LaGrande Oregon

Biography of George E. Wells

George E. Wells, born on November 3, 1850, in Licking County, Ohio, demonstrated remarkable adaptability throughout his diverse career in the western U.S. After engaging in various occupations, including teaching, teamster, and hotelier, he settled into farming on his 240-acre property near Alicel. Married to Minnie Buchanan, they had two children. Known for his integrity, he has served as a school director and held leadership roles in local fraternal organizations, reflecting his commitment to community service and development.

Biography of William Eccles

William Eccles, born in Scotland in 1860 and relocating to Ogden, Utah in 1864, has emerged as a significant figure in the northwest business landscape. His expansive career includes leadership roles in the lumber industry, the Sumpter Valley Railroad, and the Oregon Sugar Company, where his influence on sugar production is notable. A dedicated member of the Latter Day Saints church, he has contributed to community welfare and enterprise advancement. Married in 1884, he and his wife Marion have several children, reflecting his commitment to family and community.

Biography of Wallace Fairbank

Wallace Fairbank, born July 27, 1848, in St. Lawrence County, New York, served in the First Wisconsin Cavalry during the Civil War, where he sustained lasting injuries. After his discharge, he pursued various ventures, including buffalo hunting and farming across several states. By 1892, he settled in Old Town, Lagrande, where he and his wife, Jennie, established a successful poultry business, managing thousands of birds and a well-equipped facility. Fairbank is recognized as a respected figure in Union County.

Biography of John Frawley

John Frawley, born on May 29, 1850, in Syracuse, New York, has had a distinguished career in public service. He is currently serving his third term as treasurer of Union County after a varied professional background, which includes railroading and farming. Frawley’s early career saw him operating the first freight trains in the Grande Ronde Valley. After a serious accident in 1889, he transitioned into county governance. A devoted family man, he married Millie Collins in 1887, and they have one son, Harry.

Biography of Charles L. Kaler

Charles L. Kaler, a notable figure on the Pacific coast for over four decades, has significantly contributed to the region’s progress through his extensive work in horticulture. As the proprietor of a large nursery and greenhouse in La Grande, he offers a diverse range of ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers. Born in Maine and having traveled extensively, Kaler ultimately established Willow Glen, a renowned property featuring an extensive nursery and a picturesque artificial lake. He is well-respected in his community for both his business acumen and musical talents.

Biography of D. B. Hendricks

D.B. Hendricks, a prominent merchant and financier in Elgin, was born on February 6, 1855, in Ohio. He began his career in farming before moving to Iowa and later engaging in sawmilling and sheep raising in the West. In 1891, he established a successful general merchandise store in Elgin, later expanding into lumber and banking. A respected community member, he has served in various fraternal organizations and as a town councilman. He married Allie Miles in 1889 and is recognized as a leading figure in his region.

Biography of John A. Holman

John A. Holman, born in Sweden in 1857, immigrated to the U.S. at 22, initially settling in Kansas City before moving to Utah and Idaho. He established his farming and stock-raising operations in Lagrande, acquiring a substantial 320-acre estate. A dedicated family man, he married Anna Christina Anderson and has three children. Holman’s contributions to the county’s agricultural development and his exemplary character have earned him a respected place among its leading citizens.

Biography of H. A. Hansen

H.A. Hansen, born in Denmark in 1842, is a prominent and successful farmer in Union County, known for his industriousness and public service. After leaving Denmark at age 30, he worked in various capacities in the U.S. before settling in the Grande Ronde area, where he prospered as a cattle and hay farmer on his 320-acre estate. Hansen has held the position of road supervisor for twelve years and is respected by his community. He married Sarah Parrent in 1895, and they have a son, Harry.

Biography of Albert Good

Albert Good, born on September 25, 1844, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, became a prominent agriculturist and stockman in Union County. After assisting on his family’s farm, he moved west in 1865, eventually settling in La Grande, Oregon. He developed a successful farming business, particularly noted for raising sugar beets. In 1871, he married Cordelia Koontz, and they had several children. A respected Democrat, Good is recognized for his integrity, hard work, and community influence in the region.

Biography of Thomas H. Gilham

Thomas H. Gilham, born on February 13, 1858, in Siskiyou County, California, is recognized for his significant contributions to Union County, Oregon, where he was educated and built a successful farming and fruit-growing business near Alicel. The son of pioneer Calvit A. Gilham, Thomas exhibited integrity and dedication to local advancement. He was active in community affairs, serving on the county central committee and running for county judge. Married to Flora Neville, he has two children and remains a respected figure in his community, connected to the Methodist Church.

