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. 1007.
 
GARRETT K. VAN RIPER 

     is to be classed as one of the pioneers of the territory now embraced in
Klamath county. When he came here it was Jackson county, later Lake county, and
now Klamath county. Thus, he has lived in three counties without moving from his
farm. His residence adjoins Bonanza on the west. He was born on June 20, 1863,
in Douglas county, Oregon, the son of Hon. Garrett B. and Sarah (Cozad)
VanRiper, natives of New York and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father was
reared in Michigan and in the spring of 1850, came across the plains in wagons
to Douglas county, Oregon, and took a donation claim and engaged in farming. In
1870, he came to Poe valley, this county and built the first house in that
valley. While in western Oregon, he had participated in the Rogue river Indian
war. The Modoc War broke out after he settled in Poe valley and realizing the
danger he hurried his family to a place of safety, just in time to escape the
ravages of the savages, for they burned his house and destroyed all his property
but a few hours after he had left. After the war, he built another house and in
1885, moved to Bonanza. Later, he settled in Ashland and there died in 1902,
aged seventy-three. He had always lived on the frontier and was a genuine
pioneer. In 1874, he was a member of the state legislature, this then being
Jackson county and he was instrumental in getting Lake county organized. It
embraced this territory.  The ancestors are traced back to the Mayflower and
come of Holland Dutch extraction.  The mother's ancestors came from France. She
now lives in Ashland, aged sixty-nine.  The other children of the family besides
our subject are Mrs. Anna Walker, In Langell valley; Mrs. Fannie Hughes, of Poe
Valley; Mrs. Ida Crane, of Sacramento, California; Gard P., of Ashland.  Our
subject grew up on the farm and received his education from the early schools in
the various places where he lived then graduated from the old normal school at
Ashland, Oregon.  He has been engaged in stock raising most of his life and has
made several trips with stock to California.  In 1885, he located his present
home as a homestead and here he has remained ever since.  He now has one-half
section, well improved and mostly under cultivation.  A good barn, windmill,
pump and various other buildings are in evidence, while his residence is a very
comfortable dwelling.  Mr. VanRiper pays especial attention to raising hay and
cattle and also handles some fine horses.
     On June 13, 1888, Mr. VanRiper married Miss Nellie Patterson, who was born
in Butte county, California, and for the past eighteen years has lived in this
vicinity.  The children of our subject and his wife are Garrett K., Jr., Jessie
H., Lillie and Josie.  Mr. VanRiper has always taken a marked interest in
political matters and the advancement and development of the community and
especially in educational affairs.  He has given of his time and served on the
board and is a very enthusiastic supporter of everything for the benefit of the
county.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in May 2010 by Diana Smith.  Submitter has
no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.