The Gorman family lived in Salem at various times during their lives.  The family included matriarch Hannah, her two children Eliza and Hiram, her daughter-in-law Georgia Ann, and her grandchildren: George Frank “Mose”, Emma and William.

The Gorman family were featured in the 2025 In Freedom’s Footsteps: Juneteenth Community Walking Tour.  Visit the In Freedom’s Footsteps page to access the walking tour of downtown Salem and more information about places where they lived, worked, worshipped and celebrated Emancipation Jubilees.

For more information about the family, including a resource sourcebook, please contact the Willamette Heritage Center’s Research Library.

Map of Gorman Family Places

Gorman Family Tree

Hannah Gorman

Hannah Gorman was likely born in Tennessee[1] in about 1808.[2]  Like many people who suffered enslavement, the early details of her life are murky and poorly documented.  By the birth of her two known children (Hiram and Eliza) in in the 1830s, she was living in Missouri.[3]

It is unclear if the whole family were living together during Hiram and Eliza’s childhoods, but one thing is clear, when Hannah and daughter Eliza embarked on the Oregon Trail in 1844,[4] a continent’s worth of distance was put between them and Hiram, then about 11 years old.[5]

Hannah and Eliza were some of the earliest travelers on the Oregon Trail, coming to Oregon as part of a wagon train captained by Major John Thorp.[6]   Hannah’s obituary lists Thorp as her enslaver,[7] although there is at least one Thorp family tradition that claims she was enslaved by the family of Thorp’s daughter-in-law.[8]

The widowed Major Thorp and his family homesteaded on 320 acres in the Wigrich area of Polk County, Oregon, just southeast of Independence.[9]  Hannah and Eliza are enumerated with the family in the 1850 US Federal Census, six years after their arrival in Oregon and amidst an ever changing series of laws that sought to outlaw slavery, force expulsion of former slaves (with a penalty of whipping or hard labor for non-compliance), and prevent Black individuals from entering the area.[10]

By 1856, Hannah and Eliza had moved to Corvallis[11] where they found financial independence in taking in laundry and sewing.[12]  Within a year they had begun purchasing real estate lots,[13] despite an Oregon Constitutional provision that prohibited Black individuals from owning property in the territory.[14]  Their house, while modified, still stands today in Corvallis and was recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[15]

Eliza died in 1869.[16]  By the 1870 US Federal Census, Hannah had moved in with the Methodist Minister, Rev James Harvey Wilbur and his wife Lucretia in Portland, where she is described as a “domestic” worker.[17]  By 1880, Hannah had relocated back to Corvallis where she was living at 141 Second Street, boarding with Nancy J. Cook.[18]

By the time of her death, 2 July 1888, Hannah had moved in with her son, Hiram and daughter-in-law, Georgia Ann at their home on High Street in Salem. [19] Marion County Probate records provide an interesting look into her estate – listing her personal assets including, $995.96, set of jewelry, bedstead and bedding, wearing apparel (clothing) and a photograph of her daughter Eliza.[20] Following her death, her body was taken to the Crystal Lake Cemetery in Corvallis, Oregon for burial with her daughter Eliza.[21]

Hannah Gorman Citations:

[1] Census and other data give birth places as mostly Tennessee (1850, 1860), with one reference to Virginia (1870) and one “unknown” (1880).  Seems likely that the 1860 date is most to be trusted because only people living in her household to be interviewed were herself and her daughter who would presumably be the most accurate recounters.

[2] Similarly, all the census enumerations and her obituary give varying birthdates ranging from 1806 – 1820.  The average of this range is 1808, also 1808 is the 1860s Enumerated figure (see note in footnote 1, why this might be most accurate retelling).

[3] See bios for Eliza and Hiram below to justify their birth dates and places  in Missouri.

[4] Both Eliza and Hannah are named in the 1876 Oregon Pioneer Association Reunion materials as arriving with John Thorpe’s party in 1844 (Roll of 1844).  See digital version online through HathiTrust

[5] Again, see Hiram’s biography below for justification for this age estimate.

[6] Both Eliza and Hannah are named in the 1876 Oregon Pioneer Association Reunion materials as arriving with John Thorpe’s party in 1844 (Roll of 1844).  See digital version online through HathiTrust.  Also mentioned in Hannah’s obituary: Died.  Oregon Statesman  03 July 1888 pg 3 (Newspapers.com).

