DAVID GREINER. – Although the subject of this sketch has not been a resident of this county so long as some, still he is one of the doughty and intrepid pioneers of the adjacent state, having pressed into the unbroken regions of the west in early times, and he has ever wrought for the advancement of the country where he has dwelt, manifesting true wisdom and stanch integrity and faithfulness in all of his endeavors,which have won for him esteem and respect throughout his large acquaintance.
Mr. Greiner was born in Ashland county, Ohio, on May 7, 1837, to Martin and Elizabeth (Gipe) Greiner, farmers of that state. In 1849 the father departed this earthy life and in 1869 the mother was called to lay down its burdens. David remained at home during the years of his minority, receiving a good education from the public schools and learning and perfecting himself in the carpenter trade. In 1856 he followed the advice of the noted sage and went to the west, stopping in Iowa, where he wrought at his trade until 1860, then returned to the place of his birth, remaining until 1863. The following year he took up the journey across the plains, passing through the Grande Ronde valley September 12, 1864. He stopped at Walla Walla and there wrought at his trade and took up a ranch. He combined farming and carpentering for a number of years and then repaired to Dayton, Washington, and engaged in the woolen mill there for two and one-half years.Eighteen hundred and seventy-three was the date of his settlement in that town and it was 1892 before he pulled up stakes to quit that section and seek new lands. After the time spent in the wooolen mill he removed to a farm that he owned five miles out and to the art of agriculture he was given until the time that he came to the Grande Ronde valley in 1892. Here he bought three hundred and twenty acres of land, three and one-half miles northwest from Alciel, and settled down to farming and he is one of the prosperous and well to do agriculturists of the county today. His principal crops are grain and hay.
Mr. Greiner was married in Iowa in February, 1859, to Miss Mary J.Sweeney, who was taken hence by death in 1868, after having borne four children, as follows: Henrietta, Lige, Lafayette, Mary Alice. A second time Mr. Greiner was married and the lady of his choice on this occasion was Mrs. Jennie Jaycox, widow of Henry Jaycox, and daughter of Richard and Mary Halleys, residents of Union county, coming hither from Kentucky in 1880. This marriage was solemnized on December 6, 1883. By her former husband Mrs. greiner has three children: Lou, wife of Frank Owsley, grain buyer of Lagrande; Iona, wife of James Woodell, stockman of Wallowa; Mary, wife of Dan Mercheson, farmer near Lagrande. Mr. and Mrs. Greiner are highly esteemed and respected and are valuable members of society. To them have been born four children: Pearl, Frank, Raymond and Leo.