Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 25.djvu/369

 War, under the discretion allowed him, held the improvement not worthy at that time—28 years ago. Let us insist the improvement is worthy now, and should commence at once.

But in my review of Port Orford's port, I should not close without reference to a few pioneer worthies, and especially in eulogy of the one who first brought it to historic light, and gave to it continuous and effective aid to the end of his life. He was a man of rare and diversified talents, of indomitable energy, and a fighter to the last. In his day he was one of Oregon's most active and influential men. And this was Captain William Tichenor.

He was the first to discover Port Orford in his sailing voyage in 1850, and to select it as his site in 1851; and then to bring his family here in 1852. This was after its long obscurity, since the days of the great English navigator Captain George Vancouver in 1791.

Captain Tichenor was born in Newark, New Jersey, June 13, 1813, and of American parentage. When but twelve years of age his restless spirit sought the life of seafaring, until in 1833, when he quit for a time, but returned to it after visiting the West. Then again he left the sea, and removed to Illinois, where he studied law and was elected by the people as State Senator.

Then the great Mexican War began, and he recruited two volunteer companies of soldiers for Colonel Edward D. Baker's regiment. In 1849 the same resolute energy directed him to the gold fields of California, where with pick and shovel he mined on the American River. Still not satisfied, the white sails of commerce again beckoned him to the high seas, and with his earnings he bought