[7] Died.  Oregon Statesman  03 July 1888 pg 3 (Newspapers.com).  “The deceased came to Oregon in 1844, crossing the plains with a Mr. Tharp, who settled in Polk County.  If there is no mistake about the matter, she was the slave of Mr. Tharpe in Missouri and after arrival in this valley he still claimed the ownership of her as his slave…”

[8] Personal correspondence between Patricia Benner and Randall Thorp, descendant of John Thorp – catalogued through Sherry Sharp’s genealogy page: https://sherrysharp.com/genealogy/getperson.php?personID=I47092&tree=Roots.  Notations of this are also mentioned in the National Register Nomination form for the house which cites personal correspondence with descendants by Liz Carter and Chris Ruiz in 2013-2014.  See: Nomination Form footnotes 75-77 indicated additional personal correspondence.  Available through SHPO Historic Sites Database: https://heritagedata.prd.state.or.us/historic/index.cfm?do=v.dsp_siteSummary&resultDisplay=29080

[9] In the 1850 Federal Census, Eliza and Hannah are listed as living with Major John C. Thorpe.  His Donation Land Claim paperwork gives a “settled claim date” of 1847 – See indexed patent information Genealogical Material in Oregon Donation Land Claims Volume 1.  Abstracted from Applications by GFO, 1957 which reads “Settled Claim 1 January 1847…absent from claim due to illness of daughter from Nov 1848 to June 1849, family remained on claim during absence.  Note, this settled claim date 3 years after arrival is interesting and may suggest the family lived elsewhere from 1844 -1847.  Biographical information from Thorpe’s son Fielden suggests a brief stay in the Tualatin Plains (see History of the Pacific Northwest (Portland: North Pacific History Company, 1889 Volume 2) biography for Fielden M. Thorp  page 605– available through HathiTrust.org which states arriving in 1844 he made “a landing near the present site of Portland, Mr. Thorp went out to the Tualatin Plains, finding employment in splitting rails to an extent sufficient to procure, with the proceeds of this labor, provisions for the winter; after that he went into Polk County…).  Note also there is a Willamette Farmer article 28 January 1881 pg. 3 Historic Oregon Newspapers which states “Major John Thorp, who settled near Independence, Polk, County, in 1844” suggests a different story.  The Donation Land Claim of Major John C. Thorpe was 320 acres located southeast of Independence in Polk County.  Today the property they lived on is bounded by Wigrich, Hultman and Buena Vista Roads.  To determine this information we compared information available in GLO Records Patent Information (BLM GLO Records); Plat Map 1852 (BLM GLO Records) with more modern maps including 1962 Metsker’s Map (Historic Map Works), Assessor’s Map (ORMAP.net), Modern Map (Googlemaps), which showed a photo on the ground with an address in the bounded property as 5760 Wigrich Road.  And Polk County Tax Information. Polk County Tax information: https://apps2.co.polk.or.us/pso/detail/212159/R to make that assessment.

[10] Best overview of laws passed during this time can be found here: Nokes, Greg.  “Black Exclusion Laws in Oregon” Oregon Historical Society https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/exclusion_laws/. Which points out that around the time the Eliza and Hannah arrived in Oregon, the 1843 Organic Laws prohibiting slavery in the Oregon Country, were amended to require slaveholders to remove former slaves –“Peter Burnett’s Lash Laws” passed June 1844 with punishment of whipping.  Amended to hard labor and then rescinded in 1845.  Secondary exclusion laws enacted in 1849, likely wouldn’t have applied to Hannah and Eliza as they had already settled in area.

[11]1856 Census (Oregon State Archives, Provisional and Territorial Census – Microfilm) Transcription

Colored Persons.

	Legal Voters	Males of 21 years and upwards	Males under 21 years and over 10 years	Males under 10 years	Females of 18 and upwards	Females under 18 and over ten years	Females Under 10 years
Reuben Shipley		I
Samuel Hams		I		I		I	I
Abram		I
Hanah					I
Eliza					I
Female					I
Male			I
Colored persons (TOTAL)		3	1	1	3	1	1

[12] The 1860 US Federal Census states Hanna Gorman is employed as a Wash Woman and Eliza as a Seamstress. 1860 US Census (Ancestry.com)

Corvallis, Benton, Oregon

Hanna Gorman, 52, Female, Black, Wash Woman, 1200 Real Estate Value, 100 Value of Personal Estate, Tennessee.  Cannot read or write

Eliza, 24, Mulatto, Seamstress, Missouri

Peter Cook, 30, Race not marked, Laborer, Tennessee, value of personal estate, 200

Research undertaken by Patricia Benner and Eileen Fitzsimons has also uncovered a letter dated September 1861 from Catherine Blaine which describes their services:  “She and her mother, Hannah, live together, take in washing and sewing.  They will wash from $1.50 to $2.00 worth in the morning and then Eliza will do a day’s work at sewing.  She has a machine and some days does $2.50 worth a day.  They have /-a dozen for washing without ironing….”  Letter published: Historical Society of the Pacific Northwest Conference of the Methodist Church, 1963, pg. 193 –David Blaine, Letters and papers of Rev. David E. Blaine and his wife Catharine:

[13] Best overview of their real estate purchases beginning in 1857 is through the National Register Nomination form for the Gorman House.  Available electronically through the State Historic Preservation Office: Historic Sites Database: https://heritagedata.prd.state.or.us/historic/index.cfm?do=v.dsp_siteSummary&resultDisplay=29080.  See particularly footnote 2 for quick overview of purchase records.

