Umatilla County OR Archives Biographies.....Macomber, Charles E. August 30, 1854 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Carlene Still crstill@oregontrail.net October 9, 2006, 6:55 am

Author: Colonel William Parsons 

Page 486

Charles E. Macomber
	This gentleman, whose life's record we have the privilege of noting in 
brief review, although not one of the oldest settlers of our county, has 
gained a prominence in the affairs of the county that entitles him to a place 
in these abiding records, while his career has been fraught with an enterprise 
and wisdom, which, coupled with his real integrity, ranks him among the 
leaders of the prominent citizens of this portion of the state.
	His birth occurred in the town of North Westport, Massachusetts, on 
August 30, 1854, where he remained until he was twenty-six years of age. 
During this period he received a good common school education and also 
graduated from the high school at the age of seventeen. After his graduation 
he took a technical course in civil engineering, being assisted by his father, 
Charles H. Macomber, in practical work and continued use of the instruments 
necessary in this profession. After this he went into his father's large 
general merchandise establishment as private secretary and general manager 
until 1880. At this time he was impelled by a desire of exploration and travel 
to turn towards the west and he pleasantly and profitably spent five years in 
visiting various portions of the United States, ultimately settling in the 
city of St. Paul, Minnesota, being occupied as general manager of a large book 
house for a New York firm. Here he continued for three and one-half years, at 
the expiration of which time he entered the employ of the Northern Pacific 
Railroad Company, as civil engineer, having his headquarters at Tacoma. This 
continued until 1892. After the Seattle fire he run the alignments of the S. 
L. S. & E. Railway, all records of which had been destroyed in the fire. 
Before completing this arduous and difficult undertaking he received the 
appointment to the position of assistant right of way and lease agent, with 
headquarters at Spokane, in which capacity he continued until 1895. At this 
time he returned to Tacoma to look after his business interests there, whence, 
in 1896, he came to Umatilla county. His first enterprise here was prospecting 
in the Blue mountains, at which he continued for four years, with reasonable 
success. In the meantime he became well acquainted in various portions of the 
county. His ability being recognized, he was called in 1900 to fill the 
important office of county surveyor for two years, being the present incumbent 
of that office.
	His parents are both living at the old home place in North Westport, 
where they are passing the golden years of their lives in good health with the 
rich meed of well earned and generously bestowed respect and esteem, while 
their son is earning and receiving no less in this his chosen western home.


Additional Comments:
An Illustrated History of Umatilla County by Colonel William Parsons and of 
Morrow County by W. S. Shiach with a brief outline of the early history of the 
State of Oregon.  W. H. Lever, Publisher  1902.

	Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Oregon Biographies 
Project. Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the
individual featured in the biographies. 


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