Gaston, Joseph.  "The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912."  Vol. 4. 
Chicago, Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. pp. 64-65.

ELIJAH BRISTOW

	Elijah Bristow, the first settler in Lane county, whose portrait will be
found in this work, was born in Tazewell county, Virginia, April 28, 1788.  His
boyhood days were passed in the mountainous regions of Virginia, where his early
training accustomed him to the woodman's ways and to the use of firearms.  Here
he rapidly became noted as an expert marksman and hunter.  His surroundings and
early training imbued him with the restless spirt of adventure, and upon
arriving at manhood, he turned his face westward.  Emigrating to Kentucky, he
commenced the improvement of a home, acquiring in the meantime, the different
trades of lhatter, blacksmith and gunsmith.  The two latter being his favorites,
were followed assiduously, together with the occupation of a farmer, until old
age palsied his arm and he was unable to do further labor.  When the War of 1812
and the Creek Indian war broke out, he was among the first in his locality to
volunteer his services to his country.  Declining proffered command of a company
of volunteers, he went, as he preferred, in the ranks, serving with distinction,
in Captain Kennedy's company, through one campaign under General Jackson against
the Creek Indians.  He was present and took part in the battle of Taladega
during that expedition.  His accurate marksmanship soon brought him under the
notice of General Jackson, who took occasion to frequently put him upon special
duty, scouting, etc.  The following instance he used to relate with much amusing
detail as illustrating "Old Hickory's" violent temper and arbitrary disposition.
Being ordered to shoot some beeves, he took his trusty rifle and started for the
cattle pens near the camp, but was stopped by a sentinel who refused to let him
pass without the countersign.  He returned to the general's tent to obtain it,
but "Old Hickory" being out of humor about something, began storming, saying he
did not send him out to get countersigns but to kill beeves.  That was enough
for Bristow, who walked back to the line of the sentinel's beat, and at long
range began shooting down the cattle on the hillside beyond.  On learning what
was being done, Jackson ordered the sentry to "let that d--- sharpshooter pass
the lines."  Various incidents of his campaign life might be related
illustrative of his energy and determination under difficulties, but space will
not permit.
	From Kentucky Mr. Bristow emigrated to Illinois, settling first in Macoupin
county.  Later he removed to McDonough county, where he lived about twenty-three
years.  During the Black Hawk war, his neighbors becoming alarmed, commenced to
build a fort in which to place their families for safety.  In order to quiet
their fears, Mr. Bristow volunteered to go to the front and ascertain if any
immediate danger was pending; in doing which he went alone from his home to Rock
Island and back, a distance of over a hundred miles, through a country which was
then uninhabited except by Indians.  Finding the territory clear of hostiles he
returned to his neighbors, quieted their fears and cased the little settlement
to again resume its round of peaceful occupations.  In the year 1845, Mr.
Bristow turned his face westward again, going first to California, and thence to
Oregon the following year, where he became, as previously stated, the first
settler in Lane county.
	March 7, 1812, Mr. Bristow married Miss Susanna Gabbert, who, by her
patience, perseverance and Christian fortitude, did much towards making his
future live happy and successful.  Elijah Bristow died September 19, 1872, and
lis loved wife and lifelong companion passed away March 7, 1874.  Theirs was a
long and eventful life, interspersed with many trials and hardships, but also
with much of happiness and genuine life pleasures.  As in life, together they
rest, side by side under the oaks in Pleasant Hill cemetery.  Theirs was truly a
pioneer life and in living it, their Christian acts have left their impress
behind them, beautifying their memories and benefiting the lives of those that
follow after them.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in October 2009 by Jenny Tenlen. Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.