loneerkozi.et1ion; - ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University

ANNUAL ADDRESS.
It is not detracting from the truthful, unequaled accomplishments of the early
immigrants to say, that while the pioneer settlement of Oregon by immigrants
crossing the plains in such large numbers, had the effect to hasten or rather
forced the termination of the joint occupancy of the country, it also had a
more direct and effective influence in suggesting and securing to the United
States the magnificent domain of California, than it did in forcing the ultimate
acknowledgement by Great Britain of the prior cleartitle of the United States
to the territory south of the 49th parallel of north latitude.
On ascending the Willamette river from its confluence with the Columbia, a
distance of some forty miles, the Champoeg prairies were the first open country
of any considerable extent found bordering on the stream, which placed this
prairie district in comparatively easy communication with ship navigaiion and
Fort Vancouver, the only depot in the country where supplies could be obtained,
which was also the only regular market for peltries and wheat, with all the conveniences
in other respects for planting an agricultural settlement, combined
with hunting and trapping, no part of the vast Territory of Oregon had been by
the hand of nature more bountifully favored.
French Pra;rie forms what is now the northern part of Marion county, and is
divided into eight precincts, embracing an area of some i5o square miles, hounded
on the north and west by the Wi]lamette river, east by Pudding river and south
by Lac la Biche or Elk Lake, so named by the early Canadian trappers who
found large herds of these animals grazing on its borders.
This marshy lake flows'into both Pudding and Willamette rivers, making
what was originally known as the Champoeg country, a magnificent inland island,
while the middle and southern portion of this district is comparatively
level, the northern part is divided by never failing spring brooks into many long,
narrow prairies, bordered with fir and oak timber, being sufficiently undulating
to give natural drainage. French Prairie is justly celebtated for the productiveness
of its soil and never failing crops. Sixty-six years have passed away since
these prairies were first explored by white men ; some of the same hunters and
trappers who, fifteen years later commenced selecting here their permanent
homes and become the founders of the first independent settlement in the Wil.
lamette valley or the Territory of Oregon.
Mr. President, there is a discrepancy in statements with regard to date of
commencing the French Prairie settlement. Permit me to give in corroboration of
what I learned from Dr. McLaughlin and the settlers themselves, the proof fix.
ing the date by men yet living. The venerable Donald Manson, who arrived
at Vancouver, Jan. 6. 1825, now a residnt of Champoeg, says: "I married
Felicite, eldest daughter of Etienne Lucier, in October, iSzS. Her father was
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