FORTY-FIVE YEARS IN WASHINGTON TERRITORY.
REV. CUSHING EELS, D.D.
From August 1838, to Sept., 1883, a period of more than 45 consecutive years, I was a resident of what is now Oregon and Washington Territory. I spent the greater part of those years in what is included in Washington Territory.
I was employed during the first ten years in mission work under the patronage of the American Board in behalf of the Spokane Indians.
The massacre of Marcus Whitman, M.D., and others in the Walla Walla Valley, Nov., 1847, was followed by war which necessitated the removal in 1848 of all Protestants from the mission field east of the Cascade Mountains. By military proclamation, June, 1848, the country named was declared closed against missionaries. It remained thus eleven years. June, 1859, by military proclamation, the Walla Walla country was declared open for settlement.
In July of that year I, as agent of the A. B. C. F. M., went to Walla Walla to look after their interests. Standing beside the grave of the distinguished patriot and martyr, Dr. Whitman, I purposed to attempt the erection of a monument to his memory in the form of a school of high Christian character. The following Spring, 1860, I commenced work in fulfillment of the plan named. During the next 12 years the execution of that plan was with me all-controlling. In pursuance of said object I recently returned to my native New England.
During my sojourn in Walla Walla from 1860 to 1872 I was favored with opportunities for the measurable prosecution of evangelistic work among the Spokane Indians. In May, 1872, my house at the place formerly occupied by Dr. Whitman was consumed by fire.
My elder son had previously been nominated by the American Missionary Association as Indian agent and confirmed by Government. Previous to his taking charge the Lord's day had been distinguished for the performance of outlandish wickedness. With the new agent there was change of employés. A weekly prayer meeting was appointed and conducted. With a good degree of constancy it has been continued to the present time. A Sunday-school was organized. It is continued with sustained interest.
Soon after the burning of my house in Walla Walla, Agent Eells hastened thither and took his mother to his home. Early the following autumn I joined dear ones at Skokomish. A new departure was named. In pursuance thereof, with the interpreter, a devout Indian, I conducted divine service at the Indian village. It was continued with gratifying results.
In July, 1874, a church composed of whites and Indians was organized. I was chosen pastor. About that time my younger son, Rev. Myron Eells, arrived at Skokomish, with the intention of making a brief stop. To me my early Indian charge, the Spokanes, together with the sparse white settlements in the vicinity, were attractive. I resigned the charge at Skokomish. It was committed to Rev. M. Eells. The seed of the word cast among Spokane Indians did not spring up quickly. It had slow growth, but a rich harvest has been gathered. But I may not enlarge. From my experience and observation the so-called peace policy, when fairly tested, is a success. Connected therewith the ideas and work of the A. M. A. are specially applicable to efforts for the elevation of the Indian. In my judgment the vexed Indian problem may thereby be solved—solved to the mutual profit of our Government and the Indian.