JAMES H. LASATER. – Mr. Lasater was born on the 19th of October, 1823, in McMinn county, Tennessee. Having reached manhood in his native state, he went to California in 1850. After a short stay there he returned East, taking up his abode in Illinois. While there he devoted himself to the study of the law, and in October, 1853, came to Oregon. Pursuing his law studies, he was admitted to the bar in 1855 at Salem. In the following year he was married to Miss Emily Lendder.
In April, 1863, he removed to Walla Walla, Washington Territory; and there he has made his home since, being throughout these twenty-six years one of the most active and useful citizens of that pleasant city. As a politician Mr. Lasater has been on the losing side, being a Democrat. None the less stoutly, however, has he battled for the principles of his political faith; nor has his fairness and integrity failed to win the respect of even his political foes. He has, in spite of the general adversity of his party, served in the territorial legislature (1869), and has borne a prominent part in the councils of the territory and town.
He had been an extensive land-owner, but a few years ago deeded the greater portion of his lands to his children. He now lives in a beautiful home on a spacious plot of land near the business heart of Walla Walla. Having lost his wife in 1875, he was married in October of the following year to Mrs. Jane Jacobs. His children are: Wiley, born in 1858; Julia, 1862; Harry, 1865; Alice M., 1867; James H., 1878.