Gaston, Joseph.  "The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912."  Vol. 3. 
Chicago, Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. p. 952.
 
HERBERT BOWEN CRANSTON

     whose death occurred June 26, 1910, was one of the leading stockmen and
agriculturists of Baker county. Self-made, he was likewise prominent and highly
respected and his record may well serve as a source of inspiration and
encouragement to others. He was born in Auburn, Oregon, December 21, 1864, a son
of Edward P. and Anna (Comnaughty) Cranston, who were natives of Ohio and New
York respectively. They were the first couple married in Idaho City, the wedding
being celebrated in 1860. The father was active in mercantile pursuits,
operating in various localities in Idaho, Washington and Oregon. He finally
entered the live-stock business and took up general agricultural pursuits, in
which he continued for some time. In his family were the following named sons
and daughters: Herbert B.; Walter B., who died January 5, 1895; Edward P.; Earl
F.; Anna E.; and Maude.
     Herbert Bowen Cranston was educated in various localities, according to the
removals of the family, and he learned business methods through practical
contact with the world. He finally took up ranching in the Lower Powder river
valley in Baker county, twenty miles from Baker City, having there six hundred
and twenty acres of land which he devoted to stock raising and to the
cultivation of cereals and fruits. His methods were practical, his plans of a
progressive character and his enterprise took him to a point along the highroad
of success beyond that to, which many of his fellow travelers on life's journey
had attained. He served as postmaster of Keating from 1902 until 1907 and in
office made a record as creditable as he did in business circles.
     On the 5th of March, 1889, Mr. Cranston was united in marriage to Miss
Laura Saunders and unto them were born three sons and a daughter: Walter A.,
Herbert C., Florence M. and George A. On the 13th of September, 1899, Mrs.
Cranston died and on the 9th of January, 1901, Mr. Cranston wedded Margaret
Flynn, who was born in England on the 26th of February, 1869, and is a daughter
of Francis and Mary (Danglier) Flynn. Her parents emigrated to the United States
from the mother country, settling in Kentucky, and there Mrs. Flynn passed away,
while the father and children afterward removed to the state of New York. Mrs.
Cranston was but two years of age when she came to America with her parents, and
in St. Mary's Academy in New Jersey she was educated. In 1900 she came with her
brother to Oregon and has since made her home in this state. Upon the death of
her husband she inherited the ranch and has manifested excellent business
ability in its control and management. She is a woman of sound judgment and
practical ideas, as evidenced by her capable direction of her business affairs.
Mrs. Cranston is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church and possesses the
charm of manner, refinement and culture that characterize many convent bred
women. She displays as marked executive ability and sagacity in directing the
operation of her ranch as in supervising her household affairs. She has made
many friends during, the period of her residence here and is very popular in the
social circles of her community.
     Mr. Cranston was a republican in his political views but never an office
seeker. He was, however, active in citizenship and cooperated in many plans and
projects for the public good. He was identified with no clubs nor fraternal
organizations, preferring to give his leisure hours to his home, and his many
sterling traits of character made him one of the best liked and most highly
esteemed men of Baker county.


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