[14] There was a provision restricting property ownership by Black individuals written into the Oregon State Constitution of 1857, however, it was nuanced and would not have technically applied to Hannah and Eliza, who were in the state prior to writing of the Constitution in 1857, and passage by vote of this provision.  Text of Article XVIII, Section 4 (codified after vote as Article 1, section 35): “No free Negro, or Mulatto, not residing in this state at the time of the adoption of this constitution, shall come, reside, or be within this state, or hold any real estate, or make any contracts, or maintain any suit therein…” You can read this text and the clarification about numbering systems on Oregon State Archives Page on the Oregon Constitution, hosting transcription and images of the original document:  https://sos.oregon.gov/blue-book/Pages/state-constitution.aspx.

[15] National Register Nomination form for the Gorman House.  Available electronically through the State Historic Preservation Office: Historic Sites Database: https://heritagedata.prd.state.or.us/historic/index.cfm?do=v.dsp_siteSummary&resultDisplay=29080.

[16] Obituary. 24 July 1869 Pacific Christian Advocate.  (Indexed at State Library of Oregon, as “Gorman, Eliza (Colored).  Died in Corvallis, Ore. July 13,  1869.  Abt. 30 years.  PCA July 24, 1869.

[17] 1870 US Federal Census (Ancestry.com)

Portland, Multnomah, Oregon

Wilbur, J.H., 58, Male, White, Methodist Minster, NY

Lucretia A., 58, Female, White, Keeping House, Mass

Gorman, Hannah, 60, Female, Black, Domestic, value of real estate 1500, value of estate, 400.  Birth Virginia.

[18] 1880 US Federal Census (Ancestry.com)

Corvallis, Benton, Oregon

141 Second Street

Cook, Nancy J., White, Female, 62

North, Edwin N., White, Male, 13, Adopted Son

Gorman, Hannah, Black, Female, 69, Boarder, Cannot read nor write

Langdon, Charles W., White Male, 29, Border, Drayman

[19] “Oregon News.” The Oregon Scout. 10 Aug 1888 pg. 6 (Historic Oregon Newspapers); Died.  Oregon Statesman  03 July 1888 pg. 3 (Newspapers.com) ; Home and Abroad. Evening Albany Democrat 3 July 1888 pg. 3 (Historic Oregon Newspapers); By 1888, Georgia Ann had bought the home at what is now 694 High Street, but was then 478 High Street – more accurately described in deed as Block 1, Lot 8, of the City of Salem.  Deed of Purchase (Volume 31 page 567  (Family Search)) dated 11 February 1882.  Further documentation that by 1888 they were at this address: 1886 Salem City Directory (Salem Public Library)

Gorman, H., Laborer, Resides 478 High St.;

[20] Hannah Gorman Probate Files #1090.  Marion County 90A-16 Oregon State Archives.

[21] Hannah Gorman Probate Files #1090.  Marion County 90A-16 Oregon State Archives. – shows transportation costs to cemetery in Corvallis.  See Find-a-Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/29636263/hannah-gorman.  Note that the graves were disturbed after burial, memorial is new.  See also https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/23747122/eliza-gorman.

Hiram Gorman

Hiram Gorman, son of Hannah Gorman,[1] was born in Missouri in about 1833.[2]  Although his obituary states he had been enslaved and was freed through the Emancipation Proclamation, it also states he was born and lived in Missouri until at least 1865.  As a border state, enslaved individuals in Missouri were not included in Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.[3]  An official end to slavery in Missouri would take an act of the Missouri State Legislature in January of 1865, which aligns with the obituary’s statement of his exodus from the state.[4]

According to his obituary, during the Civil War, Hiram “was attached to Union forces as a teamster, and was present at the battle of Wilson Creek, where he saw Gen. Lyon killed while leading a charge.”[5]  The Battle of Wilson’s Creek, the death place of General Lyon, was fought outside of Springfield, Missouri in 1861.[6]

Hiram’s obituary states he moved to Montana in 1865.[7]  Reading between the lines, we find a Hiram Blevins family enumerated in the Prickly Pear Valley region outside of Helena in the 1870 U.S. Federal Census.[8]  The names, birth order and places of all the individuals match later documentation of the family, with one exception – they were using the surname Blevins instead of Gorman.[9]

In the 1870 Census, Hiram is listed as working on a ranch.[10]  An 1869 notice in the Weekly Rocky Mountain Gazette describes an incident where a “Harrison Blevins” is accused of stealing a lot of poles from William H. Ewing’s ranch in the Prickly Pear Valley.  The article describes Blevins as living “near Silver Creek.”[11]  Hiram’s work as a teamster during the Civil War suggests he had a lot of experience working with animals, suggesting he was an excellent candidate for ranch life.  His skill would be evident later on in his life, when he is described as heroically stopped a runaway horse on Commercial Street in Salem.[12]

Hiram married Georgia Ann.  The couple had one son (George Frank) in Missouri[13] and a daughter (Emma) and son (William) after the move to Montana.[14]

