Attorney W. I. Vawter, prominent for years in the political, legal and financial life of the Rogue River Valley, and one of the most prominent citizens of Medford, died at his home in that city Friday night about 9 o'clock, February 4, 1916, aged 52 years. Death was caused by Bright's disease, from which he had been a sufferer, acutely, for the last two and one-half months. The news came as a shock to the entire valley, a relapse following hopeful steps toward recovery. He is survived by his wife and two sons, Vernon, who is associated with him in the Jackson County Bank, and William, who is a student at the University of Oregon. The immediate family were present at the last sad hour.
    Mr. Vawter was a native of the state of Oregon, being born in the Willamette Valley, and was one of the earliest graduates of the University of Oregon. He was a resident of Medford for 27 years. He was a member of the Masons, Elks, Knights of Pythias and other fraternal orders.
    One of the last public acts of Mr. Vawter was to accept the chairmanship of the Oregon-California land grant commission. He was well known throughout the state, and two years ago was prominently mentioned as a candidate for governor on the Republican ticket. He represented Jackson and Douglas counties as joint representative in the state legislature at the last session, and a delayed train at another session robbed him of the honor of being speaker of the house. He was one of the best-known men in Jackson County.
    Mr. Vawter was a heavy property owner in the valley and was actively identified with the commercial growth of Medford. He was president of the Jackson County Bank, and up to the time of his illness cared for a large legal business. During his busy life he received many honors, political, fraternal and honorary. He was one of the leading citizens of the state. He was intensely interested in the development of the Rogue River Valley. In politics he was a Republican, and was a high counselor in its ranks.
    The funeral occurred today and was attended by the Masonic lodges of Ashland.
Ashland Tidings, February 7, 1916, page 1

    The members of the Jackson County Bar Association met at the chambers of the circuit judge for Jackson County, Oregon, at the hour of 11 o'clock a.m., on Monday, the 7th day of February, 1916, for appropriate action on the death of William I. Vawter. Practically all of the members of the association were present. Judge F. M. Calkins presided and at once appointed a committee of three to prepare such proceedings as should be spread upon the minutes of the association and upon the circuit court journal. The committee then presented the following, which was unanimously adopted:
    William Ira Vawter was born in Linn County, Oregon, March 24, 1863, and died at his home in Medford, Jackson County, Oregon, on the 4th day of February, 1916, having spent his entire life in the state.
    He graduated from the University of Oregon in the year 1886 and began his business career as a school teacher, being compelled to rely entirely upon his own resources.
    Shortly after his graduation he moved to Medford, then a small railroad town, which had been in existence but a few years. Mr. Vawter saw the possibilities of the community and in 1888 established the Jackson County Bank, of which he became president. He remained at the head of that bank up to the time of his death and made it one of the strongest institutions of southern Oregon. While associated with this institution he found time for the study of law and in 1892 was admitted by the supreme court to practice in all of the courts of the state. From that time on he was one of the active practitioners at this bar and took part in most of the important litigation in the county.
    In 1905, 1907 and 1915 he was a member of the Oregon legislature and was able to and did accomplish much for the benefit of this section and for the state at large.
    He was always interested in everything of a public nature and was one of the strong factors in the growth of this community.
    His business judgment was good and was generally relied upon, both in private transactions and in matters of the larger concerns to the community. His early death is undoubtedly due to the energy and untiring efforts which he put forth in the handling of the business which was entrusted to his care.
    He was particularly earnest in his practice and represented his clients with zeal and fidelity. He was always courteous, and when he could do so without injury to his cause he was generous toward opposing counsel almost to a fault. He would do whatever he promised an opposing attorney that he would do.
    His oral stipulation was as good as his written one. Where opposing counsel had appeared in a case he never took a default without notice and an opportunity for the counsel to protect his rights. By the following of his natural inclination along these lines he endeared himself to the members of the profession, and in his death at this time the members of the bar feel that they have sustained a great loss. The loss is one which will likewise be felt by the community.
    In testimony of the esteem in which he was held the members of the bar deem it appropriate that a copy of these proceedings be given to the press and the family and that an order be entered that they be spread upon the circuit court journal and that no further proceedings be had in court upon this date.
    Upon the adoption of the foregoing the court directed that these proceedings be by the clerk extended upon the minutes of the court, and the president of our association directed that the same be entered upon the minutes of the association.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 8, 1916, page 6




