It is with pleasure that we incorporate in these abiding chronicles of Umatilla county, an epitome of the career of the man whose name is above, and whose life of energy and industry, dominated by abilities of the highest order, has been one to which every citizen of our county can point with pride, because not only of his marked and brilliant success in the things of the world, but because of his broad-minded principles that have enabled him to constantly keep in mind the welfare of the county at large, for the advancement and development of which he has wrought so faithfully. Born in Wisconsin, to Alfred H. and Esther S. Rugg, on November 22, 1865, he passed there only the days of his infancy, being removed with his parents to Minnesota and then to Kansas. Here he remained until he was sixteen years of age, acquiring meanwhile a good education from the common schools of that time, and then came to Oregon with his brother and engaged in contract work on the O. & C. Ry, until 1885, when he came to this county. He immediately commenced farming and operating a header and threshing machine, together with stock raising. The present partnership of Rugg Brothers, consisting of A. W. Rugg and our subject, was formed in 1898 and has continued since. The fine holdings of this company are mentioned in another section of this volume in the sketch of A. W. Rugg. Among their estates they own one of two hundred and twenty acres on Umatilla river, one and one half miles east from Pendleton, where our subject lives. This farm is devoted entirely to grain and hay to fatten sheep in the winter. Mr. Rugg was married at Pilot Rock, on December 25, 1892, to Miss Vesta Gilliam, a native of this county. To this union have been born the following children: Archie E., Vesta V., Violet Grace. Mrs. Rugg's parents, Elezor and Nancy J. Gilliam, were early pioneers of this county. Mr. Rugg is a stockholder in the North West Live Stock and Wool Growers' Journal, and is one of the best posted practical wool growers in the state. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Pendleton, where he maintains a position of honor and trust, while his life of integrity and uprightness has given him a distinguished place in the community and the country at large.

Page 376

The man whose life's career we are now privileged to briefly outline is one of the leading and representative citizens of Umatilla county, where he has wrought with skill and wisdom for more than a score of years, ever manifesting that integrity and enterprise that are becoming one who possesses the capabilities and good financial ability shown by our subject.

On July 29, 1864, in the state of Illinois, he was born to Samuel and Cynthia (Johns) Turner. Four years later his parents took him in their migration to Montana, where they remained for ten years and then came to Umatilla county. In Montana and in this county our subject received a good training in the public schools as well as a fine insight into business and the art of agriculture. After careful inspection he purchased his present place of nine hundred acres, five and one-half miles northwest from Weston. Here he has devoted his attention continuously since to agriculture and stock raising. He has brought to bear both wisdom and industry in these occupations and is now reaping his reward, having an excellent estate, well improved and fully stocked, fine outbuildings and a handsome residence. Prosperity has attended his wisely directed efforts, while a spirit of thrift and comfort pervade his entire premises. His marriage occurred on December 13, 1891, when Miss Jennie N., daughter of Barnett and Albertine (Jones) Swaney, became his wife. To them have been born two children, Harry Monroe and Floyd Ernest. Mrs. Turner had been occupied as an educator previous to her marriage, and had gained an enviable prominence in that profession. Her father was a veteran of the Civil war. Mr. Turner is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the United Artisans in Weston, and also of the Woodmen of the World in Athena. In handling his large estate he practices the diversified plan, using about four hundred acres for pasture and the valance for varied crops in their proper rotation. In this way he receives greater returns from his land and also keeps it increasing in fertility. He is a man of good practical judgment and is forward in maintaining the principles of justice and uprightness and has won the confidence and esteem of all.

