Clark, Ransom, 1809-1859.

Ransom Clark (1809-1859) was explorer, businessman and politician.

From the guide to the Ransom Clark biography, circa 1920, (Oregon Historical Society Research Library)

Ransom Clark (1809-1859) was explorer, businessman and politician.

He traveled from Wisconsin to St. Louis to New Orleans. In 1843, he joined an expedition under Lt. Fremont to the West Coast. In 1844, He settled in Lafayette, Oregon. In 1845, he married Lettrice Jane Millican (b.1830) who came to Lafayette in 1843. He mined for gold in California and in 1855 in Colville. He also worked in the hotel business. In 1858 he began working on a land claim of 640 acres near Walla Walla. He was also a member of the legislature. In 1844 he helped commission a road from Willamette Falls to the Yamhill River. The Clark's son, William Spencer Clark, was born in 1857 in Portland,Oregon. He became the Assistant Secretary of the Consitutional Convention of Washington Territory in 1878. After Ransom's death his wife, Lettrice, married Almos H. Reynolds.

From the description of Ransom Clark biography [manuscript], circa 1920. (Oregon Historical Society Research Library). WorldCat record id: 768198182