This is an ever growing list of Union County Biographies. If there is just the page listed it is one that I have transcribed. Otherwise, it will have the name of the person who donated the biographies. If you have any biographies you can donate, please drop a line to Janine M. Bork.Your information can help others.

WILLIAM W. RANDALL is one of the early pioneers of the country now embraced in Union county, and he has spent much of his life here, having gained a good distinction in two different lines. He is now one of the substantial agriculturists of the county, and in earlier days he spent many years in the calling of the educator with marked success.

William W. was born in Indiana, on October 28, 1852, being the son of Abraham and Lucinda (Olophant) Randall. The family removed to Iowa in 1853, settling in Marshall county, where they were called to mourn the death of the mother. The father then removed to Jasper county and later married again. In April, 1863, they went thence across the plains with teams to the Grande Ronde valley, this country then being in Baker county. They experienced no special trouble on the plains with the Indians. Our subject led the quiet life of the farmer and stockman in this frontier country from August 23, the time of their landing, until 1878, when Senator Jasper, of Union county, appointed him to a scholarship in the Agricultural College at Corvallis. After completing his time of study at the college, Mr. Randall taught for thirteen successive years, and always with marked success. Then he went at the agricultural business in Union county and there he has been engaged since, achieving a good success. He came to Union county from his western stay in 1888.

On January 27, 1884, Mr. Randall married Miss Dillie, daughter of William and Nancy (Jamieson) Hood, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Missouri. Mrs. Randall was born in Grant county, Wisconsin. Her parents came from Grant county, Wisconsin, in 1880, and are now living in Montana. Mr. Randall has a quarter section of good land, the old homestead place of his father. It is well handled and has a good orchard and comfortable buildings. Mr. Randall is a member of the A.F.&A.M. and also of the chapter. He stands exceptionally well among his fellows, and he is justly entitled, on account of uprightness and integrity, to receive the esteem and confidence of his fellows which is generously bestowed.

MERRITT REYNOLDS. - It is ever a pleasure to chronicle the events in the life of a capable and progressive man, especially is this so when one like the subject of this sketch has demonstrated in a long life of worthy endeavor that the qualities possesed by him are enduring and have been exercised to the advantage of all, while he has continuity of purpose sufficient to hold steadily to one pursuit, and though he has a spirit of active aggression still he had continued in surer channels by a sagacity and conservative policy that have given their sure reward of worldly goods.

Mr. Reynolds was born in Chautauqua, New York, on March 9, 1836, a farm being his birthplace, and he was one of a family of fifteen. When he was seven years of age his parents removed with him to Laporte county, Indiana, where he spent the years until manhood's estate. In this place he secured a good common-school education, utilizing the winters for that purpose, while the summers were spent in vigorous exercise on a farm formerly belonging to his father. At eighteen years of age he engaged himself for wages in the settlement and from that time until he was twenty-five he wrought in that capacity, and then bought a farm in Pottawattomie county, Iowa, and began operations as an agriculturist on his own account. He continued there, raising corn and hogs until 1875, then rented his estate and went to California. From that state he came to Lagrande in 1876. The first year was spent in the service of Joseph Palmer, as an engineer, our subject having learned that valuable trade in his younger days. Subsequent to this he rented a farm and tilled it and operated a dairy for five years. Then he sold his property in Iowa and bought a quarter-section, where he now resides, three miles east and one-half mile south from Lagrande. He made some extensive improvements on the farm, as setting out an orchard, erecting buildings, bringing up the cultivation of the land, and he is now possesed of an excellent farm, as good, perhaps, as any in the county of Union. He bought eight acres of land on Gray creek, but in 1884 he sold it.

In 1861 Mr. Reynolds married Miss Mary A., daughter of Daniel M. and Melissa (Files) Wheeler, and to them have been born two children; James E., married to Lulu A. Childers and living in Lagrande: and Henry M., married to Mollie Silk and living in Lagrande. Mrs. Reynolds was born in Wayne county, Illinois, on February 16, 1842. Mr. Reynolds is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also of the Eastern Star, his wife also being identified with the latter order. Mr. Reynolds is an active participant in politics, being allied with the Democratic party and during his life he has always manifested much interest in this realm. Mrs. Reynolds is a member of the Church of Christ, and is a lady who manifests her faith by her works, showing a life of uprightness and sound principles. Mr. Reynolds is esteemed in the community in which he resides, and has ever shown a manly bearing, works of faithfulness and dealings in honesty, the result being that he is firmly established in the confidence of his fellows and is counted one of the most substantial citizens of the county.

