Page:Pen Pictures of Representative Men of Oregon.djvu/54

This page needs to be proofread.

sidered a hopeless case, although he is quite a society man; he is jovial and makes friends with all with whom he comes in contact.


HON. N, H. GATES

Represents the counties of Wasco and Lake in the Senate and is a man of great experience. He was born in Washington county, Ohio, in 1814, and was educated in the public schools of that State, being raised on a farm until along in his teens, when he learned the carpenter's trade. He was married in 1835 to Miss Mary Koontz, in Gallia county, Ohio, and shortly afterwards moved to Iowa, Avhere he worked at his trade and practiced law, having been admitted to the bar in Ohio along in the year 18.34. He re- sided in Iowa about eight years and then moved to this coast. Spent about two years in California, mining and trading, and came to Oregon in 1852 and settled in Portland. Went to the Cascades the following year and from thence to The Dalles, where he has resided ever since. He was elected to the Territorial Legislature in 1855 and was a member of the lower House for four consecutive years, being its presiding officer when Oregon was ad- mitted as a State in 1859. Was elected County Judge of Wasco county in 1872 and served four years. He was appointed member of the State Board of Equalization in 1872 by his Excellency Governor Grover and held the office of Brigadier General under the same Executive. Was a member of the House in 1878 and in 1880 was elected joint Senator from Lake and Wasco. He took an active part in the Umatilla Indian war of 1877-78. His wife died in 1866, and he in 1868 married Mrs. Mary Schubnell at The Dalles. Politically speaking he is a Democrat, but not so strict a partisan as to prevent his voting for Hon. John H» Mitchell, Republican nominee for United States Senator, in obedience to what he considered was the wish of his constituents. He is an affable, courteous gentleman and makes friends readily.

HON. WILLIAM WALDO.

In producing our "Pen Picturfs" we have undertaken no trifling task, and we realize our inability to do the subject justice when we endeavor to give a pen picture of Hon. William Waldo, State Senator from old Marion He must be seen, yes, more than that, he must be known, and known inti- mately to be appreciated. The writer has known him ten years, and still from time to time detects new virtues in his character to excite our admira- tion and esteem. Mr. Waldo is neither graceful nor handsome. In fact he prides himself on being peculiar in his personal appearance; but he is the very soul of integrity, and none know him but to esteem and respect him He is a perfect storehouse of information, having read exteiisively and being endowed with a retentive memory. His word is as good as his bond, and his standing among his fellow men is exceeded by none. He is tall, but not ill-proportioned, and plain featured. His beard is stumpy, his hair is brist- ling and his costume unpretentious. His eye, however, has a kindly ex- pression and his voice is pleasant, and a dozen words with him will make