The Oregon March/April 2026 A publication of the Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon Photo Contest 2025 Winners............... pg 6 The Lost Surveyor..................................pg 16
On the Cover Marcus Helm, taken by Cole Davis. This photo was the winning photo in the Surveyor in Action category of the photo contest at the annual conference. The Oregon Surveyor is a publication of the Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon (PLSO). It is provided as a medium for the expression of individual opinions concerning topics relating to the Land Surveying profession. Address changes & business All notifications for changes of address, membership inquiries, and PLSO business correspondence should be directed to Aimee McAuliffe, 1307 NE 102nd Ave., Ste D #229, Portland, OR 97220; 503-303-1472; execdirector@plso.org. Editorial matters & contributions of material The Oregon Surveyor welcomes your articles, comments, and photos for publication. PLSO assumes no responsibility for statements expressed in this publication. Editorial matters should be directed to Vanessa Salvia, vsalvia@gmail.com. Advertising policy Advertising content and materials are subject to approval of the PLSO Board and Big Red M. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising that simulates copy; material must be clearly marked as “Advertisement.” For advertising, contact: Ronnie Jacko, ronnie@bigredm.com; 503-445-2234 A publication of the Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon Executive Secretary Aimee McAuliffe 1307 NE 102nd Ave., Ste D #229 Portland, OR 97220 503-303-1472 Toll-free: 844-284-5496 execdirector@plso.org www.plso.org Published by Big Red M www.bigredm.com Advertising Ronnie Jacko, ronnie@bigredm.com Design Hope Sudol © 2026 Big Red M Editor Vanessa Salvia Publications Committee Tim Kent, Interim Chair Pat Gaylord Josh Herzberg Jordan Fletcher Contents Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon @ORLandSurveyors The Oregon Vol. 49, No. 2 March/April 2026 Editorials From the PLSO Chair, by Brent Corning, PLS, PLSO Board Chair 2 From the PLSO Office, by Aimee McAuliffe, PLSO Executive Secretary 4 Featured Articles Photo Contest 2025 Winners 6 Columns The Lost Surveyor, by Pat Gaylord, PLS 16 Surveyors in the News, by Pat Gaylord, PLS 22
2 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 2 From the PLSO Chair The Invisible Professionals A s surveyors, we sometimes joke that if we’ve done our job perfectly, nobody knows we were ever there. We are the “invisible professionals.” We slip into a berrychoked ravine in the Coast Range, recover a rusted 1920s iron pipe, and slip back out. We are the foundation of every deed, construction site, and property line in this state. But lately, I’ve been thinking that our invisibility is no longer a sign of a job well done—it’s a risk to our profession. When we are invisible, we are treated as a commodity. When we are seen only as a line item on a closing statement or a data file to be imported into AutoCAD, we lose our status as trusted advisors. We become a “checkbox” to be cleared as cheaply as possible. If we want to move the needle for the next generation of surveyors, we have to learn how to step out of the “data box” and into the light. The “invisible professional” problem starts with how we talk about our work. If you ask a client what they’re paying for, they’ll say “a map” or “the stakes.” If that’s all they see, then their only logical move is to find the person who can provide that map for the lowest price. However, you and I know that they aren’t paying for a PDF; they are paying for certainty. They are paying Brent Corning, PLS, PLSO Board Chair Let’s stop being the “invisible professionals.” Let’s start being Essential Professionals. We provide the ground truth that Oregon is built on. It’s time we acted like it. for the professional judgment that decided which monument to hold and which to reject when the math didn’t quite line up. They are paying for the hours spent digging through records that haven’t been viewed in 50 years. When we deliver a product without explaining the process or the protection it provides, we reinforce our own invisibility. We become a vending machine for coordinates. From Data Provider to Trusted Advisor To break this cycle, we have to change the narrative. In my own practice in the Eugene area, I’ve realized that the most valuable thing I offer isn’t the ability to run a total station or draft a map—it’s the ability to interpret the messiness of the real world for my clients. A “data provider” says: “Here is the file with the boundary lines and a surface.” A “trusted advisor” says: “Here is where your property sits, here is why your neighbor’s fence is where it is, and here is how we’ve mitigated your risk of a future lawsuit.” We need to start leading with the value, not the volume. In Oregon, our unique legal landscape—from the complexities of the Donation Land Claim Act to our specific riparian rights—requires a level of expertise that a “push-button” solution can’t replicate. We are the only ones who can bridge the gap between the field data and the actual law of the land. If we don’t tell that story, who will? The Myth of the “Clean” Digital World There is a growing temptation among our colleagues in survey-adjacent professions to believe that the digital world is “cleaner” than the physical one. They see a sub-centimeter GPS coordinate and assume it’s gospel. As the “invisible professionals,” we often fix these digital hallucinations
