Thomas D. Keizur facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas D. Keizur
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Oregon pioneer Thomas D. Keizur
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Thomas Dove Keizur
20 November 1793 |
| Died | 19 June 1871 (aged 77) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Farmer |
| Known for | Founder of Keizer, Oregon |
Thomas Dove Keizur was an early American pioneer who settled in the Oregon Country. In 1843, he led his large family from Missouri to Oregon. They traveled over the famous Oregon Trail.
He made his home in Oregon's Willamette Valley, in an area north of what is now Salem, Oregon. Keizur was chosen to be part of Oregon's early government. He also became the first leader of the Oregon Rangers, which was Oregon's first local army group. Today, the city of Keizer, Oregon, is named after him.
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Thomas Keizur's Early Life
Thomas Keizur was born on November 20, 1793. His birthplace was Buncombe County, North Carolina. His parents were George A. and Mary (Dove) Keisur.
In 1812, Keizur married Mary Girley. They had ten children together, five boys and five girls.
The Keizur family moved from North Carolina to Giles County, Tennessee in 1828. Five years later, they moved even further west. They settled in Van Buren County, Arkansas.
In 1842, the Keizur family traveled to Missouri. They hoped to join a wagon train heading to the Oregon Country. However, they arrived too late to travel that year. So, the family spent a year in Missouri. They waited for the 1843 wagon train to get ready.
Journey on the Oregon Trail
Thomas Keizur and his family left Independence, Missouri, on May 20, 1843. They were heading for Oregon. His wife, five sons, five daughters, and eight grandchildren joined him. Two sons-in-law and a brother of one of his sons-in-law also came along.
More than 100 wagons and about 900 pioneers traveled west in 1843. They also brought a large herd of 5,000 cattle. Marcus Whitman guided the journey. He was returning to his mission station near the Columbia River.
To prevent overgrazing, the pioneers split into smaller groups. The Keizurs joined the Applegate party. This group traveled slowly with the cattle herd. Thomas Keizur became an important leader among the travelers.
The Keizurs traveled over 2,000 miles (3,200 km) on the Oregon Trail. First, their wagon train followed the Platte River. Then they went north to Fort Laramie in Wyoming. From there, they followed the North Platte River and the Sweetwater River. They crossed the continental divide at South Pass in central Wyoming.
After crossing the divide, they headed to Fort Bridger. Then they turned north to Fort Hall. From there, the group followed the Snake River and then the Columbia River. Finally, they reached the Willamette Valley. It took six months for the Keizurs and their group to cross the continent.
Becoming an Oregon Pioneer
The Keizur family arrived in the Willamette Valley in mid-November. They spent the winter in temporary homes. These were on the west bank of the Willamette River. This was across from the Methodist mission station started by Jason Lee.
In the spring of 1844, the family crossed the river. They claimed several pieces of land on the west bank. The Keizur family's land claims were north of the mission. The adult members of the family claimed about 2,725 acres (1,103 ha) of farmland. This land was along the Willamette River.
Thomas Keizur himself claimed 608 acres (246 ha). He filed his claim under the provisional government's first land law. His property was next to the Willamette River on the west. To the north, his land ended at Cummings Lane. This road was built by the Keizur family. Later, after Oregon became a United States territory, Keizur refiled his claim. He did this according to the Donation Land Claim Act of 1850.
In 1844, Keizur was one of eight citizens chosen for Oregon Country's third legislative committee. He was one of three representatives from the Champoeg district. This was Oregon Country's first legislative group chosen by a regular election. The committee met twice in Oregon City. These meetings helped prepare for the creation of the Oregon Territory.
In 1844, there was a conflict between settlers and a local Native American. This led to several deaths near Willamette Falls. After these deaths, citizens met on March 9, 1844. They discussed forming a militia, which is a group of citizens who act as soldiers. Thomas Keizur was the meeting secretary. The committee approved forming a mounted rifle company to protect settlers.
As a result, a militia company of 25 men was formed. They were called the Oregon Rangers. Keizur was elected captain of this company. This was the first military unit allowed and formed in the Oregon Country. The company trained several times but was never called to fight.
In 1846, another meeting was held to discuss the need for a militia. Keizur was chosen to lead this meeting. Attendees voted to restart the Oregon Rangers. Charles Bennett was appointed captain. After the meeting, 45 people volunteered to join. Keizur signed the meeting notes, which were printed in the Oregon Spectator newspaper.
Thomas Keizur's wife, Mary, died in 1853. Keizur himself died on June 19, 1871, in Marion County, Oregon. He was 78 years old.
Thomas Keizur's Legacy
Thomas Keizur's work in the 1844 pre-territorial legislature was very important. It helped set up the government for Oregon Territory. This later led to Oregon becoming a state.
When he was elected captain of the Oregon Rangers, he became the first leader of Oregon's militia. This group is now known as the Oregon National Guard.
The Keiser post office was opened in 1948. On November 2, 1982, the city of Keizer was officially formed. It was named in honor of Thomas D. Keizur. The city continues to grow today.
In 2010, a large bronze statue of Keizur on horseback was placed at the Keizer Civic Center. The statue honors Keizur for his service in early government. It also recognizes him as the founding father of the city of Keizer.
Keizur's last name has been spelled incorrectly many times. Researchers have found 15 different spellings. These include Keizer, Keiser, Kaizur, Kaiser, Keysur, Keyser, Kizer, and Kisor. However, the correct spelling is Keizur.
