George W. Ebbert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Wood Ebbert
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| Participant at the Champoeg Meetings | |
| In office 1843–1843 |
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| Constituency | Tualatin Plains |
| Constable in the Provisional Government of Oregon | |
| In office 1843–1844 |
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| Preceded by | position created |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 10, 1810 Augusta, Kentucky |
| Died | October 1, 1890 (aged 80) Hillsboro, Oregon |
| Spouse | Fanny Ebbert |
George Wood "Squire" Ebbert (born June 10, 1810 – died October 1, 1890) was an important early settler in the Oregon Country. He was known as a "mountain man" because he explored and lived in the wilderness. Born in Kentucky, he later moved to the Tualatin Plains in what is now Oregon. He played a part in the Champoeg Meetings, where settlers created a government before Oregon became a U.S. territory. During the Cayuse War, he even traveled across the Rocky Mountains with Joseph Meek to ask the U.S. Congress for help.
Early Adventures
George Ebbert was born on June 10, 1810, in Augusta, Kentucky. When he was young, his father passed away, but his mother had enough money to support them. At just eight years old, George earned the nickname "Squire" after he bravely shot a cow that was causing trouble in their home.
At age thirteen, Ebbert began training to be a machinist. However, he left his training early to become a fur trapper. He joined Milton Sublette and worked for the Rocky Mountain Fur Company. Later, he worked for the Hudson's Bay Company from 1833 to 1836, arriving in the Oregon Country in 1833. After his time as a fur trapper, he worked as a blacksmith at the Whitman Mission and the mission of Henry H. Spalding at Lapwai between 1837 and 1838.
In 1839, Ebbert moved to the Willamette Valley and was one of the first white settlers at Champoeg. After farming there for a short time, he sold his land in 1841. He then moved to the Tualatin Plains in the Tualatin Valley, north of Champoeg. There, he met other early settlers like Joseph Gale, Robert Newell, and Joseph L. Meek.
Creating a Government
On May 2, 1843, pioneer settlers gathered at the Champoeg Meetings to decide if they should create a government for the Oregon Country. Ebbert voted for the idea, and it passed by a very close vote of 52 to 50. After the vote, the Provisional Government of Oregon was formed. Ebbert was then elected as one of the constables for this new government. His friend and neighbor, Joe Meek, was elected as sheriff.
Journey for Help
In late 1847, a terrible event known as the Whitman Massacre happened. This led to the start of the Cayuse War. The Provisional Legislature of Oregon decided to send Joe Meek to Washington, D.C., to ask the U.S. Congress for help and to create a federal territory.
On March 4, 1848, Meek set off on his long journey, and George Ebbert went with him. They traveled across the Rocky Mountains and arrived in St. Louis, Missouri, on May 4. Joe Meek presented himself as an envoy from the "Republic of Oregon." Ebbert was never paid back for the money he spent on this important trip.
Life in Oregon
After returning from Washington, D.C., George Ebbert settled on his farm with his wife, Fanny. Fanny was the sister of Joe Meek's Native American wife, Virginia. George and Fanny had three children together.
In the early 1850s, Ebbert was one of the first people to buy town lots in Hillsboro, Oregon. Other early buyers included Ralph Wilcox, David T. Lenox, and Alvin T. Smith. Ebbert's land in Washington County was next to what later became the town of Orenco, Oregon. Today, much of the Orenco Station area in Hillsboro is on his former land.
George Ebbert passed away on October 1, 1890. He was buried at the West Union Baptist Church Cemetery in West Union, Oregon. The Washington County Museum has a special group called the George Ebbert Society, honoring his contributions to the area.
