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. 1012.

GEORGE WASHINGTON OFFIELD

     is well known in Merrill where he has resided for some time. He owns about
three hundred acres of choice agricultural land besides a fine residence and
eight lots in Merrill. He was born on January 14, 1868 in Parkersburg, Coos
county, Oregon, thus having the distinction of being a native Oregonian. His
father, John L. Offield, came from English ancestry.   He married Amanda E.
Vance, of French extraction. Our subject grew up in his native place and spent
his time between laboring on the farm and attending the public schools until he
was sixteen years of age. Then he started out for himself, working at various
occupations, on the farms, in the stores and so forth all through western Oregon
and northwest California.   At the age of twenty-seven, he discovered that it
would be more to his advantage for him to be skilled in educational matters,
consequently he began studying in a private business college at Bonanza, Oregon.
In addition to the business course which he completed in due time, he had made
special progress in various other branches and came from the institution fairly
skilled in an ordinary English education. After quitting the course, he took the
Civil service examination under the government for bookkeeping and secured one
hundred as his mark, a very remarkable standing. Later, he took another
examination in other brandies and secured ninety one per cent. In 1886, he had
come to this county and after his examination, he spent three years in teaching
here. Then he purchased a ranch and has added since until he has the amount
mentioned, which is all first class agricultural lands. One half of it is under
cultivation and he produces alfalfa and grain. In 1901, Mr. Offield accepted a
position as bookkeeper of the Whitney Mercantile Co., of Merrill, which position
he still holds. His residence is a nice six room cottage and he also has other
property besides which has been mentioned.
     On October 1, 1899, Mr. Offield married Miss Winifred Brown, who was born
near Pueblo, Colorado, the daughter of Rice and Mary Brown, the latter deceased.
Mr. Brown was a native of Missouri and immigrated to California in early day and
about twenty-two years ago, came to Ashland, Oregon. In 1886, he settled in
Klamath county and is now living some nine miles west of Klamath Falls. Mrs.
Offield has one brother, Madison, of Billings, Montana. Three children have been
born to our subject and his wife. Elda Ruby, Lester Clifford and Vera Viola.
     He and his wife are members of the Baptist church and are highly esteemed
people.  Mr. Offield is serving his second term as justice of the peace and also
is in his second term as mayor of the town of Merrill. In 1900, he was nominated
by the Democratic party for county superintendent of schools but as the county
was Republican, he lost the day by a very small majority.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in May 2011 by Diana Smith.  Submitter has
no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.