Jefferson Oregon

Biography of Hon. William Lair Hill

HON. WILLIAM LAIR HILL. – The distinguished lawyer, author, versatile writer and thorough student whose name introduces this sketch was asked to furnish such data as might contribute in its production; and he diffidently and reluctantly responded. Among other hastily prepared notes, he answered: “Have lived an honest a life as my environments seemed to allow, mainly for the reason that, according to my hereditary creed, one who is not at least indifferently honest, cannot be very happy. In all my laborious life the one single fact in which I have the slightest pride is that, like Jim Bludsoe, I … Read more

Bilyeu, Bessie Lenore Miller – Obituary

Mrs. Bessie Lenore Bilyeu, 67, wife of Lloyd R. Bilyeu, died unexpectedly Friday at her home. A daughter of Abraham and Jane Miller, she was born June 1, 1888 on a farm west of Jefferson in Linn County. She was married on June 2, 1909, and lived near or in Jefferson for her entire life. Surviving besides the widower are two daughters, Lois Underwood and Lael Harper, and one grandson, Stanley Harper, all of Jefferson. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Fortmiller-Frederickson Chapel, Albany, with the Rev. Mervin McGill officiating. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Albany. … Read more

Biographical Sketch of M. C. George

M.C. GEORGE. – M.C. George is the third son of Presley and Mahala George. He is a gentleman of brisk mental qualities and great force, with refined popular attainments, and an honorable reputation that extends to every corner of Oregon. He was born in Noble county, Ohio, May 13, 1849. He received his education in our own state, at the Santiam Academy and at the Willamette University. He began independent life as principal of the public schools of Albany, and subsequently of the Academy at Jefferson. He was also engaged for a time in journalistic employment; but choosing the legal … Read more

Hansard, Sarepta – Obituary

Mrs. Sarepta M. Hansard, a resident of Lebanon for the past 43 years, died following a long illness at her home on East Grant Street, June 18, 1931 at the age of 75 years, 2 months and 26 days. She was the daughter of Francis and Jemima DeVaney and was born in Cass County, Missouri, March 23, 1856. She crossed the plains in 1864 with her parents who spent a year in Idaho, coming to Oregon and locating at Jefferson in 1865. She was united in marriage with John Bilyeu in 1871. Five children were born to their union. Following … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Joseph A. Thomas

JOSEPH A. THOMAS. – This leading citizen of Gilliam county and a “native son” of our state, was born in Douglas county, September 18, 1854. With his parents he moved to Jefferson, Marion county, in 1862, and was furnished with good educational advantages, attending upon the excellent common-school of that town. In 1874 he went into business with his father, E.N. Thomas, a merchant with headquarters at Jefferson, but also with branch houses in various other localities, and indeed much occupied in other lines, such as livestock, of which he had accumulated as many as ten thousand head in Washington … Read more