3 Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org From the PLSO Chair How to Send Us Your Work Please email the editor Vanessa Salvia with submissions: vsalvia@gmail.com. Your submission should be in .doc format. Please send images separately (not embedded in the document) and at the highest file size available (MB size range versus KB size range—larger sizes are encouraged). Please include the author’s name and email address or phone number for contact. quietly behind the scenes. We find the discrepancy in the old plat, we adjust for the ground-to-grid scale factor that someone else ignored, and we provide a corrected reality. But because we do it quietly, the client never knows we saved them from a hundred-thousand-dollar mistake. Stop being so quiet about your saves. I’m not suggesting we be arrogant, but we should be transparent. When you spend three hours resolving a boundary conflict that looked simple on GIS, tell the client. Include it in your narrative. Explain the “why” behind the “where.” When people understand the complexity we navigate, they stop seeing us as a utility and start seeing us as a necessity. Visibility as a Recruitment Strategy Finally, our invisibility is killing our workforce. We need fresh blood in this profession, but high schoolers can’t aspire to a career they’ve never heard of. If they only see a guy in a high-vis vest standing behind a tripod on the side of the road, they think we’re just another part of the construction crew. They don’t see the “time machine” aspect of our work—the fact that we are legal historians, detectives, and high-tech mappers all rolled into one. We owe it to the profession to be more vocal. Take the time to explain your gear to a curious passerby. Show a local student how a drone flight turns into a 3D model. Be the “visible professional” in your community. We cannot advocate for better legislation in Salem or better fees in our offices if the people we serve don’t understand what we do. Let’s stop being the “invisible professionals.” Let’s start being Essential Professionals. We provide the ground truth that Oregon is built on. It’s time we acted like it. Volunteer Opportunities Contact Aimee McAuliffe for more information: aimee@associatesolutionsmgt.com Scouting America Field Day Instructors Bend May 2, 2026 Portland June 6, 2026 Veterans Outreach Task Force Umpqua Chapter President-elect Education & Outreach Committee Photo by Cole Davis
4 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 2 From the PLSO Office Aimee McAuliffe, PLSO Exec. Secretary Mid-Year Progress on PLSO’s Workforce Initiatives A t the midpoint of our workforce development initiatives, one thing is clear: Interest in land surveying is not the primary challenge. Readiness is. As I have previously written about and discussed at the annual conference, PLSO has been working over the past several months on five priorities designed to strengthen the profession, from early career exposure through professional licensure. These efforts are supported by a grant from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. This is an interim update on that work. As our task force groups began meeting and talking through how these ideas would be put into practice, the conversation naturally shifted toward implementation. While continuing to promote surveying as a career is still important, we have also focused more directly on making sure we have the systems in place to successfully bring new professionals into the field— especially through stronger internship experiences, clearer onboarding processes, and better early career training support. Priority One: The Internship and Entry Level Onboarding Guide This guide book initiative was always intended to help firms develop meaningful internship and job shadow programs. That goal remains. What has become clearer through our conversations is that internships alone are not always enough to keep new professionals in the pipeline. Many students are interested in surveying careers. However, some are leaving for other professions when they encounter uncertainty about training expectations once they are hired. At the same time, many firms want to hire and train entrylevel professionals but may not have structured training programs in place or may feel unsure about how to safely and effectively train new staff while balancing project demands. As a result, we’ve slightly shifted our focus on helping firms that want to hire and develop entry-level talent but may need guidance on how to build training systems. The emphasis is on helping to create confidence around bringing new professionals into practice, whether they went the education route or not, by providing: • Structured internship program models • Practical onboarding frameworks for new hires • Mentorship and early career development strategies Our editor of The Oregon Surveyor, Vanessa Salvia, has spent more than 10 hours interviewing interns, recent graduates, and professionals across our community. These conversations have been extremely helpful in making sure the guide reflects real experiences from people currently working in and entering the profession. A volunteer task force led by Brenton Griffin, in collaboration with the Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineering and Land Surveying, has been developing the framework. Additional input has been gathered from faculty and programs at Oregon Institute of Technology and Oregon State University. Writing will soon be underway, and the final book will serve as a practical implementation guide rather than a theoretical training manual. Priority Two: Scouting America While firm readiness remains a priority, youth outreach continues to be an important part of building long-term awareness of the profession. The Surveying Merit Badge Field Day program, conducted in partnership with Scouting America, successfully served 25 youth participants during its first event near Roseburg. Students received classroom instruction followed by hands-on field training using professional surveying equipment, including GPS units, total stations, and leveling instruments.
