"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 620. Malheur County. WILLIAM J. SCOTT The doughty pioneer of whom we now have the privilege of speaking, is one of the well known and progressive stockman of Malheur county, having his family residence and home place about six miles south from Dell, where he manages a mammoth establishment of hay producing land and large bands of stock, being the man who enjoys the distinction of sowing the first alfalfa in the entire county, thus being the means of introducing this wealth-producing plant in our midst. Mr. Scott was born in Angels Camp, Calaveras county, California, on December 23, 1852, his parents being Oscar W. and Elizabeth (Logan) Scott, who came direct to that place from Greene county, Illinois, making the trip with ox teams. It is of note that the well known Joaquin Miller was a guest of the father of our subject for some time. In 1857 the family went to Healdsburg, California, and the following year they went to Mendocino county, on the coast and there they farmed until 1878. There also on September 3, 1874, Mr. Scott married Miss Idella Titus. In 1878 Mr. Scott came to this country, taking a portion of his present estate as a homestead and began the good work of improvement and raising stock. He added two hundred acres of land by purchase and now has a farm that produces six hundred tons of alfalfa each year. In addition to introducing alfalfa in 1881 he also at that time stretched the first wire fence in the county. The farm is well supplied with water from Willow creek and in addition to this fine holding, Mr. Scott has several thousand head of sheep, and also cattle and horses. He has a good six-room dwelling, large barns and good orchard. When he came here he notes his possessions as one horse, one mule, and an old pack saddle. The children born to Mr. Scott and his first wife are, Mary A., deceased; Florence L., wife of B. Jones; Frederick F., Winfield; Harry H.; Russell. On August 12, 1893, Mrs. Scott was called from her home and family by death. On January 12, 1896, Mr. Scott married a second time, the lady of his choice on this occasion being Mrs. Nancy (Bonee) Murphey, who has by her first husband three children as follows: Harry H. Howard, married to Bertha McCabe; George Howard, married to Bessie Rainey; Newell Howard. The second husband of Mrs. Scott died without issue. The first one was named Marshall Howard. Mr. Scott is a member of the I.O.O.F., in Ontario. He is a capable and upright man and has done much for the advancement of the country and is justly entitled to the approval and confidence of his fellows, which he enjoys in unstinted measure. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in March 2006 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.