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. 472.
 
ORSINIUS H. RICH

     a prosperous Sherman county farmer, residing one and one-half miles north
of Wasco, was born in Iowa, September 5, 1860. His father, Liberty J. Rich, was
a farmer and a native of Michigan. He died when our subject was a child, and was
a member of the distinguished Rich family of the United States who hold yearly
reunions. His father, Andrew Rich, served in the Revolutionary war. Liberty J.
Rich was, during the Civil war, a member of the Thirteenth Iowa Infantry. He
enlisted three times before he was accepted. The second year of his service in
the army he was taken ill, came home and died. The mother of our subject died in
1901, at North Yakima, Washington.
     Until he was seventeen years of age our subject lived in Iowa. Thence he
went to Kansas where he learned the butcher's trade. In 1890 he went with his
family to Washington, locating at Centerville, Klickitat county.  Here he
engaged in the meat business, remaining there six years. He bought and sold
cattle and land. He  had arrived with a capital of only five dollars, but had
been eminently successful financially. Disposing of his interests he went to
North Yakima, again engaging in the meat business for one year; thence he came
to Sherman county, January, 1902, and purchased the old Jesse Eaton ranch, one
and one-half miles from Wasco, a half section. This is the oldest piece of
farming property in the county, and was the first stage station.
     Mr. Rich was married in Smith county, Kansas, to Miss Ettie Barnes, a
native of Iowa. She is the daughter of Chesley and Ruth (Blaine) Barnes, both
natives of Ohio. The father is a descendant of the old Barnes family which for
many generations has been known in the United States. The mother was a member of
the distinguished Blaine family of which Hon. James G. Blaine was a brilliant
light.
     Our subject has one brother, Eles A., a fruit grower near North Yakima.
Mrs. Rich has six brothers and three sisters; Jackson, of Smith Center, Kansas:
William H. of Medical Lake, Washington; Wilson M., living in Smith county,
Kansas; Tames M., a resident of Dewey county, Oklahoma ; Burt and Elmer, of the
same locality ; Lucinda, wife of Frank Zimmerman, of Oklahoma ; Sylvia, wife of
Michael Zimmerman, a farmer near White Salmon, Washington ; Bessie, wife of
Angus Dennitt, of Oklahoma. Mr. and Mrs. Rich have four children, Leroy, Opal,
Zettie and Pardee. Our subject is a member of Sherman Lodge, No. 157, I. O. O.
F., and the W. W. of which he is past council commander. His political
affiliations are with the Prohibition party of which he is an active member. His
home is rich in historical interest, and finely shaded with a stately row of
poplars fifty years old. In early pioneer days the United States mail was robbed
near the site of his residence. This was, probably, the first frame house ever
erected in the county.   Mr. Rich is a progressive, liberal-spirited business
man and an influential citizen. He and his estimable wife are members of the
Christian church and are highly esteemed in the community.


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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.