Joseph Lafayette Meek – Trapper to Politician
Joseph Lafayette "Joe" Meek, a figure etched in the annals of American frontier history, embodied the multifaceted spirit of the West. He transitioned from a rugged trapper navigating the treacherous Rocky Mountains to a pioneering settler, a dedicated lawman, and ultimately, a prominent politician instrumental in the establishment of the Oregon Territory. His life, a tapestry woven with threads of adventure, resilience, and civic duty, offers a compelling glimpse into the formative years of the Pacific Northwest. The story of Joseph Lafayette Meek – Trapper to Politician is a microcosm of the American westward expansion, showcasing the individual grit and collective ambition that shaped the nation.
Born on February 9, 1810, in Washington County, Virginia, near the historically significant Cumberland Gap, Meek’s early life was rooted in the eastern United States. His parents were Captain James Meek, Jr., and Spicy Walker Meek. However, the tranquility of his childhood was disrupted by a strained relationship with his stepmother, which prompted him to seek his fortune westward. He initially journeyed to Lexington, Missouri, where he reunited with two of his brothers, laying the foundation for his future adventures in the untamed territories.
At the tender age of 19, in 1829, Meek embarked on a life-altering path, signing on with the renowned William Sublette as a trapper for the Rocky Mountain Fur Company. For the ensuing eleven years, he immersed himself in the arduous and often perilous existence of a mountain man. This period forged his character, honed his survival skills, and indelibly shaped his perspective on the American landscape. Early in his trapping career, while traveling with a party along the Yellowstone River, a confrontation with a band of Blackfeet Indians scattered the group. This incident led Meek to explore the awe-inspiring region that is now Yellowstone National Park. His later description of the area in his biography vividly portrays the geothermal wonders he encountered: "The whole country beyond was smoking with the vapor from boiling springs and burning with gasses, issuing from small craters, each emitting a sharp whistling sound." This experience, documented in his personal accounts, showcases the spirit of exploration that defined Joseph Lafayette Meek – Trapper to Politician.
Meek’s early years were marked by participation in the celebrated Battle of Pierre’s Hole in Idaho in July 1832, an intense clash between trappers and Native Americans. The following year, he embraced the life of a free trapper, affording him greater autonomy and control over his ventures. In 1833-1834, Meek accompanied Joe Walker on his expedition to California, becoming one of the first Americans to traverse the overland route to the Pacific coast. This journey exposed him to new landscapes, cultures, and opportunities, further broadening his horizons.
After returning from California, Meek participated in the final Green River’s Ham Fork rendezvous of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company in the summer of 1834. These annual gatherings were significant events in the fur trade, providing trappers with opportunities to trade their pelts, resupply, and socialize. The rendezvous marked a pivotal moment in the industry, signaling the decline of the fur trade era and the beginning of a new chapter in the West. The story of Joseph Lafayette Meek – Trapper to Politician includes this transitional period in American history.
Somewhere amidst his mountain adventures, Meek formed a bond with a Nez Perce woman named Unentucken Tukutsey, affectionately known as "Lamb of the Mountain." She became his wife and bore him a daughter in 1838, named Helen Mar Meek. Tragedy struck when his first wife fell victim to an attack by a Bannock raiding party, leaving Meek a widower with an infant daughter. Subsequently, Nez Perce Chief Kowesota gifted him a new wife, whose actual name remains unknown, but whom Meek affectionately called "Virginia." These relationships illustrate the complex interactions and cultural exchanges that occurred between mountain men and Native American tribes.
By 1840, the fur trapping industry was waning, prompting Meek, his wife Virginia, and fellow trapper Robert Newell to seek new prospects in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. They arrived on December 15, 1840, marking the beginning of Meek’s transition from a nomadic trapper to a settled pioneer. In Oregon, he initially worked for various farmers and served as a guide for the early wagon trains that traversed the Oregon Trail. In 1841, he established his own farm in Washington County, Oregon, signaling his commitment to building a new life in the region.
Meek’s leadership qualities and community involvement led him to serve as sheriff in 1843 under the newly formed Provisional Government of Oregon. By 1845, he had prospered and earned a seat in the provisional legislature, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the burgeoning Oregon society. This marked a significant turning point in his career, as he transitioned from a frontiersman to a politician actively shaping the future of the territory. The narrative of Joseph Lafayette Meek – Trapper to Politician takes a definitive turn towards public service at this point.
A pivotal event that deeply impacted Meek and the Oregon community was the Whitman Massacre on November 29, 1847. Not only did he lose his friends, Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, but his young daughter, Helen Mar Meek, was present at the mission during the attack. She was only nine years old and was among the 49 people who were kidnapped. Tragically, she died in captivity, adding to the profound loss and grief experienced by Meek and the other settlers.
In early 1848, Meek embarked on a crucial journey to Washington, D.C., carrying news of the Whitman Massacre and the ensuing Cayuse War. He met with President James K. Polk, who was married to his cousin, and passionately advocated for making the Oregon Country a federal territory. His compelling arguments and firsthand account of the situation in Oregon played a significant role in persuading Congress to take action. This trip to Washington D.C. was pivotal in the life of Joseph Lafayette Meek – Trapper to Politician.
Congress approved the request to establish the Oregon Territory the following year, and Meek was appointed as the territory’s Federal Marshal, a position he held for the next five years. In this role, he was responsible for enforcing the law, maintaining order, and overseeing the administration of justice. One of his most difficult tasks was overseeing the execution of the Native Americans found guilty in the Whitman Massacre, a somber duty that reflected the complexities of the era.
In 1855, Meek played a prominent role in the Yakima War, organizing the Oregon Volunteers and earning the rank of Major for his service. This conflict further demonstrated his commitment to protecting the interests of the settlers and maintaining stability in the region. Following his military service, he remained active in politics, becoming an ardent Unionist and helping to establish the Republican Party of Oregon.
Joseph Lafayette Meek died at his home on June 20, 1875, at the age of 65. His wife, Virginia, outlived him by nearly 25 years, passing away on March 3, 1900. They are both buried at the Tualatin Plains Presbyterian Church cemetery north of Hillsboro, Oregon, their final resting place a testament to their enduring legacy in the region.
Meek’s life was driven by a desire to see Oregon become a secure part of the United States. He once expressed this sentiment, saying, "I want to live long enough to see Oregon securely American… so I can say that I was born in Washington County, United States, and died in Washington County, United States." His words encapsulate his unwavering patriotism and his dedication to the American ideal.
His older brother, Stephen Meek, was also a trapper and became known for his role in the ill-fated Meek Cutoff, a disastrous shortcut on the Oregon Trail that resulted in significant hardship and loss of life for the pioneers who followed it.
The life of Joseph Lafayette Meek – Trapper to Politician represents a unique chapter in the expansion of the United States. His journey from the rugged wilderness to the halls of power is a testament to his adaptability, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the Oregon Territory.