John C. Luce
Sept. 24, 1903; Oregonian, p 5  (photo)
John Day, Or., Sept. 23

   John C. Luce, one of the early pioneers of Grant County, is laid to rest, his death having occurred at his home in the John Day Valley September 14, after a brief illness from peritonitis.

   John C. Luce was personally known to more people in Oregon than any pioneer resident of Grant County, having been quite prominent in social and political affairs.  He was a candidate for Congress from this district in 1892, and was also in the field for Gubernatorial honors against Governor Geer in 1898, and made a very commendable race in both campaigns.  He was born in Iowa, September 20, 1843, and in 1852 came with his parents across the plains with ox teams to the Willamette Valley, later removing to California.  He came to Grant County during the Summer of 1862, and was among the first party of miners that discovered gold on Canyon Creek, and for years was engaged in mining and packing between the Canyon Creek mines and The Dalles.  He afterward settled on the land on the John Day River where he continued to reside until his death.

   He was married in 1868 to Cynthia A. Hodson, who died in 1889.  To them were born eight children, five of whom are now living and reside near the old homestead in this part of Grant County, viz.:  Lincoln B., Ruhama B., William A., Frank C. and Bertha E.

   In the death of Mr. Luce, Grant county loses one of its best and most highly respected citizens.