[OR_Archaeology] State Archives offers "Early Oregonian Database" (just what ever hist bckgd researcher wants for Xmas)

[Susan White]

EARLY OREGONIANS DATABASE ADDED TO STATE ARCHIVES WEBSITE

As a legacy to commemorate the sesquicentennial of Oregon’s
statehood, the Oregon State Archives announces the launch of the Early
Oregonians Database on its website
https://secure.sos.state.or.us/prs/personProfileSearch.do?earlyOregonian=true&searchReset=true



This resource uses data from census, death, probate, and other records
to help researchers find information and documents about people who
lived in Oregon prior to statehood. Volunteers at the Archives have
worked on this project for more than five years.  The database currently
contains over 105,500 entries for individuals who lived in Oregon prior
to statehood. Because of limits on available records and documentation,
the project can be defined to include people living in Oregon from 1800
to 1860. 

The foundation of information in the database is based on data
extracted from the 1850 and 1860 censuses for Oregon.  Volunteers have
created profiles of individuals that capture information about their
parents, spouses, and birth and death information.  When possible
additional information from records in the Archives holdings and other
published sources have been used to provide more complete or accurate
information.  

Various records from the Oregon State Archives such as probate records,
death certificates, and marriage records were searched to identify
individuals who appeared to meet the criteria. As additional features of
the database become functional, researchers will be able to view a list
of records associated with a particular individual that are part of the
Oregon State Archives holdings and request copies.
 
Despite the fact that large populations of Native Americans lived in
the Oregon Country prior to 1840, documentation of those individuals is
scant and not readily available. Because of this, Native Americans
presented a special challenge. Currently the database includes close to
3,500 individuals of Native American descent. Information on Native
Americans that lived into the twentieth century can be problematic as
well. Project volunteers are beginning to work on the Indian censuses
compiled for the various reservations between 1885 and 1940 with the
goal of incorporating more information and individuals in the project
over time.    

Further review and editing will result in additional entries when
evidence supports inclusion in the database. If you have documentation
you would like to contribute to the Early Oregonians Database, contact
the Archives staff at Early.Oregonians at state.or.us  A more detailed
description of the project and an FAQ are available at
http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/eo_overview.html  and
http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/eo_faqs.html