Biography of Luther B. Ison, 1902, Baker Co. Oregon: Surnames: Ison, Cunningham, McDougall.

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Transcribed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
W. David Samuelsen - November 2001
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An Illustrated History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties, pub. 1902
by Western Historical Pub. Co. of Chicago. page 255

HON. LUTHER B. ISON, deceased.

Luther B. Ison was born in Garrard county, Kentucky, on October 19, 1841,
being the son of Strother and Judith Ison, who brought him in 1849 to Grundy
county, Missouri, where he received his primary education in the public
schools and then took a degree from Central College at Fayette, in the same
state. During his college days he was converted and joined the Methodist
church and from tha ttime until the day of his departure he showed forth the
teachings of the Saviour of men, both in precept and by practical example of
an upright Christian life. In 1866 he came to Baker county to join his
parents, who had preceded him, and there he settled and began to work out his
destiny in the new land, where he was afterward to play so prominent a part.
For a time he gave his energies to mining, but soon turned to the more
important work in instruction and in this profession he soon rose to the
highest ranks and was considered in his time the leading educator in eastern
Oregon. He taught in the city schools of Baker and was elected to the position
of superintendent of the county schools, ever displaying rare talent and
consummate faithfulness in all his efforts. Many positions were offered to
him, but he chose one in which he could fit himself for more extended
usefulness and exert a wider influence for the benefit of his fellows and the
pormotion of the interests of the commonwealth, namely, the profession of law.
In 1870 he allowed his name to be used on the Democratic ticket as candidate
for county clerk, and was promptly elected and at the expiration of his term
was re-elected with even a larger majority. During these years he devoted his
spare moments to industriously perusing the lore of Blackstone and Kent under
the direction of R. A. Pierce and in October, 1876 he was admitted to the bar
and to the successful practice of law he bent his entire energies with the
most gratifying success. His ability was immediately recognized and he was
elected district attorney of the fifth judicial district and at the close of a
term of most faithful of efficient service, he was re-elected to fill the
position again. He built up a large and lucrative practice and in political
matters he was a power in his party. the Democratic, and one of the most
influential men in political circles in the state. In 1882 he was elected to
represent his district in the legislature and few men have ever displayed in
the state halls of Oregon such powerful forensic oratory as it was his
pleasure to deliver. In 1884 he was chosen president of the electors of this
state and his campaigning was noted for rich eloquence, convincing argument
and untiring efforts. Two years later he was called by an appreciative
constituency to accept the responsible position of judge of the fifth judicial
district and of the impartial exercise of the exacting duties of this office
he was engaged at the time of his death.

None have been more generally mourned and deeply lamented than the late Judge
Ison, but he had fought a good fight and he went to accept the crown that was
waiting him.

The marriage of Mr. Ison and Miss Josephine, daughter of Spencer and Phoebe
(Cunningham) Cates, was solemnized on September 12, 1870, at the bride's home
in Union, Oregon. and to them have been born three children: Bertha, deceased;
Edna B., married to Mr. McDougall; Virginil S., attending Columbia Medical
College, of New York City. Mrs. Ison is spending the years of her widowhood in
the quiet retreat of her own home, awaiting the hour of greatest triumph of
all true followers of the lowly Nazarene. She is a woman of gracious
personality and well known for her deeds of loving kindness and charity.