Gaston, Joseph. "The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912." Vol. 2. Chicago, Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. p. 121. JAMES YORK Among the better known and most substantial citizens of Baker City is James York, now living retired, who has been an extensive stock-raiser and farmer in Baker county since 1866. He was born in Louisiana, December 24, 1846, the only son of James and Ellen York, both of whom were natives of Ireland and came to America while quite young. Both parents are now deceased. James York received a common-school education but left home at the early age of ten years, when he began working on a farm in Missouri, the family having removed to that state. He continued in that employment until he attained the age of twenty years and in 1864 enlisted in the Missouri State Militia. He remained with the militia only three months, when he went to Davis county, Iowa, but remained here only a year when he returned to Schuyler county, Missouri, where he again enlisted in the militia. This being at the close of the Civil war, his company was not called into active service. Being possessed of an ambitious spirit and attracted by the better business opportunities of the Pacific coast, he crossed the plains with a mule team in 1866, settling in Baker county, Oregon, in the fall of the same year. On arriving here he took up a government claim and engaged in active farming and stock-raising, a business which he has since followed. He now owns a three hundred and ten acre farm and also a forty acre farm, besides four acres in Baker City in connection with his residence here. Mr. York has been married three times. His first marriage occurred in 1870, when he wedded Mary J. Dealey, a daughter of David Dealey, of Missouri. To this union four children were born: James T. and Edward, both of whom reside in Baker county; and two who are deceased. The mother of these children passed away on the 1st of March, 1882, and Mr. York later married Mary L. Hunsaker, a native of Washington, who bore him a son, A. H., now a resident of Portland. The second wife died February 22, 1893. Mr. York's third union was with Nannie A. Phillips, a native of Missouri, and they are the parents of seven children: Vadah M., who is a graduate of a business college; Richard F.; Mary I.; Sarah J.; Carl L.; Esther H.; and one who died in infancy. In his political faith Mr. York is a democrat. He has served on the school board for years and has also been a member of the Baker City council. He is a member of the Independent order of Odd Fellows and belongs to Lodge No. 166. Both he and his wife are members of the Second Baptist church. Mr. York is well known in Baker City and is one of the most substantial and prosperous business men of the community. Starting out as he did in the business world at so young an age, he has demonstrated by his increasing prosperity that he is possessed of more than ordinary business acumen. At an early age he developed those commendable traits of industry, and economy which distinguish all self-made business men, conspicuously among which class Mr. York may be mentioned. He is affable in his social relations and all his business transactions have been marked by sterling integrity. The family is respected in all circles in Baker City, among whose citizens is none more successful nor esteemed than Mr. York. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in November 2014 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.