quick, nervous disposition, and, for a man of his physique, a good constitu-
tion. He is a very competent accountant, a splendid penman, accurate and
rehable in business matters, and possessed of a sufficient knowledge of law
to qualify him to draw up important documents in legal shape; thoroughly
honest, sober and industrious, and every way qualified for the important
position he occupies. He is genial, and is calculated to make warm personal
friends. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the A. O. U. W. Mr.
Wheeler is a fluent speaker, and when interested in a debate is capable of
dealing telling blows in defense of his opinions, and he is noted for his
bluntness and the poignancy of his remarks. In a word, Mr. Wheeler is a
usef nl member of society, and with more such citizens we would have less of
the sham and tinsel in this world of ours. We bespeak for him a more bril-
liant future than he has experienced in the past.
HON. EUGENE P. M'OORNAOK,
Though a native of Illinois, might properly be called an Oregonian, as he has lived in this country since earlj' childhood and has acquired his edu- cation here. His father purchased a farm in the vicinity of Eugene City, and in 18G0 sent the subject of this sketch to wrestle with the spelling book in the district school of that village, where he remained for several years. In 1868 he entered the preparatory course in the Albany Collegiate Institute, where he remained two years, only partially completing the course. He then went to the Pacific University, completed the pre- paratory course, entered college in 1871, and graduated from that institu- tion in the classical course m 1875; went to The Dalles, taught a year in the pubhc school, began the study of law with Hon. L. L. McArthur, continued a year, when, finding his financial meal-tub empty, he went into the field as a Deputy United States Surveyor. Continued on the government sur- veys until the fall of 1878, when he was elected Clerk of the Board of Com- missioners for the sale of school lands, etc., of the State of Oregon, and im- mediately entered upon the discharge of the duties of that office. This position he has filled during the four years of the last administration to the entire satisfaction of all. In the discharge of its duties he has been faith- ful and efficient. The Board, of which he is Clerk, constitutes the Land Department of the State, has the exclusive control and disposition of all lands belonging to the State, and the management and investment of the school, university and Agricultural College funds. The management of the office in all of its intricate details, requires great capacity, accuracy, systematic method and a most abundant stock of patience. Those not familiar with the amount and the character of the work done in this de- partment, little comprehend the capacity required to successfully adminis- ter its duties. Mr. MeCoruack's administration of the office during the past four years has been, in every respect, most satisfactory. He has con- ducted it upon the most systematic business principles, and in now enter- ing upon a second term of four years, he carries with him a valuable ex- perience derived from familiarity with the duties of the office, and the con- fidence of all of those wdtli whom he has been brought in contact.
