James McBride (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James McBride
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| 1st United States Minister to Hawaii | |
| In office June 19, 1863 – July 26, 1866 |
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| President | Abraham Lincoln Andrew Johnson |
| Preceded by | Thomas J. Dryer (as Commissioner) |
| Succeeded by | Edward M. McCook |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 9, 1802 Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | December 18, 1875 (aged 73) St. Helens, Oregon, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Mahala Miller |
| Relations | George L. Woods |
| Children | George W. McBride John R. McBride Thomas A. McBride |
| Profession | Politician, diplomat, physician |
James McBride (born February 9, 1802 – died December 18, 1875) was an important American politician and teacher. He was also the head of a family that became very involved in politics in Oregon.
McBride was born in Tennessee. He served in the government of the Oregon Territory. He also worked as the United States Minister to Hawaii. He was one of the people who helped start the Oregon Republican Party.
His family was quite famous in politics. Two of his sons became members of the United States Congress. Another son served as a judge on the highest court in Oregon.
Early Life and Family
James McBride was born on February 9, 1802. This was near a city called Nashville in Tennessee. He went to school in Nashville.
Later, he moved to Missouri. There, he married Mahala Miller on June 20, 1830. They had a large family with fourteen children together.
Before moving to Oregon, James worked as a doctor in Missouri. In 1846, his family moved to a new area called Oregon Country. They settled near a town called Lafayette, Oregon. In Oregon, James McBride did many different jobs. He taught at schools, worked as a doctor, farmed the land, and also gave speeches as a preacher.
Political Career
James McBride became involved in politics in Oregon. In 1850, he was chosen to be part of the Territorial Council. This was like the upper house of the Oregon Territorial Legislature. It was an important part of the government for the Oregon Territory.
Later, he was given another important job. He became Oregon Territory's very first school superintendent. This meant he was in charge of all the schools in the territory.
Working for the President
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln chose James McBride for a special job. He was appointed as the Minister to the Kingdom of Hawaii. This meant he was the main representative for the United States in Hawaii.
While he was in Hawaii, James McBride started important talks. He began discussions with Russia about the United States buying Alaska. He also helped solve a problem with Great Britain. This problem was known as the Beresford Incident.
McBride served as Minister to Hawaii until 1866. He then retired from government work in 1867. After that, he moved to St. Helens, Oregon, where he lived out his life.
A Political Family
James McBride's family continued his legacy in politics. Two of his sons became important politicians in Oregon.
- George W. McBride served as a Senator for Oregon.
- John R. McBride served as a Representative for Oregon.
Another son, Thomas A. McBride, became a chief justice. He was the head judge of the Oregon Supreme Court. James's daughter, Louisa, also had a connection to politics. She married George L. Woods, who became the third governor of Oregon.
