Mr. Miller is a republican and his advice is often sought in local party councils. In November, 1908, he was elected to the board of county commissioners for the short term and in 1910 was elected to the office for the long term, serving in all for six years as a member of the board, and in that connection he did valuable work for the county, giving the same careful attention to the management of its affairs that he gives to the direction of his private interests. He is identified with the Woodmen of the World and has many friends within and without that organization. Among his salient characteristics are the ability to discriminate between the essential and the non-essential, resourcefulness in adapting himself to new conditions and sound judgment and these qualities have proved as valuable in his work as a farmer as in any other field of activity.
JOHN R. LYONS.
That John R. Lyons possesses good business ability is evident from the fact that he is successfully operating a fine ranch of nine hundred acres devoted to the raising of wheat and of stock. He was born in Ireland, April 28, 1867, and is a son of Patrick and Frances Lyons, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Our subject was brought to Walla Walla county, Washington, in childhood and here received a good common school education. He remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, during which time he aided his father in farming, and then began cultivating land on his own account. He took up his residence upon the ranch which he now owns and which comprises nine hundred acres of fertile land in Walla Walla township. The place is well improved and his work is facilitated by the most modern and up-to-date equipment. He raises stock extensively and also grows a large quantity of wheat annually. He is energetic and progressive and the success which he has gained is the direct result of his good management and industry.
Mr. Lyons was married in 1903 to Miss Frances O'Brien, who was born in Nebraska and is a daughter of George and Katherine O'Brien, both now deceased. Mrs. Lyons has also passed away, her death occurring March 8, 1906. She was buried in the Catholic cemetery in Walla Walla. Her two daughters, Mary L. and Anna M., are both now students in St. Vincent's Academy.
Mr. Lyons gives his political support to the democratic party but has never had time to take an active part in public affairs. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, in both of which organizations he is popular. He has not only gained financial independence but he has also contributed in considerable measure to the development of Walla Walla county along the lines of scientific agriculture and stock raising and is recognized as a prominent citizen.
FRANK McCOWN.
Frank McCown, who is living retired after many years devoted to agricultural pursuits, was born in Clakamas county, Oregon, November 15, 1855, a son of William and Sarah (Best) McCown, both natives of West Virginia. In 1846 they removed to Kansas and six years later crossed the great plains by ox team to Oregon. The father took up a donation claim of four hundred and eighty acres in Clakamas county and erected a large cabin, which remained the family home for a number of years. In 1878 removal was made to Walla Walla county, Washington, and later the father purchased land which he operated until his death. To him and his wife were born seven children, but only two are living, the brother of our subject being J. L., now a resident of Portland, Oregon.
Frank McCown was reared and educated in Oregon, and during his boyhood and youth received valuable training in farm work. When he was twenty-three years old he came to Washington, and has since resided in Walla Walla county. He devoted his active life to farming and from time to time added to his holdings until he now owns fifteen hundred acres of land which he leases, having retired in 1902. He maintains his home in Waitsburg but spends his winters in California. The success which he has gained has proved that he is quick to recognize and take advantage of business opportunities, and in the development of his farm he was always willing to profit by the work of investigators along agricultural lines.