The Ontario Argus. (Ontario, Or.) 1???-1947, 1921-11-03

lie was one OF the foremost au-
thOrities in Oregon on reclamation
and irrigation, and was so recogniz-
ed by Governor Chamberlain who
appointed him a member of the
Commission to formulate a Code OF
Irrigation Laws. He was nanimous-
ly elected chairman OF the Commits
sion. The Code drawn up was too
advanced for the average legal light
OF the state and failed OF adoption
at that time, but later became the
basis of the present water laws. Col.
G. Il. s. Wood and Judge VIII II.
King were among the legal frater-
nifty In favor OF the Code from the
first. Like all men who devote a
great part OF their lives to the well
fare OF the people, MIR. Mallett met
strenuous opposition, but as time
rolls on Il is becoming more and
more apparent that his course was
TO the best interest OF the people.
He attended the meetings of the
National Irrigation Congress at Og-
den, Utah, El Paso, Texas, Portland,
Oregon and Sacramento, California.
as well as the various state conven-
tions. He served Malheur County as
Commissioner for one term.
As evidence of his successful
farming he leaves one OF the best
improved farms I'm this valley.
Early seeing the necessity for drain,
age, he installed there what has
been declared by engineers who
have inspected Il, a very complete
efficient system OF drainage.
Politically, he was n lifelong
Democrat, an attended several con-
ventions OF his party. Though not
n member OF any church, he was
man OF firm principle and high
Ideals, strongly opposed TO drunk
enness, gambling or any form OF im-
mortality. For over fifty years he
was n member OF the Masonic Fra
ternity, having been Initiated In tho
state OF Maine, and was ever an ar
dent supporter OF It's procepts. II
was the lot OF the writer OF these
lines to be associated with him as
a member OF the Fraternity for
moro than forty years, first as n
charter member OF Hope Lodge No.
22, OF Mason Valley, Nevada, next as
membors OF Washoo Lodge, Payette.
Idaho. and later as charter mem
bers OF Acacia Lodge No. i1S, On
tario Oregon. He was proud OF tho
unique distinction which he enjoyed
OF having three sons who are mem
bers OF the same lodge. He was n
charter member OF star Chapter No.
90, o. II. s.
lie was a man OF strong person
ality and inflexiblo purpose. Though
not haaty In making up his mind 10
any course OF action, when convinced
that he was right, he carried his
point II possible, regardless OF tho
obstacles encountered. His word
was bond, and no always carried out
10 the letter any agreement that he
made. Strong In his friendships he
drew about himself many who will
long mourn his loss.
The welfare and comfort OF his
family was ever the uppermost
thought In his mind. II was a mat
ter OF much concern 10 him that his
children had no school privileges,
for Ontario, ten miles distant from
his home was the nearest school, no
other district being set off for many
years after he had several children
OF school age. As a solution OF the
problem, he and Mrs. Mallett. IN
1891, employed teacher, and
maintained a private school In their
homo. later building aud equipping
a modern school house. where until
1909, they maintained a school for
their children unassisted by any
public funds. In this undertaking
as In other activities Mrs. Mallett's
sympathetic cooperation was an
important factor In its success.
Mr.. Mallett was the principal
owner OF the Vale Milling and Ele-
vator Company, and its President.
II was the privilege OF the writer OF
this article 10 have been closely as
ISOLATED with him, both personally
and In business for over forty years.
during most OF which time we lived
on adjoining farms, and had almost
daily intercourse.
Thus passes one OF the great fig
ures In the development OF Eastern
Oregon. a man who had vision be-
yond his time.
have here endeayored to set
down the plain facts OF his life,
without exaggeration or fulsomo
eulogy.
@. ii. BROWN,
MISS l.. p. MALLErT.
rQ0r