"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 472.  Grant County.

WILLIAM T. McKERN

     Among the leading stockmen and agriculturists who have wrought in
faithfulness for the development of this county and for the advancement of the
interests of all, while he has prosecuted his own private business with a
success that bespeaks both his capabilities and attention in the lines of
business we mention the subject of this article, whose integrity and sound
principles commend him to the confidence and esteem of all.
     Eighteen hundred and fifty-five was the date of the birth of Mr. McKern and
both of his parents died when he was very small.  At the age of ninteen he
apprenticed himself to a carpenter to learn that trade, but an accident occurred
that changed his mind and he entered the business of raising cattle and sheep
and tilling the soil.  In 1883 he bought the place where he now lives, one and a
half miles west from Mount Vernon.  His first purchase was one quarter, but his
industry and thrift have enabled him to add by purchase until his estate is of
the generous proportions of eight hundred acres.  He has some fine herds of
cattle and sheep and is counted one of the most skillful sheepmen in the county,
which is evidence by his gratifying success.
     The marriage of Mr. McKern and Miss Edna, daughter of W. W. and Eva (Allen)
stone, was solemnized in 1887, and to them have been born four children, Salina,
Jay E., Enid and Valene.  Mr. McKern is a member of the Workingmen's order, No.
105, at John Day, and is quite prominent in the People's party, allying himself
with that as more mearly embracing the principles that he believes to be for the
welfare of the country.

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in October 2005 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.