William L. Adams (pioneer) facts for kids
William Lysander Adams (born in 1821, died in 1906) was an American writer, newspaper editor, and doctor who lived in Oregon. He is remembered for his important contributions to early Oregon literature and journalism.
William Adams' Early Life and Career
William Adams was born in Oberlin, Ohio, on February 5, 1821. He moved to Yamhill County, Oregon, in 1848. Before becoming a well-known writer, he worked as a teacher. He also traveled to the California gold fields twice, hoping to find gold.
In 1852, Adams published a play called Treason, Strategems, and Spoils, A Melodrame in Five Acts. He used the pen name Breakspear for this work. The play was a political satire, which means it used humor to criticize political ideas and people. It specifically made fun of the Democratic party and people like Asahel Bush, who ran the Salem Statesman newspaper. This play was first printed in The Oregonian newspaper. It is often considered one of the very first important literary works written in Oregon.
In 1855, Adams bought a newspaper called the Oregon Spectator. He changed its name to the Oregon Argus. This newspaper was connected to the Whig Party and was published in Oregon City. It became very important in politics during the time when Oregon was still a territory. After his time in the newspaper business, Adams decided to study medicine in Philadelphia. He later became a doctor and practiced medicine in Portland and Hood River.
Adams' Family and Legacy
William L. Adams is one of 158 people honored in the Oregon State Capitol building. Their names are painted in the House and Senate chambers because they were important to Oregon's history. Adams' name can be found in the House chamber.
His younger brother, Sebastian C. Adams (1825 – 1898), was also a notable person. Sebastian served as an Oregon State Senator and was a writer. He is best known for creating a popular illustrated history chart.