5 Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org The next step is to ensure that when students, veterans, and career seekers choose surveying, the profession is ready to support them with structured training, mentorship, and clear pathways to licensure and long-term career success. From the PLSO Office The program quickly proved scalable. What began as a single event has expanded to another two scheduled for 2026. A Central Oregon event is planned for May 2, 2026, and a larger program at Clark College is projected to serve more than 100 youth participants on June 6. The primary limitation is not student interest—it is volunteer capacity. Recruitment efforts and pre-event coordination meetings are already underway to support program expansion. Please contact our lead, Matt Banton, at matt@bantonsurvey. com to see which program you can lend the most support. Priority Three: University Partnerships PLSO continues to strengthen partnerships with Oregon’s academic institutions to support geomatics education and career awareness. At Oregon Tech’s Wilsonville campus, planning is complete for a Geomatics Camp scheduled for April 3, 2026. Programming will include demonstrations of boundary measurement, drone and UAS technology, GIS applications, and career pathway discussions with industry professionals. Outreach has expanded to include high school students in addition to college students to help strengthen long-term workforce development. Coordination with Oregon State University is also underway to support continued awareness of geomatics education opportunities and future program growth. Priority Four: Veterans Outreach The Veterans Field Day initiative is currently focused on partnership development rather than immediate event delivery. The project is being led by PLSO members Jesse White and Joe Young, who bring direct experience with the transition from military service into civilian careers. Rather than creating separate programming, project leads are working to connect surveying outreach with existing veteran transition and workforce training resources. The long-term goal of the project will likely be the consolidation of information and resources, so veterans can more easily understand that land surveying is a viable career option, and that they know where to go to pursue education, licensure, and employment opportunities. By working within existing veteran support systems, the initiative aims to ensure outreach is practical, effective, and aligned with resources already available to transitioning service members. Priority Five: Regional Chapter Outreach PLSO’s eight regional chapters have been encouraged to design outreach programs that work best for their communities rather than follow a single standardized format. The Southwest Chapters of PLSO and POE recently partnered at Southwestern Oregon Community College to host a career exploration dinner at Hales Center/Empire Hall in Coos Bay. The Willamette Chapter is planning a fall outreach event in partnership with Oregon State University to connect students with industry professionals and career resources. The remaining chapters are still formulating their plans on how to host their “open house,” and I look forward to hearing more about it. Looking Forward The second half of this initiative will focus on continued implementation and measurable outcomes. The foundation has been built. Partnerships are in place. Interest in the profession is growing. The next step is to ensure that when students, veterans, and career seekers choose surveying, the profession is ready to support them with structured training, mentorship, and clear pathways to licensure and long-term career success. Because the future of surveying is not only about generating interest. It is about building readiness.
6 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 2 Featured Article PH TO CONTES Winners Each year during the conference, participants are encouraged to submit their favorite photos. These are the winners chosen, based on the number of votes each photo rece place photo, by Tucker Hines, is on this issue’s cover. PH TO CONTEST Winners Each year during the conference, participants are encouraged to submit their favorite work-related photos. These are the winners chosen, based on the number of votes each photo received. The first place photo, by Tucker Hines, is on this issue’s cover. Each year during the conference, participants are encouraged to submit their favorite work-related photos. Photos were entered into one of three themes: the Power of Networking, Surveyors in Action, or Keeping it in Perspective. We received many great photos this year, and here are some of our favorites. The winner of each theme received a $100 gift card after the conference. Winners were chosen by a mixture of attendee likes and the Publication Committee. The winner of the Surveyor in Action category, Marcus Helm, is on this issue’s cover. Three additional photos taken by Hunter Davis, Ryan Knight, and Travis Griffin were chosen for the cover of this magazine, which will be published over the next few issues. Photo by Ryan Knight Photo by Travis Griffin Each year during the conference, participants are encouraged to submit their favorite work-related photos. These are the winners chosen, based on the number of votes each photo received. The first place photo, by Tucker Hines, is on this issue’s cover. See you on the cover in future issues! 2025
7 Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org Featured Article ST e work-related eived. The first continues Photo by Austin Nielson Sending a wish for one more satellite! Photo by Erielle Lamb Marcus Helm, taken by Cole Davis Keeping it in Perspective Surveyor in Action The Power of Networking
8 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 2 Featured Article Father teaching son. Photo by Bryan Whisenhunt Summer intern Jesse D. goes after a corner monument next to Rickreall Creek. Photo by Josh Herzberg Rick Jones manipulates the settings on a Burt-style solar compass as Eli Adam, Colter Hessell, and Tom Casey look on. Photo by Josh Herzberg Surveyor Chris Griffin planting the seed at a career day at Jason Lee Elementary School in Portland. Photo by Austin Bennington Photo by Shelby Griggs
9 Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org Featured Article Dan Culver launching a drone at the Monitor Substation construction site in Mt. Angel. Photo by Josh Evey Staking gridlines on the roof of a large 200x800-foot building, to cut out skylights and place equipment. Photo by David Hallock CLAZO Squad finishes up a project on the Mount Hood National Forest. Photo by Erielle Lamb A GLO stone with very clear scribing. Photo by Jordan Fletcher continues Miles and miles …. and miles of open sky at the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Alicia Mizelle
