part in several campaigns against the Moros under General Leonard Wood.
[Illustration: MAJOR PAUL H. WEYRAUCH]
Following his return to the United States, Lieutenant Weyrauch
was assigned to duty as quartermaster at Boise Barracks in Boise,
Idaho, and later was detailed to the Army School of the line at Fort
Leavenworth, Kansas. He returned to Fort Walla Walla in the fall of
1906 and was retired from active service on the 1st of March, 1907, at
which time he again entered civil life.
On the 11th of February, 1907, Major Weyrauch was united in marriage
to Miss Edith Moffatt, a daughter of Mrs. Edith G. Moffatt, widow of
Lieutenant William P. Moffatt. The father of Mrs. Edith G. Moffatt was
the son of the old pioneer, James P. Goodhue, who was among the first,
if not the first, settlers of the Walla Walla valley. To Major and Mrs.
Weyrauch have been born two children, Paul Russell and Mary Jane.
Soon after his retirement from the army Major Weyrauch served as
assistant engineer of the city of Walla Walla for a short time and on
the 11th of April, 1907, he became connected with the Blalock Fruit
Company, with which he filled various positions, his first position
being that of bookkeeper. He was later assistant secretary, also
assistant manager, and in April, 1910, became general manager of the
company, in which position he still continues. On the 1st of January,
1916, he organized the Blalock Fruit & Produce Company, of which he
is the president. This company is a shipping concern and handles
the entire output of the Blalock orchards and also that of adjacent
tracts. This organization is also a factor in the marketing of all the
fruits and vegetables grown in the valley and the business, under the
guidance of Major Weyrauch, has been very profitably conducted from the
beginning.
Aside from his connection with interests of a personal character Major
Weyrauch has figured prominently in promoting interests that have
to do with the material upbuilding and prosperity of the community.
In April, 1913, he was elected a member of the board of trustees of
the Walla Walla Commercial Club and he served as president of the
club from April, 1914, until April, 1916. He was also instrumental
in organizing the Fruit Growers' Agency, Incorporated, was elected
its first president and has done much to further the interests of the
organization, which is composed of growers' and shippers' organizations
in the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, and is
fostered by the bureau of markets of the Department of Agriculture.
He was reelected president in April, 1917, and is still serving in
that capacity. He has been a director of the National Apple Show held
in Spokane since 1913. Fraternally Major Weyrauch is a prominent
Mason, belonging to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 7, F. & A. M.; Walla Walla
Chapter, R. A. M.; Walla Walla Commandery, K. T.; Spokane Consistory,
A. & A. S. R.; and El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane.
He likewise belongs to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E., and
is a member of the Spanish War Veterans, belonging to General Lawton
Camp No. 7, of which he is a past commander. His interest in military
affairs has never ceased. In February, 1910, he organized Company K
of the Second Infantry Regiment of the Washington National Guard and
commanded the company until January 1, 1911, when he was appointed
quartermaster of the Second Infantry and thus served until July, 1912,
when it became necessary to resign owing to his increasing business
interests, which were making constantly greater and greater demand
upon his time and attention. But there came a day when he felt that
military duty was paramount to all else and in July, 1917, he organized
the First Battalion of the Washington Field Artillery and on the 9th
of July was commissioned major. The battalion was mustered into the
federal service September 30, 1917, and on the 9th of October left
Walla Walla for Camp Green, North Carolina, where they remained until
October 25th. They then proceeded to an Atlantic seaport and sailed for
France, December 24th, arriving there safely January 9, 1918. Major
Weyrauch has faithfully served his adopted land in military capacities
for many years--a splendid example of the loyalty expressed by many
men of German birth who recognize their obligations to the country
under whose laws they have found protection and by whose privileges
and opportunities they have benefited, while in return they render the
utmost allegiance and loyalty.
OSCAR E. GRANT.
Oscar E. Grant, who is extensively and successfully engaged in farming
in Walla Walla county, near Prescott, was born January 23, 1870, and
is a native son of the state of Washington. His parents were Jonathan
and Elizabeth Grant, the former a native of Indiana, whence he removed
westward and established his home in Walla Walla county, Washington, at
a very early day. Here he passed away, while his widow, who was also
born in Indiana, is still living.
Oscar E. Grant spent the days of his boyhood and youth in Walla Walla
county, as he has the period of his manhood. He was early trained to
the active work of the farm upon his father's place and devoted the
summer months to the tasks of plowing, planting and harvesting but in
the winter seasons attended the public schools. He has never sought
to change his occupation but has found in agriculture a vocation
thoroughly congenial and one which has proven highly profitable to him.
He now owns eight hundred acres of fine wheat land in this section of
the state, together with some pasture land. His fields are thoroughly
cultivated and his progressive methods produce substantial results.
[Illustration: MR. AND MRS. OSCAR E. GRANT]
On October 30, 1895, Mr. Grant was united in marriage to Miss Mary E.
Pettijohn, whose parents are mentioned elsewhere in this work. To Mr.
and Mrs. Grant have been born three children, Mark H., Samuel O. and
Elda M., all at home. For forty-eight years or since his birth, Mr.
Grant has been a resident of this section of the state, so that he is
largely familiar with its history and with the events which figure
most prominently in its annals. He has seen its broad lands claimed
and cultivated. In the days of his youth there was much open range
and stock raising was an important feature of business life in this
section. Today all of the land is owned individually and the work of
improvement has transformed the tracts largely into productive fields
devoted to grain raising. He has borne his part in this result and is
today one of the progressive farmers in the vicinity of Prescott.
JAMES M. CORNWELL.
James M. Cornwell, a pioneer of Walla Walla county, was a man of such
inherent strength of character that the position of leader was accorded
him by his fellows without his seeking prominence. The determination
which throughout life was one of his most salient characteristics was
never more clearly shown than during the months when he worked his way
with wagon teams across the plains to the west and especially when,
having left the train, he and his brother walked the distance of three
hundred miles from Fort Boise, Idaho, to The Dalles, Oregon, over a
country unknown to them, fighting the exhaustion and discouragement of
starvation.
His birth occurred in Orleans, Orange county, Indiana, August 7, 1834,
and his education was that usually received by farm boys in those early
days. His father, Payton Cornwell, who was a native of Kentucky, in
1839 removed with his family from Indiana to Edgar county, Illinois,
and there the mother died when our subject was but nine years old.
At that time the family was broken up and the eight sons found homes
among strangers. In 1852 James M. Cornwell, at the age of seventeen
years, with an older brother, Francis M., aged nineteen years, started
on foot from Iowa for the Pacific coast with a capital of only five
dollars between them. On arriving at a town on the Mississippi river
James M. Cornwell worked as a teamster for an emigrant, who in turn
was to furnish him with food until they reached St. Joseph, Missouri.
In addition to this the brother was permitted to put his little bundle
of clothing in the wagon. All that was left of the five dollars was
spent for crackers to eat along the journey and at St. Joseph both
of the brothers found employment as teamsters with a train bound
for Oregon. According to agreement they were to receive their food
on the trip but in addition to acting as teamsters were to continue
in the service of their employer for one month after reaching the
coast. This train was made up of professional men and their families
and when they reached Fort Boise, Idaho, late in the season after a
six months' journey, they found themselves short of rations. Fearing
starvation, the owners of the teams proposed to the teamsters that the
latter leave the train and go on ahead and take care of themselves as
best they could. Eight of the teamsters, including the two Cornwell
brothers, agreed to this plan and left Fort Boise on foot with three
days' rations and started for The Dalles, Oregon, three hundred miles
distant, which was the nearest point where there was any certainty of
obtaining food. It was a desperate chance to take, but it seemed the
best under the circumstances and they hoped that somewhere along the
way they could find food. As the days passed their scanty store was
used up, although they made it last as long as possible and as they
came down the west slope of the Blue mountains to Meacham's creek they
were almost famished. There they came upon an emigrant camped near
the water and found that he, too, had met with misfortune. His family
one by one had died and been buried along the trail, his cattle were
worn out and could go no farther, and his food supply was exhausted.
In order to sustain life he killed one of the almost starved oxen and
hospitably fed the party of eight teamsters. After leaving this man
the party of eight resumed their journey, one-half of which still lay
before them. On reaching Alkali Flats one of the men lay down exhausted
and the others went on, for there was no alternative. The only hope of
any surviving was to press forward as rapidly as possible. One by one
the men gave up and lay down exhausted until only the two brothers were
left. These two journeyed hand in hand, each assisting the other as now
one and then the other staggered and seemed about to fall. On reaching
John Day ford they came across an Indian who had a fish weighing about
a pound, for which James gave him a shirt and was glad to make the
exchange. From that point on the journey was a nightmare and at length
they lost hope and the older brother proposed that they, too, lie down
and give up the struggle. Still they staggered on, their weakness
causing them to sway as if drunk. Suddenly James saw a light and,
renewing their efforts, they at length managed to reach it and there
found an emigrant with the surviving members of his party encamped in a
nook somewhat sheltered from the wind. However, there was little hope
to be obtained here, for the family had been living on corn meal gruel
for days and had so little that they could spare none. However, they
gave the brothers a quilt and allowed them to sleep on some boxes in
the wagon. Even so, the cold of that October night chilled them and
James became delirious, but in the morning he was able to again resume
the weary way westward. After they had gone some distance they met an
Indian with a rotten fish on the banks of the Columbia and James traded
a knife for the fish, which the brothers ate in spite of its decayed
condition. When they reached the Deschutes river they gave an old
pistol as pay for being ferried across the stream and on reaching the
other bank, to their great surprise and joy, were overtaken by six of
their comrades whom they supposed to be lying dead on the Alkali flats.
Somewhat heartened by this reunion, they continued their journey and at
length reached The Dalles. James Cornwell was chosen by the party to go
to the commissioners stationed there by the people of Oregon for the
purpose of relieving destitute emigrants, but on asking for provisions
he was told that food was scarce and rations could be given only to
widows or orphans of men who had perished on the way across the plains.
However, at length he succeeded in getting two pounds of flour, which
was made into bread by a kind emigrant woman. Strengthened by this
food, they continued their journey westward and at length reached the
Willamette valley.
The Cornwell brothers engaged in hunting during the first winter in
Oregon and the following summer James farmed land on shares, but it was
almost impossible to find a market and the autumn found him with as
little money as when he reached Oregon. He then took up a ranch in the
timber nine miles southwest of Portland and resided there until 1861.
His brother, Francis M., who had accompanied him on their terrible
journey to the west, lost his health partly as the result of the
hardships endured during those six months and at length settled near
our subject and passed away in February, 1858. Mr. Cornwell of this
review remained upon his homestead in Oregon until 1861, when he sold
that property and went to work in the Oro Fino mines, where he spent
the greater part of the summer. During that time he filed on a ranch
near Dry creek, six miles north of Walla Walla, Washington, and in the
fall he came by wagon with his father-in-law to his claim in Walla
Walla county. That winter was the hardest and longest in this part of
the state and all his cattle starved to death. Although he was thus
compelled to again start with nothing, he was confident that in time he
would win success. He brought his family to Washington and during the
summer of 1862 operated a farm on shares. As he was dissatisfied with
the tract of land which he had taken up he sold it and bought a portion
of the T. P. Denny ranch on Dry creek, which, however, he subsequently
disposed of. In 1868 he purchased the Kimball farm of one hundred and
twenty acres on upper Dry creek, nine miles northeast of Walla Walla,
and for a long period there made his home. He harvested good crops and
so managed his business affairs that he received a good income from his
labors and, recognizing the fact that land would increase in value,
he systematically invested his capital in farm property, becoming at
length the owner of twelve hundred acres of wheat land and one hundred
and sixty acres of timber land.
Mr. Cornwell was married March 16, 1857, to Miss Mary Tucker, who died
on the 25th of April, 1858. On the 20th of October, 1859, Mr. Cornwell
was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Stott and they became the
parents of the following children: Laura, the wife of C. S. Robinson,
of Walla Walla; Oliver T., whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work;
Charles E., a resident of Tacoma; Nannie E., the wife of A. M. Cation,
of Walla Walla; Arthur G., also of Walla Walla; Minnie E., the wife of
Albert Cheney, of Trout Lake, Washington; and Raleigh, who died when
about sixteen years of age. The mother of these children passed away in
June, 1893, and Mr. Cornwell died in Walla Walla about 1898.
Mr. Cornwell was a staunch advocate of republican principles and served
in the territorial legislature as a joint representative from Walla
Walla and Whitman counties. His ability won recognition in that body
and he was acknowledged to be one of its most valued members. Whether
the matter in hand was some question relating to the management of his
large farm properties or some problem of government he was always quick
to distinguish between the essential and the non-essential factors in
a situation and resourceful and sound of judgment in advising a course
of action. The same spirit of dogged perseverance that led him as a
boy of seventeen to refuse to admit defeat and lie down to die when it
seemed humanly impossible to continue further on the way to Oregon was
manifest throughout his entire life and that which he undertook was
successfully accomplished.
JOHN P. ANDERSON.
John P. Anderson is one of the worthy citizens that Sweden has
furnished to the new world and although he came to this country in
limited circumstances, he is today one of the well-to-do ranchmen of
Walla Walla county, owning a valuable tract of three thousand acres.
He was born in Sweden on the 15th of July, 1853, and is a son of
Andrew Bengston and Bula Johnson, who spent their entire lives in that
country. In their family were seven children, four of whom are still
living--one in Sweden and the others in America.
John P. Anderson passed his boyhood and youth in his native land, where
he pursued his education in the public schools. Believing that better
opportunities were afforded young men on this side of the Atlantic,
he came to the United States in 1872 and after spending three years
in Illinois proceeded westward to Washington. Locating near Walla
Walla, he was in the employ of others for two years and then took up a
homestead, where he has since spent the most of his time. As the years
have gone by he has steadily prospered in his farming operations and
has added to his property until he now owns three thousand acres of
land, all improved, and he also has a beautiful home in Walla Walla
surrounded by eight acres of ground, on which he raises all kinds of
fruit.
In early manhood Mr. Anderson married Miss Anna Gamberg, also a native
of Sweden, and to them were born nine children, of whom Arthur and
Mabel are deceased. Those living are Victor, who is now on the ranch;
Bessie, at home, and Melvin, Carl, Bengt, Otto and Alice, all in
school. The wife and mother passed away November 15, 1916, leaving many
friends as well as her immediate family to mourn her loss, and her
remains were interred in Mountain View cemetery. She was an earnest
member of the Christian church, to which Mr. Anderson also belongs,
and in politics he is a staunchrepublican but has never been an office
seeker. He is one of the self-made men of the community, his success in
life being due to his own energy, enterprise and good business ability.
ALONZO L. SANFORD.
Among the citizens of Columbia county who have attained success in
their chosen calling and are now able to lay aside all business cares
and enjoy the fruits of former labor is Alonzo L. Sanford, who for many
years engaged in agricultural pursuits but is spending the sunset of
life in ease and retirement. He was born in Clark county, Illinois, on
the 2d of November, 1845, and is a son of Peleg and Malinda (Greenleaf)
Sanford, natives of New York state, whence they removed to Illinois in
1832. There the father bought a tract of government land at one dollar
and a quarter per acre and built thereon a log cabin, in which the
family lived for several years. Throughout the remainder of his life he
continued to operate his farm and there his death occurred. His widow
subsequently came to Walla Walla, Washington, and here she passed away.
In their family were five sons, of whom three are still living.
Alonzo L. Sanford spent the first nine years of his life in the state
of his nativity and then removed with the family to Iowa, where he
was principally reared and educated, pursuing his studies in a little
log school house. In 1864, when nineteen years of age, he enlisted
in Company D, Tenth Iowa Infantry, for service in the Civil war, and
remained at the front until hostilities ceased. He was with General
Sherman on his famous march to the sea and participated in the battle
of Bentonville. The war having ended he was mustered out at Little
Rock, Arkansas, and honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa, after
which he returned home and resumed farming. In 1871 Mr. Sanford removed
from Iowa to Washington and took up a claim of one hundred and sixty
acres of land northeast of Dayton in Walla Walla county. After living
there for four years, he sold his farm and bought another near Covello
in what is now Columbia county, where he carried on farming for some
years. On disposing of that place he removed to Covello, where he has
since lived retired, surrounded by all the comforts and many of the
luxuries of life. Besides his nice residence he owns some lots in the
village and is one of the well-to-do citizens of the community.
[Illustration: ALONZO L. SANFORD]
In 1881 Mr. Sanford married Miss Alice McBride, a native of Iowa, and
they have become the parents of seven children, as follows: W. G., now
a resident of Dayton, Washington; Bertrand; Christopher; Pearl, the
wife of Jesse Carleton; Bryan; Estella, the wife of Robert Smith; and
Elton, at home.
Politically Mr. Sanford is a staunch democrat and for two years he
acceptably served as assessor of Columbia county. He has also been a
member of the school board and as a public-spirited and progressive
citizen he has done much to promote the interests of his community.
Wherever known he is held in high esteem and he well merits the
confidence reposed in him.
WILFORD H. GROSS.
Wilford H. Gross is actively identified with agricultural interests,
although making his home in the city of Walla Walla. He possesses the
strong and sturdy characteristics that have dominated the west and have
constituted the foundation upon which has been built its upbuilding and
progress. His entire life has been passed in the Pacific coast country.
He was born in Modoc county, California, on the 17th of January, 1874,
his parents being Bailey H. and Julia A. (Rice) Gross, the former
a native of Illinois, while the latter was born in Ohio. They were
married in the year 1862 and soon afterward crossed the plains with ox
teams to Nevada, where the father engaged in the dairy business and
in freighting near Virginia City. He spent ten years in that way in
Nevada, after which he continued his westward journey to California
and located in Modoc county, where he conducted a dairy and stock
farm. He concentrated his efforts and attention upon that business for
a decade and in 1880 removed from California to Walla Walla county,
Washington. Here he purchased a quit claim deed to a homestead and to
a timber claim situated in township 8, range 36 east, about eleven
miles northeast of Walla Walla. In subsequent years, as his financial
resources increased, he bought more land from time to time and became
the owner of thirteen hundred and twenty acres, which he held at the
time of his demise in March, 1915. His life record should serve to
inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished when
there is a will to dare and to do. He had no assistance but earnest
effort promoted his advancement and the sure rewards of labor came to
him in the course of years. His political endorsement was given to the
republican party.
