Oregon's Territorial Legislature was a bicameral legislative body created by the United States Congress in 1848 as the legislative branch of the government of the Oregon Territory . The upper chamber Council and lower chamber House of Representatives first met in July 1849; they served as the region's legislative body until Oregon became a state in February 1859, when they were replaced by the bicameral Oregon State Legislature .
70-607: Ten annual sessions were held, with most starting in December and ending in February. During the sessions the capital of the territory was moved from Oregon City to Salem , then briefly to Corvallis , and back to Salem. Legislation included the creation of new counties , the renaming of old counties, and the authorization to hold the Oregon Constitutional Convention , among other acts. Membership in
140-495: A Mediterranean climate ( Köppen Csb ). The Mediterranean climate regime resembles the climate of the lands in the Mediterranean Basin, parts of western North America, parts of Western and South Australia, in southwestern South Africa and in parts of central Chile. The climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average temperature throughout the year is 55.4 °F (13.0 °C), with
210-685: A constitution in order for Oregon to become a state. The Convention accomplished this task and submitted the final document to the voters of the territory for approval on November 9, 1857, when it was approved and then sent to the United States Senate for approval. Once approved by the Federal government, Oregon would become a state. However, communications between the East Coast and West Coast were still slow, and those elected as state officials had to wait for word of Oregon's admission to
280-682: A memorial to the United States Congress for decision, the majority of the Legislature conducted its regular business in Salem as scheduled. A bill was passed calling for convocation of a constitutional convention in the event that Congress refused the appeal of the Legislature for direct election rather than appointment of the Territorial Governor and judges. On January 12, 1852, the body created Jackson County in
350-550: A route between Clackamas Community College on the south east end of Oregon City to Molalla, about 18 miles (29 km) south on Oregon Route 213. Canby Area Transit (CAT) operates regular service on Oregon Route 99E between the Oregon City Transit Center and Canby. SMART , South Metro Area Regional Transit, serving Wilsonville, connects to CAT in Canby. CAT also has service to Woodburn. Dial-a-Ride service
420-565: A total area of 9.29 square miles (24.06 km ), of which 9.05 square miles (23.44 km ) is land and 0.24 square miles (0.62 km ) is water. The major waterways of Oregon City include the Willamette River , which flows along the northwest side of the city, and the Clackamas River , which merges with the larger Willamette to the north of the city. The Willamette forms the boundary between Oregon City and West Linn ;
490-468: A traditional four-year high school ( Oregon City High School ), and an alternative secondary school. Several schools in the district offer bilingual English / Spanish programs. Oregon City High School is the third most populated high school in Oregon, and is a state and national power in girls' basketball , winning three consecutive USA Today girls' national championships in the 1990s. The city also
560-700: Is governed by a Mayor and a City Commission composed of the Mayor and four Commissioners elected from the City at large for terms of four years each. Oregon City was the capital of the Oregon Territory until 1851; the following governors served during that time: The city, and several surrounding communities, is served by the Oregon City School District , a public school district consisting of 7 elementary schools , two middle schools ,
630-509: Is no more than one ice day with the maximum temperature below 32 °F (0 °C) per year. Extreme temperatures range from −2 °F (−19 °C) on January 31, 1950, to 114 °F (46 °C) on June 28, 2021 . For much of its existence, Oregon City's economy has been dominated by the forestry industry, until the decline of the Pacific Northwest lumber industry started in the 1980s. At its height, several mills operated in
700-543: Is operated by TriMet, but CAT also operates within the Oregon City city limits for trips originating or terminating in the CAT service area. If transfers between TriMet and CAT are necessary, they are accomplished at the Oregon City Transit Center (OCTC) at 11th & Main, which is at the northeast end of the downtown area. As of the census of 2010, there were 31,859 people, 11,973 households, and 8,206 families residing in
770-402: Is served twice daily in each direction by Amtrak Cascades trains running between Portland and Eugene, Oregon . The Coast Starlight (Seattle–Los Angeles) passes through but does not stop. There are no public airports within the city. A small private airfield is along Beavercreek Road, south of Oregon City. Oregon City is served by Portland International Airport , 15 miles (24 km) to
