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Our subject was born in Monroe county, Pennsylvania, on May 24, 1838, being the son of Samuel G. and Mary (Heller) Schoonover, farmers of that state. During his minority, he remained under the parental roof, obtaining a good education from the schools and also learning the miller's trade, but when he reached the age of nineteen, he migrated to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and there worked at his trade for a period of six years. In 1864, he crossed the plains with mule teams to northeastern Oregon and thence to idaho city, Idaho, where he engaged in placer mining for a time and then took up eaming from Umatilla Landing to Boise Basin mines and to Walla Walla. His first winter was spent near Walla Walla, and after that he entered the stock business, locating in Wallowa, and for about eight years subsequent to that time he carried the mail and operated a stage line between Union and Wallowa. At the time of the Joseph war, he sold out his entire stock interests and then bought a farm four miles from Union. To this he added from time to time until he owned one thousand acres, being occupied for ten years in general farming. Mr. schoonover has done much to introduce fine stock into the county, purchasing blooded animals and crossing with the herds that he brought from Texas, and his efforts have stimulated many others to this work, and the result is that Union county to-day has many head of excellent well-bred stock, all of which adds to the wealth of the county. Mr. Schoonover has bought and sold many farms, and at the present time he owns one-fourth interest in a quarter section and is interested in farming. In addition to this, Mr. Schoonover owns heavy interests in mining, the largest being in the Cornucopia districts. At the present time he is manager of the Union street and suburban railroad, which is a paying institution, and has prospered under his skillful direction.

Mr. Schoonover and Miss Anna, daughter of P.D. and Anna (Robinson) Morrison, were married on March 19, 1876. Mrs. Schoonover's parents were natives of Scotland. Mr. Schoonover is identified with the Red Men, Lodge No. 22, of Union. He is one of the active and capable men, who are always on the lookout for the welfare of the county and town, and his uprightness and integrity have won for him hosts of friends, both in the county and other places, while he is esteemed by all.

The birth of James M. occured on February 14,1846, his parents being James G. and Eliza (Dexter) Selder, early pioneers to Indiana, the native state of our subject. The father was numbered with the prosperous farmers of that section, and also devoted much attention to the practice of medicine. In the district schools of his native place, our subject received a good training in the fundamental branches besides a find schooling form a sagacious father, who manifested excellent principles, inculcating them in the mind of his son. On February 13, 1865, the call of patriotism moved Mr. Selder to enlist in the One Hundred and Fifty-second Indians, being then eighteen years of age, and he did good military duty for some months, being honorably discharged on August 30,1865, at Charleston, West Virginia, having served under General Hancock in the vicinity of Richmond. Returning home after this worthy record in defense of his country, he entered school again, but was deterred from finishing the course planned, because of sickness contracted. Then he purchased forty acres in his native state and there wrought, clearing it up and erecting good buildings, all of which required twelve years, and during this time he had been producing corn, hogs, and wheat, and in 1879, he sold the property and started to the west. Rail transportation was secured as far as Kelton, Utah, and thence stage was utilized to the Grande Ronde valley. He purchased his present place in 1880 and moved on it on May 8, the estate being situated one and one-halfmiles southeast from Cove. The home place now consists of two hundred and eighty acres, one hundred and twenty-five of which are in cultivation. In addition, he owns two hundred and sixty-seven acres one-half mile southwest which is all pasture. Eight years after settling here he planted four acres to winter apples and in 1894 added seven acres more. Farming has received some of his attention, but to dairying he has devoted is energies mostly. From the start he paid intelligent interest to dairying and at the present time he is milking twenty-two cows, using the latest improved cream separators, for which he also acts as agent. Mr. Selder has always manifested great interest in the creamery business, being secretary and treasurer of the Cove Creamery Company, their plant being built in 1887. But in 1889, Mr. Selder found tha this private interests commanded his time and consequently he resigned this position. With his characteristic ability he has taken up the culture of fruit lately, having in addition to what we have mentioned, one thousand trees of the choicest varieties of cherries. His capabilities have been recognized in that he is president of the Cove Fruit Union. He is also president of the East Oregon Veteran Association of the G.A.R. andis past grand commander of the G.A.R. John A., Norris post. Mr. Selder has also given of his time and wisdom to the duties of school director.

