"History of Southern Oregon, Comprising Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, Curry and Coos Counties. Compiled from the Most Authentic Sources." A. G. Walling, Publisher. Portland, OR. 1884. pg. 539. THOMAS SHRUM This well known citizen of Douglas county, and early pioneer of Oregon, is a native of Lincoln county, Missouri, and was born December 8, 1827; residing on his father's farm until the spring of 1846. In April of that year, accompanied by his father, mother, three sisters and five brothers, started with ox teams "across the plains" to the far west. After six months of traveling and many hardships they arrived in this state and made their first stopping place five miles east of Salem where they located on a farm. There Mr. Shrum remained until the Gold discovery in California, when he with one brother hastened to the now Eldorado and followed mining in different parts of the state until the spring of 1852. He then returned to his home near Salem and resided there until 1854. Having concluded to locate a farm for himself he selected Douglas county for his future home and at that time purchased 160 acres one mile north of where he now lives. In 1864 he purchased his present homestead consisting of 600 acres on the banks of the Umpqua river, on which he has made many and valuable improvements -- a view of which will be found in this work. And now, after many years of hard toil Mr. Shrum is prepared to take the comforts that only attend those who lead an honest and well spent life. Mr. Shrum was married in Marion county, October 29, 1857, to Miss Casandra Karns, a native of Indiana. They have a family of seven children, viz: Delia J., born August 29, 1858; Stephen J., born January 24, 1860; Avrilla W., born August 18, 1861; Sarah E., born May 21, 1863; Mary R., born May 17, 1865; Euphuma E., born April 30, 1867; and George W., born November 13, 1869. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in July 2005 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.