Page 378

It now becomes our pleasant duty to give in brief outline the career of the man whose name initiated this paragraph, and who is well-known as one of the leading and prominent agriculturists of this section, while his financial ability, acumen and integrity are manifest to all. He was born in Tioga county, New York, on March 2, 1856, and there grew to manhood, receiving a good education from the public schools of the Empire state. While quite young, his father died from illness contracted during his service in the Civil war. Our subject worked on a stock ranch as butter-maker and horse-trainer for General B. F. Tracy, and while there was associated with Charles Doble, a brother of the famous driver, Bud Doble. In 1879 he came to Nevada and worked in the mines for several years, whence in 1883 he came to Pendleton, arriving here on July 13. After some explorations he secured a homestead right on one-fourth section of land where he now lives, at the head of Alkali canyon, to which he has added by purchase as much more. Here he has devoted his attention to the raising of barley continuously since, with very flattering success, handling from three to five thousand bushes every year from one hundred acres. He winters many fine horses for Pendleton people and others, his reputation as a first-class horseman being excellent and wide spread. He operated a header for a number of years and now owns a half interest in a threshing outfit with C. H. Russell, and does the threshing of all the neighborhood. His executive ability has been called into action by the duties of director in his district, which position he has been frequently chosen to fill, thus manifesting the confidence reposed in him by the people of the district, which in every respect is justly merited. He has spent some time since coming to the county in prospecting and mining, but now confines himself to the pursuits mentioned above.

Mr. Conklin is fraternally affiliated with the I. O. O. F., Integrity Lodge, No. 92, and the Camp, both of Pendleton. Here he maintains an enviable position in the regard of his fellows, while he is generously favored with the esteem and respect of all who know him.

Page 381

To the man whose name indicates this article must be accorded the place of leader among the wool growers and real estate holders of Umatilla county, while his high capabilities and worthy financiering are his credentials to the front seat of citizenship and supporter of America's free institutions. His moral integrity and estimable qualities of uprightness and true manliness have won for him the unbounded confidence of his fellows and command the respect of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. He was born amid Caledonia's rugged hills in Ross-shire, near Bonar Bridge, on March 15, 1856, and there were passed the years of his minority on his father's farm, while he acquired a good education from the public schools of the realm. His father, John Ross, died when this son was only three years of age, while his mother, Isabella Ross, died in 1899. Both in Scotland. When he reached his majority he went to the north of Wales and engaged in herding sheep for four years, after which he visited his home and then turned toward the new world, sailing from Glasgow, April 13, 1883, on the steamer, Indiana, arriving in New York in seventeen days. From here he went to San Francisco and thence to Pilot Rock where he engaged at once to William Ross as sheep herder, continuing in this capacity for three years. At this time he had sufficient funds to warrant his embarkation in the stock business for himself, which he did, buying a good band and taking a homestead where Vinson now stands. His whole attention has been devoted to carrying forward this enterprise and the success attending him has been but the outcome of his industry and good judgment. He now is the proprietor of a fine estate of two thousand acres besides four thousand sheep, together with all the accoutrements necessary for the carrying on of this extensive business of wool growing and farming. He has also fifty stock cattle and a score of fine horses. He was married at Vinson, on February 19, 1889, to Miss Stella Z. Cramer, a native of California. To them have been born, John, Rose H., Myrtle and Walter. Mr. Ross has been called repeatedly to fill public office, which has been done with the same wisdom and enterprise that have brought his brilliant success. He was appointed postmaster in March, 1900, and has since acceptably filled that exacting office with satisfaction to all. He is fraternally affiliated with the W. of W., Camp. No. 42, of Pendleton, where he is pleasantly distinguished both in social standing and business ability.

Page 383

We are pleased to accord to this prominent and substantial citizen of our county a representation in this volume of its records. A man of sterling integrity and intrinsic worth, his life has shown forth those qualities, together with his talent in managing public trusts that have frequently been committed to his care, in all of his business enterprises.

He was born in Roxbury, Ohio, on November 18, 1851, to John and Nancy Evans. There he was educated in the public schools and grew to manhood, engaging first in the sawmill business as engineer until he came to this county in 1884. Here he followed the same business for eight years and then bought the place where he now lives and in engaged in fruit raising. He was married, on April 29, 1873, in Ohio, to Alta, daughter of Hanford and Nancy Cheadle. To them have been born one child, Howard. Mr. Evans has always manifested the interest that becomes a good citizen in the political affairs of his state and county, as well as in all that would be for the benefit of the municipality where he resides. He has frequently been called on to act as councilman in the town of Milton, the duties of which position he has faithfully and wisely performed to the entire satisfaction of his constituency. Fraternally he affiliates with the Maccabees in Freewater, where he is held in estimation, as he is also throughout his entire acquaintanceship. He is also interested in the fruit growers' union in Milton, an organization of great benefit to the surrounding country when its practical workings are arranged.

