Biographies of Yamhill County Oregon Citizens

Dr. Horace L. Littlefield, one of the most prominent physicians of Yam Hill county, was born in Quincy, Illinois, April 18, 1845. His father, Dr. H.H. Littlefield, was born in the State of Maine in 1822, and was for forty-five years a successful physician of Beardstown, Illinois. He was of English parents, who settled in Massachusetts. He married Miss Elizabeth Ashwood, a native of England, and had five children, of whom three are still living.
     The Doctor, who was the eldest child in the above family, was reared in his native State, principally in Beardstown. After reading medicine pretty thoroughly under the instruction of his father, he attended the Illinois State College, but graduated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1870. In fact, when only eighteen years of age, he received a graduating certificate, which entitled him to a diploma when he arrived at the age at which it could be given him.
     About this time his love of his native country was excited, as the great civil war had burst upon the land, and he enlisted as a private in June, 1863, in Company G, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Illinois infantry. In 1864 he was appointed acting Assistant Surgeon, and in that capacity rendered all the aid in his power to the sick and wounded soldiers of the Union army until the close of the war.
     Some time afterward he received his diploma from Rush Medical College, and practiced in Tazewell county, Illinois, until 1869, when he came to Oregon, locating at La Fayette, which has since been his headquarters, and where he has met with excellent success in his practice. In 1880 he was appointed surgeon-in-chief of the construction department of the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company, in 1881 was appointed surgeon-in-chief of the construction department western division of the Northern Pacific Railway, and in that capacity served both railroads for Idaho, Oregon and Washington, and had hospitals constructed in the field just as in the army. The construction was completed in 1883. He retired from this work and the following year invested in the Coeur d'Alene mines, where he remained in the supervision of his interests for three years. He then accepted the position of surgeon for the Washington & Idaho Railway, remaining therein for a year and a half, until the completion of the road. Next he was surgeon for the Portland & Puget Sound Road until the work of construction ceased.
     After remaining a year in Portland he returned to La Fayette. In 1882 he invested in city property and built the finest house in the city of La Fayette-a credit to the refinement and tast[e]s of its owner.
     The Doctor is a gentleman of great energy and good judgment, as well as a very pleasant and social citizen, and thus he is first and last and all the time engaged in every enterprise and society work, which he thinks will aid his city or country. He is active in the blue lodge, chapter and Eastern Star degree of Freemasonry; was Master of his lodge three years. He is also a member of the I.O.O.F., the A.O.U.W. and the B.P.O. of E.; of the latter is the present Exalted Ruler. At the close of his term he was presented with a beautiful gold badge. He is also a member of the Knights of Maccabees, Portland Camp, No. 1, of the K. of P. and of the G.A.R.
     He has invested in real estate, and he has some very valuable mining interests. He is a successful practitioner, loves his profession and is devoted to it. He is popular in the county and in the Republican party of which he has ever been a consistent member. In 1876 he was nominated for the State Legislature, but, that being an "off" year for the Republican party, he was defeated. He was active in organizing the first medical society; was its first president, and is now an esteemed member of the State Medical Society. More personally, he has a merry twinkle in his eye, has a joke or anecdote appropriate for every occasion, enjoys music (all of which characteristics evince a high moral quality), and he is a wide-awake, active and signally successful man.
     June 27, 1865, is the date of his marriage, in Chicago, to Miss Ann Kerwin, a native of Ireland, reared in America. They had four children: The eldest, Elizabeth, is now the wife of Judge W.L. Bradshaw of the Dalles; Horace L. is a physician at Newberg, Oregon, and a graduate of the Missouri Medical College; Edwin V. is a graduate of the Evangelical College at La Fayette, and is now studying medicine; and Harry is now at college.
     Mrs. Littlefield died August 6, 1889. She was an amiable lady, a devout Christian, a devoted wife, a loving and intelligent mother, was very devoted to her family and had many friends, and her loss was therefore very deeply felt. November 20, 1891, the Doctor married Miss Mary T. Price, of Dayton, Washington, and she now resides over the beautiful home.

