William P. Bryant

William P. Bryant (August 3, 1806 – October 10, 1860) was an American jurist from Kentucky. He served as the first chief justice of the Oregon Supreme Court in the Oregon Territory. United States President James K. Polk appointed Bryant, of Indiana, to the court once the Oregon Territory was established in 1848. In Indiana he served in both houses of the Indiana General Assembly and was a county judge. Bryant also fought in the Black Hawk War against Native Americans.

Early life Bryant was born on August 3, 1806, in Mercer County, Kentucky. He grew up there and left home at age 18 after his mother had died when he was young and could no longer tolerate his father's religious upbringing.

Oregon While in Oregon, Bryant purchased an island and milling operation from George Abernethy in the Willamette River called Abernethy's Island. He held his first session of court on August 20, 1849, in Oregon City. At that time the Oregon Territory encompassed all of present states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and parts of Montana and Wyoming. On May 1, 1849, a group of roughly 100 Snoqualmie and Skewahamish tribesmen showed up at Fort Nisqually.

The next year Chief Justice Bryant resigned from the court. His resignation was effective January 1, 1851.

Later years After leaving the court, Bryant returned east. He first moved to the nation's capital in Washington, D.C., before returning to Indiana and his hometown of Rockville. William Bryant died there on October 10, 1860.