Malheur County OR

Biographical Sketch of Elbert H. Clinton

Elbert H. Clinton, born in New York in 1834, journeyed through Wisconsin, Iowa, and California before settling in Silver City in 1863. As one of the first white settlers in Jordan Valley, he was a dedicated farmer and stockman, achieving notable success through hard work and savvy management. A respected and influential figure in the community, Clinton’s death in January 1900 marked the loss of a valued pioneer, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and commitment to the county’s affairs.

Biography of Thomas C. Fletcher

Thomas C. Fletcher, born on October 11, 1841, in Mercer County, Kentucky, emerged as a prominent figure in Malheur County, Oregon. Orphaned at six, he was raised in Iowa and enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War, serving as a bugler in numerous battles. After the war, he ventured westward to Montana and later engaged in various businesses, including ranching and freighting. Married in 1884, he eventually settled in Ontario, where he became influential in the sheep industry and contributed to the community through his political and religious engagement.

Biographical Sketch of Roswell W. Clement

Roswell W. Clement, born on January 5, 1862, in Middleville, Michigan, has become a notable agriculturist in Malheur County. Raised in Iowa and Nebraska, he moved west in 1881, driving a team to Payette, Idaho. He married Harriet Neal in 1884, and they had four children. In 1895, Clement began cultivating a hundred acres, transforming it into a prosperous farm. His success stemmed from hard work and shrewd management, leading him to become a respected and wealthy figure in the community. He is politically active and committed to educational advancement.

Biographical Sketch of David Dunbar

David Dunbar, born February 5, 1849, in Ontario, Canada, emerged as a prominent stockman in Malheur County. After his mother’s death, he left home to seek his fortune, traveling to San Francisco before venturing to Idaho’s mining areas. Over the years, he established a successful cattle business and acquired significant land along the Snake River. Dunbar also married Elizabeth Manson in 1891, with whom he had three children. His dedication to stock farming and breeding thoroughbred Shorthorns reflects his industrious spirit.

Biography of Hon. William Rufus King

William Rufus King, born on October 3, 1864, in Walla Walla, Washington, was the son of pioneering parents from Arkansas. He moved to Oregon at a young age, pursued education in agriculture and law, and established a successful legal career in Ontario. Elected as a state representative and later senator, King was known for his integrity and leadership in reform. Although he lost a gubernatorial race in 1898, his campaign garnered respect and support across Oregon. King was married to L. Myrtle King, with whom he had two children.

Biographical Sketch of Charlie E. Amidon

Charlie E. Amidon, born on August 23, 1860, in Michigan, is a prominent farmer and stockman in Malheur County, residing five and a half miles southwest of Ontario. He operates a well-improved 180-acre farm and owns additional property. Raised on a farm and educated in common schools, Amidon moved to Nebraska and then to Michigan before settling in Oregon in 1884. He married Martha J. Steele in 1896, and they have one child. A respected community member, he is also a charter member of the A. O. U. W.

Biographical Sketch of George W. Clinton

George W. Clinton, born in 1837 in New York, exemplifies the spirit of pioneering in Malheur County. After his family migrated to Wisconsin and then traversed the perilous plains to California, Clinton settled in the Silver City area, eventually developing land near present-day Jordan Valley. His ventures in farming and ranching were marked by resilience, particularly during hardships like the 1863 Indian outbreak that cost him livestock. Today, he is recognized as a substantial landowner and cattleman, embodying the determination and accomplishments of early settlers.

Biography of Robert M. Divin

Robert M. Divin, born on December 17, 1831, in Lincoln County, Tennessee, became a notable figure in Malheur County. Orphaned at a young age, he grew up in Arkansas before moving to Texas, where he faced considerable hardships amidst Comanche threats. After a brief return to Arkansas, he settled in Oregon in 1870, engaging in successful cattle and farming operations. Divin later moved to Vale, where he now resides. He and his wife had ten children, although only two survive. He is a community-minded individual and a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Biographical Sketch of Almer G. King

Almer G. King, born in Waverly, Iowa in 1866, has become a respected figure in Malheur County, serving in key county positions with integrity and dedication. After his family moved west in 1870, King was educated in The Dalles before starting his career managing cattle. His public service began in 1896 when he was elected County Assessor on the Democratic ticket, later serving as County Clerk. His long tenure reflects his popularity and commitment to the community. He married Alma B. Morten in 1890.

Biographical Sketch of Henry S. Eldredge

Henry S. Eldredge has significantly contributed to the industrial growth of Malheur County, owning the Glen livery barn and a blacksmith shop in Vale. Born on May 23, 1862, in Minnesota, he moved west with his family and learned the blacksmith trade in Baker City. He manages a successful business while maintaining a reputation for integrity. Married in 1895, he lost his wife in 1900 but remains active in local organizations. Eldredge’s father played a foundational role in Vale, making him a notable figure in the county’s history.

