loneerkozi.et1ion; - ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University

SEVENTR ANNUAL REUNION. 9
I may be pardoned, however, for mentioning the name of one who recently
died in California.
Dr. Elijah White came to Oregon as a missionary in 1837. In 1841, he returned
to New York, and the following winter was appointed sub Indian Agent
for the territory west of the Rocky mountains. From him, I first heard of Oregon,
and with him, thirty-seven years ago, I left my father's house in the State
of New York. He was the organizer and leader of the emigration of 1842,
which was the lrst party of emigrants that crossed the Rocky mountains with
families for the purpose of settling and remaining in Oregon.
On his arrival, he entered actively into the affairs of the settlement, rendering
every assistance in his power to the needy, and endeavoring to prevent and settle
difficulties between the settlers and the Indians.
He remained in Oregon some five years, and finally located in San Francisco,
where he died on the 3d of April last, aged seventy-three.
Friends, we have great reason to thank the circumstances that influenced our
coming to this country. The sun of heaven shines on no spot of earth equal to
Oregon. Free from insects, pestilence and tornadoes, with a soil and climate
unequaledhome and home comforts within the reach of all who put forth
even a moderate degree of energy and prudencecertainly we have great cause
for congratulation. Let us not then grudge one day in each year to come up
here face to face, and for a few hours live over again the scenes and experiences
of the long past pioneer days.
But it is not what may be said from this stand that gives the chief interest to
the occasionit is rather the opportunity it offers to meet in the groves and
around the camp, to talk of the past and the presentof our homes and of our
families."
One of the objects of this Association as set forth in the second Article of its
Constitution, is to collect from living witnesses, such facts relating to the Pioneers,
as may be deemed worthyof preservation. And as the first American emigrants
found in this valley many settlers eminently worthy of being remembered,
your Directors have invited one to whom this Association is most indebted for
its existence, and who is eminently qualified to tell us of the people found here
by the first American settlers. I will now introduce Hon. Willard Ii. Rees.
The address of Mr. Rees, who was unable to be present, was
acceptably read by Mr. F. M. Bewley.