Wilford H. Gross was educated in the Valley Grove school and in the
public schools of Waitsburg, supplemented by a course in the Waitsburg
Academy and by a commercial course in the Walla Walla Business
College. When about twenty-two years of age he bought one hundred and
sixty acres of land and began farming on his own account. He has since
been identified with general agricultural pursuits and is now the owner
of three hundred and twenty acres in township 8 north, range 36 east,
and also one hundred and sixty acres near Eureka. He also cultivates
land belonging to his brothers and a sister, thus utilizing in all
ten hundred and forty acres. He is numbered among the extensive wheat
growers of this section of the state and his business affairs are
carefully and successfully conducted. His energy knows no bounds and
his indefatigable effort has produced splendid results. He has made a
close study of soil and climatic conditions and is thoroughly familiar
with the best methods of wheat growing in the northwest, so that he
annually produces splendid crops.
On the 21st of October, 1903, Mr. Gross was united in marriage to Miss
Grace M. Houghton, of Cowlitz county, Washington, who was a teacher
in the old Seeber school at the time of her marriage. They now have
three children, namely: Dorothy, Charles and Houghton. Mrs. Gross is a
daughter of Henry and Sarah A. (Gardner) Houghton. Her mother located
near Woodland, Washington, in 1851 and in 1867 she married Henry
Houghton, who followed farming in Clarke county, on the Lewis river,
where he still maintains his home. Mrs. Houghton passed away October 9,
1908. The Gardners were among the earliest settlers of Clarke county,
crossing the plains and enduring all the hardships of pioneer life.
In politics Mr. Gross maintains an independent course. Fraternally
he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, while
the religious faith of himself and his wife is indicated in their
membership in the Christian church. About ten years ago they took up
their abode in the city of Walla Walla, where they make their home and
from that point Mr. Gross has supervised his farming interests, which
are wisely and carefully controlled.
JEROME L. KEISER.
Jerome L. Keiser is now practically living retired in Waitsburg,
although for many years he was prominently identified with building
operations and with mercantile pursuits in the city where he still
makes his home. He is a representative of one of the oldest pioneer
families of the northwest. He was born in Portland, Oregon, on the
12th of July, 1850, when that beautiful city of roses was a hamlet,
containing only a few cabins on the banks of the Willamette. His
parents were William M. and Roxcia (Ingalls) Keiser. The father was a
native of Rensselaer county, New York, born October 7, 1827, while the
mother was a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, the date of her birth
being May 22, 1828. They were married in Pittsfield, Pike county,
Illinois, on the 4th of April, 1849, and on the 10th of that month
they began their journey across the plains with an ox team for the
California gold fields. They arrived in Oregon City, Oregon, on the
18th of September, having traveled for thousands of miles across the
hot stretches of sandy desert and over the mountain passes. In the same
wagon train with them came a married sister and her husband, a married
brother and his wife and two single brothers of Mrs. Keiser. It was
a wedding trip for Mr. and Mrs. Keiser and also for her brother and
wife, but it lacked many of the joyous features and comforts that are
supposed to attend wedding trips. From the time they left Missouri they
passed only a few forts but did not otherwise see a human habitation
until after they had crossed the Cascade mountains, where they
approached a settlement and heard the chickens crowing. With thoughts
of mother and friends back home Mrs. Keiser sat down and had a good
cry. On reaching Oregon City they decided to go into camp and spend a
little time there. There had been talk of a city being built on the
present site of Portland, which at that time, however, was occupied
only by a little store building built of shingles and a few shacks. In
fact they thought that Oregon City would be a much more progressive
place and occupied a much more favorable location than Portland.
However, Mr. Keiser purchased a lot on the site of Portland and built
a frame shack. Liking the country, they determined to abandon their
California trip and live in Oregon. They resided in Portland until the
spring of 1852, by which time the town had expanded to a little village
of about two streets situated along the water front. They then went up
into Clackamas county, where Mr. Keiser took up a donation claim on
which they resided for twenty years and in the meantime although they
experienced all the privations and hardships of pioneer life, the work
of improving and developing the farm was continued and their land was
transformed into rich and productive fields from which they annually
gathered good harvests. In 1872, however, they came to Walla Walla
county, Washington, and settled in Spring valley, where Mr. Keiser
purchased a small farm near a schoolhouse. There he settled down to
agricultural life and devoted five years to the development of his farm
property, at the end of which time his life's labors were terminated
by death. Mrs. Keiser continued to reside upon the farm until 1877,
when she removed to Waitsburg, where she has since made her home. She
yet owns the old homestead farm, however, comprising two hundred and
eighty acres, some of which was purchased by her after her husband's
death. In 1851 the first Masonic lodge was organized in Oregon, this
being at Portland, where meetings were held in a shack, and Mrs.
Keiser, lovingly called Aunt Roxcia by her many friends, was called
upon to make the Masonic aprons, as she was a fine seamstress and her
brother-in-law, J. B. V. Butler, being one of the prominent members of
that organization. She also made some of the wedding clothes for Dr.
D. S. Baker, one of the pioneers of this region, whose sketch appears
elsewhere in this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Keiser were born six children
of whom three are yet living, Jerome L., Millard H. and Frank T., all
residents of Waitsburg.
[Illustration: JEROME L. KEISER]
[Illustration: MRS. WILLIAM M. KEISER]
Jerome L. Keiser, whose name introduces this review, was reared amid
the conditions and environments of pioneer life and has for sixty-seven
years been a witness of the growth and development of the northwest.
He was educated in the district schools of Clackamas county, Oregon,
and in early manhood began learning the carpenter's trade, which he
has followed for many years. He was closely identified with that
business until 1906, when he established a furniture and undertaking
establishment in Waitsburg and was thus connected with the commercial
interests of the town for six years. He then disposed of that business
and has since worked at his trade when he so desired, although he has
practically lived retired. Indolence and idleness, however, are utterly
foreign to his nature and at times he cannot resist again taking up
the tools and doing some work along the line of trade in which he
embarked in early manhood. The success, however, which attended him
has obviated the necessity of continued work, for he is now in the
possession of a handsome competence that supplies him with all of the
comforts and some of the luxuries of life.
In his political views Mr. Keiser is a democrat, having supported the
party since attaining his majority. For several years he served on the
school board and the cause of education has found in him a stalwart
champion. He is a member of Touchet Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., and
he has a twenty-five year gold medal, indicating connection with the
organization for a quarter of a century. He also belongs to Coppie
Encampment, No. 73, I. O. O. F., and he has membership with the United
Artisans. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Old Ladies'
Home at Walla Walla. His religious faith is indicated by his membership
in the Christian church and his belief has actuated him in all of
life's relations, making his an honorable course and one which has ever
commended him to the confidence, good will and high regard of those
with whom he has been associated.
THOMAS DURRY.
In the days when Walla Walla county was famous throughout the west as a
stock country Thomas Durry was a leader among the cattle and sheep men
of this section. He was born in Williamstown, Glengarry county, Canada,
April 20, 1849, a son of John and Isabelle Durry, also natives of the
Dominion and descendants of Irish and Scotch ancestry.
Thomas Durry was reared in Williamstown and there received his
education, but in 1868 he left home and made his way to California,
where he remained for three years. In 1871, in company with his mother
and two sisters, Mary and Isabelle, who had joined him in the meantime,
he came north to Washington territory, locating in Walla Walla county.
He formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, D. McGillivray, and
they turned their attention to the stock business, acquiring a ranch
near Ritzville. They were there extensively engaged in stock raising
for about a quarter of a century and at the end of that time by mutual
consent they dissolved their partnership and Mr. Durry continued in
business alone until 1903, when he retired from ranching and took up
his abode in Walla Walla. He erected a handsome residence at the corner
of Birch and Palouse streets and his last days were spent in well
earned leisure in the enjoyment of the comforts and luxuries of life.
Although during his active career he had extensive herds of cattle,
his chief interest was in sheep raising and he was one of the best
authorities on everything pertaining to that industry in the northwest.
For several years he served as sheep commissioner for the Walla Walla
district. On removing to the city he sold his stock ranch, comprising
five thousand acres, but retained his extensive holdings in wheat
lands, which properties are now owned by his widow.
It was in 1886 that Mr. Durry was united in marriage to Miss Alicia
Lane Thomas, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Thomas, of Walla Walla.
To this union were born two children, Homer and Marie.
Mr. Durry held membership in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks
and in religious faith was a Roman Catholic. He always rather shunned
publicity and his manner was at all times that of the unassuming
gentleman, though all who came in contact with him recognized the quiet
force of his personality, the keen business insight and ready grasp
of the salient points of a situation that enabled him to successfully
manage his large interests and the ability to judge men correctly which
was such a large factor in his success. He passed away July 7, 1905,
and his demise was deeply mourned by his many warm friends. Mrs. Durry
is personally looking after her extensive business interests and has
proven herself a woman of unusual executive ability and knowledge of
business methods and conditions. She also possesses a very attractive
personality and is held in the warmest regard by those who know her
intimately. In religious faith she is a Catholic.
SHERMAN PETTYJOHN.
Sherman Pettyjohn, a retired farmer of Walla Walla county, has spent
his entire life in the county, his birth having here occurred November
10, 1865. He is a son of Jonathan and Hannah (Warner) Pettyjohn,
an account of whose lives appears in the sketch of their son, John
Pettyjohn.
Sherman Pettyjohn became familiar with all the conditions of pioneer
life in his boyhood and youth, as at that time this county was but
thinly settled. The district schools afforded him his educational
opportunities and he early began assisting his father with the farm
work, taking on more and more responsibility as he grew older. On
attaining his majority he took up a homestead and at once began the
task of developing it. His labors were rewarded by abundant crops, and
as the years passed he acquired more and more land, until he now owns
eleven hundred and twenty acres, all of which is wheat land and is
under a high state of cultivation. The improvements upon his holdings
are modern and substantial and the value of his properties reaches a
large figure. He raises both wheat and stock and is convinced that such
a course is more profitable than confining one's attention to either
business exclusively.
In 1892 Mr. Pettyjohn was married to Miss Mabel M. Smith, also a native
of Walla Walla county, and a daughter of Sergeant J. C. and Amanda
(Sheets) Smith, natives respectively of New Jersey and of Illinois. In
1848 Mr. Smith came west to California by way of Cape Horn and Mrs.
Smith crossed the plains by ox team with her family in 1859 and located
in Walla Walla county, Washington, where both her parents passed away.
To Mr. and Mrs. Pettyjohn have been born two children: Hester S.,
who is the wife of Howard Holliday, is a graduate of the University
of Idaho and for a number of years before her marriage engaged in
teaching; and Margaret, a graduate of the Walla Walla high school and
now engaged in the study of music at Whitman College.
Mr. Pettyjohn is a stanch republican and has served capably as a member
of the school board. He belongs to the Farmers Union, which has as
its object the promotion of the interests of agriculturists, and both
he and his wife attend the Presbyterian church, whose teachings they
follow in their daily lives. They are now living retired in Walla
Walla, where they own an attractive residence at No. 530 Division
street. In managing his farming interests Mr. Pettyjohn not only gained
financial independence for himself but also aided in the agricultural
development of the county.
CYRUS T. NELSON.
Cyrus T. Nelson, a resident farmer of Valley Grove, first came to
Walla Walla county in 1861. His life experiences cover a long period
of mining in Idaho, but since 1888 he has resided continuously at his
present place of residence, which is one of the finest farms in the
valley. While he ranks with the leading agriculturists of this section
of the state, he has also been prominent in public affairs and has been
called upon to represent his district in the state legislature. He was
born in Ohio, August 9, 1839, his parents being William and Rebecca
(Stands) Nelson, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Removing
westward, they became residents of Ohio at an early period in the
development of that state and there built a log cabin, living in true
pioneer style. Later they became residents of Indiana, where both the
father and mother passed away. Only two of their ten children are now
living.
Cyrus T. Nelson was reared and educated in Ohio and in 1859 started for
California. He spent two years as a miner in that state and in 1861 he
came to Walla Walla county, Washington, but in the fall of the same
year proceeded onward to Idaho, where he engaged in mining until 1888.
In that year he returned to Walla Walla county and took up his abode
upon his present farm, which he had purchased in 1866. He has developed
it into one of the finest farming properties of the valley, having
here eight hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land from
which he annually gathers very substantial and gratifying harvests. His
agricultural methods are indicative of the latest step along the line
of progress in crop production, and in addition to his farm he owns a
fine residence at No. 333 Whitman street in Walla Walla.
In 1873 Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Julia McInroe,
who was a native of Wisconsin and by whom he had eight children, as
follows: George; Lawrence F.; Cyrus M.; Carrie L., the wife of W. L.
Talbert; Laura A., who gave her hand in marriage to L. V. Warner; Ruth,
the wife of William C. Retzer; and two who are deceased. All those
living are residents of Washington. The wife and mother passed away in
1905 and was laid to rest in Mountview cemetery, her death being the
occasion of deep and widespread regret not only to her immediate family
but to those many friends who had learned to esteem her highly because
of her many sterling traits of character and her kindly spirit.
[Illustration: C. T. NELSON]
In politics Mr. Nelson has long been an earnest republican, voting
with the party since casting his first presidential ballot for Abraham
Lincoln. He has served as county commissioner in Idaho and for one term
was representative of his district in the Idaho state legislature. His
public record, like his private life, is free from blame. His has been
a useful, active and honorable career, guided by high principles. He
has long been numbered among the honored residents of the northwest,
where he has made his home for fifty-six years. There is no phase
of the development of the northwest in its mining and agricultural
interests with which he is not familiar and his broad experiences have
caused him to look at life from a liberal standpoint, with sympathy for
the frailties of men and respect for their sterling virtues.
LUTHER J. CAMPBELL.
Luther J. Campbell, superintendent of the Stubblefield Home at Walla
Walla, has proved very efficient in that difficult position, displaying
the rare combination of executive ability and marked kindness and
patience. He was born in Monticello, Piatt county, Illinois, October 9,
1870, a son of George W. and Margaret R. (Gibson) Campbell, the former
a native of Salina, Ohio, and the latter of Sangamon county, Illinois.
They were married in Sangamon county as the father had located there
in young manhood, and there he engaged in farming for many years. His
death occurred in August, 1907, but the mother is still living and
makes her home with a daughter in Springfield, Illinois.
Luther J. Campbell passed his boyhood and youth under the parental roof
and after completing the course offered in the public schools became
a student in the Central Normal College. In acquiring an education
he displayed unusual persistency of purpose and great energy, for he
worked his way through college, completing the four years' course on a
capital of one hundred and eighty dollars which he earned. He boarded
himself, living chiefly on graham mush sweetened with syrup, and in
order to further decrease his expenses he did his own laundry work at
night. Most young men would never consider for a moment undergoing such
privations, but he realized the benefit of an education and determined
to fit himself for something worth while. After his graduation with the
class of 1892 with the degree of B. A., he took up the work of teaching
and for sixteen years followed that profession. He then turned his
attention to the land business and was also for some time advertising
manager of the Farm Home. On resigning that position he and L. E. Frost
founded the Berkshire World, a stock paper which is now published
in Chicago. His residence in the northwest dates from 1910, when he
removed to Hermiston, Oregon, where for fifteen months he devoted his
time to the study of orchards and irrigation. In 1911 he removed to
Walla Walla and during that winter was the principal of Bernie school.
In 1911 he was appointed probation officer and served for fifteen
months in that capacity and on the 1st of January, 1913, took charge
of the Stubblefield Home, which was founded in pursuance of the terms
of the will of the late Joseph L. Stubblefield, who left one hundred
and fifteen thousand dollars for its establishment and maintenance.
The institution is a home for aged and dependent widows and dependent
children and since its establishment in 1902 has admirably served its
purpose. It is under the direction of three trustees appointed by Mr.
Stubblefield, namely C. M. Rader, E. A. Reser and F. M. Stubblefield.
Mr. Campbell's knowledge of human nature and administrative skill
gained through his years of teaching and in his work as probation
officer admirably fit him for the discharge of his duties in the
important position of superintendent of the home, and the friction so
often found in such institutions is happily lacking.
On the 23d of May, 1893, Mr. Campbell was married to Miss Margaret J.
Wallace, of Brazil, Indiana, and they have a daughter, Beryl C., the
wife of V. O. McWhorter, who is in the government service at Dubois,
Idaho.
Mr. Campbell is a stanch democrat and is commendably interested in
public affairs, although not an aspirant for office. He belongs to
Columbia Lodge, No. 8, K. P., and both he and his wife are members of
the Methodist Episcopal church. In all the communities in which he has
resided he has made a highly creditable place for himself, and all who
have come in close contact with him hold him in warm regard.
JAMES EMANUEL BERRYMAN.
James Emanuel Berryman, deceased, was well known as an early settler
and prosperous farmer of Walla Walla county. His birth occurred in
England, May 18, 1834, and he was a son of Richard and Martha Berryman,
who were also natives of England. In 1841 they came with their family
to America and established their home in Wisconsin, where both passed
away. In that state our subject received a limited education and there
he remained until 1854. Desiring to seek for gold, he then went to the
sea coast and took passage on a ship bound for California by way of the
Horn. On the voyage the ship was wrecked and he had the misfortune to
lose all of his possessions. For some years he remained in California,
following mining, and then went to Australia, but after two years spent
in the search for gold in that country he returned to California.
In 1861 Mr. Berryman came to Walla Walla county, Washington, which at
that time was unsettled save for the fort, a saloon and a blacksmith
shop; but the lure of the mines was still upon him and he went into the
mountains of Idaho, making his way first to the Elk City mines and then
to Florence, where he was one of the party that discovered the mines
there. In 1862 he went back to Wisconsin for a visit and subsequently
returned to England, where he was married. Not long afterward, in 1863,
he brought his bride to America and located in Wisconsin, working in
lead mines. The following year he made his way to Montana, in which
state he was engaged in mining for some years. In 1869 he came again to
Walla Walla county and this time took up his permanent residence here.
He made his home in the city of Walla Walla for ten years and served as
a member of the police force. He became the first street commissioner,
moved houses, built bridges and did other such work. During this
period, however, he again started out in search of gold, spending
some time in the Powder River country, at Butte, Montana, and near
Florence, Idaho. In 1878 he filed on a homestead and a timber claim in
Walla Walla county and also bought railroad land. There were the usual
hardships of the pioneer community to contend with, but he knew that
such fertile soil and salubrious climate could not fail to attract
settlers, and that in time land here would become highly valuable
and the country the equal of the older east in all that pertains to
civilization. He raised wheat and herds of cattle and horses, and from
time to time he gave evidence of his faith in the country by investing
in land. His widow now owns fifteen hundred and sixty acres of improved
land, a quarter section of which is located on Dry creek. He built the
first schoolhouse in his neighborhood and this is still known as the
Berryman school.
[Illustration: MR. AND MRS. JAMES E. BERRYMAN]
Mr. Berryman was married in England, on the 16th of April, 1863, to
Miss Mary Berryman, who although of the same name was not a relative.
