Gustavus Hines facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gustavus Hines
Sketch from 1868 book.
Born	September 6, 1809 Herkimer County, New York
Died	December 9, 1873 Oregon City, Oregon
Occupation	Missionary, author
Nationality	American
Period	Mid 19th Century
Genre	History
Spouse	Lydia Hines (née Bryant)

Reverend Gustavus Hines (September 6, 1809 – December 9, 1873) was an American missionary. He worked for the Methodist Mission in what is now Oregon. This New York native helped create an early government at the Champoeg Meetings in 1841. Later, he served at the Oregon Institute, which became Willamette University. He also wrote several books about Oregon's history.

Gustavus Hines: A Pioneer in Oregon

Gustavus Hines was an important figure in the early history of Oregon. He helped shape the region as a missionary and writer. His work helped set up schools and early forms of government.

Early Life and Mission Work

Gustavus Hines was born on September 6, 1809. His hometown was Herkimer County, New York. He became a minister in 1832. He joined the Genesee Conference to begin his ministry. In 1839, he joined missionary Jason Lee. They were part of the Methodist Mission in the Oregon Country.

Journey to Oregon

Reverend Hines arrived in Oregon in 1840. He traveled on a ship called the Lausanne. He, his wife Lydia, and his sister-in-law made the long trip. They sailed around Cape Horn at the tip of South America. After arriving, he went with Jason Lee to the Umpqua River valley. They were looking for a good place for a new mission.

Helping Form a Government

In 1841, Gustavus Hines took part in the Champoeg Meetings. These meetings were an early attempt to create a government. The region had no formal government at the time. Hines was chosen for a committee to write laws. He served as secretary for the group at French Prairie.

These meetings did not create a full government in 1841. But they did elect Doctor Ira L. Babcock as a judge. He would manage the property of Ewing Young. Two years later, more meetings led to the Provisional Government of Oregon. Hines' younger brother Harvey also came to Oregon in 1853.

In 1842, Jason Lee's second wife gave birth to Lucy Anna Lee. She died shortly after. Reverend Hines and his wife took in the child and raised her. They had lost their own daughter, who was their only child. After the Methodist Mission closed, Hines went back to New York in 1845.

Later Life and Contributions

Gustavus Hines returned to what became Oregon Territory in 1853. He became a trustee for Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. He helped design Waller Hall on the university campus. Gustavus Hines also wrote several books about Oregon. He died in Oregon City on December 9, 1873. He was buried at Lee Mission Cemetery in Salem.

Works Authored

Gustavus Hines wrote several books about his experiences and Oregon's history:

• Oregon and Its Institutions; Comprising a Full History of the Willamette University. Carlton & Porter, 1868.
• A Voyage Round the World: With a History of the Oregon Mission and Notes of Several Years Residence on the Plains Bordering the... George H. Derby & Co., Buffalo: 1850.
• Wild life in Oregon:... Hurst & Co., New York: 1881.