War of the Rebellion

Biography of Capt. John Burgess Davis

In the booming era of steamboat commerce along the Mississippi River, Captain John Burgess Davis emerged as a distinguished figure. Born in 1828 in Kentucky, he navigated the river’s complexities and achieved notable milestones, including taking the first boat into the Minnesota River and pioneering a critical wing dam for navigation. Davis’s legacy extends beyond the river, as he served with honor in the Civil War and led various steamboat enterprises. His later years were dedicated to family and community projects, leaving behind a reputation for kindness and generosity.

Biographical Sketch of David Ford

David Ford, born on July 27, 1837, in Indiana, was a distinguished citizen and a dedicated soldier in the Union army during the Civil War, serving in the Eighty-fourth Indiana Volunteers until a wound at Kenesaw Mountain ended his service. After marrying Mary Medler in 1857, he moved to Missouri in 1872 and later to California, ultimately settling in Ellensburg, Washington. There, he played an active role in the community, contributing to local education and church activities. Ford passed away in 1887, leaving a significant legacy.

Biography of Hon. William Lair Hill

The Hon. William Lair Hill, born on August 20, 1838, in Tennessee, was a prominent lawyer, writer, and scholar. He was an early advocate against slavery and a dedicated Republican. Despite limited early education, he pursued knowledge relentlessly, mastering several languages. Hill gained acclaim as a constitutional lawyer and engaged actively in Civil War efforts, supporting Union causes through writing and speeches. He contributed significantly to Oregon’s legal framework and education, ultimately settling in Seattle, where he is recognized as a leading authority on constitutional law.