Sometime after August 5, 1870, the Blevins/Gorman family moved to Salem.[15]  We can only speculate how that decision was made.  We know Hiram had been separated from his mother and sister since their departure on the Oregon Trail in 1844, when he was about 11 years old.[16]  Did he remember her departure and want to be closer to her?  There is a notice in the Helena Weekly Herald newspaper for unclaimed letters that somewhat correlates with the date of the death of his sister Eliza in Oregon.[17]  Was that the tipping point to suggest the family move to Oregon to be closer to his mother Hannah?  We may never know the exact reasons.  It is pretty miraculous, though.  Hiram never learned to read or write, throughout his life he would sign his name on legal documents with an “X.”[18]  Given the change in surnames and move to Montana, it would be amazing to have received word from his mother after so many years, but not impossible.

Hiram and his family were settled in Salem by 1871.[19]  In the first two years of their time in Salem the family is listed at a number of addresses around the downtown area (NE corner of High and Court Streets, corner of Liberty and Chemeketa Streets, and corner of Liberty and Center Streets).[20]  In 1872, however, Hiram and Georgia Ann buy a partial lot in Salem’s Lot  5, Block 62 from J.H. and C.M. Upton.[21]  While they do foreclose on the mortgage, they are eventually able to satisfy the debt[22] and appear to continue living in the home, addressed variously as “Court Street, between Water and Front Streets”[23] and “lot near Front Street,” until about 1882, when Georgia Ann purchases a house on High Street.[24]

J.H. Upton was the publisher of the Salem Mercury newspaper.[25]  Hiram appears to have worked for a variety of newspapers during his time in Salem, and may have met the Uptons through this work.[26]  His primary employer, however, was the Oregon Statesman newspaper.  He started out as the “motive power”[27] turning the printing press, usually run by a steam engine, by hand.[28]  Later, when the paper acquired a new steam engine to replace him, he went to work in a maintenance capacity[29] – cleaning the stove,[30] counting out editions to paperboys,[31] and anything else the paper needed doing including hauling 400 lbs. barrels of printer’s ink.[32]  Many years later, J.W. Redington recalled working with Hiram: “At 9 p.m. we would wake up Hi. Gorman from a sound sleep on the folding-bench, and he would start grinding out the immense 500-copy edition on the sweat-power press.  Hi. Was a good old soul, with no Maxim silencer on his loud-speaker snoring apparatus…”[33]

In all, Hiram Gorman worked for the Oregon Statesman for nearly 20 years and was a well-known figure in the community.[34]  There are numerous recollections printed in the paper he worked for long after his death by past employees remembering the paper’s history.  The language used can be difficult to read today, as it is often filled with slurs and stereotypes, but reading between the lines helps fill out some more information about his life experiences and interests.  Many remarked on his height and strength, stating he stood over 6 feet tall.[35]  Apparently, he remembered Missouri fondly and often told his coworkers stories of living here.  One coworker remembered:

…he had many wonderful tales to tell us about things in that state.  One night when Mr. Craig remarked to Hi. That he ought to look out at a comet then visible the reply was, ‘Oh, I don’t care to see it.  I am used to them.  I could see one any night in Missouri.’[36]

There are less comfortable revelations, too.  Many of the memories describe Hiram’s relationship with alcohol.[37]  Contemporaries often pass off the comments as a joke.  He is often described as the “fighting editor,” which is described in one 1887 article as being a reference to the amount of “fighting whisky” he was known to drink, while at the same time never being “known to fight.”[38]

The newspaper also has several mentions about Hiram’s garden,[39] in which he grew wonderful specimens of vegetables, often trying new varieties and applications.  Newspapers describe him growing peas,[40] tobacco,[41] hemp[42] and Early Rose variety of potatoes – stating he was the first in the state to grow this type of potatoes.[43]

Hiram was also a musician.  There is documentation of him owning an organ and a violin.[44]  During the 1876 Emancipation Jubilee Celebration, which he hosted with Mr. Titus, he is described as an “excellent musician.”[45]

There are several mentions, too, of how Hiram Gorman helped others in the community.  Upon the death of the 105-year-old man known Nate who lived with the Waldo family, Hiram is described as the person in charge of making funeral arrangements.[46]  When a woman abandoned a six-week-old baby in Canby, Hiram is listed as taking the baby into his home.[47]

Towards the end of his life, Hiram suffered many physical ailments.  Hiram died in Salem on July 23, 1888 at 4 am.  His obituary, printed in the paper he worked so faithfully for, described him as: “a well-known character in Salem, and was universally liked for his unfailing good-nature and for his large-hearted generosity.  His acts of kindness were innumerable.”[48]

Hiram is buried in the Salem Pioneer Cemetery.  Although there are records of him being interred at the cemetery, the exact location of his gravesite is not known.  The current marker located in the aisle adjacent to Plot 185 was installed in 2002.[49]

