JOHN FRAWLEY. – It is pleasant to contemplate the faithfulness of the gentleman whose life’s career it is now our privilege to outline in brief review. He has won again and again the encomiums of his fellows in the political field and the substantial appreciation of their approbation in being elected to the responsible position of treasurer of Union county, which position he is holding for the third successive term, having been elected on the Republican ticket.
John Frawley was born in Syracuse, New York, on May 29, 1850, being the son of Cornelius and Mary (Halliman) Frawley. He was educated in the common schools quite thoroughly and at the building age of eighteen stepped forth from the parental roof to do for himself. He went railroading as brakeman and soon had worked his way to freight conductor. He operated on a number of roads in the east. Eighteen hundred and seventy-two, marks the date of his advent to the west. Nevada being the objective point. He continued railroading and soon we find him in the Grande Ronde valley operating the first freight trains that ran in the valley. He hauled the first passengers that had the distinction to ride into this section on the railroad, the freight train being the conveyance. In 1889 he was conductor on the Hunt line in Washington, where he met with a serious accident, which changed his career. He was assiting to make up a train and slipping, fell in such a way that the front part of each foot was taken off instantly. He quit railroading and as soon as possible went to keeping a grocery store in Lagrande. One year was spent in this business and then he took up farming until 1898, and then the people called him from the plow to act as custodian of the funds of the county. He has proved both faithful and efficient, as has been his record always, and three terms have been accorded to him, as stated above.
Mr. Frawley is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Red Cross Lodge, No. 27, of Lagrande. he is a charter member of the institution and past chancellor. In 1887 Mr. Frawley married Miss Millie Collins, of Summerville, and one child has been the fruit of this union, Harry J., born April 2, 1892.Mr. Frawley ahs a fine five-room residence in Union and his home is the center of refined hospitality under the guidance of his estimable wife who presides with gracious dignity.