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. 667. JACOB L. BARNHOUSE Is one of the representative men of Wheeler county; his business is stock raising, in which he has achieved a splendid success. His ranch, consisting of four thousand acres, is one of the best in this part of the state, is situated ten miles northwest of Antone and is built up in the best of shape for handling stock. He has at the present time some thirty-five hundred head of sheep besides horses and cattle and is considered one of the worthy men of the county. All of this he has gained by his own labors and he is justly entitled to the emoluments he has won. Jacob L. Barnhouse was born in Darke county, Ohio in 1844. His parents, Peter and Sarah (Kester) Barnhouse, were natives of Pennsylvania and Darke county, Ohio, respectively. The father was of German and Irish extraction and his forebears were early settlers of Pennsylvania. His wife came from German ancestry, who settled in Ohio in early days, her father being a wealthy farmer. Our subject received his education in the Ohio and Illinois schools whither he went in 1855. In 1864, he enlisted in Company G., One Hundred and Forty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and was active in detached service until the close of the war. Being honorably discharged he returned to Illinois and engaged in farming until 1870, when he removed to Missouri. That state was his home for four years, then in 1875, he journeyed to Marion county, Oregon. There he farmed for four years. Finally, in 1879, he came to his present location and took a homestead. To this, he has added by purchase since until he has the large estate that we have mentioned. Mr. Barnhouse has shown commendable energy and sagacity in his affairs in Wheeler county and the fine holding that he now possessed evidences the same. In Illinois, in September, 1869, Mr. Barnhouse married Martha W. Conger, who was born in Licking county, Ohio. To this union four children have been born: Mrs. Orral Laughlin, on June 26, 1871, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work; William A., on April 8, 1873, deceased; Peter R. and Aaron R., Twins, on August 31, 1876, the former a partner with his father and the latter deceased. The parents of Mrs. Barnhouse are Aaron and Mary (McVay) Conger, natives of Pennsylvania. She has the following named brothers and sisters, Elizabeth A., Jacob E., David W., Carey McV., and Elias J., all deceased; Mary E., deceased; and Sarah Pierson, in Kansas. Mr. Barnhouse has one brother and six sisters, Mrs. Sabathna Owen, Mrs. Maria C. Livengood, Mrs. Clara Ingram and Mrs. Sarah Winkleplock, twins, Mrs. Fannie Manson, Mrs. Emma Jordan and John N. Our subject is one of the representative men and has held various offices, among which is that of commissioner of Wheeler county. He has shown himself a man of principle, uprightness and sturdy qualities and both in his private life and public career has so conducted himself that he has won many friends. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in August 2006 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.