Lockley, Fred. "History of the Columbia River Valley, From The Dalles to the Sea." Vol. 2. S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1928. p. 187 CHARLES D. LATOURETTE For nearly half a century Charles D. Latourette has continuously followed his chosen profession, and the nature and the importance of the legal interests intrusted to his care establish his position as one of the foremost attorneys of Oregon City. He is also one of its pioneer bankers and has filled public offices of trust and responsibility. A native of Missouri, he was born in St. Louis in 1854 and is of French extraction. His father, D. L. Latourette, was born in the state of New York and in his youth went to St. Louis. In 1858 he removed to Michigan and started a private bank in Fenton. Upon the passage of the national bank act he nationalized the institution, which was one of the first banks of that class in Michigan. He had invested heavily in Arkansas land and when his health became impaired he located in that state, opening a bank. In the conduct of business he displayed keen sagacity and his probity was above question. He married Miss Emma M. Booth, whose parents came from England to the United States, and her father was a Baptist minister. Charles D. Latourette was a lad of five years when the family went to Michigan and his public school training was obtained in Fenton. While an office employe he read law and continued his studies in the University of Michigan, from which he received the degree of LL. B. in 1878, but had been admitted to the bar in that state a year before his graduation. He decided to seek the opportunities of the Pacific northwest, having an uncle, L. D. C. Latourette, who had settled on a donation land claim in Clackamas county in the early days. In 1879 he came to Oregon City, soon afterward was licensed to practice in this state and for a few years followed his profession independently. In 1883 he formed a partnership with his cousin, D. C. Latourette, and their legal acumen won them a large and lucrative clientele. Although seventy-three years of age, Charles D. Latourette still continues his legal activities and with one exception is the oldest practicing attorney in Oregon City. Experience and study have broadened his knowledge and time has ripened his ability. When Mr. Latourette came, there was no bank in Oregon City and many of his clients intrusted him with the task of placing their investments. Owing to his success these trusts steadily increased and in 1886 he established the Commercial Bank of Oregon City with the assistance of D. C. Latourette and Henry Failing, the latter a Portland capitalist. The first officers of the bank were: D. C. Latourette, president; Charles D. Latourette, vice president; and Frank Donaldson, cashier. The original directors were D. C. and Charles D. Latourette and Henry Failing. The institution received its national charter in 1907 and has since been known as the First National Bank of Oregon City. When Mr. Failing died his holding were acquired by Charles D. and D. C. Latourette and this family has since owned all of the stock in the bank. Its present officers are: D. C. Latourette, president; M. D. Latourette, first vice president; Charles D. Latourette, second vice president; and F. J. Meyer, cashier, the last named having been connected with the bank since 1895. The institution is controlled by men of proven ability and integrity and has exercised a potent force in the development of this locality. In Oregon City, Charles D. Latourette married Miss Sedonia Shaw, who was born near the mouth of the Tualitin river. Her parents, Jefferson and Martha Shaw, crossed the plains in 1852, making the journey in a "prairie schooner" drawn by oxen, and settled on a donation land claim, situated across the river from Oregon City in a southerly direction. Mr. and Mrs. Latourette have four sons, all of whom were born in Oregon City and have been admitted to the bar. Morton D., the eldest, is one of the officers of the First National Bank of Oregon City, as above stated, and has furthered many projects for the advancement and betterment of the community. Howard F. and John R. have become successful attorneys and both are practicing in Portland, Oregon. Earle C. was graduated from the University of Oregon in 1912, also completed a course in its law school in Portland, was admitted to the bar in 1913 and is now associated with Charles D. and D. C. Latourette in the practice of law, being well equipped for the work of his profession. While attending the State University he joined the Kappa Sigma fraternity. In 1913 he married Miss Ruth Elizabeth Steiwer, a daughter of the Hon. W. W. and Ann (Hoover) Steiwer, natives of Oregon. Senator Steiwer was born in Salem and his wife's birth occurred in the eastern part of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Earle C. Latourette have three children: Ann, Jean and Earle C. Jr. Charles D. Latourette is a stanch democrat and until the passage of the primary law never missed a state convention of the party. For a number of years he was one of the councilmen of Oregon City, of which he became mayor about 1900, and after his election presented the municipality with twelve public drinking fountains. His administration covered two terms and was characterized by needed reforms and improvements. As police judge he made an equally creditable record, carefully ascertaining the facts of each case brought before him and tempering justice with mercy. He is a member of the Arlington Club of Portland and the Clackamas County and Oregon State Bar Association. A thorough believer in the doctrine of hard work, Mr. Latourette has accomplished something worth while and is exceptionally well preserved, appearing much younger than his years. His life has been rightly lived and the respect accorded him is well deserved. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in July 2006 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.