Parsons, Col. William and Shiach, W. S.  "An Illustrated History of Umatilla
County and of Morrow County." Spokane, WA: W. H. Lever, 1902. p. 470.
 
J. E. HOON

     To this esteemed and worthy pioneer belongs by right a place in these
chronicles of Umatilla county, being one of the earliest pioneers to this valley
now living, and having resided continuously here since his early settlement,
while his life of active industry and faithful integrity has been a fine
exemplification of the loyal and intelligent citizen, the typical pioneer and
the true Christian.
     He was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, his parents being William W.
and Bathsheba (Moore) Hoon, by whom he was early removed from his native state
to Ohio, whence he went to Illinois when but a boy, and from there to Iowa,
later to Missouri and then to Nebraska. From this last place he started with ox
teams to the west, landing in this valley the same year, August 31, 1861, and
has remained here ever since. His capital after a careful invoice upon reaching
this destination, proved to be two good strong hands and plenty of pluck, with a
generous stock of excellent practical judgment. At once he began activities as
engineer in the mills and soon had sufficient funds to get land, whereupon he
began stock raising and agriculture. To these occupations he has devoted his
talent and time continuously since, receiving that prosperity that is bound to
attend industry and thrift put forth wisely and with care. He now owns eight
hundred acres of fine land, besides fifty in Milton, ten of which is planted to
fruit, and also handles some fine herds of thoroughbred cattle.  Mr. Hoon
believes that the reason the earlier settlers did not get the bounteous yields
that now favor the farmers of this rich county is not because of less skill
possessed by the pioneers, but because it was necessary for the soil to pass
through a chemical change induced by cultivation and by the tramping of the
thousands of herds that have since roamed over the prairies. In those early days
the soil was loose and light and would dry out below the roots of the plants,
but now it is compact and yields better is his statement in few words. He has
always taken an active interest in the affairs of the county and the country at
large, ever manifesting the zeal of the typical citizen for the advancement of
principles of justice and true government.
     The marriage of Mr. Hoon and Rebecca Hill occurred in Franklin,
Pennsylvania, on February 19, 1889, and to them was born one child, Zarra. Mrs.
Hoon died in March, 1891.
     In 1894 Mr. Hoon contracted a second marriage, Lavenia Duffield, becoming
his wife at that time. They are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church at
Freewater, where they reside. Mr. Hoon has always been especially active in the
interests of his church, both in church work and in daily life showing forth the
principles of his faith. He has gained the respect and confidence of his fellows
and is held in high estimation by all who may have the pleasure of his
acquaintance.
 


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