Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers.  "An
Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam,
Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties")  Spokane, WA: Western Historical
Publishing Co., 1905.  p. 678.
 
CHARLES McKENZIE

     is at the head of the Hotel McKenzie in Fossil. The establishment is a
first-class house, commodious and well furnished, and handled in a manner that
makes it very attractive to guests. Mr. McKenzie is the recipient of a fine
patronage, has the ability to conduct things in a wise manner and is rated as
one of the substantial and leading business men of Fossil. He was born in
Montello, Wisconsin, on August 21, 1857. His father, W. L. McKenzie, was born in
Canada and removed from there to Rochester, New York, and then in 1852, to the
vicinity of Montello, Wisconsin. At that place he enlisted in the Third
Wisconsin Cavalry, as first orderly sergeant, and served for three years and
four months in the Civil war. After his discharge, he returned to his home in
Wisconsin, and then moved to Kansas, where he still resides.  He was a pioneer
merchant at Rochester, New York, and also did cabinet making. He conducted an
undertaking business and operated the first hearse in what is now the populous
city of Rochester. He is a man of influence and excellent standing. He married
Elizabeth Dixon, a native of Canada, and the aunt of Rev. Dr. Dixon, of New
York. She died in 1900, aged seventy. Our subject came from Wisconsin to Kansas
with his parents when nine years of age and there remained until April, 1878,
during which time he received his education. In the year last mentioned, we find
him on his way to Idaho and there he freighted for some time. After this, he
engaged in the livery business until February, 1880, when he came to the
vicinity of Fossil. Here he rode the range until the fall of 1884, when he built
a livery barn in Fossil, which he conducted until 1891. Then he rented the
establishment and engaged in lumbering. In 1892, his barn burned and he rebuilt
and sold later. He continued in the lumbering business, owning a sawmill, for
about thirteen years and during this time he built the Hotel McKenzie and now is
giving his entire time and attention to the operation of this house. It is the
only  hotel in Fossil and is one that reflects credit on the town.
     On December 14, 1885, Mr. McKenzie married Miss Carry Brinkerhoff, who was
born in Walla Walla. Her father was one of the pioneers to California, and
married Fannie Maxon, who was born near Walla Walla, and whose mother, Mrs.
Maxon, was the first white woman in Walla Walla. Four children are the fruit of
this union, William, Bessie, Frank and diaries. Mr. McKenzie is a member of the
Blue Lodge and Chapter of the Masonic order, and also belongs to the M. W. A.,
and the W. 0. W. Politically, he is a Republican. He stands well in the
community and is a progressive man in every respect, and assists in all matters
of improvement and development.


*******************

Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in January 2011 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.