Ancestors


SDOP Ancestors

The information in this database may be useful to those who are researching their genealogy and who believe that they may have one or more ancestors who arrived in the Oregon Territory before Statehood (February 14, 1859).

The report basically shows our current and recent members – organized by their Oregon Pioneer ancestor. We include the Oregon Trail Pioneer’s place of origin as well as the year that they came to Oregon.

Historians believe that over 400,000 people traveled the Oregon Trail between 1836 and 1869. Sadly, the names of most are probably lost to history forever.

This list is an attempt to document as many as we can, based on the membership rolls of the Sons and Daughters of Oregon Pioneers. This database currently only contains about 120,000 names of Pioneer Ancestors as it is based on the current membership database of the organization and other sources.

More names will be added to this databse as our organization volunteers have time to go back through the paper hard copy membership applications of former members who left the organization or became deceased before the SDOP began keeping membership records in a digital format.

It is intended that this database will be updated regularly – as new members join and as we blow the dust off our old file copies! Check the database to view Pioneer records. My Oregon Territory Virtual Museum begins by going to the members only page and clicking on the appropriate link. Members only.

Oregon became a State on February 14, 1859, adding the 33rd star to the U.S. Flag. The 33 star flag was used from July 4, 1859 to July 3, 1861. It was, therefore, the official U.S. Flag at the beginning of the Civil War. Another version of the 33 star U.S. Flag flew at Fort Sumter during the first battle of the Civil War (below). Although Kansas had joined the Union prior to the battle as the 34th state, it's star would not be added until July 4, 1861.
Oregon became a State on February 14, 1859, adding the 33rd star to the U.S. Flag. The 33 star flag was used from July 4, 1859 to July 3, 1861. It was, therefore, the official U.S. Flag at the beginning of the Civil War.
Another version of the 33 star U.S. Flag flew at Fort Sumter during the first battle of the Civil War (below).  While Kansas had become the 34th state prior to the outbreak of the War, it’s star was not added to the flag until July 4, 1861.  President Lincoln refused to remove any of the stars for the seceded states.[/caption]

fort sumter flag