JACKSON FICKLE. – It is to the pioneer, sturdy, brave, and proud against hardhsip, with a spirit ready to undertake any task or face any danger, that we owe a debt of gratitude for the development of these fertile regions of eastern Oregon, and all too soon that worhty figure is passing from these scenes where he labored so faithfully, and planted the banner of civilization on the hitherto undisturbed plains of nature’s domain. An exemplary member of that deserving and noble band is the gnetleman that it is now our pleasant task to epitomize as to his career in a brief review.
From the stanch old buckeye state, in Marion county, came Jackson Fickle, having been born in 1832 to Daniel and Hetty (Tipton) Fickle. While yet a child he was removed to Cass county, Indiana, where the parents remained until the time of their death. In 1858 our subject went to Missouri, and one year later on to Denver, and after spending one or two years there he returned to Missouri and on May 1, 1862, he turned his teams to the west and took up that memorable journey across the plains. Without serious accident or molestation from the savages he landed in Auburn, Baker county, in due time. Here he operated as a freighter for some time between Columbia river and Idaho City and Boise, then went to the Grande Ronde valley and took a quarter-section of land where he has lived since, engaged in the art of agriculture. His place is one mile east from Union and he is one of the leading farmers and stockmen of the county. He has added to his estate from time to time at the present he owns one section of good land that is well improved and handled in a very satisfactory manner.
In 1857 Mr. Fickle and Miss Rachel M. Lamb were married, and to them has been born two children, Coree, who died in June, 1898, and Ed, who is a farmer in the vicinity. Mr. Fickle has had much experience in the adventures and incidents that fall to the lot of the frontiersman, and to detail them all would fill a volume, but let it be said to his credit that in every part of his walk he has gone forward with a firmness and perseverance that are very praiseworthy, and the commendabe results of his labors in these regions speak highly of sagacity in planning, energy and industry in executing and skill in conserving the resources and the results of his labors. He is highly respected by all, and now in the golden years of his life he is enjoying the fruits of his labor and is blessed with the confidence of his fellows.