Chloe Clark Memorial Committee
Wife, mother, missionary and educator. (1818-1874) Chloe Aurelia (Clark) Willson* is recognized as the first American Teacher in the Puget Sound Region. Chloe Clark Willson initially taught at the Methodist Mission at Ft. Nisqually before relocating to Oregon City. There she taught at the newly founded Oregon Institute. Later she became the Governess of Women (the equivalent of Dean of Women) when the institute became Willamette University. This dedicated woman, who traveled more than 13,000 miles during her lifetime, came to a wilderness where she contributed her efforts toward educating the children of her fellow Methodist missionaries and Native American children. She is credited with having a large role in the early history of Salem, OR. In 2001 Steilacoom Historical School District No. 1 named its new elementary school in DuPont in honor of this pioneer American educator.
*Note: Chloe Clark married fellow missionary William H. Willson in Aug. 1840.
