Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers.  "An
Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam,
Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties")  Spokane, WA: Western Historical
Publishing Co., 1905.  p. 553.
 
GEORGE B. BOURHILL

     is well known in Sherman county and needs no introduction to the people of
this part of Oregon. A sufficient account of his labors is the best encomium to
grant Mr. Bourhill according to the old proverb, "Let their works praise them in
the gates."
     George B. Bourhill was born in North Berwick, Scotland, on October 9, 1864,
and came from the stanch blood that has made that race renowned the world over.
His father, George Bourhill, was also a native of Scotland and remained there
until his death.  He married Jane M. Wright, a native of Edinburgh. They resided
on the farm and died in their native land. Our subject was educated in private
schools in his native town and when fourteen went to Edinburgh and accepted a
clerkship in a large printing establishment. He wrought two and one-half years,
then spent a year at home, and in 1882 started for the United States. He landed
in Iowa and took a position at farm work, continuing eighteen months. Next we
see him in Yamhill county, Oregon, where he spent two years in tilling the soil.
It was 1886 that he came to Sherman county and took land some six miles east of
Grass Valley. For ten years he was one of the enterprising agriculturists of the
county and then came to Grass Valley and engaged in the hardware business with
Milton Damon. A few months later Mr. Bourhill purchased his partner's interest
and with various changes in ownership, the business has continued until the
present time. He still owns one-fourth interest in the mercantile house and
gives his attention to the W. A. Gordon & Company bank at Grass Valley,
of which he is manager. In 1902 the style of the firm name of the hardware
business was changed to Weigand & Company, which continues until the present.
Mr. Bourhill has been more or less engaged in grain buying and other enterprises
during his residence in Grass Valley, and in 1903, W. A. Gordon & Company, of
Portland, established the Bank of Grass Valley and Mr. Bourhill has conducted it
since. He also is president and general manager of the Columbia Southern
Warehouse Company, the owners being himself, W. A. Gordon & Company, S. S. Hays,
of Moro, and George Vintin. Our subject owns a nice residence and also a choice
farm of one-half section near Grass Valley.
     On August 23, 1897, Mr. Bourhill married Grace Buker at Grass Valley. To
them have been born two children, Bessie and Clarence G., the former six years,
of age and the latter an infant. Mr. Bourhill has one brother, Frank W., at
Johannesburg, South Africa, and three sisters, Frances, in North Berwick,
Scotland ; Margaret G., at Durham, South Africa; and Isabella C., who has ably
assisted her brother in conducting the business in the bank, she being assistant
cashier.
     Politically, Mr. Bourhill is a Republican and in June, 1904, was elected
judge of Sherman county. He is not especially active in the political world yet
has frequently attended the county conventions and is a man who makes his
presence felt in these places. He is past noble grand of the I. O. O. F., and
past C. P. in the Encampment, and has also been delegate to the grand lodge.
Mrs. Bourhill is a member of the Methodist church. They are highly respected
people and have shown a substantially and integrity that commend them to the
confidence and esteem of every one.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in September 2007 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.