Page 385

Among those upon whose shoulders falls the mantle from the veteran pioneers as they go hence to that bourne from whence no traveler returns, stands prominently this gentleman, whose brain and brawn have wrought faithfully and effectually in the arena of Umatilla's development. The prosperity that has attended his efforts and the undisturbed confidence of his fellows that he enjoys are but the proper reward of the integrity and faithfulness that have unremittingly caused his adherence to the path of duty and industry. His parents, Alfred and Felinda (Sickler) Parris, were natives of Pennsylvania, but removed to this country in 1859. Sailor S. was born on September 22, 1860, at Mill Creek, Walla Walla county, Washington, being one of the first male white children born in this part of the country, and there gathered what education was possible from the common schools of that early day. When nineteen years of age he came to this county and took a homestead where he now lives, nine miles northwest from Athena, and to the cultivation and improvement of this, together with as much more that he has added by purchase, he has devoted himself with assiduity and energy ever since. His principal crop is wheat, but he also gives some attention to stock raising, handling both horses and cattle. He has erected upon his estate a large and comfortable residence, other necessary improvements and planted a fine orchard, which manifest good taste and judgment. In the year 1879, in April, he was married to Miss Hulda A. Cox, daughter of Samuel W. and Syntha (Blalock) Cox and to them have been born the following children: Ura M., Wesley, Emery, Sailor S., Jr., and one deceased. Mrs. Parris is a native of North Carolina.

Mr. Parris is active in politics and local affairs, especially in school matters, where his ability is appreciated, for his neighbors have kept him constantly in the director's office since his advent into the county. In church relations they are connected with the Free Methodist, and in this position Mr. Parris is quite active relegating to their proper places the desire of gain of worldly goods and aspirations for worldly fame. The untarnished reputation, noble Christian life and exemplary conduct of our subject have won for him that which true merit and intrinsic worth will sooner or later bring, namely, the confidence and respect and love of his associates and acquaintances.

Page 387

After the crash of battle the winning cohorts are attended with a glamour of victorious demonstration that tends to wipe out of sight the desperate valor manifested by those who clung to the fateful flag doomed to sink with its defeated champions. Histories of half are written and read; deeds of daring are recounted with the strains of victorious music, but the worthy foe, whose steel met steel where only fate could decide the day, meditates in silence upon his prowess, to which the world would have delighted to do homage had his home been on the other side of the line. Such an one is he of whom we now speak and to whom we accord a place, justly, in the records of Umatilla county as an ardent supporter of our free institutions, and a representative citizen of this commonwealth. Mr. Herndon, son of Joseph S. and Martha W. (Spillman) Herndon, natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively, first saw the light on January 24, 1840, in the Blue Grass state. When but four years of age he was taken by his parents to Missouri, and remained there until 1786, gaining in the meantime a good education and following the life of the agriculturist with remunerative success. On August 1, 1862, he joined the Confederate ranks, where he fought with valor becoming his spirited nature, until June 4, 1865, the close of the war. He first served under General Hindman, later in the command of General Holmes, and at the close was under General Price and Brigadier General Monroe Parsons. He was in the battle of Lone Jack, Missouri, Prairie Grove, Arkansas, and Helena, Arkansas, where he was taken prisoner with others. He was transferred to Alton, Illinois, and languished in a war prison for twenty months, when an exchange was consummated and he immediately joined his command, with which he nobly stood until the final surrender to General E. R. S. Canby, at Shreveport, Louisiana, June 4, 1865. In all this arduous military career, from start to finish, he acquitted himself, both in camp duty and sanguine conflict, as an honorable gentleman, faithful in trusted service and bold and fearless in fight. At the close of the war he returned to his home in Missouri, continuing there until 1876, when he came to Umatilla county. Here he first pre-empted eighty acres, which he afterward sold and bought the place where he now lives, five miles southeast from Weston. He has devoted himself ever since to its cultivation and improvement, owning three hundred and twenty acres, of which he plants one hundred and fifty to wheat, realizing thirty bushels per acre from it each year. The balance of his land is used for pasture, as he also devotes some attention to stock raising. On June 11, 1873, he was married to Miss Tennessee Ditty, the daughter of F. F. and Elzira (Dyer) Ditty, the issue of which union is two children, Nellie H. and Grady W. Upon his farm he has a fine large orchard and a good dwelling house, with other substantial improvements. In every respect Mr. Herndon has shown himself worthy of the confidence and esteem of his colleagues, which he richly enjoys, and in receiving which he has fully maintained his honor as a gentleman and shown his worth as a substantial citizen.

