Archives West Finding Aid

Ellis Samuel Dement was born January 10, 1890 in Norway, Oregon to Russell Cook Dement and Lucy Ann Dement. He had seven siblings: Nellie Estelle, Eunice Viola, Raymond Benton, Winnifred Elizabeth, Clare Leroy, Lester Thomas (his twin), and Harry George. Ellis's father, Russell, worked the ranch that his father, Samuel Maxwell Dement, established, and worked as a cattle rancher his entire life.

Dement attended Oregon Agricultural College (OAC) from 1907 to 1911, graduating with a degree in agriculture. After graduation, Dement returned to the family ranch and became a stock raiser. In 1914 he married Cecile Beryl (Miller) Dement. They had three children: Aileen Dorothy, Russell Albert, and Ellis Samuel Jr (who went by Sam).

Sam, the youngest of Dement’s children, went on to be something of a star at Oregon State College (OSC). He attended from 1939 to 1943, and like his father pursued a degree in agriculture. Sam was a forward on OSC’s varsity basketball team from 1940 to 1943, and helped the team take second place in the regional tournament. Sam’s graduation was fast tracked when he was drafted into World War II; when he returned from service overseas he went back to work on the Dement Ranch with his brother, Russell.

Sam and Russell Dement continued to expand the family ranch, and it achieved some prominence in the Oregon ranching community. In 1997, Russell and Sam filed to turn the ranch into a Limited Liability Corporation, ensuring its longevity. The ranch has continued to expand over the years, and in 2009 was designated as a Century Ranch by the Oregon Century Farm and Ranch Program. Sam and Russell eventually deeded the farm to Sam’s two daughters, Diane Simon and Joan Harpole. They are the fifth generation to assume ownership, and continue to manage the farm as of this writing.

Ellis Samuel Dement died October 29, 1972 in Myrtle Point, Oregon.