Samuel Colver facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel Colver
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Samuel Colver
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| Born | September 10, 1817 Irwin, Ohio, U.S.
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| Died | February 15, 1891 (aged 73) Klamath County, Oregon, U.S.
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| Cause of death | Drowning |
| Resting place | Phoenix Pioneer Cemetery, Phoenix, Oregon |
| Occupation | Lawyer, United States Marshal |
| Spouse(s) | Huldah Callender (m. 1843–1891; his death) |
| Children | 2 (possibly 3) |
Samuel Colver (born September 10, 1817 – died February 15, 1891) was an important pioneer in the U.S. state of Oregon. A pioneer is someone who is among the first to explore or settle a new area. He helped start the town of Phoenix, Oregon, along with his brother, Hiram. Samuel was born in Irwin, Ohio. His parents were Samuel Colver and Rachel (Curry) Colver.
Contents
Samuel Colver's Life and Adventures
Early Life and Moving West
When he was young, Samuel Colver studied law at Plymouth College in Indiana. After his studies, he joined the Texas Rangers. This was a group of law enforcers in Texas. He even served with General Sam Houston at the famous Battle of San Jacinto. Later, he worked as a scout, helping to explore new areas.
In 1850, Samuel and his brother Hiram decided to move their families to Oregon. They traveled along the Oregon Trail, a long journey across the country. Their trip started from St. Joseph, Missouri.
Founding the Town of Phoenix
Samuel and Hiram were the founders of a small community in Oregon. They named it Phoenix, though it was first called Gasburg. They settled on land given to them under the Donation Land Claim Act. This act gave land to people who moved to Oregon.
Samuel built his home in Phoenix between 1855 and 1856. This house was very special. It was known as "Colver Hall." Besides being a home, it was also used as a school for children. People held dances there, and it was a place for public meetings. During the Rogue River Indian Wars, it even served as a safe place for people to go.
The Samuel and Huldah Colver House was recognized as an important historical building. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. Sadly, the house was destroyed by fire in September 2008. At that time, it was one of the oldest homes in Jackson County. The remaining walls were taken down after the fire.
Public Service and Family Life
Samuel Colver also served as a U.S. Marshal. This is a federal law enforcement officer. He played a key role in starting the Republican Party in Oregon. He was a strong supporter of Abraham Lincoln. Samuel also enjoyed writing poetry, and some of his poems were printed in Oregon newspapers.
Samuel Colver married Huldah Callender on December 5, 1843, in Logan County, Ohio. Huldah was born near Mechanicsburg, Ohio in 1823. Samuel and Huldah had two children. Their son, Lewellyn, was born in 1847 in Ohio. Their daughter, Isabelle, was born in a covered wagon in 1850 during their journey to Oregon.
Sadly, both of their children passed away. Lewellyn died in 1884. Isabelle died of an illness called diphtheria in 1885 in Phoenix, Oregon. It was a very difficult time for Samuel and Huldah. There is also a belief that they had a third child, Alice, who died as a baby in Ohio.
Later Life and Legacy
Samuel Colver passed away in February 1891. He was found drowned near Upper Klamath Lake after riding out alone. There were some rumors about his death, but nothing was ever proven.
It is important to know that Samuel Colver is often confused with another person named Samuel Henry Culver. Both men lived in Southern Oregon in the early 1850s. Because of this, many articles mistakenly say that Samuel Colver worked as an Indian Agent. However, it was actually Samuel Henry Culver who held that position.
