Gaston, Joseph. "The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912." Vol. 4. Chicago, Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. p. 998. JOSEPH MICELLI Among the enterprising and active business men of Roseburg Joseph Micelli holds an important position, being a manufacturer of brick and also mayor of the city. He is highly esteemed as a man of energy, ability and sterling integrity, and is a well known representative of fraternal interests, having at one time been grand master of the grand lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. A native of Italy, he was born October 1, 1864, in Riesi, which was likewise the birthplace of his father, Grant Micelli. Born and reared in Riesi, Grant Micelli learned the brickmaking trade when young and was there engaged in business for a time as a brick manufacturer and contractor. Coming to the United States in 1872, he located first in Nevada, remaining there for three years. In 1880 he went to Hailey, Idaho, where he established a brickyard and has since been successfully employed as a brick-maker and contractor. He married Margaret Biancolini who was born in Italy and was the daughter of an expert wood carver. In 1886 she came with her family to America, joining her husband at Hailey, Idaho, where she has since made her home. Of their children four are living: Mary, whose home is in Idaho; Joseph; Frank, an attorney of Roseburg; and Louis, of Montecristo, Washington. Educated in the public schools of Riesi, Joseph Micelli remained in his native city until 1878, when he went to Pettau, Austria, where he continued his studies in the public schools for a time. He subsequently learned the trade of a baker and confectioner in that city and followed it for a number of years, traveling as a journeyman through Austria-Hungary. In 1884 he came with his sister to this country and after his arrival in Hailey, Idaho, attended the common and high schools in the acquirement of the English language. On leaving school he entered the employ of the Idaho Forwarding Company which has several stores in different states, becoming a clerk in the store at Hailey. He afterward worked for his father as a brick maker for two years and, having become familiar with the trade, conducted a brickyard at Silver Mountain, Idaho, where he remained in business for a year. Coming to the Pacific coast in 1889 he was employed in the manufacture of brick at Tacoma, Washington, for a year, and in January 1890, he located in Roseburg, buying a tract of land on which he established a brickyard. He has since continued in business, having about seven acres of land in his yard, and each year he manufactures about a million brick which he ships to coast markets. He has built up a large business in this connection which is now conducted under the firm style of Micelli Brothers, his brother having joined him in 1903. They own a quarter interest in the Hamilton addition of Roseburg, a tract containing twenty-seven acres. In addition to his other interests Joseph Micelli is a director and a member of the finance committee of the Douglas National Bank and is vice president of the Douglas Abstract Company. Mr. Micelli was married in Roseburg to Miss Grace Preschern, who was born in Denver, Colorado, a daughter of John Preschern, who is now engaged in agricultural pursuits near Roseburg. They have become the parents of two children, Victor and Albert. Mr. Micelli is very prominent in fraternal relations. He belongs to Roseburg Lodge, No. 326, B. P. O. E., and is a member of Rose Lodge No. 16, A. O. U. W. He is perhaps most widely known in his connection with the Odd Fellows. In 1886 he joined Rising Star Lodge, No. 12, I. O. O. F., at Hailey, Idaho, and withdrew in 1890 to become a member of the Philetarian Lodge, No. 8, I. O. O. F., of Roseburg, of which he was noble grand in 1891. In 1892 he entered the grand lodge of Oregon and at its session held in Roseburg in 1898 was appointed grand conductor. The following year he was advanced to the position of grand marshal and in 1901 was elected grand warden. In 1902 he served as deputy grand master and in 1903 at the session held in Portland was chosen grand master of the grand lodge. In 1904 he finished his term in that position and was elected grand representative of the sovereign grand lodge, attending the sessions at San Francisco and at Philadelphia in 1904 and 1905. He is also a member and past chief patriarch of Union Encampment, No. 9, and a charter of Roseburg Rebekah Lodge, No. 41. He likewise belongs to the Kremlin Baku, of Portland, is a member and past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias lodge, for three terms served as its representative to the first state convention held by that order. He belongs to the Board of Trade and is a member of the Commercial Club, of which he was formerly a trustee. Mr. Micelli is equally widely known as a political leader. In 1906 he was elected a member of the city council of Roseburg, representing the third ward, and was appointed chairman of the street committee. Twice thereafter he was elected and retained the chairmanship of that committee during three terms of the council, within which time all of the present street improvements were made, including ten miles of street paving and sewers in three districts, making Roseburg the best drained city in the country, there being not a single house in that city that is not connected with the sewer. He deserves great credit for this as it is a valuable factor in sanitation and health, as well as cleanliness. In 1911 he was elected mayor of the city on the democratic ticket for a two years' term, which will expire on the 6th of November, 1913. Already during his administration he has accomplished much for the city's welfare and improvement. Though born across the water he is thoroughly American in interest and thought, and is imbued with the spirit of progress that is manifest in all of his connections and especially in his service as chief executive of Roseburg. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in June 2006 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.