Recollections Of My Boyhood

APPLEGATE, JESSE [OREGON PIONEER OF 1843]

Publication: Press of Review Publishing Co, 1914, Roseburg, Oregon

First edition. 8vo. Original color pictorial perfect bound wrappers, 99 pp. Graff 75 says "Applegate, an Oregon pioneer of 1843, laid out the southern route or 'Applegate Trail' to Oregon in 1845." Mintz 10 says "One of the great overland narratives, and the classic account of the Oregon migration of 1843. He traveled, as a nine-year-old boy, with his family from Missouri to Oregon, where they settled in the Willamette Valley, becoming prosperous and influential pioneers in the Territory. His reminiscences provided an interesting, detailed, and perceptive record of the crossing and the first decade of life in the Oregon country, which was still a dangerous and hostile environment for the frontiersman." -- John Howell Books.

Chapter I begins with his early life ... family background, living on the Osage River in Missouri, and the set-up for leaving for Oregon; Chapter II describes the difficult journey ... down the Columbia River, camps, crises (boat accidents, tragedies) during the journey; Chapter III recounts the first winter & summer in Oregon, hardship, dealings with early settlers and indigenous tribes, survival with very limited supplies; Chapter IV deals with settling in the Willamette Valley ... farming, building homes, creating orchards, daily frontier life, interaction with nature, inventiveness, etc; Chapter V moves to the experiences in the Umpqua Valley, including conflict (Rogue River war), treaties with Native Americans, and reflections on the changes over time (Wikisource).

"This book is by the son of Jesse Applegate, Sr. who wrote his own version of the trek in 'A Day With The Cow Column" in 1843." A small closed tear to the top edge of the front cover else a near fine bright and tight copy of a rare book. Housed in a protective case that is enclosed in a quarter leather and cloth case with raised bands and the titles stamped in gilt on the spine.