Biographical Sketch of James A. Walker

Five miles southwest of Ontario lies the eighty-acre farm owned by James A. Walker, a well-respected individual born in Wayne County, Indiana, in 1834. After moving to Malheur County, he established a successful dairy operation and improved his property through hard work. Educated and principled, Walker has gained considerable esteem among his peers. In 1896, he married Lillie M. Steele, with whom he has three children. A member of the K. of P. Lodge, Walker is noted for his integrity and contributions to the community.

Biographical Sketch of Frank O’Neill

Frank O’Neill, a prominent farmer and stockman in Malheur County, was born on May 10, 1846, in County Antrim, Ireland. After working in Scotland and Liverpool, he immigrated to the United States in 1870, eventually settling in California. O’Neill married Mary Mullary in 1875, later relocating to Malheur County in 1881. After her death, he married Anna Jackson in 1886. O’Neill cultivated a successful ranch on lower Willow Creek and was well-respected in his community for his integrity and dedication to local advancement.

Biographical Sketch of Jackson A. Bartlett

Jackson A. Bartlett, born on August 31, 1847, in Indiana, is a significant business figure in Drewsey, Oregon. After serving in the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, he moved to Missouri, where he married Arminta J. Myers in 1870. The family later relocated to Oregon, where he engaged in farming and established a successful hotel and livery stable in Drewsey. Despite a fire destroying the hotel in 1899, Bartlett rebuilt and continued to thrive, raising a family of seven children alongside his entrepreneurial pursuits.

Biography of Thomas J. Huff

Thomas Jefferson Huff, a pioneer in the northwest, currently serves as the assessor of Canyon County. Born on December 31, 1844, in Indiana, he journeyed westward with his family in 1852, facing many hardships. A lifelong Democrat, Huff has never sought public office before his current role, successfully establishing a stock business for over 25 years. He settled in Caldwell, Idaho, owning a 500-acre ranch and a ferry service. Married to Mrs. A. J. Strickland, he enjoys a well-respected life in the community.

Gurney, Areta Littlejohn – Obituary

Areta Gurney, born October 13, 1902, in Pendleton, Oregon, passed away on January 6, 1996, at the age of 93. She had a distinguished career in education, teaching high school in Marshfield during the 1920s and grade school in the 1960s. In 1976, she relocated from Ontario to Portland. A member of the Ontario Methodist Church, she is survived by her son, Norris, and one grandchild. The family requests that remembrances be made to the American Cancer Society.

Fisher, David Cyrus – Obituary

David Cyrus Fisher passed away on April 17, 1915, in Ontario, Oregon, at 75 years old. He had traveled to Ontario for a visit with his son, Guy, but became ill shortly after arrival. Fisher was a well-known resident of the Grande Rode Valley, and his death is deeply mourned by family and friends. He is survived by his wife and several children. His funeral, led by Rev. Cullison, took place at his foster daughter’s home, with interment at Union cemetery.

Fisher, David Cyrus – Obituary

David Cyrus Fisher, a pioneer who crossed the plains in 1859, passed away at age 75 in Ontario on April 17. Originally from Illinois, he settled in Oregon in 1862, first in the Willamette Valley and later in the Grande Ronde Valley. He is survived by nine children, including Hiram and Harvey Fisher of Wallowa, and several daughters across California and Oregon. His life reflects the journey of many settlers during that era.

Forthman, Mable Mrs. – Obituary

Mable Forthman, born on January 3, 1902, in La Grande, Oregon, passed away on May 10, 1983, in Ontario, Oregon. Services were held on May 13, with interment at Evergreen Cemetery. Mable married William T. Forthman in 1920 and lived in Wallowa County before moving to Boardman and then Ontario. Active in her community, she was a 4-H leader, a charter member of the Wallowa Grange, and enjoyed outdoor activities. She is survived by her son, daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Wilson, C. D., Mrs. – Obituary

Mrs. C.D. Woods, formerly Maud Brosnan, passed away unexpectedly on July 10, 1919, at the age of 25. Born in Ontario, Oregon, in 1894, she married C.D. Woods just a few months prior and resided in Wallowa County. Her death came at Roseman Hospital, leaving her husband, parents T.J. and Mrs. Brosnan, and siblings grieving her loss. The community extends heartfelt condolences to those mourning her sudden departure. The obituary was published in the Wallowa County Reporter on July 17, 1919.

Hammack, Alice Irene Bohannan – Obituary

Mrs. Alice Irene Hammack, aged 74, passed away on May 1 at her son’s home in Jamieson, Oregon, after a battle with diabetes. Born in Huntsville, Arkansas, she lived in Enterprise for many years. She was married to J. Linza Hammack for 43 years, who preceded her in death two years prior. Irene is survived by six sons, fourteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Her funeral was held in Ontario, where she was remembered for her kindness and charitable spirit.