Biography of Rev. Abraham Eads

Rev. Abraham Eads, born in 1829 in Cole County, Missouri, embarked on an impactful journey that intertwined his life with the development of the region. After settling in Yam Hill County with his parents, he took up farming before answering a call to the ministry at the age of 25. Educated at Willamette University, he became a dedicated circuit rider and served in various locations, earning an A.M. degree in 1884. Married to Emily Killich in 1874, he now enjoys retirement in Lagrande, reflecting on a life devoted to gospel service.

Biography of John L. Curtis

John L. Curtis, born in 1827 in the East, became a prominent pioneer in Union County, Oregon. Orphaned young, he worked as a silver-plater before moving west, where he engaged in various occupations including mining and storekeeping. He discovered the Sanger mine and served in multiple public offices, including county sheriff and chief of police. A Jeffersonian Democrat and active in the Masonic fraternity, he married Almira Wells and had four children. Curtis is recognized for his contributions to the region’s development and community welfare.

Biography of Edwin O. Crandall

Edwin O. Crandall, born in Pennsylvania in 1837, was a skilled miller, confectioner, and machinist. After serving as an engineer for the C.R.I. railroad, he enlisted in the Illinois Regiment during the Civil War, where he was wounded. Following the war, he pioneered flour production in Union County, Oregon, before engaging in farming and returning to confectionery business in La Grande. A respected community figure, he married Mary Ann Collins and had two children. Crandall passed away on March 8, 1902, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and entrepreneurship.

Biography of Franklin S. Bramwell

Franklin S. Bramwell, born in 1860 in Yorkshire, England, is a prominent figure in both industry and the Latter Day Saints church in the northwest U.S. He serves as the assistant manager of the Oregon Sugar Company and is the bishop and president of the church’s missions, overseeing a vast jurisdiction across several states and parts of Canada. Educated under his father, Bramwell initially worked as a blacksmith before entering public service as clerk of Idaho’s Fifth Judicial district. Married in 1881, he has six children and is recognized for his contributions to music and community development.

Biography of William Arnold

William Arnold, born on March 16, 1856, in Nebraska, is a prominent figure in northeastern Oregon’s history. A steadfast pioneer, he faced numerous hardships while developing the region. After moving west in 1877, he gained recognition as a resilient cattle driver and stage coach operator in the Elgin area. His integrity and moral character earned him widespread respect and friendship within the community. Arnold married Cinda Graham in 1887, and they had four children. He remains a well-known and esteemed figure in the region.

Biography of John Stotts

John Stotts, born on January 23, 1826, in Adair County, Kentucky, is a well-respected pioneer and citizen of La Grande. He initially worked on his parents’ farm and later moved to Missouri, where he cultivated land for fourteen years. In 1864, he settled in La Grande, engaging in cabinet-making until 1883 before establishing a beautiful home with an impressive garden. Married to Elizabeth Dahoney in 1848, they had five children. A dedicated Methodist, Stotts is known for his integrity and positive influence in the community.

Biography of James A. Russell

James A. Russell, born on September 23, 1861, in Iowa, is a prominent businessman in Island City, operating a successful butchering establishment. After receiving an education in Cove, he engaged in various professions, including teaching and ranch management. Mr. Russell’s entrepreneurial journey began in the butcher trade in Cove, eventually leading him to establish a shop in Island City. He is a respected community member, married to Addie Whittemore, with whom he has four children. He also holds significant property and livestock investments in the area.

Biography of John W. Murphy

John W. Murphy, born December 9, 1831, in Franklin, Ohio, is recognized as a significant pioneer and contributor to the development of Union County. He engaged in various trades, including as a millwright and miner, and later became a successful orchardist, cultivating cherries and apples on his farm. Married in 1867, he had two children and gained respect for his integrity and commitment to education, serving as a school director. Additionally, Murphy faced numerous conflicts with Native Americans, proving his resilience and earning their respect.

Biography of Samuel A. Pursel

Samuel A. Pursel, born in 1840 in West Brownville, Pennsylvania, moved to Iowa at age ten. He served in the Fourth Iowa during the Civil War before establishing himself in the lumber industry upon arriving in Union County in 1872. Pursel’s ventures, beginning in Stumptown and later Union, demonstrated his business acumen, leading to significant success and the expansion into farming, amassing an 800-acre farm. He is respected in the community and has raised three daughters with his wife, Esther.

Biography of Charles R. Patten

Charles R. Patten, born on December 10, 1860, in Walla Walla, Washington, is a notable figure in Union County’s history. He worked alongside his father in various trades until age 23, then pursued a career in sales and saw milling. Patten married twice, first to Sarah Ohns, with whom he had two sons, and later to Emma Darr, with whom he had three children. A respected community member and businessman, he is recognized for his contributions and success in the county.