author
James O'Meara
1825–1903
A lively 19th-century journalist, editor, and political writer, he moved through the rough-and-tumble newspaper world of the American West. His work captured the sharp arguments and dramatic personalities of early Oregon and California public life.
1 Audiobook
The Vigilance Committee of 1856
by James O'Meara
About the author
Born in Williamsburg, New York, in June 1825, he worked in newspapers before heading west during the Gold Rush era. After sailing around Cape Horn and arriving in San Francisco in 1849, he spent a short time mining and then returned to journalism.
He became an editor for several Oregon newspapers in the second half of the 19th century, including papers in Jacksonville, Albany, Eugene, and Portland. Sources describe him as a strong Democratic voice, and some note that the papers he edited took secessionist positions during the Civil War era.
He also wrote about early California politics, including Broderick and Gwin, a history of the fierce political struggle between David C. Broderick and William M. Gwin. James O'Meara died in January 1903 in California.