[1] Relationship between Hannah and Hiram is established in a few places.  First, he is listed as her heir and son in her probate materials (Hannah Gorman Probate Files #1090.  Marion County 90A-16 Oregon State Archives);  Similarly, he is listed as her son in her obituary Died.  Oregon Statesman  03 July 1888 pg 3 (Newspapers.com) “Her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Hiram Gorman…”; Home and Abroad. Evening Albany Democrat 3 July 1888 pg. 3 (Historic Oregon Newspapers) “Hannah Gorman…mother to the well known Hi Gorman”

[2] 1870 US Federal Census lists his age as 37, birthplace Missouri, giving us an estimated birthdate of 1833; 1880 US Federal Census lists his birthplace as Missouri and his age as 45 (est. birthdate of 1835);  Obituary (Oregon Statesman 24 July 1888 pg. 3) ”Hiram Gorman aged about 55 years” – would give a birthdate of about 1833.  Two sources suggest 1833.

[3] Getting down into the weeds, it should be noted that in 1861, for a short time Major General John C. Frémont issued a military order (dubbed Frémont’s Emancipation) – see Wikipedia article for overview – which declared martial law and the ability for government forces to confiscate property (including chattel slaves) of individuals bearing arms against the government in Missouri.  Not knowing Hiram’s living situation in 1861, there is a possibility he was affected by this policy, which was rescinded in September of 1861, but generally speaking Lincoln’s Emancipation proclamation only applied to enslaved people in states in open rebellion with the United States, not those in the border states like Missouri.   See also The Emancipation Proclamation: National Archives

[4] Good overview in Wikipedia article on the “History of Slavery in Missouri” Wikipedia

[5] 1888 Obituary  Oregon Statesman 24 July 1888 pg. 3 (Newspapers.com).  While there are several pension records for men named Moses Gorman (See US Colored Troops Enlistment Rosters Missouri (FamilySearch.org)), the biographical information attached to these men does not match up with our Hiram Gorman.

[6] Battle of Wilson’s Creek. Wikipedia

[7] 1888 Obituary  Oregon Statesman 24 July 1888 pg. 3 (Newspapers.com);  This statement is also backed up looking at the biographical information found in the 1880 US Federal Census, which shows Emma being born in about 1864/65 in Montana;  the 1900 US Federal Census which shows her birthdate as Feb 1866 in Montana; The 1910 US Federal Census suggesting a birthdate of 1910 in Montana and her death certificate which states she was born in 1867 in Montana.

[8] 1870 US Federal Census (Ancestry.com)

Prickly Pear Valley, Lewis & Clark County, Montana Territory

Blevins, Hiram, 37, Male, Black, Works on Ranch, Missouri

Georgina, 34, F, Black, Keeping House, Kentucky

Frank, 10, Male, Black, Missouri

Emily, 5, Female, Black, Montana

William, 3 Male, Black, Montana

(While enumerated as their own household appears to be associated with:

Monroe, Henry, 32, Ranch man

[9] Compare ages and names to the 1880 US Federal Census (Ancestry.com)

Salem, Marion, Oregon  – 245 Front Street

Gorman, H., Black, Male, 45, Laborer, Missouri (Missouri/Missouri)

G.A., Black, Female, 36, Wife, Keeping House Kentucky (Kentucky/Kentucky)

1. Black, Male, 19, Son, Hostler, Missouri (Mo./KY)

Emma, Black, Female, 16, Daughter, At home, Montana (MO/KY)

W., Black, Male, 12 Son, at home, Montana (MO/KY)

[10] 1870 US Federal Census (Ancestry.com)

[11] Police Court.  Weekly Rocky Mountain Gazette 14 Jan 1869 pg. 3 (Newspapers.com)

Wm. H. Ewing had Harrison Blevins, a colored gem’n of African descent, arrested on a charge of petit larceny, for stealing a lot of poles from his ranch in the Prickly Pear valley.  Justice Edwards issued a warrant for the apprehension of the defendant in court.  The constable visited the abode of Harrison, near Silver Creek and brought him to town.  He was fined $10 and costs of prosecution, which he will settle tomorrow or next day or show cause why he should not become the guest of the Territory.

[12] Notice. Weekly Oregon Statesman 18 Sept 1875 pg. 3 (Newspapers.com)

A horse desperately frightened attempted to run away on Commercial Street and did make a vigorous start, carrying a fine buggy with him.  High Groman, pressman in the Statesman office, seized the reins at considerable risk and stopped him, thereby preventing any serious damage.

[13] 1870 and 1880 US Federal Census both list George Frank as being born in Missouri.

[14] See various biographical records for Emma and William, all showing birth in Montana.

[15] Note that the 1870 US Federal Census was taken August 5, 1870 in Prickly Pear Valley where they are enumerated as living on that date.

[16] See Hannah’s biography on this page for reference materials.

[17] List of Letters Helena Weekly Herald 26 Aug 1869 pg. 8 (Newspapers.com)

List of unclaimed letters at the Helena post office.  Blevins, Hiram.