10 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 2 Featured Article “At the Prime Meridian, where East meets West, and so do we.” Photo by Darren Goheen Monument recovery under Oregon skies. Photo by Michael Trimnell A drone flight at a golf course in Forest Grove. Photo by Andy Greene
11 Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org Featured Article My daughter/survey tech and I at the 2023 National Jamboree. Photo by Matt Banton For a cadastral survey near Hells Canyon, the team waded across the Imnaha River and then climbed 1,500 feet of elevation on the other side of the canyon to measure a section corner. The orange box in that picture is a Starlink unit they used to connect the GPS to the internet so they could receive network RTK correction. Photo by Austin Brockamp “It’s a great day to be a surveyor,” with Pat Gaylord. Photo by Alicia Mizelle Tucker Hines with Michael Trimnell. Photo by Tucker Hines continues
12 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 2 Featured Article 7:30 pm surveying in the Mojave Desert north of Baker, California on an NGS point. Didn’t get back to the hotel that night until 11:30, and it was a rough day. Photo by Matthew Stevens GPS on Green Peter. Photo by Cole Davis Bringing the realtors and cartographers into the field in the Nestucca National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Alicia Mizelle Blue booking at Blue River Reservoir. Photo by Sam Kratt The attendees of Tim Kent's Solar Surveying class, held at the Cascade Timber Consulting offices in Sweet Home in August, 2025. Photo by Josh Herzberg
13 Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org Featured Article Sadie checks posts on a Little White Salmon project in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Photo by Erielle Lamb A cadastral survey near Hells Canyon where the team used a helicopter to transit to monuments because there were multiple monuments on both sides of a 2,000-foot deep canyon with no roads. Photo by Austin Brockamp Section corner knocked out due to heavy logging equipment in Marcola. Photo by Sam Kratt Beautiful fall day with the Trimble SX12 on a portion of the Salmonberry Trail in Buxton, Oregon. Photo by Jesse White A full rainbow appeared on a beautiful day at Gleneden Beach in early February. Photo by Ken Griffin
14 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 2
15 Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org Grow Your Business. Give Back to the Industry. ADVERTISE NOW! Put your brand in front of the people who matter most while supporting the association that brings them together. Advertising in your association’s magazine helps you grow your business, strengthen your industry presence, and contribute to the resources members rely on. It’s targeted, trusted, and truly impactful. For more information, please contact: Ronnie Jacko 503-445-2234 ronnie@bigredm.com
16 By Pat Gaylord, PLS Lost The surveyor The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 2 The Lost Surveyor
17 An April 2025 trip to Iceland was an amazing experience with our adult kids. Twelve days on the 821-mile Ring Road provided amazing sights, great food, and lifelong memories. On the other hand, it proved difficult when it came to finding Lost Surveyors. No matter how much research I did, surveying history in Iceland seems scant compared to here. If any of you know of stories from there, let me know. I’d love to write about one. Fortunately, 2025 was a big travel year for us, and in August it was off to Egypt! Since it’s nearly the holy grail for the origin of surveying, how can one not look for a Lost Surveyor while in this country? Egypt truly does not disappoint when it comes to works that surveyors contributed to. We are all aware of the pyramids, the many tombs, and other works in Egypt which are aligned with the celestial calendar. However, there are also great structures that are Greek, Roman, British, and Russian, among others, throughout the country that would not exist without surveyors. Our tour guide described Egypt as the cultural melting pot of the Middle East. One of our first stops was the Egyptian Museum, which is a large and very full museum in the heart of Cairo. The building is showing its age and the displays are massed together with little extra space. Because we were with a tour group, we only had a couple of hours at the museum. After visiting King Tut and with only minutes left before heading to our next destination I found the room for Engineering, Math, and Architecture. There I discovered a small collection of measuring devices and among them was what could only be a plumb bob. Now if I could find the ancient surveyor who might have used it! Day 2 found us at the Great Pyramid of Giza [Photo 1], one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and one of the great surveying feats of the world. The tour was not scheduled to spend a lot of time here and since it was 106 degrees with 80% humidity, we didn’t argue too much. Displayed in the visitor center was a plumb bob, square, Cubit rod, and leveling plumb bob [Photo 2]. Constructed with Answer Who was the ancient Egyptian goddess of writing, knowledge, and measurement who performed the rope-stretching ceremony that may make her the world’s first surveyor? Question Photo 1: The Great Pyramid of Giza with the Sphinx in the foreground. Photo 2: Measuring tools at Giza visitor center. continues Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org The Lost Surveyor
18 Photo 3: Like today, people’s biggest investments were in land and property. The lease and sale of farmlands, houses, and even cellars were carefully recorded on these papyrus sheets. Photos 4 and 5: The “Donation Stela of luwelot” describes gifts of land to luwelot, the High Priest of Amun, and his wife, Tadenitenbast. There is debate whether luwelot was the son of King Osorkon I, II, or III. these rudimentary tools in approximately 2600 B.C. over a period of 26 years, this pyramid was the world’s tallest structure for more than 3,800 years! The measurement accuracy of the Great Pyramid is mind boggling. The four sides vary in length by less than one half foot at the extreme with a mean error of 0.2 feet and it is within 1 minute of angle from a perfect square. The question still remained. Who was the rope stretcher who surveyed all of this? Before Day 2 ended we visited the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Although not completely open at that time, it truly is an Egyptian gem. At approximately 5.2 million square feet, the museum is a beautiful building and an overwhelming experience. Tucked away within the area that was open to us was an exhibit of ancient land transfers (donation stelas) etched in stone tablets or written on papyrus. [Photo 3] The luwelot stela/deed etched in stone is nearly 7 feet tall and about 3 feet wide! [Photos 4, 5] The museum opened in its entirety in November 2025. The contrast between the Egyptian Museum and the GEM is difficult to describe. If you find yourself in Cairo, this is a must-see location. Our trip continued along the Nile and upon arrival at the Edfu Temple, the mystery of who may be the world’s first surveyor was revealed. Depicted on one wall was the unmistakable image of a woman stretching ropes and pounding stakes for the future temple. