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 Asa C. Shinn

Bakerites naturally feel an increased interest In the ambitions and aspirations of a young man, who was born and tested right there in our own midst. The subject of our sketch was born at Wingville on the 18th of September 1868. After a primary course in the public schools here he attended the State University at Eugene. In October 1807, he became interested in the hardware business with H. G. McCord, and in April of this year bought his partner out. The line carried consists of shelf and heavy hardware, stoves, tinware, iron steel and blacksmith supplies and is one … 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 John M. Laidy

One of the city fathers, and a prominent citizen of Baker City was born September 25, 1854. in our sister state, Washington. He moved to The Dalles with his parents twelve years later, and received his preliminary education there. They moved later to Umatilla, and he then attended Whitman College at Walla Walla. In 1874 he moved to Baker City, and has been interested hi the stock business more or less since. At present he is running the Depot Feed and Livery Stables, and has built up a patronage that speaks well for his personal popularity. He is also largely … 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 L. Rand

Among the representative members of the Eastern Oregon bar the name of John L. Rand must be given a leading place. he having by virtue of natural ability and practical training attained to a position in his profession which many an older man might well be proud to occupy. Born October 28, 1861, at Portsmouth, N, H., he received his preliminary education in the public schools, and in 1879 entered Dartmouth college at Hanover, N. Il., graduating at the age of 21. In 188.3 he moved to Walla Walla,Wash., where be taught in Whitman College for two years. During this … 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 Charles M. Kellogg

The present mayor of Baker City, Charles M. Kellogg, is eminently qualified to occupy the highest office within the gift of her citizens. His capable direction, of municipal affairs has clearly proven his executive ability, and it is evident to all he is the right man in the right place. As an executive officer he is conservative in his ideas, truly progressive in character, every movement which he believes after thorough investigation to be for the public good meets with his hearty approval and cordial support. As a public official he is always unable, gentlemanly and approachable. Mr. Kellogg is … 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

Biographical Sketch of W. F. Butcher

But few if any stand higher socially or morally in the estimation of his neighbors and friends in this commonwealth 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. Butcher was born in Pocahontas county, Va., December 12, 1858, and was raised in Greenbriar County, of that state, on a farm. He received his education there and also read law for a short time in the office of Gov. H. M. Matthews at Lewisburg. In 1878, he removed to Saline county, Mo., where he … 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