Local papers are gold mines of information. Today, I read about the complicated history
of slavery in Oregon.
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Ted Shorack of the Daily Astorian reported on obscure facts of Oregon's earliest history in the April 11 edition. Author Greg Nokes', research revealed the Oregon provisional government outlawed slavery in the territory in 1843. Farmers brought slaves into the territory and continued to enslave them. Because there were very few slaves in the Oregon, their status was easily overlooked.
Not so for freed slaves who brought with them complications. Emancipated slaves, Robin and Polly Holmes, sued Nathaniel Ford for the release of their children from slavery. The children were released in 1854 after a lengthy court battle. Following this case, lawmakers passed a law prohibiting blacks from filing a lawsuit or testifying against white citizens. Eventually, an exclusion law required slaves to leave the Oregon Territory after being freed. Breaking this law could result in up to 39 lashes for the offender.
In 1857 Oregonians voted on the constitution, including provisions that Oregon be a free state - a free state that excluded blacks. Blacks were not allowed to own land, enter into contracts and If they settled in Oregon, they could be forcefully removed.
The exclusion clause was removed from Oregon's constitution in 1926.
Not so for freed slaves who brought with them complications. Emancipated slaves, Robin and Polly Holmes, sued Nathaniel Ford for the release of their children from slavery. The children were released in 1854 after a lengthy court battle. Following this case, lawmakers passed a law prohibiting blacks from filing a lawsuit or testifying against white citizens. Eventually, an exclusion law required slaves to leave the Oregon Territory after being freed. Breaking this law could result in up to 39 lashes for the offender.
In 1857 Oregonians voted on the constitution, including provisions that Oregon be a free state - a free state that excluded blacks. Blacks were not allowed to own land, enter into contracts and If they settled in Oregon, they could be forcefully removed.
The exclusion clause was removed from Oregon's constitution in 1926.
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