Philip Leget Edwards facts for kids

Philip Leget Edwards (born July 14, 1812 – died May 1, 1869) was an important American pioneer. He was a teacher, a lawyer, and a politician. Philip Edwards is known for being the very first teacher in what is now the state of Oregon.

He helped set up the Methodist Mission in the Oregon Country. He also helped bring cattle from California to Oregon. Later in his life, he served in the government in both Missouri and California.

Early Life and Education

Philip Edwards was born on July 14, 1812, in Breckinridge County, Kentucky. His parents were Jane Cunningham and John Edwards. When he was just one year old, his family moved to Missouri.

After finishing his own schooling, Philip became a teacher. He taught in Missouri from 1833 to 1834.

Adventures in the Oregon Country

In 1834, a missionary named Jason Lee was traveling through Missouri. Lee was heading west to start a mission in the Oregon Country. Philip Edwards, who was living in Richmond, Missouri, decided to join Lee's group.

Philip and another person, Courtney M. Walker, met up with the group in Independence. They traveled west across the Rocky Mountains with mountain men and traders. They reached Fort Vancouver on September 16, 1834. That fall, the group began building their mission near the Willamette River. This area is now north of Salem, Oregon. Philip spent much of his time at the mission helping with farming.

First Teacher in Oregon

From 1835 to 1836, Philip Edwards taught at a small school in Champoeg. He taught both Native American children and the children of French-Canadian settlers. Because of this, he is known as the first school teacher in what would become the state of Oregon.

The Willamette Cattle Company

In 1837, Philip was part of the Willamette Cattle Company. This group traveled to California with Ewing Young and others. Their goal was to buy cattle and bring them back to the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Philip Edwards was the treasurer for this group. He kept a detailed journal of their trip.

In 1838, he wrote a special report for the United States Congress. This report described the conditions in the Oregon Country. He then traveled back east with Jason Lee to deliver the report. Lee also used this trip to find more people to join the mission.

Serving in Government

After his time in Oregon, Philip Edwards returned to Missouri. He became a lawyer in 1840.

Missouri Politics

In 1842, Philip was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives. He represented Ray County as a member of the Whig Party. In the state government, he led the committee that dealt with laws. In 1844, he was also a delegate for the Whig Party at their big meeting in Baltimore, Maryland.

California Politics

Philip Edwards moved west again in 1850, settling in Nevada County, California. In California, he ran for Congress in 1852 but did not win. However, he was elected to the California State Assembly in September 1854. He represented the 9th district and Sacramento County. Just like in Missouri, he led the committee that handled laws.

Later Life

In 1840, Philip Edwards married Mary Venable Allen in Missouri. They had two daughters together. He also joined the Missouri military in 1841 and became a Colonel.

In 1842, he wrote a book called Sketch of the Oregon Territory, Or, Emigrants' Guide. Philip Leget Edwards passed away on May 1, 1869, when he was 56 years old.