Page 388

This esteemed and worthy citizen of Umatilla county, whose life's record reaches back nearly to the time of a former century, has done battle on the world's arena during the most progressive age of its history, and is now spending the golden years of lengthened tranquility in this quiet retreat of Freewater. His birth occurred in Roxbury, Ohio, on August 2, 1819. In his native place he was educated in the schools that the day afforded, and there grew to manhood, engaging in farming, which occupation he has followed continuously since. In 1881 he left the Buckeye state and came to this county, purchasing the place where he now lives, eighty acres of fruit land. He was ever active in the affairs of the day engaging in politics and local matters as becomes the worthy citizen. He was married, in 1850, to Nancy Hoon, a sister of J. E. and Phillip Hoon, of this county. To this union were born the following children: James M., married and living on the old place, which he bought from his father; Marion, married and living near Heppner; Jefferson; Fred, married and living in Baker City; Frank. Marion, Jefferson and Frank are in partnership in the stock business, and own about two thousand and two hundred acres of land near Heppner. Mrs. Evans died in this county on April 5, 1885, and her remains are buried in the Odd Fellow's cemetery in Milton. Mr. Evans still survives this loss and is living on the old place with his son, James M.

Page 390

Deceased. To the esteemed citizen, worthy pioneer and respected gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph we accord this memorial in these chronicles of the county where he labored so long and faithfully, ever striving for the betterment and advancement of his fellows and the upbuilding of the commonwealth. He was in the van guard of that noble class of men and women who gave their lives to cut the way into these regions for the ingress of civilization's principles, and to lay the foundations of the nation broad and deep, extending it to the limits that nature intended, and which noble work cannot be eulogized in too exalted terms. While many transients were within the borders of the county at different times, there were comparatively few actual settlers here when Mr. Hill took his ranch on Umatilla river about four and one-half miles southwest from where Pendleton now stands, in 1859. His widow owns the place and resides there to-day. For the first few years he was engaged in raising cattle and then went into the sheep business, which he followed continuously until his death. He owned a ranch on Crab creek , which was headquarters for the sheep, but this, however, he sold a little while before his death, leaving to his widow three other ranches and a large amount of stock, valued at about ten thousand dollars. Mr. Hill was always interested in politics, formerly adhering to the principles of the Democratic party, but later affiliating with the Republican party, whose platform more nearly expressed that which he believed to be for the good of the nation and the state.

He was married, on January 29, 1862, to Miss Phoebe, daughter of Jacob and Annie (Brown) Messinger, natives of Ohio. The fruit of this union has been the following: Daniel, Ellen Jane, wife of William Barber; Jacob C.; Frederick A.; Ernestine, wife of John Padon; Augustus F.; Dora Annie, wife of Luther Mathews; Rachel, wife of Charles Kidder; Rosa Ada, deceased; Phoebe, deceased; and Chancy E. Mr. Hill was born in Leipsic, Germany, on September 4, 1832, remaining there only thirteen years, at which age he took up a seafaring life and followed the same for seven years, after which he came to California and spent a number of years in the search for nature's hidden wealth. Then, as mentioned above, he came to this county and here in 1886 he was called from the scenes of earth to the world beyond. His children and widow mourn a devoted husband and a loving father. Mrs. Hill still resides upon the old homestead, where so many of their happy days were spent and around which cluster the memories and endearing thoughts of the days that will never return, again passing here quietly the golden years of her career, winding the last knots of the thread of life that has been well spun, cheered by the remembrance of days of industry and years in which integrity and uprightness were the constant dominant powers of her existence and wherein she stands at the present time.

