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. 681.
 
THOMAS J. MONROE

     is certainly one of the earliest pioneers of central Oregon. In addition to
that, he has so labored with enterprise and industry since those days, in
building up the country and bringing in the ways of civilization, that he is to
be classed as one of the builders of Wheeler county, being, also, one of its
representative citizens at this day. He now resides about seven miles out from
Mitchell on the Fossil stage road and there, with his family, owns a magnificent
estate of fourteen hundred acres of choice land. He gives his attention to the
oversight of this and to raising stock, which latter industry he has followed
here for over thirty years. In his labors Mr. Monroe has manifested great
enterprise and his care and thrift have made him a splendid success. Coming and
starting here without means, he has won his way steadily on until he is classed
as one of the wealthy men of the county and every dollar of it represents his
toil and business ability.
     Thomas T. Monroe was born in Belmont county, Ohio, on January 6, 1837. His
father, William Monroe, was a native of Pennsylvania, and came with his parents,
when a lad, to Ohio, which was then a wild country. The ancestors were veterans
of the Revolution and were prominent in colonial days, being farmers. He married
Miss Ann Mann, a native of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio with
her parents when a girl.
     Our subject gained his education in Ohio and in Iowa, and in 1865,
accompanied by his parents, two brothers and two sisters, crossed the plains to
Lane county, Oregon. In 1869, the family came thence to the vicinity of Mitchell
and here the father died on May 11, 1873. After his death, the boys, under the
guiding direction of their mother, operated the ranch. Thomas J. was with his
parents in all their journeys, and in 1872 took government land here. His
attention was turned to fanning and stock raising and now he is the possessor of
nine hundred and sixty acres, while his children own half as much more. They are
prosperous and substantial people.
     In 1860 Mr. Monroe married Miss Mary A. Snedeker. She was born in Ohio and
came with her husband to the Pacific coast. Her parents, John and Pricilla
(Hall) Snedeker, natives of Ohio and Virginia, respectively, came from Dutch
stock. Her grandfather served in the War of 1812. To Mr. and Mrs. Monroe four
children have been born: Almira, deceased; Daniel B., Sarah P., and Martha E. It
is to his credit to note that when Mr. Monroe came here he had no capital, all
his property has been gained by his industry and care here. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Monroe endured all the deprivations incident to those early days, labored
industriously, denying themselves much, and have well earned their competence.


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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.