Gilbert, Frank T. "Historic Sketches of Walla Walla, Whitman, Columbia and Garfield Counties, Washington Territory; and Umatilla County, Oregon." Portland, OR: Print & Lithographing House of A. G. Walling, 1882. p. a22. JAMES H. LASATER of Walla Walla city was born in McMinn Co., Eastern Tennessee, October 19, 1823. In 1850 he went from that locality to California, but returned to Illinois in 1851. In this latter state, while residing at Canton and Bloomington in 1851 and 1852, he studied law under Judge William Kellogg of the 8th circuit, and then emigrated to Oregon, arriving in October of the last named year at Oregon City. In 1855 he was admitted to the Bar at Salem, and February 22 of the succeeding year, was married to Mrs. Emily Scudder (formerly Moore) a native of Illinois, who died December 23 1875, leaving four living children. In April 1863, he arrived in Walla Walla and entered upon his professional practice that is still maintained. His present wife, to whom he was married October 8, 1876, was formerly Mrs. Jane Jacobs. Her father whose name was J. D. Smith died at Salem, Oregon, July 1, 1882. When a young man, Mr. Lasater studied medicine, graduated, and for a time practiced as a physician, but disliking the disagreeable incidents attending it, abandoned the profession. After his arrival in Walla Walla April 1,1863, he became an active member of the Democratic party and one of its most effective organizers. For years he was Chairman of its Central Committee, and was elected District Attorney in 1864, but would not qualify. In 1869, being elected to the Legislature, he became an able and effective member of that body, and contributed largely towards shaping its legislation. His residence in the city is at the head of 3rd street, a view of which accompanies this work. He has other property in Walla Walla and 1900 acres of land outside of the city limits, some of it in Oregon. The names and dates of birth of Mr. Lasater's living children are as follows: Wiley, September 13, 1858 ; Julia A. November 25, 1862 ; Harry, May 18, 1865 ; Alice M., September 29, 1867 ; James H. Jr., September 9, 1878. * * * * Submitted to the WA. Bios Project in February 2007 by Diana Smith. Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Washington Biographies Project. Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the individual featured in the biographies.