Tales of Dead Ox Flat

Tails of Dead Ox Flat is a book compiled and published by the Local Progress Club in 1976.

This book tells the stories of 9 Dead Ox Flat Pioneers who risked it all in the late 1800s, early 1900s, to turn this arid, hot, dry, hard pack, sagebrush covered desert land into the best agricultural farm land in Eastern Oregon.

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to those who feel our pioneer heritage must not be lost. The pioneers who settled this area were, of necessity, resourceful, hardworking and long-suffering. Otherwise, how could the sagebrush prairie have bloomed into the beautiful, productive area we see today. The pioneers overcame real obstacles, hot wind and weather, little water and restless elements. Their determination built schools, roads and water systems.

We, therefore, dedicate, and gratefully acknowledge those pioneers and their families who contributed their information and memories to us.

We found their reminiscences, laughter, and their revealing facts about life “on the Flat” fascinating. We have presented them in their own words with a minimum of editing.

The recorded tapes from which these stories are printed have been presented to the Malheur County Library as a legacy to be enjoyed, we hope for many years to come.

These are the stories of those pioneers: