Gore, Emerson E. (Emerson Elijah), 1824-1910

Emerson E. Gore and his family arrived in Jacksonville, Or., in 1852 after an overland trek from Iowa, accompanied by Emerson's twin brother, Emery E. Gore (1824-1905). Emerson settled a donation land claim on Bear Creek, between Phoenix and Medford. About 1854, Emerson and Emery established one of the area's first sawmills, in the Eden district near Phoenix. The mill was destroyed by a flood in 1860. Emery returned east in 1860, settling in Kansas. Emerson continued to farm, the Gore family building up notable land holdings and pioneering in local orchard work. Emerson was also engaged in other interests, including that of being agent for the sale of Singer sewing machines in Jacksonville and Phoenix from about 1882 to 1884.