On February 22, 1845, twin daughters, Orilla and Rosilla, were born to Abel Mattoon and Sarah Lewis Mattoon in LaGrange County, Indiana. Abel was farming there, possibly with his father Philip, and brothers. Philip died in 1846, and the following March most of his nine adult children left LaGrange County to travel to Oregon. Abel and Sarah traveled with five children: John Prentiss age 14, Malinda age 8, Oliver Perry age 6, William Henry age 4, and the two-year-old twins, Orilla and Rosilla. Probably John Prentiss helped his father drive the ox teams pulling their wagons and Malinda helped her mother with the younger children. The family arrived in Oregon City in October. Abel received a land claim by 1849, in an area that came to be known as Hardens Precinct of Clackamas County. His brothers and sisters and their families settled nearby. Probably Orilla and Rosilla had plenty of opportunities to visit with aunts, uncles, and cousins. In 1860, Orilla was enumerated in ...
About Barbara Mattoon I am a genealogist, family historian, world traveler, photographer, writer, mother, grandmother, gardener, friend and volunteer. The purpose of this blog is to share family history, but it will also contain comments on travel, photography, books, theater and concerts. Lifelong learning is my passion. I will be nudging and encouraging my generation and those following to participate in life and learning every day. I would love to have you come along.