Washburne, Byron A.

From Lane Co Oregon

Washburne, Byron A. (1865-1955)

With the coming of the railroad, Springfield’s industrial activity turned around. In 1890 Charles W. Washburne, a Junction City banker, purchased the flour mill from William Pengra and set about enlarging the mill and refitting it with new high-speed machinery that increased flour production to 150 barrels a day. Son of Charles W. Washburne, who managed the Springfield Roller Mills, Byron A. Washburne, was put in charge of the operation which became extremely successful in producing a brand of flour called “Snowball XXX” (Clarke 1983:35-41).

He was co-organizer in 1906 of the First National Bank of Springfield, for which he served as a director. Washburne owned extensive property in several Oregon counties. He was a Republican and active member of numerous fraternal organizations. Washburne was born in Junction City.

Eugene Daily Guard, December 3, 1907 Newspaper Clip

WET TICKET

WINS SPRINGFIELD

CITY ELECTION

At the Springfield city election yesterday the "taxpayers" or "wet" ticket won over the "citiens" ticket by a good majority. Both sides voted for George Perkins for councilman and B.A. Washburne for treasurer, but on the other candidates there was the usual opposition, John Kestley was put up by the "wets" for councilman to run against Perkins, but he withdrew his name before the election. M. M. Peery, the druggist, is the new mayor, succeeding R.A. Jayne. The old council consisted of the followinig: H.W. Stewart, E.E. Kepner, E.C. Martin and Henry Sinner. The election is an endorsement of the old council, as the new mayor and council were elected on the same platform upon which they stood. The vote was as follows.

Taxpayers' Ticket

Mayor M.M. Peery... 137

Councilman, Harry Stewart... 129

Councilman, George Perkins... 188

Councilman, Nate Hill... 131

Recorder, L.M. Beebe... 124

Treasurer, B.A. Washburne... 203

Citizens' Ticket.

Mayor, G.O. Bassett... 81

Councilman, J.J. Browning... 83

Councilman, George Perkins... 188

Councilman, Henry Cogill... 87

Recorder, George McCauley... 93

Treasurer, B.A. Washburne... 202

The total number of votes cast was 219.