Like many of the most prosperous and enterprising citizens of the county of Wallowa, the esteemed subject of this sketch came hither from the eastern part of the United States and here has wrought with the accumulated wisdom of years and experience gained both in that section of the country and in this, while he has ever been dominated by a high sense of the responsibilities of the position of the enlightened citizen and supporter of our free institution, being in his personal demeanor upright, capable, thrifty and patriotic.
John Dougherty was born in Lawrence County, Indiana, in 1837, to James K. and Jane (Snyder) Dougherty, who had settled in that county, but later removed to Missouri, making their home near Pleasant Hill, three and one-half miles east. In this last place they remained until the time of their departure from the labors of earthly life. When the subject of this sketch arrived at the age of maturity he commenced the years of his majority by farming in the neighborhood where he was born, continuing there for about four years and then migrated to Missouri, settling near Pleasant Hill. In that place he was occupied with the agriculturist’s life following the path of industry and enterprise for nine years gaining meanwhile the favored success that is the lot of those who operated on the principles mentioned. Fourteen years before this date, 1902, he came to Oregon, being actuated by a spirit to explore the western country, and by that spirit of pioneering that has so laudably wrought in the development of the entire western region. His journey hither was fraught with safety and felicity both to himself and his family, and in due time he was investigating the resources of northeastern Oregon. For a time he remained in La Grande, gaining information regarding climate productions and all other points that interest the prospective settler, and then came to Wallowa County and settled, taking a homestead and inaugurating action as a stockman. Steadily he pursued this industry and gained success and the esteem and confidence of his new neighbors and today is one of the substantial and well-to-do residents of our county, and stands secure in the respect of all who know him. At the present time, Mr. Dougherty is residing in the town of Wallowa.
Mr. Dougherty and Miss Nancy Simson were married in 1858 in Bedford, Indiana, and they became the parents of nine children, as follows: Florence, deceased, and buried in this county: Alice: Laura, deceased, and buried in Missouri: Della: Mary: Minnie: William: Luean infant that died and was buried in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. Before leaving Missouri Mr. Dougherty had the pain of having his faithful wife taken from his side by the messenger of death, and her remains lie buried near Pleasant Hill. She was beloved by all and her demise was a time of sincere mourning. Mr. Dougherty is verging on toward the time of golden years and he has the pleasant privilege of reflecting upon days of labor in faithful achievement and activity in the walks of life for general advancement and up building, while his integrity and stanch principles have always been manifested.