"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 607.  Malheur County.

WILLIAM H. ISAAC

     Malheur county has some of the largest stock owners of Oregon, and one
among that number is mentioned at the head of this article.  Mr. Isaac has shown
remarkable wisdom, skill and ability in handling his stock interests in this
county, which by no means contains his entire holdings for he is one of the well
known stockmen of the entire northwest, having property and animals in many
places.  He started at the bottom, and his native pluck, tenacity and keenness
have enabled him to climb the ladder of success until he stands at the very top.
     Mr. Isaac was born in New York, in October, 1832, being the son of James
and Mary Isaac.  When he was seven the family came to Minnesota, and there they
lived until 1868.  The next move was to Walla Walla, Washington, where William
H. completed his minority, and also finished his education.  The parents died at
Pendleton.  The first venture of our subject was in the cattle business, and one
severe winter swept away all his hard earned stock.  Then he entered the employ
of William Sturgis, acting as sheep herder.  Few men would have taken this move,
but Mr. Isaac was not to be disconcerted, and was determined to win the smiles
of Dame Fortune.  He displayed his skill and faithfulness, and soon was enabled
to purchase an interest in the business with his employer.  Success crowned the
efforts put forth, because of the untiring care, wise methods, and skill
employed, and in 1884 it was deemed best to divide their large holdings.  In
that year Mr. Isaac came with his herds and flocks to Malheur county, making his
residence, however, in Caldwell, Idaho.  His interests are in Malheur county in
many places, and practically this county has a right to claim him, although he
has holdings in other Oregon counties.  He prospered well in every turn he made,
and his sheep increased until at the present time he has twenty-five thousand
head.  In 1900 he took as partner M. B. Guinn.  They have, in addition to the
large bands of sheep mentioned, other stock, and ranches in various sections of
the country, located convenient for the handling of the stock.  This large
acreage places our subject as one of the heavy real estate holders as well as
one of the leading stockmen, while he has also other business interests.
     Mr. Isaac married Miss Ada Miner, a native of Boise county, Idaho, and one
daughter was born to them, Ada Narine.  Mrs. Isaac was called from her pleasant
home and loving family in 1896, and her remains repose in the cemetery in
Caldwell.
     Mr. Isaac is affiliated with the I.O.O.F., of Caldwell, and is highly
esteemed by all who know him, being an influential, capable and upright man.

*******************

Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in February 2006 by Diana Smith. Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.