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. 605.
 
FRANCIS MARION SHANNON

     is to be classed as one of the early pioneers of the country now embraced
in Gilliam county and since his advent here has been known as one of the
stirring and representative settlers.  He was born in Kentucky on October 18,
1861. His father, W. L. Shannon, was born in Kentucky on November 7, 1822, and
is still living in Wilson county, Kansas. He married Mary E. Hill, who was born
on June 6, 1825, in the Blue Grass State and died June 22, 1890. Our subject was
educated in the common schools of Kentucky and there grew up to young manhood,
during which time, he labored with his father, who was a coal dealer. On
September 5, 1879, he went to Kansas and worked for wages for about three years.
In 1882, about June 17, he started across the plains with mule teams, heading
for Oregon. He had been married three days previously and his young wife
accompanied him. The trip occupied six months and they finally located in what
is now Malheur county. For one year they toiled there and then decided to cast
their lot in the Fossil country. For eighteen months he wrought in a saw mill
there and then came to his present location, which is about one mile south from
Condon. He took a homestead and timber culture, bought railroad and other land
until he now owns seven hundred and sixty acres, which has been improved in a
splendid manner. He divides his attention between stock raising and farming and
has gained wealth since coming here. His success is due to his careful and
enterprising ways and he is to be commended upon the fact that coming without
capital he has won a good competence in this country. The place is supplied with
all the improvements needed, including a fine large residence, one of the
choicest ones of the country.
     On June 14, 1882, while in Kansas, Mr. Shannon married Miss Ella Nora
Myers, who was born in Kansas on June 17, 1865. Her father was W. S. Myers. Mr.
Shannon has the following named brothers and sisters: James, John, Thomas and
Mrs. Sarah Clift. To this marriage the following named children have been born:
Sarah Elizabeth, on March 12, 1883; William Lee, October 11, 1884; Margaret
Gertrude, December 8, 1887; George Henry, February 27, 1890; Lena May, June 17,
1892; Cora Helen, September 13, 1894; Stella Pearly, February 18, 1897 and
Walter F., August 11, 1900.
     Mr. Shannon is a member of the W. W., a good strong Democrat and a first
class citizen and neighbor.


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