After their marriage in Burns, Oregon,Ed and Dora lived on a ranch 10 to 15 miles south of Burns, near Lawen, a community of about 100 people. Here Charles and Rose were born.

In July, 1900, they moved by horse-drawn wagon to Southern Oregon and settled on a farm on New Hope Road less than a mile from Murphy, a small community 7 miles south of Grants Pass.

Here the developed a small farm, making their living selling vegetables, fruit, especially blackberries, eggs, meat, and chickens, using the horse and wagon for delivery.

On George's first birthday in 1910, Ed died, leaving the full responsibility of operating the farm to Dora and the children. Charles was 11, Rose 10, Frank 7, Roy 5, John 3, and George 1. With the climate and rich soil in their favor, although it was hard work, she and the children made a living. They had plenty to eat but money was scarce for clothing and shoes. Neighbors and friends helped.