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. 752.
 
JAMES M. STREET

     is now one of the substantial men of Crook county and has been a typical
frontiersman in this and other western sections. He is one of the hardy,
fearless men whose pleasure it was to take up the hard part of pioneer living
and fight back the savage until the way was open for the more timid class from
the east to settle in this country. Mr. Street follows farming and stock raising
at the present time and resides about thirty-seven miles out from Paulina on the
Burns stage road. He was born in Putnam county. Tennessee, on January 4, 1860.
John Street, his father, was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on January 12,
1812. When a young man he removed to Tennessee and engaged in farming. Also he
gave considerable attention to teaching school both in South Carolina and in
Tennessee.  He enlisted at the time of the outbreak of the Mexican war and was
an orderly sergeant under Genearl Scott. After serving during that entire
struggle he returned to Tennessee and married in 1851. Upon the outbreak of the
Civil war he enlisted to fight throughout. In 1870 he journeyed to California
and there remained until his death, on August 30, 1884. He was a prominent, well
educated and leading man. He had married Martha A. Roberson, a native of Putnam
county, Tennessee. She was the mother of ten children and accompanied her
husband in his various journeys, and is now living in California. Our subject
was but a lad when the family came to California and there he received his
education. When eighteen years of age he came to what is now Harney county,
Oregon, and engaged as a cowboy. For two years he followed that business
steadily, becoming one of the most expert horsemen and ropers in the country.
Then he returned to California and farmed for a couple of years. He traveled
about considerably until 1884 when he journeyed to Crook county and wrought for
wages two years before taking the government land where he now resides. He has
ridden the range in Nevada, California and Oregon and is thoroughly acquainted
not only with the country but with the dangers and hardships of cowboy life.
Starting in life with no capital whatever, Mr. Street has become a wealthy man
and has gained it all by his own efforts.
     In 1897 Mr. Street married Miss Emma Hamilton, who was born in Lane county,
Oregon, and came to Prineville with her parents in 1876. Her father, William C.
Hamilton, was born in Indiana, raised in Illinois and crossed the plains to
Oregon in 1852. He married Jane Gholson, a native of Illinois, who was raised in
Iowa and crossed the plains to Oregon in 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Street have one
child, Eva G. During the Bannock war Mr. Street was a scout for Colonel Bernard
and did much excellent service. During this time he made one of the most famous
rides on record. Being pursued by Indians, he started for help at three o'clock
in the afternoon and the next morning at nine o'clock reached his destination,
after riding one hundred and twenty miles. He escaped his pursuers and arrived
in safety. He held the office of orderly sergeant of the home guards during this
Indian war and his fearlessness and excellent service were well known to those
who participated in that struggle.


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