Thomas D. Keizur | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Oregon pioneer Thomas D. Keizur | |
| Born | Thomas Dove Keizur 20 November 1793 |
| Died | 19 June 1871 (aged 77) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Farmer |
| Known for | Founder of Keizer, Oregon |
Thomas Dove Keizur (his name is incorrectly spelled Keizer, Keiser, Kaizur, Kaiser, Keysur, Keyser, Kizer, or Kisor in various documents) was one of the earliest American pioneers to settle in the Oregon Country. In 1843, he led his large family from Missouri to Oregon over the Oregon Trail. He homesteaded in Oregon's Willamette Valley in an area north of modern-day Salem, Oregon. Keizur was one of eight citizens elected to serve on Oregon's third pre-provisional legislative committee which helped lay the foundation for the establishment of the Oregon Territory. He was also the first captain of the Oregon Rangers, the first militia unit organized in Oregon. Today, the city of Keizer, Oregon, is named in his honor.