To them were born twelve children: Richard J., who is a property owner
of Walla Walla county but lives in Portland, Oregon; Lilly, deceased;
Desdemona, the wife of C. Hartman, of Thompson Falls, Montana; Mattie,
the wife of William Falkner, of Walla Walla county; George W., Joe
and William, all three of whom have passed away; Charles M., Ulrich
A. and Paul S., who are operating the ranch; Amyitis; and one son
who died in infancy. There are also fifteen grandchildren and five
great-grandchildren.
Mr. Berryman was a stanch republican and was quite prominent in
politics. He held membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church,
to which his widow also belongs, and contributed liberally to its
support. He passed away in April, 1911, and was laid to rest in the
Mountain View cemetery. He was one of the leading men of his community,
honored and respected both for his ability and his uncompromising
integrity. Mrs. Berryman still resides in Walla Walla and the family is
widely known and highly esteemed throughout the city and county.
HENRY G. MAUZEY, M. D.
For many years Dr. Henry G. Mauzey devoted his time and energies to
the practice of medicine and surgery but is now living retired in the
suburbs of Walla Walla. He was born in Missouri, June 14, 1848, the
son of Judge Stark and Martha Fenning Mauzey, who were natives of
Virginia and Indiana, respectively. About the year 1842 they removed
to Missouri, and both the father and mother spent their remaining days
in that state. They had a family of four children, of whom two are now
living.
Dr. Henry G. Mauzey spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the
state of Missouri and St. Louis and there acquired his public school
education. He began the study of medicine under the direction of Dr.
Isaac P. Vaughan, who was a Virginian and a surgeon in the United
States army in the Mexican war. Later Henry G. Mauzey entered the
McDowell Medical College of St. Louis and after one term became a
student at the Bellevue Medical College of New York city and was
graduated from that institution with the class of 1870. He obtained
a commission in the Cuban army but instead went before the examining
board of the United States army and was given a commission as acting
assistant surgeon and ordered to the Pacific coast. He arrived in San
Francisco in June, 1870, and after a short time was ordered to Fort
Vancouver, Washington. He was on duty a short time at army headquarters
in the city of Portland and from there was ordered to Alaska as a
surgeon traveling with recruits. On February 19, 1873, he arrived in
Walla Walla under orders to report and await the coming of the United
States troops, who had been fighting Indians in northern California.
He opened an office in the city of Walla Walla, where he remained as
an active representative of the profession until 1890. In that year
he removed to Spokane, where he continued in special work--eye and
ear--for twenty-five years. Throughout the intervening years he kept
in close touch with the advance thought and work of the profession.
Broad reading kept him informed concerning the latest scientific
researches and discoveries. In 1909 he again took up his abode in Walla
Walla county, where he is now living retired, his home being situated
about one and a half miles southeast of the city. In early days and for
some years he was associated in practice with Dr. John E. Bingham of
this city.
In April, 1875, Dr. Mauzey was united in marriage to Miss Frances I.
Abbott, a native of Oregon and a daughter of John F. and Susan (Snyder)
Abbott, the former a native of the state of New York and the latter of
Ohio. The mother crossed the plains in 1845 with an uncle, the journey
being made with ox teams after the primitive manner of travel in those
days. She was married in Portland, Oregon, to Mr. Abbott and after a
number of years' residence in Oregon, removal was made to Walla Walla,
where Mr. Abbott passed away in 1896. Mrs. Abbott is still alive at
the notable age of ninety-three years and is enjoying good health.
Dr. and Mrs. Mauzey are the parents of two children, of whom one died
in infancy. The younger, a daughter, Linda, became the wife of Major
Andrew W. Smith, who is an officer in the United States army and now
stationed at Camp Meade, Maryland.
Dr. Mauzey has a wide acquaintance in the northwest and all who know
him speak of him in terms of high regard. For many years his position
was that of family physician in many a household of Walla Walla, and
regret was felt on the part of his patients when he determined to
retire from practice. He is also numbered among the pioneer settlers in
the northwest, his residence in this section of the country covering
almost a half century, so that he is largely familiar with its history.
When he arrived at Portland in August, 1870, it had a population of ten
thousand and the territory of Washington had a population of sixty-five
thousand.
WOODSON CUMMINS.
Woodson Cummins, of Touchet, is a retired farmer who was long actively
identified with farming interests, but while still owning valuable farm
property, is leaving its care and development to others. He is now vice
president of the Touchet State Bank and his business record has at all
times been such as has won for him the confidence and goodwill of his
contemporaries.
A native son of Iowa, Mr. Cummins was born on the 6th of July, 1855,
and is a son of Robert and Lucretia (Myers) Cummins, both of whom were
natives of Virginia. They were married, however, in Indiana, to which
state they had removed with their respective parents in childhood
days. Soon after their marriage they left the Hoosier state to become
residents of Iowa, and in 1862 they again started upon a westward
journey, with Walla Walla county, Washington, as their destination.
They crossed the plains with ox teams and a mule team, leaving their
Iowa home on the 1st of April and reaching Walla Walla county about the
16th of September. It was a long and arduous trip across the stretches
of hot sand and over the mountain passes. There were some dangers to be
faced and many hardships to be undergone, but day after day and week
after week the journey was continued with resolute spirit and courage
until they arrived in Washington. Soon afterward Mr. Cummins took up
a homestead about five miles southeast of Walla Walla and in 1869 he
removed to the farm which his son Woodson now owns, situated two miles
west of Touchet. There he acquired three hundred and twenty acres of
land and for several years he was engaged thereon in stock raising,
becoming a prominent representative of the livestock business in this
section. He also engaged in freighting in the early days, continuing in
that business until the building of the railroad. There was no feature
of pioneer life with which he was not familiar and his efforts were
an important element in promoting the early development and the later
progress of this section of the state. He labored diligently and the
intelligent direction of his efforts brought good results. He died in
the year 1916, having long survived his wife, who passed away in 1875.
In fact he was three times married after the death of the mother of
Woodson Cummins, and each of his wives preceded him to the grave.
[Illustration: WOODSON CUMMINS]
[Illustration: MRS. WOODSON CUMMINS]
Woodson Cummins was a little lad of but seven summers when the family
came to the northwest. He was reared under the parental roof and
acquired his education in the public schools of Touchet. In the spring
of 1880 he went to Elgin, Oregon, and for three years was engaged in
the livestock business, after which he returned to Walla Walla county.
In 1882 he purchased the old home farm and continued to engage in the
livestock business. He also cultivated his fields and became recognized
as one of the energetic and representative farmers of the community.
He took up a homestead claim adjoining his father's old farm and in
subsequent years he has purchased other land and now owns six hundred
and forty acres. Year by year his farming and livestock interests
were carefully conducted and his business affairs grew in volume and
importance. He displayed sound judgment in the management of his
interests and utilized the most progressive methods in conducting his
work. Prosperity therefore came to him and at length, having become
the possessor of a very substantial competence, he removed to Touchet
about 1908 and a year later gave up active farming, since which time he
has lived practically retired. He was, however, one of the organizers
of the Touchet State Bank, has been a member of its board of directors
from the beginning and also has filled the office of vice president
from the organization.
On the 12th of September, 1880, Mr. Cummins was united in marriage to
Miss Jemima J. Weaver, of Elgin, Oregon, by whom he has five children,
as follows: Clarence E., who is yard manager of the Touchet yards of
the Tum-a-Lum Lumber Company; Walter R., who cultivates a farm of his
own and also some of his father's land; Hettie, who is the wife of W.
E. Burnap, an agriculturist of township 7 north; Leila M., the wife
of K. W. Parsons, who is engaged in farming near Lowden, Walla Walla
county; and Elmer J., the proprietor of a garage in Touchet. Mr. and
Mrs. Cummins also have an adopted daughter, Eva Pearl, now the wife of
A. Hanson, residing near Touchet.
In his political views Mr. Cummins has long been a republican, giving
stalwart support to the party and doing all in his power to promote its
successes, yet never seeking nor desiring office for himself. He holds
membership in Trinity Lodge, No. 121, I. O. O. F., and he and his wife
are consistent and faithful members of the Primitive Baptist church.
His religious faith has guided him in all of his relations and has made
his business career one of unquestioned integrity and honor. He has
combined high purpose with laudable ambition and his career proves that
success and an honored name may be won simultaneously.
JOHN SPREITZER.
Among the retired farmers residing in Walla Walla is numbered John
Spreitzer, who was born in Austria in 1860, of the marriage of Stephen
and Gertrude Spreitzer, also natives of that country. There the mother
passed away and there the father still maintains his home. To them were
born nine children, of whom three are deceased.
John Spreitzer was reared at home and in the acquirement of his
education attended the public schools of Austria. When twenty-three
years of age, or in 1883, he crossed the Atlantic to America, having
determined to seek his fortune in this comparatively new country. For
six years he lived in Chicago and then went to Colorado, where he
spent one year. At the end of that time, in 1890, he came to Walla
Walla county, Washington, and for five years operated rented land.
He then bought six hundred and forty acres and devoted his time to
the cultivation of that tract until 1911, when, feeling that he had
accumulated a competence, he retired and removed to Walla Walla, where
he purchased an attractive residence on East Chestnut street. The value
of his property is enhanced by the fact that there are many fruit trees
upon the farm which bear abundantly.
In 1897 occurred the marriage of Mr. Spreitzer and Mrs. Katie
Hendricks, a native of Germany. Mr. Spreitzer is a republican in
politics but has confined his participation in public affairs to the
exercise of his right of franchise. Fraternally he belongs to the
Woodmen of the World and has many friends within and without that
organization. He came to America empty-handed, but being quick to
recognize and take advantage of the opportunities here offered, has by
his own efforts gained the prosperity which he now enjoys.
GEORGE A. EVANS.
Among the men who played well their part in the pioneer days of
Walla Walla county, when conditions of life were such as to test to
the utmost a man's mettle, was numbered George A. Evans, who came
to the west by wagon train. He turned his attention to farming, but
his last days were passed in well earned leisure. He was born in
Portsmouth, Ohio, December 6, 1835, and remained there until he reached
mature years. In the meantime he had received but three months of
common school education and had acquired habits of industry and of
perseverance that were to stand him in good stead in the new northwest.
In 1854 he removed to Sidney, Iowa, and two years later, in 1856, he
joined a wagon train of forty ox teams and accompanied by his family,
his parents and brothers and sisters, made the long journey across the
continent to Walla Walla, arriving here in August. At that time the
Indians were quite restive and had attacked several wagon trains and
massacred a number of the emigrants, but the train with which Mr. Evans
journeyed was not molested. For some time he drove a team engaged in
freighting in this state and Idaho, principally between Walla Walla,
Boise and Silver City, and thus became thoroughly familiar with this
section of the northwest and gained a wide acquaintance among the early
settlers. His first winter in Walla Walla, that of 1861, was one of the
worst ever known in this country and it was a serious problem among the
pioneers to make a living. Mr. Evans succeeded in finding employment as
a mule herder for the government on what is now known as Eureka Flats.
After the coming of the railroad he turned his attention to farming and
became the owner of large and valuable holdings. At length, feeling
that he was entitled to a period of rest, he retired and removed to
Walla Walla, where his death occurred April 2, 1916.
[Illustration: RESIDENCE OF WOODSON CUMMINS]
Mr. Evans first married Bethsidia Williams, who died, and in 1886
he married Miss Bessie Bambrick, a native of Nova Scotia, and they
became the parents of two children, one of whom survives, Mrs. W. R.
McDermott, of San Francisco. Mrs. Bessie Evans passed away September 3,
1905, and on December 18, 1907, Mr. Evans married Miss Anna Bower, who
survives him and resides at No. 549 South Division street. She holds
membership in the Presbyterian church and is a woman of many admirable
qualities.
Mr. Evans was a loyal member of the Masonic fraternity and was laid to
his last rest with Masonic honors. For ten years he held membership in
St. Paul's Episcopal church and in his daily life he was a consistent
Christian, thoroughly upright in all his dealings, kindly in spirit and
considerate of others. In his home life he was ever a loving husband
and father and his large capacity for friendship gained him the warm
regard of all who knew him intimately. He had a keen interest in
educational affairs and for sixteen years served as a trustee of St.
Paul's school. With his passing Walla Walla lost one of her prominent
citizens and his demise was the occasion of widespread regret.
SETH W. HESTER.
Since starting out in life for himself Seth W. Hester has followed
agricultural pursuits and is today one of the prosperous farmers of
Columbia county, Washington. He has always been a resident of the
Pacific northwest, being born in Linn county, Oregon, January 2,
1872, and during his infancy he was brought to Walla Walla county,
now Columbia county, by his parents, William M. and Sarah K. (Combs)
Hester, who were natives of Kentucky and Iowa respectively. It was
in 1852 that his father came to the Pacific coast and after spending
four years in California, removed to Oregon in 1856 and in 1872 came
to Walla Walla county, Washington, where he settled on a farm. Here he
and his wife both died. To them were born nine children and five of the
number are now living.
Seth W. Hester passed his boyhood and youth in Walla Walla county and
is indebted to its public schools for the early educational advantages
he enjoyed. He was only thirteen years of age when his father died and
he took charge of the home farm, which he carried on for a few years.
Being a wide-awake, up-to-date farmer, he has steadily prospered as the
years have gone by and is today the owner of valuable land in Columbia
and Garfield counties. He has become interested in other enterprises
and is now a stockholder in different businesses in Walla Walla,
Garfield and Columbia counties.
In 1893 Mr. Hester was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Loundagin,
and they have two daughters: Lucile M., who is a graduate of the Walla
Walla high school and is now a student at Mills College, Oakland,
California; and La Nor C., now attending high school.
Mr. Hester takes a commendable interest in educational affairs and
has efficiently served on the school board. His political support is
given to the democratic party and he never withholds his aid from any
enterprise which he believes will prove of public benefit.
W. H. RICHARDSON.
W. H. Richardson is now living retired in Dayton, but for many years
was actively identified with farming interests and owned and cultivated
an excellent tract of land. He was born on St. Joseph's island in
Lake Huron, in the province of Ontario, Canada, February 1, 1864, his
parents being W. T. and Jane (Holland) Richardson, the former a native
of Ontario, Canada, while the latter was born in Ireland. During her
girlhood days the mother crossed the Atlantic with her parents, who
established their home in Ontario. Soon after their marriage Mr. and
Mrs. Richardson took up their abode on St. Joseph's island, where they
resided until 1869 and then removed to Minnesota, where they lived for
about seven years. In 1876 they came to Washington, taking up their
abode upon a farm about six miles west of Dayton, in Columbia county,
where the father was actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits
until the time of his death, becoming one of the big wheat raisers of
the county. At the time of his demise he owned six thousand acres of
farm land, the greater part of which was devoted to wheat, and his
efforts were resultant in producing splendid crops. He closely studied
conditions of soil and climate and his methods were at all times
progressive, so that he gathered abundant harvests. He died in 1900,
at the age of sixty-six years, while his widow, surviving until 1907,
passed away at the age of seventy-two.
W. H. Richardson was educated in the Thorn Hollow public school and
in the Huntsville Academy. In early manhood he began farming in
cooperation with his father and gradually as their operations extended
to a larger scale, W. H. Richardson more and more assumed the burden
of managing the business and cultivating the land. Following the death
of his father he purchased the entire holdings, which he continued
to develop and improve further until 1909, when he disposed of the
last of his farm property and has since lived retired. His business
affairs were wisely and carefully controlled and he became one of the
representative agriculturists and wheat growers of the valley. The
industry which he displayed in all of his business undertakings brought
to him a very substantial measure of prosperity, so that he is now
enabled to enjoy his remaining days in leisure and comfort.
[Illustration: W. H. RICHARDSON]
In 1903 Mr. Richardson was united in marriage to Miss Loretta M.
Frazer, of Ashland, Illinois, who was principal of the Dayton high
school. They became the parents of one son, who died in infancy. In
politics Mr. Richardson is a democrat and keeps well informed on the
questions and issues of the day, but has never consented to become a
candidate for office. Since his retirement from business in 1909 he and
his wife have spent much of their time in travel, having visited many
European countries, also South America and Japan, thus gaining that
broad knowledge and liberal culture which only travel can bring. The
life record of Mr. Richardson should serve to inspire and encourage
others, showing what may be accomplished through individual effort
guided by sound judgment.
ARTHUR G. CORNWELL.
Among those whose extensive farming operations have made Walla Walla
county famous as a wheat producing region is Arthur G. Cornwell, who
is residing in the city of Walla Walla but is personally directing the
operation of about one thousand acres of fine land. He is a native of
the county, born April 11, 1869, and is a son of James M. and Mary A.
(Stott) Cornwell. He was reared at home and as a boy and youth attended
the country schools, thus laying the foundation of his education, and
later he was a student at Whitman College. Following his marriage
he began farming on his own account and from the beginning proved
successful, his early training in agricultural work under his father
proving of the greatest value to him. For about ten years he operated
rented land and then purchased a farm. His holdings now comprise
three hundred and twenty acres of farming land, one hundred and sixty
acres of timber and grazing land, and in addition to cultivating his
own half section he operates leased land, farming in all about one
thousand acres, devoted to the raising of wheat. He keeps his business
well in hand and studies carefully the problems of lowering the cost
of production, of increasing the yield and of marketing to advantage.
He is a stockholder in the Farmers Savings Bank of Walla Walla and in
the Farmers Grain Agency and belongs to the Farmers Union, believing
thoroughly in the importance of cooperation.
Mr. Cornwell was married on the 15th of July, 1891, to Miss Carrie E.
Ingram, who was born in Georgetown, Colorado, a daughter of James H.
and Mary J. (Williams) Ingram. In 1847 the family removed to Walla
Walla and the father bought a small tract of land on the outskirts of
the city of Walla Walla. He planted fruit and devoted the remainder
of his life to horticulture. His wife was a writer of ability and
after reaching her seventieth year wrote a book of poems. Mr. and Mrs.
Cornwell have three children: Artemisia May, who was graduated from
Whitman College in 1916 and also in that year completed the course
offered in the Whitman Conservatory of Music, receiving the degree of
B. M.; Edna Genevieve, who was also a student at Whitman College and is
now the wife of Carl Gensel, of Walla Walla; and Elmer Grant, who is
now farming on the home ranch. He was married in September, 1917, to
Miss Ethel Heath.
Mr. Cornwell is a republican in politics and served for several years
as deputy assessor. He and his family belong to the Presbyterian church
and for about ten years he has served on its financial board. He is one
of the most influential citizens and most successful farmers of Walla
Walla county and wherever known is held in the highest esteem.
WILLIAM BOWE.
The life record of William Bowe indicates the opportunities which
the northwest offers, for he arrived in this section of the country
empty-handed and started out in the business world as a common laborer.