Page 395

It is a pleasant task to give an epitome of the career of one so generally beloved and respected as was the man whose name appears at the head of this article, and whose life was one continuous exemplification of worthy activity and industrious enterprise, while his talents and energy were of the highest order. So it is proper to accord to him this memorial in these abiding records of Umatilla county. He was born in Medina county, Ohio, on January 21, 1833, and was favored there with fine facilities for a good training in school, which he took advantage of, receiving his primary part in the public schools and then attending the business college of Cleveland. When he reached his majority he migrated to Illinois, and engaged in farming and stock raising, which he con-tinuously followed until he came to this county in 1879. Here he settled on government land where the town of Helix now stands. He laid out the town and was instrumental in its develop-ment and advancement. He was a man always interested in the welfare of the commonwealth and devoted himself to the betterment and aid of his fellows during his whole career. He was frequently elected to public office, thereby receiving the recognition of his ability and the commendation of his associates. He also served as justice of the peace many times both here and at his eastern home. Afterward he removed to Weston from Helix. Here he was finally called from the scenes of earth to the realm beyond, on January 26, 1894, and his remains received interment in the city cemetery of Weston.

Mrs. Richmond survives her husband, as do also six children. These are: O. M., married to Miss Nellie Preston and residing in Weston; Cora, wife of Riley Simpson, of Pendleton; Frank H., married to Jennie Gross and living in Helix; Elmer H., married to Emma Kennedy, also residing in Helix; Harlow B., also living in Helix; Clara, living at home with her mother. Mrs. Richmond was born in New Hampshire to Timothy L. and Roxana (Harvey) Lane, on December 15, 1837, and was taken by her parents to Illinois when four years of age. Her marriage to Mr. Richmond occurred in Illinois on September 23, 1858. She now owns six hundred and forty acres of land at Helix, besides considerable town property in that place and a fine home in Weston, where she lives, passing quietly the golden years of a well spent and noble life.

Page 399

Among the younger business men of the county it is fitting to incorporate here a review of the interesting career of the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph, since he is one of the leading men in the commercial realm of the county, and has shown marked enterprise and rare talent in building up and carrying on the largest drug business in this section of the state, going at the present time an equal partner in the Tallman & Company Drug Incorporation in the city of Pendleton, where they do a thriving and ever-increasing business. Mr. Ayers is a native son of the county, being born on Big Butter creek, thirty-three miles southwest from Pendleton, near the county line, on December 14, 1866, his parents being Thomas W. and Mary E. (Bruce) Ayers. His mother died when he was eleven years old, and later his father married again and settled in Heppner, being one of the most prominent and leading citizens of Morrow county. Our subject was taken to Heppner when but a youth by his father, and there he grew to manhood, receiving a good education in the city schools, which he finished at the business college in Portland, from which institution he took his degree in 1885. After the completion of his education he accepted a position with the concern of Ayers & Fell, taking charge of their warehouse in the city of Heppner, continuing to discharge the duties of that position until 1889, when he embarked in the drug business in that city. He prosecuted this business successfully until 1895, at which time he came to Pendleton and purchased a half interest in the establishment above described, and where he continues to-day. Our subject celebrated his marriage with Miss May, daughter of E. L. Matlock, one of the old pioneers of Morrow county, on October 3, 1892. Mr. Ayers is a man that takes a great interest in the welfare of his city and county, being of broad public spirit and laboring for their advancement and upbuilding. He is fraternally affiliated with the Masonic order in Pendleton. His genial nature has won for him a host of friends and greatly increased his business, which is very successfully handled.