Malheur County OR

Pioneer Days in Malheur County

Exterior Court of Old Fort Hall

“Pioneer Days in Malheur County” by Jacob Ray Gregg is a comprehensive historical account that seeks to perpetuate the memory of prominent pioneers and preserve an authentic history of Malheur County, Oregon. This privately printed volume, published in 1950 by L. L. Morrison in Los Angeles, spans 442 pages and provides a broad narrative of the region’s history, covering significant events and developments from the mid-19th century onwards. Key locations discussed include Ontario, Vale, Nyssa, Westfall, Harper, Juntura, Ironside, Brogan, and Jamieson. The work also delves into critical historical topics such as the Bannock War and the Overland Trail, alongside accounts of early pioneer life.

An Illustrated History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties Oregon

These 91 biographies and sketches have been taken from the manuscript “An Illustrated History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties Oregon.” Presently this is an incomplete offering so subscribe to this page if you’re interested on further updates. We will eventually provide the entire manuscript here.

Biographical Sketch of Thomas Jones

Born in 1865 in Header San County, Kentucky, Thomas Jones moved to Malheur County, Oregon, at age 16. He initially pursued various professions before being appointed deputy county clerk in 1887 and later becoming Register of the Land Office at Burns in 1894. Recently, he has entered the banking sector in partnership with John V. Biggs. Known for his industry and integrity, Jones is married to Stella Staples, and they have a six-year-old daughter.

Biography of William C. Carlton

William C. Carlton, born in 1834 in Maine, is a notable figure in Malheur County, Oregon. He moved westward in 1854, exploring opportunities in mining, wagon building, and farming before settling on a 220-acre homestead near Rockville in 1882. A successful stockman and general farmer, Carlton also ran a blacksmith shop and served as county assessor and postmaster. Married to Phoebe Basil in 1871, they raised six children. Active in local politics as a Republican, he is respected in his community for his contributions and integrity.

Biographical Sketch of William H. Pullen

William H. Pullen, a notable figure in Malheur County, was born in Illinois on March 1, 1845. After relocating several times, he settled in Malheur County in 1897, acquiring 120 acres near Owyhee. His successful ventures included farming, mercantile, and lumbering. An active community member, he served as County Assessor beginning in 1900. Pullen married twice, first to Harriet J. Cross and later to Lucinda Whetstone, raising several children from both unions. A respected citizen, he is affiliated with the I.O.O.F. Lodge No. 90 in Ontario.

Biography of Andrew McGregor

Andrew McGregor, born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1845, became a prominent farmer and stockman near Ontario, Oregon. His family immigrated to the United States in 1846, eventually settling in Wisconsin. He served in the Civil War, participating in key battles, before returning to Wisconsin to farm. In 1877, he moved to Boise, Idaho, then to Ontario in 1882, where he established a successful farming operation. McGregor and his wife, Martha, had ten children and were active community members, earning widespread respect.

Biography of William Morfitt

William Morfitt, born in Yorkshire in 1838, was a pioneering figure in Oregon’s development. His family immigrated to the U.S. in 1842, and after various experiences, including fighting in the Yakima war, he became a civil engineer. He contributed significantly to the establishment of Ontario, Oregon, and built the first bridge across the Boise River. A model farmer, he was active in local politics and education. Morfitt had two marriages and fathered eight children, leaving a lasting legacy in Malheur County.

Biography of Archibald W. Turner

Archibald W. Turner, born on February 1, 1827, in Boone County, Missouri, became one of Malheur County’s prominent property owners, amassing 1,160 acres known for hay production. Educated in a log schoolhouse, he married Nancy March in 1848. After a challenging journey to California, he farmed and mined before homesteading near his current estate in 1869, where he raised sheep and cattle. A respected Democrat, Turner faced personal tragedy with the loss of his wife and daughter in 1863 but found solace in his large estate and community esteem.

Biography of Robert W. Worsham

Robert W. Worsham, born on April 30, 1839, in Kentucky, was a pioneering figure in Malheur County, Oregon. He journeyed west with his family in 1852, facing challenges including illness and food scarcity. A career in mining took him to various regions, where he encountered both opportunities and hostilities. In 1861, he married Lucy E. Wingfield and eventually transitioned to farming and stock-raising in Malheur. Worsham contributed to local development and served as a government scout during Indian conflicts, raising a family and supporting his community’s Methodist church.