Today he is the possessor of a handsome competence and is actively
and prominently identified with agricultural and financial interests,
owning thirteen hundred acres of land in Walla Walla county. He makes
his home in the city of Walla Walla, from which point he directs his
farming interests. He was born in Ireland, March 18, 1861, and is a son
of John and Katherine Bowe, both of whom were natives of Ireland, where
they spent their entire lives, there rearing their family of eight
children, of whom six survive.
William Bowe was reared and educated in Ireland and was a young man
of twenty-five years when he determined to try his fortune in the new
world. Accordingly in 1886 he bade adieu to friends and native land
and sailed for the United States. He did not tarry on the Atlantic
coast but made his way across the country to Iowa, where he lived for
two years. Still he heard the call of the west and in 1888 he came to
Walla Walla. He arrived here in very limited financial circumstances
and his financial condition rendered it imperative that he find
immediate employment. He began work as a farm hand and spent three
years in that way. He was ambitious, however, to engage in business on
his own account, and at the end of that period rented land which he
cultivated for three years. He still continued to save his earnings
and after cultivating a rented farm for three years he purchased land,
to which he has added from time to time until he is now the owner of
about thirteen hundred acres, all of which has been greatly improved.
His life throughout his entire residence in the northwest has been
devoted to general agricultural pursuits and his large farm presents a
most neat and thrifty appearance, indicating his practical methods and
careful supervision. He also owns a fine residence in Walla Walla and
he is one of the directors of the Farmers Bank of that city.
On the 8th of January, 1896, Mr. Bowe was united in marriage to Miss
Elizabeth Davis, a native of Ireland, and they have become the parents
of two children, but John C. has passed away. William E. married Miss
Alice C. Ennis and in 1917 leased his father's ranch about fourteen
miles from Walla Walla, where he now resides. Mr. Bowe of this review
was nearly killed in 1909 while riding a young horse. The horse became
frightened and fell from a bridge about nine feet with Mr. Bowe under
him. He was so severely injured that he was picked up for dead.
[Illustration: MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM BOWE]
Mr. and Mrs. Bowe are communicants of the Catholic church and in
politics Mr. Bowe is a democrat, while fraternally he is connected
with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and also with the Knights
of Columbus. His life record should serve to encourage and inspire
others, showing what may be accomplished when there is the will to dare
and to do. He has never been afraid of hard work, and persistency and
diligence have brought to him the measure of prosperity which is now
his.
W. H. H. BRUNTON.
W. H. H. Brunton, a pioneer of Walla Walla county, was engaged in
farming for many years and won gratifying success in that connection.
He was born in Schuyler county, Illinois, January 27, 1841, a son of
Cyrus and Martha (Restine) Brunton, who removed with their family to
Missouri during the childhood of their son, W. H. H. Brunton. There
he was reared and received his education. In 1862 he made the journey
across the country to Walla Walla county, Washington, with ox teams
and during the following winter resided on the Walla Walla river. The
next year he removed to Columbia county and for four years engaged in
teaming. In 1866 he was married and then took up a homestead adjoining
his father-in-law's farm. He devoted his time and attention to
agricultural pursuits until 1899 and then, feeling that he had earned
a rest, retired and removed to Walla Walla. From time to time he added
to his holdings until he became the owner of almost seven hundred
acres of land, which is still in possession of the estate. He passed
away September 7, 1901, and his demise was the occasion of deep and
widespread regret, for he was a man of sterling worth.
Mr. Brunton was married in 1866 to Miss Sarah A. Lewis, a daughter of
Reese Lewis, who removed to Oregon with his family from Wayne county,
Iowa, in 1863. After spending two years on the Touchet he took up a
homestead claim three miles east of Dixie.
Mr. Brunton was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church,
to which Mrs. Brunton also belongs. He was known as a man strictly
honest in all his dealings and his uncompromising integrity gained
for him the respect of all with whom he came in contact. He had many
personal friends and found his greatest pleasure in their companionship
and in that of his wife. She resides in a comfortable home at No. 716
Catherine street and is well and favorably known in Walla Walla.
WILLIAM THOMAS DOVELL.
William Thomas Dovell was a native of Walla Walla, his birth occurring
September 21, 1869, and his parents were John and Margaret (Ford)
Dovell, natives respectively of the Azore islands and Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. In early boyhood the father emigrated to the United
States and at an early date became a resident of Walla Walla, where
both he and the mother passed away. To them were born four children, of
whom two survive.
William Thomas Dovell grew to manhood in Walla Walla and attended
the public schools and Whitman College in the acquirement of his
education. He prepared for the practice of law under the direction of
the firm of Allen & Crowley, and in 1890 he was admitted to the bar. He
opened an office and for thirteen years was numbered among the capable
attorneys of the city. In 1903, however, he removed to Seattle, where
he was active in the practice of his profession until called by death
in February, 1916. One of the factors in his success was his habit of
careful preparation of his cases, this practice making it difficult for
his opponents to gain an advantage over him.
In 1901 Mr. Dovell was united in marriage to Miss Ruth H. Allen, a
daughter of the Hon. John B. and M. C. (Bateman) Allen, the former
born in Indiana and the latter in Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Dovell became
the parents of four children, Ruth C.; Allen Thomas, deceased; William
Thomas, Jr.; and Mary D.
Mr. Dovell was a careful student of public affairs and his views on
political issues were in accord with the principles of the republican
party. He was chosen attorney for Walla Walla county when but
twenty-one years of age and although extremely young to fill such
an important position he discharged his duties with marked ability.
Fraternally he belonged to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks,
and his attractive social qualities gained him many friends within
and without that organization. Those who had been associated with him
during his residence in Walla Walla felt deep regret on receiving the
news of his death in Seattle. He was buried in that city.
ADOLPH HOLM.
Adolph Holm, deceased, belonged to that class of substantial citizens
that Norway furnished to the new world. He was a man of business
ability and enterprise and possessed marked skill as a wood worker.
Laudable ambition actuated him at every point in his career and an
orderly progression brought him to a prominent position among the
successful business men of Walla Walla county. Each forward step in his
career gave him larger opportunities which he readily recognized and
promptly utilized.
Mr. Holm was born in Norway, August 20, 1847, a son of Peter Holm,
who was a wood worker and contractor of that country. At the age of
nineteen years Adolph Holm bade adieu to friends and native land and
sailed for the new world, having heard favorable reports concerning its
opportunities, so that he was thus induced to seek a home on this side
of the Atlantic. He had previously learned the trade of a wood carver
under the direction of his father in Norway and he had also enjoyed
liberal educational training. He had attended a Latin school there and
was master of four or five languages. Thus well equipped he reached
the new world, without capital but possessed of marked intellectual
force and ability in the line of his trade. Making his way westward
to Chicago, he there worked as a wood carver for a time and was also
employed at various points in Michigan. Still later he went to Sioux
City, Iowa, where he took up the business of contracting and building.
[Illustration: ADOLPH HOLM]
[Illustration: MRS. ADOLPH HOLM]
It was while a resident of Sioux City that Mr. Holm was united in
marriage, in August, 1870, to Miss Charlotte Peterson, a native of
Sweden, who had come to the United States when seventeen years of
age. In the year 1872 Mr. Holm came to the west with Oregon as his
destination. He located first in Salem and was employed on the building
of the state capitol in that city, remaining there for six years. On
the expiration of that period he removed to Walla Walla and after two
years took up his abode in Asotin county, Washington, where he resided
for twenty-one years. During that period he was engaged in farming
and in May, 1902, he purchased land and removed to the home farm upon
which his widow now resides. There he continued to carry on general
agricultural pursuits until his demise, which occurred February 3,
1904. He was a very skilled wood turner and he did much of the interior
finishing of the Washington building for the Columbian Exposition held
in Chicago in 1893. He proved equally efficient along other lines, both
industrial and agricultural. In a word he possessed marked adaptability
and accomplished whatever he undertook by reason of his unfaltering
diligence and perseverance. His persistency of purpose, his laudable
ambition and his splendidly directed efforts constituted an example
that is well worthy of emulation.
To Mr. and Mrs. Holm were born eight children, seven of whom still
survive, as follows: Anna, at home; Oscar, who is a member of the
police force in Seattle; Harry, a resident of Roswell, New Mexico;
Edgar, who is engaged in merchandising at Yuma Pine, Oregon; Emma, the
wife of Professor W. M. Davis, who is principal of the College Place
schools; Maurice, who formerly lived in Boston, Massachusetts but is
now with the United States troops somewhere in France; and Roy, who
operates the home farm.
Mr. Holm gave his political allegiance to the democratic party, and
while he always kept well informed concerning the political conditions
and questions of the country, he never had aspiration for office.
He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for many years
and was a loyal representative of that society. He never regretted
his determination to come to the new world, for he here found the
opportunities which he sought and in their utilization made for himself
a most creditable position in business circles. He won success by
honorable effort and his record is one which reflects credit upon the
land of his birth and the land of his adoption. That his life was well
spent is indicated by the fact that those who knew him longest were
his stanchest friends, for throughout his entire career he displayed
characteristics that were worthy of the highest regard of his fellowmen.
E. J. CANTONWINE.
E. J. Cantonwine, a prosperous farmer of Walla Walla county, has
passed his entire life in the county, as he is a native of the city
of Walla Walla. His birth occurred November 12, 1887, and he is a son
of W. J. and Clara E. (Cram) Cantonwine, natives of Iowa and Oregon
respectively. In 1863 the father made the long overland journey with
ox teams to Washington and located on Dry creek, where he engaged in
farming for many years. He died in California, having gone there in
the hope of benefiting his health. The mother survived for some time,
passing away in April, 1917. Two of their three children are still
living.
E. J. Cantonwine attended the schools of Dixie in the acquirement of
his general education and prepared himself to manage his affairs in a
businesslike manner by taking a course in a commercial college at Walla
Walla. He remained at home, assisting his father with the farm work,
until he attained his majority and then took charge of the operation
of the homestead, which he managed for ten years. In the meantime he
had acquired title to personal property which he sold at the end of
that period. He then engaged in the undertaking business for five
years, after which he disposed of his interests in that line and again
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He owns four hundred and
seventy-five acres of well improved land north of Dixie, Washington,
and keeps its operation well in hand, realizing that farming is as much
a business as manufacturing or merchandising and that to succeed the
farmer most study both the problems of production and of marketing.
In 1900 Mr. Cantonwine was married to Miss Bessie Kershaw, a daughter
of J. S. Kershaw, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume.
Both belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Cantonwine
is a trustee, and he is also now a member of the building committee
which has in charge the erection of the new house of worship. He
belongs to Enterprise Lodge, No. 2, I. O. O. F., in which he has
filled all the chairs, and he is likewise a member of the Modern
Woodmen of America and of the Loyal Order of Moose, in which he is
also an officer. He is a typical western man, alert, confident of the
future, self-reliant and resourceful, and he has been a factor in the
advancement of the agricultural interests of Walla Walla county.
HENRIK P. PETERSEN.
Henrik P. Petersen is one of the progressive business men of Waitsburg,
where he is prominently associated with banking interests. He was born
at Lukomkloster, Nord Slesvig, Germany, on the 12th of January, 1878,
and was brought to America in 1881, when but three years of age. He is
a son of Martin C. and Magdalene Petersen, both of whom are now living
at Dannebrog, Nebraska.
The family home was established in Dannebrog when the parents came
to the new world and in the schools of that place Henrik P. Petersen
pursued his education, passing through consecutive grades to his
graduation from the Dannebrog high school. When his textbooks were put
aside he turned his attention to banking and became familiar with that
business in Dannebrog, so that he was well qualified by experience to
enter upon a similar field when he came to Waitsburg, Washington. Here
he has resided for the past thirteen years and is now occupying the
responsible position of cashier in the Exchange Bank at Waitsburg, of
which he is also a director. He has made a creditable record in this
connection and is now bending his energies to administrative direction
and executive control. He has a thorough knowledge of the banking
business and his ability has been manifest in the continued growth and
success of the institution with which he is identified.
[Illustration: HENRIK P. PETERSEN]
Mr. Petersen is also well known as an exemplary representative of
the Masonic fraternity and he has been honored with the position of
worshipful master of Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, A. F. & A. M. He has a
wide acquaintance in Waitsburg and his many substantial qualities have
gained for him the high regard of those with whom he has been brought
in contact. In all matters of citizenship he stands for progressiveness
and improvement and gives his aid and cooperation most liberally and
earnestly to those measures and movements which are a matter of civic
virtue and civic pride.
HERMAN C. ACTOR.
A most interesting and eventful career was that of Herman C. Actor, who
passed the last years of his life in the restfulness and the quietude
of the farm. He was familiar with every phase of frontier life in the
northwest and four times he was wounded by the Indians in the early
struggles for supremacy between the white race and the redskins. He
came to this section of the country when the work of progress and
improvement seemed scarcely begun and when the red men were yet more
numerous than the white settlers. Only here and there some venturesome
spirit had penetrated into the wilderness of the Pacific northwest to
establish a home and if possible utilize the resources of the country
in the attainment of a competence or a fortune.
Mr. Actor was born in Ohio, September 18, 1832, and had passed the
Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten at the time of
his demise. In fact, he had reached the eighty-fifth milestone on
life's journey and was the only survivor of a family of nine children
when he passed to the Great Beyond. His parents were Herman and
Margaret (Daterman) Actor, both natives of Germany, who had crossed the
Atlantic to the new world in 1828 and established their home in Ohio,
where they continued to reside until their deaths.
It was in that state that Herman C. Actor spent the days of his
boyhood and youth and acquired an education in such schools as were
available in that early day. He went to Missouri in 1852, when a young
man of twenty years, and there remained for a year. He then entered
the employ of the American Fur Company and purchased furs for that
concern at their fort for two years. It was in the fall of 1855 that
he came to Walla Walla, Washington, in company with Governor Stevens,
and for one year he acted as one of the governor's guard. Later he was
in the employ of the government for some time and while thus engaged
was four times shot by the Indians, sustaining three wounds in the
leg and one in the shoulder. Wild as was the life of the northwest
and undeveloped as was the country, he felt the spell upon him and
determined to remain, eager to take active part in the improvement and
progress of this section. He purchased a farm where Dixie now stands
and cultivated his land there for some time, but afterward disposed
of that property and purchased the farm on which he died, on section
23, township 8 north, range 37 east, comprising four hundred acres.
With characteristic energy he bent his efforts to the cultivation and
improvement of the property and in the course of years his labors
wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of the place. He
carefully and wisely utilized his fields and as the years passed his
crops multiplied and brought him a substantial competence, permitting
him the well earned enjoyment of the comforts of life.
In 1858 Mr. Actor was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Davis, a native
of Iowa, and they became the parents of six children: Margaret, who is
the wife of George La Rue; Mary, the wife of Lincoln Kenwine; Louisa,
the wife of P. Collinwood; Frank; George; and Arthur. The wife and
mother died in 1908 and was laid to rest in the Dixie cemetery, her
death being the cause of deep regret to her many friends and great
sorrow to her family. Only recently Mr. Actor was also gathered to his
fathers and with him there passed away one of those sturdy pioneers who
had carried the banner of the white man's civilization into the wilds
of the west and who planted well for the coming generations to reap.
Mr. Actor belonged to the Masonic lodge at Dixie and gave his political
allegiance to the republican party. He never sought office but was
public spirited and served as a member of the school board to good
purpose. He was a self-made man who owed his success to his industry
and perseverance alone. He met many hardships and difficulties incident
to pioneer life and encountered many obstacles such as always are
factors in a business career, but he did not allow himself to become
discouraged and with resolute will pushed forward and in the span of
his life he won for himself an honored place as one of the substantial
men of the county. He was one of its venerable citizens, respected by
all, and his worth to the community was widely acknowledged. While he
has gone to the Beyond, his work lives and his memory is enshrined in
the hearts of all who become cognizant of his sterling character.
H. F. CLODIUS.
Since the winter of 1882-3, H. F. Clodius has resided upon the Pacific
coast and through more than a third of a century has been identified
with farming interests in Walla Walla county. He is now living retired
in Waitsburg, although he still owns valuable property holdings,
constituting some of the best farm land in this section of the state.
He was born in Germany on the 10th of November, 1847, and is a son
of Claus H. and Catherine M. (Biernstein) Clodius, both of whom
spent their entire lives in Germany. His paternal great-grandfather,
Christopher Clodius, removed to that country from Denmark. The father
was one of the prominent farmers of his section and was a man in
affluent circumstances.
His son, H. F. Clodius, was given liberal educational opportunities and
in his later years has been a broad reader, so that he is said to be
one of the best informed men on general subjects in Walla Walla county.
In his wide scope of reading he has twice read the Bible through from
cover to cover. When he was a lad of but fifteen years of age the life
on the seas attracted him and for three years he sailed, during this
time visiting the countries of France, England, Belgium, Sweden, Norway
and Russia. In 1865 his father died and H. F. Clodius then left the sea
and returned home. He was the eldest in a family of four sons and he
practically became the head of the family, assuming the responsibility
of managing the valuable estate which his father left. He proved
adequate to the duties that devolved upon him, for he has ever been
a man of enterprise and adaptability who has readily and capably
undertaken the tasks which have come to him.
[Illustration: H. F. CLODIUS]
[Illustration: MRS. H. F. CLODIUS]
In 1868 Mr. Clodius was united in marriage to Miss Catherine M. Rohde.
Following his marriage he continued to cultivate his father's farm
until 1875, when he determined to try his fortune on this side of the
Atlantic and with his wife and one son sailed for the United States.
On reaching American shores he penetrated into the interior of the
country and established his home in Woodford county, Illinois, where
he resided for eight years. It was in the winter of 1882-3 that he
came to the Pacific coast, making his way by train to San Francisco
and thence northward by boat to Portland, Oregon. From that point he
traveled by train to Walla Walla county, Washington, arriving in the
city of Walla Walla on the 1st of February, 1883. He remained in the
town for a couple of months and then purchased a farm on Mill creek,
ten miles from Walla Walla. He continued to reside upon that place
for fifteen years, at the end of which time he sold the property and
purchased a portion of his present farm in Spring Valley, about four
miles southwest of Waitsburg. His holdings he has since increased by
additional purchase until he now has thirteen hundred acres, and upon
this property he continued to reside until 1914, when he removed to
Waitsburg, where he has since lived retired. His business affairs were
most carefully and wisely managed and his well directed interests
brought to him a very gratifying and substantial measure of success,
so that, possessing a very desirable competence, he is able to rest
from further labor and yet enjoy all of the comforts and some of the
luxuries of life.
