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. 693. GEORGE J. METTEER For more than thirty years the subject of this sketch has dwelt and labored in the territory now embraced in Wheeler county. This entitled him to be classed among the very earliest pioneers as well as among the representative men at the present time. His home place, ten miles south from Fossil, is one of the best ranches in the county. He has it well fenced and unproved and enjoys a pleasant and beautiful home. Mr. Metteer gives his attention to stock raising, doing also some general farming, and in this industry he has labored during all the years in which he has resided here. He has shown excellent skill and consequently has been prospered. Like others during the hard winters, he has suffered losses but altogether he has made a good success. He has shown himself possessed of that sturdy quality which makes the good pioneer and the labors and hardships incident to this life have been borne with a fortitude commendable. George J. Metteer was born in Wayne county, Pennsylvania, on October 31, 1837. His parents were George and Phoebe (Whittaker) Metteer, natives of New York. The father was raised on the border of New York and Pennsylvania and dwelt a part of the time in one state and a part of the time in the other. His father, Jonathan Metteer, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Scotland and a veteran of the Revolutionary War. Both of our subject's parents crossed the plains with the Oatman family, who were massacred by the Indians on Gila river, in Arizona. The Metteer's escaped this dreadful calamity by stopping with a Mexican family. Then in 1850, they continued their journey to Tucson, Arizona, and the next year came to California. During his residence in California George J. followed mining and also prosecuted the same calling in Idaho. In the latter place he located the Healy creek mine, having also been the discoverer of the same, which proved to be a very valuable property, netting over six thousand dollars in three months. In 1858, they journeyed on north to Marion county, Oregon, and there the parents remained until their death. George J. was educated in the various places where the family resided during his younger days and after completing his studies he began farming in Marion county. This continued until 1873 when he came to the territory now embraced in Wheeler county. After selecting a good place, he engaged in the stock business and has followed it continuously since. He has given his attention, however, to various other industries, having erected the first sawmill in this part of the county. He has also owned a ferry on the John Day river. In those early days, Mr. Metteer was obliged to go to The Dalles for mail and supplies and the hardships and labors incident to live then, required an iron constitution and firm will to enable one to continue. He has seen the country grow up around him, settlers coming in the county organized and all the improvements of today completed and established. His labors have done a good part and his life has been such as to commend him to the esteem and confidence of his fellows. In 1862, Mr. Metteer married Miss Mary Smith, who was born in Iowa, in 1844. To them the following named children have been born, Mrs. Alice Sterner, Mrs. Jerusha Griffiths, William T., Mrs. Phania Wilks, George W., Mrs. Mary McCrea, and Fred. In 1872, Mr. Metteer joined the Masonic lodge and has since continued in affiliation with that order. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in March 2011 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.