John Minto (Oregon pioneer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Minto
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| Member of the Oregon House of Representatives | |
| In office 1862, 1868, 1880, and 1890 |
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| Constituency | Marion County |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 10, 1822 Wylam, England |
| Died | February 25, 1915 (aged 92) Salem, Oregon, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Martha Ann Morrison |
| Occupation | sheep rancher |
John Minto (born October 10, 1822 – died February 25, 1915) was an important pioneer who came to Oregon from England. He was a very successful sheep farmer. Minto also served four times as a Republican representative in Oregon's state government. He helped find important mountain passes through the Cascade Mountains, which are now named after him and Santiam. He also helped out in the Cayuse War.
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John Minto's Early Life
John Minto was born in Wylam, England, on October 10, 1822. His father was a coal miner and gunsmith. John started working in coal mines when he was only eight years old. He continued working there until he was 22.
In 1840, when John was 17, his family moved to the United States. They sailed across the ocean and arrived in New York City.
Journey to Oregon
In 1844, John Minto decided to move to Oregon Country. He left Pittsburgh and traveled across the plains with a group called the Gilliam company. On this long journey, he met his future wife, Martha Ann Morrison. He also traveled with other important people who would later become leaders in Oregon.
Life in Oregon
John Minto arrived in Oregon City on October 18, 1844. Soon after, he helped drive cattle from The Dalles to the Willamette Valley. This was a tough journey, especially in winter. He even got help from Doctor John McLoughlin of the Hudson's Bay Company for supplies.
Family Life
On July 8, 1847, John Minto married Martha Ann Morrison. Martha was born in Missouri in 1831. They had eight children together. Sadly, only three of their children lived longer than their father.
Farming and Business
When Minto first arrived in Oregon, he worked making cedar rails and logging. In 1845, he bought land at Mission Bottom, where he started farming. Later, he sold that land and claimed new property south of Salem. Here, he started orchards and became a very successful sheep farmer.
He was so good at farming that he became the secretary for the state agricultural society. In 1867, he bought an island property that is now called Minto Island. He used this land for farming too.
Helping in the Cayuse War
In 1847, after the Whitman Massacre, the Cayuse War began. John Minto joined the volunteer army of pioneers. These volunteers went east to help protect settlers and fight against some Native American groups.
After the war, gold was discovered in California. John Minto traveled south and spent some time working in the gold mines. He returned with gold, which he used to help grow his farming business.
Political Career
John Minto was a member of the Republican Party. He was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives to represent Marion County in 1862. He served in the House again in 1868, 1880, and 1890. Later, the governor appointed him to the State Board of Horticulture.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1873, John Minto was asked to find a rumored pass through the Cascade Mountains east of Salem. He successfully found the pass, and it was named Minto Pass after him. He also helped supervise the building of a trail through it.
Later, in 1882, Minto surveyed another pass, which was lower and further south. This pass is now known as Santiam Pass. Today, the western approach to Minto Pass is a Forest Service trail. The area is now part of the beautiful Mount Jefferson Wilderness.
John Minto passed away in Salem on February 25, 1915, at 92 years old. He was buried at Salem Pioneer Cemetery. A large park in Salem, Minto-Brown Island Park, is partly located on what used to be John Minto's farm.
Works Authored
- The Number and Condition of the Native Race in Oregon When First Seen by White Men, Oregon Historical Quarterly (1900)
