Biography of William H. Gray, 1899, State of Oregon
Surnames: Gray, Dix, Kamm,Abernethy, Tarbell

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Transcribed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
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Oregon Native Son, Vol. 1, May 1899, page 46

WILLIAM H. GRAY.
         
This pioneer of pioneers and historian of events in which he took so
conspicuous a part was born in Fairfield, N. Y., on September 10, 1810. At the
age of 14 he lost his father, and was apprenticed to learn the cabinet-makers'
trade, and before finishing his time became foreman of the shop. Upon
attaining his majority he began the study of medicine, but through the
intercession of Dr. Samuel Parker and the American Board of Missions he was
induced to enlist in missionary work in Oregon before his graduation. In 1836
he left home to accompany Dr. Whitman and Rev. H. H. Spalding and their wives
to the field of their new labors. The little party left New York in the early
part of that year, and, after a long and tiresome trip, arrived at Vancouver
on the 12th of September following. As they passed The Dalles. Mr. Gray was of
the opinion that such place offered extra inducements for a site for a
mission, but being in the minority was overruled in the matter of establishing
one there. Subsequent events, however, proved his judgment far-reaching, as
the Methodists afterward selected the location for such a purpose, and it was
one of their most successful ones. From the time of arrival, he was associated
with his colleagues in the establishment of missions until the spring of 1837,
when it was arranged that he should return to the East for reinforcements. To
defray the expenses of the trip he drove a band of twenty horses along, being
assisted by a few young Flathead Indians. All went well until Ash hollow, on
the Nebraska river, was reached, when they were attacked by a war party of 300
Sioux. The small though intrepid souls defended themselves with such ardor
that the Sioux signaled for a cessation of hostilities and a conference, which
was accepted, but the terms proposed being such that Gray and his party would
be left defenseless they were promptly rejected. Upon this show of
determination the Sioux withdrew their demands, and allowed the party to
proceed without renewal of hostilities. In the fracas, however, the Sioux lost
quite largely, among those slain being a leading war chief. Of Mr. Gray's
party five were killed, and he narrowly escaped such fate, having his hat
pierced by a bullet and two horses shot under him. On the return trip he was
accompanied by his newly made bride, formerly Miss Mary A. Dix, of Ithaca, N.
Y., and the Rev. Elkanah Walker, Cushing Eells and A. B. Smith, with their
wives, and Cornelius Rogers. Mr. Gray was assigned to the Lapwai mission, and
from thence until July, 1842, his labors were among the Flatheads. At this
time he resigned and came to the Willamette valley, where he was engaged as
general superintendent and secular agent of the Oregon Institute now
Willamette University in which occupation he remained several years. The
services of Mr. Gray in the establishment of the provisional government were
as that of originator of the scheme, and he was no sooner located in the
valley than he began to agitate such a course among the settlers. He gathered
a few of like opinion together far consultation as to the best means of
bringing about the desired end, and they devised a simple but most effective
plan - one which worked to a charm. Many domestic animals had been destroyed
by wild beasts, and a meeting was called on February 2, 1843, for the
ostensible purpose of exterminating them, nothing being said about a more
important object. The meeting was largely attended, and the fate of the
animals was referred to a committee who was to report at a meeting set for the
first Monday in March following. At this meeting the animals were lost sight
of when Mr. Gray introduced the following:

"Resolved, That a committee be appointed to take into consideration the
propriety of taking measures for the civil and military protection of this
colony."
"Resolved. That said committee consist of twelve persons."

The resolutions were unanimously adopted. Mr. Gray was one of the committee.
The meeting adjourned to meet May 2, 1843, at which time a legislative
committee of nine members was, by the report adopted, selected, he being one
of the number. This was really the first legislature of Oregon. The session
was held at Oregon City, July 5, 1843, and lasted three days.

In writing of these events, the words of Hon. J. Quinn Thornton, in an address
delivered in 1874, are recalled. He said: "Historical justice requires the
fact to be noted that William H. Gray, by his untiring labors, ceaseless
vigilance and ready tact, which seemed to render him equal to any emergency,
contributed more than any other man to the result of the measures which
brought about the meeting of July 5, 1843."         

After the free establishment of the provisional government on a firm
foundation, he left the more active duties of its conduct to others, and
turned his attention to business pursuits. In 1852 he made another trip East
for a band of sheep, which he drove across the plains in safety, but when
almost at home the scow upon which he had placed them for transport down the
Columbia was wrecked on Chinook spit, near Astoria, and all of the flock were
drowned. In 1849 he dug gold in California. In the '60s we find him in the
Frazer river mines, and in 1864 writing his history of Oregon from 1792 to
1849, which he published in 1870. He was one of the promotors and
indefatigable workers for the erection of the monument which marks the scene
where Dr. Whitman and others met their death at the hands of the Indians, and
are buried. An organization of the Oregon Pioneer and Historical Society in
1872 was brought about through his efforts. The latter years of his life were
passed at Astoria. He died in Portland November 14, 1889, at the home of his
daughter, Mrs. Jacob Kamm, and his remains were taken to Astoria and rest
beside those of his wife, who had preceded him to a better world. It would be
hard to find in the history of Oregon a man who was more thoroughly identified
with its early upbuilding than William H. Gray. He was among the few first
Americans to come here. He assisted in the building of the first homes,
schoolhouses and churches; was foremost among those who launched the first
government in our midst, and the evidences of his life have left indelible
impress for good upon our social and political structures.

He left four sons, J. H. D., William P., Albert W. and James T., all of whom
have been identified with navigation, and are leading and honorable citizens.
The daughters have long been known in the social circles of the state; they
are Mrs. Jacob Kamm, Mrs. Sarah F. Abernethy and Mrs. Mary Tarbell, deceased.