PRESLEY GEORGE
This pioneer of distinction who founded in our state one of its most honorable families was born in London county Virginia March 23 1798 and was the son of Jesse and Mary Craig George of an old family in that state While still a boy he came west to Ohio crossing the Ohio river at the ford where Wheeling now stands For forty years he lived among the Buckeyes putting his shoulder to the wheel and doing all in his power to establish the high and generous civilization of that great state In 1826 he was united in marriage to Miss Mahala Nickerson In 1851 seeking new scenes and a new state in whose construction he might have a part he crossed the plains to Oregon making for himself and family a home on the old Donation claim near Lebanon which is still known by his name Here he developed a farm of great productiveness and a home of cheerful and happy interior with surroundings of great beauty Here also he brought up his three sons and served his state and neighborhood in all the ways known to a good citizen He died December 23 1879 at his home in East Portland at the advanced age of eighty one years yet even then his demise was not due to disease or wasted vital forces but to an injury received by a fall He is buried at East Portland in Lone Fir Cemetery On the shaft of marble over his grave are inscribed these words One whose life aim was to be true to himself his family his country and his Creator.
