Lang, H. O., ed. "The History of the Willamette Valley, Being A Description of the Valley and its Resources, with an account of its Discovery and Settlement by White Men, and its Subsequent History; Together with Personal Reminiscences of its Early Pioneers." Portland, OR, Geo. H. Himes, Book and Job Printer, 1885. p. 623. ALANSON HINMAN Mr. Hinman also belongs to the band of immigrants known as the Ford company, who crossed the plains in 1844. He had then reached the age of twenty-two years, and was a native of Chenango County, New York. His earliest work in Oregon was teaching school in the Salem Institute, the precursor of the Willamette University. He stayed here two years, and in 1847 went to The Dalles and took charge of the missionary station there as secular agent, that being an outpost of Whitman's station at Waiilatpu. This was shortly before the Whitman massacre. The occurrence of that dreadful tragedy was unknown to Mr. Hinman, whose first intimation of what had occurred was given him on a row-boat in which he was proceeding to Vancouver. The messenger who carried the tidings had accompanied him, and on the way disclosed his secret. Mr. Hinman returned from Vancouver as quickly as possible to the assistance of his wife, but, unfortunately, found matters at The Dalles in the same condition as he left them. The situation, however, was critical. the Wascoes, who inhabited the country round about, were not to be depended on to protect the white occupants, who were few and unable to protect themselves. The Indians refused to assist in the departure of Mr. Hinman and his friends, until he hit upon the ruse of telling them that the white people of Oregon would hold them responsible for any harm that might result from an invasion by the hostile Cayuses. Upon this the Wascoes, in alarm, offered their services to assist the mission party away, and the whites immediately left the dangerous locality. The names of the white occupants of The Dalles station were, Mr. Hinman, wife and children; Mrs. McKinney, Miss Warren (sister of Henry Warren, of Yamhill, and afterwards married to Mr. White), and Perrin Whitman, nephew of Dr. Marcus Whitman. Soon after these occurrences, Mr. Hinman moved with his family to what is now Washington County, and located on a claim nine miles from Forest Grove, and stayed thereupon until about 1855, when he removed to Forest Grove, and has since remained there. His occupations have been farming, dealing in live-stock, and merchandising. For six years he served as collector of customs at Astoria. Has been a member of the State assembly. Is now a merchant in Forest Grove. Has a family of six children. Mrs. Hinman (born Miss Gerrish) came with the Gilliam immigration in 1844. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in May 2005 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.