William H. Willson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William H. Willson
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| Treasurer for the Provisional Government of Oregon | |
| In office July 5, 1843 – May 14, 1844 |
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| Succeeded by | Philip Foster |
| Constituency | Oregon Country |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 14, 1805 New Hampshire |
| Died | April 17, 1856 (aged 51) Salem, Oregon |
| Spouse | Chloe Aurelia Clark |
| Relations | Joseph K. Gill |
| Children | 3 |
| Occupation | Carpenter |
William Holden Willson (born April 14, 1805 – died April 17, 1856) was an important pioneer in the early history of Oregon. He is known for founding Salem, which became Oregon's capital city. Willson came to the Oregon Country in 1837 from New Hampshire. He worked at the Methodist Mission and helped create the first government in the area. He was also the very first treasurer for the Provisional Government of Oregon.
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William H. Willson's Early Life
William Willson was born on April 14, 1805, in New Hampshire. When he was younger, he worked in different jobs on the East Coast of the United States. He was a whaler, a cooper (someone who makes barrels), and a carpenter on a ship.
Willson was asked to join the Methodist Mission in the Willamette Valley. This mission was started by Reverend Jason Lee. On his journey to Oregon, he traveled by ship on the Diana. During this trip, he learned some basic medical skills from Dr. Elijah White.
Arriving in the Oregon Country
On May 18, 1837, Willson and other people joining the Methodist Mission arrived in the Oregon Country. This area was special because both Great Britain and the United States claimed they owned it.
At the mission, Willson worked as a doctor and a carpenter. He was also sent with David Leslie to start another mission called the Nisqually Mission. This mission was located near Fort Nisqually and the Puget Sound.
Founding Salem, Oregon
Willson returned to the Willamette Valley in 1839. He claimed land where the city of Salem is today. In 1844, he married Chloe Clark, who was also a missionary. She became the first teacher at the Oregon Institute. William and Chloe had three children.
In 1846, Willson gave some of his land to the Oregon Institute. That same year, he planned out the city of Salem and gave it its name. He chose "Salem" because it means "City of Peace." He also donated some land to be used as a park for the new city.
Helping Start a Government
While Willson was in Oregon, settlers realized they needed a government for the area. This led to several important meetings in 1841 and 1843.
The Champoeg Meetings
At the Champoeg Meeting on May 2, 1843, Willson was the secretary. He voted to create a provisional (temporary) government, and the idea passed by a close vote of 52 to 50.
He was then chosen to be the first treasurer of the new Provisional Government of Oregon. He served in this role from July 5, 1843, to May 14, 1844.
Other Public Roles
In 1844, Willson was injured during an event called the Cockstock Incident. The next year, in 1845, he was elected as the president of the court in the Champoeg District.
During the Cayuse War (1847-1850), which started after the Whitman Massacre, Willson was part of a group that helped raise money for the war. In 1849, he was involved with the Oregon Exchange Company, which made special Beaver Coins. These coins were used before the United States officially took control of the region.
In 1851, Willson ran to be the territorial delegate to the U.S. Congress, but he lost the election to Joseph Lane.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1853, William Willson became a member of the board of trustees for Willamette University. This university was the new name for the Oregon Institute, which he had supported earlier. The next year, he worked as a commissioner for a planned railroad, the Oregon and California Railroad.
William Holden Willson passed away in Salem on April 17, 1856, when he was 51 years old. He was buried in the Salem Pioneer Cemetery. Willson once owned a bookstore in Salem. Later, when his daughter Frances married Joseph K. Gill in 1866, Gill took over the store.
The land Willson gave for a park in Salem is now next to the Oregon State Capitol. It was named Willson Park in his honor, remembering his important contributions to the city.
