Among the prominent men of Wallowa County, as also one of the leading property owners in the county stands the subject of this brief article and it is with pleasure that we accord to him a representation of this volume of the county’s history, both because he has achieved a success here that demonstrates his ability in the business world and also because commensurate with his general capabilities there have been manifested a stanch and well rounded character, moral qualities of intrinsic worth and integrity unswerving and continuous all of which demonstrate Mr. Akin to be a typical man and foremost and steady in the development of the county.
Carlton D. was born in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, on February 5, 1840, being the son of Chancy and Laney (Golden) Akin. Four years after his birth our subject was removed by his parents to Boone county, Illinois and thence soon after to Kane county. In this latter place he had the distinction of seeing the first train of cars run into Elgin, the same coming from Chicago and being in the year 1852. Our subject received a good common school education in the various vicinities where he resided and spent the rest of his years of minority in the blacksmith shop and on the farm with his father, learning that king of all trades while still a lad. Soon after 1852, the family removed to Iowa and in 1857 went thence to Nebraska having in these journeys and during their sojourn in the latter place numerous skirmishes with the Indians. In 1864 Mr. Akin built the first house on the site of the present city of Lincoln, Nebraska, and also he acted as the first sheriff of Lancaster County, serving two years. From that county, he removed to York County, in the same state, and there also acted as the first sheriff of the county, and then later served another term. It was in 1875 that he undertook the long journey to Lane County, Oregon, and in the Centennial year, he came thence to La Grande, abiding there until 1879, in which ever he removed to Wallowa County. Here he settled near Enterprise first and then in 1890, he entered government land where he now resides, one-half mile north from Paradise. Here he gave his attention to blacksmithing and farming, having more or less during his career wrought at this trade. Prosperity, because of wisdom, skill and industry, has attended his efforts continually and he is possessed of a goodly portion of the goods of this world.
On May 24, 1863, Mr. Akin married Miss Waty B. Bryan in Otoe County, Nebraska. She was a native of Indiana, and to them were born the following children: Adah F., married: Oscar C., married: Roda A., deceased; Franklin B., married: William J., married: James C., married: Joseph A. deceased. On April 15, 1885, death invaded the happy household and snatched thence the mother and wife, a woman of gracious personality and beloved by all, and her remains sleep peacefully in this western land.
On August 26, 1895, Mr. Akin married a second time, the lady of his choice on this occasion being Martha J. Lent, who also was called from the side of her husband by death on September 2, 1901. Mr. Akin has served as justice of the peace in this county for two years and in this labor as in all of his public service he has manifested faithfulness, impartiality, and efficiency, while his general demeanor dominated by wisdom or high order and sound principles, has won for him the confidence and esteem of all who may have the pleasure of his acquaintance.