On May 15, 1866, Mr. Selder married Miss Emeline B., daughter of Lorenzo and Maria (Goodspeed) Corpe, and they ahve become the parents of nine children, as follows: Della wife of Siegal Coffman, near the home place: Dora B., in Portland: Elsa, now Mrs. Gossett, in California: Wilber, died May 4, 1901: while those at home are Eugene, Glenn, Vernon, Lois, and Valma. It is of note that Mr. Selder's great-grandfather on the mother's side was in the Boston "Tea Party" and his ancestors on the father's side came over in the Mayflower. Mr. Seler is one of the prominent men of the county, and the imposing residnece, commodious barns and substantial outbuildings which make up his attractive rural home, bespeak his taste and enterprise.

In the historic Shenandoah Jonas H. was brought into this life, his parents being natives of Virginia, also,and January 13, 1830, the happy day their son was born. At the end of his first decade in this pilgrim way he accompanied his parents to Shelby county, Missouri, and there fortified himself for the conflicts of life by a good education from the public schools. It was in the famous yeear of 1849 that he started across the plains to the mecca of the west, the gold fields of California, there spending seven years in active effort in the mining industry and also in the prosecution of the grocery business. At the close of that period he returned to Missouri and immediately engaged in operating a hardware store, where for six years he labored with ability and enterprise. Eighteen hundred and sixty-five marks the date when he again turned from the ways of the east and sought the west, crossing the plains with teams, with the intent to settling in the Willamette valley. The fertility and beauty of the Grande Ronde valley attracted his attention and he turned aside from his original purpose to purchase a quarter section of fertile land where his home place is now situated, six miles southeast from Lagrande. He also located a homestead and by purchase increased his holdings to seven hundred acres of good land, being largely used for meadow purposes. He was numbered with the leading stockmen and farmers of Union county, and prosperity and success attended him constantly.

The marriage of Mr. Shambaugh and Miss Lucy E., daughter of William and Mary McDaniel, natives of Virginia, and merchants of that state, was solemnized on January 18,1860, and tow children have been born, namely: Edgar, living at home: and Mary, who died in 1893. Mr Shambaugh was activley interested in the political welfare of the county and for one term he served as deputy sheriff, which in general progress he manifested a deep interest. During Cleveland's first administration Mr. Shambaugh was appointed postmaster of Lagrande and although he fulfilled the duties in a becoming manner, nevertheless, his health failed and he was obliged to resign the office. Once he was nominated for sheriff, but did not receive the election. In June, 1900, the angel of death called this good man hence andd he departed to the realities of another world, being sincerely mourned by all. His widow is assuming the burdens added by this sad event in a becoming manner, being a capable and gracious woman beloved by all.

Mr. Shafer was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, December 4, 1836, being the son of John B. Shafer, the latter being born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. The farm was the home of our subject, and he attended the county schools in his native place until he was twelve years of age, and then was taken by his father to Washington county, Wisconsin, the year being 1848. There the son finished his education in the public schools and remained a member of the parental household until he was twenty years of age. At that age he started in life for himself, going first to Janesville, Wisconsin, and taking up the stone mason's trade, together with plastering. Two years were spent there and then he repaired to St. Joe, working there at his trade for three years. In 1861, when the call came for men, stanch and true, to stand for the Union and assist in putting down rebellion's minions as well as to assist in protecting our western frontiers, our subject went to Omaha, Nebraska, and enrolled his name on the list. He accepted in Captain Crofford's company and was one of the first escorts that came across the plains to Walla Walla. Arriving here, the Indians not being as bad as was expected, he received honorable discharge, and his attention was then turned to the pursuits of private life. Florence was then in her palmy days and thither went our subject searching for treasures of the soil; not being successful, however, he went to teaming, continuing at this remunerative employment until 1868. In that year he was in shape to purchase land and secured a quarter section from the state and went at once to subduing it. He gave some attention to raising stock, and soon after purchased another one hundred and sixty acres of land. This last place is where he now resides, being three-fourths of a mile north from Island City. He handles his estate in a manner becoming good husbandry, and abundant crops are annually his reward. He has a fine orchard, and ships several hundred boxes each season. His buildings are commodious and comfortable.

