One of the leading and well known citizens of Wallowa County is the gentleman whose name is at the head of this article and who is the operator of one of the important business industries of the county, being proprietor of the Enterprise hotel and is one of those who have been enterprising and up to date in the promotion of the welfare and interest of both the county seat and the county, being a man of good capabilities and energy.
Mr. Akins was born in Missouri, in 1857, being the son of S. J. and Mary H. (Burns) Akins, natives respectively of Illinois and Iowa. In 1860 they migrated from Missouri to Colorado, remaining there until 18884, whence they came to Union county, this state and then to Wallowa county in 1887, and the parents are living at the present time in Joseph. At the early age of seventeen the subject of this sketch began the battles of life on his own account, taking up farming at the first. Later he was in various states, among them being Utah, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Oregon. About three years ago he came to Enterprise to settle down and for a time operated a retail liquor establishment, and then entered the hotel business. He is today operating one of the leading hotels of the county, and has a good patronage and is a host whose labors for the comfort of his guests are untiring and faithful. As a result of his efforts he is favored with a trade that is constantly increasing.
The marriage of Mr. Akins and Miss Ellen Groseclose, a native of Missouri, was solemnized in 1878, and they have become the parents of three children: Williard, who was drowned two years ago, at the age of eighteen years; pearl, and Clark, both at home. Fraternally, Mr. Akins is affiliated with the I.O.O.F. Lodge 153, at Enterprise and at the present time he is holding the position of vice grand. Mr. Akins is a man of spirit and enterprise and has manifested an interest in the welfare of the town and is ever displaying a public spirit and staunch principles.