Clark, Robert Carlton, Ph.D. "History of the Willamette Valley Oregon."  Vol. 2.
Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1927. p. 531.
 
ABRAHAM BANGS
 
     Among the old and highly esteemed families of Eugene is that of Bangs, of
which Abraham Bangs is a worthy representative. His father, Eli Bangs, was
descended from sterling old American stock, going back to the days of the
Mayflower, and the family has always been identified with the Methodist
Episcopal church. Eli Bangs embarked in the livery business in Eugene, in which
he was successfully engaged altogether for forty-five years, continuing therein
up to the time of his death, in 1913. Prompt and efficient service was his aim,
and he built up a high reputation as a reliable business man and trustworthy
citizen. His first barn was where the Eugene Hotel now stands, later was moved
to the present site of the Western Union building, and finally to Eighth and
Pearl streets. He usually kept about one hundred head of horses for livery and
stage purposes. He never had competition, prospered in his business affairs, and
incorporated the enterprise prior to his death. He declined to accept public
office, other than that of councilman, in which position he served for a number
of years, and could have been mayor of Eugene had he consented to accept the
office. He was deeply interested in everything pertaining to the progress of his
community, particularly in the improvement of the highways, and donated much
road work. He was married to Miss Julia Foots, who was a native of Holland, and
they became the parents of three children, as follows: Edson; Fred, who married
a Miss Franklin and is engaged in farming; and Abraham, of this sketch.
 
     Abraham Bangs was born in Ottawa, Kansas, in 1881, at which time his father
was engaged in the livery business there. In that same year the family came to
Eugene, and here he attended the public schools and the University of Oregon,
also having one and a half years at the University of California, which he left
in 1907. From his boyhood he has been connected with horses, in which he is
deeply interested, and has done a good deal of breeding and raising of these
animals, Mr. Bangs states that the breeding of good horses in this section of
the country is now practically at a standstill, and that the pioneer horses were
of a much better grade than the present average run, which have become mixed
with mustangs, and that the cayuses from eastern Oregon are more enduring
animals than the local breeds. Even the Percheron horses now in Oregon are not
equal to that breed in other parts of the United States.
 
     Mr. Bangs is giving his attention to the conduct of a riding academy, in
which he uses local horses, and he has been very successful, as the people are
taking to horseback riding more every year, women doing most of the riding. Mr.
Bangs is also interested in.the grape industry in the San Joaquin valley of
California, and owns a small farm near Eugene, which he operates for pleasure
and for experimental purposes. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons, the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Affable and agreeable in manner, of
sterling integrity and fine personal qualities, he has always been deservedly
popular and is held in high esteem throughout the community where he has spent
his life.

     
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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in December 2016 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.