Letitia Carson

In fact, she was the only black woman to successfully make a land claim in Oregon under the Homestead Act of 1862.

[1] It is presumed that she was involved in the hemp or tobacco farming industries as a field hand, a house servant, or both.

On June 9, 1845, Carson gave birth to their daughter,[1] Martha Jane somewhere along the South Platte River.

[3] Upon their arrival, the Carsons staked a 640-acre land claim in the Soap Creek Valley, located in modern-day Benton County, Oregon.

"[1] For her children's benefit, Carson filed a lawsuit and took Smith to court to recover an equitable portion of David's estate, stating that David Carson had promised "he would make me his sole heir or that he would give me his entire property" in the event of his death, even though this was not ever put into writing.

During[1] or after[4] the federal trial, Carson moved with her children to the upper Cow Creek Valley of Douglas County, Oregon, where she worked as a midwife who was well known among community members.

[1] She is thought to have lived in Douglas County with the family of Hardy Eliff, for whom she also worked in addition to being a midwife.

[1][9] Carson lived another 20 years on her property before she died at the age of 73 or 74 on February 2, 1888, and was buried at Stephens Cemetery in Myrtle Creek, Oregon.

[4] The Letitia Carson Pioneer Apple Tree was named after her by researchers who completed a cultural resource inventory of the property owned by Oregon State University.

[10] Carson's son, Adam “Andrew Jackson”, farmed in the Canyonville area and was known for his skill as horse trainer.

[12] The novel chronicles her relationship with David Carson, journey to Oregon, and legal battle with Greenberry Smith.