Clark, Robert Carlton, Ph.D. "History of the Willamette Valley Oregon."  Vol. 2.
Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1927. p. 301.
 
CARL G. WASHBURNE

     One of the native sons of Eugene who has risen to a leading place in
mercantile affairs, and who also has long been prominent and influential in
civic matters, Carl G. Washburne, member of the well known firm of McMorran &
Washburne. He is a scion of sterling old pioneer stock, members of his family
having had a leading part in the development and progress of this state in the
early years of its history. He was born in Eugene, in 1887, and is a son of
George S. and Minnie (Lockwood) Washburne, both of whom were natives of
Pennsylvania, the father having been born at Scranton. The paternal grandfather,
C. W. Washburne, brought his family across the plains to Oregon in the '50s and
here became the owner of ten thousand acres of land, being very successful in
its operation. He was one of the first flourmill operators in this state,
growing the grain which he ground in his mills. He also freighted large
quantities of grain, pork and other farm products to Portland. He was the
founder of Junction City and organized he First National Bank of that place.
Public spirited, he donated a high school to his district, besides taking a
leading part in getting railroads built through this section of the state. He
served several terms as a member of the state legislature and was effective in
securing the enactment of important laws promoting the public welfare.  He lived
to the advanced age of ninety-three years and died secure in the respect and
esteem of his fellowmen. His son, George S. Washburne, was a member of the first
class that graduated from the University of Washington, later attended
Willamette University, was admitted to the bar and became distinguished as an
able and successful lawyer, never having lost a case in court. He was the first
county judge of Lane county and practiced law at Eugene up to the time of his
death, which occurred in 1890, at the comparatively early age of thirty-three
years. His wife, who died in 1920, was a daughter of O. A. Lockwood, who came to
Oregon in the '60s and bought land. To Mr. and Mrs. Washburne were born two
children, Carl G. and Chester W.  The latter graduated from the University of
Oregon, the University of Chicago and Harvard University, and is now a well
known geologist of New York city, specializing in petroleum. He has just spent
three years in Australia, where he was employed by the British government ii
exploring for oil, under a million-dollar appropriation.
     Carl G. Washburne secured his educational training in the public and hi
schools of Eugene and then started to work at a salary of five dollars a month.
He was faithful in even the humblest capacity and gradually advanced. Carefully
conserving his finances, in 1909, with a capital of fifteen hundred dollars, he
entered into partnership with George H. McMorran, under the firm name of
McMorran & Washburne, and engaged in the dry goods business. Energetic,
persistent and progressive, their early efforts were successful and, in order to
accommodate their increasing trade, they have been compelled to move to larger
quarters several times, now occupying their own building at Willamette, Eighth
and Park streets. It consists of four stories and basement, of which they occupy
two floors, a balcony and the basement, the two upper floors being rented for
offices. They conduct general department store, in which they carry a large and
complete line of goods in the various departments, and employ over fifty people.
Since engaging in business, they have bought out several of the other leading
stores of Eugene, including the Crescent store, S. H. Friendly & Company and
Cocherline & Fraley, and now have one of the largest stores in their line in
Oregon.
     On October 20, 1920, Mr. Washburne was married to Miss Narcissa M. Jewett
of Gardiner, Oregon, a daughter of W. F. Jewett, a prominent lumberman of this
state and San Francisco, being one of the leading lumber shippers of the coast,
well as a prominent banker. Mr. Washburne is a member of the Ancient Free
Accepted Masons, in which he has attained the rank of Knight Templar, and
crossed the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs also to the
Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He gives
political support to the republican party and has been active in local public
affairs. He has long served as a member of the city council and is president of
that body is a member and past president of the Chamber of Commerce and is a
past president of the Rotary Club.  He also belongs to the Eugene Country Club.

     
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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in October 2010 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.