In 1874 Mr. Shafer married Miss Emma J. Hotchkiss, whose parents, Corless F. and Rebecca (Miles) Hotchkiss, reside in Carthage, Missouri. To our subject and his estimable wife, there have been born seven children, as follows: Allie M., wife of William Pearson, of Wallowa valley; Frederick C., married to Vena Booth and living in Wallowa; Minnie A., wife of Barney Oldenburg, living in Lagrande; Margaret A.; Isaac M.,; Clara J.; Oscar, deceased. Mr. Shafer is a man that has always stood for progression and advancement and has toiled faithfully for that end, giving proper attention to the matters of politics and demeaning himself in a becoming manner to an intelligent, upright and capable citizen.

He was born in Wayne county, Ohio, on March 31, 1834, being the son of John and Susan Shoemaker. The father was a Dunkard preacher and lived on a farm, while our subject after being educated in the schools of his native place entered a blacksmith shop and there learned that leading trade. He followed this trade at his home, with one and one-half years in the state of Iowa, until 1870, and then came to Oregon, arriving here on June 20, 1870. He at once opened a shop in Cove, operating there for two or three years, and then bought three hundred and sixty acres of land two and one-half miles north of Cove, where his widow and son reside at the present time. For three years he stayed on the farm tilling the soil and then removed to Union and engaged in the shop again, when he returned to the farm in 1877 and there remained until the messenger of death came to call him hence, on March 25, 1878. His death was lamented by all and the county lost a valuable citizen. During the Civil war Mr. Shoemaker served for nine months in the cause of his country and then received his honorable discharge on account of sickness.

The marriage of Mr. Shoemaker and Miss Cinderella, daughter of William and Mary Johnson, was celebrated in Wooster, Ohio. To them were born eight children. Two daughters and one son preceded him to the other world. Four daughters, who are married, and one son, William Shoemaker, who runs the home place, survive the father.

It is quite in place to make mention of Mr. William Shoemaker in this connection and we note that he was born in Holmes county, Ohio. He is now operating the home farm, as mentioned above, and has about two hundred acres in cultivation, milks twenty cows, selling the milk to the creamery near by, and handles considerable other stock, as horses and hogs. Fraternally he is a member of the Cove Lodge, No. 52, I.O.O.F., and of the Grande Ronde Tent, No. 30, Maccabees.

Mr. Shoemaker was married on May 2, 1886, to Miss Hulda Williams, daughter of Peter and Susan, early pioneers to Douglas county, this state. Two children were born to gladden this union, one boy and one girl. On December 20, 1893, the wife was called to the realities of another world and the little family group was again in mourning. Mr. Shoemaker is one of the most prosperous and progressive agriculturists of this section and he is secure in the esteem and respect of the entire community.

In Gressen, Germany, Lewis Snyder was born on February 16,1846, and until he was fourteen years of age lived there on a farm. He was privileged to attend the village school, and so had exceptional advantages for a good education, which are well improved. At the age mentioned he separated from the parental roof and came to the United States, settling in Warsaw, Illinois, and went to work on a farm for one year. At the expiration of this time he bound himself to a farmer for three years, that time being completed when he was eighteen years of age. Then, it being 1864, he was desirous of coming to the west, and as his old employer was about to make the trip, they traveled together, as far as Montana, then our subject turned toward Virginia City, where he fell in with an acquaintance from Illinois, and together they determined to visit the Grande Ronde valley, and arrived here in September of the same year. He at once went to work for Mechum Brothers, who were building a road over the Blue Mountains, and for three years he continued with them. Following that long service, he went to freighting from Umatilla Landing to Idaho, Silver and Boise cities, operating for another man. In January, 1870, he bought an outfit for himself and operated on his own account. Two years later he took a homestead, and was there during the time that he was not occupied with freighting, and in seven years he proved up and tilled it until 1883, when he bought two hundred and fifteen acres where he now resides, two miles east of one-half mile south from Island City. He immediately improved his newly acquired farm with good buildings, and has handled it in a skillful manner during the years subsequent thereto. He is occupied in raising the fruits of the field and in rearing stock, and owing to his wise management, care of details, and steady devotion to business, he ahs been crowned with abundant success. Mr. Snyder's home is a picture of comfort and taste and his farm is one of the best kept in the county. He has a small orchard of mixed fruits.

