"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 479.  Grant County.

JOHN W. CONGER

     Among the many industries that have employed the hand of man none are more
ancient, more widely followed, and more necessary for the sustenance of the race
than those of raising stock and farming.  Grant county has a wide awake,
progressive and intelligent company of patriotic citizens who have given
themselves to the prosecution of these industries and prominent among them is
the gentleman of whom we now have the pleasure of writing and who has been
instrumental in assisting materially in the development of the resources of the
county and its substantial progress, as well as demonstrating his ability and
good financiering in handling his own private affairs.
     Mr. Conger was born in Lane county, Oregon, on March 7, 1861, being the son
of Enoch and Permelia (Hall) Conger, who migrated to that county the year
previous from the state of Iowa, whither they had come from their native state,
Indiana.  Remaining with his parents, in working on the farm and in attendance
upon the public schools, the minority of John W. was passed, and in 1879 he came
direct to this valley and settled on his present place, which is six miles north
from Longcreek.  He took a pre-emption and also a homestead, and then bought one
hundred and sixty acres more, which gives him the generous estate of four
hundred and eighty acres.  To the improvement and cultivation of this land he
has given his careful attention since and the result is that unbounded success
has been the meed of his endeavors.  In addition to this he handled sheep for
two years immediately succeeding his advent here, then in company with his
brother they handled them on share for eight years, wherein he has prospered
continuously, owing to his vigilance in every detail and his sagacity and
executive ability in manipulating the enterprise.  After the close of this time
he sold the entire bands and alone bought cattle, which he has been handling
since with his accustomed success and prosperity.  His fine farm is well
improved, having a comfortable house and large barn and other accessories.
     The marriage of Mr. conger and Miss Olive E., daughter of John P. and
Harriet V. Baird, of Sumpter, occurred in October, 1888, and they have become
the parents of three children.   Willard M., deceased; Addie B., deceased; Sadie
Marie.  In 1881, Mr. Conger's parents removed from their donation claim in the
Willamette valley to Longcreek where the mother is still living, but the father
died in 1895.  Mr. conger is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, at
Longcreek.  He is one of the substantial and successful men of the county and
actively interested in public matters, ever manifesting uprightness and
integrity.

*******************

Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in September 2005 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.