Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 12.djvu/198



John Minto, in collaboration with a personal friend, is preparing for publication a book outlining his life and work from his boyhood years in England, down to the present time in Oregon.

Ex-Governor T. T. Geer has well advanced an account of "Fifty Years in Oregon." Mr. Geer's work will be taken up largely with estimates and characterizations of the men who have had leading parts in the up-building of Oregon.

Thomas Fletcher Royal at the time of his death, March 8, had ready for the press his work, entitled "Trail Followers and Empire Builders." In it he gives the story of pioneer life in Illinois and Oregon. Mr. Royal come to Oregon in 1853 and was prominent in educational work and as a Methodist Episcopal minister.

The last quarter has witnessed the passing of many of Oregon's prominent men. A partial list, with dates of their death, comprises the following names:

Frank W. Benson, April 14.

T. W. Davenport, April 18.

Lafayette Grover, May 11.

John C. Carson, June 1.

George W. McBride, June 29.

The political records of the state show that Governor Benson had a strong hold on the Oregon people. He began his active life as a school teacher, served in the land office and in the county clerk's office at Roseburg, practiced law and in 1906 was elected secretary of state. After the promotion of Governor Chamberlain to the United States Senate, Secretary Benson became governor. He was re-elected secretary of state in 1910.

The readers of The Quarterly must have felt well acquainted with Mr. Davenport. His many frank and strong papers con-