Page:Pen Pictures of Representative Men of Oregon.djvu/230



190 REPEESENTATIVE MEN OF OREGON.

Greeley's advice to "Go West and grow up with the country." He landed in San Jose, California, about three years ago, and during his stay tLere was connected with the "Times" and other daily papers. Allured by the ac- counts he heard of the Northwest, he drifted to Oregon. Within a few days after his arrival in Portland he was attached to the morning " Standard " in the capacity of reporter. After a very brief stay in the Webfoot metropohs he journeyed to Oregon City, where he accepted the position of traveling correspondent for the "Enterprise," one of the best interior journals in the State. His articles, written over the nom de plume of "Wilkins Micawber," were widely read at the time. After performing some very creditable work on the last-named paper, Mr. H. L. Pittock, of the "Oregonian," having con- ceived a favorable impression of young Blake sent for him and offered him a position on the city staff of the " Oregonian." After remaining for some months on Oregon's leading paper, Mr. BL'ke was transferred to the " Even- ing Telegram/' where he had an opportunity of .showing his mettle as a journahst. He has won an enviable reputation as a writer and as one of the most energetic and indefatigable news-gatherers in Portland, no trouble, labor, or danger being considered too great if thereby he can secure for the " Telegram " the first publication of a piece of news. He is an enthusiast in his profession, and by his energy and enterprise has contributed largely to the reputation of that paper. He is a genial, whole-souled young man, and a close student, not only of books but of human nature, and as his soul is in his work it is certain that he will achieve distinction in the field of la- bor he has chosen. Mr. Blake has resigned his post on the " Telegram," and his connection with that paper will cease about December 1, 1882. He has been offered an advanced position on the " Morning News," a new journal- istic enterprise, the publication of which is to be commenced in Portland during the month of December. He has decided to link his fortunes with the new venture, and his many friends wish him success.

HON. THOMAS J. STITES.

The subject of this sketch was born in Piituam county, Indiana, October 25, 1889, and with his parents moved to Illinois (Edgar county) in 1841, where he resided until 18.54, wheii they moved to Missouri, where they re- mained until 1862, when with an older brother Mr. Stites came to Oregon, having crossed the plains with an ox team. His early life was spent on a farm and his educational advantages were very limited, being embraced chiefly in twelve months' attendance at a private country school. He has been a deep reader, however, and by this means has acquired an extensive knowledge on general subjects and succeeded in making himself a very suc- cessful teacher, which profession he followed for a number of years both in Missouri and since his arrival in Oregon, having taught in Clackamas, Ben- ton, Lane, Linn and Yamhill counties. He has always been a Democrat, and for a number of years past has taken an active interest in politics. He was elected a member of the House of Representatives from Linn county in 1868, and took a prominent part in the railroad fight over land grants during that session. He was elected County School Superintendent of