Medford Mail Tribune, July 8, 1921, page 3


    Vernon Vawter and V. J. Emerick returned yesterday from an extended camping trip in the wilds of Eastern Oregon, going into a region near the Nevada border seldom traveled by automobile and unknown to tourists. The two men brought back some wonderful pictures of that part of the state showing herds of antelope grazing peacefully within fifty feet of the camera. These antelope are fast disappearing; there are only a few bands in the remote regions of Oregon, Idaho and Nevada.
    There is a $500 fine for shooting an antelope in Oregon, but regardless of the fine the Medford travelers had no desire to bring down any of these harmless and beautiful creatures.
    "A man who would shoot an antelope, would in my opinion be a murderer," said Mr. Emerick today. "The animals have never been a white man and have no fear whatever. No sportsman would shoot one unless in dire need of food and we had plenty of food. Sage hen are thick and a man can gather all he wants with a rifle. There is no limit to the fish one can catch. It is a wonderful country, one of the few places in the United States not invaded by the automobile and the tourist. It would be a shame to have the exact location of this wild game preserve known, for there are many so-called sportsmen who would sail in and bag all they could get. Although there is a fine for killing an antelope, a violator of such a law would in all  probability, escape detection."



"How I Earned My First Dollar," Medford Mail Tribune, September 19, 1921, page 4


    Vernon Hill Vawter, cashier of the Jackson County Bank of Medford and its chief executive, is not only prominently associated with business interests and enterprises which have much to do with the upbuilding of the city, but has in many other ways manifested his public spirit through cooperation with projects of great benefit to the state. He now has the distinction of serving as the youngest member of the board of regents of the State University, and his labors are at all times a direct and constructive element of public progress. Mr. Vawter is numbered among the native sons of Medford, his birth having occurred November 13, 1890, his parents being William I. and Etta M. (Hill) Vawter. The father was also a native of Linn County and the members of the family rank high as factors in the growth and progress of southern Oregon. The first American ancestors of the Vawter family came from England more than a hundred years ago. William I. Vawter has the credit of being the "father of banking" in Medford, and his fame is not confined alone to this field of activity, for his memory is cherished as that of one of the potential builders of the town, his efforts contributing in substantial measure in many ways to the early progress and later improvements of the city.
    Vernon H. Vawter was educated in the graded and high schools of Medford and in the University of Oregon. Following his graduation from the state institution he returned to Medford and accepted a position in the Jackson County Bank, of which his father was then president. The son is now the cashier of the bank and its chief executive, contributing much to its development and growth. In fact under his guidance the bank has come to be regarded as one of the most substantial financial institutions of the state.
    During the World War Mr. Vawter was accepted in a civilian Officers' Training Camp, but returned home incapacitated as a result of a severe attack of influenza and before he had recovered his health the armistice was signed. No man of his age in Oregon occupies a more prominent place in the business life of the state than does he. As a leading citizen of Medford he is called to act on every public service committee and he cheerfully responds to all demands made upon his time and means. He has had an unusual honor bestowed upon him in that he has been selected as one of the regents of the University of Oregon, enjoying the distinction of being the only man of his years who has ever been so highly honored. He is a member of the Medford public library board and belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, of which he served as president, cooperating in all of its activities for the benefit and upbuilding of the city. His political allegiance is given to the Republican Party, and he steadily declines to become a candidate for office.
    In 1915 Mr. Vawter was married to Miss Aletha Emerick of Boise, Idaho, a daughter of V. J. Emerick, one of the most prominent residents of the city, who for two terms served as mayor of Medford.
    Mr. Vawter is the treasurer of the Elks lodge of Medford and is also the treasurer of the Big Bend Milling Company, which has constructed in Medford several of its best business blocks on Main street and Central avenue, North. Nor does Mr. Vawter selfishly confine his energies to the growth and improvement of the city in which he makes his home, but takes an active interest in all matters for the benefit of the state. He is now one of the committee engaged in improving Crater Lake and the Crater Lake National Park. Progress and enterprise are the keynotes of his character and have constituted the forces that have thrown open for him the portals of success.
Charles Henry Carey, History of Oregon, 1922, page 178