In 1856 young Richardson enlisted with Captain Goff's company of Polk county volunteers, and was present in the big fight in the Walla Walla, in which Governor Stevens was conspicuous, and saw his comrade S. Kriggs fall with a mortal wound.

In 1862 he was in the Salmon river mines, and the following autumn took up his claim at the then unoccupied north end of The Cove. He is there engaged in raising fine Durham cattle and blooded horses.

He was married in 1879 to Miss C.E. Bault, and has a family of five children.

JAMES H. RIGGS. - One of the capable and esteemed gentlemen of Union county is named at the head of this article and is deserving of representation in the history of his county, since he has labored here with assiduity and energy for the development of the county and its resources and has manifested meanwhile both ability, sagacity, and integrity in his endeavors, being one of the leading agriculturists of the county.

Mr. Riggs was born in Roachdale, Lancashire, England, on December 18, 1837, being the son of Levi and Elizabeth (Standring) Riggs, natives also of England. The father was a manufacturer in England and the family came to this country in 1848, going to Pottsville, Pennsylvania, where they remained three years, then removed to Cincinnati, where the father continued until the date of his death. Our subject started for himself in 1859, crossing the plains to Utah and driving a freight team, and remaining in Cache county, Utah, until 1871, engaged in farming. Then he came to Union county, purchased a quarter-section on Pumpkin Ridge near Summerville, where he has engaged in farming since that time. In 1896 he turned this place over to his sons, remaining with them until 1897, when he moved to another place of one hundred and sixty acres two and one-half miles northeast from Elgin. The place where the sons are living contains four hundred acres, and this in addition to the farm where our subject is now residing form a portion of the estate. His present place is well improved, has a fine cottage dwelling, commodious barn and all the accessories to a first-class farm.

On September 1, 1862, Mr. Riggs married Miss Martha, daughter of William and Sarah (Bernaghan) Hill, natives of Surrey, England, the wedding occurring in Salt Lake City, Utah. To this union there have been born the following children: James H., deceased; James Healy: George, deceased: Levi W., deceased: Charles S.: John: Celestia E., deceased: Martha Ann and Frank deceased. The four older children that have died are buried in Millville, Utah, and the other two are buried in the Summerville cemetery. Mrs. Riggs was called away by death on January 15, 1895, and she too, is sleeping in the Summerville cemetery. On March 3, 1897, Mr. Riggs was married a second time, the lady of his choice at this time being Maria (Olson) Aldred, a native of Denmark. Mrs. Riggs is the adopted daughter of Simion and Jane (Neilson) Molin, also natives of Denmark. Her wedding occurred in Cache county, Utah. By a former husband she has two children, William and Elsie A., living at home now. Mr. Riggs is a capable and highly respected citizen of our county and he enjoys the confidence of his fellows.

GEORGE W. ROBERTSON- In the person of the subject of this sketch, we have exemplified the typical pioneer qualities that are so worthy of encomium, and that have done so much, for this country, practically making it what it is today, and our subject has spent a life of activity in the industries that develop and build up the country, while he has constantly displayed resources of ability and adaptability for the various positions of life that have held him in his career of varied and interesting achievements, manifesting as well, moral worth and a genial and kindly spirit throughout.

George W. was born in Newton county, Missouri, on February 3, 1859, and two years later was brought by his parents across the plains by ox teams to Umatilla county, Oregon. In that place they remained until 1864, then came to Union county and the father bought the farm where our subject now resides, one mile south from Island City, and consisting of one quarter section. In the same year in which they came to the county, the father was called hence by death, leaving a widow and a little group of children in the frontier home. Our subject being the only boy, naturally muh of the burden fell upon him and he nobly wrought as his tender years would allow. In this place he gained his education, working summers and toiling over his books during the winter months. Three winters were spent this way, and precious times they were, fitting the boy for the duties of the man. Until he was twenty-one years of age our subject continued in occupation on the home place and then sought on the fields of life a place for himself. His first step, after arriving at the age of majority, was to select a good companion for his life journey, and he was distinguished in obtaining the first white girl born in the Grande Ronde valley for his wife, the lady being Miss Ada J. Furgason. Her parents, Alex and Jeanette I. (Dumell?) Furguson, were real pioneers to this section and their daughter was born at Island City, October 19, 1862. As stated before she was the first white girl and the second white child born in this valley. Following his marriage Mr. Robertson rented a farm and tilled the same until 1883, then sold out and removing to Montrose county, Colorado, engaged in the railroad for four months and then took charge of a freighting outfit for a transporter of goods to New Mexico, handling four outfits of twelve oxen each. Three years were spent in this arduous and wearing work and two more in overseeing a farm for his employer and then in 1892 he came back to Island City and rented his father-in-law's farm for four years, and then he had the pleasure of purchasing the farm that was owned by his father and where our subject had spent his childhood years. It is an excellent property, being one of the most fertile pieces of land in the valley, He has it all in excellent state of cultivation producing wheat principally. Mr. Robertson has also a goodly number of cattle and horses, his farm is well improved, and he has a fine orchard and comfortable buildings.

