Mining

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 James T. Wisdom

The accompanying cut is reproduced from a snap-shot taken on Willow Grove Farm, the property of James T. Wisdom, who has earned quite a reputation as a breeder of Short Horn cattle. His place, which is probably the best improved one in the county, is located six stiles northwest of Baker City, and consist of 311 acres of choice land adapted to raising both hay and grain. It has five running streams of water on it, and one could not possibly find a more suitable place for the purpose for which it is used. Our cut hardly does justice to … Read more

Biography of Archibald Downie

The name that heads this sketch is one well known throughout the west. He who bears it is now over three score years of age, but he appears much younger, and is possessed of a greater degree of vim and energy than is ordinarily displayed by men of younger years. His career has, indeed, been an interesting one, and to enumerate even the more prominent events of his life and to do justice to his energy and enterprise in one brief sketch would be impossible, as it would occupy more space than we can spare in our little volume. Mr. … Read more

J. H. Parker & Sons

A splendid representative of its special line of enterprise is that conducted by J. It. Parker & Sons, livery, board and hack stables. They lover half a block, two stories In height, with accommodations for 125 head of horses, and in fact are the largest stables in Eastern Oregon. They are thoroughly equipped in every way, owning carriages. hulks, and so forth, including it $1200.00 hearse. Special attention is paid to boarders, which are accommodated lit most moderate rates. They also handle hay and grail. owning two ranches in the valley, about eight miles from Baker City, raising hay on … Read more

Sumpter, Baker County Oregon

The counties of Oregon can boast of no place that is more solid, sturdy and assured of a brighter future than the town of Sumpter, at the head of Sumpter valley. Lying at a point where all roads converge and extend again to the great producing mines of Baker county, Sumpter is the natural gateway, the supply headquarters for a large tributary country, which last year yielded, it is safe to estimate, $2,000,000 to the gold supply of the world. Its progress, hence as it has been ever since it came into recognized existence will not, could not, be accelerated … Read more

Biographical Sketch of W. G. Ayre

Almost in the heart of the valley, a mile or more directly south from Express station, is the fine home and valuable farm of W. G. Ayre, the sheep king of this region. He located in these parts something over thirteen years ago, coming from the far east alone and settling upon the sage brush land, upon which there were only limited improvements. His farm, immediately in the valley, now produces hundreds of tons of hay annually. Upon it he has erected a large and well built dwelling and added commodious barns and every needed improvement, until it is one … Read more

Davis, E. Dr.

There is probably in Baker City today no man more popular in his profession than Dr. E. Davis. His popularity is well merited for he is not only gifted with most winning manners, but with unexcelled skill in his profession. Dr. Davis is a native son, having been born in Eugene in 1866. He moved with his parents to Eastern Washington, then returned to Monmouth, Polk county, in 1882, and attended the State Normal School till 1885. He then took up the study of dentistry under Dr. I. T. Mason, of Dallas, Polk county, remaining with him a year. He … Read more

Biographical Sketch of John H. Clark

John H. Clark, one of Bourse’s most substantial citizens, was born in Canada in 1845, where he remained until his 19th year. Coming then to Colorado, he was engaged in freighting with ox teams from St. Joe to Denver, before the advent of the railroad. In 1875 he moved to Arizona, and resumed his old business, but later took a contract for grading on the A. & P. R. R., at The Needles. He later spent some little time in California, also in British Columbia In September, 1885, he came to Baker County, and acted as manager for the Oregon … Read more

Stoddard Brothers Lumber

Numbered among the enterprising mill firms of Eastern Oregon is that of the above named gentlemen. Established in McEwan about three years ago by George and Joseph Stoddard, it has been running at the full capacity of 30,000 feet per day. While other mills have been forced to reduce or temporarily shut down, the Stoddard mills have continued to increase their orders. This is largely due to the fact that they are thoroughly conversant with eastern methods, and have been enabled to capture trade where others have failed. A year ago last spring they moved their planer and yards to … Read more

Biographical Sketch of R. T. Parker

R. T. Parker, the leading photographer of the city, is also one of our early pioneers, having been located here since 1870. He was first engaged in mining, and then for a period of several years was engaged in the mercantile business. He then established himself in the photograph business, being materially assisted by his wife, who is universally looked upon as one of the best operators in the state. Their studio is advantageously located, and the class of work turned out is of the greatest excellence. Mr. Parker married Miss Viola G. Hazeltine, daughter of M. M. Hazeltine, who … Read more

Biography of J. B. Griswold

The subject of this sketch, who today is considered one of the solid men of Baker County, and who possesses the well-merited confidence and esteem of its citizens was born in White Hall, New York, in 1857. At the age of 2l he moved to Baker City and until 1884 clerked for several different mercantile firms here. He then opened a harness shop, and from time to time has added new lines until today he is carrying line of the largest stocks in the state While his success in a measure may be due to the settling up of the … Read more