In 1891 Mr. Snyder married Mrs. May E. Rochester, daughter of Granville e. and Rhoda (Ellis) Ashmead, residents of Oasis, Idaho. To this happy union there have been born two children: Georganna Rochester and Dora Louisa. Mrs. Snyder was born in Fremont, Iowa. Our subject has always taken the part of the intelligent citizen in politics, and is allied with the Democratic party while in church relations he is a member of the Lutheran denomination and his life is marked by uprightness, and his characteristics have always been industry, probity, integrity and sound principles.

On December 10, 1841, in Hocking county, Ohio, our subject was born to Samuel and Roxy (Mosier) South, who removed with their son to Mercer county, in the same state, and thence in 1856 to Guthrie county, Iowa. In these various places the son was educated in the public schools and until 1861he remained with his parents; then in October of that year he enlisted in Company L., Fourth Iowa Cavalry, under General Curtis, being in what was known as the "lost army." The event that caused this appellation to be given these troops occurred in the beginning of his career, and later came the many skirmishes and battles in which Mr. South participated with display of courage and valor and faithfulness that have rightly given to him the hoonor of being one of his country's defenders and a son upon whom Columbia could depend in the dark hour of danger. At one time he was in the advance guard which ran into an ambush of the enemy, and some of his number were killed and he was wounded in the ankle and others were saved only by the timely arrival of the main body of the troops. Six months of weary and painful existence in the hospital followed this event and then he again took his place, serving until the expiration of his enlistment, which occurred in December, 1865, being at that time honorably discharged. Returning to his home in Guthrie county, Iowa, he was married to Miss Emma, daughter of Peter and Martha (Staton) Van Devanter, on October 12, 1866. They remained there, toiling on a farm for the fruits of the field until June 1875, and then came by rail to Ogden, and thence by team to the Grande Ronde valley, arriving here on the second day of August and locating on his present place, four miles north from Medical Springs. Here he has a fine farm of two hundred and twenty acres, well improved with comfortable house, commodious barn and good orchard, while the land is tilled in excellent manner, producing abundant crops of hay for stock.

To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born five children: Ida A., wife of Elza Van Devanter, of Cornwall, Idaho; Ella, wife of Sanford Shaw, near Medical springs; George W., married to Lucinda Jackson, operating a store and being the postmaster at Medical Springs; David F.; Lillie, wife of Ed Fickle, near Union. Mr. South is a member of the G.A.R., Preston Post. No. 18, of Union, being also past commander. Mr. South's parents came here from Iowa in 1878, settling on an adjoining farm to his, and there the father died in 1901, being in his ninety-third year. The mother still lives on the home place being also in her ninety-third year. Mrs. South's father died in 1862, and her mother came west with Mr. and Mrs. South, and here she died in October, 1900, being at that time in her seventy-eighth year. Mr. South is a man who deserves and receives generously the confidence of his fellows and his ability and stanch moral qualities have led him to hold a prominent place in the county, and it may be truly said of him that he adorns the position which he holds.

Mr. Standley was born in Scotland county,Missouri, on March 7, 1843, to Jeremiah and Mary (Wilson) Standley, natives respectively of England and Ireland. In his native county our subject was educated and in 1864, in company with his parents, two brothers and one sister, crossed the plains to the Grande Ronde valley, locating in the western part and taking up stockraising and general farming. He remained with his parents until 1870. The mother was called by death to depart hence, in 1873, and one decade later the father went over the same journey. In 1870 our subject took up his present place, which is situated two and one-fourth miles west from Alicel, securing a quarter section at first and adding since by purchase until his farm contains two hundrednad forty acres of good land, besides forty acres of timber land. His farm is all cultivated and well kept. For over thirty years Mr.Standley has wrought steadily on this land and the general air of thrift and care that are apparent everywhere show him to be the careful and wise husbandman. He has excellent improvements, among which are a good orchard, outbuildings and an elegant residence of nine rooms, tasty and up to date. Mr. Standley has good cattle and horses and everything combines to proclaim him one of the leading agriculturists of the country, as well as one of its prominent citizens.

