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.