Sept 11, 1891 - Commitment to Oregon State Insane Asylum from Lane County, Case No. 77; listed under "Pengren, B.J." Occupation shown as: Railroad Projector.
~~~~~~~~~
The Pengra Bridge is named for B.J. Pengra. Directions: Follow Jasper Road south of Springfield to Jasper and continue traveling southeast on Pengra Road 4 miles to Little Falls Creek Road. Turn east and travel 1/4 mile to Place Road. The bridge is located 100 yards south on Place Road. The Pengra Bridge contains two of the longest timbers ever cut for a bridge in Oregon. The lower chords measuring 16" x 18" x 126 feet were too large to be ran through a mill and were therefore rough hewn in the woods. Booth-Kelley Lumber Company cut and transported the timbers to the bridge site by truck where they were resurfaced before being set into place. The bridge was named for B.J. Pengra, a pioneer who eventually became general Surveyor of Oregon in 1862. Pengra surveyed the Oregon Central Military Road which linked the Willamette Valley with the Owyhee mining country of Eastern Oregon.∼Suggested edit from Steven Pengra:
ORIGINAL REPUBLICAN
B.J. Pengra Died This Morning Near Coburg
Proimnent in Politics and Famous for Trying to Promote Railroad
Schemes in Oregon
B.J. Pengra, well known throughout Oregon as a politician of the early
days, railroad promoter, and businessman, died near Coburg this morning.
He passed away at 12:30 o'clock at the home of his son, who resides
near Coburg. He was 80 years, 7 months and three days old.
The funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock from the
residence of his son. Brief ceremonies by Rec. J.C. Richardson will be
conducted. Interment will be made in Laurel Hill cemetery near
Springfield.
B.J. Pengra came west to Oregon with the 1853 arrival of immigrants.
He became prominent in politics in the late '50s and is famous as the first
Republican in the state. County Judge H.R. Kincade, ex-secretary of state,
was associated with Mr. Pengra in politics and to a Guard reporter this
morning he outlined the ambitions and achievements of the old pioneer.
2
Copyright 2008 Jerry Olson December 6, 2009
"Pengra drew attention
when in 1858 he was an
elector for Lincoln and
Hamlin, the Republican for
president and vice-president.
He was a thorough Lincoln
Republican and was the first
speaker to canvas the state
for the Republican ticket.
He was successful in his
vigorous work and was
elected elector and carried
the vote of Oregon to
Washington, and helped elect
Lincoln. He then returned to
Oregon and engaged in the
political senatorial fight
when Col. Baker of
California, was a candidate
from Oregon. He was practically boss of the state politics and it was his
influence which elected Baker. As the reward Baker gave him the office of
Surveyor-General. Joel Ware was one of his clerks at the time. This
office he held for a term and them went to the legislature.
"In Salem, Pengra was the moving spirit of the movement to unite the
Douglas Democrats and the Republicans. It was a fine bit of work and
kept him in the lead. In the legislature he was a dominant spirit, stubborn
and immobile, ready to fight any and all kinds of opposition and generally
triumphed, as long as he kept his endeavors confined to Oregon.
"But Pengra wanted greater things. In 1870, when the transcontinental
railway had been finished, he saw that the state of Oregon was soon to
have a railway extending from San Francisco to Portland. It was already
built as far as Salem. Pengra secured the military road grant from Eugene
south through Southeastern Oregon and it was his ambition to direct the
railway over his route. But the Oregon and California company had their
own route and fought Pengra to the bitter end, and finally securing the
vote of congress to establish the route as it stands at present.
"The news almost made Pengra crazy and he wrote a terrible letter for
publication, challenging Senator Williams to a duel, and making all kinds
of threats against his opponents. He brought it to the Oregon State
Journal for me to print, but I refused. He would not speak to me for seven
years.
