F. B. Prine is one of the early pioneers in Oregon and his name is immovably printed in the history of the state and his works, as a courageous and hardy frontiersman, have accomplished much for the up building and civilization of the state.
He was born in Missouri, in 1841, the son of Frank and Elsie (Dealey) Prine. In 1853, he came overland to Oregon and settled in Linn County. There he received his education and remained until 1868, in which year he came where Prineville is now situated, settled, located the town and named it. He remained there until 1875 and then went to Silver City and mined, later sought the precious metal in Boise, after which he settled in Weston, Oregon, and opened a shop. Mr. Prine had previously became a skilled blacksmith and for twenty-five years he beat the anvil in Weston to the time of honest industry and skillful work, being one of the substantial and respected citizens.
Then, it being 1902, he became animated with the spirit of migration and Lapwai was the fortunate town to receive his residence. He opened a shop and at once had a good business and since that time he has continued here giving his attention to his trade. In 1862, Mr. Prine had passed through this section and in 1865 he soldiered here for eleven months.
In 1867 occurred the marriage of Mr. Prine and Miss Eliza Sylvester, a native of England, and to them have been born two children. Frank D., the first white child born in Prineville; Cora Bell, now the wife of Clifford Tucker, at Weston. The son is married and lives in British Columbia.
Mr. Prine is a man of good substantial qualities and has made a first class record and done a worthy labor in his various capacities on the frontier and in building up the country.
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Source: An Illustrated History of Northern Idaho, Embracing Nez Perce, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone Counties, Western Historical Publishing Company, 1903