JAMES McCALL. – A capable and upright man who has wrought with energy and intelligence in the work of bringing about the advancement of Union county and building up her institutions, the esteemed gentleman, whose name initiates this sketch, is one of whom the county may well be proud, and it is with pleasure that we incorporate a review of his practical and interesting career.
James is a native of East Tennessee, and the son of Joseph and Malinda (Cradick) McCall, who removed with their son to Hancock county, Illinois, soon after he had gained his primary education, and in this latter place he finished a good education and then taught school for a time, gaining a good success in that line. In 1865, he crossed the plains to Oregon, locating in the Grande Ronde valley and taking up the dual occupation of raising stock and tilling the soil. In 1869 he was called back to Illinois on business and there he remained until 1885, when he returned to the Grande Ronde valley, purchasing four hundred acres of fine land where he now lives, one mile northwest from Island City. He gave his attention to farming and handling stock, and a brilliant success has been the meed of his faithful and wisely directed efforts. He purchased recently eight hundred acres of land, devoting it to grain and hay purposes. He has an elegant and attractive home, and happiness, and joy are constant guests, within its walls.
In 1868 Mr. McCall married Miss Sarah E., daughter of Charles L. and Tabitha A. (Halley) Surber, of Lagrande. Ten children have become members of the household since that time, named as follows: Mamie M., wife of U.G. Couch, living in Island City; Linna A., wife of Price McAlister, living in Whatcom, Washington; Fannie J., wife of U.R. Wilson, living in Wallowa; Lillie A.; George A., deceased; W. Arthur, going to business college in Portland; Hugh, attending high school at Lagrande; Edna, Florence, and Marjorie, attending school in Lagrande. Mr. McCall is a member of the I.O.O.F., and he and his wife affiliate with the Methodist church. Mr. McCall is a practical hunter and he has a trophy of a beautiful mounted swan that he secured near his place. He is always interested in those measures that are for the benefit of the county, and he and his wife are valuable members of society, being capable, amiable, and progressive, and from their good and faithful example in life there has been much good accomplished in our county.