To Mr. and Mrs. Robertson there have been born five children, as follows: Jesse L., Otis L., Zella A., Alex S. and Lena J., all living at home. Mr. Robertson is a member of the I.O.O.F. and is also interested in the political questions of the day, allying himself with the Republican party. He has ever displayed an upright course and is possessed of unswerving ingetrity and sound principles. mr. and Mrs. Robertson are worthy citizens of the county, valuable members of the community and noble and stanch persons, recieving the respect, esteem and confidence of all.

On July 27, 1829, Asher R. was born to Asher and Betsy (Worden) Robinson, in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, whence seven years later he was removed by his parents to Michigan, where the father pre-empted eighty acres and builded a home. The son assisted in tilling the farm and attended school until 1849; then his spirit was ready to take part in life's battle on his own account and he went to the famous pineriers of the Peninsular state, operating there until he was twenty-seven years of age. In 1856 he started on the long and dangerous trip via panama to the Pacific coast, landing in Sierra county, California, in due time, where he at once commenced to mine. Rather poor success attended his efforts in this line, and he turned toward the north, going to the Okanogan and Similikameen rivers, where he prospected for a time and then repaired to Walla Walla and operated a pack train to the mining camps of northern Idaho in partnership with Ed Payne. In October, 1862, he came to the Grande Ronde valley with his train, and at once took a government claim of one hundred and sixty acres, two miles from the present site of Cove. In stock raising and farming until 1885 he was occupied on this farm, adding more by purchase and going into partnership with Ed Payne. In 1885 he sold out and went into a livery stable in Cove, which he ran successfully for a time, and then retired from active business to enjoy the competence that his faithful and wise labor had provided for him.

Mr. Robinson married Mrs. Sarah A. Burge, daughter of Dan and Anna Weaver, and a native of Kentucky, on July 9, 1865, and to them were born two children: Edward A., born June 5, 1866, now operating a drug store in Idaho; Rosetta, born April 12, 1869, and now the wife of David H. Layne, a merchant in Cove. Mrs. Robinson was called to pass the river of death on October 4, 1899, and since that time Mr. Robinson has been making his home with his daughter in Cove. He is respected and esteemed by all and is quietly passing the riper years of his long and worthy career in the proper enjoyment of that which his industry accumulated and in the midst of kind and stanch friends. It is of note that Mr. Robinson was the first settler on the east side of the valley.

Crossing the plains to Oregon in1880, he continued in the same public-spirited profession, and in 1883 anchored himself to the permanent interests of the country by purchasing a choice tract of land in the section known as the Sand Ridge, near Union, Oregon, a region justly celebrated for the production of wheat. There he has devoted himself exclusively to farming, having made a financial success of the undertaking, and has thereby provided his family a delightful home. He was married to Miss Lucy C. Cochran in 1875, and has a son and two daughters.

Having ably filled local offices, he was in 1888 elected by the people of Union county to care for their political interests in the state legislature. In that capacity he has made an honorable record, and has extended his influence to adjoining counties. In 1889 he received an appointment as special agent of the general land-office, having been a great admirer and warm supporter of President Harrison in the late campaign. His canvass prior to that election was very ably conducted, and won for him the highest praise. He is no les esteemed for his kindness to the poor and unfortunate, and for his abundant private charities.

