Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers. "An Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties") Spokane, WA: Western Historical Publishing Co., 1905. p. 678. CHARLES McKENZIE is at the head of the Hotel McKenzie in Fossil. The establishment is a first-class house, commodious and well furnished, and handled in a manner that makes it very attractive to guests. Mr. McKenzie is the recipient of a fine patronage, has the ability to conduct things in a wise manner and is rated as one of the substantial and leading business men of Fossil. He was born in Montello, Wisconsin, on August 21, 1857. His father, W. L. McKenzie, was born in Canada and removed from there to Rochester, New York, and then in 1852, to the vicinity of Montello, Wisconsin. At that place he enlisted in the Third Wisconsin Cavalry, as first orderly sergeant, and served for three years and four months in the Civil war. After his discharge, he returned to his home in Wisconsin, and then moved to Kansas, where he still resides. He was a pioneer merchant at Rochester, New York, and also did cabinet making. He conducted an undertaking business and operated the first hearse in what is now the populous city of Rochester. He is a man of influence and excellent standing. He married Elizabeth Dixon, a native of Canada, and the aunt of Rev. Dr. Dixon, of New York. She died in 1900, aged seventy. Our subject came from Wisconsin to Kansas with his parents when nine years of age and there remained until April, 1878, during which time he received his education. In the year last mentioned, we find him on his way to Idaho and there he freighted for some time. After this, he engaged in the livery business until February, 1880, when he came to the vicinity of Fossil. Here he rode the range until the fall of 1884, when he built a livery barn in Fossil, which he conducted until 1891. Then he rented the establishment and engaged in lumbering. In 1892, his barn burned and he rebuilt and sold later. He continued in the lumbering business, owning a sawmill, for about thirteen years and during this time he built the Hotel McKenzie and now is giving his entire time and attention to the operation of this house. It is the only hotel in Fossil and is one that reflects credit on the town. On December 14, 1885, Mr. McKenzie married Miss Carry Brinkerhoff, who was born in Walla Walla. Her father was one of the pioneers to California, and married Fannie Maxon, who was born near Walla Walla, and whose mother, Mrs. Maxon, was the first white woman in Walla Walla. Four children are the fruit of this union, William, Bessie, Frank and diaries. Mr. McKenzie is a member of the Blue Lodge and Chapter of the Masonic order, and also belongs to the M. W. A., and the W. 0. W. Politically, he is a Republican. He stands well in the community and is a progressive man in every respect, and assists in all matters of improvement and development. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in January 2011 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.