The marriage of Mr. Standley and Miss Christina, daughter of Angus and Elizabeth Shaw, pioneers of this county in 1863, was solemnized on March 18, 1869, and they have become the parents of three children, as follows: Mary Elizabeth, wife of Frank McAllister; Rosetta, wife of Van E. Long; Louie, married and farming in the valley.Mr. Standley has given his wisdom to the public in the capacity of road supervisor and director of schools in his district, and ever takes the part of the intelligent citizen in political matters. He has had much experience in the early struggles among the pioneers to open up this section and develop the cou8nty, and faithfulness marked his efforts always. In 1865 he went to the Bannock mines, remaining for a short time. While there he paid thrity-three dollars for a sack of flour. His father was also a pioneer to California in 1849. For some time in the early days Mr. Standley wrought in the life of the freighter, thus passing many experiences in both hardhips and genuine life of the frontiersman, and it is with pleasure that we see to-day,one of the early workers in this realm now quietly enjoying the fruits of his labor in this land whre he toiled so well to bring in civilization's comforts, while also he is esteemed and beloved by all.

Our subject is the son of Mark and Frances (Clark) Stevens, being born on July 1, 1857, in Yam Hill county, Oregon. His father was a merchant of Eugene and was one of the early pioneers, who crossed the plains in 1850. Jasper G. received is early education in the public schools, and when the state university was founded at Eugene, he matriculated there and for four years he was assiduously laboring for mental discipline nad the acquisition of knowledge. Receiving his degree from the university, he spent six years in steady work in a drug store in Eugene, and then came to this county, settling in Cove where he opened a drug store for himself. continuously since that time he has been occupied in dispensing goods over his counters to supply the wants of his many customers, while his patronage has steadily increased to a large and lucrative trade, which he enjoys at the present time. The office of the postmaster has been in his hands continuously since his settlement here, with the exception of one year, when James A. Russell, of Island City, was the incumbent. In all these years of public service, Mr. Stevens has displayed a stanch adherence to principle and a faithfulness in caring for all details as well as the alrger parts of the business, together with kindness and deferential treatment of his fellows that have won for him the high regard and commendation of his patrons and the public at large. Mr. Stevens carries a large and complete stock of drugs, sporting goods, and stationery, which amply accomodates the neads of his large list of customers, and his place is an up-to-date drug store, handling with business principles and accuracy that merit the generous attention and trade that he enjoys. His associates have kept him in the office of school clerk and other capacities much of the time, and he has been notary public for eight years.

The marriage of Mr. Stevens and Miss Minnie G., daughter of B.J. and Sarah (Parberry) Shaw, of Sedalia, Missouri, was consummated in 1889, and they have become the parents of two children: Willie, eleven years of age, and Jean, three years old. The father of our subject was city treasurer of Eugene, Oregon, for a good many years, and always enjoyed the entire confidence of the people. Mr. Stevens has acquired the sure and substantial rewards of industry and wise manipulation of business and is to-day one of the men of means of the county and enjoys the respect and good will of all.

GEN. JOHN H. STEVENS. - This hero of a hundred Western adventures, and a pioneer of the great Inland Empire, was born on a town line in Windham county, Vermont. The son of Asa Stevens, a miller and farmer, he learned to use his hands and brain in practical affairs, and at the village school obtained a good working education. In his youth he followed business in Boston, and was engaged in lumbering in Pennsylvania. In 1832 he came west to Michigan, and at Coldwater, Branch county, kept a hotel, advancing his business also by taking mail contracts, and in such early ventures as the conditions of life in the Wolverine state afforded at that early day. He became a colonel in the state militia, and succeeded also to a generalship. Eight years he served as sheriff of Branch county, and during that time made many notable arrests.

