Gaston, Joseph. "The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912." Vol. 4. Chicago, Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. p. 43. J. O. HAMAKER, now serving for the second term as mayor of Bonanza, of which twon he was practically the founder and builder, and also publishing the Bonanza Bulletin, was born in Marion county, Iowa, July 30, 1856 his parents being David and Rebecca (Rodgers) Hamaker both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the latter being a lineal descendant of Sir John Rodgers. The Hamakers are of German lineage and the name was originally spelled Hammacher. The family was founded in America at an early period in the development of this country and the grandfather was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. David Hamaker was married in Ohio and in 1847 removed to Iowa, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. He and his brothers built the first mill in that locality and they came of a family of millers. In 1864 he and his eldest son, J. W. Hamaker, enlisted for service in the Civil War, the latter becoming a member of the Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, while the father was chaplain of the Fortieth Iowa. Both served until the close of the hostilities and the father contracted disease which caused his death less than a year after the close of the war. Two daughters of the family died in childhood, while four sons reached maturity, namely: J.W., now deceased; J.D., of Toledo, Oregon; S.C., of Bly, Oreong; and J.O., of this review. The last named remained at the place of his birth until 1869 spending his time in school and upon the farm. He afterward lived for seven years in Kansas and during that period devoted two years to the study of telegraphy at Humboldt, Kansas. He was worked around the depot in different ways and spent some time in school. Believing that the far west offered better opportunities, he came to Oregon in 1879 and on the 1st of March, 1880, settled in Klamath county, where he has since remained. He spent seven years in the saddle as a cowboy and then embarked in merchandising in Bonanza but during the first year lost five thousand dollars. During that time he platted the first addition to the town and, in fact, was the real founder of the town, for there was only one house here when he came. During the past seven years he has edited and published the Bonanza Bulletin, making it an attractive country town paper. He has also practiced law to some extent and has the only land law library in Klamath county. He also owns two ranches in this district and twenty-five town lots. He is likewise the owner of the telephone exchange of Bonanza, having installed the system and secured a thirty-years' franchise. His various business interests are capably conducted and he is now prospering in his undertakings. In 1885 Mr. Hamaker was united in marriage to Miss Annie M. Horton, who was born in the Willamette valley of Oregon in 1860, and is a daughter of W. H. and Elizabeth (Poe) Horton. Unto them have been born nine children: Ora R., who is the wife of George S. Boyd of Bly, Oregon; Horace E., spent one year as a student of the Oregon Agricultural College of Corvallis and is now in Bonanza; Mont W.; Marie; Marvin Horton; Hilda H.; Birdie E.; Annie; and Amanda. The eldest daughter was a member of the first class that graduated on the completion of the eighth grade work from the schools of Bonanza. Mr. Hamaker is a republican in his political views and has filled several local offices. He served for five years as United States Ccommissioner of Oregon and at the present time he is serving for the second term as mayor of the town. He exercises his official prerogatives and his influence as a private citizen in behalf of the best interests of the community and his labors have been effective forces for upbuilding, progress and development here. He is energetic, determined and resolute, and accomplishes what he undertakes. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project Jenny Tenlen. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.