Page:Oregon, her history, her great men, her literature.djvu/157



GOVERNORS CURRY, DAVIS, AND CURRY

(May 19, 1853— March 3, 1859) CHAPTER IX.

"Those pioneers Who set their plowshares to the sun Were kings of heroes every one."—Joaquin Miller.

Governor George L. Curry was born in Philadelphia, July 2, 1 820. In 1 843, he started west, and, after an experience of three years in the newspaper business in St. Louis, crossed the plains to Oregon, arriving there on August 30, 1 846. For a time he was editor of the Oregon * 'Spectator,** and in May, 1853, was appointed Secretary of OregonTerritory, becoming Gov e r n o r (upon the resignation of General Lane) and serving in that governor and mrs. oeorge l. curry capacity until the following December.

Governor Davis. John W. Davis was appointed governor by President Pierce and arrived in Oregon on December 2, 1853, but resigned August 1 of the following year. Governor Davis had been a member of Congress from Indiana for four terms and had served one term as Speaker of the National House of Representatives. He was also at one time United States minister to China. He was not acquainted with western spirit or customs; hence resigned his office. His career as Governor was uneventful and after his brief service he returned to Indiana, where he died in 1859. 156