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. 586.
 
RALPH FROMAN

     who resides seven miles west from Condon, was born in Linn county, Oregon,
on January 2, 1859. Since that time, he has spent his entire life in the Webfoot
State and is a representative citizen of this great commonwealth. His industry,
his stability and his success have made him one of the leading men and now one
of the wealthy residents of this part of the state. His father, I. R. Froman,
was born in Illinois and crossed the plains in the early fifties, settling on a
donation claim in Linn county, Oregon. He fought in all the early Indian
struggles in this territory and was a true and typical pioneer. His labors
brought him wealth and he is still living. He married Eliza Henderson of
Danville, Illinois, who accompanied him across the plains and has been a
faithful helpmeet in all his labors here. Our subject was educated in Albany and
in 1882, came to The Dalles. For some time he wrought for wages and then
selected a homestead where he now resides. This was in 1881. He added to that a
timber culture claim and preemption and set about the task of making a fine home
and in this he has succeeded admirably. To the original government claims he has
added more land by purchase until his estate numbers over eleven hundred acres.
He raises considerable stock in addition to general farming, and has so ordered
his business affairs that the best of success attends his labors. The farm is
laid out with taste and wisdom, the improvements are all good and substantial
and everything indicates a man of ability and stamina.
     In 1882, Mr. Froman married Miss Harriett Davis, the daughter of Caleb and
Ann Marie(Crisman) Davis, natives of Missouri and pioneers to Oregon. It was in
1849 that they threaded the plains with ox teams and settled in Linn county on a
donation claim. There they became wealthy and prominent. Mrs. Froman was born in
Linn county, Oregon. To her and her husband, two children have been born, B.
Earl and Carl E.
     Mr. Froman is a member of the K. P. and P. of H. He always takes an
interest in politics and has served one term as commissioner of Gilliam county.
Starting in this country with no means whatever, he has risen to be one of the
leading citizens and wealthy men, which speaks much for his labors and wisdom.
He has shown himself to be a man governed by principle and integrity and stands
well in the community.


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