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. 669.

ELZEY M. STEPHENS

     is now living on the old historical Burnt Ranch, one of the land marks of
central Oregon and so named because in the early days a brave pioneer penetrated
thus far and built a cabin which later the Indians destroyed by fire, with all
his improvements. Ever after that calamity the place was known as the Burnt
ranch. For many years it was used as the stage station and is now one of the
taverns of Wheeler county. Mr. Stephens is an enterprising, up-to-date man;
resolute and possessed of good business ability. He does general farming and
stock raising.     
     Elzey M. Stephens was born in Clackamas county, Oregon, on September 51,
1869, being the son of Lovet and Milbray (Fisher) Stephens, natives of Missouri;
and emigrants across the plains in very early day. They settled on a donation
claim in the Willamette valley and in 1882 came to Gilliam county and settled
near Mayville. There they remained until their death. Our subject received his
education in the Willamette valley and was but fourteen years of age when he
came with his parents to what is now Gilliam county. He started in the stock
business and has made a good success. He operated in various capacities until
1898 when he took charge of the Muddy ranch, where he remained until 1902. In
that year he purchased the Burnt ranch, one of the large ranches of the country,
and since then has been conducting business for himself.
     In 1893 Mr. Stephens married Miss Mary Pentecost, a native of Dakota, who
came to Gilliam county with her parents in 1882. Her father, William Pentecost,
was one of the earliest settlers in Gilliam county. To our subject and his
estimable wife six children have been born, William L., Thomas, Susan L., Ralph,
Hazel and Roy.
     Mr. Stephens is a. man who always takes an interest in the development and
growth of the country and in the advancement of everything for the public
welfare. He is greatly interested in politics, labors here for good schools and
is known as a good and substantial citizen.


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