James Terwilliger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Terwilliger
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| Born | October 3, 1809 |
| Died | September 1, 1892 (aged 82) |
| Resting place | River View Cemetery |
| Occupation | Blacksmith, tanner, farmer |
| Years active | 1845–1892 |
| Known for | Terwilliger Boulevard Terwilliger School |
| Spouse(s) | Sophronia Ann Hurd (1809 – 1845) Philinda Green (1811–1873) |
| Children | Lorenzo, John, Asa, Hiram, Charlotte Mary, Alonzo, Julia |
| Parent(s) | Cornelius and Annette Terwilliger |
James Terwilliger was an important early settler in Oregon. He lived from 1809 to 1892. He was one of the first people to live in Portland, Oregon. Today, a famous road called Terwilliger Boulevard and a school in Portland are named after him.
Contents
Early Life and Journeys
James Terwilliger was born in 1809. His parents were Cornelius and Annette Terwilliger. He grew up in Ulster County, New York.
Becoming a Blacksmith
James learned to be a blacksmith. This is someone who works with metal. In 1832, he opened his own shop. This shop was in Towanda, Pennsylvania. Later, he moved to Ithaca, New York, and continued his work.
Moving West
In 1839, James became a farmer in Ohio. He then moved to Illinois and later to Michigan. He returned to Illinois to sell his land. He was getting ready for a big journey. He planned to travel overland to the Oregon Country in 1844.
The Oregon Trail Journey
James joined a group of 100 wagons. This group was led by Sam Parker, John Stewart, and Abner Hackleman. James brought five pairs of oxen, two wagons, and thirteen cows. Many people in his group took a shortcut called the Meek Cutoff. Sadly, many travelers got sick and died on this route. James's first wife, Sophronia, also passed away during this journey.
Arriving in Portland
James Terwilliger reached the Portland area in 1845. That same year, the settlement was named Portland. It was named by early residents Asa Lovejoy and Francis Pettygrove.
Claiming Land
James claimed 640 acres of land. This land later became part of southeast Portland. He started farming there. In 1845 or 1846, he bought a lot in what is now downtown Portland. He built a cabin there with a blacksmith shop. Soon after, he bought more land in southwest Portland. This area is now known for Terwilliger Boulevard.
Later Life in Oregon
Second Marriage
In 1847, James Terwilliger married Philinda Green.
Joining the Gold Rush
In 1848, James went to California. He joined the California Gold Rush. He returned in 1849 with some gold.
Caruthers Cemetery
In 1854, James and his neighbor, Finice Caruthers, each gave five acres of land to Portland. This land was used to create a cemetery. It was called the Caruthers Cemetery or the Old Cemetery.
Supporting Schools
Three of James's children went to Portland's first school in 1847. Their names were John, Lorenzo, and Charlotte. They were taught by Ralph Wilcox. James wanted a school closer to his home. In 1868, the Stephens School was built. Later, in 1916, a school named after Terwilliger opened. It was designed by Floyd Naramore.
Terwilliger Parkway
In 1909, James Terwilliger's family gave land to the City of Portland. This land was used to build a parkway. A parkway is a scenic road. This road runs through what was once James's land. The parkway is over three miles long. It goes from Duniway Park to SW Barbur Boulevard. This idea for the parkway was first suggested in a plan from 1903.
The Simpsons Connection
Matt Groening, who created the TV show The Simpsons, grew up in Portland. He named the smart but evil character Sideshow Bob Terwilliger after Terwilliger Boulevard.
