Malheur County OR

Biographical Sketch of James T. Davis

James T. Davis, a prominent figure in Malheur County, Oregon, was born on October 25, 1850, in Missouri. His family journeyed westward, settling in various locations before ultimately establishing a farm near Nyssa. Known for his integrity and strong work ethic, Davis has transformed his 120-acre property into a prosperous enterprise. After the death of his first wife, Lulu Brinnon, he remarried in 1898. An active political participant, he supports the Democratic Party and is regarded as a respected community member.

Biography of Hon. Ransom Beers

Hon. Ransom Beers, born in Ohio in 1831, is a prominent pioneer noted for his integrity and enterprise. After experiencing early hardship, he ventured to California in pursuit of gold, achieving notable success in mining. He later moved to Oregon, where he developed his farmland and became a respected figure in agriculture. A dedicated community member, Beers served in the state legislature and remains active in fraternal organizations. He leads a contented life, valuing his independence and the accomplishments he has diligently built.

Biography of Cassius H. Brown

Cassius H. Brown, born on December 27, 1852, in a log cabin in Illinois, emerged as a significant figure in his community and local politics. A pioneer and dedicated citizen, he has played a key role in education and agriculture, notably promoting alfalfa and fruit cultivation in the Malheur valley. Brown served as County Judge from 1892 to 1896 and was active in the Republican Party and Masonic organizations. His contributions extend to the Vale Milling Company and the Ontario Cemetery Association, reflecting his commitment to community welfare.

Biographical Sketch of Albert J. Shea

Albert J. Shea, born on February 4, 1872, in Owyhee County, Idaho, is a notable figure in Malheur County’s stock industry. The son of prominent stockman Cornelius Shea, Albert has built a commendable reputation through hard work and dedication, drawing from his father’s legacy. Educated both in San Francisco and on the family farm, he now manages a 360-acre estate in Jordan Valley, where he raises cattle and horses. Married to Celia Cornners since 1896, they have one daughter, Genevieve.

Biographical Sketch of William M. Mangin

William M. Mangin, a distinguished pioneer of the Jordan Valley, was born on March 16, 1830, in Boston, Massachusetts. After a varied maritime career, he arrived in San Francisco in 1856 and later moved to Jordan Valley in 1872, where he established a successful farm on 480 acres and became a prominent stockman. Known for his integrity and bravery, he played a crucial role in protecting settlers during times of conflict. His marriage to Martha Kellog in 1883 further enriched his legacy, as he raised four sons and earned widespread respect in the community.

Biography of William P. Beers

William P. Beers, a prominent pioneer in Malheur County, was born on August 18, 1842, in Indiana. His family moved around the Midwest before he enlisted in the Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry during the Civil War. After the war, he ventured west, engaging in freighting and ranching. He established the Ruby Ranch, known for its expansive land and cattle. Beers was actively involved in local politics and is recognized as a key figure in the development of the region. He married Mary F. Annawalt in 1877 and they had five children.

Biographical Sketch of James C. Ford

James C. Ford, born October 15, 1856, in Arkansas, emerged as a prominent stockman after a childhood marked by loss and challenging circumstances. Orphaned at a young age, he developed resilience and gained extensive experience working with cattle, particularly with the Chisum Company. Settling in the region in 1879, he operated various ranches before establishing his own successful 560-acre ranch near Rockville. In 1888, he married Fannie Smith, and together they became respected members of their community, contributing to rural life with their skills and values.

Biography of Hon. Isaiah W. Hope

Hon. Isaiah W. Hope, a distinguished figure in Malheur County, has significantly shaped the region through his extensive involvement in commerce and public service. Born in 1861 in Wisconsin, he moved with his family to Kansas before pursuing prosperity in Idaho. Together with his brother, he founded a successful mercantile business and the Vale Commercial Company. Elected to the state legislature, he earned the unique distinction of serving two terms. Hope’s contributions to local industries and community organizations further cement his legacy in the county’s history.

Biographical Sketch of Charles Smith

Charles Smith, a significant pioneer in Malheur County, was born on October 18, 1835, in Louisville, Kentucky. His family moved to Illinois when he was eight, and in 1854 he traveled to California to mine. After various mining ventures across the West, he settled in Malheur County in 1881, where he established a successful homestead focused on farming and stock raising. Married to Mary Ramsey in 1865, they have three children and continue to contribute to the region’s development.

Biographical Sketch of Richard H. Hart

Richard H. Hart, born on April 18, 1849, in Indiana, was a pioneering stockman and farmer in Malheur County who settled near Jordan Valley in 1871. With a well-improved estate and extensive land holdings, he became a prominent figure in livestock raising. Hart actively contributed to the community, notably during the Indian outbreak in 1878 and other crises. He married Harriett Moore in 1879 and together they had three children. A dedicated citizen, Hart made significant efforts toward the development of his county.

