Gaston, Joseph.  "The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912."  Vol. 4. 
Chicago, Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. p. 213.
 
ALVA E. RINGO

     who was born in Marion county in 1868, resides on his father's old
homestead, which is situated three miles southeast of Gervais. He is a son of
Hamilton H. and Rispa (Stevens) Ringo. The father was born in Missouri, August
29, 1832, and died in Marion county, May 2, 1892. He received his education in
Missouri and during those hours in which he was not occupied with school work
assisted his mother. In 1851 he came with his mother and a brother, W. H. Ringo,
to Oregon. On October 18, 1860, he married Rispa Stevens, a daughter of Hanson
and Levina (Wickert) Stevens, born May 17, 1843. Her father was married in
Indiana and from there removed with his wife to Iowa, where they lived about
seven years before they came to Marion county, Oregon, where he acquired a claim
of six hundred and forty acres. Mr. Stevens passed away in Portland in 1884,
long surviving, his wife, who had preceded him in death, dying on the old
homestead on North Howel Prairie, Marion county in 1859. There were ten children
in the family of Hanson and Levina Stevens: one who died in infancy; Emma Jane,
who passed away when fourteen years of age; Isaac; Mrs. Rebecca Mount;
Mrs. Ringo; Mrs. Christina Esson; Mrs. Sarah McKubbins; Mrs. Mary Smith; Mrs.
Mattie Cahill; and Millard. Mrs. Sarah McKubbins and Mrs. Mattie Cahill make
their home at Dayton, Washington, and the others live in Marion county, Oregon.
Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton H. Ringo went through the hardships of pioneer life and
the father served for a time in the Indian war in eastern Washington. Hamilton
H. Ringo and his brother, W. H., soon after their arrival in Oregon purchased
one-half of the tract of land which is known as the John T. Smith donation land
claim, which part consisted of two hundred and ninety acres and is located
twelve miles north of Salem, on the French prairie. Our subject's father
operated his portion of this farm until the time of his death, owning at that
date one hundred and forty acres. His wife, having reached the age of
sixty-eight years, and her son Alva, of this review, are living on the old
homestead. In the family of Hamilton H. and Rispa (Stevens) Ringo were fourteen
children: Mrs. Roxie A. Groshong, of Albany, Oregon; Emma, deceased; Alva E., of
this review; Mrs. Effie Richie, of Salem; Steven D., of Livermore, California;
Mrs. Katie McKee, of Albany; Mrs. Mary T. Galoway, deceased; Byron  H. and Guy
E., both of whom reside on the homestead; Mrs. Dollie Buchner, of Albany;
Jessie, at home; Robert, of California; and two children who died in infancy.
Hamilton H. Ringo gave his support to the democratic party. He was an
industrious man, energetic, thrifty and highly esteemed by all who knew him. He
was engaged in farm work during all the time he lived in Oregon. His belief was
that of the Baptist church.
     Alva E. Ringo was reared under the parental roof, received a good business
education and at the age of twenty-three years, the time of his father's death,
took charge of the old homestead, which he has since operated, except for one
year which he, spent in California and one summer in eastern Washington.
Residing with his mother and giving her the support of a faithful son, he
operates the farm on shares.
     Mr. Ringo maintains an independent position in regard to political parties
and votes for such men and measures as he deems best fitted to serve to the
greatest benefit of all the people irrespective of party lines. His time has
been largely occupied with the duties of farm life and he has found no time for
active participation in work of a public character, although he takes that
righteous interest in all matters undertaken for the public welfare. He and his
mother adhere to the faith of the Church of God. Having resided all his life in
Marion county, he has a host of loyal friends of long standing and is held by
all who know him in the highest regard. He has gained a reputation which ranks
him among the prominent and loyal citizens of the community in which he lives.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in November 2007 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.