An Illustrated History of Central Oregon, Western Historical Publishing Company, Spokane, WA. 1905, pages 237-238. CHRISTIAN DETHMAN is one of the leading orchardists of Wasco county and through his individual efforts to a large extent has Hood River gained her extended and enviable reputation for choice apples. Skilled in horticulture and seeing here the conditions that would bring the best results, he has demonstrated with a magnificent orchard the skill and the conditions that produce fruit of the choicest kind. Christian Dethman was born in Germany, on January 1, 1859, the son of Henry and Weibke (Peters} Dethman, both natives of Germany. The father was a farmer and fought in the war of 1848. He died in his native country. The mother lives in Crawford county, Iowa. After studying in the schools of his country until 1872, our subject came to the United States and lived with a cousin in Iowa. He attended district school for two years and then went to Jones county and worked for another cousin for three years. Then he joined his brother and mother who had come to Crawford county, Iowa and with his brother John, came one year later to Hood River. April 17, 1879 was the date of his arrival here and he soon went to the Willamette valley but later returned to The Dalles, arriving there just after the fire. He wrought for Henry Klingt for six months and then came with his brother to Hood River where they filed on claims. Since that time Mr. Dethman has given his attention to horticulture and also does some general farming. He has won a remarkable success, thus demonstrating his skill and ability, while his large forty acre orchard, judging from the results obtained, is one of the very best in the United States. It has largely assisted to give Hood River her famous reputation for apples and she stands one of the choicest apple producers in the world at this day. At The Dalles, on November 20, 1886. Mr. Dethman married Miss Emma Jetter, of Hood River and a native of Iowa. Her father, John Jetter, was born in Germany and married a maiden of his country and came to the United States. He followed mason work and stone cutting and now resides in Jones county, Iowa. Mr. Dethman has the following brothers and sisters, Andrew, John, Claus, Hanna Bolster, Katy, and Weibke Sacho. Mrs. Dethman has one sister. Eight children have been the fruit of the marriage mentioned: Frank C., Herman, Anna, Alfred, Laura, William McKinley, Jessie and Fred T. Mr. Dethman is a member of the A.O.U.W., and the Foresters. He is a good substantial citizen and has done a splendid work here. His place is improved with fine residence and all the accessories and is one of the choicest in this country. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in January 2005 by Jeffrey L. Elmer. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.