Van B. DeLashmutt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Van Banks. DeLashmutt
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| 27th Mayor of Portland, Oregon | |
| In office 1888–1891 |
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| Preceded by | John Gates |
| Succeeded by | William S. Mason |
| Constituency | Portland, Oregon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 27, 1842 Burlington, Iowa |
| Died | October 4, 1921 (aged 79) Spokane, Washington |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
Van Banks DeLashmutt (born July 27, 1842 – died October 4, 1921) was an important leader in Portland, Oregon. He served as the mayor of Portland from 1888 to 1891. He was also a successful businessman and a veteran of the American Civil War.
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Van DeLashmutt's Early Life
Van B. DeLashmutt was born on July 27, 1842, in Burlington, Iowa. When he was ten years old, his family made a big journey. They traveled along the famous Oregon Trail in 1852. They finally settled in Polk County, Oregon.
After moving to Oregon, Van worked as a printer. He worked in Salem, Oregon, for a man named Asahel Bush. Later, he moved to California.
Serving in the Civil War
The American Civil War began when Van was in California. In 1861, he joined the Union Army. He served in the Third California regiment. His job was to guard important mail routes. After leaving the Army, he returned to Oregon and made his home in Portland.
Life and Work in Portland
In June 1865, Van DeLashmutt started working for The Oregonian newspaper. He worked there as a compositor, which meant he helped set up the type for printing.
In 1868, Van married Maria Kelly. They had four children together. Their family home was in Portland, at Fourteenth and Columbia.
Business and Farming Ventures
Van DeLashmutt was also a successful farmer. He started a farm near Hillsboro, which he called Witch Hazel Farm. This farm became well-known for his horses and race tracks. He raised special racehorses called thoroughbreds. He had two tracks for racing them: one was half a mile long, and the other was a full mile. Over time, the area around his farm grew into the community of Witch Hazel.
Besides farming, Van was involved in banking. He helped start two banks: the Oregon National Bank and the Metropolitan Savings Bank. He even became the president of both banks. In 1892, he also became the first president of the Bank of Albina.
Becoming Mayor of Portland
On May 2, 1888, Van DeLashmutt was chosen to be the mayor of Portland. This happened after the previous mayor, John Gates, passed away.
He was then officially elected mayor on June 18, 1888. He served as mayor until 1891. After his term, William S. Mason became the next mayor.
Later Years and Legacy
After his time as mayor, Van DeLashmutt left Portland. He moved to Spokane, Washington, where he worked in mining. He lived in Spokane for more than 20 years.
Van DeLashmutt passed away in Spokane on October 4, 1921. He was 79 years old.
