How different today appear the rich farms of plenty and the scenes of prosperity in this county, where but a few years since were the wastes of unbroken wildness, peopled by the occasional savage and his attendant companions, the coyote and the timid deer. Men, like the subject of this sketch, stanch, stable and true, came with hearts determined and hands willing to subdue the wild, to repel the savage, and build themselves homes, where now are in evidence the comforts of civilization, wrought out by their faithful endeavors. We are glad to make mention of one who has had a part in this good work and establish his name in the abiding chronicles of Wallowa county.
Benjamin F. Myers was born in 1861, in Missouri, to Henry A. and Louisa (Spikes) Myers. The parents were pioneers to Missouri and migrated to the Grande Ronde valley in 1864, settling at Summerville. There the subject of this sketch was reared and educated and wrought with his father until the latter’s death. The mother is still living. Benjamin F. continued to operate the home place until about eleven years since, when he purchased a place in Wallowa county, and there wrought for a period of years. He was thrifty, industrious and handled his land in a becoming manner to one skilled in husbandry. After some time spent in this way he removed again to Union county and lived there, engaged in farming until three years since, and then once more he became a citizen of Wallowa county. He was welcomed back, for he had formed friends and his uprightness and stanch principles made him a valuable addition to the county’s population. He resides at the present time two and one-half miles northwest from Wallowa, where he owns one-half section of land. He gives his entire attention to general farming and stock raising, in both of which occupations he manifest good wisdom and is attended with a success and prosperity that bespeak his executive ability, his good practical judgment in the affairs of life, and his untiring efforts in his business enterprises.
In 1883 Mr. Myers took unto himself a wife, the lady of his choice being Miram L. Hamilton, a native of Ohio, whose parents came to Union county in 1870 and settled at Summerville. To this happy union there have been born four children, as follows: Nora, William, Isa and Harry. Mr. Myers is one of the substantial and highly respectable citizens of the county, ever taking that interest in the affairs of government that becomes the good and intelligent citizen, while hi personal demeanor is calculated to inspire confidence and esteem from all who know him. Mr. Myers is a member of the M. W. A. Camp No. 10370, of Wallowa.
Submitted by: Tom Childers