Gaston, Joseph. "Portland, Oregon Its History and Builders." Vol. 3. Chicago and Portland, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911. p. 808. JOHN E. STANSBERY John E. Stansbery was numbered among the early settlers who established homes on the present site of Portland when it was little dreamed that the boundaries of the city would cover what was then farm and timber land. In the district known as Woodlawn he carried on agricultural pursuits for a number of years and was numbered among those who laid the foundation for the more recent development and upbuilding of the district. He was born in Clark county, Indiana, April 14, 1825. His parents, J. E. and Esther (Stacker) Stansbery, were early settlers of that county and it was there that their son John pursued his education as a pupil in the pioneer schools. After putting aside his text-books he learned the cooper's trade and also followed farming, to which occupation he had been reared, early becoming his father's assistant in the work of the fields. In earnest toil, in which there were also hours of recreation, his youth was passed, and in the period of early manhood, when twenty-three years of age, he was married and later removed to Wayne county, Iowa, where he took up land from the government and made his home for a short time. Subsequently he removed to Jefferson county, that state, where he resided until 1862, when he brought his family to Oregon. Like many of the emigrants who had preceded him, he crossed the plains with an ox team, and the long, hard journey was concluded by his arrival in Portland in September, 1862. Soon afterward he went to Hillsboro, where he lived for a year, when he returned to Portland and about that time purchased a donation claim which now covers the site of Woodlawn. Upon that place he took up his abode It had but slight improvements upon it. There was a small house made of split wood and the kitchen had only a hard dirt floor. In that the family began keeping house, but as soon as possible Mr. Stansbery erected a fine residence. With characteristic energy he began the improvement of his farm, converting the wild land into productive fields, from which he annually gathered good crops. His labors were of a practical and progressive character and transformed his farm into a fine place. Mr. Stansbery was married in 1848 to Miss Anna M. Hughes, a daughter of William Hughes. Her birth occurred in Clark county, Indiana, February 11, 1827, and by her marriage she became the mother of thirteen children. The death of Mr. Stansbery occurred in March, 1882. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and an active and devoted member of the Methodist church, his labors proving a factor in the upbuilding of the church and the extension of its influence. His wife survived him for twenty-three years, passing away on the 10th of March, 1905. At the age of sixteen years she united with the Methodist church and her life was ever an expression of her Christian faith. She was often heard to remark: "If I have flowers I will present them while on earth, that their fragrance may do good. The earth is where the flowers and smiles and praises are needed, not after death." Her life was an exemplification of that sentiment. She was ever ready to aid those in need and by a cheery smile and word of encouragement helped many a fellow traveler upon life's journey. Her splendid qualities of heart and mind made her beloved by all and the deepest regret was felt by those who knew her when she responded to the call of death and was laid to rest by the side of her husband in Columbia cemetery. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in November 2007 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.