Figure 1. Pengra Covered Bridge over Falls Creek near
Springfield, OR. It was named for B. J. Pengra, and
contains two of the longest timbers ever cut for a bridge
in Oregon. (Photo from Oregon.com.)
3
Copyright 2008 Jerry Olson December 6, 2009
"Later on Collis Huntington had a quarrel with the O. & C. and was on
the point of aiding Pengra with a competitive road, and even went so far
as to build a road from Woodburn to Natron. He then sold out for a
million and a half and quit. The blow upset Pengra and he was committed
to the insane asylum for a year.
"Pengra was a forceful character and has done great good to his chosen
state."
Daily Eugene Guard, Friday Evening, September 18, 1903 page 1
Funeral Largely Attended
The funeral of B.J. Pengra, the deceased pioneer, was held this morning
at 10 o'clock from the residence of his son near Coburg. Rev. J.C.
Richardson conducted the brief ceremony and the burial took place in
Laurel Hill cemetery, near Springfield. A large concourse of friends of
the deceased attended the funeral and followed the remains to their last
resting place.
Daily Eugene Guard, Saturday Evening, September 19, 1903 page 1
~~~~~~~~~
The Pengra Bridge is named for B.J. Pengra. Directions: Follow Jasper Road south of Springfield to Jasper and continue traveling southeast on Pengra Road 4 miles to Little Falls Creek Road. Turn east and travel 1/4 mile to Place Road. The bridge is located 100 yards south on Place Road. The Pengra Bridge contains two of the longest timbers ever cut for a bridge in Oregon. The lower chords measuring 16" x 18" x 126 feet were too large to be ran through a mill and were therefore rough hewn in the woods. Booth-Kelley Lumber Company cut and transported the timbers to the bridge site by truck where they were resurfaced before being set into place. The bridge was named for B.J. Pengra, a pioneer who eventually became general Surveyor of Oregon in 1862. Pengra surveyed the Oregon Central Military Road which linked the Willamette Valley with the Owyhee mining country of Eastern Oregon.∼Suggested edit from Steven Pengra:
ORIGINAL REPUBLICAN
B.J. Pengra Died This Morning Near Coburg
Proimnent in Politics and Famous for Trying to Promote Railroad
Schemes in Oregon
B.J. Pengra, well known throughout Oregon as a politician of the early
days, railroad promoter, and businessman, died near Coburg this morning.
He passed away at 12:30 o'clock at the home of his son, who resides
near Coburg. He was 80 years, 7 months and three days old.
The funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock from the
residence of his son. Brief ceremonies by Rec. J.C. Richardson will be
conducted. Interment will be made in Laurel Hill cemetery near
Springfield.
B.J. Pengra came west to Oregon with the 1853 arrival of immigrants.
He became prominent in politics in the late '50s and is famous as the first
Republican in the state. County Judge H.R. Kincade, ex-secretary of state,
was associated with Mr. Pengra in politics and to a Guard reporter this
morning he outlined the ambitions and achievements of the old pioneer.
2
Copyright 2008 Jerry Olson December 6, 2009
"Pengra drew attention
when in 1858 he was an
elector for Lincoln and
Hamlin, the Republican for
president and vice-president.
He was a thorough Lincoln
Republican and was the first
speaker to canvas the state
for the Republican ticket.
He was successful in his
vigorous work and was
elected elector and carried
the vote of Oregon to
Washington, and helped elect
Lincoln. He then returned to
Oregon and engaged in the
political senatorial fight
when Col. Baker of
California, was a candidate
from Oregon. He was practically boss of the state politics and it was his
influence which elected Baker. As the reward Baker gave him the office of
Surveyor-General. Joel Ware was one of his clerks at the time. This
office he held for a term and them went to the legislature.
"In Salem, Pengra was the moving spirit of the movement to unite the
Douglas Democrats and the Republicans. It was a fine bit of work and
kept him in the lead. In the legislature he was a dominant spirit, stubborn
and immobile, ready to fight any and all kinds of opposition and generally
triumphed, as long as he kept his endeavors confined to Oregon.
