Biography of Alex Furgason
Alex Furgason, born March 26, 1826, in Rouses Point, New York, was a significant early settler in Union County, Oregon. After working in lumber and participating in the Davis train expedition to Oregon in 1862, he became the first settler on the island where Island City now stands. Overcoming numerous hardships, Furgason improved his homestead and became a successful farmer, managing livestock and land. Married to Jenette L. Dwinell, he raised four children, and though he refused political office, he earned respect for his contributions to the community.