* A portrait has been posted on-line at http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~westklic/wcportrait.html
WILLIAM H. STAATS, who was born in Champoeg, Marion county, Oregon, now dwells near Dufur, Oregon, where he is handling an estate of one and one-half sections of fine wheat land. He and his wife own also one and one-half sections besides this, located near Victor, all told, making three sections of wheat land, all in Wasco county.
Our subject's father, John C. Staats, was born in Scotland, in 1832, and came with his parents to Paris, Canada, when still a boy, receiving there his education. About 1857, he migrated to Marion county, Oregon territory, and engaged in the mercantile business in a small place known as St. Paul. He continued there until 1870, when he removed thence with his family to the vicinity of Dufur, Wasco county. He did general farming, but paid most attention to raising stock. In this he continued uninterruptedly until his death, February 19, 1889. In 1866, he had married Mary A. Toupin, a native of Portland, Oregon, who died on the farm in Wasco county. Her parents had come to Oregon in early days and were among the sturdy pioneers who assisted to open up this fertile and resourceful country. Mr. John G. Staats was well known as was, also, his wife, both being substantial and highly respected people.
William H. received his early education in the schools of his adopted county and when grown to manhood, followed the occupations of general farming and stock-raising as his father had done before him. He has made a splendid success in his labors and has a choice and valuable holding of property in the county at this time.
In political matters, Mr. Staats is a Republican, and although not a politician, in the sense of the word as often used, he is very active in the campaigns of his party and takes the interest that becomes every good and loyal citizen of this country. He is often at the conventions and has served at the congressional convention of the state. In fraternal matters, Mr. Staats is popular and is affiliated with the A.O.U.W., W.W., United Artisans, the Foresters, and the Redmen. In religious persuasion he is an adherent of the Presbyterian faith and has always liberally supported church matters. Mr. Staats is a great lover of music, and was a charter member of the Dufur band.
On February 14, 1900, Mr. Staats married Mrs. Arabella H. Slusher, who is mentioned particularly in the sketch of Thomas Slusher, deceased. Mr. Staats has two brothers living, John W. and James W., one in government employ, and one employed with the railroad. He also has a sister, single, also one sister and one brother deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Staats are popular people, have many friends and are esteemed leading people of the county.
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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in January 2005 by Jeffrey L. Elmer. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.