In 1852 he prepared for the journey to Oregon, rigging up a large team of mules and horses, and with his daughter Mary C., who subsequently became the wife of the famous lawyer of Eugene, Oregon, Stukeley Ellsworth,  and with thirteen young men, among whom was Green Arnold, now of LaGrande, made the journey across the plains. Although in the midst of the pestilential cholera, he lost but one man. He made a speedy trip, covering the distance from the Missouri to the Willamette in four months.

In our virgin territory of thirty-seven years ago he undertook business as hotel-keeper in company with Green Arnold, and as successor of W.H. Rees at Champoeg. He dug gold in the early days at Shelly gulch in Josephine county. His services were also sought in the legislative halls; and he helped our young state to effect its entrance into the Union. He heard the drum-beat and lively shots of the volunteers to the Yakima war, and together with his son John joined their company to establish the white man's supremacy. His arduous task in that service was caring for the stock of the column; and after the war he was assigned the task of selling at public auction all the stock, wagons, effects and accoutrements of the volunteers, - a six days' labor. Returning to his farm near Silverton, he contented himself with agriculture and stock-raising, until in 1862 the reports of gold mines in Eastern Oregon drew him to the Grande Ronde valley. At the promising city of La Grande he made his home, and became one of its most energetic citizens. He was landlord there during the days of gold dust. As his means accumulated, he invested his surplus in three hundred and twenty acres of land on Clover creek, near North Powder, Union county, and there resides amid all the comforts and refinements of the successful Eastern Oregon ranch, having large herds of cattle, and much other livestock. He holds a leading place in the public affairs, and in the confidence of his community, - a venerable and noble old gentleman.

He was married firstly in 1830 to Miss Mary Adams of Pennsylvania, by whom he had two children. Her death occurring three years later, he was married secondly to Miss Harriet M. Pierce of Michigan, by whom he has had five children. He has six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren living in the West.

WILLIAM M. STOKER. - Among the enterprising and industrious stockmen and agriculturists who have been successful in their endeavors in Union county we are constrained to mention the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph, and who is to-day one of the leaders in his line in the county. A man of good executive ability, with qualities of determination and stability, he has met the forces of the business world and there demonstrated his capabilities in a winning manner that has given him the competence of the prosperous, as well as the favor and esteem of his fellows.

In Jackson county, Ohio, on July 10, 1844, William M. was born to Michael and Martha (Carr) Stoker. While yet an infant his parents removed with him to Missouri, thence to Illinois, and from there to Iowa in 1846. In 1860 our subject went to Colorado and there engaged with the Clark Brothers, large freighters from Omaha to Denver, in the capacity of wagon master in an ox train, and he remained in this position for eight years. After the expiration of this time he was in the same capacity with Bostell & Metts, who operated in the same country. From here he returned to Iowa and fitted up a team and made the journey to Utah. For three years he lived on the Provo river, giving his attention to farming. He then returned to Iowa and remained for one year and started for the west once more, this time expecting to complete his journey on Puget Sound. He was fortunate enough to take the course that brought him through the fertile valleys of Union county, and he made the wise choice of at once settling on a quarter section of government land near where he lives at the present time. He secured title through the pre-emption act and after spending some time in improving and tilling the place he sold it to Sam Purcell and took a homestead where he lives now, which is eight miles east from Union on Catherine creek. He added one quarter section more by purchase and then commenced the battle of life without a dollar for working capital. Like the illustrious rail splitter of other days, he shouldered his ax and went to the woods and cut cordwood and split rails to gain sufficient funds to start with. His energy and skill and pluck were equal to the task and he soon began to gain rapidly and success attended his efforts constantly. He has now two hundred acres fenced and cultivates eighty acres. He raises annually fifty tons of good timothy hay, besides, cereals, and has one acre in good fruit. Mr. Stoker takes great interest in good stock. He has fine horses and some excellent specimens of Jersey cattle, and he is raising a number of first-class mules. He is one of the skillful and enterprising men of the county, and is a devotee of thrift and care in all of his undertakings. Mr. Stoker is not solicitious of political preferment, but is deeply interested in the affairs of the government to the extent of having capable and faithful men at the helm. His fellows have requested him to act as road supervisor, which he has done with faithfulness and efficiency.

