Photo Description
Sumpter Meat Co. "This establishment, composed of Joseph Woods, Wm. Gleison and J. F. Alden, operating shops both here and in Bourne, has been exceptionally successful, and is steadily growing in public favor. Their retail rooms are spacious and complete in equipment, while their slaughter house, located about a mile from Sumpter, is large and modern, and is supplied with the latest appliances for killing, averaging thirty beeves, thirty-five hogs and forty sheep monthly. They make a specialty of supplying the mines, running a wagon out to them. Mr. Alden does the outside work, buying cattle, &c., while Mr. Woods attends to the Sumpter shop, and Mr. Gleison to the Bourne shop. Their building was built especially for their business, being most substantial in all details, being equipped with the latest machinery for sausage making, and they also have a cold storage plant where all meats are kept. Mr. Woods was born in England in 1848. remaining there until his 23rd year. He then came to the States, spending more or less time in New York, New England. St. Louis, Missouri and Arkansas, following the butchering business. Coming west, he spent a short while in California, and then moved to Montesano, Washington, where he had a shop for ten years. Moving to Hoquiam, he ran a shop there for four years, and then opened his present place of business here. He is a thorough master of the business, and has the well-earned reputation of being the most artistic meat dresser in the State. Mr. Gleison is a native of Maine, born in 1852, and remained there until 1883. Coming to Oregon he spent ten years in La Grande and also two years in McEwen, where he operated a shop. Moving to Sumpter he continued in the business, erecting the first building on the present Main street of the town. When the present company was organized he became one or the partners. He married Mrs. V. D. Farnham, of Auburn, and is a member of the Masonic order. J. F. Alden, the junior member of the firm, is a native of Wisconsin. He came to Oregon in the fall of 1883, and for one year was in the employ of the S. F. Richardson Lumber Co., in Union County. He then went into the stock business, remaining in it until 1891, going into the general merchandise business with S. F. Richardson at Hilgard, Oregon. He -followed that until burnt out. Returning, to his ranch, he remained there until the spring of 1897, when he moved to Sumpter and entered the present firm. He married Miss Ida S. Ripley of La Grande in 1882, and has two daughters living." Source: p. 29, Souvenir Edition. Morning Democrat, Bowen & Small, Publishers, May 20th, 1898.
Text courtesy of the Baker County Library website
