Killed, Escaped, Captive
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Many people were staying with the Whitmans when the mission was attacked on November 29, 1847. Most were emigrants who were just spending the winter before continuing on to the Willamette Valley. Below are lists of who was killed, who escaped, and who was held hostage. The hostages were held at the mission site for one month. Ages of children are given in parentheses. Killed (listed in alphabetical order) Crocket Bewley Escaped Mr. W. D. Canfield Mr. Peter D. Hall – made it to Fort Walla Walla, but never seen after that, presumed drowned Osborn Family: Hostages The Whitmans’ adopted children and other children staying with them: Lorinda Bewley (brother Crocket Bewley- killed) Mrs. Saunders (husband Judge L. W. Saunders - killed) Mrs. Rebecca Hays Mrs. Peter D. Hall (husband - escaped, but presumed drowned) Mrs. Nathan Kimball (husband - killed) Marsh Family: (Walter Marsh - killed) Mrs. W. D. Canfield (husband - escaped) Mr. and Mrs. Elam Young Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Smith Sources Drury, Clifford M. Chapter 21 (pdf 2.7 mb) and Chapter 22 (pdf 2.1 mb) of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman and the Opening of Old Oregon. 1994. Northwest Interpretive Association: Seattle, Washington. |
Did You Know?
Wagons used on the Oregon Trail had to carry nearly 2000 pounds of supplies. They traveled 2000 miles or more to the Oregon Country. Most wagons were pulled by oxen as they could eat the prairie grass and survive without lots of food for lengthy periods.