Illustrated History of the State of Oregon, 1893

©Shauna Williams

John Gordon Baker, deceased, a widely known and highly respected and esteemed Oregon pioneer of 1843, and the first person to settle in Yam Hill county, between the North and South Yam Hill rivers, was a native of Kentucky, where he was born October 17, 1818. His people were early settlers of that State, and his father was a brave and efficient soldier in the Revolution.
     The subject of our sketch was raised on his father's farm in Kentucky, attending the schools in the vicinity. At the age of nineteen he removed to Missouri, where, on October 9, 1839, he was married to Miss Catharine Blevins, a native of that State, where she was born June 1, 1823. She was the daughter of Mr. David Blevins, a highly esteemed resident of Missouri, who was descended from one of the first families of Virginia.
     After their marriage the young couple settled on a farm in Missouri where two sons were born, Henry Columbus and James David.
     In 1843, with these two little ones, the elder three years and the younger not yet one year of age, the parents started on the long and perilous journey across the plains to Oregon, lured by the liberal donations of land given by the Government to actual settlers in that State. They formed a part of the first wagon train that ever had come through to Oregon, and were the first to demonstrate that the journey could be accomplished. Crossing mountains and fording streams, and cutting their own road through the wild and unsettled country was an Herculean task. Ropes were tied to wagons and lowered down the mountain sides. Six long months and nine days were consumed on the way before they finally reached the Dalles, where, on November 9, 1843, Mr. Baker was taken ill with typhoid fever, and prostrated with that disease. He was brought to Vancouver, where for months he lingered, but finally recovered. By this time their means were exhausted, and the outlook was exceedingly dark, but, in their hour of need, the Hudson Bay Company trusted them with provisions, and thus they were tided over the shallows of misfortune, finally emerging into the broad sea of prosperity, and had the pleasure of liquidating all indebtedness.
     In the spring of 1844 Mr. Baker made a tour through the country, looking for a location, finally selecting a donation claim in Yam Hill county, which now adjoins the city of McMinnville on the north. It was a beautiful tract of land of 640 acres, and as he had his choice of the whole county, it is believed that he selected this because of a clear and beautiful little stream of water which traversed it, which was afterward called Baker creek. The family and their few belongs were brought up the Willamette river until they reached a point opposite to where La Fayette now stands, where they borrowed an ox team and sled of Mr. Jordon Hembren, with which to make the journey to their claim. On arriving at Yam Hill river the oxen were detached from the sled and were made to swim across the stream, while Mr. Baker placed the sled on a log which lay across the water, and pulled it across by hand, thus exemplifying the fact of the near relation existing between necessity and invention. Arriving at the claim a small tent was erected in which they camped while Mr. Baker was building the log cabin. The cabin had no windows, but plenty of light came through between the logs, and the opening, which served as a door, was closed by a quilt hung up before it. Thus commenced in earnest their frontier life, subsisting on the plainest fare and enduring with fortitude all the discomforts and hardships incidental to this settlement in a wild and unsettled country. Thus situated, the devoted wife and mother would remain alone with her little boys for a week at a time, with no protection except a trusty rifle, which, however, she could use, and would have used if necessary, while Mr. Baker went to the nearest settlement to procure provisions. With the borrowed team a small patch of ground was plowed, where they made a little garden, and when his oxen were brought from Dalles, Mr. Baker plowed more land and sowed wheat.
     The gold excitement in California finally lured Mr. Baker, with all the other men in the vicinity, to the mines, and this heroic woman was left alone with her children on the wild prairies, in the midst of Indians and wild animals. Mr. Baker secured only about $200 in gold dust, when he became ill, and was glad to return alive, and give his attention to his farming interests.
     Being public-spirited and progressive, he was deeply interested in the affairs of his county and State, and took an active part in the formative stage of both. He was elected the first Sheriff of the county, serving acceptably in the capacity for several years. This position at that time required great courage and excellent judgment, both of which he proved himself to possess in ample quantities. His agricultural interests also prospered, and from time to time he purchased other lands, and finally built a large and comfortable house which superseded the log cabin of pioneer days.
     Five children were added to the family in Oregon: William D., who is now a physician in Astoria; Sarah Elizabeth, who died in 1865, aged eighteen; Morgan Alexander, an able lawyer in Seattle; Grandville, residing in McMinnville, for an extended sketch of whom, see history in this book; Mary Ann, wife of Dr. William H. Boyd, who resides in Albina.
     In 1881 Mr. Baker retired from the farm, leaving Grandville to manage it, and purchased a cosy home in McMinnville, where, in peaceful enjoyment, he and his noble wife lived on the ample means which their industry and economy of early days he accumulated, surrounded by neighbors whose friendship was sincere and lasting, and whose esteem was most worthily bestowed and ardently returned.
     Later in life Mr. Baker became afflicted with a complication of diseases, which, at his advanced years, baffled the skill of his physicians, and finally culminated in his death, on March 4, 1887., leaving numerous friends to mourn his loss. For forty-three years he had been an esteemed resident of the county, in the affairs of which he took a prominent and creditable part, contributing by his energy and influence, which were always exerted on the side of justice and progression, in no small degree to the prosperity which his county and his State now enjoy. In appreciation of his disinterested motives and able services to the public cause, his community and friends sought, in great numbers, to pay a last tribute of respect to his memory, and the immense concourse of followers to his last resting place was unprecedented.
      Mrs. Baker the faithful partner for forty-eight years of her husband's cares and joys, and who contributed in a very great measure to his success in life, both by her industry and sustaining affection, resides in the pleasant home, where she parted for the last time with all that mortal of her life-long companion. The broad and beautiful acres on which he and her husband and little boys settled in 1843, still belong to the family, and have become a very valuable piece of property. Mrs. Baker is in the enjoyment of good health, and has an active mind, and recalls most vividly the stirring events of their long journey across the plains and incidents pertaining to their early settlement in their frontier home, and feels that the results of their hazardous undertaking have amply repaid them for all the toil and deprivations of early life.

