Carey, Charles Henry. "History of Oregon." Vol. 2. Chicago-Portland: Pioneer Historical Pub. Co., 1922. p. 673. THEODORE WYGANT Theodore Wygant, navigation executive, who became a resident of Oregon on the 28th of October, 1850, was born in Ulster county, New York, November 22, 1831, his parents being William and Amelia (Fowler) Wygant. His father afterward removed to Indianapolis, Indiana, where the son was educated as a pupil in the public schools. He was a youth of eighteen years when he started for the Pacific coast, leaving home on the 22d of May, 1850, and arriving in Oregon City on the 28th of October. There he spent two years employed in various ways, and in 1852 he began steamboating on the Upper Willamette river as clerk on the pioneer boat Canemah. Later he became agent for the joint steamship companies at Oregon City and in 1863 he removed to Portland, becoming secretary and treasurer of the Oregon Steam Navigation Company. When Henry Villard reorganized the company and changed its name to the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company Mr. Wygant was retained as secretary and assistant treasurer, in which dual capacity he continued to serve until his retirement from active business in 1887. He was thoroughly equipped for the office which he held by reason of his wide and accurate knowledge of steamship and traffic conditions throughout not only the immediate territory in which he lived but also throughout the entire west. He discharged the duties of various official positions with the same diligence, intelligence and skill which were manifested and more highly developed in his executive life, until through the channels of work well done and achievements of lasting importance, his name finds place on the roll of honor of those who served the company faithfully and well. The example of his integrity, his honorable dealing and his upright life is an inspiration alike to friends, associates and subordinates. At Oregon City, on the 19th of October, 1858, Theodore Wygant was united in marriage to Miss Margaret G. Rae, a daughter of William Glen Rae and a granddaughter of Dr. John McLoughlin, chief factor of the Hudson Bay Company in the great northwest. Dr. McLoughlin has often been called the "Father of Oregon" and "Oregon's most famous pioneer after Lewis and Clark." Theodore Wygant died in Portland, Oregon, February 9, 1905, while his wife passed away November 1, 1912. She was born on the Pacific ocean on the Steamer Beaver, which was at that time making a passage to Fort Stikeen near Sitka, Alaska. The Beaver was the first steamship on the Pacific coast that came from England under sail with her engine and machinery as cargo. To Mr. and Mrs. Wygant were born three daughters who survive: Mrs. Martin Winch, Mrs. W. M. Whidden and Miss M. Louise Wygant, all of Portland where they are prominently known, having long occupied an enviable position in the social circles of the city. Mr. Wygant was a member of the Masonic fraternity and took the Scottish Rite degrees, while several times he served as treasurer of the Oregon Grand Lodge. He was also a member of the Unitarian church from its organization until his death and contributed largely to its upbuilding. His record is as an open book which all may read and from it may be learned many lessons of honor and integrity, also lessons concerning the wise use of time, talent and opportunity. His work was indeed an important element in the development of the northwest, for through his identification with navigation and transportation interests he contributed in marked measure to the upbuilding of this great section of the country. He was a splendid organizer and his executive ability and administrative direction were important factors in the successful conduct of the business that was built up by the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company. His name indeed deserves high place on the list of Oregon's pioneers. Transcriber's additional notes: "History of Portland, Oregon With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Prominent Citizens and Pioneers" D. Mason & Co., Publishers; Syracuse, N.Y.; 1890 Edited by: H. W. Scott Page 364: "During the earlier years of Portland's history, the poor of the city were cared for by the generosity of individual citizens or through the efforts of relief societies connected with the various churches. As the city grew in population more systematic methods for dealing with want and destitution became necessary. In obedience to this demand the Ladies Relief Society -- the first organization to take up the work independently of the religious denominations of the city -- came into existence. This society was formed in March, 1867...." "After four years' work among the poor of the city, the necessity of providing a "Home" where the forsaken and neglected children of the city could be kept and cared for became apparent to the members of the society. To attain this object, the ladies secured the co-operation of W.S. Ladd, Henry Failing, David C. Lewis, Rev. T.L. Eliot and J.C. Ainsworth, who in July, 1871, under the laws of Oregon, became a corporate body and the original trustees of the corporation known as "The Home." Page 366: "The officers of the Ladies' Relief Society, to whom, in connection with the officers of the Board of Trustees, the care and management of "The Home" is entrusted, are: Mrs. Amory Holbrook, president; Mrs. H. F. Suksdorf, vice president; Mrs. Theodore Wygant, treasurer;......." ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in July 2006 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.