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. 791. RALPH PORFILY was born beneath the perfect skies of Italy, Agnone being his native heath, and October 23, 1860, the date of this important event in his career. His parents, Francecsi and Marie (Domenica) Porfily, were born in the same place as our subject and there remained until their death. The father followed farming and stock raising. Ralph received his early education in his native country and wrought on his father's farm until 1881, then he came to America. At first he secured employment of the railroad in Pennsylvania, whence later, he went to Texas and wrought in a stone quarry. In 1883, he took a trip on foot through old Mexico and had many and varied experiences and he soon discerned that the United States was the better place for a man of thrift and industry and accordingly he made his way back. In 1888 he worked in the California quick silver mines, and in 1889, located in Crook county, Oregon. He immediately secured work herding sheep and soon got a band for himself. Then he took government land and bought land where he is located, some fourteen miles out from Prineville, on the Burns stage road, and started in the business for himself. He made himself master of the sheep industry and farming and knew well how to make everything count. Success could but attend him and he rapidly gained property. He now has about fifteen hundred acres of land and a large amount of stock. All this has been the result of his own efforts here and Mr. Porfily is to be commended for what he has achieved. He is a good citizen and takes an active interest in politics and educational matters, as becomes a man of this free country. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in October 2007 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.