The life histories of some of the men, living and dead, whose initiative and executive ability, whose prophetic vision and practical wisdom, made them and their calling great, are assembled in this volume. These are the biographies either of pioneers or of the associates or succes sors of pioneers, of men of yesterday or men of today. Many won additional distinction as states men, soldiers, bankers or merchants. Thus theycontributed not only to the history of the lumber industry but also to the history of the nation. They were men who recognized and utilized opportunity. Some were themselves pioneers in settlement and development; many were the sons of fathers who helped to clear the land for settle ment. They breathed the breath of the forest and learned its secrets and its possibilities.