Osborne Russell facts for kids

Osborne Russell (born June 19, 1814 – died May 1, 1884) was an American mountain man and politician. He played an important role in creating the first government of what would become the U.S. state of Oregon. He was born in Maine.

Early Life and Adventures

Osborne Russell was born on June 19, 1814, in Bowdoinham, Maine. He grew up in a farming family with eight brothers and sisters. When he was 16, Russell decided to try a life at sea. However, he quickly changed his mind and left his ship in New York.

After leaving the sea, Russell worked for three years with the Northwest Fur Trapping and Trading Company. This company operated in areas that are now Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Journey to the Oregon Country

In 1834, Osborne Russell first traveled to the Oregon Country. He joined an expedition led by Nathaniel Jarvis Wyeth. This group was heading to the Rocky Mountains to deliver supplies for a big fur trade meeting called the Rendezvous. Russell joined the group in Independence, Missouri. He agreed to work for 18 months.

Even though he had some experience, Russell was still new to the wilderness. His journal shows how he learned to become a skilled mountain man.

Life as a Trapper

When Wyeth's group arrived at the Rendezvous, they found that the fur company they were supposed to meet had closed down. This left Wyeth with many extra supplies. To save his company, Wyeth decided to build a trading post. He built Fort Hall near what is now Pocatello, Idaho. Here, he traded goods with local Native American tribes.

After his work with Wyeth's company ended in 1835, Russell joined a group led by Jim Bridger. He continued to work in the fur trade, even after a larger company, the American Fur Company, took over. By 1838, the fur trade was slowing down. Russell decided to become a "Free Trapper," meaning he worked for himself. He continued to operate out of Fort Hall, which was then owned by the Hudson's Bay Company.

Political Role in Oregon

Osborne Russell returned to the Oregon Country in 1842. He became involved in the early efforts to create a government for the region.

Forming a Government

On May 2, 1843, Russell attended the Champoeg Meetings. At these meetings, settlers voted to form a government. Russell voted in favor of creating this new government.

In October 1843, he was chosen to be the Supreme Judge for the new Provisional Government of Oregon. He served in this important role until May 14, 1844. The next year, in 1844, he was elected to the second Executive Committee of the Provisional Government. This committee acted like a small group of leaders for the region.

In 1845, Russell ran for governor of the Provisional Government but did not win. He then supported George Abernethy, who became the first governor.

Later Life

In 1848, Osborne Russell moved to California after gold was discovered there. He passed away in Placerville, California, on May 1, 1884.

Russell's book, Journal of a Trapper, was published after his death. It includes some of the earliest descriptions of the Yellowstone National Park area.

Works

• Russell, Osborne and Aubrey L. Haines. Journal of a Trapper: In the Rocky Mountains Between 1834 and 1843; Comprising a General Description of the Country, Climate, Rivers, Lakes, Mountains, Etc, The Nature and Habits of Animals, Manners and Customs of Indians and a Complete View of the Life Led by a Hunter in those Regions ISBN: 978-1542843317 ISBN: 1-58976-052-2