One of the stanch and substantial citizens of Wallowa county, who has labored steadily for the up building of the community and the advancement of the interests of the county, the subject of this sketch stands today at the head of one of the leading industries of the section, and is a man in his life and walk such as to commend him to the esteem and confidence of all people of good judgment and sound principles. Mr. Berland has identified himself with his city and county in such manner that he is always found on the side of those measures that are salutary and up building, while his philanthropic spirit has done much in practical and substantial gifts to the advancement of worthy causes that appeal to him.
The thrifty and hardy land of Norway has furnished us many valuable citizens, true hearted and good, but none among them may be called a leader of the subject of this sketch in these virtues. Lewis Berland was born in Norway, in 1850, being the son of Lewis and Betsey Berland, who came to Minnesota in 1867, settling on a farm in Baker county, where they were highly respected citizens, capable and substantial. The father passed away in 1873 and the mother still lives on the old homestead. While in his native country Lewis learned the harness maker’s trade and wrought there for some time, and in 1865, while still a boy, left the rugged headlands and encroaching Fjords of the Norse-land for the new world. He settled first in Minnesota, working there at his trade and also in different parts he followed this craft until he came to Summerville, in Union county, and purchased property in Imbler. In 1891 he engaged in farming in Paradise, continuing until about four years since, when he came to Enterprise and opened a harness and saddle shop. He has, by his faithfulness in his work and by his kind and uniform treatment of his customers, secured a large and ever increasing patronage, which he merits in every particular.
Mr. Berland married Miss Isabella Oleson, a native of Minnesota, in 1871, and they have become the parents of ten children, as follows: Oscar, Burt, Lue, Emily, Edna, Laura, Cora, Jennie, Gust, deceased, an infant, deceased, and Matilda, deceased. Mr. Berland is a member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge No. 153, of Enterprise. He is a careful, upright man, capable and enterprising, and always ready with a hand to assist a fellow in distress, and these noble qualities, couple with his faithfulness and uniform geniality, have own for him hosts of friends and he is highly respected by all.