The subject of this sketch is a native of the occident, and beneath its stars he has labored and gained the success that is now his to enjoy, while he is now one of the prosperous and substantial agriculturists and stockmen of Wallowa county, and has made for himself a name and place in the midst of the progressive and intelligent population of our county.
Raleigh E. was born in the Willamette valley, at Salem, on July 11, 1955, being the so of James and Deliah L.E. (Warren) Rochester. Of his boyhood days, but little is noted, but we are informed that he owned a good farm at the age of twenty, which in itself speaks highly of the qualities that could handle and accumulate this amount as such an early age. For three years after this time he was occupied in tilling this farm and then he sold it and spent three years in traveling, visiting various places of interest and instruction. It was in 1879 that he came to Umatilla County and engaged for a salary, continuing there for one year, then paid a visit to Wallowa County in 1880, remaining here for two years and then went to Spokane, Washington, where he wrought for four years more. And then in 1893 he again came to this county and this time purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres from his stepfather, Rufus Bridges. He is at the present time living with his parents and occupied in raising stock and farming. He is one of the successful and prosperous farmers of the county, and is respected by all. Mr. Rochester’s place is four miles northeast from Wallowa and he handles it in a skillful manner.