Oregon Pioneers

It is difficult to find two sources that define an Oregon pioneer exactly the same way, but for purposes of this website I have included anyone of European descent who lived here before 1872 as a possible pioneer. Champoeg and Butteville cemeteries have Native Americans because of the inter-marriage with early trappers, but I have no indication of Native Americans at Pleasant View Cemetery.

Pioneers here include those who made the overland journey or came around the Horn, and also those early settlers who were born in Oregon or the Oregon Territory. This is similar to the definition used by the Oregon Genealogical Society, and is related to the overland migration. Cross-continental train service became available after 1871 and even though you still couldn't connect directly to Oregon, the journey was much faster and less grueling than crossing the plains and the Rocky Mountains in a wagon.

The Oregon Trail began in 1843 and most of these pioneers arrived by that route between 1843 and 1872. Some traveled by ship around the Horn. Others may have been here prior to 1843 when most Europeans in the territory were French Canadian trappers, but I have no evidence or documentation of that. Most of the early settlers were farmers, loggers, or river workers who established the elaborate system of ferries and steamboats that moved people and goods across and up and down the Willamette and the Columbia.

Other sources tie pioneer status to those who resided in the territory before statehood occurred on February 14, 1859, including those who were born here and did not make the journey. Oregon statute defines pioneer cemeteries as those with burials that predate the fiftieth anniversary of statehood, February 14, 1909.

Pioneers are listed here as "confirmed" if their headstone mentions pioneer status, if they are listed in the 1850 or 1860 censuses, if they died before 1872, or if I have specific anecdotal information about their history. Pioneer status is listed as "likely" if they have not been confirmed, but their birth date is prior to 1850. Their status is listed as "possible" if their birth date is after 1850, but before 1872. A combination of clues may lead to a judgment call that varies from these parameters.

If you have information about family members who crossed on the Oregon Trail or are able to document others or assist with the research to identify the pioneers in this pioneer cemetery, I would be eager to hear from you.