SECTION 10
#1732773119821840-769: Is the home of Clackamas Community College , numerous private and parochial schools, and a public library that is part of the Library Information Network of Clackamas County . Museums include the Museum of the Oregon Territory and the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, with costumed "living history" guides. The Clackamas County Historical Society archives, housed in the Museum of the Oregon Territory, also include
910-480: The Beaver Coins Mint, producing the short-lived independent Oregon Territory currency in 1849. The center of the city retains part of its historic character through the preservation of houses and other buildings from the era of the city's founding. The town became the see city of the first Roman Catholic archdiocese in the western United States, when the diocese of Oregon City, established in 1846,
980-1203: The McLoughlin House , the Ermatinger House (oldest in Clackamas County), the Bank of Commerce Building , the Ainsworth House , the Harvey Cross House , the Oregon City Masonic Lodge , and the First Congregational Church . The Oregon City Bridge over the Willamette River, built in 1922, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places , as is the Oregon City Municipal Elevator . Oregon City has over 22 city parks. One of
1050-691: The Oregon Coast on December 22, 1853, and Columbia County was created out of the northern portion of Washington County by an act of the body on January 16, 1854. Ralph Wilcox served as the President of the Council with C. Z. Bishop as the Speaker of the House. The 5th Oregon Territorial Legislature convened in Salem on December 4, 1854 and held its proceedings until February 1, 1855. On January 11, 1855,
1120-585: The Oregon Country . It was established by Hudson's Bay Company 's Dr. John McLoughlin in 1829 near the confluence of the Clackamas River with the Willamette to take advantage of the power of Willamette Falls to run a lumber mill . During the 1840s and 1850s it was the destination for those wanting to file land claims after traveling the Oregon Trail as the last stop on the trail. It
1190-537: The Oregon Institute in Salem . Samuel Parker served as the President of the Council with William M. King as the Speaker of the House. The matter of the location of the capital of Oregon remained hotly contested, with the majority assembling in Salem while a rump group consisting of one member of the Council and four members of the House refusing to participate there but instead attempting to establish itself as
1260-777: The Provisional Government of Oregon , was a legislator during both the territorial period and when Oregon became a state, and a judge of Twality County during the provisional government. He killed himself at work at the United States District Court for the District of Oregon in Portland. A native of New York , Wilcox was born in East Bloomfield, New York , to Arminta Lee Wilcox and Ralph Wilcox Sr. on July 9, 1818. In New York
1330-657: The United States Supreme Court in the case of Maynard v. Hill . Matthew Deady served as the President of the Council with Benjamin F. Harding as the Speaker of the House for the session. On March 2, 1853, Washington Territory was created out of the northern and eastern portions of Oregon Territory, eliminating those counties from the Oregon Legislature. The 1853 Legislature met in Salem from December 5, 1853 to February 2, 1854. The legislature created Coos County in southwestern Oregon on
1400-449: The speaker of the House, and Samuel Parker as the President of the Council. From December 2, 1850 to February 8, 1851, the second session of the legislature gathered in Oregon City. W. W. Buck served as the President of the Council, Ralph Wilcox as the Speaker of the House. The 1850-51 session was not a harmonious one, being divided over the controversial matter of location of the Oregon state capital. Legislators were split between
1470-536: The "Father of Oregon" and chief factor of the Hudson's Bay Company , and Vietnam-era Medal of Honor recipient Larry G. Dahl , Oregon City has been home to the following: According to Sister Cities International , Oregon City has one sister city : Ralph Wilcox Ralph Wilcox (July 9, 1818 – April 18, 1877) was the first teacher and practicing medical doctor in Portland, Oregon . He also served in
SECTION 20
#17327731198211540-626: The Clackamas River, just east of the OR 99E bridge). In more recent years, the city operated a "historic trolley" service during the summer months, primarily to serve the needs of tourism, but the vehicles used were trolley-replica buses , rather than actual trolley cars, and in 2013 it was decided to discontinue that service and sell the vehicles. Two other public agencies provide transit service in Oregon City, supplementing that of TriMet. The South Clackamas Transportation District (SCTD) operates
