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Book Review of Joseph Meek: The Life and Legacy of the Oregon Territory?s Most Influential Politician during the 19th Century

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Although born in Virginia, Joe Meek made his name as a trapper, Indian fighter of Oregon. By the time Meek was in his 30s, the area was becoming too tame and furs were becoming scarce, so Meek turned his attention to assisting settlers to travel to the Oregon area. Then he became a settler himself and took on positions as a peace officer, local politician, and then politician to the US government, requesting Oregon being turned into an Oregon Territory.

Meek was one of those larger-than-life characters who loved practical jokes and wild tales of his trapping years. This book makes a point of telling that Meek's Indian wife and children were looked down upon. Meek didn't care what people thought about his rough ways but he was incensed that his family was treated with contempt. Meek lived out his days in Oregon and was one of its most famous citizens in the 19th century.