Cathlamet Washington

Lower Chinook, Kathlamet, Tillamook, and Clatsop Indians, Alive in 1906

In 1906, Charles E. McChesney compiled a list of the Lower Chinook, Kathlamet, Tillamook, and Clatsop Indians, along with their heirs, who had treaty agreements with the U.S. government since 1851. The document includes numerous names and corresponding addresses across various locations, such as Oregon, Washington, and California. This registration underscores the ongoing recognition of these tribes and serves as an important historical record of their existence and relocations during that period.

Biography of James Birnie

James Birnie, born in 1800 in Paisley, Scotland, emigrated to Montreal in 1816. After studying French, he joined the Northwest Fur Company and later the Hudson’s Bay Company, where he held various roles, including Indian trader and bookkeeper. He worked at several posts, including Fort Spokane and Astoria, earning respect for his generosity and helpfulness. In 1845, he settled in Cathlamet, cultivating the land and raising a family of thirteen children. Birnie passed away in 1864, leaving a lasting legacy in Oregon.

Biography of Hon. William Strong

Hon. William Strong, born on July 15, 1817, in Vermont, significantly influenced Oregon and Washington’s legal systems through his extensive service as a judge and practicing lawyer. Appointed associate justice of the Oregon Territory’s supreme court in 1849, he navigated complex political and judicial challenges during a transformative era. Strong’s legal acumen and dedication shaped the early courts, while his legislative contributions established foundational laws. After a distinguished career, he retired to Portland, Oregon, where he continued to reflect on his experiences until his death in 1887.