On January 1, 1866, Mr. Stoker and Mrs. Cora O. Robbins were joined in the holy bonds of matrimony. Mrs. Stoker's former husband, Tom Robbins, died in Denver in 1865, and she has one son by that marriage, Charles Robbins, who is now married and lives in Union, being employed with the telephone company. Mr. Stoker is one of the wide-awake and up-to-date men of the county and has ever manifested stanch integrity and commendable sagacity and enterprise in all of his undertakings and has been a potent factor in the promotion of the welfare of all and the interests of the county.

On January 23, 1826, Mr. Stotts was born in Adair county, Kentucky, and the years of his minority were spent in the faithful service of his parents on their farm, and when he was twenty-two years of age he began action for himself on the plane of life's battlefield. In the spring of 1850 he went to Missouri, taking a ranch in the southwest part of Spring River county and to the cultivation and improvement of this land he bent his energies for fourteen years and then sold it and with ox teams crossed the plains to Lagrande, landing here in the summer of 1864. He stopped in what was known as the old town, where he remained till 1883, doing a general cabinet-making business, having learned this trade in his younger years. At the date last mentioned he moved to his present beautiful home in the town of Lagrande .He owns two acres and has it most excellently cultivated and improved. He gives his attention to gardening and raising an orchard, having some fine trees. Mr. Stotts is diligent in the prosecution of his labor and has made his place a veritable garden in every respect. He has a comfortable and tasty home, and in company with his faithful wife is passing quietly, in enjoyment of his portion, the golden years of his life and is beloved and highly respected by all.

Mr. Stotts and Miss Elizabeth Dahoney, a native of Kentucky, were married in 1848, and they have been blessed by the birth of the following children: Nancy J., James, Pamelia, Janie, deceased; and Fanny. Mr. Stotts has always been a prominent member of the Methodist church since his residence in this part, and his life of uprightness and exemplification of the sterling principles and beautiful virtues of the Savior of mankind has been a light and encouragement to many on the pilgrim journey.

Mr. Susewind was born in Monroe county, Illinois on January 13, 1865, being the son of William and Solphia (Hartman) Susewind. When but a child of two years he had the sad misfortune to lose both of his parents, and his days were then spent in the home of his uncle, Henry Susewind, until he was eighteen years of age. During these years he attended the public school and also for a time the Christian College at Waterloo, Illinois. Then he went to work for the government near Greenville, Mississippi, in the improvement of the river. In 1884 he entered the employ of a large wholesale and retail grocery establishment in St. Louis, continuing there until 1887., when he took up work at the soda factor at Waterloo, Illinois, and in this he was engaged until 1892. During this time he purchased a farm of three hundred and five acres in Monroe county, Illinois, in company with this uncle, Henry Susewind. In 1895 he sold his interest. It was in 1892 that he came to Portland, passing through Union en route. He was taken with the surroundings and resources of this country and accordingly, in July of the same year, he returned to Union and negotiated the purchase of the property that he now owns and operates. Since the purchase of the Centennial hotel he has continued in the successful operation of it and to-day he enjoys the confidence of the traveling public and the patronage that is his to handle is large and lucrative and constantly increasing.

On August 23, 1898, Mr. Susewind married Miss Barbara, a native of Dubuque, Iowa, and the daughter of John and Katie Reuter, residents of Dubuque. This union has been blessed with the following children: Nicholas H., born in Union, Oregon, on September 10(?), 1800; Fred H., born in Dubuque October 27, 1901. Mr. Susewind is active in the mining industry and is heavily interested in the Cornucopia section, being president of the Elk Creek Gold Mining Company, their properties being located in the Granite mining district, formerly in Union county, but now in Baker.

