Gaston, Joseph. "The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912." Vol. 4. Chicago, Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. p. 430. JOHN W. PERNOLL is the well known and popular postmaster of Applegate, Jackson county, this state, and is a native son of Oregon and the county and city in which he lives. He was born April 30, 1877, his parents being William and Nancy (Miller) Pernoll. The father was a native of Germany and the mother of Rogue river valley in Jackson county. The father of Mrs. Pernoll, John S. Miller, came to Oregon in 1846 from Missouri, crossing the plains with ox teams, stopping for a short time in the northern part of the state, thence continuing his journey to Jackson county where he effected his permanent settlement and established his home. He and Burrell B. Griffin, the great-grandfather of him whose name introduces this review, were veterans of the Indian wars from which this section of the state suffered during the early years of their pioneer life. William Pernoll in his early life was a seafaring man, roving the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, making all merchantable ports of the world. His vessel on touching port on the Pacific coast afforded him an opportunity to obtain a glimpse of the undeveloped resources of the Pacific seaboard, which proved to be so attractive that he deserted his ship and joined the great body of men in their rush to the rich diggings in the gold fields. In 1853 he removed to Oregon and located at Jacksonville in Jackson county, where he continued his occupation of miner for some two or three years. Later he changed his place of residence to Old Williamsburg where he took up a homestead and engaged in diversified farming and stock-raising to which he also added the occupation of a butcher. Some years later he filed upon a government homestead on Applegate river, two miles northwest of the present site of Applegate postoffice. He removed to this homestead, upon which he lived for many years, but in later life came to Applegate where he maintained his residence until the time of his death which occurred in June, 1900. For some years before his death he was engaged in the mercantile business which he conducted first on his ranch and later removed to Applegate. John W. Pernoll was reared in his father's home while he acquired his education in the public schools. From his childhood lie has never left the parental roof and during all these years has been engaged in the mercantile business, identified with the growing interests of his father's farm and merchandising enterprise. Immediately following the death of his father he succeeded to the management of the farm to which he has since continued to give his attention. On December 1, 1901, he received the appointment of postmaster of Applegate and in this office he has faithfully and conscientiously served the government and the people. He is a member of Warren Lodge, No. 10, A. F. & A. M., of Jacksonville; Jacksonville Dodge, No. 10, I. 0. 0. F.; and Grants Pass Camp, No. 8007, M. W. A. He is independent in his political affiliations, giving his ballot to the candidates and the issues which he believes will render most faithful and effective service to the cause of the people. He is still a single man but, nevertheless, is identified with all the healthy social growth of his county and community. He is always to be relied upon to lend his influence to the furtherance of any enterprise seeking the educational, social, industrial or moral development of his. county and state. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in April 2008 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.