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. 900. STERLING P. VERNON was born in Crook county, Texas, on February 13, 1862, and now resides some three miles south of Lakeview, where he follows farming and stock raising. He has a choice ranch of two hundred and seventeen acres, mostly first class hay land. Owing to his thrift, industry and wisdom, he has gained a fine holding in property through his own labors here and is considered one of the substantial men of the county. His parents, Andersen P. and Dollie (Leathers) Vernon, journeyed to Benton county, Arkansas, when our subject was a young lad. In 1876, the family came to Surprise valley, California, and the following year, to Lake county. Thus they were among the early pioneers in this section of the country. They made location in the Goose Lake valley and selected a homestead. There were only two or three houses in Lakeview at that time and the entire country was very sparsely settled. Game of all kinds was in abundance on every hand and it seemed to be a veritable paradise for pioneers. Our subject, being of a studious turn of mind, gained an education although his opportunities were very limited. He accomplished this by studying much at home and in due rime; he received a certificate and began teaching school. For three years, he followed this occupation and showed himself a thorough and first-class educator. In 1892, on October 12, Mr. Vernon married Aliss Effie Down, who was born in Sonoma county, California, the daughter of Albert S. and Carrie (Ballard) Down. To this happy marriage, six children have been born : Ralph, Willard, Dora, Vera, Frank and May. Vera is deceased. Mr. Vernon is a member of the, A. 0. U. W., while he and his wife both belong to the Baptist church. They have been very active in church work and also constantly labor for the upbuilding of the cause and the spreading of the gospel. In addition to doing school teaching as mentioned above, Mr. Vernon has always been a warm advocate of educational advantages and has a strong record in that line. Besides the property mentioned, he owns a fine band of well bred cattle, has a good large barn, plenty of outbuildings and so forth and is one of the prosperous and well-to-do men of the county. He also owns two hundred and seventy-three acres of land six miles east from his home place which is utilized for pasture. When it is considered that Mr. Vernon started at twenty-one years of age without any means and has gained this fine list of property besides some more, entirely through his own efforts, we can well see that he is a man of energy and wisdom. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in March 2011 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.