1610-598: The Clackamas serves as the boundary between Oregon City and Gladstone . The Willamette Falls Locks in West Linn were the first multi-lift navigational locks in the United States and are now a National Historical Site, no longer in use. The first long-distance electrical service in the United States originated in Oregon City in 1889, transmitting electricity 14 miles (23 km) to Portland. Oregon City has
1680-468: The Council remained at nine throughout the history of the body, while the House of Representatives membership increased from 17 to as high as 30 due to increases in population. The Provisional Government of Oregon was the region's governing body from 1843 until 1849, at the end of the region's joint settlement by Great Britain and the United States . The Provisional Government's legislative body
1750-530: The Council. This matter, which left Oregon City entirely out of the equation, was acutely partisan, with Whigs favoring the historic capital and Democrats endorsing a move to Salem. During the 1850-51 session the Legislature created three new counties for the Oregon Territory. The first of these, Pacific County , encompassed coastal areas north of the Columbia River, located primarily in today's Washington state . This new county, with Pacific City as
1820-816: The Oregon Territory out of the lands south of the 49th parallel, north of the 42nd parallel (northern boundary of California ) and west of the Rockies to the Pacific Ocean . The structural framework for the government came from the Northwest Ordinance , passed in 1787, which created the Northwest Territory . The Territorial Legislature then worked within the legal framework of the Organic Laws of Oregon . These laws were
1890-638: The Oregon Territory, staffed largely by volunteers, continued to operate on a limited schedule. The End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center eventually reopened during the summer of 2013 with the support of grants and donations from numerous sources. The Stevens-Crawford Heritage House Museum is a 1908 structure with 11 furnished rooms; exhibiting furniture from the collection of the Clackamas County Historical Society to replicate an Edwardian era home and Progressive Era narrative. Other historical buildings in Oregon City include
1960-419: The Speaker of the House position held by La Fayette Grover . On December 7, 1857, the legislature began their session in Salem, lasting through February 5, 1858. During the session Hugh D. O'Bryant served as president of the Council chamber, with the Speaker of the House position held by Ira F. M. Butler . On August 17, 1857, the Oregon Constitutional Convention convened in Salem with the task of creating
2030-624: The Territorial Legislature and a minority of the Supreme Court sitting in Salem and a (Whig) majority of the Supreme Court and minority of the Legislature sitting in Oregon City. In the eyes of a majority of Oregonians political legitimacy lay with the elected majority of Legislators in Salem rather than the appointed majority of Supreme Court justices in Oregon City, however, and following a complicated set of maneuvers including redistricting of legal districts and passage of
2100-456: The Union before they could formally begin their service. The state legislators meet twice before admission, from July 6 to July 9, and September 13 & 14. They met and adjourned once there was no word on Oregon's statehood. The Territorial Legislature then met starting on December 6, 1858 for their final session. Previously in Oregon's government, the authority to dissolve a marriage was vested in
2170-538: The assembly. In 1850 after Oregon had become a United States territory, Wilcox was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives of the Territorial Legislature , replacing David Hill and served as speaker of the body. The following year he returned representing what had become Washington County, but was not selected as speaker. In 1853 he returned to the legislature serving as president of
Oregon Territorial Legislature - Misplaced Pages Continue
2240-403: The average family size was 3.06. In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.0% under the age of 18, 10.3% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 9.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.7 males. The median income for a household in the city
2310-532: The bill was defeated. James K. Kelly served as the President of the Council with L. F. Cartee as the Speaker of the House. The 6th Territorial Legislature began in Corvallis in the ongoing dispute over which city would become the capital. Late in December the body moved back to Salem where the capitol building was nearing completion, but the building burned down on December 29, 1855. The session began on December 3 and ended on January 31, 1856. On December 18, 1855,
2380-642: The city and surrounding communities. The last paper mill in the immediate vicinity closed in 2017. With the growth of the Portland Metro region, Oregon City has become largely a suburb of Portland. Tourism is a growing sector with the emphasis on the city's history and the major renovation of the Willamette Falls area into a public-access, mixed-use space through the Willamette Falls Legacy Project. Oregon City
