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. 631.

STEPHEN B. COUTURE

     is a true representative of the prosperous Oregon farmer and stockman. He
dwells ten miles west from Condon and has a place which his labor has carved out
and which is valuable and productive. He is a man of enterprise and intelligence
and keeps himself abreast of the times, while in his business labors he has
always shown a diligence and thrift coupled with true principles that have won
both the reward of a good competence and the esteem of his fellows.
    Stephen B. Couture was born in Monroe county, Michigan, on June 6, 1866, the
son of Louis and Elizabeth (Nado) Couture, both natives of Michigan and
prominent and well to do people there. Stephen B. received his education in his
native place and there he was reared by a wise father. When of proper age, he
started out in life for himself, and in 1887 he made his way west. He deemed
that this country presented better opportunities for him than the east, and also
he desired to gratify an adventurous spirit that led him to new things and other
achievements than the continuation of home life. He first wrought here for wages
and then took a homestead where he is now located. He at once began the good
work of improvement and in due time he was in shape to purchase other land. He
has done so from time to time until his estate is now between seven and eight
hundred acres. To the handling of this and raising stock, Mr. Couture devotes
his time and he is successful in a good degree.                   
     In 1896 occurred the marriage of Mr. Couture and Miss Clara Lamberson, who
was born in the Willamette valley. Her father, Samuel Lamberson, was a native of
Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and crossed the plains with ox teams in 1845.  He made
settlement in the Willamette valley, and when gold was discovered in California
he went thither with a pack train and mined for one year. Then he returned to
the Willamette valley and there lived until 1876, in which year he journeyed to
the vicinity of Fossil. He handled stock there until 1883, and then settled in
Ferry canyon, which was his home until his death. He had married Miss Mary J.
Armstrong, a native of Illinois. She crossed the plains with her parents in
1852. Her mother died en route, and her father died at The Dalles soon after
arriving there.  Mrs. Couture has nine brothers and sisters named as follows:
John A., Timothy S., Abner M., Mrs. Sarah Smith, Mrs. Nora Beardsley, Mrs. Mary
E. Palmer, Mrs. Lettie Downing, Mrs. Anna Shorb, and Mrs. Lillie Portwood. John
A. is a physician in Lebanon, Oregon, and Timothy is in Arizona. To Mr. and Mrs.
Couture three children have been born, Wilbur S., Vellnia, and John Henry.
Mr. Couture has seven brothers and sisters, Louis and James, who are prosperous
farmers in this vicinity; John, Elwood, Henry, Mrs. Mary Santure, and Mrs. Julia
Collins, Elizabeth. Mr. Couture started in life without means and all he now has
accumulated is the result of his labor and his wisdom. He and his wife are among
the highly respected and esteemed people of this section.


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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.