An Illustrated History of Central Oregon, Western Historical Publishing Company, Spokane, WA. 1905, pages 350-351 GEORGE R. CASTNER, who resides about four miles out from Hood River, just off Belmont street, is one of the most progressive and prosperous horticulturists of the Hood River valley. Last year was a banner year for him and his place netted him many dollars. The farm is known as Stony Fell and is one of the most productive and best handled places here. He has an elegant two story residence, barns, outbuildings, fences and everything to make it comfortable and valuable. Mr. Castner is one of the up-to-date men well informed and progressive. He was born in Milo, New York, on January 6, 1846. His father, George R. Castner, was a native of New Jersey, and died in Michigan in 1901, aged eighty-six. He had married Julia Baker, a native of Dutchess county, New York, of the old Baker family, prominent in America. She was of Dutch stock. The great-great-great-grandfather of our subject on his father's side, and two brothers, came from Germany in the seventeenth century and settled in New York and New Jersey. They became very prominent and members of the family have been identified with every American war. One of them was a currier under Washington in the Revolution. Our subject was raised and educated in New York until seventeen and then moved with his father to Michigan. In 1865, he enlisted in Company H, Twelfth Michigan Infantry, under Captain James H. Follets and Colonel Dwight C. May. He was discharged on account of illness and returned to Michigan, remaining on the farm until 1870. Then he married and moved to Jackson, Michigan, where he was brakeman and conductor on the Michigan Central Railroad, until 1880. In that year, he was promoted to the position of trainmaster and held the same until 1894, then he resigned his position and removed to Hood River, purchasing forty-two acres where he now lives. He gave his attention largely to the production of strawberries and apples and has one of the largest places in the state of Oregon. On January 9, 1870, at Kirkland, Ohio, Mr. Castner married Miss Florence L. Gildersleeve, a native of that town. Her father, Samuel L. Gildersleeve, married Miss Burnette. They were both natives of New England. Mr. Castner has the following named brothers and sisters, James B., Charles W., John B., of the Fifth Michigan Cavalry, who died at Andersonville prison, Mary E. Longcor, Amanda M., deceased, Julia A., deceased, and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Castner has one brother, Wilbur F. and three sisters, Mary E. Galligan, Helen M. Traver and Carrie M. Ayer. To Mr. and Mrs. Castner two sons have been born, John B. and Charles: the former at home and the latter employed with the Davidson Fruit Company. Mr. Castner is an active Republican and chairman of the precinct committee. He and his wife are both devout members of the Congregational church and he has served as deacon for a great many years. Fraternally he is affiliated with the A.F. & A.M. and R.A.M. Mr. Castner comes from the same family as Captain Castner of the United States army who made such a wonderful record in enduring hardships and privations on the government expedition to Alaska some time since. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in January 2005 by Jeffrey L. Elmer. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.