Hines, H. K. "An Illustrated History of the State of Oregon." Chicago: Lewis
Pub. Co. 1893.  p. 267.

OSCAR O. GANIARD

     A capitalist of Ashland.  the Ganiard family trace their genealogy back to
France.  Peter Ganiard, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in the
city of St. Fleche, July 22, 1734, and his wife, Esther (Marriett) Ganiard, was
born at Killingsworth, Connecticut, September 22, 1740.  Their marriage occurred
February 14, 1776, and they were the parents of ten children.  >From this family
the Ganiards of America have descended.  The Marrietts were of English descent,
and settled in Connecticut early in the seventeenth century.  Peter Ganiard and
his elder brother, James, were the children of wealthy parents, residents of La
Fleche, France.  In 1874 they fitted vessels of their own and sailed to the West
Indies, locating on the island of Hispaniola.  They soon opened a thriving trade
with the colonies.  James, the eldest, induced his brother to go to New London,
Connecticut, and learn the English language, in order that they might better
carry on commercial relations between the American colonies and the West Indies.
Peter, although a minor at that time, was a thorough French Scholar, but after
becoming acquainted with the English language and customs, he neglected the
business between himself and brother.  He finally spent his money and ceased to
correspond with the latter.  He located at Killingsworth, where he remained
secluded many years.  After a time James became Governor of Hispaniola, but he
never ceased to search for his truant brother, and after a lapse of fourteen
years Peter's identity was discovered by a captain of one of the many vessels
belonging to James, and through him was induced to return to the islands with
his family, consisting of a wife and five children.  Peter was kindly received
by his brother, and all matters of the past were forgiven.  The union of the
brothers was of short duration, however, as religious views soon caused their
separation.  Peter and family returned to the colonies, locating again at
Killingsworth, Connecticut, where he remained until the breaking out of the
Revolutionary war, and he then learned of his brother's demise, and also that a
portion of the estate was left to him.  On visiting Hispaniola he found matters
in a deplorable condition, but was able to secure about $3,000 in gold, and the
wearing apparel of his brother, a part of which is still supposed to be in
possession of some of the descendants. 
     The subject of this sketch, Oscar Ganiard, was born in Ontario county, New
York, January 28, 1832, a son of Peter Ganiard, a native of the same State.  The
mother, nee Ruth Beldon, was a native of Massachusetts, and of English
extraction.  The parents reared a family of ten children, our subject being the
third child.  They removed to Ohio when he was but two years of age, and in 1838
located at Jonesville, Michigan, where young Oscar received his education.  In
1852 he crossed the plains to Oregon, and for the first few years remained in
the Willamette valley.  In 1856 he removed to Josephine county, where he was
engaged in merchandising and farming; in 1872 began farming and merchandising in
Jackson county; and in 1884 took up his residence in Ashland.  Mr. Ganiard owns
valuable property adjacent to the city, which is devoted largely to fruit
growing, and consists of a general variety of delicious fruits, peaches
predominating.  He also owns some of the finest business and residence property
in Ashland, among which may be mentioned the opera house and White Sulphur
Spring Hotel.  In connection with the hotel building is located the bathhouses
of the well-known springs, which contain a rare combination of medicinal
qualities, and this renders them equal if not superior to any sulphur springs in
the State.  The baths are conveniently arranged, having separate compartments
for the use of male and female patrons.  The waters of these springs are highly
recommended by the medical fraternity, and those suffering from rheumatism,
blood or malarial diseases find these springs a specified for the cure of their
complaints.  The hotel and baths are now open to the public, and under the
management of Mr. Ganiard.  The family residence near by, a beautiful eight-room
cottage, was erected in 1889, at a cost of $4,000, and is a gem of architecture.
     the Ashland Opera House is a substantial three-story brick building and
covers a space of 60 x 100 feet.  It was completed in 1889, at a cost of
$20,000.  The first floors are used as business houses, and the second and third
comprises the theater.  The building is well lighted and ventilated, and has a
seating capacity of 800.  The stage is of a late design, well equipped with
scenery and all necessary paraphernalia.  the dressing and baggage-rooms are all
that could be desired for convenience and comfort.  The entire building is
lighted by the electric light system.  In all, the opera house is perhaps
somewhat in advance of other city developments, however, it may be said of Mr.
Ganiard, that he always keeps abreast of the times.  He has been prominently
identified with the growth and prosperity of Ashland ever since he located in
its limits, has been closely connected with school matters, and was elected a
member of the City Council in 1891.
     In 1858 Mr. Ganiard returned to Jonesville, Michigan, and was there joined
in marriage, July 5, of the same year, with Miss Lucinda Ganiard, a native of
Rochester, New York.  They have one daughter living, Lottie L., now Mrs. J. E.
Pelton, of Ashland.  They lost two sons by diphtheria:  Oscar, who died March
30, 1882; and Frederick, April 17, same year.  As a citizen Mr. Ganiard takes an
active interest in political matters.  Politically, he affiliates with the
Republican party.

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