"An Illustrated history of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties : with a
brief outline of the early history of the state of Oregon." Chicago?: Western
Historical Pub. Co., 1902.  Page 512.  Grant County.

WILLIAM W. HINTON

     Pen and ink can never portray and printed page will never tell half of the
hardships endured, the ability displayed, the victories won by the worthy
pioneers who took their lives in their hands and faced every danger that man is
heir to in the herculean efforts to bring within the pale of civilization the
regions that are now placidly owned and richly enjoyed by the citizens of this
county and adjoining sections of this and other states on the coast.  A work of
the character that we are endeavoring to make for the people would be sadly
deficient were there failure to incorporate therein a review of the career of
the gentleman whose name heads this article and whose life has been an
inspiration throughout the entire eastern part of our state by his achievements
in the practical industries, by his wise counsels and enterprising progression,
coupled with patient and continuous effort in the lines of industry that he
allied himself with in the incipiency of his career on the frontier region.
Thus, and thus only, is wrought out for the use of generations to follow the
facts and knowledge that is beneficial in the practical walks of life, that is
not all mere theory and unsubstantial vision.  Thus, by patient continuence in
the lines of his endeavor he has acquired knowledge more valuable than theory
and has demonstrated by carefully conducted experiments, facts that are
indispensably coupled to the successful prosecution of the stock and other
leading industries of this unique region, while his unbounded personal success
in practical demonstration of this valuable information has made him one of the
leading men of wealth in his community and throughout all eastern Oregon, where
he has operated.
     Our subject's parents, Job and Henrietta Hinton, crossed the plains in
1852, the father being captain of a train of fifty-two wagons, which, be it said
to his credit, he piloted safely through without the loss of a single person,
although they were frequently attacked by Indians.  Some of the stock was
sacrificed, but human life was preserved intact.  The train was headed for
California, but for reasons that have not been stated, they turned toward the
western part of Oregon and settled in Lane county.  Here the wisdom and courage
of the father were manifested and very helpful in the solution of the many
vexing questions that stand across the way of the early settler, and in meeting
the many dangers that faced them on every hand.  He was looked up to and beloved
by all.  Their confidence and affection were manifest in choosing him to
positions of leadership and of trust almost continuously during his life time.
His death was inexpressibly sad, he being shot in the prime of his life by his
own son, who accidentally discharged a firearm with that awful effect, being one
of those accidents that human wisdom can never compass, only bow to.  With
sorrow and general mourning throughout the entire section where his life was
cast, the remains of the good and really great man were laid to rest until the
day when the future shall be opened to us all and the scenes of life shall have
explanation in boundless wisdom of eternity itself.  Many, many pioneers are
reposing in the final sleep of life beneath the sod where rolls the Willamette,
while nature weeps in silent sadness as she enfolds their mossy monuments and
wraps them about with the gentle draperies of the morning mist; but none among
that distinguished band e'er wrought with firmer hand or gave wiser counsel,
tempered with his great love and sympathy, than the father of our subject, Job
Hinton.  Following this event of sorrow, the mother came to eastern Oregon to
live with the son of whom we now speak, and who had preceded her to this region
as early as 1864.  She too, has since been called to the realms of the life
beyond.
     After spending five years in mining about Boise City, in Idaho, Mr. Hinton
came to Wasco county, which is said at that time to have embraced a large
portion of eastern Oregon, and engaged in raising sheep.  He was one of the
pioneers in this industry and from that time until the present he has followed
it with the success that he justly deserves for his energy and faithfulness
displayed.  He owns land in various parts of eastern Oregon, but his
headquarters are at John Day, in Grant county.  In 1888 he was chosen stock
inspector and in this position he rendered excellent and valuable service for
three years, being eminently fitted for its duties by his life of practical
touch with every department of the business.
     In 1866, at Franklin, Lane county, the marriage of Mr. Hinton and Miss
Frances Jones was solemnized.  To bless this union, seven children have been
born, as follows:  Hannah H., wife of D. G. Slavens, but since deceased; Clayton
B.; William W.; Martha B.; Emma M.; Thomas C.; Lottie.  Fraternally Mr. Hinton
is affiliated with the K. of P., Lodge No. 40, of Longcreek.
     It is of note that the brother of our subject, Clayton B. Hinton, was
killed in a battle with the Indians at Hungry Hill.  For four days the settlers
fought the savages and during that time there was no chance to partake of food,
and hence the name of the hill.  Mr. Hinton is one of the most substantial men
of the county and the stanch qualities that characterized his ancestors are
exemplified in his career in a very commendable manner, and now surrounded with
a loving family, he is passing the golden days of the years of his life in quiet
enjoyment of the competence that his skill and industry have gathered, while he
directs his large interests and is content in the crowning joy that the memories
of past days show well spent hours.

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in October 2005 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.