Willamette University's First Teacher: Chloe Clarke Willson

March is Women’s History Month. 2025’s theme is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.”Chloe Aurelia Clark was a Methodist Missionary who initially came to Oregon in 1840 and served as a Missionary teacher in Nisqually, Oregon City and Salem. Chloe reflects the intelligence, strength and resiliency of a woman from this period. Chloe was born in Connecticut, and educated at the Wilbraham Academy, the seminary that trained a number of the Oregon missionaries including Jason Lee. Chloe married William Willson and she came to Salem in 1844 where she became Oregon Institute’s first teacher. This school later became Willamette University. Chloe later became Governess of the Ladies Department at Willamette University. She lived in a large house near campus, and female students boarded with her. In 1880, her former house was moved two blocks to the university and housed the Willamette Women’s College, later named Lausanne Hall.To read Chloe’s original diary visit Willamette University’s digital collections. To see a picture of Chloe and learn more, please visit The Willamette Heritage Centers digital exhibit documenting her life.