Carey, Charles Henry. "History of Oregon." Vol. 3. Chicago-Portland: Pioneer Historical Pub. Co., 1922. p. 178. VERNON HILL VAWTER Vernon Hill Vawter, cashier of the Jackson County Bank of Medford and its chief executive, is not only prominently associated with business interests and enterprises which have much to do with the upbuilding of the city, but has in many other ways manifested his public spirit through cooperation with projects of great benefit to the state. He now has the distinction of serving as the youngest member of the board of regents of the State University and his labors are at all times a direct and constructive element of public progress. Mr. Vawter is numbered among the native sons of Medford, his birth having occurred November 13, 1890, his parents being William I. and Etta M. (Hill) Vawter. The father was also a native of Linn county and the members of the family rank high as factors in the growth and progress of southern Oregon. The first American ancestors of the Vawter family came from England more than a hundred years ago. William I. Vawter has the credit of being the "father of banking" in Medford and his fame is not confined alone to this field of activity, for his memory is cherished as that of one of the potential builders of the town, his efforts contributing in substantial measure in many ways to the early progress and later improvements of the city. Vernon H. Vawter was educated in the graded and high schools of Medford and in the University of Oregon. Following his graduation from the state institution he returned to Medford and accepted a position in the Jackson County Bank, of which his father was then president. The son is now the cashier of the bank and its chief executive, contributing much to its development and growth. In fact under his guidance the bank has come to be regarded as one of the most substantial financial institutions of the state. During the World war Mr. Vawter was accepted in a civilian Officers' Training Camp, but returned home incapacitated as a result of a severe attack of influenza and before he had recovered his health the armistice was signed. No man of his age in Oregon occupies a more prominent place in the business life of the state than does he. As a leading citizen of Medford he is called to act on every public service committee and he cheerfully responds to all demands made upon his time and means. He has had an unusual honor bestowed upon him in that he has been selected as one of the regents of the University of Oregon, enjoying the distinction of being the only man of his years who has ever been so highly honored. He is a member of the Medford public library board and belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, of which he served as president, cooperating in all of its activities for the benefit and upbuilding of the city. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and he steadily declines to become a candidate for office. In 1915 Mr. Vawter was married to Miss Aletha Emerick of Boise, Idaho, a daughter of V. J. Everick, one of the most prominent residents of the city, who for two terms served as mayor of Medford. Mr. Vawter is the treasurer of the Elks lodge of Medford and is also the treasurer of the Big Bend Milling Company, which has constructed in Medford several of its best business blocks on Main street and Central avenue, North. Nor does Mr. Vawter selfishly confine his energies to the growth and improvement of the city in which he makes his home, but takes an active interest in all matters for the benefit of the state. He is now one of the committee engaged in improving Crater Lake and the Crater Lake National Park. Progress and enterprise are the keynotes of his character and have constituted the forces that have thrown open for him the portals of success. Transcriber's additional notes: Census 1900, June 14; Jackson Co, OR; East Medford Pct, p 251 Wm. I. Vawter, 37, March 1863, OR, IN, MO, mar 11 yrs, lawyer Ella M, wife, 31, Jan 1869, ID, VA, MO, mar 11 yrs, 2 children-2 living Vernon H, son, 9, Nov 1890, OR, OR, ID Wm. I, son, 6, May 1894, OR, OR, ID 1910, April 15; Jackson Co, OR; North Medford Pct, p 141; 310 Main st. William I. Vawter, 45, OR, TN, OR, mar 20 yrs, banker Etta M, wife, 40, ID, TN, VA, mar 20 yrs, 2 children-2 living Vernon H, son, 19, OR, OR, ID, att. school Wm. I Jr., son, 15, OR, OR ID, att. school Sarah R. Hill, m in l, 74, Wd, VA, VA, VA Frank Nakamitsu, servant, 23, single, JAP, JAP, JAP 1920, Jan 1; Jackson Co, OR; Medford Wd 1, p 141 Vernon Vawter, 29, OR, OR, ID, bank cashier Aleta, wife, 28, ID, Unk, ID ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in November 2006 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.