The Ontario Argus. (Ontario, Or.) 1???-1947, 1922-04-06

vate companies which we're moi
bound with government red tape
John Jacob Astor, an adopted citi.
zen of this country, engaged in the
fur business on small scale and
gradually built up a large and pro.
fitable business.
In 1909 he formed the American
Fur Company with a capital stock
OF a million dollars, and bought out
the Mackinaw Company and formed
the Southwest Company. The North.
west coast OF America became q
great fur gathering section and
among the ships which traded along
this coast was the Columbia, in com.
mand OF Captain Gray.
In 1902 Captain Gray discovered
the Columbia river, named after his
ship. Then in 1906 Lewis and Clark
trayersed the continent reached the
headwaters OF the Columbia and
sailed down to the mouth OF the
river. Mr.. Astor conceived the idea
of establishing a great trading post
at the mouth of the river and tap all
of the fur bearing country OF the
Northwest.
His Idea was to establish a line OF
trading posts from the Missouri to
the Columbia and have China as the
great mart for the furs obtained. He
interested with him Alexander
Mckay Duncan McDougal. Donal
Mckenzie and Wilson Price Hunt.
June 23. 1910, the Pacific Fur Com
pany was formed with the above
named men as partners OF Mr.. As
tor.
Two expeditions we're devised and
set out ON foot. one by sea and one
by land to reach the mouth OF the
Columbia and establish trading
post. Tho ship Tonquin, under
command 'of Captain Jonathan
Thorn. was fitted out for the sea
voyage and the land expedition was
placed under the command OF Mr..
Hunt.
Mr.. Hunt proceeded to st. Louis,
which was then the outpost OF civil
ization. to III himself out with
company TO undertake the toilsome
and perilous trip overland through
a savage and unknown country.
lilo was greatly harassed In his
undertaking by the Missouri Fur
Company which did not relish the
thought OF a rival company coming
into the field.
But by perseyering. MIR. Hunt
finally gathered together a company
1t boatmen and hunters with which
% make the journey.
Included In his company were
Iuch men as Donald Mckenzie. JOS
'ph Miller. Robert Mcclellan, John
Day. Ramsay Crooks, Pierre Dorion,
nterperator. John Bradbury. sclen-
list, Mr.. Nutall. scientist and John
Reed. clerk.
In October, 1910, the party left
81. Louis and proceeded up the Mis-
Iouri river In boats, where a inter
amp was made.
Early In the spring OF 1911, the |
tart was made from Nodawa, there |
icing twenty-six In the party. On
he trip up the river great flocks
Il pigeons were encountered which |
L times blackened the sky, their
numbers were so great.
Frequent desertions were made in |
he ranks OF the little company but |
ecruits were also received as they |
vent along 30 that the party was |
Enlarged rather than diminished.
Various tribes OF Indians were en-
iountered on the journey up the
liver. The omahas were very friend
ana traded with the party Tor
uch things as both desired.
Benjamin Jones and Alexander
larson. two great hunters, were met
nd induced to turn back and go
With the party, being a welcome ad-
lition to the little band.
The Poncas was the next tribe
net with and friendly intercourse
with Il.
The party was next reinforced
" three Kentucky hunters who were
IN their way home. but could not re-
list the temptation to again defy |
he wilderness and Join such an ex-
edition.
These men were Edward Robin
on, John Hobaok and Jacob Riz-
Ter. Robinson had been scalped
md wore a handkerchief around his |
lead in lieu of hair. The Sioux In
lians we're next encountered but no
yet OF violence was received at their