Biographical Sketch of J. A. Churchill

Among the public institutions of our country note more deservedly attract the attention of all lovers of law and order than do our public schools. It is all important, therefore, that each city should have some man of learning and ambition at the bead to represent, as It were, in a single individual the individual interest of every child in it. We are peculiarly fortunate in the section of capacity to fill this position. lie has the ripe experience of a successful teacher, the energy and ambition of a man who is just entering the prime of life, the love … Read more

Biographical Sketch of W. R. Privett

For years, W. R. Privett has been connected with various institutions of learning, until the profession of a teacher, than which there is no higher or nobler, has became second nature to him, slid none in the ranks of that profession stand higher or more universally command the respect and esteem of the general public, than does the subject of this sketch. Born in Missouri in 1847, he came to Oregon in 1852, with his parents, who died enroute. He made his home with an uncle, on a farm near Scio, and received his preliminary education in the public schools. … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Francis M. Saxton

There is probably no member of the bar of Baker County more well and favorably known than he whose name heads this sketch, and a history of his career such as it justly merits, would prove of deep interest to our readers, and would truly exemplify the old adage that persistency and merit will in the end win out over opportunity. Mr. Saxton was born In 1864, in the Blue Grass State, and remained there with but a short interval until his seventeenth year. He received a country school education. and the last year taught one himself. Moving to Shelby … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Dr. E. B. McDaniel

Oregonians naturally feel an increased interest in the ambitions and aspirations of a young man who was born and raised right here in out own state. This fact, however is not the only reason why Dr. McDaniel is so popular among those that know him. He has won, and fully deserves every iota of esteem and regard in which he is held by his integrity and courtesy and professional knowledge. Dr. McDaniel was born in Cove, Union County, in 1873, and remained there till 1888, receiving his preliminary education there. He then attended the Beaumont Medical College in St. Louis, … Read more

Ferguson, James F.

The subject if our sketch, Jas. F. Ferguson, has been more active perhaps than any one else in placing the resources of Baker County and its environments before not only Western investors, but those of the far East as well. His shrewd judgment and conservative business methods have won for him an enviable reputation, and his advice on the real estate and mining investments of this section is much sought after. He has been located here as a real estate and insurance broker since 1875 representing sixteen of the leading insurance companies of the world, such as the London. Liverpool … Read more

Biography of William E. Grace

It is perfectly natural to admire pluck and ambition in a unto find this, no doubt. is one reason why he whose name heads this sketch has won so many friends during his residence in this state. He was born in Jasper county. Missouri, in 1856. Besides getting a public school education, he attended the Rolla School of mines and Metallurgy, at Rolla, Missouri. In 1880 he located Oregon City, Oregon. where he was engaged for sometime in a drug store. Removing to Prineville, Crook county, he was appointed deputy sheriff under Geo. Chruchill and later was appointed deputy county … Read more

Biographical Sketch of William Brown

A man of sterling worth and a well-known citizen of this county, was born in the north of Ireland in 1841. At an early age he came to the United States with his parents and spent a year in Illinois. Moving then to Wisconsin, he resided there till 1862. He then moved to Baker County, crossing the plains by wagon, but in the spring of time following year went to the Boise mines, where he retained till October, 1865. Returning here he has been engaged in farming in the Powder River Valley since with success. Recognizing his fitness, he was … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Robert D. Carter

An honored citizen of Baker City, find a number of the Common Council, was born in 1856 in Cecil county-, Maryland, where he remained until his 18th year. In 1876 he moved to Baker county, and became engaged in stockraising and six years later he bought an interest in the butchering establishment of P. Miller. in which he is still interested. Their shop is a model of neatness, and the trade they enjoy speaks for itself. Mir. Carter has been a lifelong democrat, and takes an active interest in politics. In 1890 he was chairman of the democratic county committee … Read more

Biography of George B. Moulton

A well known and highly esteemed resident of Baker City, is an active, energetic citizen and a gentlemen that takes an active interest in the welfare and prosperity of both the city and county, of which he has been a resident for the last twelve years. He was born in Maine in 1837, and remained there till his eleventh year. Moving to Minnesota with his parents he remained there for ten years, during which time he received a public school education. Arriving at the age of manhood he moved to California, but spent only a year there, going to Washington … Read more

Biography of John W. Wisdom

One of our most representative and best patronized drug houses is that of John R. Wisdom, which was established in 1867. The stock carried is a very large one embracing everything in the into of pure, fresh drugs, chemicals, patent medicines, druggist sundries, perfumes, toilet articles, etc., physicians prescriptions and family receipts are most carefully and accurately compounded. The proprietor today enjoys the distinction of being the pioneer merchant of the city. He is a native of Missouri, came to this county in 1862, and on his return from the Boise mines a year later, followed teaming until 1867, when … Read more