"But Pengra wanted greater things. In 1870, when the transcontinental
railway had been finished, he saw that the state of Oregon was soon to
have a railway extending from San Francisco to Portland. It was already
built as far as Salem. Pengra secured the military road grant from Eugene
south through Southeastern Oregon and it was his ambition to direct the
railway over his route. But the Oregon and California company had their
own route and fought Pengra to the bitter end, and finally securing the
vote of congress to establish the route as it stands at present.
"The news almost made Pengra crazy and he wrote a terrible letter for
publication, challenging Senator Williams to a duel, and making all kinds
of threats against his opponents. He brought it to the Oregon State
Journal for me to print, but I refused. He would not speak to me for seven
years.
Figure 1. Pengra Covered Bridge over Falls Creek near
Springfield, OR. It was named for B. J. Pengra, and
contains two of the longest timbers ever cut for a bridge
in Oregon. (Photo from Oregon.com.)
3
Copyright 2008 Jerry Olson December 6, 2009
"Later on Collis Huntington had a quarrel with the O. & C. and was on
the point of aiding Pengra with a competitive road, and even went so far
as to build a road from Woodburn to Natron. He then sold out for a
million and a half and quit. The blow upset Pengra and he was committed
to the insane asylum for a year.
"Pengra was a forceful character and has done great good to his chosen
state."
Daily Eugene Guard, Friday Evening, September 18, 1903 page 1
Funeral Largely Attended
The funeral of B.J. Pengra, the deceased pioneer, was held this morning
at 10 o'clock from the residence of his son near Coburg. Rev. J.C.
Richardson conducted the brief ceremony and the burial took place in
Laurel Hill cemetery, near Springfield. A large concourse of friends of
the deceased attended the funeral and followed the remains to their last
resting place.
Daily Eugene Guard, Saturday Evening, September 19, 1903 page 1
Sept 11, 1891 - Commitment to Oregon State Insane Asylum from Lane County, Case No. 77; listed under "Pengren, B.J." Occupation shown as: Railroad Projector.
~~~~~~~~~
The Pengra Bridge is named for B.J. Pengra. Directions: Follow Jasper Road south of Springfield to Jasper and continue traveling southeast on Pengra Road 4 miles to Little Falls Creek Road. Turn east and travel 1/4 mile to Place Road. The bridge is located 100 yards south on Place Road. The Pengra Bridge contains two of the longest timbers ever cut for a bridge in Oregon. The lower chords measuring 16" x 18" x 126 feet were too large to be ran through a mill and were therefore rough hewn in the woods. Booth-Kelley Lumber Company cut and transported the timbers to the bridge site by truck where they were resurfaced before being set into place. The bridge was named for B.J. Pengra, a pioneer who eventually became general Surveyor of Oregon in 1862. Pengra surveyed the Oregon Central Military Road which linked the Willamette Valley with the Owyhee mining country of Eastern Oregon.∼Suggested edit from Steven Pengra:
ORIGINAL REPUBLICAN
B.J. Pengra Died This Morning Near Coburg
Proimnent in Politics and Famous for Trying to Promote Railroad
Schemes in Oregon
B.J. Pengra, well known throughout Oregon as a politician of the early
days, railroad promoter, and businessman, died near Coburg this morning.
He passed away at 12:30 o'clock at the home of his son, who resides
near Coburg. He was 80 years, 7 months and three days old.
The funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock from the
residence of his son. Brief ceremonies by Rec. J.C. Richardson will be
conducted. Interment will be made in Laurel Hill cemetery near
Springfield.
B.J. Pengra came west to Oregon with the 1853 arrival of immigrants.
He became prominent in politics in the late '50s and is famous as the first
Republican in the state. County Judge H.R. Kincade, ex-secretary of state,
was associated with Mr. Pengra in politics and to a Guard reporter this
morning he outlined the ambitions and achievements of the old pioneer.
