Ralph Wilcox facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ralph Wilcox
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| Speaker of the Provisional Legislature of Oregon | |
| In office December 13, 1848 – February 5, 1849 |
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| Preceded by | Robert Newell |
| Succeeded by | Levi A. Rice |
| Member of the Provisional Legislature of Oregon | |
| In office December 7, 1847 – February 16, 1849 |
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| Succeeded by | Provisional Government dissolved |
| Constituency | Tuality District |
| Speaker of the Oregon Territory House of Representatives | |
| In office December 2, 1850 – February 8, 1851 |
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| Preceded by | Asa Lovejoy |
| Succeeded by | William M. King |
| Member of the Oregon Territory House of Representatives | |
| In office December 2, 1850 – January 21, 1852 |
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| Preceded by | David Hill |
| Succeeded by | Seat split into three |
| Constituency | Washington County |
| Oregon Territory Council | |
| In office 1853–1854 |
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| Constituency | Washington County |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 9, 1818 East Bloomfield, New York |
| Died | April 18, 1877 (aged 58) Portland, Oregon |
| Spouse | Julia Ann Fickel |
| Occupation | physician |
Ralph Wilcox (born July 9, 1818 – died April 18, 1877) was an important person in early Oregon history. He was the first teacher and doctor in Portland, Oregon. He also worked in the government when Oregon was a territory and later when it became a state. Wilcox was born in New York and passed away in Portland while working.
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Early Life and Education
Ralph Wilcox was born on July 9, 1818, in East Bloomfield, New York. His parents were Arminta Lee Wilcox and Ralph Wilcox Sr. Young Ralph studied medicine and graduated from Geneva Medical College in 1839.
After finishing his studies, he moved to Missouri and started working as a doctor. In 1840, Ralph married Julia Ann Fickel. They had five children together. In 1845, the family traveled west on the famous Oregon Trail to reach Oregon Country. They took a difficult shortcut known as the Meek Cutoff.
Life in Oregon
After arriving in Oregon, Ralph Wilcox began a new chapter. In 1847, he became the first teacher in Portland, Oregon. This was a very important job in the growing city.
Serving the Provisional Government
Later in 1847, George Abernethy, who was the governor of the Provisional Government of Oregon, appointed Wilcox as a county judge. He served in Twality County, which is now known as Washington County, Oregon. That same year, Wilcox was also elected to the Provisional Legislature of Oregon.
He was re-elected the next year. He served in the final meetings of the provisional government in 1848 and 1849. During this time, he was even chosen to be the Speaker of the assembly. The Speaker is like the leader of the legislative body.
Working in the Territorial Legislature
In 1850, Oregon became a United States territory. Ralph Wilcox was elected to the Oregon Territory House of Representatives. He replaced David Hill and again served as the Speaker.
The next year, he continued to represent what was now called Washington County. In 1853, he returned to the legislature. This time, he served as the president of the upper chamber, which was called the Council.
Later Public Service
From 1856 to 1858, Ralph Wilcox worked as a registrar for the U. S. Land Office in Oregon City. This office helped people claim land. After that, he served as a county judge in Washington County from 1858 to 1862.
Wilcox was also elected mayor of Oregon City during this period. In 1862, he returned to state politics. He was elected as a representative to the Oregon House of Representatives as a Republican from Washington County. From 1862 to 1863, he was also the school superintendent for Washington County.
During the American Civil War, he was the surgeon-general for Oregon’s militia. This meant he was the chief doctor for the state's military. However, no Oregon military groups fought in the war because it was too far away. From 1865 to 1877, he worked as a clerk for the United States District Court for the District of Oregon in Portland.
Death
Ralph Wilcox passed away on April 18, 1877. He was 58 years old. He died in the afternoon while at work, just before court was about to start. Wilcox was buried at Lone Fir Cemetery in East Portland.
