| didn't care about the lives of the settlers, but because all the states and territories at that time existed in an even balance of "Free vs. Slave" and to admit Oregon would break that balance. Meek toured, stumping for political votes and pressure in Congress and finally his Cousin President James Polk got his wish and Oregon was admitted--Just another brick in the road to Civil War, Meek returned as appointed US Marshal for all of the West North Of California. He later served as a Sheriff, Legislator in Oregon, and Finally as Coroner of Washington County Oregon. During his tenure as an elected Legislator, he tried to extend the northern boundary of Oregon Territory up the nose of the British, all the way North to where Juneau Alaska now stands. Never MEEK, and sometimes really Not SO MILD. Joseph Lafayette Meek born in Washington County, Virginia, hence we have Washington County Oregon. He was born in 1810 and went to the mountains as Trapper in 1819(Died 1875) "A man who matched the Mountains." Known by all as a Grizzly Bear Fighter and a Humorist as we would think of Mark Twain or Will Rogers in this age. Carving is basswood, 6 inches thick by 28 inches wide and 26"Inches tall |
