Samuel Parker (Oregon politician) facts for kids

Samuel Parker (born 1806, died 1886) was an important American pioneer. He helped settle the land that later became the state of Oregon. Samuel Parker also served in the government of Oregon when it was a new territory and later as a state.

Samuel Parker's Early Life

Samuel Parker was born in 1806. Around 1828, he married Elizabeth Sutton. They had ten children together.

In 1845, Samuel and his family began a long journey. They left their home in Van Buren County, Iowa. They traveled along the famous Oregon Trail. The Parkers joined a group called the New London Emigrating Company. This group traveled in a wagon train led by Abner Hackleman.

The Parker family took a path called the Meek Cutoff. This path went through the eastern and central parts of what is now Oregon. During this tough journey, Samuel and Elizabeth faced great sadness. Their infant son, Samuel Jr., was born at The Dalles, Oregon in October 1845. Sadly, he died there, along with his mother, Elizabeth. One of their daughters also passed away during this time.

Settling in Oregon

In November 1845, Samuel Parker arrived in the Willamette Valley. He settled in Oregon City, Oregon. In 1846, Samuel married again, to Rosetta Spears. Later, he moved to the area that is now called Marion County.

During the Cayuse War, a group of Klamath entered the Willamette Valley. This happened while the Oregon militia was fighting on the other side of the Cascade Range. Samuel Parker was one of the brave volunteers who formed a new militia. In March 1848, this group fought the Klamath at the Battle of Abiqua. Samuel Parker served as a captain in this battle.

Samuel Parker's Political Career

Samuel Parker was involved in the government of Oregon for many years. In 1848, he was chosen to represent the Champoeg District. This was for the last meeting of the Provisional Legislature of Oregon. This government was in place before Oregon became a U.S. territory.

When the Oregon Territorial Legislature first met in 1849, Parker was a member of the Council. This was the upper house of the legislature. He was even chosen to be the president of the Council that year. He continued to serve in the Council in 1850 and again in 1851, serving as president once more in 1851.

In 1858, Samuel Parker returned to the legislature. This was the last meeting before Oregon became a state. He was elected as a Democrat to the Council. He represented Marion County, which was the new name for the Champoeg District. His last government job was in 1860. He was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in the first meeting of the Oregon Legislative Assembly.