SENATORS.
HON. W. J. M'CONNELL
who, during the past two sessions, has so ably represented Yamhill county, and, during the session just closed, occupied the highly responsible position of President of the Senate, is a young man just in the prime of life and enjoys the reputation among the ladies of being the handsomest member of the body. He is a gentleman of ordinary height, weighing about 175 pounds, ruddy complexion, with full beard, a broad expanse of forehead and brown hair. He dresses neatly, but not loud, and is of pleasing address. As a presiding officer he has given universal satisfaction, his decisions as such having been rendered with a view of dealing justly with all parties concerned. He is prompt and energetic in transacting the business of the session, and, possessing a clear, ringing voice, he imparts a certain degree of vim into the proceedings and pushes business with rapidity. He is generous, genial, jovial and good-natured, appreciates a good story and is liked by all. He was born in Oakland county, Michigan, in 1839, and spent the first twenty years of his life on his father's farm, attending school in the meantime. Becoming imbued with the Western fever, he started for California in 1860, where he engaged in mining for about two years with indifferent success. He came to Oregon in 1862, en route to Salmon river mines. Was diverted from this enterprise, however, by discouraging reports, and settled in Yamhill county, where he engaged in teaching school at North Yamhill. In the spring of 1863 himself and John Porter, a miller, purchased six horses, together with a gardener's outfit, consisting of plow, garden seeds, etc., and started for the Boise mines in Idaho Territory. They shipped their animals to The Dalles, where, packing them, himself and his partner walked the entire distance, over the Blue mountains and along the Meacham trail. They located on a small tributary of the Payette river and commenced operations as gardeners. The enterprise proved successful, to the surprise of every one, and the young men laid by some money. The country at that time was infested with horse thieves and road agents, together with deserters from both armies; those from Price's rebel ranks largely predominating, and the civil authorities were powerless to protect citizens and travelers. After a long series of losses caused by the theft of horses and mules, Mr. McConnell was forced to protect himself by going in pursuit of the parties who had committed the depredations. This brought about a conflict between himself and a band of outlaws who originally came from Fort Union, in New Mexico, and led to the organization among the farmers of what was then known as a vigilance committee. Mr. McConnell's leadership of that organization attracted public attention and he was tendered the position of Dep-