Biography of Garrison G. Gray

Garrison G. Gray, a prominent figure in Malheur County, was born in Ohio in 1830. His lineage includes a Revolutionary War soldier, and Gray himself faced numerous challenges as a pioneer. He ventured across the plains in 1851, eventually settling in Oregon, where he built a successful life as a carpenter, educator, and farmer. Gray held significant roles, including the first postmaster of Dell. He married twice, fathering nine children, and remained active in community affairs and church, despite hardships faced during settlement.

Biography of Milton G. Hope

Milton G. Hope, born on August 31, 1859, in Wisconsin, was a prominent pioneer and businessman in Malheur County. After moving through various states, he settled in Malheur in 1883, where he and his brother established a successful merchandise store. Hope’s ventures expanded to include significant land holdings and investments in local banking and milling. A dedicated public servant, he served on the school board, as mayor, and postmaster, reflecting his commitment to the community. He was respected for his integrity and proactive involvement in local affairs.

Biography of Joshua L. Cole

Joshua L. Cole, a pivotal figure in Malheur County’s development, was born on March 29, 1832, in Indiana. After migrating through Minnesota to Boise in 1864, he established himself in Malheur, where his ranching and beekeeping ventures flourished. Cole later became the president of Vale’s first bank, demonstrating his leadership across various enterprises. A Republican and devoted Methodist, he was respected in his community for his pioneering spirit and moral integrity, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s growth and welfare.

Biographical Sketch of William Parks

William Parks, a distinguished pioneer of Malheur County, Oregon, was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1845. After moving west in 1859, he farmed in California and then mined in Idaho before establishing a prosperous homestead in Jordan Valley. A successful businessman, Parks ventured into mercantile in 1895, co-founding the Jordan Valley Mercantile Company. He held significant interests in local finance, including the Ontario Bank. Married in 1879 to Julia West, they had five children. Parks is recognized as a key figure in the county’s development and a respected community leader.

Biographical Sketch of Joseph M. Dinwiddie

Joseph M. Dinwiddie, born in Indiana in 1851, emerged as a prominent pioneer and businessman in Malheur County, Oregon. After moving with his family to Oregon in 1853, he established a successful stock business in Washington before relocating to Jordan Valley in 1880. Dinwiddie developed extensive land holdings, including a hotel and livery barn, while becoming a leading figure in stock raising. He married Laura E. King in 1884, and they had four children, cementing his legacy as a respected community leader.

Biographical Sketch of Alvin S. Moss

Alvin S. Moss, a prominent stockman and farmer in Malheur County, Idaho, has thrived since the early 1880s. Born on September 10, 1857, in Illinois, he moved to Kansas with his family at a young age, eventually relocating to Colorado before settling in Malheur County. Moss owns a well-improved estate with significant land and livestock. He is an active participant in local politics and education, choosing a life of celibacy over marriage, and has established himself as a successful figure in his community.

Biographical Sketch of Andreas L. Sproul

Andreas L. Sproul, born on February 18, 1863, in Annapolis County, Nova Scotia, is a notable business figure in Ontario. He began his maritime career at a young age, eventually becoming captain of the vessel David J. Adams. After moving to Grant County, Oregon, in 1887, he transitioned to sheep and horse farming before establishing the Ontario Livery and Feed Stable in 1894. Appointed postmaster in 1899, Sproul’s community involvement includes serving as a councilman and being nominated for sheriff. He is married to Ella Dale and has one son, Harold.

Biography of R. D. Greer

R. D. Greer, born in Ohio in 1850, has been a significant figure in Malheur County’s development. After moving to Nebraska in 1866, he returned to the West in 1875, eventually settling in Emmett, Idaho. He later engaged in the lumber industry in Weiser and operated a successful mercantile business in Ontario before moving to his current homestead near Owyhee. Greer is noted for his involvement in local progress, including the establishment of the Owyhee ditch, and is an active community member alongside his wife, Alice.

Biography of Erwin A. Rieger

Erwin A. Rieger, born on January 28, 1873, in Ludwigburg, Germany, emigrated to the United States in 1894, settling initially in New York before moving to Idaho. By 1902, he became a partner in the Oregon Forwarding Company in Ontario, which grew into one of the largest general merchandise establishments in eastern Oregon, thanks to his business acumen. Married to Sylvia Lyells, he is active in local fraternal organizations, and is noted for his contributions to the community and mastery of the English language.

Biographical Sketch of Joseph C. Kelley

Joseph C. Kelley, born in 1870 in Idaho City, Idaho, was the son of pioneer parents who moved to Oregon shortly after his father’s death. Growing up near Nyssa, he eventually learned the saddler’s trade and established a harness and saddle store in Vale, which blossomed into a thriving business. Elected as county treasurer in 1900, Kelley was successful in his political career, earning a renomination. He is also a devoted member of the Odd Fellows and Masonic lodges, as well as a proud Bachelor.