The subject of this article has done much toward the industrial development of Malheur county, and is one of the prominent business men in the town of Vale at the present time, being owner and operator of the Glen livery barn, where he has fine, large rigs and good stock, taking an especial care for the comfort and welfare of his patrons; he owns and operates the blacksmith shop, having also a large tract of land in the vicinity of the town, while in all these enterprises he manifests a commendable business sagacity, a worthy integrity and maintains an unsullied reputation among his fellows.
Mr. Eldredge was born near Northfield, Minnesota, On May 23, 1862, being the son of Charles K. and Cornelia E. (Carter) Eldredge. While still a child he was taken by his parents to Beaver Falls, in his native state, and there the father followed milling. Our subject was educated in the graded schools and in 1882 he came with his father to the west, traveling through by train to Granger and thence by teams to Baker City and passing through this portion of Malheur. In Baker City Henry S. learned the blacksmith trade and more or less during the time from that date until the present he has been engaged in the king of all trades. In various places he has wrought at the forge, has traveled considerably, and at the time of the great fair in Chicago he visited that city. Mr. Eldredge had two hundred and eighty acres of land, but recently sold a portion and bought the livery mentioned above. He has a good trade both in the barn and in the shop, and is considered one of the substantial business men of the town.
The marriage of Mr. Eldredge and Miss Euphemie F., daughter of William R. and Sophia Shimp, of Ontario, was celebrated on July 1, 1895, and to them was born one child, Opal V. On March 22, 1900, Mr. Eldredge was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife by death. Mr. Eldredge is happily affiliated with the W. of W., Arcadia Camp, No. 364, of Ontario; with the Maccabees, Council Tent, No. 15, of Council, Idaho. It is of note that Mr. Eldredge’s father located the land of a portion of the site of Vale. The father died on April 19, 1886, but the mother is still living in Monan, White county, Indiana. Mr. Eldredge is well liked among his fellows, is a man of stability and capabilities, and it is quite fitting that he should be accorded a representation in this volume of our county’s history, since he has wrought here faithfully for the advancement of the county’s interest.