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, if not for a goddess in Egypt we might not have one of the wonders of the ancient world or the many temples across Egypt. Who knows, without her we might not even have our profession as we know it today! Our tour guide explained the scene. From left to right; the ruler Ptolemy and his bride come to the god Horus to be married. Horus, with the head of the falcon, grants their wish. Ptolemy and Seshat (pronounced ’Seh-shah-t’), depicted with the seven-pointed star overhead, begin the rope stretching continues continues The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 2 The Lost Surveyor
19 Photo 6: Seshat performing the rope stretching ceremony at Edfu Temple. Photo 7: Completion of the temple construction at Edfu Temple. Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org The Lost Surveyor
20 Photo 8: The Temple of Kom Ombo is dedicated to the crocodiles of the Nile. Here, Seshat appears both in her feminine figure performing the rope stretching ceremony as well as the masculine figure of Thoth, pictured here on the far left with the Ibis head. Photo 9: The Dendera Temple of Hathor is a sprawling complex. Seshat is depicted on the exterior walls of the temple at least three times. Photo 10: The Karnak Temple Complex is a sprawling site and awe inspiring in much of its construction. Seshat is depicted here as a scribe. The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 2 The Lost Surveyor
21 ritual to lay out the foundation of the temple and drive the stakes to guide the construction while Horus oversees. [Photo 6] Ptolemy and Horus then lay the sand to purify the temple floors. Next, Ptolemy brings bricks of gold to build the temple foundation. The last panel depicts Horus and Ptolemy together as Horus views the temple. [Photo 7] Seshat is the ancient surveying goddess who performed the rope stretching ceremony for the many temples and pyramids throughout Egypt. She is this issue’s Lost Surveyor. Seshat was the goddess of writing, knowledge, and measurement. Her depiction with the cord-stretching ritual reaches back to at least the second Egyptian dynasty. She is typically depicted with the seven-pointed star over her head and leopard skin clothing, but we learned that Egyptian gods can be depicted in multiple forms. Seshat may also be depicted as, or associated with, the god Thoth (patron god of wisdom) or sometimes as his daughter or wife. Because of her responsibility for the cord stretching ritual, the assertion can be made that she is the goddess of surveying! Now familiar with what to look for, Seshat’s image was on almost every temple we visited. This included the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Kom Ombo (the crocodile temple) [Photo 8], Dendera Temple of Hathor at Qena [Photo 9], Karnak Temple [Photo 10] and at Luxor Temple [Photo 11]. I’m sure there are others as well. A temple dedicated to Seshat has not been located in Egypt. Maybe she was so busy performing the cord-stretching ritual for others that she never got around to her own temple, or maybe one will be discovered in the future. In any event, you should have a new-found respect for the ladies of this profession. You never know who might be the descendant of the surveying goddess, Seshat. References • “Early History of Surveying,” Brian S. Blevins, PLS and Daniel L. Perry, PLS https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/2acc16ba0d8f495fbda1b2f5f4ab7afc • Britannica: Seshat | Goddess of Writing, Knowledge & Measurement; https:// www.britannica.com/topic/Seshat • Ancient Egypt Online: Seshat; https://ancientegyptonline.co.uk/seshat • World History Encyclopedia: Seshat, https://www.worldhistory.org/Seshat Photo 11: Luxor Temple is south of Karnak at the opposite end of the Avenue of Sphinxes, which is 3 kilometers long. The image of Seshat is nearly lost at this temple. continues Seshat was the goddess of writing, knowledge, and measurement. Her depiction with the cord-stretching ritual reaches back to at least the second Egyptian dynasty. She is typically depicted with the seven-pointed star over her head and leopard skin clothing, but we learned that Egyptian gods can be depicted in multiple forms. Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org The Lost Surveyor
22 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 2 By Pat Gaylord, PLS Surveyors in the News PAUK TWO. DAILY KA3T OREf SOMAN, PENDLETON, OREGON. FRIDAY, APRIL , 1908. EIGHT PAGES. TheBest andBiggest Market Day Bargains itt - - - - Our Easter Sale commencing tomorrow morning offers the greatest savings in the best of seasonable merchandise . Don't Miss the Savings this Easter Sale Affords Bargains of unusual merit in every department The Peoples Warehouse Where it Pays to Trade lEU OF BEHSOH-HYD- E LAUD FRAUDS A Washington correspondent give the following excellent review of the Benson-Hyd- e land fraud cases now on trial In Washington: After repeated delays and postponements. John A. Benson, J. H. Schneider, Henry P. Dlmond and Frederick A. Hyde, real estate operators of the Pacific coast, are finally to face the bar of justice und answer to charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States out of valuable Umber concessions In nearly every state west of the Mississippi river. These four defendants, according to the government officials, are the ring leaders of the most stupendous land frauds ever brought to light in this country. Their cases were called fpr trial today before Justice Stafford. The trial is expected to consume nearly three months, as more than 200 witnesses may be examined. Congress recently authorized the expenditure necessary to conduct the prosecution and directed that the entire cost, approximating $50,000, be borne by the government and no portion charged against the District of Columbia, In whose courts the trial Is to take place. The case of the prosecution will be handled by United States Attorney Pugh and Francis J Heney of San Francisco, special counsel