Page:Pen Pictures of Representative Men of Oregon.djvu/26

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
xii
REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF OREGON.

unable to overcome the Democratic majority usually given in that county. He then removed to Albany, where he was engaged in business for a short time, and on the illness of his brother, Hon. H. N. George, who was then Principal of the Academy at Jefferson, he took his place and taught the balance of the academic year. His services proved so satisfactory he was offered charge of the Academy for the ensuing year, but declined the offer and returned to Albany and shortly afterwards accepted the position for one year of Principal of the Public Schools in that city. In 1872 he was again a candidate for .the Legislature and once more suffered defeat, although running considerably ahead of his ticket. The canvass on the Democratic side, the first time he ran, was made by Hon. N. H. Craynon, and the last time by Hon. George R. Helm. In 1872 he was married to Miss Mary E. Eckler, and in the same year commenced reading law with Judge J. C. Powell, of Albany, and in 187.5 was admitted to the bar, having completed his course of study with Colonel W. H. Effinger, of Portland. In 1876 he was nominated for State Senator from Multnomah District, receiving forty-six out of the forty-eight votes in the convention, and was elected by a handsome majority. It was in the midst of this session that his child died, necessitating his immediate return home. In the last session, which was Democratic, Mr. George received the votes of the liepublican Senators for the honorable position of President of the Senate. In 1880 Mr. George was nominated Congressman at large for the State of Oregon, receiving 1,897 majority over ex-Governor Whiteaker, who was a candidate for reelection. In 1882 he was re-nominated by acclamation by the Republican State Convention, which was held at Portland April 20, 1882, and was reelected by a majority of 3,365 votes over Hon. W. D. Fenton, the Democratic candidate, it being the first time in the history of the State where a member of Congress has been re-elected. Mr. George is an eloquent speaker and a gentleman of very pleasing address; genial, courteous, affable and good-natured. He is a man of indefatigable industry, and, as the Representative of the people at Washington City, is active and energetic. He stands high among the members of the House, and has received marks of great distinction by being placed upon several of the most important standing committees, chief among which and where he has been enabled to do Oregon a vast amount of good, is his appointment as a member of the Committee on Commerce. His friends are legion, and no man in Oregon stands higher in the estimation of the people than does Mr. George. He is tall and slim, yet of firm build, as his weight is full two hundred pounds, with a kindly expression of features, full auburn beard and dark brown hair. He has a pleasant word for everyone, and, being now but in the prime of life, his future none can foretell; but prophesy indicates that higher and more honorable positions are still within his grasp.


HON. WILLIAM P. LORD.

The subject of this biographical sketch has led an active life, both as a public man and as a private individual. Born in the State of Delaware, he early imbibed the down-east passion for mastering everything that promised