"An Illustrated history of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties : with a
brief outline of the early history of the state of Oregon." Chicago?: Western
Historical Pub. Co., 1902.  Page 603.  Malheur County.

JOHN L. SELLS

     This worthy pioneer of the county of Malheur is to-day one of the
substantial citizens and leading stockmen.  For many years he has wrought here
with energy and assiduity, gaining by industry and careful conservation of the
resources placed in his hands the competence that is the crown of his labors
now.  Mr. Sells was born in Franklin county, Virginia, in August, 1856, being
the son of John L. and Elizabeth (Akers) Sells.  In 1862 the entire family
removed to Montgomery county, Indiana, and there our subject was reared on a
farm, gaining his education from the common schools of that locality.  In 1874
he turned toward the west with an adventurous spirit and a courageous heart.  He
went to California and mined in the principal camps of that state and Oregon,
going then to Silver City, Idaho.  In 1880 he came to Baker county, Malheur
being then Baker, and he says that at that time there was no Ontario, Vale, and
no fences for miles in any direction and only occasionally a settler.  He
devoted his energies at that time to stock raising, leaving the mining field.
He has continued in the stock business since that time and has gained a good
success therein.  He has a half section of good land, three miles east from
Westfall, part of which he took as a homestead.  The farm is well improved, with
a fine seven room house, good stone barn, plenty of water for irrigating and
produces an abundance of hay.  Mr. Sells has a good bunch of cattle, a fine
business property in Westfall and his home place is valuable.  In political
matters he is allied with the Democratic party and he had always devoted that
attention to political matters that is demanded.
     The marriage of Mr. Sells and Miss Frances, daughter of Joseph A. and
Clementine (Ireland) Martin, was solemnized on December 6, 1895, and they have
become the parents of the following children:  Selma and Martin C.
     

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in March 2006 by Diana Smith. Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.