Mr. and Mrs. Clodius became the parents of nine children, seven of whom
are yet living, as follows: H. F., who is a farmer residing in Garfield
county, Washington; Catherine M., the wife of David Kibler, of Mill
Creek, Walla Walla county; Marie C., the wife of Charles Kibler, who
is an agriculturist living on Spring creek, Walla Walla county; Rosa,
who gave her hand in marriage to William Weller, of Columbia county;
Augusta, who is the wife of Emory McCown, a farmer of Walla Walla
county; Ella, the wife of Henry Züger, who also follows farming in
Walla Walla county; and John W., who operates the home farm. Two of the
children, H. F. and Claus, deceased, were born in Germany.
Mr. Clodius votes with the democratic party and he has twice been a
candidate for the office of county commissioner but failed of election.
He belongs to Walla Walla Lodge, K. P. He is one of the wealthy farmers
of Walla Walla county, is one of its broad gauged men and enjoys the
friendship and regard of a great majority of those with whom he has
come in contact. He is forceful and resourceful, has ever accomplished
what he has undertaken and in the attainment of his success has
followed well defined plans and purposes.
LEWIS SCHMUCK.
Lewis Schmuck, now living retired, was for many years a prominent
figure in the business circles of Walla Walla, where he operated
extensively in connection with the lumber industry as a member of
the firm that established the business now conducted under the name
of Whitehouse-Crawford Company. His start in business life was most
humble. He began earning his living by selling newspapers and shining
shoes. His educational advantages were naturally limited but he made
such good use of his time and opportunities for securing intellectual
advancement that in young manhood he was able to secure a teacher's
certificate and for a time engaged in teaching school. Each point in
his career has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities
and his life has been characterized by a most splendid and steady
progression.
Mr. Schmuck was born in Peoria, Illinois, June 2, 1852, a son of Xavier
and Mary Schmuck. The father was born in Alsace, and as a member of
the French army fought against the Germans. The mother died when Lewis
Schmuck was but a young child and at the early age of ten years he left
home and began to shift for himself. He sold newspapers on the streets
of Peoria during war times, when many extras were being published, and
he also shined shoes, thus picking up many a stray nickel wherever
possible. Later he drifted into the country, where he worked as a farm
hand, and immediately following the close of the Civil war he went to
Nebraska, where he engaged in farm work. Still later he was employed
in a stone quarry and worked on the building of the state prison. He
continued in Nebraska for almost seven years and by reason of his
continuous employment that he might provide for his own support he
had little chance to obtain an education. However, he was desirous of
progressing along the line of intellectual culture and when possible
attended a few months' school. He had pursued his studies to a limited
extent before he left home in his tenth year and he did not again
attend school until after he had attained his majority, when he devoted
three months each winter for three years to improving his education in
Nebraska. In the school of experience, however, he had learned many
valuable lessons and, possessing an observing eye and retentive memory,
was continually adding to his knowledge. After his nine months' school
training in Nebraska he was able to secure two third grade certificates
and later a second grade certificate. He taught one summer term in
Nebraska, after which he resolved to try his fortune in the northwest,
having heard favorable reports concerning this section of the country.
Arriving in Walla Walla on the 24th of December, 1877, Mr. Schmuck
spent the following winter as an employe in the sawmill of Dr. Blalock
and thus he obtained his initial experience in connection with the
lumber industry. In the summer of 1878 he carried the hod in connection
with the erection of the Schwabacher store building on the present site
of the Gardner building. In the fall of that year he was employed in
a wheat warehouse, loading grain on the Dr. Baker Railroad. Late in
the fall of that year, in company with Charles Cooper, he established
a small chop mill adjoining the Glassford planing mill, securing
power from the latter plant. Subsequently they built a factory on the
present site of the Whitehouse-Crawford Company and engaged in the
manufacture of the cheaper kinds of household furniture. This business
was conducted successfully for several years and was finally developed
into the lumber business. In the meantime Mr. Schmuck and his partner
acquired a ranch of nine hundred and sixty acres in Whitman county and
stocked the ranch, after which Mr. Schmuck located thereon in order
to look after their cattle business, while his partner attended to
their lumber interests in Walla Walla. This business was subsequently
purchased by the firm of Whitehouse & Crimmins and later became the
Whitehouse-Crawford Company. Mr. Schmuck remained upon the ranch for
twelve years and then established his home in Colfax, where he engaged
in the farm implement business for five years. On the expiration of
that period, or in 1911, he sold out and returned to Walla Walla,
where he has since lived retired. He is still, however, the owner of
twenty-two hundred and seventy acres of wheat land in Umatilla county,
Oregon, and a tract of four hundred and twenty-seven acres in Dixie,
Walla Walla county. His investments have been most judiciously made and
from his realty holdings he derives a very gratifying annual income.
On the 30th of July, 1883, Mr. Schmuck was united in marriage to Miss
Bettie Wade, a niece of T. T. Burgess, by whom she was reared. They
became parents of a daughter, Sarah E., who is now the wife of Frank
Vollendorff, state clerk of the penitentiary. The wife and mother
passed away July 6, 1906, and Mr. Schmuck was again married on the 26th
of September, 1907, when Mrs. J. B. Chamberlain became his wife. They
had become acquainted in early life while he was boarding with her
parents in Nebraska. In her maidenhood she was Miss Martha Gerking and
was a native of Missouri. By her former marriage she had a daughter,
Blanche, who is the wife of C. A. Sprague, owner and editor of the
Journal-Times of Ritzville, Washington.
Mr. Schmuck has always given his political allegiance to the republican
party and has served for one term as justice of the peace of Whitman
county but has never been an aspirant for public office. He and his
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mrs. Schmuck
belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star and to the United Artisans.
Mr. Schmuck is one of the well known and highly esteemed citizens
of Walla Walla. He has always been a liberal contributor to church
and charitable work and has been foremost in all movements for the
advancement of the community and its substantial upbuilding. He gave
to the city of Colfax what is known as Schmuck Park and many other
evidences of his public spirit could be cited. In business affairs he
has always displayed sound judgment that has enabled him readily to
discriminate between the essential and the non-essential. The methods
which he has employed in the attainment of success awaken approval and
admiration, for his course has been characterized by enterprise, by
indefatigable energy and clear judgment which has won advancement in
the business world without infringing on the rights of others. He is
a man of well balanced capacities and powers and has long occupied a
central place on the stage of action, being accorded leadership almost
from the time when he made his initial effort in the field of business
in the northwest.
HERBERT McARTHUR.
Herbert McArthur, deceased, was one of the representative residents
of Walla Walla county and a self-made man who in his business career
steadily progressed. He started out to earn his living when a little
lad of but nine years and from that time forward depended entirely upon
his own resources. He was born in the state of New York, November 11,
1868, and was a son of Albert and Grace (Scoville) McArthur, both of
whom are natives of the Empire state and are still living there. In
their family were four children, two of whom survive.
Herbert McArthur pursued his education in the schools of his native
state but his opportunities in that direction were quite limited, for
he left home when only nine years of age and began to earn his living.
He came in time to be one of the most successful men of the Walla Walla
valley. In 1890 he arrived in the city of Walla Walla without a cent.
He was then a young man of twenty-two years, and though he lacked
capital, he possessed ambition, determination and energy. He utilized
every opportunity that promised advancement and he was not afraid of
hard work. After a time he embarked in merchandising in Walla Walla
and so continued for eight years, after which he sold his business and
took charge of the interests of the Blalock Fruit Company, of which he
became a large stockholder. This company owned seventeen hundred acres
of valuable land devoted to fruit cultivation and Mr. McArthur remained
in charge until his death. He closely studied every phase of fruit
culture in the northwest, knew where to secure the best nursery stock
and also knew just what soil conditions were required for the best
production. He studied scientific methods for the care of his trees and
the fertilization of the soil, the spraying of the trees, and in fact
every branch of work that could facilitate the interests of the company
was carefully looked after by him. Following his death Mrs. McArthur
purchased two hundred and twenty-five acres of raw prairie land which
she has since improved, erecting thereon fine buildings and bringing
the fields under a high state of cultivation. She now has one of the
finest farms in the state of Washington. All of the trees upon the
place have been planted since it came into possession of Mrs. McArthur,
who is a most capable business woman, readily recognizing and utilizing
opportunities and discriminating quickly between the essential and the
non-essential in all business affairs.
It was in 1886 that Mr. McArthur was united in marriage to Miss
Jennie Abel Gee, who was born in Cuba, New York, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Aaron G. Gee, who were also natives of the Empire state, where
her father passed away, as did the mother, whose death occurred in
Cuba. Both were laid to rest in New York. In their family were three
children, two of whom are now living.
The death of Mr. McArthur occurred in June, 1908, and he was laid
to rest in Walla Walla cemetery. His demise was deeply regretted by
many friends, for he had won for himself a creditable position not
only in business circles but in the regard of those with whom he was
associated. Mrs. McArthur is also widely and favorably known in Walla
Walla county and ranks with the most representative business women,
controlling an estate valued at over three hundred thousand dollars.
She possesses notable energy and sound judgment and carries forward to
successful completion whatever she begins.
HENRY A. JOHNSON.
Henry A. Johnson, a well known stock raiser of Columbia county, has
been a resident of Washington for forty years and has therefore been a
witness of much of the growth and development of this section of the
state. A native of Ontario, Canada, he was born in Lincoln county,
August 18, 1844, a son of W. G. D. and Catherine (Miller) Johnson, who
were also natives of Canada, where they spent their entire lives. They
had a family of ten children, eight of whom are now living.
[Illustration: HENRY A. JOHNSON]
[Illustration: MRS. HENRY A. JOHNSON]
Henry A. Johnson spent his youthful days in Canada and acquired his
education as a public school pupil there. In 1865 he removed to the
middle west, settling in Champaign county, Illinois, where he resided
for a decade. In 1875 he made his way to the Pacific coast and located
in California, where he spent two and a half years upon a farm. In
1877 he arrived in Walla Walla and in May, 1878, he purchased a herd
of cattle and came to Starbuck. He rented a farm for several years but
during that period carefully saved his earnings until his industry
and economy had brought to him a capital sufficient to enable him to
purchase land. He then invested in property which he owned for a time
but afterward sold that farm. His wife, however, owns eleven hundred
and twenty acres near Starbuck, which is excellent valley land, devoted
to the cultivation of hay, fruit and vegetables.
In August, 1909, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Mrs. Nancy A.
Pearson, a native of Restigouche county, New Brunswick, and a daughter
of Robert and Mary Ann (Reid) Watson. Her father was born in Scotland,
but her mother was a native of New Brunswick, where they were married.
To them were born eight children in New Brunswick and two others were
added to the family after their removal to California, Mrs. Johnson
being the oldest. It was in 1868 that they came to the Pacific coast
and settled in Rio Vista, California, where Mr. Watson owned and
operated a ranch and where both he and his wife died. They have three
sons still living: William, of San Jose, California; and R. W. and
Alex M., both of Great Falls, Montana. Their daughter, Nancy A., was
married in Rio Vista to J. S. Pearson and in 1878 they came to Dayton,
Washington, being among the pioneers of that locality. Two years later
they became residents of Starbuck. Mr. Pearson died at Spokane in 1908.
The children born of that union were: Charles W., now an extensive
wheat farmer of Eureka flats, Walla Walla county; Margaret J.,
deceased; Sadie M., the wife of a prominent physician of Sacramento,
California; Marian E., whose husband is a prominent railroad man of
Spokane; Florence P., the wife of an eminent physician of Sacramento;
Robert G., also a prominent physician of that city; and Joseph N.,
a rancher of Marysville, California. All of the children were given
excellent educational advantages, attending colleges in this state and
finishing their course at the University of Washington. Charles was
one of the first children to attend public school in Starbuck, Mr. and
Mrs. Pearson with one or two others having organized the first school
district in 1880, before the village of Starbuck had been started. Mr.
and Mrs. Johnson now spend their winters in California but during the
summer months occupy the ranch at Starbuck, where they have a beautiful
and attractive home located on a knoll overlooking the Tucanon river
which is modern in every respect, being lighted by electricity and
supplied with all conveniences.
Mr. Johnson is prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to Starbuck
Lodge, No. 106, F. & A. M., in which he has filled all of the chairs,
and both he and his wife are connected with the Order of the Eastern
Star. In politics he is a stalwart republican and has served as justice
of the peace and as mayor of Starbuck, while for several years he
has been a member of the school board. His public duties have been
discharged with promptness and fidelity and he has manifested marked
capability in the performance of every task that has devolved upon him.
During the long years of his residence in Washington he has contributed
much to the upbuilding and progress of his section of the state and has
always stood for advancement, reform and improvement.
JOHN HUNTINGTON, M. D.
Dr. John Huntington, enjoying a lucrative practice at Starbuck, was
born April 14, 1860, at the old home at Monticello, Washington, being
the third son of Harry D. and Rebecca J. Huntington, who were early
pioneers of western Washington. They had crossed the plains with ox
teams in the year 1848 and on the journey met Joseph Meek conveying
the news of the Whitman massacre to Washington. Mr. Huntington with
his family spent the first winter at Oregon City and in the following
spring removed to his donation claim, situated at the mouth of the
Cowlitz river, on which was located a warehouse of the Hudson's Bay
Company. There the pioneer town of Monticello grew up and was made
memorable by the fact that the first convention was held there to
organize the territory of Washington. It is a pleasing memory to Dr.
Huntington to know that he as well as others of his brothers and
sisters were born in the same house in which that convention was
held. His father was a member of the first territorial legislature
and his brother, Chandler Huntington, was a member of the first state
legislature. Dr. Huntington attended the Territorial University, from
which institution he won his Bachelor of Science degree upon graduation
with the class of 1885. He was there a classmate of Professor Meany
of the State University and of Charles V. Piper, who taught for many
years in the Washington State College and for the past decade has
been connected with the agricultural department of the United States
government at Washington, D. C.
Dr. Huntington pursued his course in medicine in the medical department
of the University of Oregon at Portland and was there graduated on
the 1st of April, 1891. He located for practice near his old home in
Cowlitz county, where he remained until the fall of 1898, when he
entered the employ of the Oregon & Washington Railroad & Navigation
Company as local surgeon at Starbuck. There he has since remained and,
in addition to his work with the railroad company, he has enjoyed a
lucrative practice. He is very conscientious in the performance of all
professional work and by broad reading and study keeps in touch with
the latest scientific researches and discoveries so that he is familiar
with the most progressive methods.
[Illustration: DR. JOHN HUNTINGTON]
For many years Dr. Huntington has been an active member and worker in
the Masonic lodge and derives much pleasure therefrom, while in his
life he exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft that is based
upon a recognition of the brotherhood of mankind and the obligations
thereby imposed. While a student at the university he became a member
of the Presbyterian church, of which Dr. Matthews is now pastor, and is
a member of that church at Walla Walla. He represents one of the old
and honored pioneer families of the northwest, his parents having come
here at a very early day, while in the same party was Captain Miller,
who is well known in Walla Walla and along the Columbia and Snake
rivers. His father was acquainted with Dr. McLoughlin, Rev. Eells and
other notable pioneers. The work which the father began in the early
days has been continued by the sons and the name of Huntington has
ever stood as a synonym for progressiveness and loyalty in citizenship
and for the support of all interests looking toward the upbuilding and
betterment of the state.
FRANCIS M. CORKRUM.
Francis M. Corkrum is extensively engaged in farming in Walla Walla
county, having supervision over fourteen hundred acres of land. He
resides on section 19, township 8 north, range 37 east. It was in
this township that he was born, April 11, 1892, a son of Uriah F.
and Ida May (Chew) Corkrum, both of whom were natives of Walla Walla
county. The paternal grandfather, Francis M. Corkrum, was one of the
earliest pioneer settlers of this section of the state, arriving here
in the late '50s. He figured most prominently in connection with the
pioneer development of the county and is classed with those who aided
in reclaiming this region for the purposes of civilization. At the
time of his arrival the red men far outnumbered the white settlers in
the state, the great forests were uncut, the streams unbridged and
the lands uncultivated. In fact the work of progress and improvement
seemed scarcely begun, yet here and there a few venturesome spirits had
planted the seeds of civilization in the northwest. Mr. Corkrum bore
a most active part in the work of general progress and improvement in
that early period and this work has been carried on by his descendants
to the present time. Uriah F. Corkrum is now living in Walla Walla and
is the owner of seven hundred acres of land in this county.
Francis M. Corkrum, whose name introduces this review, spent his
youthful days under the parental roof and acquired a district school
education, supplemented by a course in the Empire Business College in
Walla Walla. He was early trained to the work of the farm and at the
age of twenty years began farming on his own account, renting land.
He secured seven hundred acres owned by the Kibler brothers in the
township where he now makes his home. This farm he is still cultivating
and on the 1st of September, 1916, he took over the management of his
father's farm and is now operating fourteen hundred acres of land,
which places him among the most extensive farmers of his section of
the county. He follows the most progressive methods and his enterprise
and industry are producing splendid results. He is familiar with
every phase of modern farming and he has secured the latest improved
machinery to promote the work of the fields. Annually he harvests
good crops and the neat and thrifty appearance of the places which he
cultivates indicates his practical and progressive spirit.
On the 16th of October, 1913, Mr. Corkrum was united in marriage to
Miss Edith Gwin, a daughter of J. A. Gwin, one of the substantial
farmers of Walla Walla county. They are now the parents of two
children, Mary Jane and Uriah F., Jr.
Fraternally Mr. Corkrum is identified with Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287,
B. P. O. E. Mrs. Corkrum is a member of the Christian church. Mr.
Corkrum gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, which
he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise,
but he does not seek nor desire office as a reward for party fealty. He
prefers to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs,
which, wisely directed, are bringing to him substantial success.
FREEMAN C. ROMAINE.
Freeman C. Romaine, deceased, was one of the representative farmers
of Columbia county, carrying on operations six miles north of Dayton.
He was born on the 15th of July, 1867, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin,
which state was also the birthplace of his parents, Garrit and Martha
Romaine, and he was only five years of age when the family crossed
the plains and settled in Oregon, where the following three years
were passed. In 1871 he came to Walla Walla county, Washington, and
throughout the remainder of his life was actively identified with its
agricultural interests. He took up a farm of three hundred and twenty
acres six miles north of Dayton, which is still owned by his widow,
and as time passed he became one of the most extensive farmers of his
community, operating about twelve hundred acres. He not only raised
grain but also devoted considerable attention to the raising of stock.
