Meeker was born in Ohio in 1830. In 1852 he, his wife, son, and brother trekked to Oregon by wagon, traveling over 2,000 miles in the six-month journey. He became a wealthy grower of hops. Although in his late 70s, he decided to retrace his journey. In 1906 he proceeded east, placing markers and gaining publicity for preserving the Oregon Trail. That trip was completed in 1908, and in 1910 he set out again with his oxcart completing that trip in 1912. He flew over the Trail in 1924 and made his last trip by car in 1928. He died later that year at age 97! Owing to his publicity efforts, many photos of Ezra Meeker are available. Here are a few:
At Chimney Rock 1906
Writing his book Ox-Team Days on the Oregon Trail
Caulking His Boat
At Grant’s Tomb 1907
Los Angelas Air Show 1910
At the Alamo 1911
In Seattle at End of DC Trip
End of the Trail Marker The Dalles OR.
Flying East over the Trail to an Army Air Show in Dayton 1924
Meeker’s Car Made to Look Like a Covered Wagon 1928
