eform-minded Governor Oswald West once declared it was his ambition to "shoot a bartender." Although no shots were fired, the actions he took toward Copperfield, a small town in the far northeast corner of Baker County, did earn him a reputation for being tough on liquor. In response to complaints from residents about lawless behavior, West signed a proclamation declaring martial law on December 31,1913. He then attempted to void the incorporation of Copperfield. His actions caused such a furor that newspapers as far away as New York City covered it on their front pages. Meanwhile, West's demands for local assistance proved fruitless.

Fern Hobbs takes on wide-open Copperfield

Governor's actions challenged in Oregon Supreme Court

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