Among the pioneers who put their shoulder to the wheel and pressed the good work of development forward in this section, enduring hardships and deprivations that were calculated to overcome the hearts of those who were not brave and hardy, especial mention must be made of the esteemed gentleman whose name is at the head of this sketch, and it is with pleasure that we give him space in the history of his county, both because of this excellent work and because of his moral qualities of worth that have constantly been in evidence in all of his walk.
Mr. William R. Minor was born in Callaway county, Missouri, on May 1, 1855, being the son of William R. and Martha L. (Cowles) Minor. In 1864 the family crossed the plains with ox teams, being members of the famous train known as the Big Missouri Train. They came direct to the Grande Ronde valley, settling near Cove. Our subject received his education in that place and in his native state, and remained with his parents until 1878. On February 23, of that year, Mr. Minor married Mrs. Jennie Beggs, widow of the late Charles C. Beggs, her maiden name being Gasten. The nuptials occurred at the Cove on the date mentioned, and in April of that year they located three miles below Lostine in the Wallowa valley. Mr. Minor filed a homestead right and to the improvement and cultivation of this land he gave his attention until 1888, when he sold out and the following year he removed to a position four miles west from Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, and engaged for one year in the manufacture of brick, following which he came to Lostine. In 1892, he came to a farm near where he now lives and remained there until 1897, removing thence to a farm at Powwatka, trading for the last place. In 1899 he sold this place and came where he now dwells, three and one-half miles east from Wallowa, purchasing a quarter section in this place. He has a good farm, well improved with comfortable residence, commodious barn, substantial outbuildings and fine orchard, besides other things that make rural life comfortable and enjoyable. To our subject and his worthy wife there have been born the following children: Frederick J., deceased: Lillie B., wife of Pearl T. Shephard: Lewis W.: Ray F. Mr. Minor has always manifested an intelligent interest in the political matters of the county and has labored with energy for the advancement of the cause of education in his section, while he enjoys the esteem and confidence of his fellows.