Oregon Republican League: History 104 Biographies

Every Wednesday, the Oregon Republican League will post the biographies of important figures, in the League's/State of Oregon's history. Feel free to comment or share stories of your family's Republican affiliation.


An Illustrated History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties, pub. 1902 by Western Historical Pub. Co.
of Chicago. page 257

ROBERT R. PALMER

A son of the occident, being born in La Grande, this state, on October 9, 1868, he has passed his life in eastern Oregon, receiving here his education and business training and made here his success in life, being a product to which the institutions of Baker county can refer with pride. After completing the school course in the city he went to Portland for a course in the business college of that city, taking his degree from that institution in 1888. He came with his parents to Baker City first in 1877, and here he has remained since. Immediately succeeding his graduation he opened up a harness and saddle store in Baker City in partnership with Mr. Denham, the firm being known as Palmer & Denham, and in the prosecution of this business he has been found constantly, with the gratifying result that he has a patrongage that comes from many miles in every direction. Their store is on Front street and they carry a large stock of goods, the harness and saddles being of their own make. In June, 1900, the people asked him to assume the duties and responsibilities of the important office county treasurer, and with entire satisfaction to his constituency he has discarged the same since, displaying the sam etireless energy and faithfulness that are characteristic of him in his own private business. He affiliates with the Republican party in political matters and is a prominent member off the same. He was city treasurer in La Grande for one term previous. In addition to his other large business interests he is handling considerable stock in this county.

Mr. Palmer was married to Miss Maud S., daughter of N. H. and Ada Starbird from Minnesota, on October 1, 1894, in La Grande. To them has been born one child, Ruth M. Mr. Palmer's parents are John and Almira (States) Palmer. Our subject has ever demeaned himself in such an acceptable and upright manner that he has won the confidence and admiration and esteem of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance, and the same wisdom and indomitable effort that have wrought out his brilliant career to the present time will doubtless be further manifested with as gratifying results in the days to come.


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The Centennial History of Oregon
1811-1911 Biographical Volume III
Joseph Gaston, page 346
H.G.CASTEEL

H.G. Casteel is a partner in the Monarch Hardware & Furniture Company of Pilot Rock, being associated in this enterprise with his brother R.L. Casteel and with J. M. Gilbert. He began his career as a farmer in Kentucky, his native state, but early in life recognized the advantages offered by the great northwest and in 1903 came to Oregon settling in Pilot Rock. He was born in Laurel county, Kentucky, August 14, 1880, and is a son of Robert N. and Polly (Riggs) Casteel, who were natives of Kentucky and Virginia respectively.

H.G. Casteel spent his youthful days in his parents' home in Kentucky and is indebted to the public-school system of his native state for the educational opportunities accorded him. On attaining his majority by began farming on his own account, operation a part of the old homestead. In 1903, however, he severed home ties and, leaving the Blue Grass state, made his way to the northwest, settling at Pilot Rock, Oregon. Here he engaged in the confectionery, stationery and notion business and shortly afterward was appointed postmaster of the town. He resided here until O21ctober 1, 1910, when in company with J.M. Gilbert , he purchased the mercantile business of I.R. Laurance in Ukiah. The store was conducted until March 1, 1911, then Mr. Casteel purchased Mr. Gilberts interest in the business and the Ukiah Mercantile company was formed. He remained a factor in the conduct of the store there until 1912, when he disposed of his interests at Ukiah and became a partner in the Monarch Hardware & Furniture Company at Pilot Rock, having returned to this city to make his home.

In 1903 Mr. Casteel wedded Miss Lilly Kinnison, of Pilot Rock, a daughter of Nathaniel Kinnison, a retired ranchman residing in this city. Mr. Casteel is a stanch republican, following in the political footsteps of the grandfather, Lemuel Casteel, who was one of only eleven voters in Laurel county Kentucky, who cast their ballot in favor of Abraham Lincoln. H.G. Casteel has served as a member of the town council of Pilot Rock and is interested in all that pertains to public progress and improvement. Fraternally hi is a member of Alta Lodge,No 165, I.O.O.F. and he also holds membership in the encampment and with the Rebekahs. He is affiliated with the Improved Order of Red Men, with the United Artisans and with Pendleton Lodge, No 288, B.P.O.E. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church and the family gave their support to that denomination. Mr. Casteel is a public-spirited citizen and an enterprising and diligent business man and during the years of his residence in the northwest he has won the warm regard and goodwill of many with whom he has come in contact.