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. 911.
 
JOHN ALLEN WITHERS

     deceased. It is very fitting that in a volume which purports to speak of
the early pioneers and prominent citizens of Lake county, we should incorporate
an epitome of the life of John A. Withers, for he certainly was one of the
leading men of this part of the county and was beloved and esteemed by all who
know him. The old home place is about nine miles northwest from Paisley where
his son, Charles W. Withers, resides at the present time.
     John A. Withers was born on May 1, 1854, in Benton county, Oregon. His
father, Peter Withers, married Effie A. Early and they crossed the plains from
Missouri to Oregon in every early days and are now living in Lane county. Our
subject was the oldest of the family and the other children are Peter, of Lane
county; Mrs. Mary Hadley, of Lane county; and Mrs. Ada Roberts, of Prescott,
Arizona. Our subject grew Up with his parents and received as good an education
as the pioneer country would afford. Then in 1871, he came to Summer Lake and
soon after located a homestead. He engaged in the stock business and on May 10,
1875, married Melvina Frances Hadley who was born in Shasta county, California.
Her father, Samuel B; Hadley, crossed the plains from the state of Illinois to
Oregon in the early forties and was about the first settler where the city of
Portland now stands. Later, he went to Douglas county and took a donation claim
being one of the first settlers in that county.  After that, he journeyed to
Shasta county, California, and returned to Douglas county and then came to
Summer Lake valley in this county. This was in 1871 and he was one of the very
first settlers here. He made this his home until his death in 1891. He married
Emily A. Hammond, who accompanied him across the plains and died in Douglas
county in 1886. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Withers are Albert H.,
deceased; Mrs. Margaret L. Hannan, deceased; S. G., of Silver lake; Melvina F.,
who is the wife of our subject, and Melville F., twins, the latter in Lincoln
county, Washington; John T., deceased; Mrs. Kitty E. Currier of Summer lake and
Henry M. of Fruitland, Washington. To Mr. and Mrs. Withers, two children were
born, Chester Lawrence, who married Melva Lewis and is now in the general
merchandise business in Paisley and Charles Wayman, who married Lottie D.
Harris. He was formerly in partnership with his brother in the store but sold
out and bought the old home ranch which consists of one thousand acres of hay
and pasture land. It has all conveniences, good house, barn and orchard, and is
one of the choice places of the country. Mr. Withers has quite a band of sheep
and also raises cattle and horses. To him and his wife, two children have been
born, Muriel Frances and Vancil Allen. The sons of Mr. Withers are both members
of the I. 0. 0. F.  He gave them both a college education in Portland and San
Francisco. On March 27, 1902, Mr. Withers died from the effects of smallpox. His
death was most sincerely mourned as he was one of the leading and good men of
the country. His circle of friendship was as wide as his acquaintance and he was
looked up to and respected by everybody. He was a prominent citizen and devoted
and faithful husband and a kind and generous neighbor. He was always ready to
assist in every movement for the upbuilding of the country and no unfortunate
person ever appealed to him for help without receiving the same.


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