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. 672.
 
JAMES WILSON

     was born in Columbia, California, on August 2, 1862. He is now residing at
the Fopiano ranch which is located about a mile south from Waterman. His parents
were James and Rosa Wilson, early immigrants to California. The former died when
our subject was a babe, but the latter is now living at Columbia, California.
Our subject remained in California until 1886, receiving in the meantime his
educational training which included general mechanics.
     In 1886 Mr. Wilson left California and journeyed north. After visiting
various places he finally came to what is now Wheeler county and engaged on the
Fopiano ranch. For one year he was occupied here and then he went back to
California. The Golden State was then his home place until 1891, when he
returned to the Fopiano ranch.
     John Fopiano was an early pioneer, coming to what is now Wheeler county and
locating the property well known now as the Fopiano ranch. He died in 1891. Mr.
Fopiano had married our subject's sister, Mary. At the time Mr. Wilson took
charge of the ranch in the interest of his sister it consisted of about three
thousand cares.  By Mr. Wilson's judicious and wise management it now consists
of over ten thousand acres.
     They handle large bands of stock and do considerable general farming. The
place is equipped as a first class stock ranch and is being provided with
everything that could be utilized in this occupation. Mr. Wilson has an interest
in the ranch and is one of the well to do and prosperous men of the county. He
has shown himself especially successful in the stock business and is ranked with
the leading men in this occupation. Large interests are under his hands
continually and his executive ability, splendid practical judgment and
reliability especially fit him for this important and responsible position. Mrs.
Fopiano resides in Alameda, California.
     Mr. Wilson is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and the Elks, and enjoys the
distinction of being the center of a large circle of admiring friends and having
the esteem and confidence of all who are acquainted with him.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in January 2011 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.