"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. p. 504. Grant Co. WILLIAM S. SOUTHWORTH A pioneer of the early days, possessed of energy and wisdom, coupled with excellent ability to grapple with the problems of life in the wet, while his walk has been commendable in displaying both integrity and upright principles in all his career, the subject of this brief sketch is one of the substantial and worthy citizens of the county that has well earned his good standing and has wrought out in different lines of industry as well as in faithful and efficient public service a success that is both enviable and praiseworthy. From the Green Mountain state came the adventurous and energetic young American that has fought his way through all the trying scenes of the rugged frontier, displaying the same spirit that characterized the native sons of that state in their daring and courageous conflict for liberty. He was born near Bradford, Orange county, on November 23, 1834, being the son of E. and Phoebe Southworth. Passing the years of his minority on the farm with his father, he also acquired the discipline to be had in the public schools and then at the age of nineteen years came to the west, locating in Kane county, Illinois, where he remained until 1859, when he took the memorable journey of crossing the plains with ox teams. Landing in Shasta county, California, he at once took up mining and followed it with success until 1863, when he came direct to Canyon city and engaged in the same industry in the gulch near the present town site. For eight years he worked in these placer diggings and then sold out. During this time he had also operated a saw mill and to this he then gave his entire attention until 1883, when he located his present home at Seneca, which is at the lower end of Bear valley on the Burns road. He took up a homestead and pre-emption and commenced to raise stock. His land is all fenced and well improved. At his place a post office was established in 1895 and Mrs. Southworth is the postmistress. He owns a planing mill in Canyon City and gives a portion of his time to the operation of this, while his sons handle the stock and farm. In 1878 the people elected him county clerk of Grant county and at the close of his term rewarded him with re-election. His service in this office was satisfactory to all and very efficient. He also served as deputy sheriff under O. P. Cresap from 1890 to 1892. He has been a member of the I.O.O.F. since 1864 and is past grand. On October 13, 1874, the marriage of Mr. Southworth and Miss Minnie Hannas, of Kane county, was solemnized and they have become the parents of four children as follows: George, deceased; Edward I.; Webster S. and Florence. Mr. Southworth sold his saw mill in 1898 and since 1883 has been operating successfully the planing mill and sash and door factory above mentioned. Mr. Southworth is one of the successful and substantial business men of the county and has always taken an active interest in the politics of the county and state. He is highly esteemed by all and is a potent factor in the advancement of the county and the upbuilding of its interests. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in December 2005 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.