Mining

Biographical Sketch of M. E. Swan

The present efficient Clerk of Baker County, is a man who stands high among his constituents, and is the fortunate possessor of a host of warm personal friends, who in their admiration of his numerous sterling qualities, would make almost any sacrifice to enhance his success. He was born within the borders of the Empire State, New York, in 1857. In 1881 he came to Baker County and was engaged in placer mining in the Mormon Basin, for two years. He then entered the employ of P. Basche & Co., and finally became head salesman. In 1892 he left their … 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

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

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

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 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

Biographical Sketch of Davis Wilcox

Among the lending merchants of the county. Davis Wilcox, of Haines, occupies a well deserved position. He has been established there since 1887, being associated with his brother, L. T. Wilcox, until 1893, since which time he has conducted the business alone. He is at present carrying a complete line of general merchandise, farming instruments, lumber, cord wood and grain being a very heavy handler of the last named commodity. His store, which is 42×70, two stories, is well filled with any article the farmer may want, it being Mr. Wilcox’s aim to cater to their needs, and in this … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Dr. E. Gagen

Is one of the most successful physicians in Baker County, and an honored citizen of Haines. He is one of those happy, good-natured men that we occasionally find in the professional ranks, and who, when we meet them, infuse new vim and vigor into one’s self by some mysterious magnetic power, not visible, but none the less effective. Born in Dublin. Ireland. June 1, 1858, he received his professional education in the Royal College of Surgeons and King and Queen College of Physicians, graduating in 1880. He then entered the service of the Royal Mall Steamship Co., remaining a year. … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Wellington E. Hurd

Is another of our representative men who was born in Ohio, and possesses that energy and vim characteristic of a native of that grand commonwealth. Leaving home at the age of sixteen he was employed for a year with the Adams Express Co. at St. Louis. He then went to Chicago, and accepted a position with J. I. Case Co. as traveling representative and remained with them for twenty years. He was connected with Slaver & Walker, of Portland, for the next six years. In 1895 he became interested in mining, and has remained in that business since. He has … Read more

Biography of J. Nat Hudson

Nat. Hudson, the subject of this sketch, was born in Polk County, Oregon, August 20, 1852, and is near 46 years of age. Commencing when only 13 years old, he served 18 years as an apprentice and journeyman blacksmith and machinist, working at various times in the larger towns cities of the Pacific Coast. While working at his he studied late during his spare time, and in 1882 admitted to practice in the Oregon Supreme Court in the same class with Judge M. D. Clifford, Paul Deady and others. In May, 1884, he was, on motion of ex-governor Geo. L. … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Walter R. Hawley

Walter R. Hawley dealer in hardware, stoves and tinware, at Sumpter, Oregon, is a native Oregonian. He resided in the Willamette valley until 1890, receiving his education at the State Normal School at Monmouth, being a graduate of the latter. He then taught school to Gilliam County for a year, and in the Grand Ronde Valley for five years, being principal of the Summerville schools for three years. He then established himself in business in Union, remaining there until April, 1897, when he came, here and opened a hardware store. Minding his storeroom inadequate, he was shortly after compelled to … Read more

Biography of Thos. McEwen

The sterling citizen, whose every thought is for the good of the community in which he has reared his home and contented his associations, must always command the respect and esteem of his fellow men. Of such metal and commanding such respect, is he whose name is inscribed above. Born fin Glasgow, Scotland, in 1853, he remained there until his seventeenth year. Coming at that time to the United States, he spent about ten years in Patterson, N. J. In 1879 he went to California, but only remained there it short time. He then moved to Portland, and shortly after … Read more

Biography of A. W. Ellis

There is not a more popular citizen in Sumpter than A. R. Ellis. He possesses all those admirable traits of character which contribute to the widest business and social success, and anything he identities himself with is always a go. He furnishes it with a tin, and snap, which is his strongest characteristic, and which has tended to put him to the “front” among business men in this county. Born in Michigan in 1865, the early portion of his life was spent there and in the state of New York. Coming to California in 1888, he drifted into mining and … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Walter W. Looney

Walter W. Looney is a man of sterling worth, and today is one of the most popular citizens of the county, his affability and good nature making him legions of friends. He was born in Eugene, Oregon, in 1858, and remained in the Willamette Valley until 1870, when he struck out for himself, and coming to Eastern Oregon ran a band of cattle on shares for three years. Moving then to The Dalles, he took the mall contract from that point to Wapinitia, which he sold three years later. In 1884 he moved to Granite Creek, and for it period … Read more

Biographical Sketch of C. E. Duckworth

That the people appreciate enterprise and perseverance is shown by the success of one of our principal firms, whose name heads this sketch. They are closely identified with the business interests of this city, and carrying a complete line of general merchandise and miners supplies, are in a position to cater to the wants of their many patrons. That they do this satisfactorily is shown by the legions of friends Mr. Charles E. Duckworth possesses. He is a native of Clark County, Illinois, and in 1870, at the age of eleven with his father, came to Auburn, Baker County. Since … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Jas. W. Duckworth

As an illustration of the progressive element of young manhood which has brought Baker county to the front, the subject of this sketch has by his live ideas, keen perception and good judgment of the opportunities within reach here entitled himself to locution. He is a native of Illinois, crossing the plains with his parents, partly by wagon, arriving at Auburn in 1870, when but eight years old. He remained on the home ranch in the valley for five years, and later spent the same length of time in Sumpter. Beginning prospecting shortly after, he in 1887 located the “North … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Dr. George W. Tape

A well-known and popular physician of Sumpter, and one whose kind, attentive treatment of the sick and geniality of manner towards them well have made him deservenly the favorite of all classes, was born in Ontario, Canada. In 1865, and received his preliminary education in that province. At the age of eighteen he entered the Detroit College of Medicine, and graduated in 1888. He then took a position on the house staff of the Harper Hospital at Detroit, and remained there till he came west, locating in Portland in 1891, where he successfully practiced for two years. In 1893 he … 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

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

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