GEORGE W. ROBERTSON- In the person of the subject of this sketch, we have exemplified the typical pioneer qualities that are so worthy of encomium, and that have done so much, for this country, practically making it what it is today, and our subject has spent a life of activity in the industries that develop and build up the country, while he has constantly displayed resources of ability and adaptability for the various positions of life that have held him in his career of varied and interesting achievements, manifesting as well, moral worth and a genial and kindly spirit throughout.
George W. was born in Newton county, Missouri, on February 3, 1859, and two years later was brought by his parents across the plains by ox teams to Umatilla county, Oregon. In that place they remained until 1864, then came to Union county and the father bought the farm where our subject now resides, one mile south from Island City, and consisting of one quarter section. In the same year in which they came to the county, the father was called hence by death, leaving a widow and a little group of children in the frontier home. Our subject being the only boy, naturally muh of the burden fell upon him and he nobly wrought as his tender years would allow. In this place he gained his education, working summers and toiling over his books during the winter months. Three winters were spent this way, and precious times they were, fitting the boy for the duties of the man. Until he was twenty-one years of age our subject continued in occupation on the home place and then sought on the fields of life a place for himself. His first step, after arriving at the age of majority, was to select a good companion for his life journey, and he was distinguished in obtaining the first white girl born in the Grande Ronde valley for his wife, the lady being Miss Ada J. Furgason. Her parents, Alex and Jeanette I. (Dumell?) Furguson, were real pioneers to this section and their daughter was born at Island City, October 19, 1862. As stated before she was the first white girl and the second white child born in this valley. Following his marriage Mr. Robertson rented a farm and tilled the same until 1883, then sold out and removing to Montrose county, Colorado, engaged in the railroad for four months and then took charge of a freighting outfit for a transporter of goods to New Mexico, handling four outfits of twelve oxen each. Three years were spent in this arduous and wearing work and two more in overseeing a farm for his employer and then in 1892 he came back to Island City and rented his father-in-law’s farm for four years, and then he had the pleasure of purchasing the farm that was owned by his father and where our subject had spent his childhood years. It is an excellent property, being one of the most fertile pieces of land in the valley, He has it all in excellent state of cultivation producing wheat principally. Mr. Robertson has also a goodly number of cattle and horses, his farm is well improved, and he has a fine orchard and comfortable buildings.
To Mr. and Mrs. Robertson there have been born five children, as follows: Jesse L., Otis L., Zella A., Alex S. and Lena J., all living at home. Mr. Robertson is a member of the I.O.O.F. and is also interested in the political questions of the day, allying himself with the Republican party. He has ever displayed an upright course and is possessed of unswerving ingetrity and sound principles. mr. and Mrs. Robertson are worthy citizens of the county, valuable members of the community and noble and stanch persons, recieving the respect, esteem and confidence of all.