In 1898 Mr. Romaine was united in marriage to Miss Mary Bosqui, a
native of California and a daughter of K. J. and Elizabeth (Wilson)
Bosqui, who were also born in that state and removed to Washington
about forty years ago. Here the mother died but the father is still
living. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Romaine are as follows: Helen
E. and Doris E., now attending high school; and Donald Kenneth.
Mr. Romaine passed away on May 10, 1914, and was laid to rest in the
Dayton cemetery. He was a very public-spirited and enterprising citizen
who did much to promote the interests of his community, and he served
as president of the Fair Association. He was a member of the Commercial
Club and was a republican in politics. In his death the county realized
that it had lost a valued and useful citizen and wherever known he was
held in the highest regard. Mrs. Romaine still owns the farm of three
hundred and twenty acres and also has a nice residence in Dayton, where
the family now live. They are members of the Congregational church and
have a host of warm friends in the city and surrounding country.
EDWARD A. LYONS.
Edward A. Lyons, a representative citizen and progressive farmer living
on section 22, Russell Creek township, in Walla Walla county, was born
on the old Lyons homestead in this township July 9, 1882, his parents
being Patrick and Frances Lyons. The father became a very prominent and
successful man, actively and extensively connected with agricultural
interests. His business affairs were the result of carefully directed
effort, indefatigable energy and perseverance, and as the years passed
on he kept adding to his holdings until he was one of the wealthy men
of this section of the state. He belonged to the Catholic church and
his life was guided by high and honorable principles, while the circle
of his friends constantly increased as the circle of his acquaintance
broadened.
[Illustration: FREEMAN C. ROMAINE]
Liberal educational opportunities were accorded Edward A. Lyons, who
attended St. Vincent's parochial school in Walla Walla, also the
Lincoln public school and the Binkey-Walker Commercial College in
Portland, Oregon, from which institution he was graduated with the
class of 1903. After his return home he began the management of his
father's farming interests, of which he had charge during the following
fourteen years, this bringing him broad experience and wide knowledge
concerning the most effective and progressive methods of farming. In
1914 he began business on his own account, taking up his abode on his
present farm in Russell Creek township. His place comprises three
hundred and sixty acres of good land which he purchased in 1909. He has
brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and the enterprise
and energy with which he has directed his efforts have gained for him a
very substantial measure of success.
On the 24th of January, 1912, Mr. Lyons was united in marriage to Miss
Gladys Edna Field, a daughter of Simon Field, one of the early pioneer
settlers of Walla Walla county. To Mr. and Mrs. Lyons have been born
three children, two of whom are living, Andrew Edward and Dorothy Jane.
Politically Mr. Lyons is a democrat, exercising his right of franchise
in support of the men and measures of that party. Both he and his
wife are members of the Catholic church and he is identified with the
Knights of Columbus. He also belongs to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B.
P. O. E. He has made for himself a very creditable position among the
successful farmers and substantial men of Walla Walla county and is a
well known representative of one of the honored pioneer families long
connected with the development and progress of this section of the
state.
PASQUALE SOTURNO.
It was a man of Italian birth who discovered America and thus brought
to the world the knowledge of the resources of a new continent. Since
that time many men who have had their nativity in the sunny land of
Italy have crossed the Atlantic and have become valuable residents of
America, their enterprise and business activity contributing to the
upbuilding and progress of the districts in which they have resided.
Pasquale Soturno is among those who have become identified with the
development of the northwest. He makes his home in College Place, where
he is now most pleasantly situated, occupying one of the beautiful
residences in that town, while his attention is given to the conduct of
an extensive gardening business. He was born in Italy, March 3, 1850,
and was there reared and educated. He came to America in 1875, when a
young man of twenty-five years, and for a brief period was a resident
of the state of New York. The opportunities of the west attracted
him and he made his way across the country to Walla Walla county,
Washington, where he settled in 1876, becoming the first commercial
gardener of the valley. He is today the owner of forty-six acres of
very rich and productive land upon which he is now extensively engaged
in gardening. He has followed this business for forty-one years and
he has ever held to the highest standards in his work. He produces
vegetables of most excellent quality, size and flavor, and by reason of
this he has been assured of a very liberal patronage. His business has
grown year by year and today he has a splendidly improved farm, having
secured all of the improvements that facilitate work of that character.
Mr. Soturno was married in Italy before he left his native land. His
wife died in 1916. In their family were three children: Carmen, who is
at home with her father; Josephine, also at home; and Nicholas, who
died at the age of twenty-eight years.
Mr. Soturno and his family are communicants of the Catholic church. He
has long since become a naturalized American citizen and has always
given his political allegiance to the republican party. He has never
had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new
world, for here he found the business opportunities which he sought and
in their utilization he has won a handsome fortune, being now numbered
among the substantial citizens not only of College Place but of the
county at large. Moreover, he was a pioneer in his field of labor and
demonstrated the possibilities for successful gardening as a commercial
venture in this section of the state.
LARS NILSSON.
Lars Nilsson is a hardware and implement dealer of Dayton, who for
many years has ranked with the foremost business men of the city. The
secret of success is not a difficult one to find. Careful analyzation
of the careers of those men who have prospered indicates the fact
that industry has constituted the foundation of their progress and
close application and enterprise have enabled them to overcome all
difficulties and obstacles and in time reach the goal of prosperity.
Such is the record of Mr. Nilsson, who came as a young man to the new
world, well qualified to meet business demands in America by reason of
the thorough training which he had received as a wagon maker in his
native country.
[Illustration: LARS NILSSON]
[Illustration: ANDREW NILSSON]
Mr. Nilsson was born in Sweden, September 19, 1859, a son of Nils and
Elna (Knudson) Larson. The father died in Sweden when his son was a lad
of but ten years and the mother passed away when he was a youth of only
twelve, so that he was early left an orphan. Following his mother's
demise he was thrown upon his own resources and from that time forward
has been dependent entirely upon individual labor for advancement. Ha
was employed at farm work until his eighteenth year, at which time
he apprenticed himself to the wagon maker's trade. He finished his
apprenticeship in Sweden, where thoroughness is the watchword in every
factory. After becoming a master builder of wagons he determined to
try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic and in the spring of 1880
sailed for the United States, where his brother, Andrew Nilsson, had
located ten years before. The brother had become a resident of Dayton,
Washington, in 1877, and in the fall of 1879 he returned to Sweden on
a visit. The following spring he again came to the United States and
brought with him his younger brother, Lars, and a sister, Sophia, who
is now the wife of John Ruply, of Portland, Oregon. Andrew Nilsson
had previously established himself in the blacksmithing business in
Dayton and on his return, Lars Nilsson entered the brother's shop,
adding the wagon making industry to the blacksmithing business. He
continued to work for his brother for eleven years and in 1892 they
entered into partnership relations, conducting their business under the
firm style of Nilsson Brothers for fourteen years. During that period
they extended the scope of their interests and added new departments,
opening a farm implement store. In 1905 Lars Nilsson purchased his
brother's interest in the business and as his trade grew he was forced
to give up the blacksmithing shop in order to concentrate his efforts
and attention upon the mercantile branch. He also disposed of the
machine shop, devoting his entire time to looking after the implement
and vehicle business, which was removed to a handsome new brick
building erected at the corner of Main and Third streets by Andrew
Nilsson. In 1913 Arthur Nilsson became associated with his father
in the business and displays marked enterprise in carrying on their
interests. Mr. Nilsson has always maintained the highest standards
in the line which he handles. For years he has sold the Studebaker
vehicles, the Canton plows, Superior drills and the Holt combine and
in more recent years he has handled the Studebaker motor car. He also
handles engines and pumping outfits and in fact almost everything
necessary to the complete equipment of a farm, including a line of
power machinery. A local paper said of him: "He is known throughout
the county as a conscientious, progressive, accommodating and capable
business man and some of his customers have been doing business
with him for many years with complete satisfaction to themselves."
His brother Andrew died October 22, 1916, in Dayton, at the age of
seventy-two years, leaving no family and, according to the terms of his
will, our subject is sole executor of the estate and is acting as such
without bar or any court proceedings.
On the 10th of May, 1890, Mr. Nilsson was united in marriage to Miss
Johanna Stahlberg, a native of Sweden. He went to Sweden in the fall
of 1889 and brought his prospective bride to this country with him in
the spring of 1890, for having been naturalized in the United States,
the laws of Sweden would not permit of his marriage there. To them
were born two children: Esther J., who died in 1913, at the age of
twenty-two years; and Arthur N., who is connected with his father
in business. The wife and mother passed away March 16, 1894, and on
Christmas day of 1895 Mr. Nilsson was married to Miss Lydia Stahlberg,
a sister of his former wife. There have been two children of this
marriage: Andrew L., who is taking a course in electrical engineering
in the Washington State College; and Albert E., a lad of ten years, at
home.
Mr. Nilsson is prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to Dayton Lodge,
No. 26, F. & A. M.; Dayton Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M.; and Washington
Commandery, No. 1, K. T., of Walla Walla. He is also a member of Dayton
Lodge, No. 3, K. P., which he joined in 1886, and he belongs to Patit
Lodge, No. 10, I. O. O. F. He has passed through all of the chairs
in these different organizations save the commandery and is a most
faithful follower of Masonic teachings, exemplifying in his life the
beneficent spirit of the craft. He and his wife are consistent members
of the Congregational church and they enjoy the high regard of all with
whom they have been associated because of the many sterling traits
which they display. Mr. Nilsson is a self-made man. He borrowed the
money from his brother with which to pay his passage to this country
and as the years have gone on he has steadily progressed in a business
way until he is today one of the most substantial citizens of Dayton.
He has ever been watchful of indications pointing to success and has
never feared to venture where favoring opportunity has led the way.
He has closely studied the market and the public demand in his line
and has ever carried a stock that has been able to meet the needs of
the most particular. In all his dealings he is thoroughly reliable as
well as progressive and his word is considered as good as any bond
solemnized by signature or seal.
OLIVER DEWITT.
On the 4th of July, 1864, Oliver DeWitt arrived in Walla Walla, a
young man of twenty years, with twenty-three cents in his pocket,
representing his entire capital. Today he is the owner of valuable
farming property, from which he derives a gratifying annual rental that
supplies him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
The intervening period was at the outset a struggle for existence but
since then, step by step, he has steadily progressed and his record
indicates clearly what may be accomplished when there is a will to
dare and to do. Never afraid of hard work, he has also displayed sound
business judgment in the management of his interests.
Mr. DeWitt was born in Knox county, Ohio, on the 7th of January, 1844,
a son of David H. and Rachel (Starner) DeWitt, who removed from Ohio
to Iowa in 1850, settling in Mahaska county near Oskaloosa, where they
remained until called to their final rest.
Oliver DeWitt had very limited educational opportunities. In fact
he is a self-educated as well as self-made man and many of his most
valuable lessons have been gleaned from the school of experience. On
reaching his twentieth year, in 1864, he decided to leave home and seek
his fortune in the far west. Accordingly he bade adieu to friends and
family and crossed the plains with an ox team to Boise City, Idaho,
and from there made the journey to Walla Walla on foot, arriving as
previously stated on the 4th of July, with twenty-three cents as his
entire capital. The following day he secured employment with a farmer
to pull onions. He worked for wages that fall and winter and in 1865 he
engaged in teaming and packing, which business he followed for about
ten years. He then became actively engaged in the live stock business,
settling four miles northeast of Walla Walla. In 1877 he purchased two
hundred and forty acres of land on Dry creek, nine miles northeast
of Walla Walla, and taking up his abode upon that place, turned his
attention to general farming. He subsequently increased his holdings to
four hundred and fifty acres, which he still owns. For the past twenty
years or more he has spent the winter seasons in Walla Walla in order
to give his children the advantages of the city schools. The summer
months were largely spent upon the home farm but for three years he
has remained steadily in Walla Walla, renting his farm to others. He
belongs to the Farmers Union and is one of the directors of the Farmers
Union Warehouse Company.
[Illustration: OLIVER DEWITT]
[Illustration: MRS. OLIVER DEWITT]
In May, 1874, Mr. DeWitt was united in marriage to Miss America A.
Roff, a daughter of Frederick and Rachael (White) Roff, who crossed
the plains with ox teams from Missouri to Washington in 1864, settling
in what is now Walla Walla. They made the trip with nine children and
were six months and one day en route. On reaching his destination Mr.
Roff had but fifty cents in his pocket. However, some of his Masonic
brethren came to his assistance and after a short time he had made
a good start. Four of his nine children were old enough to work and
wages were good, the girls receiving nine dollars per week. The father
engaged in farming and with the exception of a year and a half spent
in Oregon he made his home continuously in the vicinity of Walla Walla
up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1902. He was one of the
well known and valued pioneer settlers of this section of the state.
His widow survived him for six years, passing away in 1908. Mr. and
Mrs. DeWitt are the parents of four children, as follows: Ella, who
is the wife of Edward Bradbury, of Waitsburg; Harry L., who owns and
operates a large ranch near Starbuck in Columbia county; Arthur Clyde,
who is engaged in the grain business in Waitsburg; and Elsie D., who
gave her hand in marriage to William L. Estes, a farmer of Walla Walla
county. Mr. and Mrs. DeWitt have also reared a nephew, Charles F.
Myers, whose parents died when he was seven years of age and he is now
living on the farm.
In politics Mr. DeWitt is a stanch republican, exercising his right of
franchise in support of the men and measures of that party. Fraternally
he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging
to Washington Lodge, No. 19, and also to the encampment, while both
he and his wife are identified with the Rebekahs. Narcissa Lodge, No.
2, presented Mrs. DeWitt with the veteran's jewel, given for long and
faithful service in the order. Mr. DeWitt belongs to the Methodist
Episcopal church, while his wife holds membership in the Christian
church. They are people of genuine personal worth and Mr. DeWitt is
ever ready to extend a helping hand to those who need assistance. He
comprehends what difficulties mean, having had his own hard knocks.
He sympathizes with those whose lot has not been as fortunate as his
and yet he does not condone the shirker nor have patience with the
shiftless, because his life has been organized along lines that call
for a full dole of labor within each turn of the wheel. Because of his
industry and perseverance, obstacles and difficulties have vanished
before him like mist before the morning sun and step by step he has
advanced until he has reached the heights of prosperity.
JOSEPH W. LYONS.
The name of Lyons has long been associated with the agricultural
development of Walla Walla county and has always been a synonym for
progressiveness and advancement in that field of activity. Joseph W.
Lyons, who now follows farming on section 16, Russell Creek township,
was born upon the place where he still lives on the 6th of November,
1879, his parents being Patrick and Frances Lyons, who were well known
and worthy pioneer people of this district. He was educated in the
district schools, also attended Whitman College in Walla Walla and
Gonzaga College at Spokane, now the University of Gonzaga. Following
the completion of his school days he worked for his father for a time
and subsequently was in the employ of the Great Northern Railroad
Company for about five years. The major part of that period was spent
in the general offices of the company at Spokane. At length he resigned
his railroad position and returned to Walla Walla county, where he
took up the occupation of farming, to which he had been reared, and
with this pursuit he has since been identified. He has charge of his
father's estate, operating two thousand acres of land, and is thus one
of the extensive and representative farmers of the valley. His business
affairs are most carefully managed. He is systematic in all that he
does, is progressive and employs the most modern methods in carrying on
his farm work, so that excellent results accrue.
On the 28th of September, 1910, Mr. Lyons was united in marriage to
Miss Hattie Denzel, of Spokane. Following the completion of a course in
the Holy Name Academy at Spokane, Mrs. Lyons attended the State Normal
School at Cheney, Washington. By her marriage she has become the mother
of four children, namely: Helen F., Joseph D., Louise E. and William R.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Lyons are consistent members of the Catholic church
and he is identified with Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E.
In politics he maintains an independent course, voting for men and
measures rather than for party. He has a wide acquaintance in his
native county and enjoys the friendship and high regard of many with
whom he has been brought in contact. He is a typical western man,
alert, energetic and progressive, and as the years have gone on he has
made for himself a creditable position among the agriculturists of
southeastern Washington.
JUDSON A. CORBETT.
Judson A. Corbett, a prominent representative of the milling industry,
has conducted a feed mill at Dayton since 1907 and was also the
proprietor of the Touchet Flouring Mills at Huntsville, Washington, for
a quarter of a century but has recently disposed of his interests in
the latter connection. His birth occurred in Ontario, Canada, on the
10th of October, 1857, his parents being John and Jane (Lewis) Corbett,
both of whom were natives of Ireland. They emigrated to Canada in
childhood with their respective parents, who settled near Ottawa, and
it was there that they were reared and married, continuing residents of
the province of Ontario throughout the remainder of their lives. John
Corbett was a mill operator, conducting both a grist and sawmill.
Judson A. Corbett, whose name introduces this review, learned the
milling business under the direction of his father, with whom he was
identified in operations of that character until 1890. At that time,
when a young man of thirty-three years, he made his way to Victoria,
British Columbia, and two years later came to Huntsville, Washington.
Here, in association with his brother, Albert E., he purchased the
Touchet Flouring Mills, of which he continuously remained co-proprietor
for a quarter of a century or until August, 1917, when he disposed of
his interest therein to E. S. Isaacs. The widow of Albert E. Corbett,
who passed away in 1906, still retains his late brother's interest. It
was in 1907 that J. A. Corbett bought the feed mill in Dayton and this
he has successfully operated to the present time. He owns an equity in
a farm north of Dayton and is likewise the owner of a farm in Ontario,
Canada, and of a section of land in Alberta, Canada.
[Illustration: JUDSON A. CORBETT]
In October, 1887, Mr. Corbett was united in marriage to Miss Jane
Baker, of Ontario, Canada, by whom he had seven children, five of whom
survive, namely: Fern W., the wife of Wilbur Bateman, who follows
farming near Huntsville; Evelyn, who gave her hand in marriage to
Lawrence Johnson of Huntsville, for many years a teacher in the public
schools; and Gladys, Kenneth and Phyllis, all at home. Fraternally
Mr. Corbett is identified with the Woodmen of the World, while his
religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Episcopal church,
to which his wife also belongs. The prosperity which has come to him
in business is the merited reward of his enterprise and ability, while
the regard and esteem which he enjoys in social circles has come in
recognition of his high standards of conduct in every relation of life.
RALPH F. COFFIN.
Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to
lose. It was with deep regret that the friends of Ralph F. Coffin
learned of his demise, for he was a worthy and substantial citizen,
loyal to his associates and devoted to his family. He was born in
Oregon, March 7, 1876, and his life record covered the intervening
years to the 28th of December, 1915. His parents were George D. and
Lucinda (Haynes) Coffin, the latter a native of Iowa. The father was a
native of England and at an early day crossed the plains to the Pacific
coast and later removed to the Walla Walla valley. Both he and his
wife spent their remaining days in this section of the state and were
numbered among its worthy pioneer settlers. They had a family of seven
children, of whom but two sons are now living.
