Ira Babcock facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ira L. Babcock
1st and 3rd Supreme Judge of the Provisional Government of Oregon
In office February 18, 1841 – May 2, 1843
Preceded by	none
Succeeded by	Osborne Russell
In office June 27, 1844 – November 11, 1844
Preceded by	Osborne Russell
Succeeded by	James Nesmith
Chairman/President of the Committee at Champoeg Meetings
In office September 23, 1842 – May 2, 1843
Preceded by	David Leslie
Succeeded by	First Executive Committee
Personal details
Born	circa 1808 New York
Died	March 21, 1888
Occupation	Physician, judge

Ira Leonard Babcock (born around 1808, died March 21, 1888) was an American pioneer and doctor. He was from New York. In February 1841, he became the first Supreme Judge in what is now Oregon. He handled legal matters like wills and estates.

Even though the meeting didn't create a full government, he was the first person in Oregon's history to hold powers like a governor and lawmaker. He led several important meetings, called the Champoeg Meetings. These meetings eventually led to the creation of Oregon's first temporary government, called the Provisional Government of Oregon, in May 1843.

Early Life and Arrival in Oregon

Ira Babcock was born in New York around 1808. He trained to become a doctor. In 1840, he traveled to the Oregon Country, which was not yet an organized territory. He worked for the Methodist Mission in Oregon, led by Jason Lee.

Babcock arrived in Oregon on a ship called the Lausanne. He came with his wife and one son. They were part of a group helping Jason Lee's mission. The mission had moved to what is now Salem, Oregon. Other important people on the ship included future governor George Abernethy.

Becoming a Judge

Babcock was chosen as the first Supreme Judge for the settlers. This happened at a Champoeg Meeting on February 18, 1841. The meeting took place at David Leslie's home. Settlers needed a court to handle the property of Ewing Young, a wealthy rancher who had passed away.

Babcock's election was a compromise. French Canadians wanted William J. Bailey to be governor, but English Americans wanted Babcock. Since the settlers couldn't agree on a full government, Babcock also took on duties like a governor and lawmaker. There were no copies of New York laws available, which had been suggested for use.

Leading the Provisional Government

In 1842, Babcock helped start the Oregon Institute. This school was for the children of American settlers. He served as Supreme Judge for two years. During this time, he led a committee that worked on a constitution. These discussions happened at several Champoeg or "Wolf Meetings."

On May 2, 1843, Babcock was the president of a key meeting. He called for a vote, and the settlers narrowly agreed to create the Provisional Government of Oregon. The vote was 52 to 50. Soon after, he took his family to the Sandwich Islands for a year.

After returning, he was elected Supreme Judge again. However, he left Oregon for good in November 1844. He then joined the United States Army as a surgeon. In 1870, he visited Oregon one last time.