[18] See Hannah Gorman Probate Files (Oregon State Archives) for examples of Hiram’s mark.  See also Marion County Circuit Court Records which record documents signed with an “X”  Case No. 2208 Complaint filed March 1, 1873.  See also “From Friday’s Daily” Weekly Oregon Statesman 28 Jan 1887 pg. 6 (newspapers.com) which describes Hiram communicating with boss E.M. Waite via drawings versus a written note.

[19] 1871 Salem City Directory (Ancestry.com) Gorman, H., laborer (colored) NE Corner High and Court Streets; “Beat It” Oregon Statesman. 14 June 1871. Pg 3 (Historic Oregon Newspapers); among other references in Salem-based newspapers to solidify the date.

[20] 1871 Salem City Directory (Ancestry.com) Gorman, H., laborer (colored) NE Corner High and Court Streets; “Beat It” Oregon Statesman. 14 June 1871. Pg 3 (Historic Oregon Newspapers) “Hiram Gorham, a colored individual, who lives at the corner of Liberty and Chemeketa Streets, brought to this office yesterday a pea stalk grown on his plantation, which measures seven feet and three inches in length;” 1872 Salem City Directory (Salem Public Library)

Gorman, H. laborer (colored) res Corner Liberty & Center.

[21]Marion County Deed Records Hiram Gorman from J.H. and C.M. Upton.  26 Jan 1872 and 30 Jan 1872  Volume 14 page 228 (INDEX) (DEED) Familysearch.org.  Plat of Salem (https://secure.co.marion.or.us/weblink/DocView.aspx?id=4075830&cr=1) Shows block 62 as that bounded by Chemeketa/Court/Front and Water.  Lot 5 is in the southwest corner and runs perpendicular to North/South Alley.  See the map of Gorman Family Places above for an outline overlay of the property on a modern map.  See Also “Real Estate Transfers.” Oregon Statesman 04 Feb 1872 pg. 3 (newspapers.com)

J.H. Upton to Hiram Groman, part of lot 5, block 62, Salem  Consideration $775.

— Block 62 is bounded by Water, Chemeketa, Court and Front Streets

[22] 1872 Mortgage

Index (Family Search)

30 Jan 1872, Gorman, H & G. (Lendee), J.H. Upton (Lendor), 6/144 Foreclosed.

Mortgage Record (FamilySearch)

This indenture witnesseth that Hiram Gorman and Georgia Ann, his wife for and in consideration of the sum of Three Hundred and Twenty Dollars to them in hand paid the receipt where of is hereby  acknowledged, have bargained sold and conveyed, and by these presents to bargain sell and convey unto J.H. Upton his heirs and assigns the following premises to wit; Being a part of Lot number Five (5) in Block Number sixty-two (62)….hands and seals this 30^th day of January AD 1872….

Crossways – For satisfaction See Judgement Book or Journal of the Circuit Court No. 5 page 151

In presence of T.M. F. Patton, O.J. Carr

See also Marion County Circuit Court Records (Oregon State Archives) Case No. 2208  Including Circuit Court Record Volume 5 93A-19; “Circuit Court” Weekly Oregon Statesman 18 March 1873 pg. 1 (Newspapers.com); “Circuit Court” Weekly Oregon Statesman 18 March 1873 pg. 1 (Newspapers.com); Bonham Judge March Term Fourth Day Salem 13 March 1873; A.H. Whitley vs. Hiram Groman et. Al. Continued on motion of plaintiff.; “Circuit Court.” Oregon Statesman 18 Jun 1873 pg. 3 (newspapers.com); A.H. Whitley vs. Hiram Gorman; default entered.  Note red cross hatching notes satisfaction of debt 20 January 1874 paid to the estate of A.H. Whitley.  Signed by Susan Whiteley’s attorney.

[23] 1880 Salem City Directory (Ancestry.com)

Gorman, H., Motive power Oregon Statesman press-room, resides Court between Water and Front Streets

[24] See map above for more information about the house and Georgia Ann’s biography section for documentation.

[25] J.H. Upton 1871 Salem City Directory is listed as Publisher for Salem Mercury.  WHC Page with digitized copy

[26] Note that in the recollections of Dr. Mark S. Skiff, published in R.J. Hendricks’ “Bits for Breakfast” column in the Oregon Statesman 8 October 1935 (Historic Oregon Newspapers) he remembers “He [Hiram] also turned the press, while I fed it, in the printing of the Sunday Mercury and the Willamette Famer.”;  See also “Items in Brief” Weekly Oregon Statesman 08 June 1877 pg. 6 (Oregon Historic Newspapers)

“Hy” Gorman, the “Power Press” of several papers in this city, has been at the business seven years, and he says in all that time he has never lost an hour or missed a meal. He is still good – for the next Centennial.

