Robert Moore (Oregon pioneer) facts for kids

Robert Moore (born October 2, 1781 – died September 2, 1857) was an American politician and a brave pioneer. He played an important role in the early days of the Oregon Country. Robert Moore was born in Pennsylvania and fought in the War of 1812. He also helped create the first government in Oregon and founded a town called Linn City, Oregon. Before moving west, he served in the government of Missouri.

Early Life and Family

Robert Moore was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, on October 2, 1781. In 1805, he married Margaret Clark. They had ten children together. Robert was a soldier in the War of 1812, which was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain.

After the war, he moved to the Midwestern United States. There, he helped start several towns and built different businesses. Later, the Moores moved to Illinois. From there, Robert left his family to travel to the Oregon Country. Sadly, Margaret died in 1848 in Missouri.

Journey to Oregon

Robert Moore traveled to Oregon in 1839. He took the famous Oregon Trail, a long journey across the country. He first joined a group called the Peoria Party from Peoria, Illinois. This group was known for being one of the first organized trips to Oregon.

The Peoria Party later split up. Robert Moore then briefly joined another group called the Shortess party. He finally arrived in Oregon in 1840, reaching Willamette Falls. Three of his ten children also made the long trip west to Oregon.

Founding Linn City

After arriving in 1840, Robert Moore started building a settlement called Robin’s Nest. It was located across the river from Oregon City. He bought about 1,000 acres (4.0 km²) of land from a local Native American chief named Wanaxha.

The town was later renamed Linn City. This name honored Missouri Senator Lewis Linn. Senator Linn supported the Donation Land Claim Act. This act helped pioneers get land in Oregon. By 1845, Moore also ran a ferry service. This ferry helped people cross the Willamette River to get to Oregon City.

Political Work

Robert Moore's political career began in Missouri. He was elected to the state government, called the Missouri General Assembly, in 1830. He represented Ste. Genevieve County.

In Oregon, pioneers tried to form a government early on. On February 18, 1841, Moore was chosen for a committee. This committee was meant to write a constitution. Even though a constitution was not adopted then, a judge was chosen. Robert Moore was also chosen as a justice of the peace. This meant he could help settle small legal issues.

Later, on July 5, 1843, Robert Moore attended the Champoeg Meetings. He voted to create a provisional government. This was a temporary government for the Oregon Country. The idea passed by a close vote of 52 to 50. This led to the start of the Provisional Government. Robert Moore was then chosen for the legislative committee. This committee was tasked with writing the Organic Laws of Oregon, which were the first laws for the new government.

Later Years and Legacy

In 1848, the area south of the 49th degree of latitude became the Oregon Territory of the United States. In 1850, Robert Moore was given the job of territorial printer. This meant he was in charge of printing official documents. From 1850 to 1851, Moore owned the Oregon Spectator newspaper. This newspaper was based in Oregon City.

Also in 1850, Moore became the postmaster for his community. He also spoke up for the land rights of Dr. John McLoughlin. McLoughlin's land in Oregon City was not recognized by the Donation Land Claim Act of 1850.

Moore remarried in 1851 to Jane Gilbert Tubbs Apperson. In 1854, a fire badly damaged Linn City. The main business area moved west and became West Linn. Another fire in 1861 destroyed more of the city. Then, a huge flood in December 1862 wiped out what was left. Robert Moore passed away on September 2, 1857, when he was 75 years old.