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. 780. PERRY READ who resides at Culver, in Crook county, was born in Benton county, Oregon, on May 11, 1849. Thomas N. Read, his father, was born in New Hampshire, in 1812 and was reared in Massachusetts. He operated a flat boat on the Mississippi for a number of years, then in 1845, crossed the plains to Oregon. At The Dalles, the people of the train were sent down the river on rafts, while the wagons and teams went over the Cascades. Mr. Read located a donation claim in Benton county, six miles north of the present site of Corvallis. He married Nancy White, a native of Ohio, the wedding occurring on November 10, 1846. She had crossed the plains in the same train as her husband. Our subject was one of the first white children born in Benton county, Oregon, and he received his education from the common schools of that county and there remained until he had grown to manhood. In 1871 he came to the present site of Prineville and was occupied there variously for two years. Then he went to Willow creek, where he took a homestead, preemption and timber culture. He purchased other land until he had all told, eight hundred acres and engaged in general farming and stock raising. He had a fine herd of cattle and a splendid location, but the trying times of 1888-89 broke him up financially as that did many another good plan and he was forced to begin life over again, practically. However, his courage and spirit were equal to the occasion and he took hold with a will and soon was on the high road to prosperity. In 1897 Mr. Read came to his present location and purchased four hundred acres of choice land. In 1904, he erected one of the most beautiful houses in the county and all the other improvements on the estate are commensurate therewith. He is a very thrifty man and although he has met with many reverses during his life, he is still favored by the goddess of good fortune and is one of the prosperous men of the county today. On December 16, 1873, Mr. Read married Hattie E. Montgomery. She was born at Brownsville, Oregon, on May 15, 1856. Her father, Kennedy Montgomery, was a native of Iowa and crossed the plains in 1852. He made settlement in Linn county and became one of the prominent men there, being one of the early pioneers. He is now living on Willow creek in this county. He married Ellen Blakely, a native of Tennessee, who crossed the plains in 1846. Her father, James Blakely, was one of the most prominent men of Linn county. He was captain of a company in the Cayuse War and was a member of the state legislature. At the present time, he is ninety-one years of age, is very active and retains all his faculties. He raised a family of ten children all of whom are prominent and substantial people. The boys take a leading part in politics and James M. is at present sheriff of Wallowa county, Oregon ; William is the sheriff of Umatilla county. To our subject and his wife, the following named children have been born: Lilly May, on May 21, 1875 ; and Pearl and Perry, twins, on January 15, 1882 ; Lilly is a graduate of the agricultural college at Corvallis and is now engaged in teaching. Mr. Read has two sisters and three brothers, Thressa, born in Benton county, Oregon, in 1847, being one of the first white children born there, and being now deceased ; Clara, born in 1851; Columbia, Sumner, and Charles. Mr. Read is a member of the A. O. U. W. and the Artisans. He has always taken a very active part in building up the country and in promoting every enterprise for the public good. He is always found ready for any enterprise that is worthy and is known as a progressive, public minded and substantial man. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in October 2011 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.