Bidwell, Homer C.

The following data is extracted from Illustrated History of Union and Wallowa Counties, Oregon.

HOMER C. BIDWELL. - The well known and enterprising businessman, of whom we now have the pleasure of speaking is one of the substantial citizens of Union, & has by dint of hard effort, wise management and considerate treatment of patrons built up a fine business in the livery and transportation line. Having as fine stables and his rigs are among the most comfortable and well kept to be secured anywhere.

Homer C. was born in Galesburg Wisconsin on January 25, 1871, being the son of Charles C. & Mary A. (Gilbert) Bidwell. The father was one of those brave men who hazarded their lives in the defense of the Union and during the entire war he served participating in many skirmishes as well as heavy battles, among which may be mentioned those adjacent to Chattanooga. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged and settled down to industrial life. while our subject was a child the family removed to virginia, whence they went to the vicinity of St. Joseph, Missouri, and from there to Orleans, Nebraska, during a portion of which time Homer was occupied with his father in the livery business. In 1884 they migrated to Union county and after some time our subject entered upon an apprenticeship to the miller's trade, which he learned and followed for five years. After this period he took up farming and stock raising on his farm north from the town of Union. He also bought stock for Kiddle Brothers for two years, and then in 1898 he purchased the lot and stable where his business is now transacted. The place is conveniently located and the buildings are commodious and well arranged. In his stock Mr. Bidwell has the best that can be secured and his business is conducted with car and wisdom. In addition to the livery business special, he does a feed business and buys and sells horses.

On May 3, 1898, Mr. Bidwell married Miss Rachel M., daughter of Samuel and Mary (Wade) Brooks, early pioneers from Iowa, who crossed the dreary plains with ox teams. To our subject and his wife there has been born one child, Deane F., born September 23, 1900. Mr. Bidwell is a member of the K. of P. Lodge No. 28, and the woodmen of the World, King City Camp, No. 86. He has served as city councilman for two years. The elder Bidwell and wife are living in Union and he is a member of the G.A.R., Oliver P. Morton Post. Mr. Bidwell is one of the substantial and capable men of our county and he has an enviable standing and also is secure in the esteem of his fellows. Being eminently deserving the excellent prestige that he enjoys.

Source: Illustrated History of Union and Wallowa Counties, Oregon

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