There is a special pride that we can take in tracing the career of one of the sons of Oregon, who has gained his education and training in this section and who has wrought out a success for himself that manifests him as a man of ability and business force. Such a one is the subject of this sketch and we are pleased to accord his representation in this volume both because of his bright achievements, that have placed him as eminently successful in the industrial world, and because of his qualities of moral worth and intrinsic value that have constantly shown in his walk.
Mr. Caviness was born on August 8, 1869, in Old La Grande, Union County, being the son of John L. and Cassie E. Caviness, pioneers of the Grande Ronde valley. Our subject received his training at the hands of a wise and capable father and in the schools of his native place, completing it in the Alma Business College in Detroit, Michigan. He remained an inmate of the parental home until he had reached manhood’s estate and then stepped forth into action for himself on the plane of life’s duties. His first venture was to engage in the butchering business in partnership with his father. They established their headquarters in La Grande and had branch shops at Island City and Hillgard. For five years he wrought in that capacity, reaping good success as the reward for his energy and industry. Then he sold his business and came to Wallowa County. After due search he purchased the present home place, which is situated seven miles east from Joseph. To this he had added until it is now twelve hundred and forty acres. While he devotes some attention to general farming, he is principally occupied in raising cattle and horses, being especially prosperous in this line.
Mr. Caviness married Miss Anna, daughter of J.M. and Mary Mitchell, on June 20, 1900. Mrs. Caviness’ parents are pioneers of the Grande Ronde valley and are prominent residents there at the present time. Mr. Caviness is still one of the young men of the county and although he has wrought but a short time compared with some, he is numbered among the leaders in his line of industry and presaging the future by the past we may surely expect from this talented and enterprising young man achievements that will place him with the leading men of our state. He is justly entitled to the respect and confidence of all and in a generous measure he enjoys it.