Hiram Straight facts for kids

Hiram Aldrich Straight (born March 7, 1814 – died January 8, 1897) was an important American farmer and politician. He helped shape what would become the state of Oregon. Hiram was born in New York. He later lived in Iowa before making a long journey on the Oregon Trail. This trail led him to the Oregon Country, a large area in the Pacific Northwest. In Oregon, he served in two important government groups: the Provisional Legislature of Oregon and the Oregon Territorial Legislature.

Early Life and Family Journey

Hiram Straight was born on March 7, 1814. His birthplace was Washington County, New York. His parents were Lydia Fanning Straight and Elisha Straight.

Around 1838, Hiram moved to the state of Iowa. There, he married Susan Lasswell, who was born in 1817. They got married near the town of Burlington. Hiram and Susan had seven children together. Their children were George, Julia, Cyrus Branson, Mary Etta, Jane, Hiram Jr., and John.

In 1843, the Straight family decided to move west. They traveled along the famous Oregon Trail. This long journey brought them to the Oregon Country. They finally arrived at Oregon City, Oregon.

Life and Politics in Oregon

The Straight family settled on a large piece of land. It was about 600 acres (2.4 square kilometers). This land was located at the mouth of Abernethy Creek, near the Clackamas River. Hiram became a farmer on this land. Later, it became his official donation land claim. He was also a member of the Oregon Lyceum in Oregon City. This was a group that promoted learning and discussion.

Serving in the Provisional Legislature

From 1845 to 1846, Hiram Straight was elected to serve in the government. He was a member of the Provisional Legislature of Oregon. He represented the Clackamas District. This area is now known as Clackamas County, Oregon. In 1846, a disagreement over the border of Oregon was settled. This was called the Oregon boundary dispute. In 1848, the area south of the 49th parallel became the Oregon Territory.

Role in a Significant Trial

In 1850, Hiram Straight served on a jury. This jury was part of an important trial. The trial followed a conflict known as the Cayuse War. Straight was the foreman, or leader, of this jury. The jury found five members of the Cayuse tribe responsible for events related to the Whitman Massacre.

Later Political Service and Legacy

Hiram Straight was elected to the Oregon Territorial Legislature in 1855. He served during the 1855 to 1856 session. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He continued to represent Clackamas County.

Hiram Straight kept farming until he passed away. He died on January 8, 1897. He was 82 years old. His death occurred in Canemah, which is now part of Oregon City. He was buried in his family's private cemetery in Clackamas County. His wife was also buried there. This cemetery has 19 burial plots. It is one of about 800 historic cemeteries in Oregon. The family home, which was built in 1856, is still standing today.