Clark, Robert Carlton, Ph.D. "History of the Willamette Valley Oregon." Vol. 2. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1927. p. 23. DARWIN BRISTOW Darwin Bristow, vice president of the First National Bank, of Eugene, is a scion of one of the oldest pioneer families of this part of the state and during the eighty years that the family has resided here its members have always been active in affairs looking to the development and progress of the community. In this respect Darwin Bristow has followed the example of his forebears and has been a potent factor in his county's prosperity, being regarded as one of its foremost business men and public-spirited citizens. A native of Lane county, Oregon, he was born on the 1st day of December, 1862, and is a son of William W. and Elizabeth (Coffey) Bristow, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Illinois. The paternal grandfather, Elijah Bristow, bore the distinction of being the first permanent settler of Lane county, coming here in 1846 and taking up a tract of government land at Pleasant Hill. In 1848 his wife and their children, with other relatives, came, making the overland trip by ox and horse teams, and a number of them took up land in this locality. Elijah Bristow, who spent his remaining years here, became a man of prominence and influence in the new community and was the first postmaster in Lane county, being appointed to the office at Pleasant Hill. He donated the land for the first school in the county, it being in school district No.1. William W. Bristow also took a leading part in local public affairs and became the first state senator from Lane county, serving two terms. He was largely instrumental in establishing the State University at Eugene and was actively interested in its welfare. He was one of the early merchants of Eugene, being a member of the firm of Bristow & Company, of which the partners were E. L. Bristow, Thomas G. Hendricks and himself. In 1866 they erected the first brick building in Eugene, located where the First National Bank building now stands. He was the active manager of the business tip to the time of his death which occurred December 4, 1874. His wife died in 1863. Darwin Bristow secured his early education in the public schools and then entered the University of Oregon, where he was graduated in 1884. In November of that year he established a general merchandise business at Cottage Grove, in which he met with success, and later, with Herbert Eakin, he organized the First National Bank of Cottage Grove, of which he was president until December, 1904. In January, 1904, Mr. Bristow in company with Frank L. Chambers, organized the Chambers-Bristow Banking Company, opening a bank at the corner of Eighth and Willamette streets, Eugene, F. L. Chambers being president of the institution and Mr. Bristow, cashier. This enterprise proved successful and in February, 1908, it was consolidated with the First National Bank, of which Mr. Bristow became assistant cashier. In about 1917 he was made vice president of the bank, which position he still holds. On February 16, 1885, Mr. Bristow was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Medley, who was born in Iowa and is a daughter of James M. and Evaline Medley, who came to Oregon in November, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Bristow have six children, as follows: Greta Elizabeth, the wife of John T. Tryon, of Vancouver. Washington: W. W., who is engaged in the jewelry business in Eugene: D. D.. deceased; Evelyn, who is at home; Dorothy, deceased; and Helen, at home. Mr. Bristow is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has taken the degrees of the York and Scottish rites; and belongs also to the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and the Knights of Pythias. Politically he has been a lifelong supporter of the republican party and has been active in local public affairs. He served as mayor of Cottage Grove three terms and as city treasurer and since coming to Eugene has served as a member of the city council. A man of strong individuality, candid and straightforward in manner, he has been influential in local affairs and has well merited the high place which he holds in public confidence and esteem. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in June 2016 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.