JAMES H. STANDLEY. – Numbered with that sturdy class of pioneers who opened up the county for the settlement of their fellows while they wrought out for themselves homes and names in its annals must, to be consistent, be numbered the enterprising and progressive agriculturist and stockman, of whom we have now the pleasure to write, and who is familiar to the older settlers of the county as well as favorably known, while his faithful labors for many years have accomplished much for the development of the resources of Union county, and have given him the meed of the industrious, wise and thrifty sons fo the country.
Mr. Standley was born in Scotland county, Missouri, on March 7, 1843, to Jeremiah and Mary (Wilson) Standley, natives respectively of England and Ireland. In his native county our subject was educated and in 1864, in company with his parents, two brothers and one sister, crossed the plains to the Grande Ronde valley, locating in the western part and taking up stockraising and general farming. He remained with his parents until 1870. The mother was called by death to depart hence, in 1873, and one decade later the father went over the same journey. In 1870 our subject took up his present place, which is situated two and one-fourth miles west from Alicel, securing a quarter section at first and adding since by purchase until his farm contains two hundred and forty acres of good land, besides forty acres of timber land. His farm is all cultivated and well kept. For over thirty years Mr. Standley has wrought steadily on this land and the general air of thrift and care that are apparent everywhere show him to be the careful and wise husbandman. He has excellent improvements, among which are a good orchard, outbuildings and an elegant residence of nine rooms, tasty and up to date. Mr. Standley has good cattle and horses and everything combines to proclaim him one of the leading agriculturists of the country, as well as one of its prominent citizens.
The marriage of Mr. Standley and Miss Christina, daughter of Angus and Elizabeth Shaw, pioneers of this county in 1863, was solemnized on March 18, 1869, and they have become the parents of three children, as follows: Mary Elizabeth, wife of Frank McAllister; Rosetta, wife of Van E. Long; Louie, married and farming in the valley.Mr. Standley has given his wisdom to the public in the capacity of road supervisor and director of schools in his district, and ever takes the part of the intelligent citizen in political matters. He has had much experience in the early struggles among the pioneers to open up this section and develop the county, and faithfulness marked his efforts always. In 1865 he went to the Bannock mines, remaining for a short time. While there he paid thrity-three dollars for a sack of flour. His father was also a pioneer to California in 1849. For some time in the early days Mr. Standley wrought in the life of the freighter, thus passing many experiences in both hardhips and genuine life of the frontiersman, and it is with pleasure that we see to-day,one of the early workers in this realm now quietly enjoying the fruits of his labor in this land whre he toiled so well to bring in civilization’s comforts, while also he is esteemed and beloved by all.