Page:Portland, Oregon, its History and Builders volume 3.djvu/606

 losses to Mr. Palmer and many others, forcing him to discontinue his efforts in that field.

In the year 1889 Mr. Palmer was again called to office when appointed postmaster at Primville. He filled the position until 1892, when he resigned. He had served several terms as clerk of the school district at Primville, was also a member of the city council and city attorney, exercising his official prerogative in support of every measure and movement which he deemed beneficial to the community of which upheld its legal status. In 1895 he was admitted to the bar of Oregon and the following year was appointed United States com- missioner, in which capacity he served for seven years. In the meantime, from 1895 until 1903, he had enjoyed a large practice before the United States land ofiice and since becoming a member of the Portland bar has largely specialized in the field of real-estate law. Moreover, he is thoroughly informed concerning the natural resources of the country and the possibilities for the cultivation of the land that lies east of the mountain range and has delivered many public addresses and written various articles upon the subject of irrigation in eastern Oregon. Thoroughly understanding the situation, he has closely studied the conditions that exist and knows that with the never failing water supply that can be secured from the streams that have their source in the snow capped mountain ranges, the lands of that district may be reclaimed for the purpose of civilization and made to yield as abundantly as does the Hood river valley and other well watered districts near the coast.

At the present time Mr. Palmer is specializing in the development of large stump lands or logged off lands in the immediate locality. He was a pioneer in this particular phase of land development.

In his political views Mr. Palmer has ever been an earnest republican, voting the straight ticket, for his close study of the issues and questions of the day has made him fully convinced that in the platform of the party lies the best elements of good government and that the best interests of the country will be conserved through the adoption of its principles. He is widely known in fraternal circles and has represented the local organizations of the Masonic fraternity and the Ancient Order of United Workmen in the Grand Lodges of several occasions. He has also organized several United Artisans lodges. Those who read between the lines of this review will recognize the fact that Mr, Palmer is a man of force and of resourceful ability, accomplishing what he undertakes, while the results of his labors are largely of benefit to his fellow- men. Moreover, his activities have touched many interests and in all connec- tions he has manifested support of progressive citizenship.

JOHN C. WELCH.

John C. Welch, conducting a growing and profitable business as the head of the John Welch Dental Depot of Portland, was born in Clackamas county, Ore- gon, on the 16th of December, 1864. He is a representative of southern families. Both of his grandfathers came from Virginia, the paternal line being repre- sented in Henry county in the extreme southern portion of the state, while his maternal grandfather was from Georgetown, now a part of the District of Co- lumbia. Both of his grandmothers were from Kentucky. He is a son of Dr. John and Anna Elizabeth (Clements) Welch. The father was one of the promi- nent dentists of Portland for a long period. His birth occurred at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, September 18, 1836. His parents, William and Jane (Bog- gess) Welch, were natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively. The former devoted his life to farming until the time of the lead mine excitement in Wis- consin in 1833. when he removed to Mineral Point and was there identified with mining interests until 1838. when he became a resident of Comanche, Iowa.