VAWTER, William Ira, 1 Jackson County Bank Bldg.; res. 310 W. Main St.,
        Medford, Ore.
    Banker; b. Linn County, Ore., March 24, 1863; s. of Cyrus and Sarah A. (Finley) Vawter; grad. Oregon Univ., A.B., 1886, A.M. 1894; m. Eugene, Ore., Feb. 10, 1889, Etta M. Hill; children: Vernon H., William Ira, Jr. Asst. Cashier Jackson County Bank; treas. Big Bend Milling Co.; dir. Fish Lake Water Co. Mayor Medford, Ore., two terms; member Oregon Legislature one term, Odd Fellow (Past Grand Master).
Who's Who in Finance, Banking and Insurance, 1922, page 702


    Among the more important recent real estate sales in this vicinity, two of which have just been announced, is the passing of the fine home of Dr. Frederick C. Page, with its between three and four acres of grounds on Siskiyou Heights, to William Vawter. The consideration is not made known.
    Possession will be given in a few days, as Dr. Page and family, who are now selling their household furniture at private sale, will leave for their future home next week at Los Angeles, where he will engage in business.
Medford Mail Tribune, October 26, 1922, page 16


Medford Mail Tribune, October 23, 1923, page 5







    Mrs. Aletha Vawter filed suit for divorce in circuit court today from Vernon H. Vawter on grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment. The complaint states the couple were married October 24, 1914, and they were comparatively happy for the first 10 or 12 years of their married life. The plaintiff sets forth that the defendant on March 10, 1930 left her, with the understanding that he would never return.
    Mrs. Vawter seeks the custody of their son, Vernon Emerick Vawter, 9 years old. A property settlement has already been made out of court, the complaint also states.
Medford Mail Tribune, June 19, 1930, page 4


    The opening of the "Colonial Club" at the corner of West Main and Holly streets, long anticipated in many circles, was announced today by G. E. Ferguson for Saturday, November 18. The building, well known as the Vawter property, was recently vacated by the University Club and has been completely redecorated, inside and out, for the occupancy of the new social club, memberships in which have been available for the past several weeks.
    The building has also been refurnished upstairs and down and today offers an inviting interior to persons wishing to dine, dance, lounge or enjoy a game of bridge. The reception room has been arranged as a dance hall, adjoining the lounging room, furnished in deep upholstered davenports and chairs, especially designed for comfort.
    The hallway, now attractively furnished, adjoins space reserved for an orchestra, and the furniture can easily be removed to accommodate larger dancing parties. The main dining room is also on the first floor and also has a cheery fireplace.
    The culinary department, headed by Mrs. Alma Lee, who recently arrived in the city from the Fur, Fish and Game Farm, is spacious but not too large for the success of home cooking, which the club expects to constitute its greatest appeal to members. Mrs. Lee's mother will join her in conducting this department in the near future.
    Private dining rooms are also furnished upstairs to increase the facilities of the club, that several groups may arrange for special dinners at the same time.
    The club will be open to members only and memberships may be obtained from Mr. Ferguson and Wm. L. Vawter.
    To contradict an opinion prevalent about the city, Mr. Ferguson announced today that the club will be a strictly social organization for men and women and will not be operated as a roadhouse or "speakeasy." Liquors will not be sold there, with the exception, of course, of legalized beer.
    Mr. Ferguson is well known here through his affiliation for several years with the Fur, Fish and Game Farm, beyond Prospect.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 17, 1933, page 9


    Mr. and Mrs. William Vawter, who were divorced a few years ago, were remarried last night at the Colonial Club, 310 West Main, formerly the old Vawter residence, Justice of the Peace W. R. Coleman performing the ceremony. Mr. and Mrs. Vawter, with their son, William, Jr., will make their permanent home at 310 West Main.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 12, 1933, page 3


VAWTER, VERNON HILL
    Owner, First Insurance Agency.
b. Medford, Ore., Nov. 13, 1890; educ.. Univ. of Ore., B.A., 1913. Married Frances Nell, March 20, 1931; one son, Vernon Emerick. For many years active in banking and formerly cashier, Jackson County Bank, Medford. Now owner, First Insurance Agency, Santa Barbara, Calif. Past member, Board of Regents, Univ. of Oregon, 1921-26. Member of board, Santa Barbara Chamber Commerce. Elk. Shriner, Republican. Address: 1266 Ferello Road, Santa Barbara, California.
Capitol's Who's Who for Oregon 1936-37, page 608