Gaston, Joseph.  "Portland, Oregon Its History and Builders."  Vol. 3. 
Chicago and Portland, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911. p. 623.
 
EPHRAIM GILL

     Ephraim Gill, a prosperous farmer of Multnomah county and also of Wasco
county, this state, who came to Oregon thirty-two years ago and made no mistake
in establishing himself in this favored region, is a native of Perkinsville,
Indiana, born January 6, 1843. He was reared upon a farm and educated in the
district schools and continued to live in Indiana until 1878, when he decided to
take up his permanent residence in this state. He came direct to Portland and
first located on a ranch near Sunnyside, which he rented for four years while he
looked about for a permanent abode, living in the meantime on the site now
occupied by the Old People's Home. Finally he purchased a farm six miles from
the courthouse of Multnomah county and just outside the city limits on Barr
Road. Here he erected an attractive home and commodious farm buildings and
successfully conducted farming operations until 1901, when he removed to Dufur,
Wasco county, on a promising ranch which he had in the meantime purchased. He
still retains seventy-four acres of the original holding on Barr Road which is
now in charge of members of the family. While living there he was for twelve
years director of Russellville school and contributed as opportunity presented
toward the advancement of the community.
     In Indiana Mr. Gill was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Peck and seven
children blessed the union: Frank M., who married Eva Dale, by whom he has two
daughters, the family now residing at Dufur; James, who is now a member of the
police force of the city of Portland and who married Miss Carin Peterson ;
Edward and Raymond, both unmarried and living upon the old home place, where
they raise seed quite extensively under the firm name of Gill Brothers and also
are interested in truck gardening; Charles, who married Miss Hattie Markham and
lives at Dufur; George, now living at Dufur; and Flora, now Mrs. William Faust
of Dufur.
     Raymond Gill has acquired quite a reputation among the farmers and is
president of the Grange Fair Association. This district includes Multnomah and
Clackamas counties and the association is one of the important organizations of
this portion of the state and holds yearly fairs at Gresham. Mr. Gill is also
overseer of Multnomah County Grange and a member of the United Artisans and
Homesteaders. He is a prominent worker in fraternal circles and has been master
artisan several terms. He is serving as a representative to the state
legislature, being elected on the republican ticket.
     Ephraim Gill in the various relations as head of the family, agriculturist
and citizen has gained the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and the
community with which he was for so many years identified. As he approaches the
patriarchal age or three score and ten he is taking his ease and enjoying the
fruits of a life of industry and devotion not only to the interests of his
family but to the upbuilding of the city and state. It is men of this sterling
character who are the foundation of all well regulated society and it has been
the leading aim of the subject of this review to so train his children that they
may contribute their share to the general fund that in the end is synonymous
with everything that is pleasing to the ear and eye and comforting to the heart
and may be expressed by the simple words, peace, honor and prosperity.
 

*******************

Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in August 2010 by Diana Smith. Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.