2
Copyright 2008 Jerry Olson December 6, 2009
"Pengra drew attention
when in 1858 he was an
elector for Lincoln and
Hamlin, the Republican for
president and vice-president.
He was a thorough Lincoln
Republican and was the first
speaker to canvas the state
for the Republican ticket.
He was successful in his
vigorous work and was
elected elector and carried
the vote of Oregon to
Washington, and helped elect
Lincoln. He then returned to
Oregon and engaged in the
political senatorial fight
when Col. Baker of
California, was a candidate
from Oregon. He was practically boss of the state politics and it was his
influence which elected Baker. As the reward Baker gave him the office of
Surveyor-General. Joel Ware was one of his clerks at the time. This
office he held for a term and them went to the legislature.
"In Salem, Pengra was the moving spirit of the movement to unite the
Douglas Democrats and the Republicans. It was a fine bit of work and
kept him in the lead. In the legislature he was a dominant spirit, stubborn
and immobile, ready to fight any and all kinds of opposition and generally
triumphed, as long as he kept his endeavors confined to Oregon.
"But Pengra wanted greater things. In 1870, when the transcontinental
railway had been finished, he saw that the state of Oregon was soon to
have a railway extending from San Francisco to Portland. It was already
built as far as Salem. Pengra secured the military road grant from Eugene
south through Southeastern Oregon and it was his ambition to direct the
railway over his route. But the Oregon and California company had their
own route and fought Pengra to the bitter end, and finally securing the
vote of congress to establish the route as it stands at present.
"The news almost made Pengra crazy and he wrote a terrible letter for
publication, challenging Senator Williams to a duel, and making all kinds
of threats against his opponents. He brought it to the Oregon State
Journal for me to print, but I refused. He would not speak to me for seven
years.
Figure 1. Pengra Covered Bridge over Falls Creek near
Springfield, OR. It was named for B. J. Pengra, and
contains two of the longest timbers ever cut for a bridge
in Oregon. (Photo from Oregon.com.)
3
Copyright 2008 Jerry Olson December 6, 2009
"Later on Collis Huntington had a quarrel with the O. & C. and was on
the point of aiding Pengra with a competitive road, and even went so far
as to build a road from Woodburn to Natron. He then sold out for a
million and a half and quit. The blow upset Pengra and he was committed
to the insane asylum for a year.
"Pengra was a forceful character and has done great good to his chosen
state."
Daily Eugene Guard, Friday Evening, September 18, 1903 page 1
Funeral Largely Attended
The funeral of B.J. Pengra, the deceased pioneer, was held this morning
at 10 o'clock from the residence of his son near Coburg. Rev. J.C.
Richardson conducted the brief ceremony and the burial took place in
Laurel Hill cemetery, near Springfield. A large concourse of friends of
the deceased attended the funeral and followed the remains to their last
resting place.
Daily Eugene Guard, Saturday Evening, September 19, 1903 page 1
~~~~~~~~~
The Pengra Bridge is named for B.J. Pengra. Directions: Follow Jasper Road south of Springfield to Jasper and continue traveling southeast on Pengra Road 4 miles to Little Falls Creek Road. Turn east and travel 1/4 mile to Place Road. The bridge is located 100 yards south on Place Road. The Pengra Bridge contains two of the longest timbers ever cut for a bridge in Oregon. The lower chords measuring 16" x 18" x 126 feet were too large to be ran through a mill and were therefore rough hewn in the woods. Booth-Kelley Lumber Company cut and transported the timbers to the bridge site by truck where they were resurfaced before being set into place. The bridge was named for B.J. Pengra, a pioneer who eventually became general Surveyor of Oregon in 1862. Pengra surveyed the Oregon Central Military Road which linked the Willamette Valley with the Owyhee mining country of Eastern Oregon.∼Suggested edit from Steven Pengra:
ORIGINAL REPUBLICAN
B.J. Pengra Died This Morning Near Coburg
Proimnent in Politics and Famous for Trying to Promote Railroad
Schemes in Oregon
B.J. Pengra, well known throughout Oregon as a politician of the early
days, railroad promoter, and businessman, died near Coburg this morning.
