MAYS, Robert

The Dalles, April 8, - Hon. Robert Mays, who died at his residence in this city yesterday, was one of the best-known pioneer citizens of Oregon. He had lived in this state since 1852. He was born in Tennessee in 1830, and while a little boy moved with his father’s family to Illinois, where he received his education. In 1840 he married Miss Lowdema Fowler. They started, with their infant son, from mcDonough County, Illinois, in the Spring of 1852 for the West, making the journey to Oregon by ox team in about six months. Passing through The Dalles in the Fall, Mr. Mays went on to the Willamette Valley. He spent the Winter in Benton County, and settled on a donation claim in Lane County on the Long Tom. In 1858 he brought his family to Eastern Oregon, taking up his residence on a ranch near the town of Dufur, which for many years was the family homestead, and is still in their possession. In 1875 Mr. Mays moved to The Dalles, and in 1880 built the commodious home which he has since occupied. From his earliest residence in Wasco County he was one of the foremost raisers of livestock.His extensive ranches in the Tygh Valley and other sections of Eastern Oregon where well stocked with horses and cattle, and in late years fine sheep. At one time he was one of the largest horse owners in the Northwest. In 1891, in company with E. C. Pease, he engaged in the mercantile business known as Pease & Mays. Mr. Mays was a lifelong Republican, serving his party in various capacities. He was elected a member of the Legislature in 1860, and again in 1874; was Mayor of The Dalles in 1891-92, and County Judge from 1896 to 1900. He was one of the chief organizers of The Dalles, Portland & Astoria Navigation Company, and of the Wasco Warehouse Company. At the time of his death he was president of the Second Eastern Oregon District Agricultural Fair Association and The Dalles Driving Association. Besides, his widow, Mr. Mays left eight children - Benton Mays, of Tygh Valley; Polk Mays, of Joseph; Franklin Pierce and Edwin Mays, of Portland; Robert Mays, Jr., of Antelope; Grant mays, Mrs. A. R. Thompson and Mrs. L. E. Crowe, of this city. The Oregonian, Portland, OR, April 9, 1902, page 10