James E. Homans, editor

“ In 1897 he entered a new field of activity as president and general manager of the Oregon Railway and Navigation Company, a position which he filled from 1 July, 1897, to 1 April, 1904. He was also president of the Portland and Asiatic Steamship Company, and of the Ilwaco Railway and Navigation Company. He became vice-president and general manager of the Union Pacific Railroad in 1904, serving in that capacity for four years. On 13 Oct., 1911, he became president and general manager of the Union Pacific System, comprising the Union Pacific and Oregon Short Line Railways. ”

“ Through his father he is of Swiss extraction, the first of the name to come to this country, having emigrated from Switzerland in 1730 and settled in Ephrata, Pa. He spent his boyhood days in healthy activity on his father's farm, laying up a store of energy and health for future years. ”