George W. LeBreton (1810 – March 4, 1844) was a pioneer politician in the Oregon Country and served as the official recorder in the Provisional Government of Oregon.

Early life

George W. LeBreton was born in the year 1810 in Massachusetts. LeBreton traveled to Oregon in 1840 aboard the vessel Maryland of Captain John H. Couch, an early sea merchant in Portland.

Career

On 18 February 1841, he was elected as the recorder for the Champoeg Meetings and for the probate court that was created. In 1843, when the provisional government was formed, he was again elected as the recorder, the forerunner to the office of Secretary of State.

Death and legacy

LeBreton was a key figure in the Cockstock incident of 4 March 1844. A group of settlers, led by LeBreton tried to capture Cockstock, a Molala man. During the ensuing violence LeBreton was stabbed, shot, and killed by Cockstock. In turn, his attacker was killed by Winslow Armstrong. In the aftermath a militia unit called the Oregon Rangers was formed.