Umatilla County OR Archives Biographies.....Temple, William P. January 24, 1863 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Carlene Still crstill@oregontrail.net October 23, 2006, 4:22 am

Author:  Colonel William Parsons 

Page 497, 498

William P. Temple
	It is with unfeigned pleasure that we accord to the man whose name 
introduces this articles a position in this abiding chronicle of Umatilla 
county, and regret that we are not able to allot more space to the details of 
a life that from start to present time has been one round of active 
enterprise, pushed forward with an energy and purpose that would brook no 
defeat, and directed by a wisdom that overlooked no detail nor fell short of a 
full life plan, while the moral integrity and straightforwardness in dealing 
have been as prominent as is his brilliant success. His financial foresight 
and cleverness in operation are well worthy the study of any one who would 
reap the benefit of worthy practical example.
	Our subject was born in Mahaska county, Iowa, on January 24, 1863, and 
two years later was taken by his parents to Monroe county. At this place he 
lived on his father's farm until he was twenty years of age, acquiring, 
meanwhile, a good education in the public schools and showing from early youth 
an aptness in business affairs with carefulness that was distinguishing. At 
the age of twenty-one he started in life's battle for himself, going to 
Bismark, North Dakota, where he worked for wages in a livery and transfer 
stable. While here he had the distinction of hauling the cornerstone of other 
notable buildings of the town, as the penitentiary and First National Bank 
building. After one season in this place he came to Pendleton in October, 
1883, with his parents, and rented his father's farm in Despain Gulch, 
operating it for three years. He had sufficient funds saved to warrant his 
purchasing land, which he did, securing three hundred and twenty acres from 
the railroad. Later he homesteaded one of these quarters and bought the other 
from the government, as a result of the litigation in the noted lien land 
contest. Here he farmed for fourteen years, continuously adding to his 
original holding by purchase, until at the present time he is proprietor of a 
magnificent estate of two thousand and three hundred acres, all in one body, 
well watered and fertile, and free from that octopus that absorbs so many 
farms, the modern mortgage. Here Mr. Temple gives most of his land to the 
raising of wheat, although he handles some dairy stock, about two hundred head 
of horses, and some hogs. He drove on this place the first combined harvester 
that was ever in the state of Oregon. He owns and operates a Holt now with all 
the other up-to-date machinery that is useful on his well kept estate. And it 
is worthy of note that the most casual observer will notice that every article 
of machinery that is not in use on his place is carefully stored in buildings 
provided for that purpose. Here, let us remark, is one of the great secrets of 
his almost unbounded success. He carefully looks after the details; he is 
thrifty; his whole premises indicate it. Let every one who groans, "It is his 
luck," open their eyes and see that he has made what they are pleased to 
call "his luck" by his industry, by his care and by his wisdom. His first 
purchase of land was made with money that he had saved from his wages, and the 
product of renting his father's farm. It is just such operations like that 
which make good, substantial and wealthy American citizens, while whining 
over "luck" fills the highways with tramps. The only assistance that has ever 
come to our subect is a $200.00 legacy from his mother's estate. We dwell upon 
these items for the enlightment and encouragement of younger men who are prone 
to complain.
	Mr. Temple was married in Lewiston, Idaho, on April 26, 1886, to Miss 
Rose Bitney, a native of Montana. Her parents, John and Eliza Bitney, were 
natives of Illinois, and pioneers to Montana in an early day. To this union 
were born Ethel Bell and Ralph F.  Mrs. Temple died in Pendleton on March 18, 
1896, and is buried in Olney cemetery. Mr. Temple is affiliated with Integrity 
Lodge, No. 92, I. O. O. F., and Tent No. 27, K. O. T. M., both of Pendleton.  
In addition to his other duties he is quite active in public affairs, having 
been in school offices for five years. He was married again, on October 26, 
1896, in Pendleton, and two children, Roy C. and Vera V., have been the issue. 
In 1900 our subject moved to the county seat to gain superior school 
advantages for his children. Being of an active temperment he found that 
idleness was too oppressive and so bought into the agricultural implement 
business, where he is still connected. He has erected an elegant residence, 
modern in every respect and superbly furnished, where he now lives.


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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