"Portrait and Biographical Record of Portland and Vicinity, Oregon." Authors: "a compilation of this work....by a number of writers". Chapman Publishing Co; Chicago, 1903. p. 578. THOMAS OTCHIN In these days of money-making, when life is a constant struggle between right and wrong, it is a pleasure to pause long enough to read an account of an unsullied character, one whose life has been honorable and praiseworthy in every respect. To the young it will be a useful lesson and an incentive to honest industry. In reading the life of Thomas Otchin, one of the substantial residents of Hillsboro and one of the earliest pioneers in the west, one finds much to admire and much which is worthy of emulation. In Lincolnshire, England, where his birth occurred November 17, 1814 he spent his early life in a manner usual with farmers' sons, attending school during the winter season and assisting with the multifarious duties incident to life on a farm during summers. In 1836, while still a young man, Mr. Otchin left his native land and set sail for America on the Prince Rupert, Captain Graves, landing at Fort York, on Hudson Bay. Subsequently he went up the Red river to old Fort Garry, now known as Winnipeg, traveling a distance of nine hundred miles, under rather trying circumstances. Traveling on snow-shoes, sleeping on the snow under the open sky and getting meals, were all new experiences for Mr. Otchin, and while ice-bound at Davis Strait he smoked for the first time in his life, due to the fact that on account of the scarcity of provisions the party was put on half rations. After remaining in Winnipeg for two years in the service of the Hudson Bay Company, in 1839, by way of Vancouver, he went to the Fraser river, where for nearly two years he conducted a dairy for the latter company. In June, 1841, he went to Vancouver and a few months later took up a claim on the sound, his farm forming a part of the present site of Olympia, Wash. After carrying on that farm for a year, in 1842 he went to the Tualatin valley and purchased for $16 a farm of six hundred and forty acres, which had formerly been occupied by a sailor, who had made but few improvements upon it. It forms a part of four sections, and is only six miles from Hillsboro and adjacent to West Union. This property is still in his possession, and during the sixty-one years he has owned it it has never been incumbered by debt. During the gold excitement he was one of the argonauts who sought the precious metal in California, meeting with success in his undertakings. Returning to his ranch he continued to follow the peaceful life of the farmer until the year 1898, which year witnessed his arrival in Hillsboro, where he is surrounded by all the comforts heart could wish, and which are the just reward of his well-spent life. While still a young man, and before leaving his native land, Mr. Otchin and Miss Mary Beck, also a native of England, were united in marriage. While residing in West Union, in 1879, death deprived him of her companionship. Two children were born of their union, but both are deceased. In 1858 Mr. Otchin returned to England to visit the scenes of his childhood, and while there one of his sisters died, leaving a daughter, Miss Mary Ann Simpson, who, in October, 1881, came to Oregon to take charge of her uncle's home. She has indeed been an affectionate daughter to him and his declining years have been cheered and brightened by her care and tender watchfulness. Another sister, Mrs. Anthony Tongue, resides on the plains, and her son is the late Hon. Thomas Tongue, of Hillsboro. The Methodist Episcopal Church of Hillsboro claims Miss Simpson as one of its staunchest members. Her brother, William Simpson, resides in Yorkshire, England. In political matters Mr. Otchin gives the weight of his influence in favor of the Republican party. Upright in his dealing with his fellowmen and kind and considerate to all with whom he comes in contact, Mr. Otchin holds a place in the hearts of all, and his life has been one which the younger generation would do well to copy. Transcriber's additional notes: Census 1860, June 19; Washington Co, Forest Grove Pct, p 624 Thomas Ochin, 46, ENG, farmer, $1000 real estate / $3000 pers prop. Mary Ochin, 46, ENG, $3000 real estate Elisha? Miller, 16, IL Lad? Miller, 74, IL Thomas Tongue, 16, ENG Anthony Tongue, 36, ENG Rebecca Tongue, 36, ENG Sarah Beck, 44, ENG 1880, June 8; Washington Co, OR; Washington Pct, p 316 Thomas Otchin, 65, Wd, ENG, ENG, ENG, farmer C. George Preston, boarder, 70, PA, IRE, IRE, hatter James Noland, 30, hired, OR, --, -- Robert Graham, 21, hired, OR?, --, -- 1900, June 7; Washington Co, OR; South Hillsboro Pct, p 287 Thomas Otchin, 55, Nov 1814, ENG, ENG, ENG, Wd, to US 1839, in US 61 yrs, rents house Mary A. Simpson, niece, 40, ENG, ENG, ENG, single, to US 1862, in US 38 yrs http://www.heritagetrailpress. com/DEATH_INDEX/ Oregon Death Index Thomas Otchin died December 6, 1906; Washington Co, OR; cert. # 2541 West Union Cemetery http://www. rootsweb.com/~orwashin/Cem/westernunionbaptist.htm ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in October 2006 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.