Biography of Bert W. Graham, 1902, Baker Co. Oregon: Surnames: Graham, Wixon, Courtney. ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access and not to be removed separately without written permission. ************************************************************************ Transcribed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: W. David Samuelsen - December 2001 ************************************************************************ An Illustrated History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties, pub. 1902 by Western Historical Pub. Co. of Chicago. page 317 Bert W. Graham Some one said that the pulse of a nation's prosperity is felt by knowing its commercial status, and equally true is it that the tradesman of any stated place is a standing index to both the financial condition and the enterprise and intelligence of the surrounding territory, and it is eminently fitting that in Baker county we find a most thrifty and stanch commercial element, especially progressive yet manifesting a due conservatism in the transactions of business; and distinguished among this number is the firm of Sherk & Graham Company, wholesale and retail general merchants of Huntington, of which company the gentleman mentioned at the head of this article is one partner. The birth of Mr. Graham was in Croswell, Michigan, the date being February 24, 1873, and his parents, Robert and Laura (Wixon) Graham. He was reared on a farm and attended the common schools of that section until he was sixteen years of age, when he commenced teaching, and then took a course in the Cleary Business College of Ypsilanti, Michigan, after which he became editor and proprietor of a newspaper for four years. It was in 1899 that he came to the town of Huntington, and there in company with G. W. Sherk opened their present large and attractive establishment, where they have built a fine patronage. While in the east Mr. Graham always took an active part in politics, supporting the Republican party, but since coming to the west, while he maintains the interest proper to good citizenship, he has given himself mostly to the prosecution of his business. He affiliates with the I.O.O.F., Burnt River Lodge, No. 86, and also with the Maccabees. His father was taken away by death in May, 1900 at the home place, but his mother is still living there. The marriage of Mr. Graham and Miss Ida E., daughter of William and Charlotte Courtney, was celebrated in Carsonville, Michigan, on June 11, 1896.