2450-415: The city's larger parks is Clackamette Park , at the confluence of the Clackamas and Willamette Rivers. The park's features include RV camping, a boat launch and dock, a skateboard park, and other recreational facilities. Several community festivals are held there throughout the year. Other major parks include Chapin, Hillendale, Jon Storm Park , Rivercrest, and Wesley Lynn. Interstate 205 passes through
2520-431: The city's northern edge, and is the only freeway to serve the city. In addition, three state highways ( Oregon Route 43 , Oregon Route 99E , and Oregon Route 213 ) pass through or terminate in Oregon City. The former two serve the city's downtown core, the latter provides service to the southern parts of Oregon City. The Union Pacific Railroad mainline passes through the city. The city also has an Amtrak station , which
2590-426: The city. The population density was 3,520.3 inhabitants per square mile (1,359.2/km ). There were 12,900 housing units at an average density of 1,425.4 per square mile (550.4/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 91.1% White , 0.6% African American , 0.9% Native American , 1.7% Asian , 0.2% Pacific Islander , 2.3% from other races , and 3.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.3% of
2660-416: The city. The population density was 3,163.9 inhabitants per square mile (1,221.6/km ). There were 10,110 housing units at an average density of 1,242.0 per square mile (479.5/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 92.44% White, 1.12% Asian, 1.08% Native American, 0.58% African American, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 2.15% from other races, and 2.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.98% of
2730-407: The competing claims of Oregon City and Salem , with the majority of legislators backing the latter locale and a minority opining in favor of keeping the center of government at Oregon City. An omnibus location bill awarding Salem the state capital, Portland the territorial penitentiary, and Corvallis the territorial university ultimately passed the legislature by votes of 10-8 in the House and 6-3 in
2800-663: The county seat, was created out of the southwest corner of Lewis County . Also established were Lane County , including that portion of the Willamette Valley south of Benton County and Linn County , as well as Umpqua County , comprising the area south of the Calapooya Mountains and headwaters of the Willamette River . The 1851-52 session of the Oregon Territorial Legislature met from December 1, 1851 to January 21, 1852, at
2870-512: The de facto constitution of the Provisional Government. These laws were determined to be valid by Territorial Governor Joseph Lane when he arrived in the territory in 1849 and effectuated the beginning of United States control and government in Oregon Country . The legislature had two chambers: the larger, lower House of Representatives, and the upper chamber Council. The Council consisted of nine members, apportioned among
Oregon Territorial Legislature - Misplaced Pages Continue
2940-476: The first teacher in that city. Later that year George Abernethy , the governor of the Provisional Government, appointed Wilcox as a county judge for Twality (now Washington) County. Also that year he was elected to the Provisional Legislature . The next year he was elected again and served in the final sessions of the provisional government in 1848 and 1849, including time as the speaker of
3010-495: The former name. No longer a residential bishopric, Oregon City is now a titular see . The town is divided into upper and lower areas. The lower area is on a bench next to the Willamette River. The upper area is atop a bluff composed of Canemah basalt , which flowed about 2.5 million years ago from a vent 7.5 miles (12 km) to the southeast in the Boring Lava Field . For many years, Indian trails connected
3080-680: The highest average temperature in July and August being 70.8 °F (21.6 °C), and December being the coldest month with an average temperature of 41.8 °F (5.4 °C). The annual precipitation is 44.81 inches (1,138 mm). It is mainly concentrated in winter (November to March), and the precipitation in July and August is obviously much less than in other months. In terms of temperature, there are 122 days with temperatures exceeding 70 °F (21 °C) per year, 18 days with temperatures exceeding 90 °F (32 °C), and one high-temperature day exceeding 100 °F (38 °C). However, there
3150-545: The incorporation plat for the city of San Francisco . Clackamas Heritage Partners owns and operates these museums, along with the Stevens Crawford Museum. In 2009, Clackamas Heritage Partners announced that it could no longer afford to keep the museums open. The End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center was closed to the public indefinitely in September 2009; the Stevens Crawford Museum and Museum of
