As the older men step aside from the excellent work that they have accomplished in this western country, there are younger ones with fresh vigor and commendable zeal to take up the burdens and prosecute the industries in a manner becoming the foundations that have been laid deep and wide by the worthy pioneers. To this class of younger men belongs the subject of this article, and we are pleased to record concerning him that he has manifested abilities that have stamped him as one of the strong stock men of the county and able to handle successfully the enterprises that he has in hand, while he has demeaned himself with wisdom and energy quite becoming him, as also is the integrity and uprightness that characterize his entire walk.
John R. was born in Dallas County, Missouri, on August 6, 1872, being the son of W.C. and Mary J. (Bass) Endicott, natives, respectively, of Indiana and Tennessee. The father was one of the noble men who fought for freedom and good government in the time of the Rebellion, enlisting in the Tenth Illinois, under Sherman, whom he accompanied on the famous march to the sea. When the war was done, and not until then, did he lay down the weapons and retire to private life. In 1878 the entire family came to Union county, the parents being pioneers of that section. At the age of sixteen our subject started the battle of life for himself, working first for his father and for others in the vicinity. In 1893 he came to Wallowa County and sought out a homestead for himself. He gave himself to the subduing and cultivation of this for a period and then bought his present place, which is five miles north from Joseph. The first quarter section of this farm he purchased from Mr. E. Lewellen, grandfather to the wife of our subject. To the original purchase he has added until he now owns four hundred acres of valuable land. Mr. Endicott is in partnership with his brother in the sheep business and has made a good success of the enterprise.
Mr. Endicott married Miss Clara Blankinship, daughter of John and Sarah Blankinship, whose names appear in another portion of the volume, on December 22, 1897, and to this happy union there have been born the following issue, Goldy and Ada. Mr. Endicott is a member of the K.O.T.M., Tent No. 35, of Joseph. Mrs. Endicott is a member of the Christian church and is a hearty supporter of the faith, both by precept and practice, while in all of their ways Mr. and Mrs. Endicott have so demeaned themselves that they are highly esteemed in the neighborhood and by all.