NELSON JONES. – Mr. Jones, one of the largest stock-raisers of Eastern Oregon, having besides his interest at Heppner, Oregon, large holdings on the main Malheur, was born in 1840 in Fleming county, Kentucky. Remaining there until 1849, he moved with his parents to Iowa, where he lived until 1858. In that year he left the paternal roof, and made the journey to Pike’s Peak, but continued on to Shasta county, California. In that county he engaged in mining, but in 1860 sought a more tranquil life, coming to Polk county, Oregon, and engaging in farming until 1866. In the meantime he made several trips to the various mining camps, freighting and occasionally indulging in mining speculations of his own. In 1866 he made a permanent settlement at the forks of Butter creek, and began operations in sheep-raising, and has been engaged in the stock business from that time until the present, raising also cattle and horses. Of sheep he has now fifteen thousand head, and about five hundred horses.
In a public capacity Mr. Jones has fulfilled his part, having been elected councilman of Heppner in the spring of 1889. He now fills that position with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Although holding no landed estate, he has no less the interest of his country at heart, and is always relied upon as one of the most faithful and substantial men of that section.
