JAMES W. LYTLE. – To the esteemed and capable gentleman, whose name appears above, we with pleasure accord a representation in this volume of the chronicles of Union county, since he has wrought for many years here for its development, and for the subjstantial progress of the same, manifesting meanwhile, a business ability and energy that have placed him among the leading agriculturists and prominent men of the county, while his unswerving integrity, sound principles and geniality have made him hosts of friends from all classes.
Mr. Lytle was born in Wyandot, Ohio, on October 22, 1842, being the son of James and Mary (Anno) Lytle, the father a native of Scotland and the mother of Scottish descent. In 1855 the mother was called by the messenger of death, and on April 1, 1866, the father also passed away. Our subject received his education in the public schools of his native county, and there remained until he had arrived at man’s estate. When he had reached his majority he engaged in farming and raising and feeding stock until 1879. In that year he was determined to try his fortunes in the west, and accordingly came to San Francisco, thence by boat to Portland, and by the same conveyance to Wallula. He took up land in Sherman county, Oregon, remaining a few months, when tidings of the fertile Grande Ronde valley reached him and he immediately came thither. He soon selected the place where he lives at present, two and one0half miles south from Alicel, purchased it and set to the task of making it one of the best improved farms in the county of Union. He has bought and sold considerable property since that time, an now is contented to handle one hundred and twenty acres of cultivated land. The production of the cereals, occupies his attention mostly, although he has two acres planted to apples and pears, and conducts a small dairy. He has one of the finest rural residences in the county. It contains eight rooms and spacious halls, and is tasty and fine. He has also good outbuildings and a commodious barn, and all the conveniences to handle his estate in good shape. An air of thrift and plenty pervades the entire premises, and he is one of the most careful and progressive farmers of the county.
On August 27, 1876, Mr. Lytle married Miss Savilla Shafer, a native of Ohio, and this estimable lady has shared his labors and successes constantly ever since. Mr. Lytle is greatly interested in politics, although he refuses personal preferment in that line. He was nominated for the state legislature on the Republican ticket, but withdrew from the field. He was the first clerk in the Valeria school district and the cause of education has profited much by his counsel at various times when he held public office. He has served as delegate to the county convention every time since his coming to the county, with the exception of two years. Mr. Lytle is one of the substantial and progressive citizens of the county, and has ever labored faithfully in all those undertakings that are for the benefit of all, while his good character and unsullied reputation have placed him high in the esteem of all.