. He learned about business and trade in New York. In 1830, he married Anne Pope.
In 1839, a missionary named Jason Lee asked Abernethy to join the Methodist Mission in the Oregon Country. George, his wife, and their two children sailed on a ship called the Lausanne. They traveled all the way around Cape Horn at the tip of South America to reach the Pacific Northwest.
Life and Work in Oregon
Abernethy arrived in Oregon on June 1, 1840. He was put in charge of the Oregon Mission's business. His job was to manage all the goods, tools, and supplies. He also kept track of the farms and workshops. He made sure to record everything that belonged to the Mission.
One of his first big achievements was starting the first newspaper in the Oregon Territory. It was called the Oregon Spectator. He also built good business relationships with the British Hudson's Bay Company. Abernethy was a member of the Oregon Lyceum, a group in Oregon City that discussed important issues.
Becoming Governor
On June 3, 1845, George Abernethy was elected as the Provisional Governor of the Oregon Country. He won against Osborne Russell. Abernethy and his supporters believed that their temporary government would last only until the United States and Britain decided who owned the Oregon Country. Russell, however, wanted to create a completely new country called the "Republic of the Pacific."
As governor, Abernethy worked on several important projects. He helped build roads and started the first property taxes. He also sent people to Washington, D.C., to ask the U.S. government to make Oregon an official territory. He was reelected in 1847.
Oregon's Own Money
One interesting thing Abernethy did was solve a money problem. There wasn't enough U.S. money in the territory. So, he and eight other leaders started the Oregon Exchange Company. This company acted like a temporary mint, making its own money. They created rare five-dollar and ten-dollar "Beaver Coins." This made Oregon one of the few U.S. territories to ever make its own currency.
Abernethy's time as governor officially ended on August 14, 1848. That's when President James K. Polk signed the Oregon Territory Act. This act made Oregon an official U.S. territory. General Joseph Lane was appointed as the first official territorial governor. Abernethy continued his duties until Governor Lane arrived in Oregon City on March 3, 1849.
Later Life and Legacy
After leaving office, Abernethy continued to be successful in his businesses. He worked as an agent for the pioneer steamer Lot Whitcomb. This was the first steam-powered boat built on the Willamette River.
Sadly, Abernethy's businesses were badly damaged during a big flood in 1861. He then moved to Portland. He passed away in 1877 at the age of 70. George Abernethy was buried at River View Cemetery.
Today, the Abernethy Bridge in Oregon City is named after him. The end of the famous Oregon Trail is also near an area called Abernethy Green in Oregon City. Many other places in Oregon are named in his honor.