Ralph F. Coffin, although born in Oregon, was reared and educated in
Walla Walla county, having been brought to this section of the state
by his parents when very young. When not busy with his textbooks his
attention was given to the home farm and he was thus well qualified to
undertake any branch of farm work. After putting aside his textbooks he
accordingly began farming on his own account and devoted his attention
to that business until his death. He became the owner of forty-one
acres of valuable farm property on section 31, township 7 north, range
35 east, and his labors made it a splendidly improved tract of land,
equipped with all modern conveniences and all of the accessories of the
model farm and his careful cultivation of the tract brought to him and
his family a substantial annual income.
In 1900 Mr. Coffin was united in marriage to Miss Ella Kroll, who was
born in Wisconsin, a daughter of Lawrence and Tressa Kroll, both of
whom were natives of Germany. They came to America in early life and
established their home in Wisconsin, where they continued to reside
until called to their final rest. They had a family of nine children,
of whom seven are yet living. It was in the year 1908 that Mrs. Coffin
crossed the country to Washington, becoming a resident of Walla Walla
county, where in the following year she was married. To Mr. and Mrs.
Coffin was born a daughter, Mary Estella. Mrs. Coffin and her daughter
are favorably known and have many friends in the section of the county
in which they reside.
THOMAS H. CROCKER.
Thomas H. Crocker, a retired agriculturist residing in Walla Walla,
was long and successfully identified with farming interests in Walla
Walla county. His birth occurred in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada,
on the 30th of August, 1854, his parents being John R. and Clarissa
(Hill) Crocker, who spent their entire lives in that province. He was
reared under the parental roof and attended the common schools in
the acquirement of an education. At fifteen years of age he became a
sailor on an American vessel, sailing "before the mast" and for five
years sailed on different ships along the Atlantic coast. On one trip
he acted as "sailing mate." This experience led him to the decision
to go to the United States. Accordingly, soon after attaining his
majority he left his native country and went to Reno, Nevada, where he
spent one year. On the expiration of that period he made his way to
California, in which state he was engaged in placer mining for three
years and then spent a year on a ranch. Subsequently he resided for
one year in Lakeview, Oregon, and at the end of that time returned to
Wyoming, where he spent about twelve years in the stock business and
in railroading. In 1888 in New Brunswick Mr. Crocker was united in
marriage with Miss Edith Diffin, daughter of Thomas and Susan Diffin
of that place. In 1895 they came to Walla Walla county, Washington,
and have remained within its borders throughout the intervening
twenty-three years. They took up their abode on a rented farm near
Prescott and continued its cultivation for about ten years but in
the meantime had purchased a farm of three hundred and twenty acres
sixteen miles northwest of Walla Walla and later bought an adjoining
half section, to which they removed in 1905. Thereon they continued
to reside until 1914, when they took up their abode in the city of
Walla Walla and have since lived retired. The property, which has been
operated by a tenant during the past three years, now embraces eight
hundred and eighty-seven acres of rich and productive land, all in one
body. Mr. Crocker was long numbered among the active, enterprising,
industrious and progressive farmers of the community and the rest which
he now enjoys is the merited reward of his intelligently directed
labors.
[Illustration: THOMAS H. CROCKER]
[Illustration: MRS. THOMAS H. CROCKER]
Mr. and Mrs. Crocker have their home at 628 Pleasant street and
they occupy an enviable position in social circles of Walla Walla.
Mr. Crocker gives his political allegiance to the republican party,
believing firmly in its principles. Fraternally he is identified with
the Foresters of America, while his religious faith is indicated
in his membership in the Congregational church, to which his wife
also belongs. His record is indeed commendable and he well deserves
representation in this volume as one of the leading agriculturists and
respected citizens of Walla Walla county.
L. P. BERRYMAN.
L. P. Berryman is one of the younger representatives of successful
farming operations in Walla Walla county. He was born April 8, 1887,
on the farm on which he yet resides, on section 35, township 9 north,
range 35 east. His place comprises three hundred and twenty acres of
rich and valuable land which was originally the old family homestead.
His parents were J. E. and Mary Berryman, both of whom were natives of
England. They came to America in early life and established their home
in Walla Walla county, where the father passed away, but the mother is
still living.
L. P. Berryman acquired a public school education in Walla Walla county
and was reared to the occupation of farming, which he has successfully
followed as a life work. He continued to assist his father in the
development of the fields until he attained his majority, when he began
farming on the old homestead, which he afterward purchased. He has
here a half section of land which he has brought under a high state
of cultivation and to which he has added many improvements, making it
a valuable and attractive farm which constitutes one of the pleasing
features of the landscape. He also owns and operates the warehouse at
Berryman Station and his business affairs are wisely, carefully and
successfully conducted.
In 1907 Mr. Berryman was united in marriage to Miss Grace Mallory, who
was born in Ohio and is a daughter of Charles Mallory, now a resident
of Tennessee. To Mr. and Mrs. Berryman have been born three children,
Joseph L., Jacqueline A. and Margaret. The parents attend the Methodist
Episcopal church and Mr. Berryman gives his political allegiance to the
republican party but the honors and emoluments of office have never
had any attraction for him. He has served, however, as school director
and has been interested in having good schools in the district, for he
regards public education as one of the nation's strongest bulwarks.
His thought, purpose and energy have been concentrated upon his
agricultural pursuits and the careful management of his interests has
brought to him a substantial measure of success.
HARRY LASATER.
Harry Lasater, one of the large landowners of Walla Walla county, is a
representative of a prominent pioneer family of this section and is a
native of the county, his birth occurring May 18, 1865. His parents,
James H. and Emily (Moore) Lasater, were born respectively in McMinn
county, Tennessee, and in Illinois.
Harry Lasater attended the Walla Walla city schools and completed
his education in Whitman Academy and in Whitman College. When about
eighteen years old he began farming in partnership with his father and
so continued for about six years. Since then he has been alone in his
agricultural operations, and as the years have passed he has acquired
additional holdings, until he is now one of the leading farmers of the
Walla Walla valley. Following the death of his father he acquired by
inheritance and purchase the old home farm of three hundred and sixty
acres, and to this he added adjoining land until the place comprised
five hundred and forty-three and a half acres. He has since sold four
hundred and fifteen acres of that property, so that his home farm
now includes but one hundred and twenty-seven acres. He also owns,
however, five hundred and thirty-three acres of excellent wheat land
on Birch creek, in Umatilla county, Oregon, ten miles southeast of
Walla Walla, three hundred and twenty acres of timber land in Umatilla
county and one thousand acres of wheat land near Prescott, in Walla
Walla county. The fact that he gives close personal supervision to his
extensive farming operations indicates that he manages his affairs in
a systematic manner and that he possesses marked business ability.
He is a director of the Farmers Savings Bank of Walla Walla and is a
member of its finance board, and he is likewise a stockholder in the
Whitehouse & Drumheller Company.
In 1897 occurred the marriage of Mr. Lasater and Miss Jessie Crawford,
who was born in Walla Walla county but later was a resident of Umatilla
county, Oregon. To this union have been born three children: Thelma
May, who is a student in Whitman College; Wythel Mary, who is a student
in the Walla Walla high school; and Jessie Orena, who is in the grade
school.
Mr. Lasater has followed in his father's political footsteps and is a
stanch adherent of the democratic party. At one time he was a candidate
on its ticket for treasurer, and in his early manhood he filled the
office of county road supervisor for three terms. Fraternally he
belongs to Enterprise Lodge, No. 2, I. O. O. F., and Blue Mountain
Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M. Both he and his wife hold membership in the
Central Christian church and they give hearty support to the various
phases of its activities. Both have passed their entire lives in the
Pacific northwest and they are at all times loyal to its best interests.
WILLIAM RESER.
William Reser, a substantial farmer and representative citizen of Walla
Walla county, living on section 4, township 6 north, range 35 east,
came to the northwest from Davis county, Iowa, where he was born on
the 18th of April, 1859, his parents being George and Mary (Waterman)
Reser, who were reared and married in Iowa and in 1863 crossed the
plains with horse teams to Washington. On reaching Walla Walla county
the father homesteaded, securing one hundred and sixty acres of land in
the valley near where is now seen the Whitman monument, and upon that
place he and his wife lived until called to their final rest.
William Reser was a little lad of four years when the parents came
to Washington. He acquired his education in one of the old-time log
schoolhouses common at that frontier period. During his youth he
rode the plains as a cowboy and he experienced all of the hardships
and privations of frontier life. He has lived to witness marked
transformation in all that pertains to agricultural progress and
development in this section. An important event in his life occurred on
Christmas day of 1883, at which date he was united in marriage to Miss
Sarah J. Kirkland, a daughter of Andrew J. Kirkland, who crossed the
plains from Arkansas to Oregon in 1852 and became a resident of Walla
Walla county, Washington, in 1864. Here he took up a homestead claim in
the township where his daughter still resides, and upon that place he
spent his remaining days.
Following his marriage Mr. Reser purchased land in Umatilla county,
Oregon, and there carried on farming for seven years. On the expiration
of that period he purchased a farm in township 6 north, Walla Walla
county, and to his property has since added from time to time as his
financial resources have increased until he and his wife today own
three hundred and sixty-five acres, constituting one of the valuable
farm properties of this section of the state. He has carefully tilled
his fields and developed his farm and as the years have gone by his
labors have brought good results. To the household were added two sons:
Byron E., who is now engaged in the automobile business in Kennewick,
Washington; and Raymond K., who is operating the home farm for his
father.
In his political views Mr. Reser has long been a stalwart democrat and,
while not an office seeker, he has served as a member of the school
board. He is interested in the cause of public education and in all
that pertains to progress and improvement along any desired line. He
ranks with the leading and representative citizens of Walla Walla.
There have been no spectacular phases in his career. Almost his entire
life has been devoted to the quiet pursuit of farming and through
energy and persistency of purpose he has won success. His business
affairs are always carefully managed and directed and the integrity of
his business methods in trade transactions is questioned by none. Those
who know him, and he has a wide acquaintance, acknowledge his sterling
worth.
HON. H. H. HANSON.
Hon. H. H. Hanson is a wide-awake and progressive business man who
figures prominently in connection with the agricultural and financial
interests of Walla Walla county. He is the president of the Touchet
State Bank and since 1900 he has been actively identified with farming,
giving his attention largely to fruit growing and to dairying. He is
a representative of one of the old pioneer families of this section
of the state. His birth occurred in New Hampshire, February 24, 1865,
his parents being John and Frances Hanson. The father was a native of
Maine, while the mother was born in the old Granite state and there she
spent her entire life. In 1876 the father left New England and made
his way westward to California, where he remained until 1879, when he
came to Walla Walla county and entered the employ of Mr. Baker. Here he
continued to reside until called to his final rest. In the family were
but two children: H. H., of this review; and Ena, now deceased.
H. H. Hanson was reared and educated in the east, continuing his
residence in that section of the country until 1883, when owing to
the fact that his father was living in Washington, he made his way
to this state. Here he entered the employ of the Oregon Railroad &
Navigation Company, which he represented as an operator until 1900.
He preferred, however, to engage in business on his own account and in
that year turned his attention to farming on the place on which he now
resides on section 34, Hill township. Here he owns two hundred acres of
alfalfa land and he is also engaged quite extensively in dairying and
in fruit raising. He is thoroughly familiar with progressive methods of
horticulture and his orchards indicate the most thorough and scientific
care. His dairy interests, too, are characterized by the most capable
management and the sanitary conditions that prevail make the products
of his dairy a very much desired article. His business interests are
wisely and carefully managed and he pursues with thoroughness anything
that he undertakes, so that successful accomplishment crowns his labors.
In 1888 Mr. Hanson was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Hall, a
native of Pennsylvania, by whom he has twelve children, namely: Hayden,
Fred, Preston, Ollie, Helen, Oliver, Francis, Allen, Ena May, Harry,
Lawrence and Georgie.
Mr. Hanson is a member of the Grange and is interested in everything
that has to do with advancing agricultural progress and welfare in
the state. He thus cooperates in the organized movements to promote
the interests of farmers and to promulgate knowledge that will render
their labors of greatest effect in crop production and in stock
raising. Moreover, Mr. Hanson is a recognized leader in the ranks of
the republican party in Walla Walla county. For one term he filled the
office of county commissioner and in 1908-9 he represented his district
in the general assembly, where he gave careful consideration to all
the vital questions that came up for settlement. His position upon any
important subject is never an equivocal one. He does not hesitate to
express his honest convictions and in fact he puts forth every effort
to support his views and secure their adoption. In all matters of
citizenship he is very progressive and has displayed as well the spirit
of enterprise in all of his business undertakings, so that he now ranks
with the leading bankers and farmers of his part of the state.
ORLANDO DEMARIS.
Orlando Demaris, who throughout his active business life followed
farming but is now living retired in the city of Walla Walla, was
born in Iowa on the 7th of January, 1851, and is a son of James and
Eliza J. (White) Demaris, the former a native of Ohio and the latter
of Kentucky. They came to Washington in 1863 and located on a farm in
Walla Walla county on Dry creek, where the father built a log cabin
with a clapboard roof, board floor and stick chimney, which was the
home of the family for several years. Later the parents removed to
Walla Walla, where both died. In their family were twelve children, of
whom nine still survive.
Orlando Demaris was twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents
on their removal to Walla Walla county, where he grew to manhood and
attended school. After completing his education he remained under the
parental roof until he attained his majority, giving his father the
benefit of his labors. He then purchased a farm and engaged in its
operation until his retirement, since which time he has made his home
in the city of Walla Walla. He is still the owner, however, of seven
hundred acres of land, well improved and under cultivation.
[Illustration: ORLANDO DEMARIS]
In 1875 Mr. Demaris married Miss Mary M. Lewis, a native of Iowa, which
state was also the birthplace of her parents, Reese and Mary (Jackson)
Lewis, who brought their family to Walla Walla county in 1863 and
settled on a farm, where they continued to make their home throughout
the remainder of their lives. They had four children and three of the
number are still living. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Demaris
are as follows: Laura and Frankie, both deceased; David, Fred, Guy,
Alva and Edwin. Guy and Alva are now in the government service at Fort
Riley, Kansas. The three other sons now operate their father's farm.
By his ballot Mr. Demaris supports the men and measures of the
democratic party and he has served as school director. He is a member
of the Odd Fellows lodge at Dixie and his wife belongs to the Rebekahs,
taking a very active and prominent part in its work. She is now past
noble grand. They attend the Methodist Episcopal church and are held in
the highest esteem by all who know them.
R. C. McCAW.
When one views the great and growing cities of the northwest it seems
hardly credible that any living man should have witnessed the entire
development of this section of the country. Yet personal knowledge of
the wonderful progress of the northwest enables R. C. McCaw to speak
with authority concerning the events which have shaped its history.
He was born in Linn county, Oregon, on the 11th of February, 1856, at
which time Washington was still a part of the territory of Oregon and
all of this vast region was practically undeveloped. Its coal deposits
were untouched, its forests uncut and its wealth and natural resources
awaited the demands of the white men who were yet to penetrate within
its borders. The Indians far outnumbered the white settlers and the
most farsighted could not have dreamed of the marvelous transformation
which would take place within a few decades until today the west
is not only abreast with the east in all of its advantages and its
opportunities but has taken a position of leadership along many lines.
The parents of Mr. McCaw were William and Sarah (Findley) McCaw, the
former a native of Indiana and the latter of Illinois. They were
married in Illinois and in 1847 started across the plains with ox teams
for Oregon, reaching Oregon City on the day of the Whitman massacre.
During the latter part of the journey Mr. McCaw had suffered with fever
and his attack was so severe that it burst one of his eyeballs and
he was carried into Oregon City on a stretcher. Finally, however, he
recovered and continued his residence in Linn county, Oregon, up to the
time of his demise.
There R. C. McCaw was reared and educated, experiencing many of the
hardships and privations incident to frontier life and the development
of a farm under pioneer conditions. He attended the district schools
but his opportunities for the acquirement of an education were very
limited, as the school system had not then been developed. On his
twenty-first birthday he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Gorsline,
of Linn county, Oregon, who had come to the northwest with her parents
in 1875, the family removing from Kansas. Following his marriage Mr.
McCaw brought his bride to Walla Walla county and here they began
their domestic life. For two years after his arrival he was employed
as a farm hand and in 1879 he went to the Big Bend country and filed
on the second homestead that was taken up in that section. There he
lived for eighteen years, performing the arduous task of developing
and cultivating a new farm. The work of improvement was carried on,
however, year by year and he brought his land under a high state of
cultivation and derived a good profit from his labors. In 1897 he sold
his interests there and in February following he returned to Walla
Walla county, where he purchased four hundred and thirty-six acres
of land, constituting his present home farm, situated on section 1,
township 9 north, range 36 east. Upon this place he has since resided
and in the intervening period he has purchased more land from time to
time as his financial resources have permitted and is now the owner of
between eleven and twelve hundred acres, constituting one of the most
valuable farm properties in the Touchet valley. He has placed splendid
improvements upon his land and his farm presents a most attractive
appearance with its highly cultivated fields, its well kept fences, its
substantial buildings and all the accessories of a model farm of the
twentieth century.
To Mr. and Mrs. McCaw have been born ten children, nine of whom are yet
living, namely: William O., a farmer of Walla Walla county; Samuel E.,
also engaged in farming in this county; Edith M., the wife of Robert
McSherry, of Toronto, Nevada; Fred L., Benjamin H. and Edward Guy, all
of whom are engaged in farming in this county; Jay M., who is assisting
in the operation of the home farm; and Sarah E. and Robert Glenn, both
at home.
Politically Mr. McCaw is a republican, having given stalwart support to
the party since age gave to him the voting privilege. He is a member of
Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., and exemplifies in his life the
beneficent spirit of the craft. He and his wife are also consistent
members of the Presbyterian church. The story of his life if written
in detail would present a clear and interesting picture of the entire
development of the northwest, for within his memory there has occurred
a change so great as to seem almost magical. He can relate most
interesting incidents of the early days and his name should be placed
high on the record of honored pioneer settlers of this section of the
country.
MARTIN MARBACH.
Martin Marbach, a farmer living on section 2, township 8 north, range
34 east, has been a resident of Walla Walla county for almost three
decades and as the years have passed has prospered in his undertakings
until he is now the owner of over two sections of wheat land. His birth
occurred in Alsace-Lorraine on the 8th of February, 1863, and there he
was reared to manhood, acquiring his education in the common schools of
his native country.