3220-416: The legislature created Wasco County which at the time encompassed all of Eastern Oregon . Multnomah County was created during this session on December 22, 1854, with eastern Washington County being combined with the northern section of Clackamas County. A bill was submitted during the session to submit to voters the question of holding a convention to draft a constitution in an effort to attain statehood, but
3290-408: The legislature met in Salem, using rented space, remaining in session until January 29, 1857. The legislature again addressed the question of holding a constitutional convention, and during this session it passed with the citizens then voted in favor of the resolution on June 1, 1857, with a convention to be held later in the year. During the session James Kerr Kelly served as the Council president, with
3360-453: The legislature separated the southern part of Coos County, creating Curry County, and then on January 22, 1856, created Josephine County out of the western portion of Jackson County. The legislature tried again to settle the question of holding a constitutional convention, and again it was defeated. During this session A. P. Dennison served as the Council president, with the Speaker of the House being Delazon Smith. Beginning on December 1, 1856,
3430-421: The legislature, and during this final session the legislators granted 31 divorces before the authority shifted to the courts upon statehood. This session lasted until January 22, 1859, during which Charles Drain served as Council President and Nathaniel H. Gates was Speaker of the House. Oregon was then admitted to the Union on February 14, 1859, and the elected state officials and legislators took over governing
3500-550: The legitimate Oregon Territorial Legislature in a session held at the Territorial Library in Oregon City. This rival rump assembly continued to meet in Oregon City for two weeks, replete with the spectacle of Columbia Lancaster making and seconding his own motions in the "Council" himself. The claims of this minority faction were backed by a 2-1 decision of the Oregon Supreme Court , which supported
3570-512: The lowermost portions. As part of the greater Portland metropolitan area , Oregon City is served by TriMet , the regional transit authority, with several bus lines which converge at the Oregon City Transit Center . Until 1958, an interurban trolley line operated by the now-defunct Portland Traction Company connected Oregon City with Portland; remnants of this line are still visible (such as an abandoned bridge across
SECTION 50
#17327731198213640-543: The north side of the Columbia River was renamed Clarke County with the "e" later dropped. Additionally, the legislators continued the policy of the Provisional Government and passed a law in September excluding blacks from settling in the Oregon Territory, but allowed those already in the region to remain. The law was later repealed in 1854, but a new version was added in 1857 when Oregon ratified its constitution in preparation for statehood. Asa Lovejoy served as
3710-417: The north, and by Portland-Mulino Airport , a general-aviation facility in the town of Mulino , approximately 15 miles (24 km) to the south. The Willamette River in Oregon City is navigable to small craft, and Oregon City has a thriving fishing and recreational boating industry. The Willamette Falls Locks once allowed boats to navigate around the falls. The Clackamas River is not navigable, except for
3780-486: The now state. The first session of the Oregon Legislative Assembly began on May 16, 1859, in a special session that lasted until June 4. Oregon's first regular session of the biennial legislature occurred from September 10 through October 19, 1860. Oregon City, Oregon Oregon City is the county seat of Clackamas County, Oregon , United States, located on the Willamette River near
3850-442: The population. There were 11,973 households, of which 36.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.7% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.5% were non-families. 23.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
3920-406: The population. There were 9,471 households, out of which 36.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.0% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.6% were non-families. 22.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and
3990-471: The southern limits of the Portland metropolitan area . As of the 2020 census , the city population was 37,572. Established in 1829 by the Hudson's Bay Company , in 1844 it became the first U.S. city west of the Rocky Mountains to be incorporated. Known in recent decades as the site of several large paper mills on the Willamette River , the city played a significant role in the early history of
4060-457: The southwest section of the territory. They also carved a swath of Umpqua County to form a new Douglas County , named in honor of Senator Stephen A. Douglas , a Democratic Party stalwart. In 1852 the Legislature met from December 6, 1852 until February 3, 1853 in Oregon City. On December 22, the two chambers passed an act to dissolve the marriage between David S. Maynard and Lydia A. Maynard, which would later become an issue that worked its way to
