George W  SALISBURY

Dr. George W. Salisbury (c. 1813–1851) was an early American physician and prominent public servant. He lived in Valparaiso, Indiana, before traveling west to Oregon Territory, where he passed away.

Historical records outline the key details of his life, career, and journey west:

🏛️ Life and Leadership in Valparaiso, IndianaBefore heading west, Dr. Salisbury was a highly active and influential community leader in Porter County, Indiana.

Recorder & Postmaster: He received a commission from Indiana Governor Daniel Wallace to serve as the Recorder of Porter County in August 1839. He also served as the Postmaster of Valparaiso, operating the post office out of the county courthouse starting in May 1849.

Fraternal Order: He was an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) 'Chegnonk' Lodge No. 56 located in Valparaiso.

🗺️ Journey to Oregon and the Sandwich Islands

Seeking a remedy for a long-standing, incurable illness, Dr. Salisbury left Indiana

Salisbury, George Washington
Person Profile
Alias
Gender Male Ethnicity
Date of Birth 1813 Place of Birth NY
Alt. Date of Birth Occupation physician
Date of Death Place of Death
Alt. Date of Death Place of Burial
Mother Date of Arrival 1850
Father

Marriage Information
Spouse Date Location
Dickinson, Abby

Associated Persons
Name Gender Birthdate Relation
Dickinson, Abby Female 1812 Spouse

Census Events
Year Census Type State Location Household No. Age Vol Pg No.
1850 Federal OR Washington Co. 0065 37yrs

Sources
Oregonian list of immigrants of 1850 (1925)

Name

Geo W Salisbery
Event Type

Census
Event Date

1840
Event Place

Porter, Indiana, United States
Page Number

266
Affiliate Publication Number

M704
Affiliate Name

The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)

In 1841, Mr. Campbell was elected treasurer and collector of Porter county, and G. W. Salisbury was appointed postmaster. He held the office during the administration of Harrison and Tyler. The office then was maintained in his house on the south side of the public square.

From 1845 to 1849, during Polk's administration, Joseph Lomax held the office, and it was kept where his business was, being for the most part on Main street, north side, and west of Washington.

When the Whigs came into power in 1849, George W. Salisbury was again appointed, and held the office for a time, until he left Valparaiso for Oregon, when John Dunning was appointed, and held the office until the accession of Franklin Pierce in 1853.

Source: The Vidette-Messenger, Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana; August 18, 1936; Volume 10, Section 2, Page 22.

Commission of George W. Salisbury as Recorder of Porter County, Indiana, August 17, 1846, signed by James Whitcomb, Governor of Indiana. Mr. Salisbury was the father of Mrs. Sarah H. Williams, of this city, and came to Oregon in 1849. Post office draft, November 12, 1849, signed by Jacob Collamer, Postmaster-Gemeral. Notice of appointment of Mrs. Salisbury as Postmaster at Valparaiso, Ind., in 1849. Donated by Mrs. Williams.

Admission card of Geo. W. Salisbury, to I.O.O.F. Lodge, issued at Valparaiso, Ind., December 2, 1848

Name

G W Salisbury
Sex

Male
Age

37 years
Birth Year (Estimated)

1813
Birthplace

New York
Race

White
Event Type

Census
Event Date

1850
Event Place

Portland, Washington, Oregon, United States
Event Place (Original)

Portland city, Washington, Oregon Territory, United States
Household Identifier

65
House Number

65
Line Number

22
Schedule Type

1850 Population
Affiliate Publication Number

M432
Affiliate Name

The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)


Abby Salisbury
F 38 years Massachusetts
Mary M Salisbury
F 13 years Indiana
Sarah H Salisbury
F 9 years Indiana
Alice Salisbury
F 11 months Indiana

Salisbury, G. W. - Physician, New York, 37
Salisbury, Abby - Massachusetts, 38
Salisbury, Mary M. - Indiana, 13
Salisbury, Sarah H. - Indiana, 9
Salisbury, Alice - Indiana, 1.5

George W. Salisbury

DIED,
In Oregon City, O. T., in July last, GEO. W. SALISBURY, formerly of this place.

This information is now received from several different sources, which are reliable. Mr. SALISBURY was highly esteemed and respected by the people of this county.

Newspaper: Valparaiso Practical Observer
Date of Publication: October 6, 1851
Volume Number: 3
Issue Number: 10
Page: 2
Column(s): 4

GEORGE W. SALISBURY
Died In this city on Thursday, July 16, 1851, Doct. George W. Salisbury, formerly from Valparaiso, IN.
The deceased had been long afflicted with a disease which was considered incurable by himself and friends. He had but just returned from the Sandwich Islands, where he had been with the hope that a change of climate might at least prolong his stay upon earth.
Doctor Salisbury was a member of the I.O. of O.F. and belonged to 'Chegnonk' Lodge No. 56, at Valparaiso, IN. He was buried by the members of that order agreeable to their ceremonies. The deceased has left a wife and three children to mourn his loss. - 'Peace to his ashes. [The Oregonian (Portland, OT) Saturday, July 19, 1851; sub. by Jim Dezotell]