Darlene Hooley: “Standing 6 foot 4 inches tall, Dr. John McLoughlin cast a giant of a shadow on the early development of the Oregon…”

“Standing 6 foot 4 inches tall, Dr. John McLoughlin cast a giant of a shadow on the early development of the Oregon frontier. For 21 years his powerful voice was the only influence of law and order over an empire 22 times the size of Texas. He had absolute control, and he maintained it peacefully and profitably with a balance of justice. With an overwhelming sense of compassion and generosity beyond reproach, it is little wonder that he was regarded by native Americans as a "Great White Eagle." John McLoughlin did indeed walk tall and cast the greatest shadow that ever fell so humbly on the changing face of Oregon. Born in 1784 near Quebec, Canada, McLoughlin began his medical apprenticeship at age 14. In 1803 at the ripe old age of 19, he was granted his license to practice surgery and pharmacy. Soon after, Dr. McLoughlin was appointed medical officer for the North West Company, fierce competitor of Hudson's Bay Company in the fur trade.”