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. 611.
 
JOHN ALEXANDER RICHMOND

     has not been so long in Gilliam county as some of the older pioneers, still
the enterprise he has manifested together with the interest taken in the welfare
of the county and its building up, entitle him to a representation in any work
that would mention the leading citizens here. He resides about eleven miles west
from Condon on one of the choicest estates to be found in the county. It
consists of three hundred and twenty acres of the most fertile land and is
improved in becoming taste and with skill. Mr. Richmond is planning much further
improvement for his ranch and under his skill this especially fertile spot will
be made one of the best in the state. He is a man of enterprise and industry and
labors assiduously in his chosen calling.
     John A. Richmond was born in Ontario, Canada, on March 29, 1867, the son of
Daniel. and Flora (McArthur) Richmond. The father was born in the same locality
as this son and was one of the wealthy agriculturists of his county. He
possessed one of the best farms in the province. The mother was born in Scotland
and came from a strong Scotch family. She came from the old country to Ontario
when a girl and her people were among the most prominent in their locality. John
A. was well trained by a wise and skillful father and his education was
carefully looked after in his native place, Ontario, having schools which are
the envy of every place where the English language is taught and being surpassed
by none. When the days with school books were passed Mr. Richmond took up
farming and wrought in his native place until 1900 when he decided to try the
west. Accordingly he sought out the country which presented the most,
attractions, it being Oregon, and he first settled in Umatilla county. He
purchased a ranch there and continued until 1902 when he came to his present
place, he having previously looked over the country. He bought the farm where he
now lives and to the cultivation and improvement of this since he has given his
time and attention. Mr. Richmond takes great pride in doing everything right and
bringing out the best from all his labors. This is one secret of his success.
Mr. Richmond has one brother and three sisters, Mrs. Rebecca McDougall, in this
county; Mrs. Jane A. Tompkins, in Ontario; Daniel, in Pendleton, Oregon, and
Mrs. Libbie Fletcher, in Marion county, Oregon.
     In 1898 Mr. Richmond took to himself a wife, the lady being Jessie
McDonald, a native of Ontario, but descended from stanch Scotch people. Her
immediate parents, Neil and Mary (McDonald) McDonald, were both born amid the
rugged hills of Scotia and came to Ontario when young. In 1886 they came to
Umatilla county, Oregon, and there they are prominent and wealthy people now.
Mrs. Richmond has five brothers and sisters, all in Umatilla county, Oregon;
Flora, Alexander, Duncan, Mrs. Katie Hurd and Daniel. Two children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Richmond, John A. and Neil. Mr. Richmond has a fine
property, knows well how to manage it, and is able to take advantage of the
resources of this favored county. The result is he fast becoming one of the
wealthy and leading men of the county.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in March 2007 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.