HON. JOHN C. LEASURE. – Mr. Leasure needs little introduction to the people of Oregon, having become universally known as an elector on the ticket for Blaine in 1884, and more recently as vice-president and attorney for the Oregon & Washington Railway. This road, which has commanded much popular interest, particularly in Eastern Oregon and Washington Territory, skirts the whole Umatilla and Blue Mountain foothills country, traverses the great Inland Empire wheat belt, and having a western terminus at tide water is able to complete actively with the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company, thus reducing transportation tariffs to the minimum.
Mr. Leasure has, moreover, ever enjoyed a wide reputation as a lawyer, being especially versed in criminal practice; and scarcely a case of any importance of this character has been brought to trial in Umatilla county without his attendance. His standing and popularity in his own city is shown by his election as mayor of Pendleton, Oregon, in1855, by a majority of ninety-three on the People’s ticket. During his term he made his presence felt by carrying through to completion the system of water works, and by a marked improvement in streets and sidewalks.
Mr. Leasure is a native Oregonian, having been born in Marion county in 1854, and received his education at Philomath College, having received his diploma from said institution in 1877. He first made his way in the world as a school teacher, studying law at the same time, and in 180 ran the gauntlet of an examination. Passing the critical point with great success, he removed immediately to Pendleton, and there achieved the results then anticipated.
Mr. Leasure is purely a self-made man, and is noted for determination and great will power. His wife, Anna L., daughter of James Blakely, a pioneer of 1847, is a lady who is no les influential in her own circles than is her husband in the business and political world.