Located in Merlin Oregon, this tree is Oregon's 2nd oldest apple
tree. It was planted by the Haines family in the either 1852 or
1854 (accounts vary), the tree stood throughout the Indian wars.
The fighting began in 1855 when white vigilantes attacked a
group of peaceful Indians-mostly women, children and elderly
men-(at present day Eagle Point). Under the direction of a man
who titled himself Major James A. Lupton, a group of " hair
brained enthusiast and professed ruffians" butchered the
Indians, according to A.G. Walling's story "A History Of
Southern Oregon," published in 1884.
The Indians in
the area struck back, working their way down the Rogue River and
attacking white homesteads. Their thirst for vengeance had not
been quenched by the time they reached Merlin, according to the
recently published "An Arrow In The Earth": General Joe Palmer
and the Indians of Oregon."
Although Haines tried
to fight off the Indians, they were one family against a band of
angry warriors. When volunteers arrived to help, according to
contemporary accounts, they found Mr. Haines and his young son
murdered at the home site. The Indians took Mrs. Haines and her
daughter captive, presumed to have been thrown into Hellgate
Canyon on the Rogue River. Taking in account that white accounts
of Indian atrocities were nearly always exaggerated.
