Born on June 27, 1876 in St. Simcoe, Washington, William Kittredge left an indelible mark on the American West as a pioneering cattleman and philanthropist. He settled in Klamath County, Oregon, in 1894, where he joined his father, Franklin Kittredge, a Methodist missionary and schoolteacher, on a homestead in Silver Lake. Together, they began what would become a vast land and cattle empire, expanding from modest beginnings into one of the largest operations west of the Rocky Mountains.
Kittredge participated in one of the era’s longest overland livestock treks, driving 345 horses and mules from Silver Lake to Gibbons, Nebraska—a grueling 103-day journey. In 1899, he married Maude A. Long, who shared his life and work on the ranch.
Through his dedicated stewardship, Kittredge acquired ranches across Klamath, Lake, and Harney counties in Oregon and even into California. He became a respected figure in agricultural innovation, particularly in livestock breeding, and actively supported his community. His leadership extended to the American Cattleman’s Association, where he served on the executive board, and the Tri-State Livestock Association, where he was a director.
Kittredge was instrumental in founding the Klamath Productive Credit Association, where he served as president for over two decades. His commitment to local organizations, including the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce, and his attendance at the Methodist Church, underscored his dedication to his community. William Kittredge’s legacy endures through his family and the thriving agricultural traditions he helped shape.