[27] 1880 Salem City Directory (Ancestry.com)

Gorman, H., Motive power Oregon Statesman press-room, resides Court between Water and Front Streets

[28] “General News” Grant County News 27 March 1880 pg. 1. (Historic Oregon Newspapers)

The Statesman says: Hy Gorman: a powerful colored man who runs their power press, lately had a fall and broke his wrist, besides receiving other injuries.  (see also Willamette Farmer 26 March 1880 pg. 7);

“Printer’s Picnic.” Weekly Oregon Statesman 1 July 1881 pg. 1 (Historic Oregon Newspapers) [Address of C. B. Moores telling crowd that he has set a lot of type, but probably doesn’t have the qualifications of Hi Gorman for turning the press];

[29] “The Statesman Its Nearly 36 years of Existence.” Oregon Statesman 1 Jan 1887 pg. 2 (Newspapers.com)

The press upon which the STATESMAN is now printed was purchased in Chicago in 1871, for the Willamette Farmer, by the late A.L. Stinson, and was used in the publication of that paper until the later part of 1872, when it was sold to the proprietor of this office, who had previously disposed of the Adams power press to the state printer, Eugene Semple.  It was afterward bought by A.G. Walling, and taken to Portland, for use in his job office.  In January, 1874, Messrs. Clarke & Craig first applied steam to the printing of the STATESMAN, but upon the return of the office to its former publisher, the power of muscle was again resorted to, which was kept up until December, 1883, when Messrs. Odell & Byars purchased a steam engine from E.M. Waite, and set up the same up in the press room of the office, thus permanently dispensing with the services of Hiram Groman, who had steadily acted as the motive power of the STATESMAN printing press for twelve successive years.  He was loath to depart from the press-room, however, which had been a second home to him for so many years, and he yet lingers about its noisy precincts, and is nightly busied in the light work of folding the Daily sheets as they come from the press.

[30] “From Friday’s Daily” Weekly Oregon Statesman 28 Jan 1887 pg. 6 (newspapers.com)

Key Found.  EM Waite is notoriously the worst writer in the Willamette Valley….Mr. Waite left a note attached to the stove, instructing his janitor, Prof. Hiram O’Gorman, to clean out the ashes.

[31] Hendricks, R.J. “Bits for Breakfast.” Oregon Statesman 23 Nov 1929 pg. 4 (Historic Oregon Newspapers); Hendricks, R.J. “Bits for Breakfast.” Oregon Statesman 10 Dec 1930 pg. 4 (Historic Oregon Newspapers);

[32] “The Barrel is Here.” Oregon Statesman 08 Jan 1887 pg. 3 (Newspapers.com)

Many undignified and uncourteous remarks have been made at various times by envious contemporaries and divers persons in reference to the Statesman’s “Barrell”…It’s a big barrel; and a heavy one.  It weights 400 pounds, outside of the staves, hoops and bunghole.  It isn’t a double barrel. It is a single barrel. It contains—printers’ ink, and it came from Chicago. Prof. Hiram de Gorman, the fighting editor, yesterday took up the barrel playfully in his left hand and carried it up stairs, and you, dear reader, may now be reading the characters made with the assistance of the contents of this same barrel.

[33] Hendricks, R.J. “Bits for Breakfast.” Oregon Statesman 2 March 1935 pg. 4 (Historic Oregon Newspapers)

[34] Note there are several references that mention Hiram starting with the paper soon after arriving in Salem (c. 1870/1871).  See specifically: “Items in Brief” Weekly Oregon Statesman 08 June 1877 pg. 6 (Oregon Historic Newspapers)

“Hy” Gorman, the “Power Press” of several papers in this city, has been at the business seven years, and he says in all that time he has never lost an hour or missed a meal. He is still good – for the next Centennial.

The last newspaper reference that appears to indicate he was still employed at the paper dates to 1887.  “Recovering”  Oregon Statesman 27 Oct 1887 pg. 2 (Newspapers.com) “The host of friends of Dr. Hiram de Groman…of this paper, will be overjoyed that he is improving in health…”

[35] “New Scott Printing Press Gives Statesman..” Oregon Statesman 1 Jan 1928 pg (12/29) Historic Oregon Newspapers);

[36] “New Scott Printing Press Gives Statesman..” Oregon Statesman 1 Jan 1928 pg (12/29) Historic Oregon Newspapers)

