Oregon Republican League: Elder Photos

Oregon Republican League:Republican League Register of Oregon, The Register Publishing Company, 1896, page 98.

SUMMERS, COLONEL OWEN, of Portland, was born in Brockville, Canada, June 13, 1850, and went with his parents to Illinois at an early age. They soon after died, leaving him to make his way in the world alone. He worked on a farm and attended school at intervals until he was fourteen years of age, when, after repeated efforts, he succeeded in enlisting in Company H, Third Illinois Cavalry, February 22, 1865, and was immediately sent to the front. His regiment fought guerrillas all spring and summer, and in the fall made a campaign against the Sioux Indians. He was mustered out in November. In 1875 he came to the coast, but returned East. In 1879 he again came, and embarked in the crockery business in Portland, which he has built up to large proportions. He has done much to build up the National Guard in Oregon. He was one of the organizers of the Veteran Guard in 1883, and was elected First Lieutenant. He than served as Adjutant of the battalion, and in 1887 was elected Lieutenant-Colonel of the First Regiment. In 1891 he was re-elected, and in 1895, was chosen Colonel. In 1891 he was elected Department Commander of the G. A. R. He is an ardent Republican, and has been a familiar figure in conventions. He was elected to the legislature in 1886, and was the party nominee for Sheriff in 1892.