One of the leading merchants of Wallowa county, the subject of this sketch is justly entitled to honorable mention in this portion of our work and because of his excellent achievements, which he has accomplished in a life of activity and enterprise, and because of his ability that has been brought into requisition in these endeavors, and because of the sound principles that dominate him and the broad public spirit that characterizes him, we are pleased to grant this to him, while also it is but right to mention that he is esteemed by all and is the recipient of the confidence of his fellows.
Clinton M. Mumford was born in Crawford county, Wisconsin, on April 30, 1866, being the son of James B. and Elizabeth A. (Zerba) Mumford. While young he accompanied his parents to Cass County, Nebraska, and his boyhood days were spent on the farm, and in gaining the education to be had from the public schools. It was in 1883 that he migrated from Nebraska to Pendleton, Oregon, accompanying his parents on this trip. On July 18, 1886, at Pendleton, occurred the marriage of Mr. Mumford and Miss Margaret A. Osborn, daughter of Alexander and Satira A. (McDowell) Osborn. Subsequent to this happy event, he purchased a farm, which he improved in good manner and then sold, only to purchase again, adding another tract, which gives him a fine estate of three hundred and twenty acres. This property is well improved, having good houses and barns and other necessaries to a first class farm. In 1898 our subject entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, B.M. Rounsavell, in Summerville, Oregon, handling general merchandise. In 1900 they sold that business and came to Wallowa, where he entered into the furniture business, which is now grown to large proportions, while they handle all goods that are used in house furnishing. The establishment is one of the best in the county and has been built up by dint of hard labor and good management. Our subject has given his ability and personal work to the accomplishment of this praiseworthy undertaking and the prosperity that the firm enjoys today is patent evidence of the abundant success that has attended his efforts. Mr. Mumford is a member of the I.O.O.F., Wallowa Lodge, No. 154, being a past grand: he is also a member of the Woodmen of the World, Lodge No. 600, of Wallowa, and of the K. of P. Mrs. Mumford is a member of the Rebekahs, and they both are identified with the M.E. church, being active in the affairs of the church and in the cause of their faith.