Hiram Straight facts for kids

Hiram Aldrich Straight (born March 7, 1814 – died January 8, 1897) was an important farmer and leader in early Oregon. He was born in New York and later lived in Iowa. Hiram Straight traveled a long journey on the Oregon Trail to reach what was then called the Oregon Country. In Oregon, he helped shape the government by serving in both the Provisional Legislature of Oregon and the Oregon Territorial Legislature. These were early forms of government before Oregon became a state.

Early Life and Moving West

Hiram Straight was born on March 7, 1814, in Washington County, New York. His parents were Lydia Fanning Straight and Elisha Straight. When he was about 24 years old, around 1838, he moved to the Iowa Territory. There, he married Susan Lasswell, who was born in 1817. They were 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 make a big move. They traveled the famous Oregon Trail all the way to the Oregon Country. This was a long and challenging journey. They finally arrived at Oregon City, Oregon.

Life in Early Oregon

The Straight family found a new home in Oregon. They settled on about 600 acres (2.4 square kilometers) of land. This land was located where Abernethy Creek meets the Clackamas River. Hiram became a farmer on this land. Later, this land became his "donation land claim." This was a special way for settlers to get land from the government in the early days of Oregon.

Hiram Straight was also involved in his community. He was a member of the Oregon Lyceum in Oregon City. A lyceum was a group where people met to learn and discuss important topics.

Serving in Government

Hiram Straight played a role in the early governments of Oregon. In 1845 and 1846, he was elected to the Provisional Legislature of Oregon. This was an early government that helped manage the Oregon Country before it officially became a U.S. territory. He represented the Clackamas District, which is now Clackamas County, Oregon.

In 1846, a big agreement was made about the Oregon boundary dispute. This settled where the border between the United States and British territory would be. Two years later, in 1848, the area south of the 49th parallel officially became the Oregon Territory.

In 1850, Hiram Straight served on a jury during an important trial. This trial was part of efforts to resolve serious conflicts that had occurred between settlers and the Cayuse tribe in the region.

Later, in 1855, Straight was elected again to serve in the government. He became a member of the Oregon Territorial Legislature. He served for one session, from 1855 to 1856. He was a member of the Democratic Party and represented Clackamas County.

Later Years and Legacy

Hiram Straight continued to work as a farmer for many years. He lived a long life, passing away on January 8, 1897. He was 82 years old when he died in Canemah, which is now part of Oregon City.

Hiram Straight was buried in his family's private cemetery in Clackamas County. His wife, Susan, was also buried there. This small, 19-plot cemetery is one of many historic cemeteries in Oregon. The family home, which was built in 1856, is still standing today. It serves as a reminder of the early settlers of Oregon.