CARL F

Carl F Gerlinger
Submitted by: Lynn Mack

Among the business projects which figure in connection with the

development and upbuilding of northwestern Oregon is the Dallas

Machine & Locomotive Works, of which Carl F. GERLINGER is the

president. In the control of his business interests he displays

marked ability and energy, regarding no detail as too unimportant to

receive his attention and at the same time controlling the larger

factors in his interests with notable assurance and power. A native

of Alsace-Lorraine, France, he was born March 28, 1878, and is a son

of George and Matline (HALLER) GERLINGER, who were also born in

France. The father, who was a forester, spent his entire life in his

native land and passed away in 1892, while the mother's demise

occurred in 1886.

Their son, Carl F. GERLINGER, was reared and educated in his native

land and there learned the trade of a machinist. He became an

engineer and was thus employed on seagoing vessels until 1902, when he

came to the United States, making his way across the country to

Portland, Oregon, where his uncle was then residing. There he entered

the employ of the Oregon-Washington Railroad & Navigation Company,

with which he was connected for a year, and in 1903 arrived in Dallas,

where he became connected with the Southern Pacific Railroad,

assisting in building the line to Fall[s] City. He became master

mechanic of the shops at Dallas, in the employ of his uncle who had

constructed the line, and when in 1912 the road was taken over by the

Southern Pacific Mr. GERLINGER was made general foreman of the shops

and still retains that position, which he is well qualified to fill,

being an expert mechanic. On the 1st of December, 1919, he organized

the Dallas Machine & Locomotive Works, of which he became president,

with W. E. BALLANTYNE as secretary-treasurer. They repair

locomotives, sawmills, logging equipment and farm machinery and also

engage in boiler work, blacksmithing and pattern work, manufacturing

grey iron and brass castings and prune stoves. They operate a large

factory and foundry and although recently organized their business has

already assumed large proportions, their trade extending to Washington

and California as well as eastern Oregon. Mr. GERLINGER is thoroughly

familiar with every phase of the business and is thus able to direct

wisely the labors of those in his employ, so that the enterprise is

conducted along the most modern and progressive lines, productive of

substantial and gratifying results. He possesses excellent methods,

which have won for him the confidence of his fellowmen.

In June, 1904, Mr. GERLINGER was united in marriage to Miss Marguerite

BANKHAUSER, and they have become the parents of four children, namely:

Matline, Alfred C., Augusta L. and Carl. Mr. GERLINGER obtained his

naturalization papers on the 10th of May, 1909, and is a loyal

American citizen, interested in all that pertains to the welfare and

development of his adopted country. He is a republican in his

political views, a member of the Dallas City Council, to which he was

elected in November, 1920, and a Presbyterian in religious faith.

Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows

and he is also a Mason, belonging to the lodge at Dallas and to Al

Kader Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Portland. He is classed with the

substantial business men of his community and is widely known and

honored as a self-made man who has attained success through honest

effort and indefatigable industry.

History of Oregon, Biographical, Vol. II, The Pioneer Historical

Publishing Company, 1922, Pages 447-448.

County Coordinator: Gayle Triller
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