Practical Mining in Eastern Oregon

In the topographical survey of the United States, all that portion laying between the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, up into the southeastern portion of Washington, is known as the Great Basin. This basin was once an extensive lake bottom, and now, for the most part, filled with alkaline plains of the quaternary age. The surface Is diversified by subordinate ranges of mountains, formed of tilted paleozole rocks and extensive overflows of igneous eruptions. These ranges are barren and shattered, and the stratafied rocks are often found in confusing and irregular positions. The chief characteristics of the Great Basin, … Read more

Biographical Sketch of W. H. Kilburn

The present efficient sheriff of Baker County, is a man who stands high among his constituents, and is the fortunate possessor of a host of friends, who in their admiration of his numerous sterling qualities would make almost any sacrifice to enhance his success, he was born in the Blue grass State, Kentucky, in 1842. At the age of twenty-two he came to Baker County, and became engaged in farming and stock raising. which he follows to some extent yet. Four years ago me was elected sheriff of this county, unit again two years ago. He has discharged the duties … Read more

Biographical Sketch of John A. Payton

But few, if any, stand higher in the estimation of his neighbors and friends than the subject of this sketch. His name is a synonym for all that is true and honorable in a man, and fellow citizen. Mr. Payton was born in Missouri in 1850. Coming here at the age of 13 with his parents, he lived with them on at farm in the Powder River Valley until 1870 attending the public schools in the interim. He then attended the Agricultural College at Corvallis for three years and then taught school In Lane and Benton counties until 1877. Returning … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Judge M. L. Olmsted

There is probably no member of the legal profession better or more favorably known throughout Eastern Oregon than is the subject of this sketch. by reason of his long and imitate acquaintanceship with its leading mien and active participation in all matters of public import that have tended to advance the interests of this section of the state. His enterprise and integrity have made for him friends in all classes of society, and his name is a synonym for honesty and industry. Judge Olmsted served with distinction during the civil war, in the third division of the 12th Army Corps. … Read more

Biography of Ensign Percy Napier Olmsted

Ensign Percy Napier Olmsted U.S.N., the only one of all Oregon’s naval caret appointments surviving the various vicissitudes of Annapolis. Appointed naval cadet for Oregon in 1887 by Hon. Binger Herman, he succeeded in closing the academic course in command of the second company of cadets. Served two years in Honolulu harbor, and was all intimate acquaintance of President Dole and family while there. Commissioned Ensign by President Cleveland in 1895 and assigned to New York harbor for a time as instructor. From there assigned to the South Atlantic squadron, and given the position of acting flag lieutenant of the … Read more

Towns of Baker County

The chief towns in Baker county all tributary to Baker City commercially, financially and socially, are Sumpter, Huntington, Bourne, Haines and Bridgeport. Sumpter and Huntington the most important and populous, have not unreasonable hopes of becoming of sufficient commercial and social importance to be soon classed among the quite noteworthy places In the great state of Oregon. Sumpter in the past year has doubles her population, now having 800 very wide awake inhabitants. The town is almost due west of Baker City, and daily passenger, freight and logging or lumbering trains run to and from the metropolis over the 30 … Read more

St. Francis Academy, Baker City Oregon

There is no institution of which Baker City is more proud than St. Francis’ Academy, conducted by the sisters of that name. It is today one of the most complete among the educational institutions of Eastern Oregon, and its patronage is by no means confined to Baker county but extends over the neighboring counties, also into Idaho. A visit to this seat of learning some days ago, elicited some facts regarding the institution and its work, which may be of interest to those who have not been there. Situated in the suburban portion of tile city, on a large tract … Read more

St. Elizabeth Hospital, Baker City, Oregon

The St. Elizabeth hospital, which was lately opened by the Sisters of St. Francis, occupies the large three-story building located on Church street, between First and Second. Like all institutions in their charge it is a model of neatness and cleanliness. On the ground floor, as the visitor enters, is the reception room on tile left, and on the right a complete pharmacy, presided over by a sister who has for years made a study of medicine. There is also a ward for ladies on this floor, as well as the dining room or refectory. On the floor above are … Read more

St. Francis Church, Baker City, Oregon

The historical development of the Catholic parish of Baker City, is analogous to that of the town itself. Time with its vicissitudes, and emigration with its attendant at fractions has molded it into the shape and proportion it has assumed today. It is interesting to take a retrospective view of events proceeding the present state of the parish. Starting in the year 1862, the reason for doing so being based upon the fact that the cradle of Baker City’s Congregation was located even then at Auburn, 12 miles south west of here, where some 1500 men were located in the … Read more

Gold Mining Districts of Baker County, Oregon

BAISLEY-ELKHORN DISTRICT Sixteen miles northwest of Baker City is located the Baisley-Elkhorn district. The veins run north and south, formation principally slate, and the free-milling value of the ores is 40 per cent; balance of values is saved in concentrates containing a great deal of massive sulphide ore. These concentrates average about $65 to the ton, and all the properties in the district have a considerable amount of shipping ore. Most prominent among the producers of this district is the Baisley-Elkhorn, situated at the head of Pine creek, at an altitude of 6,500 feet. The present management under the ownership … Read more