for the United States In the prosecution of land frauds. The defendants have engaged eminent counsel. Including Attorneys S. A. Worthlngton. It. Golden Donaldson and A A . Blrney, with three assistants. The cases against Benson, Dimond, Schneider and Hyde have been drag-Tin- g along for the past four years. John A. Benson is regarded as the principal in the alleged conspiracy. For many years he has been a prominent figure on the Pacific coast. Early in life he went from Ohio to San Francisco, where he established himself as a surveyor, land agent and real estate operator. From 1876 to 1879 he held the office of United States deputy surveyoi Then he proceeded to organize the Benson land ring, seeking to control contracts for surveying government lands. For the next six years he and Ms crowd controlled all contracts for surveying government lands In Cali fornia and the neighboring states. Reports of Benson's operations finally led to an official Investigation as a result of which 76 indictments were returned against Benson and his associates In 1885 and 1886 Benson himself was indicted no less than 74 times Wealth and influence were employed to prevent the trial of the cases Meanwhile special ageftts of the government were sent to San Francisco to make a thorough investigation of state and federal officials who had protected Benson. They found that the Southern Pacific railroad as well as a number of prominent officials were interested in the Benson contracts. Although the special agents completed their evidence the cases were repeatedly postponed and never came to trial. From 1887 to 1895 the Benson cases dragged larough the United States courts. In the latter year Benson and his associates, having amassed a large fortune in California, widened their field of operations to Include Oregon, Washington and other states. Then came the Investigation started by Secretary Hitchcock in 1903, resulting in charges involving Senator Mitchell, Representative Blnger Hermann and others of prominence. As a result of the evidence brought to light in these trials Benson was convicted at San Francisco, in August, 1907, of conspiracy to defraud the government out of 12.000 ucres of land, and sentenced to 10 years' Im prisonment. He appealed the case and has been at liberty under $30,000 bond. Now. with a fortune estimated at $20400n,000, he and his associates must again stand trial on charges of alleged wholesale swindling. Musical Instruments Guitars, Mandolins, Banjos, French Harps, Horns, Clarionets, Accordians and strings and fittings for musical Notice to Poultry Raisers. The hatching season Is low open and I am prepared to furnish settings of full blood, single comb white leghorn eggs, to the trade In any quan tity desired. $7 per hundred. For further Information phone Main 88 A. Nolte. Three are dead and two will die from the effects of Injuries sustained In a boiler explosion In a small shingle factory at Everett, Wash. all COURT STREET Save Your Coupons KILLING OFF DOGS. U (ramie Pollochian Hoping In scninjre ami OwMriGM Curl and i sin;: the Ax Empowered with special authority from the city council and provided with a screened wagon and a sure roping arm. Deputy Policeman James Peppers plaits out tomorrow morntai after dogs. Owners, generally, grin cm hearing of the proposed canine destruction and some of them oven believe the ultimatum Is half-heart- In Its intent. They will evidently think different hereafter, says the La Grand Observer. The dogs must wear the tag". Any dog seen without the tag will , be roped, caged and Impounded, there to be advertised. Hence, an owner who has a tag in his possession, but not attached to the animal, and the animal is Impounded, will be required to pay the relinquishment fees before "doggie" again gains his liberty. Chief of Police Walden stated today that this fact should be borne In mind. The system to be followed Is, briefly, that the untagged dogs will betaken Into pound and there advertised. If not claimed and removed, the dog will be killed. Eighteen have already been given the ax. Death Was On Ills Heels. Jesse P. Morris of Skippers. Va., had a close call In the spring of 1906. He says: "An attack of pneumonia left me so weak and with such a fearful cough that my friends declared consumption had me, and death was on my heels. Then I was persuaded to try Dr. King's New Discovery and after taking two and a half bottles I was well man again. I found out that New Discovery Is the best remedy for coughs and lung disease in ill the world." Sold under guarantee at Tallman & Co.'s drug store. 50c and $1.00. Trial bottle free. , Notice to Public. Having disposed of my Implement store In this city, all parties knowing themselves Indebted to me please call and settle their accounts. FRED WEBER. The American gunboats at Port au Prince are preparing to land troops on the Island. IN LEI or mo . f PLACE WAS NAMED FOR INDIAN CHIEFTAIN Hot Bprtaf " BUa of Pooaie-ll- Was nmad Among Intllnns for Its Medicinal Oimlltio Old Chieftain Was Finally Thrown into the Spring ami Dlsiipnenml. f A wrltor In the Mining West, o' well known publication, takes a long draw at the pipe of fancy and Indites the following legend about Pocatello: Nearly every truveler over the Overland route to the coast passes through the town of Pocatello, one of the thriving cities of Idaho. This place is among the historical spots of the intermountaln country. The site of Pocatello long before It was made a white man's town was the camping ground of the Bannock Indians. And even down to the present time, It Is one f tha favorlute places of the red man. Within short distances of the town are numerous hot springs. The place was named for a once well known Bannock chief Pocatello. This particular spot was his-- own hunting grounds and one well known hot spring he claimed as his own. This spring was near IM base of Bannock mountain and the wily old chief no doubt, copying after white men with whom he had experience, exacted from the Indians of his tribe and from others as well, tribute whenever they saw fit to use the wonderful waters of. the spring. Among the Indians the spring was noted for its great medicinal quajl-tle- s. It was accredited with being a sure panacea for cramps, colics, rheumatism and other complaints too numerous to mention. Euch Indian using the waters of this spring 'for bathing purposes was required to pay to Pocatello one beaver tall for each bath, and If the bathers desired to enjoy the waters to the fullest extent "from sun to sun." he could soak himself in the waters of the spring for an entire beaver skin. Years rolled on and Pocatello became old and decrepit. It was claimed by some that lie lived for more than a hundred years