ST. PAUL, Ore. — Amazing America 250 celebrates America’s 250th anniversary through stories of amazing local people, pride and our shared American history. Click HERE to watch the documentary ‘The Price of Freedom: Stories Behind America’s Most Sacred Places’ on YouTube now.
William Cannon was born in 1755 in what is now Pittsburgh. He fought in the Revolutionary War before making his way to Oregon at the age of 55.
“The only Revolutionary War veteran buried in the West, we believe,” said Kerry Tymchuck, Executive Director of the Oregon Historical Society. “[He’s] certainly the only one in Oregon, and records have shown none in Washington State, none in California.”
Cannon died at the age of 99 and was buried in St. Paul. He’s honored annually in a ceremony by the Sons of the American Revolution, a nonprofit dedicated to patriotism and honoring American history.
“We keep the story alive by coming down here and acknowledging William Cannon,” said David Witter with the Sons of the American Revolution.
Tymchuck said a painting inside the Champoeg Visitor Center depicts a meeting in 1843, where deliberations occurred over whether to become part of the United States or stay with the British Empire. Cannon was present for that meeting, and advocated for joining the United States.
He married a member of the Chinook Tribe, but historians say there’s ultimately little else known about his life.
Tymchuck said what is known about him “makes him seem like quite an interesting character in the history of this state.”
KATU will celebrate America’s birthday by looking at our history, our freedoms and democracy, our innovations, culture and the heroes among us.
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