"An Illustrated history of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties : with a brief outline of the early history of the state of Oregon." Chicago?: Western Historical Pub. Co., 1902. Page 473. Grant County. JOHN A. LAYCOCK As one of the leading stockmen and tillers of the soil, the subject of this sketch is and has been well and favorably known in Grant county, but as a county officer he has gained more prominence than in any other line, since he has manifested an ability and integrity in the discharge of the duties incumbent upon him as county judge, which has gained for him the encomiums of the people and won their esteem and approval. On august 27, 1847, John A. was born to Peter and Susanna Laycock, in Hancock county, Illinois, whither his parents had come in 1842 from their native land, England. While still a child he was taken to St. Louis, Missouri, and four years later his father determined to make the journey overland to California. Sending the teams on to Council Bluffs, he embarked with his family on a steamer for the same place. Before they arrived at their destination the boat sunk and all the freight on board was lost, but Mr. Laycock escaped with his family and then secured a team for the completion of the journey to Council Bluffs. Arriving there he established his family temporarily and then returned to St. Joseph,Missouri, to purchase a new outfit. This done he embarked again for Council Bluffs, and before the steamer arrived at its destination he succumbed to the ravages of cholera, as had nearly all of the other passengers on the boat. Our subject was the oldest son, and to his lot fell the hard burdens of assisting his mother in the stern duties of life. Until 1856 they remained in Council Bluffs, and then sold all and undertook the journey to California. At the age of sixteen years Mr. Laycock went to the gold mines of Washoe, Nevada, where he continued for two years and then returned to Napa City, California and took a course in the Napa College. Following this we find him in Canyon City, landing there on November 20, 1865. Here he was occupied with mining for six years and during that time was superintendent of the Prairie Diggings and was one of a company that erected the first quartz mill in this region. After this extended period of activity in the mining industry he turned his attention to farming and stock raising. He purchased two hundred and forty acres where he now lives, four miles west from John Day, and has steadily added by purchase until he owns a broad estate of twelve hundred acres, all of which is utilized in crops and in handling his herds. In addition to this he also owns eight hundred and eighty acres in the Bear valley, which is used for a stock ranch. Mr. Laycock is one of the heaviest property owners in the county and one of the most successful stockmen. In political matters he is allied with the Republican party and is stanch and unswerving in his stand for sound principles. In 1898 he was placed in nomination for county judge, and it is demanded that we remark that in all that canvass he spent no money for liquor and simply waited for the manifesto of the people at the polls, where he was called into that office with an overwhelming majority, far in excess of his ticket. The ability and sagacity and impartiality and vigorous stand for duty and right that have been evinced in his discharge of duties are powerful in allying to him more than ever the affections of the people. The marriage of Mr. Laycock and Miss Josephine, daughter of E. C. and Sarah (Howard) Officer, natives respectively of Missouri and Tennessee, was celebrated on December 21, 1871, and to them have been born the following children: William C., married; John A., married; Mary A.; Guy H. Fraternally Mr. Laycock is affiliated with the Masons, having joined Canyon City Lodge, No. 34, A.F. & A.M., in 1868, and he has served his lodge as deacon, warden and worshipful master for several years; also he joined Blue Mount Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M., in 1868, and later the Order of Priesthood, and Washington Council, No. 3 of Portland, Oregon, Royal and Select Masters, and Julia Chapter, No. 56, O.E.S. of Canyon City. Mr. Laycock is strictly a temperance man, both in precept and practice and would encourage younger men to adopt those principles. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in October 2005 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.