He passed away at 12:30 o'clock at the home of his son, who resides
near Coburg. He was 80 years, 7 months and three days old.
The funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock from the
residence of his son. Brief ceremonies by Rec. J.C. Richardson will be
conducted. Interment will be made in Laurel Hill cemetery near
Springfield.
B.J. Pengra came west to Oregon with the 1853 arrival of immigrants.
He became prominent in politics in the late '50s and is famous as the first
Republican in the state. County Judge H.R. Kincade, ex-secretary of state,
was associated with Mr. Pengra in politics and to a Guard reporter this
morning he outlined the ambitions and achievements of the old pioneer.
2
Copyright 2008 Jerry Olson December 6, 2009
"Pengra drew attention
when in 1858 he was an
elector for Lincoln and
Hamlin, the Republican for
president and vice-president.
He was a thorough Lincoln
Republican and was the first
speaker to canvas the state
for the Republican ticket.
He was successful in his
vigorous work and was
elected elector and carried
the vote of Oregon to
Washington, and helped elect
Lincoln. He then returned to
Oregon and engaged in the
political senatorial fight
when Col. Baker of
California, was a candidate
from Oregon. He was practically boss of the state politics and it was his
influence which elected Baker. As the reward Baker gave him the office of
Surveyor-General. Joel Ware was one of his clerks at the time. This
office he held for a term and them went to the legislature.
"In Salem, Pengra was the moving spirit of the movement to unite the
Douglas Democrats and the Republicans. It was a fine bit of work and
kept him in the lead. In the legislature he was a dominant spirit, stubborn
and immobile, ready to fight any and all kinds of opposition and generally
triumphed, as long as he kept his endeavors confined to Oregon.
"But Pengra wanted greater things. In 1870, when the transcontinental
railway had been finished, he saw that the state of Oregon was soon to
have a railway extending from San Francisco to Portland. It was already
built as far as Salem. Pengra secured the military road grant from Eugene
south through Southeastern Oregon and it was his ambition to direct the
railway over his route. But the Oregon and California company had their
own route and fought Pengra to the bitter end, and finally securing the
vote of congress to establish the route as it stands at present.
"The news almost made Pengra crazy and he wrote a terrible letter for
publication, challenging Senator Williams to a duel, and making all kinds
of threats against his opponents. He brought it to the Oregon State
Journal for me to print, but I refused. He would not speak to me for seven
years.
Figure 1. Pengra Covered Bridge over Falls Creek near
Springfield, OR. It was named for B. J. Pengra, and
contains two of the longest timbers ever cut for a bridge
in Oregon. (Photo from Oregon.com.)
3
Copyright 2008 Jerry Olson December 6, 2009
"Later on Collis Huntington had a quarrel with the O. & C. and was on
the point of aiding Pengra with a competitive road, and even went so far
as to build a road from Woodburn to Natron. He then sold out for a
million and a half and quit. The blow upset Pengra and he was committed
to the insane asylum for a year.
"Pengra was a forceful character and has done great good to his chosen
state."
Daily Eugene Guard, Friday Evening, September 18, 1903 page 1
Funeral Largely Attended
The funeral of B.J. Pengra, the deceased pioneer, was held this morning
at 10 o'clock from the residence of his son near Coburg. Rev. J.C.
Richardson conducted the brief ceremony and the burial took place in
Laurel Hill cemetery, near Springfield. A large concourse of friends of
the deceased attended the funeral and followed the remains to their last
resting place.
Daily Eugene Guard, Saturday Evening, September 19, 1903 page 1
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