R. P. Boise

“ This information, sent back by the missionaries and others to their former homes in the States, created great interest in this country, and these tidings from the missionaries in far-off Oregon aroused an interest among the people in the Eastern States that caused many daring and energetic men and women to make the long and dangerous journey across the plains to possess this fair land. They brought with them ideas of liberty and free government by the people, and their coming saved this vast, rich and beautiful country to the sovereignty and dominion of the United States. ”

“ They went where duty called—ministered to the sick and the needy, helped by word and deed to found and develop the industries of the country, that their mission might become self-supporting and a moral and thrifty community grow up around them, and it is most fitting that we who enjoy so abundantly the great blessings that have come to us, as the result of their labors, should pay reverence and honor to the memory of Jason Lee, who was their leader in these great enterprises. ”

“ The missionaries who crossed the plains and mountains to reach this country, were indeed the earliest of the pioneers. They were messengers of civilization, who spied out the land and opened highways for future immigrants, and gave to the people of the Eastern States accurate information as to the agricultural value of the country ”