Biography of Jeremiah Shea

Jeremiah Shea, born in Canada on March 31, 1847, made significant contributions to the development of Malheur County after moving to the United States in 1872. Initially involved in lumbering and the stock business, Shea also owned a meat market and ran a livery service during critical times. He later operated a hotel and acquired a ranch with substantial land and livestock. A respected citizen, he held the position of county assessor and was married to Mary Fenwick, with whom he had nine children.

Biography of Cornelius G. Morehead

Cornelius G. Morehead, born on June 26, 1865, in Linn County, Oregon, comes from a pioneering family that settled in the Willamette Valley in 1848. His father, a millwright, built Oregon’s first mill in Salem. After relocating several times, Cornelius established his own farm near Nyssa in 1901, where he cultivated alfalfa and raised cattle. He married Elizabeth Ehrgood in 1899, with whom he had two daughters. An engaged Republican, Morehead actively participated in local and state affairs, embodying the progressive spirit of Oregonian citizens.

Biography of G. B. Glover

G. B. Glover, born on December 20, 1841, in Mississippi, is a prominent pioneer of Malheur County, known for his hard work and visionary approach to agriculture and stock-raising. After serving in the Confederate army during the Civil War, he moved to Oregon in 1875, establishing a successful estate on Cow Creek Lakes, now encompassing over 1,140 acres. Glover is also known for his active involvement in local politics. He married Elizabeth Shea Keenan, and they had six children, highlighting his commitment to family and community.

Biographical Sketch of Charles M. Jones

Charles M. Jones, born on August 13, 1836, in Hickman County, Tennessee, dedicated his life to the defense of freedom during the Civil War, enlisting in the First Arkansas Cavalry in 1862. After the war, he moved west with his family, eventually settling in Ontario, Idaho, where he became a successful farmer. Known for his integrity and commitment to community development, Jones is celebrated for his contributions and remains a respected figure, enjoying the fruits of his labor in his later years.

Biographical Sketch of George Nichols

George Nichols, born on October 22, 1841, in New York, exemplifies the pioneering spirit of America’s westward expansion. After moving to Michigan at a young age, he served in the Civil War, participating in significant battles and sustaining injuries. Following his discharge in 1863, he ventured west, contributing to railroad construction and engaging in mining and farming across various territories. Settling in Malheur County in 1894, he established a successful ranch. A respected member of the G.A.R., Nichols remains unwavering in his single life, earning the admiration of his community.

Biographical Sketch of George E. Ward

George E. Ward, born on September 14, 1852, in Quebec, Canada, played a pivotal role in the development of Malheur County. After moving to Silver City, Idaho, in 1879 and engaging in the sheep business, he later focused on the Owyhee River area, where he became a leader in the industry. Ward was instrumental in creating the Owyhee ditch, collaborating with family and others to ensure its success. A Republican, he is known for his commitment to local affairs and the protection of American industries.

Biography of Herbert F. Ward

Herbert F. Ward, born on April 12, 186, in Quebec, Canada, became a prominent farmer and influential figure in Oregon, notably as a key promoter of the Owyhee ditch. After leaving home at twenty-two, he initially worked as a locomotive fireman before transitioning to sheep farming upon arriving in Oregon in 1880. In 1894, he homesteaded a quarter section near Nyssa, cultivating a successful farm. He married Sylvinia McConnell in 1896, and they had one son, George P. Ward, in 1898.

Biographical Sketch of James McCain

James McCain, born in New York in 1833, was a dedicated pioneer who significantly contributed to the development of his community. After marrying Eliza Tamson in 1854, they moved to Wisconsin and later ventured to Boise Valley, facing numerous challenges, including hostility from Native Americans that forced them to relocate. Eventually, they settled near Jordan Valley, where McCain achieved financial success in farming and stock raising. He passed away on July 11, 1893, leaving behind a widow and two children.

Biography of Hon. J.R. Blakaby

Hon. J.R. Blakaby, a notable pioneer of Malheur County, was born on April 12, 1861, in Iowa. After completing his education, he moved west, engaging in farming and education before entering politics. He served as a deputy clerk, postmaster, and in the state legislature, where he contributed to beneficial legislation. In 1891, he became a prominent general merchandise operator in Jordan Valley. A respected banker and community leader, Blakaby has had a lasting impact on the county’s development and prosperity. He was married to Mary J. Bauch and had five children.