[37] Maxwell, Ben. “Journalist Looks Back Over Long Career in Salem.” Capital Journal 14 Sept 1916 pg. 12. “…Hy Gorman, a colored man, was the power for a new press acquired by Hendricks and Saubert.  Hy was powerful but he drank.  Craig fed the press and often had to arouse the somnolent “power” to make edition schedule.”; Henricks, R.J. “Bits for Breakfast.” Oregon Statesman 05 April 1929 pg. 4 (Oregon Historic Newspapers)…”Hi, drunk or sober, was the power till the latter part of 1884…”; Hendricks, R.J. “Bits for Breakfast.” Oregon Statesman 23 Nov 1929 pg. 4 (Historic Oregon Newspapers); Hendricks, R.J. “Bits for Breakfast.” Oregon Statesman 10 Dec 1930 pg. 4 (Historic Oregon Newspapers) “Hi could hold more bad whiskey than most of the hard drinkers of even those days, when a man, like the Scotchman was never drunk as long as he could lie on the earth without rolling off.”; Hendricks, R.J. “Bits for Breakfast.” Oregon Statesman 2 March 1935 pg. 4 (Historic Oregon Newspapers) “Mr. Redington is easy on Hi.  He does not tell that his deep sleep, which was generally on the feed board of the press, was often superinduced by whiskey or other intoxicants.  But there is no record of his ever getting too drunk to operate the press. However, he had a very strong stomach.  There was never enough liquor on hand at one time to make Hi that drunk.”; Hendricks, R.J. “Bits for Breakfast.” Oregon Statesman 8 October 1935 pg. (Historic Oregon Newspapers) memories of Dr. Mark Skiff He would get a sprinkler can full of beer, and before the edition was run off he would have that sprinkler , that had held a gallon or more empty.

[38] “Pellets.” Oregon Statesman 10 July 1887 pg. 2. (Newspapers.com)

[39] Oregon Statesman 23 July 1879 pg. 3:1  Mr. Hi Gorman has one of the finest gardens we have noticed in this city.  Yesterday evening he brought us in a nice bunch of beans, which for size, at this season of year, ar hard to surpass.

[40] “Beat It” Oregon Statesman. 14 June 1871. Pg 3 (Historic Oregon Newspapers) “Hiram Gorham, a colored individual, who lives at the corner of Liberty and Chemeketa Streets, brought to this office yesterday a pea stalk grown on his plantation, which measures seven feet and three inches in length.”

[41] “Oregon Tobacco.” Oregon Statesman 1 Nov 1885 pg. 3 (Newspapers.com)

Hi Gorman has laid on our table a bunch of tobacco leaves which grew in his garden in this city.  The leaves are of very fine quality and are well matured.  Hi was raised in one of the best tobacco states of the Union and says that there is no reason why tobacco raising could not be made a profitable industry in this state.  The tobacco can be seen by calling at this office, and a sight of it will convince any one of its quality.

[42] “Hemp.” Weekly Oregon Statesman 20 Jun 1874 pg. 3 (newspapers.com)

Hi. Gorman brought to our office yesterday, four or five stalks of hemp which were grown on his lot near Front street in this city.  The soil in his yard is badly mixed with gravel, yet the specimens shown us have grown to the height of over four feet.  the stalks are excellent and of fine healthy growth.

[43] “Early (Potatoes) Rose.” Weekly Oregon Statesman 25 May 1877 pg. 5 (Oregon Historic Newspapers)

The first Oregon raised potatoes of the Early Rose variety were thrown in sight Monday by Mr. Hy Gorman in the Salem market.  They were nice.

[44] “Raffle To-Night.” Weekly Oregon Statesman 04 Feb 1876 pg. 3 (Newspapers.com)

A parlour organ, a violin and other articles belonging to Hiram Groman will be dispose of at raffle at the Idaho Saloon to-night (Saturday) at 8 o’clock; “Christmas Fun.” Daily Oregon Statesman. 21 Dec 1876 Page 3, Column 1 (Salem Public Library Microfilm)

[45] “Anniversary Ball.” Weekly Oregon Statesman 08 Jan 1876  (see also Anniversary Ball, Daily Oregon Statesman 4 Jan 1876 pg. 3, col. 1 Salem Public Library Microfilm.  Same text)

[46] Died. Weekly Oregon Statesman 25 Jul 1874 pg. 4 (Newspapers.com)

Among the well known characters of this county was an old colored man familiarly called “Uncle Nate.” He came out to this country with the Waldo family and has been residing with them ever since.  News was received yesterday afternoon of his death, the cause being sheer old age, it is said, being about 105 years old.  High Groman went out last evening to make arrangements for his funeral, which will probably take place to-day.

[47] “A Heartless Mother.” Oregon City Enterprise 15 August 1878, pg. 3 (Oregon Historic Newspapers)

A Mrs. Martin has stopped at Canby some four or five weeks past, created a sensation at Salem last Saturday morning by taking the boat for Portland and leaving her baby, aged about six weeks, in front of Mr. Rupter’s house.  Nothing has been heard of the woman, and Hy. Gorman, the colored pressman for the Statesman has taken the deserted baby to his own home.

[48] 1888 Obituary  Oregon Statesman 24 July 1888 pg. 3 (Newspapers.com)

[49] Salem Pioneer Cemetery Records including IOOF Register of Burials with burial date of 24 July 1888 and interpretive sign in cemetery.

Eliza Gorman

Biography Coming Soon

Georgia Ann Gorman

Full Biography coming soon.

George Frank “Mose” Gorman

Read more about Frank’s story here.

Emma Gorman Sheppard Bennett

Full Biography coming soon.

William “Bud” Gorman

Biography coming soon!