Western Pioneer, US Senator, US Congressman. In 1828, he moved with his father to Claremont, New Hampshire, to Ohio in 1838 and Oregon in 1843. There he studied law, was admitted to the bar but never practiced law. He engaged in agricultural pursuits, raising stock and was elected judge of the provisional government of Oregon in 1845. He was appointed a Captain in the Oregon militia during the expeditions against hostile territory Indians (1848-53) and was US Marshal for Oregon, (1853-55). He later was appointed superintendent of Indian affairs for Oregon and Washington Territories, (1857-59) In 1861, he was elected as a Democrat to the US Senate, serving until 1867. An unsuccessful candidate for reelection, he served as road supervisor of Polk County, Oregon, in 1868. In 1873, he was elected as a Democrat to the Forty-third Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Joseph G. Wilson, serving until 1875. Not seeking re-nomination, he retired from public service. His home on the south bank of Rickreall Creek, Oregon, is a US Historical Landmark.

Western Pioneer, US Senator, US Congressman. In 1828, he moved with his father to Claremont, New Hampshire, to Ohio in 1838 and Oregon in 1843. There he studied law, was admitted to the bar but never practiced law. He engaged in agricultural pursuits, raising stock and was elected judge of the provisional government of Oregon in 1845. He was appointed a Captain in the Oregon militia during the expeditions against hostile territory Indians (1848-53) and was US Marshal for Oregon, (1853-55). He later was appointed superintendent of Indian affairs for Oregon and Washington Territories, (1857-59) In 1861, he was elected as a Democrat to the US Senate, serving until 1867. An unsuccessful candidate for reelection, he served as road supervisor of Polk County, Oregon, in 1868. In 1873, he was elected as a Democrat to the Forty-third Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Joseph G. Wilson, serving until 1875. Not seeking re-nomination, he retired from public service. His home on the south bank of Rickreall Creek, Oregon, is a US Historical Landmark.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith