David Leslie was born in New Hampshire in 1787.
He came to Oregon in 1837 to join Jason Lee's mission group and became the chief assistant in managing the mission. After working for Lee, Leslie went to the Sandwich Islands in 1842. He returned to Oregon and opened the first frame church in Oregon City. He was chaplain of the first territorial legislature in 1849.
From the description of Appointment of David Leslie as administrator of Ewing Young estate [manuscript], 1841 April 15. (Oregon Historical Society Research Library). WorldCat record id: 707636271