Hardin W. Estes
June 4, 1910; Oregonian, p 7
"Trail Builder is Dead"
Baker City, Or., June 3

   Hardin W. Estes, one of the pioneers of the Coast, died at his home in this city yesterday, after an illness of several months.  He was 83 years old.  The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon from the Second Baptist Church.

   Mr. Estes was born in St. Joseph, Mo., in 1828.  In 1847 he went with Colonel Childs and 500 volunteers to establish a chain of posts from the Missouri River to The Dalles, Or.  He passed through this country in 1847, and in 1848 assisted in outfitting Joe Meek and Joe Lane, the latter the first Governor of Oregon Territory, for their trip across the plains.

   In the Spring of 1853, he again crossed the plains with ox teams and settled in Linn County, Oregon, where he took up a donation claim of 300 acres.  He remained there until 1857.  The following year he entered the employ of the Government and came to Oregon with General Johnson, returning to Linn county.

   In 1862 he took up a ranch west of Baker City, making the first homestead entry in this part of the state.  He set out the first orchard and the ranch is now a thriving fruit farm.  He was active in the organization of the county and was one of the first County Commissioners.

   He leaves five children:  Mrs. Kate Broughton, of Skagway, Alaska; Mrs. Harry Bowen, of Baker city; Mrs. Amy Lewis and Mrs. Meda Ferguson, of Los Angeles; Mrs. Mabel Donald, of Puyallup, Wash.