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. 593. WILLIAM W. HEAD has labored in Gilliam county for over a quarter of a century during which time he has demonstrated beyond peradventure that he is a man of industry and enterprise, sagacity and sound principle. At the present time he resides ten miles west from Olex where he has eight hundred acres of land, a portion of which is a meadow. His improvements upon the place are of the best and his home is one of the finest residences in Gilliam county. He has about two hundred head of Shorthorn cattle, forty horses, besides other property. He is one of the wealthy stockmen and farmers of the county as well as one of the leading citizens. William W. Head was born in Kentucky, March 19, 1854, his parents being John M. and Martha (Luckett) Head, natives of Franklin county. The father was a veteran of the Civil war. Our subject received a good education in the public schools of the Blue Grass State, remaining there with his father until 1878, then he came direct to Oregon and to what is now Gilliam county. Upon arriving here, he discovered that he had no capital and consequently began to work for wages. Shortly thereafter he took a homestead and then a preemption and a timber culture claim and continued working out until he had means enough to start hint in general farming. He commenced in a very small way and gradually increased his operations. As the seasons rolled by, he gained each year additional land until he had two thousand acres of fine wheat land besides some grazing land. This was made to produce bounteous harvests annually until 1902, when he sold his entire estate purchasing the farm where he now resides. Mr. Head is expecting to give his attention largely to breeding fine stock and in this enterprise he has shown himself a skillful man. Mr. Head has the following named brothers and sisters: R. G., James, Benjamin, Mrs. Hattie Hamilton, Mrs. Susan Foster, and Mrs. Harriett Matthews. In political matters our subject is a Democrat, and while he has achieved marked success in his labors here he has also taken a keen interest in political matters, in educational affairs, and whatever is for the good of the community. His standing is of the best and he has won hosts of friends. As yet Mr. Head has never taken to himself a wife, although he is a popular man. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in March 2007 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.