In Franklin county, Arkansas, on June 20, 1868, John F. was born to James M. and Sarah (Woods) Sutherland. The father served as a scout for the Union army in Arkansas during the war of the Rebelion. In 1872 the family came across the plains to the Grande Ronde valley using ox teams for the conveyancing purposes. Twenty wagons formed the train and while some trouble was experienced with the Indians no one of the immigrants was killed. Seven months were consumed on journey, and when here the father entered land near Summerville. In 1881 they removed to Swamp creek in Wallowa county. When he had arrived at sufficient age our subject took two trips with horses to Dakota, consuming six months in each trip, while also he made one trip to Nebraska for the same purpose, being in the employ of John McCaw. In 1890 his parents removed from Wallowa county to High valley, near Union, where they reside at the present time. In the same year our subject came to Medical Springs and in 1893 entered land where he resides at the present time, one-fourth of a mile north of that town. He devotes his attention to general farming and raising stock.

The marriage of Mr. Sutherland and Miss Martha E., daughter of Enoch and Sarah (Van Devanter) South, was solemnized on February 6, 1891, and three children have been born to them to gladden the home. Laura A., Chester F., and Olan. Mrs. Sutherland's mother died on October 20, 1901, and her father is a resident of Uion county. Mr. Sutherland is a member of the M.W. of A., Camp No. 9462, of Medical Springs. In political alliances he is with the Republican party and is central comitteeman for his precinct, and is now also serving his sixth year as constable of this precinct, and is deputy sheriff of the county. He is a man of ability and vigor and his labors in the county have always been for advancement and progress, while he is one of the valuable citizens now and highly esteemed by his fellows, and one of the substantial men of the county.

William Swiger, a farmer and dairyman of Union county, has been actively identified with agricultural interests in this state for almost a quarter of a century and has won a gratifying measure of success in this connection.  His birth occurred in Sarpy county, Nebraska, on the 10th of October, 1860, his parents being Nathan and Polly (Wilkinson) Swiger.  The father was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, on the 6th of January, 1830, while the mother was a native of Jackson county, that state.  John Swiger, the paternal grandfather of our subject, removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio in early manhood, settling in Muskingum county of the latter state.  Subsequently he took up his abode in Illinois, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing away in La Salle county about 1850.  Nathan Swiger, the father of William Swiger, was married in Illinois and in 1858 or 1859 removed to Nebraska, locating in Richardson county, where he remained until 1864.  In that year he joined a party journeying westward with ox teams, and all along the road others fell in with the train, some being bound for Montana.  They experienced no trouble with the Indians, and Mr. Swiger eventually reached the Grande Ronde valley, where he remained until 1865.  In that year he removed to the Willamette valley, where he continued to reside until the fall of 1869, when he returned to the Grande Ronde valley and located in High valley, Union county.  There he made his home until the spring of 1889, when he sold out to his son, William, and purchased property from H. P. Stewart on Little creek, three miles east of Union, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing away in May, 1890.  Throughout his active business career he had been successfully engaged in the pursuits of stock raising and farming.  Unto him and his wife were born seven children, four of whom still survive.
 

 William Swiger, who was the fourth in order of birth in his father’s family, spent his boyhood days in the Willamette and Grande Ronde valleys.  In 1889, when a young man of twenty-nine years, he started out as an agriculturist on his own account.  At the time of the division of the home farm, comprising nearly six hundred acres, the homestead fell to his share.  The creek and two small branches run through the property, so that the land is well supplied with water.  Mr. Swiger gave his attention principally to stock-raising during his earlier business career but has recently taken up dairying, which is proving a profitable source of income to him.
 

 Mr. Swiger has been twice married.  On the 18th of October, 1882, he wedded Miss Laura M. Crosby, her father being James Crosby, who was a native of Ohio and came to Oregon in 1880.  Unto them were born the following children:  Willis V., who is now a student in a medical college at San Francisco;  Ernest E., a resident of Oregon;  and Lloyd M., who makes his home in West Berkeley, California.  The wife and mother was called to her final rest in 1891 and in November of the following year Mr. Swiger was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Milda Snivley, who came to this state in 1882.  Earl Vernon, the only child of this marriage, is still at home.
 

 At the polls Mr. Swiger casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the democratic party.  The cause of education has ever found in him a stanch champion and for the past eighteen years he has served in the capacity of school clerk.  Fraternally he is a member of the Woodmen of the World.  Practically his entire life has been spent in the northwest and he is therefore thoroughly familiar with its history and growth, which has always been to him a source of justifiable pride.