Illustrated History of the State of Oregon, 1893

©Shauna Williams

Hon. John W. Cowles, a well known and influential citizen of McMinnville, Oregon, was born in Onondaga County, New York, on November 3, 1823. His father, Cyrus Cowles, was a native of New York, while his grandfather, Adonijah Cowles, was born in Massachusetts. Their ancestors were early settlers of Massachusetts, and grandfather Cowles fought in the Revolutionary war on the side of the colonies. Mr. Cowles' father married Miss Rachel White, a native of New York. Her people also were early settlers of Massachusetts. Her grandmother was a Knox. The White family were Methodists and the Cowles were prominent members of the Masonic fraternity. His parents had five children, three of whom are living.
     Our subject was reared in his native State and attended school at the De Reuter Institute and Pompey Hill Academy. After leaving school he became a teacher, removing in 1840, to Ohio, where he continued to teach and also to do farming. He next resided in Wisconsin, where he remained for five years, when, in the spring of 1852, he crossed the plains to California and engaged in mining near Placerville, where he was quite successful, but on account of failing health was obliged to discontinue mining. He then came to Portland, Oregon, where he sought employment until his funds were reduced to $2.50. He then secured a school in Yam Hill county, six miles north of McMinnville. One day, before he found employment, he was walking along in the rain, feeling very much depressed, and observing Zebedee Sheldon in his yard, Mr. Cowles asked him for work. On learning that our subject was a teacher, Mr. Sheldon said, "I have six children, I will give you $10 for each for three months' schooling." Overjoyed, Mr. Cowles accepted the kind offer, which was indeed a windfall to him. But, alas, for his fond hopes! Mr. Sheldon had reckoned without his host, or rather, without his wife, who, on consultation, decided not to have the children taught.
     Mr. Cowles then offered to stay and teach a few days for his board until the rain subsided. after he had commenced to teach they decided he might stay. Two of the boys whom he taught that winter are now physicians, one located at Eugene City, the other at Salem. After teaching for three months he secured a school, which he taught for two years and a half. The schoolhouse was two miles and a half from McMinnville, but McMinnville was then only a donation claim. The county was sparsely settled and the scholars came on horseback.
     In 1857 Mr. Cowles was elected County Auditor, but was able to do the county business and continue his teaching. He was later elected County Clerk, and was elected County Judge for two terms in succession. He was then sent to the state Senate. He had become a Republican on the organization of that party, and it was at their first meeting that he was nominated for Auditor. He was, during the war, a strong Union man. He continued to retain the position of Auditor until the State Constitution was adopted, when he was elected Clerk. During the eight years he served as County Judge he was engaged in farming three miles northwest of McMinnville.
     In 1864 he opened a mercantile establishment at McMinnville, in partnership with James R. Bean. After a year and a half in business he returned to his farm, remaining there until 1888. He then assisted in organizing the McMinnville National Bank, of which institution he was elected President, which position he still retains. His well-known reputation for fidelity and unswerving integrity have contributed materially to the success of this banking enterprise, which has grown from small beginnings to be one of the largest in the city. The banking company own the building in which they transact business, which is one of the best in the place. Mr. Cowles has aided in improving the city, having build several residences, as well as assisting in the erection of the bank building. The first dwelling house was built in 1865, when there were very few people in the place.
     He was married in 1861, to Mrs. Lucretia Martin. They have had one child, Mary, who died at the age of two and one half years. Their kindness of heart has been allowed to take practical shape in the rearing and education of several children, not their own, only as we are all members of the one large family of humanity.
     Enterprising, public-spirited and possessing superior financial ability, combined with the sterling virtues of honor and integrity, he has established a desirable reputation among his fellow-citizens, inspiring them with the utmost regard for his worth, and exciting the affection of a host of personal friends.