When he became almost helpless and the Indiana found that the wonderful spring water did not renew Ills youth they became dissatisfied with the exactions In the way of tribute that he had to long demanded from them They decided to muke him test the efficiency of the celebrated spring. They placed him astride his horse and taking him to the spring they threw him bodily in. determined to give him a long, good soak that would cure him of his feebleness. The details of this last bath of Pocatello are clouded In the misty and ohscure legends of the remaining Bannoeka, but it Is said that after he was placed In the spring he was deserted and a few days later when the spring was sought no trace of him or his remains could be found, nor has he appeared since then. Pocatello, the city which perpetuated the name of the noted chief, Is one of the liveliest western towns. It is inethe center of a rich agricultural district, the resources of which are fat being developed. Mrs. Annie Feriier of New York. Is dead as the result of laughing at a joke told at a dinner party of which she was a member. COFFEE and tea; Schilling's Best, is sold by about 9000 grocers west of the Rocky Mountains. Your grocer roturnt your monor If lou don't Ilk It: w. par '"' 632 St. BelowCost Absolutely closing out and retiring from business. Stock to be sacrificed regardless o f cost to us. Buy while line is complete. Terms to Suit Guernsey Ladies Heatherbloom PETTICOATS Deep flounced, three rows of sheering, with four inch dust ruffle, Black, Blue, Brown and Garnet. Price: $225, $2.50 and $275 Alexander Dep't Store Givers of Best Values COLUMBIA BAR. Main a A. C. Phone Main 90. Fine Wines and Liquors. Fancy Drinks Specialty Hot Lunch Pool and Billiard Parlor Gentlemen Only First Class Rooming House In Connection. CORRIGAN BROS. PROPRIETORS. EAGLE SHOW SHOP Friedly, Prop. Will Trites. Mgr. The Picture Store "Rescued trom the Eagles Nest" "A Kind Hearted Gentleman" "Race of the Heavy-weights- " "Afraid of the Microbes" SONG "Honey Boy" Byers' Best Flour N made from Uie choicest wheat thtat grows, flood bread U asnur-e- l when BYERS' BEST FLOOR - used. Bran, Shorts, Sicam Rolled Barley always on hand. , PENDLETON ROLLER I W. 8. BYKBS, Proprietor. Musical Instruments, Sheet Music & Post Cards. Violins, Purchasers M MILLS Victor, Edison and Columbia Talking Machines and complete stock of Records. One Second-Han- d Weber Piano, good condition $100. One High Grade Organ, good condition (50.00. J Sto THOMPSON, Manager Most of us have heard about the Benson Syndicate for years, but how did it all end? This story from the Daily East Oregonian in 1908 shed light on the trial and the end of one of the largest land frauds of the public lands. For additional reading on the Benson Syndicate, check out “Looters of the Public Domain” by S.A.D. Puter with Horace Stevens, Portland: The Portland Printing House Publishers, 1908. Daily East Oregonian Pendleton, OR Friday April 3, 1908 REVIEW OF BENSON-HYDE LAND FRAUDS A Washington correspondent gives the following excellent review of the Benson-Hyde land fraud cases now on trial In Washington: After repeated delays and postponements, John A. Benson, J. H. Schneider, Henry P. Dimond and Frederick A. Hyde, real estate operators of the Pacific coast, are finally to face the bar of justice and answer to charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States out of valuable timber concessions in nearly every state west of the Mississippi river. These four defendants, according to the government officials, are the ring leaders of the most stupendous land frauds ever brought to light in this country. Their cases were called for trial today before Justice Stafford. The trial is expected to consume nearly three months, as more than 200 witnesses may be examined. Congress recently authorized the expenditure necessary to conduct the prosecution and directed that the entire cost, approximating $50,000, be borne by the government and no portion charged against the District of Columbia, in whose courts the trial Is to take place. The case of the prosecution will be handled by United States Attorney Pugh
23 Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org Surveyors in the News and Francis J Heney of San Francisco, special counsel for the United States in the prosecution of land frauds. The defendants have engaged eminent counsel, including Attorneys S. A. Worthington, R. Golden Donaldson and A A. Birney, with three assistants. The cases against Benson, Dimond, Schneider and Hyde have been dragging along for the past four years. John A. Benson is regarded as the principal in the alleged conspiracy. For many years he has been a prominent figure on the Pacific coast. Early in life he went from Ohio to San Francisco, where he established himself as a surveyor, land agent and real estate operator. From 1876 to 1879 he held the office of United States deputy surveyor. Then he proceeded to organize the Benson land ring, seeking to control contracts for surveying government lands. For the next six years he and his crowd controlled all contracts for surveying government lands in California and the neighboring states. Reports of Benson’s operations finally led to an official Investigation as a result of which 76 indictments were returned against Benson and his associates. In 1885 and 1886 Benson himself was indicted no less than 74 times. Wealth and influence were employed to prevent the trial of the cases. Meanwhile special agents of the government were sent to San Francisco to make a thorough investigation of state and federal officials who had protected Benson. They found that the Southern Pacific railroad as well as a number of prominent officials were interested in the Benson contracts. Although the special agents completed their evidence the cases were repeatedly postponed and never came to trial. From 1887 to 1895 the Benson cases dragged through the United States courts. In the latter year Benson and his associates, having amassed a large fortune in California, widened their field of operations to include Oregon, Washington and other states. Then came the investigation started by Secretary Hitchcock in 1903, resulting in charges involving Senator Mitchell, Representative Binger Hermann and others of prominence. As a result of the evidence brought to light in these trials Benson was convicted at San Francisco, in August, 1907, of conspiracy to defraud the government out of 12,000 acres of land, and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. He appealed the case and has been at liberty under $30,000 bond. Now, with a fortune estimated at $20,000,000, he and his associates must again stand trial on charges of alleged wholesale swindling.