4130-599: The territory's counties. The House had about twice as many members, also apportioned by counties. As the population increased and counties added, the number of legislators in the House was expanded. Though the Oregon Territory was created in August 1848, the territorial government did not arrive and assume power until Joseph Lane arrived on March 2, 1849. The first session of the Legislature convened on July 16, 1849 in Oregon City . Thereafter, regular sessions were held during
4200-486: The two levels, but stairs were built in the 19th century. In 1915 the town built the water-powered Oregon City Municipal Elevator to connect the two parts, which was converted to electricity in the 1920s. In 1952, a new electric elevator was constructed with the specification that it was to be "as plain as possible and without ornament." According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has
4270-443: The upper chamber Council. From 1856 until 1858 Ralph Wilcox served as a registrar for the U. S. Land Office in Oregon City , and then as county judge in Washington County from 1858 to 1862. Wilcox was also elected Oregon City mayor during this time. In 1862 he returned to state politics and was elected as a representative to the Oregon House of Representatives as a Republican from Washington County. Also, from 1862 to 1863 he
SECTION 60
#17327731198214340-408: The view of Governor John P. Gaines that the move from Oregon City to Salem was unconstitutional by virtue of its omnibus nature — which was held to be contrary to the provisions of the act of Congress which organized the territory. This led to a split of the court, with Justice O. C. Pratt leaving Oregon City for Salem. A situation of dual power thus briefly existed, with the (Democratic) majority of
4410-418: The winter months of December, January, and February, with special sessions in May 1850 and July 1852. The first session met from July 16 to September 29 in Oregon City at the Methodist Church. During this session two of the original districts were renamed with Tuality (or Tualatin) County becoming Washington County and Champoeg County becoming Marion County . Also during the 1849 session Vancouver County on
4480-415: The younger Ralph graduated from Geneva Medical College in 1839. He then moved to Missouri where he practiced medicine. Then in 1840 Ralph married Julia Ann Fickel, and the couple would have five children. In 1845 the family traveled the Oregon Trail to Oregon Country and took the ill-fated Meek Cutoff . After arriving in Oregon, Wilcox took a job teaching in Portland, Oregon , in 1847 and became
4550-439: Was $ 45,531, and the median income for a family was $ 51,597. Males had a median income of $ 38,699 versus $ 29,547 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 19,870. About 6.5% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line , including 11.0% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over. Oregon City has officially recognized neighborhood associations : In addition to John McLoughlin ,
4620-436: Was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.07. The median age in the city was 36.3 years. 25.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.8% were from 25 to 44; 25.7% were from 45 to 64; and 11.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.3% male and 50.7% female. As of the census of 2000, there were 25,754 people, 9,471 households, and 6,667 families residing in
4690-407: Was raised to metropolitan rank, with Archbishop François Norbert Blanchet as its ordinary . Its territory included all of the western United States. The population in the area of Oregon City declined due to the California Gold Rush . The population of nearby Portland grew, and the headquarters of the archdiocese was moved there in 1926. In 1928 the name Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon replaced
4760-406: Was the unicameral Provisional Legislature of Oregon . In 1846 the United States and Great Britain settled the Oregon Question with the Oregon Treaty . The treaty created a boundary between British North America and the United States west of the Rocky Mountains at the 49th parallel . Two years later on August 14, 1848 the Organic Act was signed into law by President James K. Polk creating
4830-405: Was the capital of the Oregon Territory from its establishment in 1848 until 1851, and rivaled Portland for early supremacy in the area. In 1846, the city's newspaper, the Oregon Spectator , was the first American newspaper to be published west of the Rocky Mountains . Oregon City College was established in 1849 as a Baptist school, but was defunct by the 1870s. Oregon City was the site of
4900-448: Was the school superintendent for Washington County. During the American Civil War he was surgeon-general for Oregon’s militia, but no Oregon companies saw action in the war due to the distance to the fronts. Then from 1865 to 1877 he was a clerk for the United States District Court for the District of Oregon in Portland. Ralph Wilcox died on April 18, 1877, at the age of 58. He killed himself after heavy drinking. He shot himself in
#820179