"An Illustrated history of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties : with a
brief outline of the early history of the state of Oregon." Chicago?: Western
Historical Pub. Co., 1902.  Page 595.  Malheur County.

CYRUS W. MORFITT

     A native of this state and one of the promising and already well-to-do
stockmen and farmers of Malheur county, having a fine estate of four hundred and
forty acres, three miles southwest from Malheur, the subject of this sketch is
deserving of mention in the history of the county, both because of his excellent
success in the financial world and because of his own intrinsic worth, as well
as for the labors performed in the advancement of the county's interests.
     Cyrus W. was born on September 9, 1865, at Oregon City, being the son of
William and Juliet E. (Worsham) Morfitt.  Her father crossed the plains to the
Willamette valley in 1847, being a native of England, and having come to the
United States when he was five years of age, and now resides near Ontario.  The
mother of our subject crossed the plains in 1852 and on January 18, 1894, she
was called hence by death.  In 1867 Cyrus W. was taken to Boise with his parents
and the following year they came to the country where he now lives.  He attended
the common school and remained with his parents until he was eighteen and then
with a capital of five dollars and three ponies, he started life's battles for
himself.  He engaged in the stock business and now has the fine estate mentioned
above, which comprises a large tract of fertile bottom land.  he has a band of
cattle, and a fine six-room residence, two large barns, outbuildings, and all
accessories to operate a first class farm and stock ranch.  Mr. Morfitt has also
given some attention to fruit raising, having a good orchard.
     On May 12, 1889, Mr. Morfitt married Miss Alice M., daughter of George W.
and Susan D. (Sult) Duncan, and they have been blessed by the advent of the
following children:  Edith L., Nellie E., Albert W., Cecil M. and Laura T.  Mrs.
Morfitt's parents came across the plains from Kansas direct to Willow creek in
1881, and in 1893 the father died, but the mother is still living on Willow
creek.  Mr. Morfitt is a member of the W. of W., Burnt River Camp, No. 111; also
of the I.O.O.F., Eldorado Lodge, No. 152.  He is past counsel in the former
order.  Mrs. Morfitt is a member of the Circle, No. 216, as is also her husband,
and she holds the office of guardian neighbor.  Mr. Morfitt is actively
interested in educational matters, having devoted time to the duties of director
for three years.  He is one of the patriotic citizens, capable business men and
prominent stockmen of Malheur county and is esteemed by all who know him.
     

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in March 2006 by Diana Smith. Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.