Mr. Roth was born in Baden, Germany on January 23, 1834, being the son of Anton and Marion (Busch) Roth, the father being a cooper. In his native land, William received his education and also learned much of the skill of handling tools, and when he had reached the age of eighteen, in company with three brothers, he immigrated to the United States, settling in Norwalk, Ohio, where he learned the carpenter and builder's trade, remaining there for four years. Thence he went to Dubuque, Iowa, where he wrought at his trade until 1864, when his adventurous spirit was stirred to action by the reports of the rich fields of the west, and in that year he came across the plains with four horse teams, landing in the Grande Ronde valley on November 18, 1864. He at once set to work at his trade in Union, and some of the finest buildings in the town, as the postoffice block, the bank building, and so forth, testify of his skill and vigor. During the years since that time he has acquired much valuable town property, and while engaged in the work of improving the county and building up its county seat, he was also buying and selling real estate in various portions of the county. In this way he was augmenting his wealth continually which manifested both his good judgement in selecting property and keen financiering in handling the same. While engaged in these occupations, he was also interested in raising stock in the county. In 1882 he bought a fine stock ranch on the Snake river, forty miles below Huntington, and gave the major portion of his time and attention to raising cattle and horses. His usual industry and close attention to business brought the desired results and he was prosperous in all of his endeavors. He continued in the prosecution of this industry until 1899, and then sold the entire property and took a trip to the Paris exposition. Since returning from that tour he has again resumed the cattle industry and his usual success is attending him.

Politically, Mr. Roth has ever been active in the interests of good government, and his voice and efforts are always in favor of those principles which are for the advancement of the interests of all. He was a member of the first city council of Union, serving also a second term. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the I.O.O.F., Union Lodge, No. 39. Mr. Roth has always preferred the quieter joys of the celibate in contrast to the responsibilities attendant upon conjugal relations, and he is spending the golden years of his life in comfort and enjoyment of the portion that his ability and labors have accumulated. His residence is in Union, and there, as wherever he is known, he has the respect of the people and the esteem of his fellows.

Mr. Rothchild was born on July 11, 1858, in Nordstetten, in the Black Forest in Wurtemberg, Germany, being the son of Abraham and Hannah Rothchild. Until he was ten years of age he attended the public schools of his native place, and then entered the high school at Horb, where he studied until he was fifteen years old, and then went to the capital of Stuttgart, entering the employ of a wholesale house. In this capacity he remained until 1882, and then came direct to the United States, settling for a brief time in Kentucky, and then coming on to Pendleton, where he entered the employ of Rothchild & Bean, general merchants. In this capacity he remained until 1885, and then came to North Powder to take the business of a cousin who was sick and later died. He bought the interest left by the deceased and in partnership with Henry O. Gorham took up the management of the general merchandise establishment, which at that time was rather limited, being conducted in a small wooden building, and the settlers in the valley being scattered and few. The railroad had just been completed and with its advent the country began to be settled rapidly, and the upright treatment accorded his patrons won for Mr. Rothchild a trade and business that was second to none in his vicinity, and a steady and rapid growth was made in their business until at the present time they have a large stone store building, well stocked with all kinds of merchandise to meet the necessities of the trade of that vicinity, while they also have three large grain warehouses. Their trade is large and every increasing and their customers are found in every walk of the thrifty communities and adjacent to North Powder. Mr. Rothchild is a cousin of the late S. Ottenheimer, the pioneer merchant of Auburn, and later of Baker City. In politics our subject is allied with the Democrats. Fraternally he is a member of the I.O.O.F., Lodge No. 88, of North Powder, being past grand of that order and charter member, the lodge being established in January, 1887. He has also served several times as representative to the grande lodge. Mr. Rothchild is also a member of the W. of W., of North Powder, and of the Elks in Baker City. He is an active, enterprising citizen of broad mind and public spirit and stands high in the esteem and respect of his fellows, and is one of the leading and substantial men of the community and county.