24 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 49, No. 2 2026 PLSO Board & Committee Chairs Blue Mountain President Dean Coon dcoon@atlas-survey.com President-Elect Brenton Griffin bgriffin@rogerssurveying.com Secretary/Treasurer Abbey Achziger abbey.achziger@pbsusa.com Central President Matthew Banton matt@bantonsurvey.com President-Elect Dan Burton burtonsurveyor@gmail.com Secretary/Treasurer Kevin Blakely kevin@colandsurveying.com Midwest President Nathan Scheib nscheib@eugene-or.gov President-Elect Mike Magyar mike@magyarlandsurveying.com Secretary/Treasurer Renee Clough reneec@branchengineering.com Pioneer President Jesse White jesse.white@oneatlas.com President-Elect Skye Thomas sthomas@wolfwaterresources.com Secretary/Treasurer Eric Osman eric@axiomls.com Rogue River President Logan Hurst logan.hurstexc@gmail.com President-Elect Curt Chappell curt@pc-surveys.com Secretary/Treasurer Shawn Kampmann shawn@polarissurvey.com South Central President Joe Young joeyoung2008@hotmail.com President-Elect Jonathan Redd jredd@klamathcountyor.gov Secretary/Treasurer Anthony Sigg anthonysigg@gmail.com Oregon Tech Liaison Jordan Nowell nowellj32@gmail.com Southwest President Walter White wwhite@shn-engr.com President-Elect James Stevenson jamesfrederickstevenson@yahoo.com Secretary/Treasurer Derek Windham emap@northbendcity.org Umpqua President Ronald Quimby ronald.quimby@douglascountyor.gov President-Elect Weston Addington waddington@lrtco.com Secretary/Treasurer Dan Saily dan.saily@lonerockresources.com Willamette President Mosier Locke mosier@lockeengineers.com President-Elect Ed DeWilde ed@dsesurvey.com Secretary/Treasurer Josh Herzberg herzberg.j@hotmail.com CHAIR BRENT CORNING bcorning@egrassoc.com CHAIR-ELECT JOSH KOWALSKI josh.kowalski@gmail.com PAST-CHAIR DANIEL NELSON dann@branchengineering.com EXECUTIVE SECRETARY AIMEE McAULIFFE execdirector@plso.org www.linkedin.com/in/amcauliffe The State Board of Directors is made up of the PLSO Chair, Chair-Elect, Past Chair, and each of the Chapter Presidents and Presidents-Elect. COMMITTEE CHAIRS AUCTION Marcus Helm marcushelmm@gmail.com AWARDS Daniel Nelson dann@branchengineering.com BYLAWS Brent Bacon, brent.bacon@eweb.org CONFERENCE Jered McGrath mcgrathjered@gmail.com EDUCATION & OUTREACH Brent Corning brent.corning@gmail.com FINANCIAL Curt Chappell curt@pc-surveys.com GNSS USERS GROUP Samantha Tanner samantha.tanner@45geomatics.com LEGISLATIVE Ryan Erickson rerickson@egrassoc.com MEMBERSHIP Open Position NSPS OREGON STATE DIRECTOR Pat Gaylord oregonimages@hotmail.com OACES LIAISON Mike Berry mjb97701@gmail.com ORYSN Mosier Locke mosier@lockeengineers.com THE OREGON SURVEYOR Tim Kent takent@comcast.net SCHOLARSHIP Mosier Locke mosier@lockeengineers.com STRATEGIC PLAN/ OSBEELS LIAISON Tim Fassbender htimfass@aol.com PLSO OFFICE 1307 NE 102nd Ave., Ste D #229 Portland, OR 97220 PHONE 503-303-1472 TOLL FREE 844-284-5496 FAX 503-303-1472 EMAIL office@plso.org WEB www.plso.org CHAPTER OFFICERS Affiliated with Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon @PLSO_1959 @ORLandSurveyors
The Oregon Surveyor 1307 NE 102nd Ave., Ste D #229 Portland, OR 97220
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