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. 608.

JOHN C. SWEET

     resides at Arlington and is the earliest pioneer in the territory embraced
in Gilliam county, now living. He was born in Bristol, Vermont, on February 12.
1836, his parents being Edward C. and Sylvia (Crane) Sweet, also natives of
Vermont.  Our subject spent twenty-one years in his native state, then came
west, working for wages in Iowa and Minnesota for five years. In 1862 he crossed
the plains with horse team and at the John Day river he met Leonard and
Underwood, who were operating a ferry. They were the only men on the river. Our
subject hired to them and worked for three years, then in June, 1865, he
journeyed up the river to the mouth of Hay creek and took a homestead where
William Smith now lives. This was the first homestead patented in the territory
now embraced in Gilliam county. Mr. Sweet entered into partnership with David
German and began stock raising. They operated in a very modest way and as the
years went by increased their herds until they owned four hundred cattle and a
large number of horses. A deep snow and severe winter swept away three-fourths
of these herds and then Mr. Sweet sold his part of the cattle to his partner;
Mr. German moved away and our subject began farming.  He raised three crops,
then sold his ranch to Layton Brothers, still retaining his horses. For three
years he was occupied with the Layton Brothers, then he took charge of the
Graham Brothers' saloon, at Arlington, while they were in Canada on a visit. In
September, 1887, Mr. Sweet opened a saloon for himself, which he operated five
years. Then he rented the bar of the Hotel Grand and conducted it until 1897, in
which year he was taken sick. Owing to this illness he was obliged to relinquish
his lease, and later removed to the Star saloon, where he has conducted business
since. His place is known as an orderly house and he is one of the .best known
pioneers in Gilliam county.
     On October 23, 1892, Mr. Sweet married Mrs. Rebecca French, nee Rice, who
was born in Missouri in 1843. Mr. Sweet has one sister, Harriett C., wife of S.
F. Everett. These two are the only survivors of a family of twelve children. In
fraternal matters, Mr. Sweet is a member of the Foresters, and in politics he is
a strong Democrat. During the years of this pioneer life Mr. Sweet has endured
the hardships and deprivations that come in such a path, has assisted in
developing the country, and is entitled to the credit history must give to those
who opened this now prosperous country.


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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.