Biography of John H. Jett, Baker Co. Oregon: Surnames listed: Jett, Miller, Shinn, Tracy.

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Transcribed by: W. David Samuelsen
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An Illustrated History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties, pub. 
1902 by Western Historical Pub. Co. of Chicago. 

page 242

John H. JETT

Mr. Jett is the son of William E. and Elizabeth (Miller) Jett, natives of 
Virginia and Kentucky, respectively, and was born in Grundy county, Missouri, 
near Trenton, on October 4, 1851. His father died in a northern prison of
soldiers in 1862, and his mother with her children moved to Chillicothe, 
Missouri, where the subjhect of this sketch received his education in the 
public schools and also learned his trade of stone cutting. In 1871, in 
company with his brother, G. W., mention of whom is made in another part of 
this work, he started to the west to work out his destiny. They went by rail 
to Salt Lake and as the stage fare from there to Baker City was very high and 
their exchequer was lean, they decided to cover the distance on foot, which 
they did in fifteen days. Having no blankets they were often obliged to walk 
before daylight to keep warm. This unique trip served to demonstrate the pluck
and perseverance with which Mr. Jett is so richly endowed, as well as his 
capability for completing a hard task. Upon his arrival here he at once 
commenced to operate in a placer mine on the Burnt river near Baker City and 
followed this industry until 1882, when he embarked in the grocery business 
with his brother. For four years he followed this business and then sold out 
to engage in stone cutting, and he at once founded the Baker City Marble Works,
where he has been operating without intermission since. He runs a feed store 
and grocery store in connection with the monumental work and has just completed
a fine two story structure at the corner of First and Valley streets. He also 
owns a fine residence at the corner of Valley and Fifth streets. Mr. Jett has 
been active in political affairs and in 1894 he was called by the people, his 
name appearing on the People's party ticket, to act in the responsible and 
exacting position of treasurer of the county and so faithfully and efficiently
did he perform the duties of that office that he was elected to succeed himself.

In fraternal affiliations he is with the I.O.O.F., W. of W. and the I.O.R.M. 

The marriage of Mr. Jett and Miss Dora S., daughter of James and Angeline 
(Shinn) Tracy, took place in this county on December 27, 1883, and they have 
become the parents of two children, Jesse W. and Bessie F. Mr. Jett and family
are members of the First Baptist church and he is an ardent promulgator and 
supporter of his faith both by precept and practical exemplification of the 
teachings of the same as well as in other substantial ways.
--End--