Biography of Melvin Clarke George, 1899, State of Oregon
Surnames: Clark, Eckler

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Transcribed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
W. David Samuelsen - January 2002
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Oregon Native Son, Vol. 1, June 1899, page 115

MELVIN CLARKE GEORGE, LL. D.
Judge M. C. George is the third son of Presley and Mahala George, pioneers of
1851. He is a gentleman of brisk mental qualities and great, force, with
refined, popular attainments, and an honorable reputation that extends to
every corner of Oregon. He was born in Noble county, Ohio, May 13, 1849, and
at the early age of two years came across the plains with his parents to this
state, making him a pioneer and in feelings a native son, as his first
recollections are of being here. He received his education in the public
school near his father’s home, near Lebanon, at the Santiam academy and at the
Willamette university. He began independent life as principal of the public
schools of Albany, and subsequently of the academy at Jefferson. He was for
some considerable time engaged as a journalist but abandoned such pursuit for
the legal profession, and was admitted to the bar in 1875. He was early
brought into political prominence, and was elected as a republican state
senator from Multnomah county in 1876. In 1880 he was elected representative
to congress and re-elected in 1882, being the first congressman from the state
to serve twice consecutively or a second term up to such time. At the close of
his second term he declined to consider a renomination. In 1885 he was chosen
professor of medical jurisprudence in the medical college of Willamette
university, retaining the position for about 10 years. when he resigned. He
was elected without opposition a member of the board of directors for the
public schools of Portland for five years, and in the same year received the
honorary degree     of LL. D., from the leading university of the state. In
June, 1891, he was appointed  the circuit judges of Multnomah circuit court
pursuant to an act of the legislature, a member of the bridge commission of
Portland. On the death of Judge Stephens as circuit judge, he was appointed to
the vacancy by Governor Lord, and elected to succeed himself at the election
held in June, 1898.

Judge George is an able lawyer and influential in public affairs. As a private
citizen he is respected and esteemed for his upright conduct and genial
manners. He was married in 1873 to Miss Mary Eckler, and has three children
now living.