Pierre Belleque facts for kids

Pierre Belleque (1793–1849) was a French Canadian fur trader. He lived in the Columbia District, an area also known as the Oregon Country. Both the British and the United States claimed this land. Pierre later settled on the French Prairie in what is now Oregon. In 1843, he took part in the important Champoeg Meetings.

At these meetings, Pierre was chosen as one of three Constables. On May 2, 1843, he voted to create a temporary government. This vote passed, leading to the start of the Provisional Government of Oregon.

Early Life and Fur Trading

Pierre Belleque was born in 1793. In 1818, he started working for the British North West Company. Three years later, in 1821, his job changed. The North West Company joined with the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC). So, Pierre became an employee of the HBC.

Around 1830, Pierre claimed land on the French Prairie. This area is located in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.

Settling in Oregon

Around 1833, Pierre Belleque set up his farm. It was right next to the farm of Étienne Lucier. Étienne was also a former French Canadian fur trapper for the Hudson's Bay Company. Pierre and his wife, Genevieve St. Martin, lived near Champoeg. They lived at the Willamette Fur Post.

This trading post used to belong to the HBC. The Belleque family was allowed to live there because Genevieve was related to an HBC officer. Genevieve was of Métis origin. Pierre and Genevieve had seven children together.

Working for a New Government

On March 22, 1836, Pierre and 15 other French Canadians signed a letter. They were asking for a priest for their settlement. This letter represented nearly 80 settlers and their children. At that time, Pierre had three children.

In 1843, Pierre Belleque was part of important discussions in Champoeg. Settlers debated whether to form their own government. They wondered if they should wait until the Oregon boundary dispute was settled. This dispute was about who owned the land.

The final vote happened on May 2, 1843. Some French Canadian pioneers voted against forming a government. However, the idea passed by a vote of 52 to 50. This led to the creation of a temporary government.

Later Life and Legacy

Pierre Belleque stayed on his farm for 15 years. In 1848, he left to join the California Gold Rush. He hoped to find gold there.

In 1849, Pierre was returning home by steamship from San Francisco. He became very sick with a fever he caught in the gold fields. Sadly, he died before reaching home. He was buried at sea near the mouth of the Columbia River in October 1849.