Illustrated History of the State of Oregon, 1893

David Everest, an honored Oregon pioneer of 1847, an Indian war veteran, and a well-to-do Yam Hill county farmer, was born in Kent, England, September 17, 1824, son of Richard and Jane (Cole) Everest, both natives of Hever parish, England. In 1835, when David was eleven years of age, the family emigrated to the United States and settled in Newark, Ohio. From there they moved to Washington county, Iowa, where the father took up a farm and where they resided until 1847. That year, lured by the mild climate of Oregon and the Government's offer of rich lands there, the father brought his family, at that time consisting of his wife and nine children, across the plains to the coast. They started with three wagons, with three yoke of oxen to each, and also had some loose stock and horses, and the train with which they traveled at first comprised 100 wagons. As the journey progressed, however, they divided into smaller companies, each being composed of twenty wagons. They made the trip in safety, their only trouble being with their stock, which was easily frightened. At one time their cattle ran away with the wagons, spilling things out at a lively rate. The smell of dead buffaloes and other animals, and even the sudden running of their own dogs would frighten the teams. They put ropes on their leaders and led them, and the dogs they killed.
     Reaching Oregon, they first stopped on the opposite side of the river from Salem. The father then selected a donation claim of 640 acres in the Chehalem valley, and that fall they established themselves in a little log cabin on it. The parents resided here the rest of their lives, working hard to improve their farm, and here the mother died in 1887, in her eighty-fifth year, and the father in 1888, aged eighty-six. They were Episcopalians, people of worth and respectability, esteemed by all who knew them.
     Their son David, when he arrived at the Cascade mountains, was employed in helping to build a road. He reached Oregon City before the family, and there worked on a Hudson's Bay batteau until the ninth of December. While there the news of the massacre of Dr. Whitman reached them and he at once enlisted his services to protect the settlers against the Indians. He was under Captain lee. At Vancouver they obtained arms and supplies and with three batteaus and a canoe transported them to the Dalles. Opposite Wind mountains they were detained by the wind until the last day of the year. That evening the wind subsided and on the following day they arrived at the Dalles. Here they landed, built fortifications, and had several skirmishes with the Indians. In February General Gillam joined them with re enforcements. They went to Walla Walla. At Well Springs they had a fight with the Indians, which lasted the most of two days. They went up the Walla Walla river to Whitman's Station, where they found the bodies of murdered settlers imperfectly buried and partly decomposed and they buried them over again. They then followed the Indians up until they had them in a close place, and when thus cornered the red man pretended to be friends and the Peace Commissioner prevented their being fired upon. The soldiers withdrew and before they had gone more than two miles were pursued and fired upon by the Indians. They had traveled two days without provisions and were obliged to retire, fighting that day and night without food. In crossing the Tusha river they lost a man and had several sounded. Two days later they reached Walla Walla, after having suffered much from hunger. General Gillam then returned with his command to the valley. Sixty men volunteered to stay at Whitman's Station, Mr. Everest being one of the number, and of this company William Martin was elected Captain. They, however, had no further trouble with the Indians, and in October, after the last train of emigrants had arrived, they came down to the valley.
     In 1849 Mr. Everest went to the mines in California, where he was engaged in packing, mining and trading. He mined as high as $60 in a day for several days, and one day took out a nugget worth $80. He continued this business, off and on, from 1849 till 1855, and also had a trading post on the Trinity river, in the mean time returning several times to Oregon. During this period he had many exciting experiences and narrow escapes. At one time seeing a bear have a man down and about to kill him, Mr. Everest shot and killed the bear with his revolver.
     In 1855, when the Government again called for volunteers to fight the Indians, he again tendered his services, this time being under command of Captain Hembree. During the campaign they ran down wild cattle and shot them from their horses. In this Mr. Everest proved himself an expert, shooting them while his horse was on a full run in pursuit of them. They succeeded in running the Indians our of the country and were then honorably discharged.
     September 27, 1856, Mr. Everest married Miss Irena Jones, a native of Iowa, and a daughter of William Jones. They crossed the plains in the same train with Mr. Everest, Miss Irena being then only seven years of age. Her father took his donation claim near that of Mr. Everest. He died in his eighty-first year, and his wife in her sixtieth. After their marriage Mr. Everest purchased 160 acres of land, and on this he has since lived and prospered. He has since acquired other lands in the Chehalem valley, and has also purchased seventeen acres in Newberg, where he has erected buildings. Mr. Everest's farming operations have been of a general character. He raises wheat, oats, choice fruits, etc., and keeps horses, cattle and sheep.
     Mr. and Mrs. Everest have had eleven children, two of whom died in infancy. The others are as follows: Joseph, a merchant at Newberg; Richard, who resides on the farm; Alice and Ella, twins, the former wife of Monroe Tate, of Portland, the latter the wife of Fred Leutkmeyer; Ida, wife of Jacob Hagey; and Stonewall Jackson, Grandville and Daisy Irena, at home. Their grandchildren are thirteen in number.
     Mr. Everest's political views are in harmony with Democratic principles. He helped to organize the Grange at Newberg. A man of the strictest integrity, honorable and upright in all the walks of life, he is eminently deserving of the success he has attained. Mrs. Everest is a member of the Christian church.

Illustrated History of the State of Oregon, 1893