George W. was born on April 2, 1848, in Wapello, Iowa, being the son of William and Mary (Miller) Ruckman, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and his father wrought at the blacksmith forge together with farming. Our subject was educated in the district schools of Iowa and devoted himself to assisting his father on the farm until he was twenty three years of age. In 1871 he crossed the plains to Oregon, using teams for the journey from Ogden, Utah, west, and landing in Walla Walla, Washington, on June 18, 1871, and worked for two and one-half months on a farm there, then came to the Grande Ronde valley, arriving here on September 4, 1871. He at once took up a half section of school land near the Methodist church, south, two and one-half miles from his present place, and remained there for one year, breaking up the sod and doing general farming. He then sold out and removed to his present place, which is two miles east from Alicel. He at first bought two hundred acres and took upgeneral farming and stock raising. To this land he has added betimes until he owns six hundred and eighty acres of good land in one body, which is all under cultivation, producing beets, alfalfa and the cereals. He also owns eighty acres of woodland west of Summerville. Mr. Ruckman is to be complimented on the lead he has taken in raising sugar beets, having been in that industry for four years and now contracts two hundred and eighty acres of that saccharine vegetable to the sugar plant. Mr. Ruckman also takes agreat interest in fine stock, making a specialty of mules, having imported from Virginia the finest jack in the county. He raises about fifteen mules each year. His interest is as great in good horses, having a well bred Hambeltonian stallion, and raising some good roadsters and also working animals among the former, he produced one that was sold toSenator Slater. Mr. Ruckman bought five full blood shorthorn animals from J.C. Combs, of Missouri, and has a fine herd of cattle. He raises good Poland China and Berkshire hogs. His farm is most skillfully handled and his orchard is one of the best in the county. He has trees three and five years old, and they are all in bearing at the present time, having three acres, each acre supporting one hundred trees. During the years of 1884-5-6, Mr. Ruckman did a business in agricultural implements in Island City for Knapp, Burrell, & Company and in 1888, he took up the milling business in partnership with Henry Ruhl, the firm being known s the Summerville Milling Company, and in addition to that, they handled grain and bough and sold stock, shipping to Montana, Washington and other points. In conjunction withthis, they did a packing business. Mr. Ruckman travels much on the road in the interest of these enterprises.

The marriage of Mr. Ruckman an Miss Lucretia, daughter of Edward and Marguerette J. (McGuire) Neville, was celebrated on April 15, 1866, and they have become the parents of five children, as follows: William, farming in the valley; Jasper, a dentist at Union; Samuel, farming with father; Mary, wife of Dudley Peel; Hattie, going to school in Lagrande. Mrs. Ruckman's parents were early emigrants to California and in 1871 they came to Union county and opened up the first farm on Sand Ridge. Mr. Ruckman has always been active in politics and the district has profited much by his wisdom in school affairs. He is a member of the Masons, and a charter member of the I.O.O.F. lodge in Summerville.

In Iowa in 1866 he married Miss Emma S. Coen of Ohio. Their one son, Elbridge H. Ruckman, is now a resident of Union county. The mother died in 1867, when this son was four months old. In Union county in 1881 Mr. Ruckman married Mrs. Martha J. Mitchel, née Neville, a native of Iowa. He has borne an honorable part in public affairs, having been elected to the state legislature form Union county in 1876.

James A. was born on September 23, 1861, in Linesville, Iowa, being the son of Thomas J. and Savannah C. (Atha) Russell, who started the following spring to the western country, arriving in Lagrande in August of the same year. Mr. Russell was the first blacksmith in the valley, and he labored here for the building up of the country. Our subject was reared in the vicinity of Cove, receiving his education in the village schools there, studying until he was sixteen, and then commencing soon to teach, continuing for four terms in one district in High valley. At twenty years of age he took a course in Bishop Scott's academy, and when he was twenty-three years of age he took charge of a surveying outfit in the mountains for five months. The next year he was engaged to handle Dr. Hill's ranch of two hundred and forty acres, and continued in that capacity for three years, and then sold the ranch for the doctor and served as post-master at the Cove, in Cleveland's administration, for one year. Later he contracted on railroad construction until 1892, then started a butcher shop in Cove, operating the same until 1896, then sold and removed to Lagrande, where he opened a similar establishment which he sold one year later and removed to Island City, where he is at the present time running a first-class shop. He enjoys a good patronage, merited because of his uniform treatment of customers and business principles. Mr. Russell owns twenty acres between Lagrande and Island City, which he is improving with good orchard and fin buildings and intends to use as his home. In the town of Island City he owns his place of business and other property and also has a half interest in one hundred head of cattle, beside considerable other stock.

In 1886 Mr. Russell married Miss Addie Whittemore, and four children have been born to them: Imogene E., Ruth C., James D.H., and Ralph W., all attending school. Mrs. Russell was born in Eugene, Oregon and was raised in Pendleton, receiving a good education and spending some time in teaching before she was married, also was one year as nurse in the Good Samaritan hospital in Portland. Mr. Russell is a member of the Masons and also of the M.W.A. and he is held in high respect by all who know him, being a man of uprightness and ability.