Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 26.djvu/288

228 Middle West. Four years later, as a boy of thirteen, he was doing a man's part as he trudged halfway across the American continent on his way to Oregon. He was the last President of the Oregon State Pioneers Association who was of responsible age when, on February 14, 1859, Oregon was admitted into the Union as a state. Father Matthieu, the last survivor of the famous 52, left us eleven years ago. William H. Packwood, the last survivor of the Oregon Constitutional Convention of 1857, went to his final reward years ago. Of the 40 Past Presidents of the Oregon State Pioneer Association but 14 remain, and of these 14 are a bare half dozen came to Oregon under the shelter of a covered wagon. The thoroughly seasoned pioneers of the 40's and 50's who were old enough to properly sense the trials and the perils of the overland journey to Oregon are practically extinct. The youngsters of the secondary or adolescent pioneer group are on deck. They will get their best inspirations from men of the type of Andrew J. Hunsaker and his compeers. These were men of noble breed. They were home builders. And as such they were state builders of the best type. They were makers of such history as to excite our pride and commendation. Father Hunsaker was a fair, average representative of the composite community of which he was a part. He was a kindly, considerate, unassuming Christian gentleman. The memory of his social qualities and the unselfish service he rendered his fellow men will remain as a perpertual benediction, and there will be a new classification, and a higher rating awaiting him than the world might now possibly be willing to concede. May the memory of his useful life and the influence of his example constantly abide with us.