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ELIJAH THOMLINSON. Deceased. - It truly is an opportunity to be embraced with pleasure to be allowed to pen a brief memorial of the life of this noble and faithful pioneer, since his hand assisted materially in upbuilding the country of this rugged frontier, laboring on this coast for about a quarter of a century, faithfully and steadily.

Mr. Thomlinson was born in New York state about 1820, and grew to manhood there, learning the important trade of the carpenter. Later he removed to Vermilion county, Illinois, where he followed his trade, and there in 1849 he was married to Miss Caroline Liggett, a native of Danville, Illinois. In 1853, Mr. Thomlinson was led by the reports from the western country to take the arduous journey to Vancouver, Washington, overland, to explore the country and establish a home for his wife and little ones. In 1854 Mrs. Thomlinson, in company with her people and her young son, followed the dreary trail to the new land whither her husband had preceded her. It speaks much for the courage and endurance of this noble woman that she drove a team nearly all the way from the Mississippi valley to the Pacific ocean, in addition to caring for her infant son. Mr. Thomlinson worked at his trade in Vancouver and vicinity, also gave some attention to mining and for a time operated a hotel. All too soon that dread disease, consumption, marked him for its own, and he was called to lay down the burdens and cares of life and depart hence to the other world. In 1876 was the time of this sad event, and then Mrs. Thomlinson sold her possessions and migrated to Union county whither her son had preceded her. She located near North Powder and owns a tract of land near the town and a good comfortable dwelling in the town, where she and her son reside at the present time. Mrs. Thomlinson deserves much credit, for the faithful and wise labor that she has bestowed in this country, and also that she was one of those early pioneers that assisted in opening for their fellows to follow the trail into these sections that are to-day some of the most productive spots in our land. She has suffered all the hardships incident to life on the plains, in the new scenes of the frontier, and during the Indian uprisings, and is now spending the golden years of her life quietly and in the enjoyment of her portion, so well earned by her faithful labors.

To Elijah and Caroline (Liggett) Thomlinson, on December 14, 1850, was born the subject of this sketch, near Danville, Illinois. Two years later the father made the dangerous trip overland to the Pacific coast, landing in Vancouver, Washington, without serious incident or molestation from the Indians. In 1854 the mother came with the family overland with teams to join her husband at Vancouver, who had located in that town. Her trip was also attended with good fortune. Our subject remained in Vancouver until 1872, attending the seminary located there and graduating there from in 1871. In 1872 he came to the vicinity of North Powder, and engaged in teaching, where he made a commendable record, manifesting both ability for imparting knowledge and displaying deep research in the realms of erudition. In 1886, the people told out their appreciation of his ability and integrity at the ballot box in asking him to accept the office of county assessor of Union county, his name having appeared on the Republican ticket. His service was with faithfulness and efficiency and to the general satisfaction of all, which speaks very highly, considering the trying duties of that office. Since that time he has acted as deputy assessor for four years and during Harrison's administration he was appointed postmaster of North Powder. In 1893 he resigned but was reappointed in 1901. Uninterruptedly since that time he has discharged these trying duties to the complete satisfaction of the public. Mr. Thomlinson owns a tract of land near the town and several houses in the town, besides other property. During the Indian uprisings he suffered property loss as well as personal deprivations and hardships, as did many of the other early pioneers. Mr. Thomlinson has ever been active in the affairs of the county, always standing for the men of ability and upright principles and showing forth a public spirit coupled with sagacity and unswerving integrity and he is to-day highly respected by all who know him.