William P. Bryant facts for kids

William P. Bryant (born August 3, 1806 – died October 10, 1860) was an American judge from Kentucky. He became the very first chief justice of the Oregon Supreme Court in the Oregon Territory. In 1848, United States President James K. Polk chose Bryant, who was from Indiana, to join the court. This happened when the Oregon Territory was officially created. Before moving to Oregon, Bryant served in Indiana's government and was a county judge. He also took part in the Black Hawk War.

William Bryant's Early Life and Career

William Bryant was born on August 3, 1806, in Mercer County, Kentucky. He grew up there. When he was 18, he moved to Rockville, Indiana, in 1825. In Rockville, he started his law career.

Bryant's Time in Indiana Politics

After fighting in the Black Hawk War, Bryant became involved in politics. He served in the Indiana House of Representatives from 1831 to 1836. Then, he was a member of the Indiana State Senate from 1836 to 1839.

In 1840, Bryant opened a law practice. He later became a circuit court judge in Rockville. He changed his political party to Democrat. This led to President James K. Polk appointing him as chief justice.

Becoming Chief Justice of Oregon

On August 14, 1848, the same day the new Oregon Territory was formed, Bryant was appointed. He was chosen to be the chief justice of the three-member Oregon Supreme Court. He traveled to the territory and arrived on April 9, 1849.

William Bryant in Oregon Territory

While living in Oregon, Bryant bought an island in the Willamette River. This island, called Abernethy's Island, was near Oregon City, Oregon. It had a milling operation on it. However, Doctor John McLoughlin had claimed the island before. This led to a disagreement later on.

Leading the Oregon Supreme Court

On August 14, 1848, President James K. Polk nominated Bryant. He was to be the "chief justice of the supreme court of the United States for the Territory of Oregon." The United States Senate approved his appointment without any objections.

Bryant held his first court session on August 20, 1849, in Oregon City. As the only federal judge, he oversaw the first major trial in what is now Washington. At that time, the Oregon Territory was very large. It included all of present-day Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and parts of Montana and Wyoming.

A Significant Trial in the Territory

In 1849, a group of about 100 Snoqualmie and Skewahamish tribesmen visited Fort Nisqually. This fort was a fur trading post. During this visit, an American named Leander Wallace was killed.

After the incident, U.S. troops asked the tribes to hand over those responsible. After some negotiation, six Snoqualmie individuals were turned over. They were charged with the killing. Justice Bryant started their trial on October 1, 1849, at Fort Steilacoom. A grand jury had already decided there was enough evidence for a trial.

Two of the accused, Kussus and Quallalwowt, were found responsible. The trial cost a total of $2,379.54. Alonzo A. Skinner, a former judge, helped Bryant as the prosecutor.

Chief Justice Bryant resigned from the court the next year. His resignation became official on January 1, 1851.

William Bryant's Later Years

After leaving the court, Bryant moved back east. He first went to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital. Then, he returned to his hometown of Rockville, Indiana. William Bryant passed away there on October 10, 1860.