John William Messinger: A Biography

The following transcription is taken from a handwritten biography of John W. Messinger, written by an unknown author who was apparently a family member with access to the J.W. Messinger & Son business letterhead as shown above. It is not known whether this biographical "skech" was written by John W. Messinger himself or perhaps by one of his sons. The purpose of this enlightening biography is in itself a mystery. It is presented here as an interesting and somewhat historical insight into one man's life. The transcription has attempted to retain all original spelling and punctuation.

"John W. Messinger was born in Delawar County Indiana April 2nd 1846. Moved with his family to Guthrie County, Iowa in the Spring of 1852. Moved to Sioux City with parents in Spring of 1858. Moved back again in fall to Guthrie County. In the Spring of 1862 Started with parents for Oregon with ox teams. Arrived in Umatilla County late in the fall. Lived in Umatilla County one yeare. Then moved down to Yamhill County, Oregon. Inlisted in Company B. 1st Oregon Regment Volenteers in fall of 1864. Wintered at Ft. Hoskins winter of 1864 and 1865. In April 1865 came by way of boat to The Dalles. Was in The Dalles when President Lincoln was assasinated. Summer of 1865 marched up to Fort Boyce [Boise] on Snake river. Thence on back over the plains on Snake river near whare old Ft. Hall was. Established a camp for winter named Camp Landers. In Spring of 1866 was orderd down to Ft. Vancover for mustaring of Servis.

Arived at Vancover about the midle of July same yeare. Was mustard out of the Survis of the United States. Then went home to his parents in Yamhill County Oregon. September 11th 1867 was married to Miss Burzilda Olds of LaFayette, Yamhill County. To thare union thare was eight children born. Five boys and three girls. Names as folows. Edgar G, Otis B, Fred K, Jacob I, and Albert L, Flora M, Anna E, and Myrtle C. In 1887 moved with his family up to Wasco County Oregon.

Settled on a raw peice of land. Improved his home ontill at the date of this skech is one of the butifullists and ________ farms in the County. The subject of this Sketch united with the Mishnary Baptist Church when about 25 years old. Has been a member of that church ever sence.

politicts was a Republican. But when the Peoples Party sprang up he thought to better his political atmospere and united with that party. While in the Peoples Party was nomenated for joint representative for Wasco and Sherman Counties. But was defeated at the election by a scant majority. In the time of the Granges in Eastren Oregon unitid with that order and was elected Master of Melbra Grange No. 228 and held that office for years.

In church affares was Church Clerk and Deacon for years. In the year 1904 moved with his family consisting of wife one son and 2 daughter to the city of Moro Oregon. Ingaged in the merchenteel buisiness for four years. Then sold out to his son J. I. Messinger. In the year 1908 moved back to McMinnville Oregon with wife. Leaving all the children in Eastren Oregon except the oldest son who lived in _____Wash. At this date March 17th 1911 still lives near the city of McMinnville".

NOTE: The above biographical "skech" bears two different dates (1905 and 1911) for some unknown reason.