The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1898-01-01
EARLY HISTORY OF WAsCO COUNTY.

EARLY HISTORY OF WASCO COUNTY.
county organized by the territorial leg
sature of Oregon January H. 1854, and at the
organization contained within it's boundaries nearly
much territory is embraced in the entire state to-day
Oregon then reached from the Pacific to the summit
of the Rocky mountains and from the Columbia river
California. The act creating Wasco county defined it's
boundaries follows Commencing at the Cascades of
the Columbia river; thence running up said
point where the southern of said nersected
by the southern boundary of Washington territory thence
east along said boundary to the eastern boundary of Ore
territory; thence southery along the boun
Diary of said territory the southern boundary
thence west along said southern boundary to the
Cascade mountans thence along said range of
tans to the place of beginning This embraced all of what
is termed Eastern Oregon and the portion
southern Idaho of about 10000 square miles,
territory equal in size the states of New
sylvania.
area there were at that time to exceed
three hundred white citizens trappers
the employ of the Hudson Bay Company and American
Fur Company. Less than half hundred actual
tiers, this patriots composed
sturdy pioneers who carved of the then wilderness
mighty empire. They true, lawabding citizens who
sought county government protection to their
and safeguard against the of the awess
element that then held sway throughout the northwest
The administration of civil affairs in the county
lished under the territorial laws delegated
of county commissioners but record kept of the
transactions from the date of organization January
meeting of the county board and presumably the of
the first session of Wasco county The
incomplete with reference who constituted board
though William c. Laughlin afterwards county judge is
mentioned the chairman, and Jack Crabb sheriff.
while w. c. Moody held the office sheriff's clerk.
The records of the first meeting of the board of county
commissioners held in The Dalles April 1854
in the first book of county,
lows Nathan Olney and NJ NJ. Gushing appointed
justices peace; Butler George Cannon
constables; w. G. Bgelow NJ. NJ. Gushing and Wm
Gibson judges of election for Daes precinct Atwel
justice of the John Chapman constable;
Newman G. A Atwel and John Chapman judges of cleo
ton for Falls precinct No other business coming
the board adjournment taken to the fourth Monday
in April"
From these appears years ago there
and three consables in all of Oregon between the Cascades
and Rocky mountains. They located at The Dales
and Falls (now Cascade Locks.
In those days resorng to arbrators civil
actions nfequent between
ties living convenient to the seat of and
criminal matters often settled outside the
idea of inconvenience
the early history of Eastern Oregon may gained
yon City, in 1868.
The gold mines at that place discovered the
hither Way was among the number HIS ayace ae
induced him to murder companion named Gallagher and
became known to the miners and the crime of his
was then fastened upon Way The deputy sheriff
only peace officer in that section and Way taken in
custody by that official. Jails then unknown and
diem only $500 he could not afford to stand guard
over the prisoner hire assistant Way
captured at Boise and brought back Canyon City Hav-
ing been put to considerable trouble in recapuring the
murderer the deputy sheriff refused
nience himself by bringing the prisoner The
be tried 1t journey of 200 miles through an
dian country with who respecors even
high officials lurking behind wayside hiding place.
The deputy sheriff determined be
by Way and calling to his assistance trusted
friends proceeded to in the capacity judge jury
and exeeutioner and Berry Way expiaed the
gallows
But let us s. return to the meeting of the board
April 1854 No business before the board ad-
JOurnment was taken to Wednesday, the 26th
the records show that William c. Laughln chair
man and j. A Simmons clerk. Only day was re-
quireu transact the business of
OF the board for this day were recorded follows:
Granted license to Orlando Hummason keep ferry
Snake river at point within miles
above or below Fort Boise said ferry only required
kept in time of the grafton passing Assessed the
tax for license at $50 per for the term of two
years Rates of ferrying to be for wagon person
belonging thereto. $780, for cattle horses S1OO per
head for passengers so cents for sheep per
head
Granted to Richard Marshall license to keep ferry at
Salmon Falls river the term of two