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. 615.
 
JOHN ARTHUR RICHMOND

     who is one of Gilliam county's prosperous farmers residing about fifteen
miles west from Condon, is a native of Ontario. Canada, his birth occurring on
November 10, 1853. Richard Richmond was his father, and he. too, was born in
Ontario. He was a prominent and wealthy men and stood at the head of important
and numerous large enterprises. He had started in life as a millwright and so
successful was he that at one time he was the owner of a woolen mill, a flour
mill, and oat meal mill, and a saw mill. He also owned a large and valuable
farm. He had gone to Ontario with his father-in-law and received grants of land
from the government. Later in life, he went to Iowa and there built a flour
mill. He remained in. that state until his death. He was of English ancestry and
married Miss Laura Bowerman, who was born at Picton, Ontario, of German parents.
She was an adherent of the Quaker church.  Her father was also a mill owner and
very wealthy. He sunk a large salt well which cost a great deal of money. Our
subject was educated in his native place and after his father's death, went with
his mother to Illinois. This was in 1859. In 1862, he returned to Ontario and
there remained until 1885. In that year, Mr. Richmond decided to come west and
accordingly we find him in Oregon soon. Pendleton was his first stopping place
and there he wrought until 1888. That was the year when he took up his residence
in Gilliam county, taking a homestead. He went to work with a will to make a
good home, and as he was without capital. he was forced to labor hard and
carefully to attain the end he had wished for. He soon was in a position to
purchase other land and he now owns two sections of good land. He has devoted
himself to farming and stock raising since the day of his settling here and in
it all, while he has met with much adversity and many obstacles to overcome, he
has achieved a splendid success. He has a large number of cattle and horses. His
place is a fine one and the improvements show a wisdom and thrift such as are
required to build up a country.
     In 1875, Mr. Richmond married Miss Mary J. Tompkins, who was born in
Ontario. Her parents were Henry and Eliza J. (Stinson) Tompkins, natives of
Ontario and Ireland, respectively. The father was very wealthy and prominent in
Ontario. Six children have been born to this household. May, Mabel, Henrietta,
Henry. Annie Laura, and Henry deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Richmond stand well in this
community and are industrious and good people. Through their personal efforts
they have acquired their wealth and their labors have stimulated others to
worthy effort.


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