First Fruits: The Lewellings and the Birth of the Pacific Coast Fruit Industry

by Linda Ziedrich

First Fruits offers a fascinating look at the lives of Pacific Coast horticulturists Henderson, Jonathan, and Seth Lewelling. Traveling across the Overland Trail—Henderson to Oregon in 1847, with a wagonload of fruit trees, and Seth and John to California three years later—the brothers would establish themselves as pioneers in the West’s growing fruit industry. By recounting how Henderson planted the first orchard of grafted fruit trees in Oregon, how Seth originated the Black Republican and Bing cherries, and how John led the development of the Napa Valley wine industry, First Fruits preserves the Lewellings’ place in history.

However, the Lewellings were not simply planters, grafters, and breeders. They were also adventurers, colonists, gold seekers, reformists, and explorers—experiencing firsthand the westward expansion of the nation. Their stories provide a unique glimpse into the social, economic, and political history of the day. From their Quaker upbringing in North Carolina and Indiana to Henderson’s attempt to start a utopian colony in Honduras, John’s efforts to grow the Grange in California, and Seth’s contribution to democratic reforms in Oregon, the Lewellings’ legacy extends far beyond their agricultural endeavors.

In the first biography to reclaim the brothers’ histories, Linda Ziedrich splendidly captures their dedicated support of one another and their communities, their contributions to the development of the modern fruit industry, and their lasting influence on the cultivation of fruits synonymous with the Pacific Coast region.

320 pages, Paperback

Published May 6, 2025

About the author

As a long-time editor of nonfiction books--mostly cookbooks--I gradually came to devote more and more of my time to writing. My books have developed from my interests in food from garden to table, in culinary and horticultural history, and in the cuisines of the world. I’ve trained as a Master Gardener, I am an active Master Food Preserver, I am a co-founder of the Santiam Food Alliance, and I am vice-president of the Lebanon Museum Foundation. I write about my gardening and cooking adventures at agardenerstable.com.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly detailed historical account of the Lewelling family. I borrowed it from my library, but, once I'd read a couple of chapters I immediately bought the book (at Spoke and Word bookstore, right by Seth Lewelling's old house in downtown Milwaukie). A very interesting family that had an outsized impact on west coast history. Pioneers not just in fruit and wine, but also advocates for immigrants, minorities, and women's rights. Highly recommend this book.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating glimpses of early Oregon fruit growers. Who knew there were so many Spiritualists among them?