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. 607. J. A. McMORRIS stands at the head of a fine planing mill business in Condon. He has a well equipped plant and does a large business in all kinds of wood, manufacturing for building purposes. He was born in Cumberland county, Illinois, on July 16, 1861, the son of E. J. and Martha E. (Makenzie) McMorris. The father was born in Henry county. Ohio, on April 2, 1839, and followed carpentering. The mother was born in Indiana on May 30, 1842. They are now both living in Washington. In 1871 the family came to California and in 1879 to Washington. Our subject's great- grandfather, David McMorris, was a veteran of the Revolution and fought under General George Washington. General James B. McPherson was first cousin to our subject's father. J. A. was with his parents on the frontier and the result was that he had very little opportunity to gain an education. When he reached the age of twenty-two years he was without education. Then he began studying and soon was granted a permit to teach school. He taught and studied continuously for fifteen years at the end of which time he held a first grade state certificate and had made a record as an educator second to none in the realm covered by such a diploma. He has been on the county board of examiners for six years and has held various other offices. He was superintendent of a large flume in Dayton, Washington, and has turned his attention to many occupations. In June, 1904, he was elected to the office of county surveyor on the Democratic ticket by a majority of four. Gilliam county was one hundred and eighty-six Republican, which showed his popularity. In 1903 Mr. McMorris built a planing mill in Condon and has been successfully operating it since. He has a good plant, well equipped and a fine patronage. He owns a good residence and is one of the leading citizens of the county. On September 12, 1894, Mr. McMorris married Miss Laura E. Schilling, who was born in Huron county, Michigan, on October 9. 1872. She was a pupil of her husband and entered his school when wrestling with fractions. In about five terms she took the county examination for teachers and passed a general average of eighty-five. After that she taught for three years. Her father, Godfrey Schilling, was born in Michigan on August 6, 1843, and was one of the early pioneers of Condon. Her mother, Louisa (Hess) Schilling, was born in New York on June 25, 1852. Mr. McMorris has the following named brothers and sisters: D. W., T. H., William M., Loea L., Charles A., and Mrs. Laura A. Miller. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. McMorris are named as follows: Laura Edith, Mabel Juanita, Gladys Vivian, John Donald, Schilling McMorris. Mr. McMorris and his family are members of the Church of Christ and have always been prominent in church work. It has always been the aim of Mr. McMorris to build up and advance church work and educational matters whenever opportunity presents and he has been very faithful and zealous in these lines. He and his wife are valuable members of society in Condon and are highly respected people. ******************* 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.