Biography of Geo. W. Hall

In the armed band of State builders, who, catching the earliest rays of that regal star which the prophetic spirit of poesy discovered long ago as the leader of advancing civilization, followed its course to the western verge of the continent, few are deserving of more honorable mention that Geo. W. Hall, who was the first sheriff of this county. Born in Wayne County, Illinois, in 1826, he remained there until his 24th year, when he crossed the plains, locating at Hangtown, now Placerville, California. He arrived there with a capital of five cents, but made five dollars with a … Read more

Crystal Palace

Among our large and flourishing business houses, that of the Crystal Palace must be accorded a prominent place. This business was started in l887 in a small way, by Mr. Adler, in the Wisdom block, and enjoyed exceptional prosperity from the start. Last November he was compelled to move to his new quarters and now occupies a floor space of 50×100. In this he carries a very heavy line of jewelry, musical instruments, books, stationery, toys. etc. His jewelry department of which we present an interior cut, is by far the handsomest in the city, provided as it is with … Read more

Biography of William Rufus King

William Rufus King. the nominee for governor of the people’s, democratic, silver republican parties, in this state, was born near Walla Walla, Washington, October 3, 1864, of pioneer parentage, and was brought up on a farm. The rugged life on a frontier farm tended to develop the characteristics of honesty, courage, self-reliance, and strong individuality, with which he was endowed by nature and which at the early age of thirty-three, has made him one of the foremost young men within the state of Oregon. He is truly what might be called a self-made man, for he has carved his way, … Read more

Biographical Sketch of C. M. Foster

No official in Baker County enjoys the confidence of its citizen, to a greater extent than does C. M. Foster, county surveyor surveyor. He has held the office for twenty years and is more popular today, than when first elected. Mr. Foster was burn in Vermont in 1835, receiving his education in a public academy. Later taking a scientific and mathematical course at Barre Vermont. He came West to 1858, locating in Iowa, for two years, following his profession its civil engineer and surveyor, doing railroad work Crossing the plains he reached California in 1859, locating in Yuba and Shasta … Read more

Biographical Sketch of John F. Dooley

That the people appreciate enterprise and perseverance is shown by the success of the subject of our sketch, who is rapidly forging to the front, although but yet a young man. Born in Idaho City, May 29, 1867, he received his education in Chicago, and on his return to Oregon was employed by his uncle, Jerry Dooley, the Bridgeport merchant. In 1879 he went to Biker City, and for a period of time acted as deputy county treasurer. He later was in the employ of M. Well & Co., for two years, and was a partner in the E. H. … Read more

John’s Grocery Company

A review of our business houses would be incomplete without some mention of the one above. Incorporated in July, 1893, they carry complete lines in groceries, queensware, clothing, boots and shoes, hats and caps, and open’s furnishings. In groceries they endeavor to satisfy the wants of the most exacting of their city patrons, and constantly add to the variety of brands carried until today on their shelves will be found an assortment of staple and fancy groceries rarely seen outside of it city store. In the clouting department they can fill the wants of any possible customer, as the selection … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Frank L. Moore

No attorney in Eastern Oregon stands higher in the ranks of the profession than does he whose name heads this sketch. Born in Lane county in 1861, he remained there until his 13th year, when he moved with his parents to this county near Malheur City, where he spent the next four years of his life. He then entered the State University at Eugene, graduating in 1887. Returning home, he was county school superintendent of Malheur county from June 1888 to July, 1890, during which time he studied law in the office of Hon. L. L. McArthur, and also took … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Dr. Carleton W. Faull

Among the young men of this state who have within the past few years, entered the ranks of the medical profession, none have brighter indication of success than does he whose name heads this sketch. He is energetic, industrious and ambitious. These qualities, combined with the advantages derived from an excellent education, unusual capacities and a high sense of honor will soon place him among the foremost ranks of his profession. He was born in Walla Walla, August 26, 1872. Accompanying his parents here, he received his preliminary education in the public school and in the Brothers’ college. In 1887, … Read more

Bonanza Mine

About four miles southeasterly of Robinsonville is situated the famous Bonanza mine, the largest and probably most valuable free gold mine of the northwest. Discovered and located in the seventies. It was worked by the original locators for ten years, they reducing the ores by the arrastra process. In 1885 Portland capital purchased it, and erected a ten stamp mill. They continued operations for two years, but failed to make a success of it, and finally closed down. In 1891 the Geiser Estate purchased it, reopened the old works and have had the mine and mill in continuous operation since, … Read more