"An Illustrated history of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties : with a
brief outline of the early history of the state of Oregon." Chicago?: Western
Historical Pub. Co., 1902.  Page 315.  Baker County.

O. P. ISON

     Among the very first ones that came to this section and remained, honorable
mention should be made of the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph, who
for nearly forty years has wrought here for the material welfare and substantial
development of this county, while his fine business ability and keen foresight
have given him the proper rewards of a good competence among the people who have
bestowed in him their confidence and esteem, which have been richly merited in
every respect.
     Mr. Ison was born in Garrard county, in the old Blue Grass state, on June
11, 1846.  When but three years of age, he was removed by his parents to
Trenton, Missouri, and there wrought on a farm until 1862, when the entire
family made the trip across the plains with ox teams, settling near Wingville,
and engaging in farming and stockraising.  Our subject has given his attention
to these related industries almost continuously since, and he is known as one of
the most prosperous and experienced stockmen in eastern Oregon.  His residence
is one mile west of Baker City, but his hay farm, which consists of one half
section of fine hay producing soil, is situated eight miles north from Baker
City.  He has at the present time over three hundred head of fine graded Short
Horn and Hereford cattle, besides some fine specimens of thoroughbreds.
     The marriage of Mr. Ison and Miss Martha J., daughter of Thomas B. and Mary
J. Vernon, was celebrated on January 11, 1871, and to them have been born the
following children:  Orenea, wife of John G. Foster, of Baker City; Carrie Lee,
wife of H. B. Kinniston, living near Wingville; Lilith B.  Mrs. Ison is a native
of Iowa and her father was the first blacksmith in Auburn, having come to that
place from the Hawkeye state.  Mr. Ison is fraternally affiliated with the
Wingville Lodge, No. 69, I.O.O.F., where he holds a very popular position among
his fellows.  He is also a member of the school board of Baker City, district
No. 5, and has ever manifested a spirit of public interest and especially in
educational affairs, where his service is with wisdom and integrity, while his
life shows forth those principles of worth and intrinsic moral qualities that
are commendable in a high degree.

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in September 2005 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.