The History of the Yakima Valley, Washington, Comprising Yakima, Kittitas and Benton Counties, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1919, Volume II, page 243 EBEN U. FORREST. For over eighteen years Eben U. Forrest has been connected with horticultural pursuits in the Yakima valley, where he now owns a valuable property a half mile north of Zillah. Twelve acres of his tract is devoted to the raising of pears, apples and peaches and he has been very successful along this line, having closely studied orcharding methods and always followed the latest leads in trying to obtain the best results. Mr. Forrest was born at Green Lake, Wisconsin, August 24, 1812, a son of John and Hannah P. (Utley) Forrest, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of New York. Both were numbered among the early pioneers of Wisconsin. The father was a veteran of the Civil war and died at its close, in the south, of yellow fever. His widow survived him for some time, her death occurring in Tacoma, Washington. Eben U. Forrest in the acquirement of his education attended the public schools of his native state and at the age of twenty-two, in 1874, went to Colorado, where he engaged in freighting, and subsequently he made his way to Montana, where he followed the same occupation. He then retraced his steps eastward as far as Kansas and he bought a farm in Lyon county. The lure of the west was upon him, however, and in 1899 he again set his face toward the setting sun, arriving in Tacoma, Washington, in 1899. Two years later he came to the Yakima valley and here he bought twenty acres of land a half mile north of Zillah, which tract was partly improved. He has since added two acres to his holdings and today has twelve acres in apples, pears and peaches, while the remainder of the land is devoted to the raising of alfalfa. He has rebuilt the house and has erected good barns and outbuildings, thus improving his property so that it now, is very valuable. As he never does anything by halves Mr. Forrest has become one of the thoroughgoing horticulturists of his district and as a result is today in receipt of a most gratifying income. On December 31, 1883, Mr. Forrest was united in marriage to Miss Clara Selfies, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Frank and Mary Selfies, who became pioneers of Kansas. To this union five children were born. Nellie is the wife of Oscar Strand, who is ranching near Zillah, and they have a son, Forrest Le Roy. Albert is now serving in the New York Coast Guard of the United States navy and is married to Laura Duckham, who during his absence resides with Mr. and Mrs. Forrest of this review. George is also in the United States navy and is now a chief petty officer. He was on the U. S. S. San Diego when that ship was sunk. His twin brother, William H., and Ada are at home. In his political affiliation Mr. Forrest is a republican as far as national issues are concerned but often votes independently, particularly in regard to local politics, taking into consideration the qualifications of the candidate instead of his party connection;. Fraternally he is an esteemed member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and his religious faith is that of the Christian church. While a resident of Kansas he served for twelve years as treasurer of his school district and the cause of education still finds in him a warm champion. He also served for two years as township treasurer and since becoming a resident of Yakima he has served as supervisor of drainage district No. 15, for two and a half years, thus giving evidence of his interest in irrigation, the importance of which he fully realizes. He is a member of the Yakima Valley Fruit Growers Association and through this connection is able to dispose of his crops to the best advantage. There is much credit clue Mr. Forrest for what he has achieved in life as he now is the owner of valuable fruit property in the valley, through the development of which he has not only achieved individual fortune but has contributed toward general prosperity. He is a loyal and public-spirited American citizen, a reliable and trustworthy business man and a true friend, as all who have the honor of his closer acquaintance are ready to testify. ******************************** Submitted to the Washington Bios Project in December 2007 by Jeffrey L. Elmer. Submitter has no additional information about the subject of this article.