Page:Pen Pictures of Representative Men of Oregon.djvu/74




 * M representative MEN OF OREGON.

believing that brevity is the soul of wit, and that a man who can condense his thoughts into a succinct and concise statement will produce the most lasting effect upon his hearers. He is a medium-sized, full-bearded gentle- man, with a clear eye, and a kind expression. He represents Douglas county and deserves the highest credit from his constituents for the able manner in which he advocates their interests. Mr. Webb has seen a great deal of public life, and understands particularly well the affairs of county govern- ment, having held the position of County Treasurer in Nebraska for eight years, and ever since he has taken his seat in the House, he has watched with eagle eye every bill that took money from the county treasury, and he has on many occasions given most satisfactory and important information on the condition of county affairs, particularly the cash-box. Hiram was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, Mar-"!! 14, 1842, and after receiving his preparatory education in the common schools of his native State, he en- tered North Sangamon Academy at the age of eighteen, remaining there three years, after which he went to the State University at Bloomington Indiana, from which he graduated in 186.5. After completing his college course he went home and taught school the following winter, and the fol- lowing year he studied law, and completed the regular law course of the State University in 1867. In 1868 he went to Beatrice, Nebraska, where he resided for ten years, practicing his {)rofession for a time, then being ap- pointed clerk of the district court and afterwards for four consecutive terms was elected county treasurer. In 1S78 he immigrated to Canyonville, Doug- las county, where he has since resided,haviug been engaged in teaching school and the practice of law. He was elected as a member of the present House by a large majority, where his previous experience has served him in good stead, and made him one of the most efficient workers. He Avas married October 21, 1873, to Miss Jennette Maxfield.

HON. ROBERT J. SHARP.

This gentleman is eminently a self-made man. His t ntire career has dis- played a force of character and indomitable energy, which in the long run never fails to land the possessor of these qualities on top. He represents Clackamas county, and although not a frequent speech-maker, is a hard worker and is ably representing the interests of his section, while devoting 'lis native energy and talent to the interests of the whole State. Mr. Sharp l;>elongs to the positive school of legislators, and whatever he advocates may be depended upon as the honest convictions of the man— a rough and ready quality undoubtedly acquired through a varied experience with the world and the necessity of earning everything he possesses. He was born in Bur- lingtoD, Iowa, March 10, 1844, and went with his parents to Henry county in 1848, in which year his father died. He attended school for a few years and afterwards learned the carpenter's trade. At the breaking out of the war young Robert, who was then only seventeen years of age, and whose forefathers had all fought for their country, imbued with that spirit of daring and patriotism which is so characteristic of the American lad, en- listed in Company G, 11th Iowa Infantry, under Capt. Samuel McFarland,