[Illustration: MARTIN MARBACH]
[Illustration: MRS. MARTIN MARBACH]
In 1884, on attaining his majority, Mr. Marbach determined to try his
fortune in the new world and crossed the Atlantic to the United States,
landing in New York city. From the eastern metropolis he made his
way westward to Missouri and for four years worked as a farm hand in
Lafayette county, that state. The year 1888 witnessed his arrival in
Walla Walla county, Washington, and here he secured employment, working
for wages for a period of six years or until 1894. In that year, having
carefully saved his earnings, he started out as an agriculturist on
his own account, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of his present
home farm. From that period forward he prospered and kept adding to his
holdings by additional purchase from time to time until he now owns two
sections of wheat land and has won an enviable reputation as one of
the substantial and enterprising agriculturists of the county. Close
application and indefatigable energy have characterized him at all
times, and the prosperity which he now enjoys is the merited reward of
his intelligently directed activity.
On the 23d of October, 1894, Mr. Marbach was united in marriage to
Miss Lizzie M. Rondema, of Walla Walla, by whom he has eight children,
namely: Theodore, Margaret, Lizzie, Ludwine, Martin, Gertrude, Philip
and George. Mrs. Marbach is a daughter of Andrew and Anna (Brower)
Rondema, who were born, reared and married in Amsterdam, Holland, and
came to America in 1870, locating first in Chicago, where Mr. Rondema
engaged in business as a contractor and builder. In 1887 he came to
Walla Walla and while residing in this state turned his attention to
farming. Here he died in June, 1889, and his wife passed away in 1906.
Of their ten children only two are now living, these being Mrs. Marbach
and Theodore, a resident of Walla Walla. They were members of the
Catholic church.
Mr. Marbach exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and
measures of the democratic party, believing firmly in its principles.
The religious faith of his family is that of the Catholic church and
they attend church in Walla Walla. He has never had occasion to regret
his determination to seek a home in the new world, for here he has
found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has
won a most creditable measure of success.
JAMES H. LASATER.
James H. Lasater became one of the pioneer residents and early
attorneys of Walla Walla and for many years was closely associated with
public events of importance which left their impress upon the growth,
development and progress of city and state. He arrived in the northwest
in April, 1863, and from that date until his death, or for a third of a
century, was closely connected with interests which have had important
bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of Washington.
The birth of James H. Lasater occurred in McMinn county, Tennessee, on
the 19th of October, 1823. He was reared in his native county, where he
spent the period of his boyhood and youth and in fact there remained
for a few years after reaching adult age. In 1850 he crossed the plains
to California, where the gold fields were attracting thousands of
fortune seekers, but in 1851 he returned to Tennessee, again making
his way over the plains until he reached Illinois. Through the two
following years he devoted his attention to the study of law under
the direction of Judge William Kellogg in Canton and in Bloomington,
Illinois, but in the fall of 1852 he again made his way westward, this
time settling in Oregon City, Oregon, where he arrived in October. In
1855 he was admitted to the bar at Salem, Oregon, and became one of the
well known attorneys of that section of the Sunset state.
There Mr. Lasater continued until April, 1863, when he removed to
Walla Walla, where he opened a law office and entered upon the active
practice of his profession. He was connected with much of the principal
litigation heard in the courts of the district and was also prominent
in public affairs. He was one of the leaders of the democratic party
and was for years chairman of the county central committee. In 1864 he
was elected district attorney but refused to qualify, and in 1869 he
became a member of the legislature. He proved one of the ablest men
in that body and contributed largely toward shaping the laws enacted
in that session. In early manhood he had taken a medical course and
received his degree and for a short time practiced, but disliking many
features of the work, he abandoned that profession and turned his
attention to law, in which he found a congenial field. He was quick
to recognize the opportunity for becoming the owner of valuable lands
open to the early settler and in the course of time acquired title to
nineteen hundred acres in Walla Walla county and in Oregon. Much of his
land is located in the richest part of Walla Walla valley and is now
very valuable. He also owned city properties and was one of the men of
affluence of Walla Walla county.
James H. Lasater was united in marriage to Miss Emily Moore, a
native of Illinois, and for many years they traveled life's journey
happily together, sharing with each other in the joys and sorrows,
the adversity and prosperity which checker the careers of all. Mr.
Lasater passed away on the 20th of August, 1896, and thus was brought
to a close a life that had been instrumental in the upbuilding of his
county along many lines. He was familiar with every phase of pioneer
experience in the west and his spirit of enterprise and progress
wrought results the benefits of which have been most lasting.
EDWARD BYRNES.
Edward Byrnes was a very substantial citizen of Walla Walla county
whose death in 1916 was the occasion of deep and widespread regret.
He belonged to that class who proudly wear the American title of a
self-made man. He owed his progress and his prosperity entirely to his
individual efforts, for he started out in life when very young and had
no assistance from others as the years went on.
[Illustration: MRS. EDWARD BYRNES]
Mr. Byrnes was born in Ireland, February 2, 1833, and was a youth of
but fifteen years when he bade adieu to friends and native land and
sailed for the new world. For a time he was a resident of Pennsylvania,
where he worked as a farm hand. While still a resident of that state
he was united in marriage, in 1854, to Miss Elizabeth Estell, who is a
native of Pennsylvania, and they traveled life's journey together for
sixty-three years and six months, lacking ten days. They began their
domestic life there and remained residents of the east until 1857,
when they removed westward to Minnesota, establishing their home upon
a farm. For five years they continued in that state and then crossed
the plains in 1862 with team and covered wagon. Their destination was
Baker county, Oregon, but after living there for about a year they made
their way northward to the Walla Walla valley, where Mr. Byrnes engaged
in the live stock business. Later he purchased land and to his widow
he left a tract of five hundred and forty acres, constituting one of
the well improved properties in Hill township, the place being located
on section 34. He was a very energetic man, was never afraid of hard
work and his persistency of purpose and intelligently directed effort
brought to him a substantial measure of success.
Mr. and Mrs. Byrnes became the parents of the following children, four
of whom still survive: John E., a resident of Gardena, Washington;
Ellen, the wife of G. E. Crow of Richland, Washington; Addie E.,
the deceased wife of James Cummins; Albert, a stock farmer and
administrator of the estate residing in Hill township, Walla Walla
county; Caroline, the wife of George Accuntius of Starbuck; Allen,
who was deputy under Sheriff Painter and was accidentally killed; and
Winfield, deceased.
The family circle was again broken by the hand of death when on the
10th of November, 1916, Mr. Byrnes was called to the home beyond. As
the architect of his own fortunes he builded wisely and well. In early
life it was necessary that he practice the strictest economy in order
to gain a start, but difficulties and obstacles did not discourage
him and with persistent energy he worked his way upward, becoming one
of the prosperous residents of Walla Walla county. His personal worth
was widely attested by his many friends and he possessed a genial
disposition and kindly spirit that gained for him the warm regard
of all with whom he was brought in contact. His family attends the
Congregational church and the hospitality of the best homes of the
community is freely accorded them. For more than a half century the
family has been represented in this county, the parents arriving in
1863, so that Mrs. Byrnes has long been a witness of the growth and
development of this section of the state, while her memory forms a
connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present.
She now has twenty-six grandchildren and forty-four great-grandchildren.
CHARLES SEELIGER.
Charles Seeliger is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and
twenty acres on section 2, township 7 north, range 35 east, and during
the period in which this place has been in his possession he has made
many excellent improvements thereon, converting it into one of the
model farm properties of the county. He was born on Long Island, New
York, March 1, 1864, a son of August and Catherine (Tauber) Seeliger,
both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to America in 1861 and
settled in the state of New York, where they resided for fifteen years,
and in 1876 they removed to Butler county, Iowa. Subsequently they
became residents of Walla Walla county, Washington, and both passed
away here.
Charles Seeliger was largely reared in Iowa, the public schools
affording him his educational privileges. It was in 1888 that he came
to the northwest, then a young man of twenty-four years, thinking to
find good business opportunities in this section of the country. He
first made his way to the city of Walla Walla and after a considerable
period determined to engage in farming on his own account and in 1902
purchased the land upon which he now resides. He acquired one hundred
and twenty acres, which is highly cultivated and splendidly improved.
Most of the improvements have been put upon the place by Mr. Seeliger,
who is a most progressive farmer and enterprising business man. His
place presents a very neat and attractive appearance and constitutes
one of the pleasing features of the landscape. His work is carefully
performed and the results are certain by reason of the fact that his
industry is guided by sound judgment.
In 1886, in Iowa, Mr. Seeliger was united in marriage to Miss Mary
Ide, a native of that state, and they have become the parents of ten
children, Paul, Frank, Esther, Hilda, William B., Mary, Charles, Lena,
Louis and Margaret.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Seeliger is connected with the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Politically he is a republican
and strongly endorses the principles of the party, for he believes
that its platform contains the best elements of good government. He
served on the school board for several years and he has ever been a
faithful friend of the cause of public education. Mr. Seeliger came to
the northwest empty-handed, but he possessed energy and perseverance
and his persistency of purpose has enabled him to overcome all the
obstacles and difficulties with which one is continually confronted in
the business world. His worth as a citizen and as a business man is
widely acknowledged by all who know him. His character is one which
will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny and Walla Walla county
has reason to be congratulated on the fact that he became one of its
citizens. The opportunities of this section of the country he realized
and he has done much to further public progress in the Inland Empire.
CASSIUS S. ROBINSON.
In the death of Cassius S. Robinson Walla Walla county lost one of its
honored pioneer settlers--one who participated in the early Indian wars
and took part in many of the events which shaped the pioneer history
of this section of the state. He was born in Sidney Center, Maine, in
1847, a son of Seth and Harriett (Frost) Robinson. The family is of
Scotch and English descent. The parents spent their entire lives in
Maine, where they reared their family of five children.
Cassius S. Robinson left his native state when a youth of eighteen
years and made his way westward to Chicago, where he resided for a
number of years. He afterward remained in various cities of the middle
west until 1876, when attracted by the opportunities of the growing
west, he came to Washington, settling in Walla Walla county, where he
remained until his death. He always took an active part in community
affairs and his aid and influence were always on the side of progress
and improvement. He joined the volunteers at the time of the Nez Percé
Indian war and rendered distinguished aid in subduing the Indians and
reclaiming the region for the purposes of civilization. Mr. Robinson
was a painter and glazier by trade and in Walla Walla engaged in
business along that line until about fifteen years before his death
when he retired. His activities were carefully directed and the
success which he achieved and enjoyed was attributable entirely to his
capability and skill in his chosen trade. Mr. Robinson was one of the
directors of the Third National Bank of Walla Walla and was such at the
time of his death.
[Illustration: MR. AND MRS. CASSIUS S. ROBINSON]
In 1886 Mr. Robinson was united in marriage to Miss Laura Cornwell,
who was a daughter of James M. and Mary Ann (Stott) Cornwell. She
survives her husband and is widely and favorably known in Walla Walla,
where she has an extensive circle of warm friends. On the 4th of
December, 1915, she was called upon to mourn the loss of her husband,
who on that day was called to his final rest. He was a member of the
Foresters and of the Masonic fraternity and exemplified in his life the
beneficent spirit of the craft which is based upon a recognition of the
brotherhood of man. He was ever ready to extend a helping hand where
aid was needed and he possessed many sterling traits of character which
won for him the high regard, confidence and goodwill of all with whom
he was associated.
Since her husband's death Mrs. Robinson has resided in Walla Walla,
where she is well known. She is a member of the Sunshine Club; the
Shakespeare Club; the Eastern Star; and the Presbyterian church. She is
also an active worker for the Red Cross. During the latter years of his
life Mr. and Mrs. Robinson spent much time in travel, making a trip to
Europe in 1910 during the Oberammergau sacred festival which they saw.
They also visited Alaska and spent much time on the Sound and several
winters in California.
BEN M. TURNER.
Ben M. Turner is a self-made man of Columbia county who from pioneer
times has been identified with the agricultural development and
with kindred interests in southeastern Washington. Starting out
empty-handed, he possessed energy and determination, together with
a keen sagacity that has enabled him to recognize and utilize
opportunities which others have passed heedlessly by. He now resides
on section 19, township 11 north, range 40 east, in Columbia county,
and has become well known as a farmer, as a breeder of Belgian horses
and as a grain dealer and warehouse man. He was born in Scotland
county, Missouri, March 15, 1854, a son of John and Mary (Powers)
Turner, the former a native of Virginia, while the latter was born in
Indiana. They were married, however, in Missouri, having removed with
their respective parents to that state in early life. In 1865 they
crossed the plains with ox teams to Oregon, being six months in making
the journey. On their arrival they located in Yamhill county, that
state, where they lived for about six years and in March, 1871, came
to Washington. They took up their abode on Whiskey creek, in what is
now Columbia county but was then a part of Walla Walla county, and the
father preempted a quarter section of land, upon which he continued to
reside until called to his final home.
Ben M. Turner was educated in the district schools but his
opportunities in that direction were quite limited. He was a youth
of eleven years at the time of the emigration to the northwest and he
became an active factor in assisting his father in the arduous task
of developing and improving a new farm. Day after day saw him in the
fields working to break the sod and cultivate crops, and on reaching
his twenty-first year he began farming for himself. He purchased a
quit claim to a preemption of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he
proved up, and with that tract as a beginning he had extended his farm
holdings until he was one of the largest landowners of this section of
the state. Of recent years, however, he has disposed of all but two
sections of land, which is now being operated by tenants. He retired
from active farming, although for many years he was extensively and
successfully engaged in the tilling of the soil. He not only brought
his fields under a high state of cultivation and demonstrated the
possibility of producing fine crops in this section of the state but he
also engaged in the breeding of Belgian horses. He secured two of the
best mares in the northwest and his horses afterward received awards
at the Washington State Fair at North Yakima, the Walla Walla fair and
the Cascade Stock Show at North Yakima. In fact he has won premiums on
his stock at many fairs in the northwest. Since retiring from active
farm work he has given his attention to the grain business and owns and
operates an elevator at Turner and is also in charge of the warehouses
of the Portland Milling Company at Turner, handling about two hundred
and fifty thousand bushels of grain in 1916. He is thus connected
with extensive and important business interests, which are carefully
directed, for he is a man of sound judgment, keen discrimination and of
unfaltering industry.
In January, 1905, Mr. Turner was married to Miss Anna Brofsky, of
Dayton. He belongs to Columbia Lodge, No. 26, F. & A. M., and Dayton
Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M., and is a most worthy follower of the craft,
exemplifying in his life its beneficent teachings concerning the
brotherhood of mankind and the obligations thereby imposed. In politics
he has always been a democrat but never has he sought public office,
preferring to concentrate his energies and attention upon his business
interests, which have gained him place among the most substantial
citizens of southeastern Washington.
CHARLES M. TAYLOR.
Charles M. Taylor, who in former years was prominently and actively
associated with the agricultural development of Walla Walla county,
is now living retired in Waitsburg, having put aside the more active
work of the fields in order to enjoy a rest which he has truly earned
and richly merits. His former activities brought to him a comfortable
competence, so that he is now enabled to meet all of the necessities of
life and also to enjoy many of its luxuries.
[Illustration: CHARLES M. TAYLOR]
[Illustration: MRS. CHARLES M. TAYLOR]
Mr. Taylor was born in Johnson county, Missouri, January 10, 1859, a
son of Simon and Harriet (Burgess) Taylor, both of whom were natives
of West Virginia. In young manhood, or about the time he attained
his majority, the father removed westward to Missouri. The mother
accompanied her parents to that state when she was but two years
of age. There she was reared and eventually they were married in
Missouri, where they resided until 1880, when they started for the
west, accompanied by their five sons and daughter-in-law, Mrs. C. M.
Taylor. Besides the five sons there was one daughter born to them in
Missouri but she remained in that state. The family continued their
journey to the Sunset state, arriving in Walla Walla on the 20th of
March, 1880. The father brought with him some capital and here he
purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Wilson Hollow,
about six miles southeast of Waitsburg. With the assistance of his
sons he at once began the development and improvement of that place
and not long afterward he bought a half section of land, which he and
his sons continued to cultivate for a number of years. The father then
had the misfortune to lose a leg which was cut off in a horse power
machine. His sons then persuaded him to leave the farm and remove to
Waitsburg that he might be free of all care and responsibility, and
there the last seven or eight years of his life were passed. He died in
1899, while his widow survived him for a considerable period, passing
away on the 1st of August, 1911. They were worthy pioneer people of
this section of the country, enjoyed the respect and goodwill of all
who knew them and Mr. Taylor contributed in no small degree to the
agricultural progress in pioneer times.
Charles M. Taylor was reared to manhood in Missouri, being about
twenty-one years of age when the family started for the west. He
pursued a public school education in his native state and on the 4th
of February, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Nannie White, a
native daughter of Johnson county, Missouri. Within less than a month
he and his bride started on their wedding journey to Washington,
accompanying his father and brothers, and after reaching this state
Charles M. Taylor worked for two years on the Baker Railroad. He was
also employed on the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company's line, after
which he concentrated his attention upon farming.
In 1890 Mr. Taylor made his first purchase of land, becoming owner
of two hundred acres, which he bought at thirty dollars per acre.
This was situated two and a half miles from Waitsburg and is located
in Wilson Hollow, the Walla Walla and Columbia county division line
passing through his property. Subsequently he bought one hundred and
eight acres adjoining, making his home place a valuable tract of
three hundred and eight acres. For the the second purchase he paid
ninety-five dollars per acre, but today he would refuse one hundred
and fifty dollars per acre for the entire farm. In addition to his
interests in Walla Walla county he owns six hundred and forty acres
in Dawson county, Montana, and an equity in one hundred and sixty
acres in the mountains. His farming interests have always been wisely
and carefully conducted. He has brought his fields under a high state
of cultivation and well kept fences divide his place into tracts of
convenient size for development. He practices the rotation of crops and
the latest improved methods of farming and understands the scientific
principles which underlie his work. His efforts are of a most practical
character and it seems that he makes the wisest possible use of his
time and opportunities. In addition to his farming interests he became
one of the incorporators of the Exchange Bank of Waitsburg and was
elected a member of the board of directors, in which capacity he has
since served.
To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor was born a daughter, Estella, who is now the
wife of Milan Smith, a merchant of Waitsburg. They also have a foster
daughter whom they have reared from a child of four years--Isabelle
Taylor, who is a graduate of the Waitsburg high school and is now at
home.
Mr. Taylor belongs to Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, A. F. & A. M., also
to Touchet Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., while his wife is connected
with the Order of the Eastern Star and also with the Rebekah degree
of Odd Fellows. Mr. Taylor left the farm and removed to Waitsburg in
1900, after which he continued to operate his land from that point
until 1917. He is now living retired, however, leaving the care and
management of the property to others. He is one of Waitsburg's foremost
citizens. He has one of the handsome homes of the town, with all modern
improvements, and he is enjoying in the fullest degree the comforts of
life. His success is indeed well merited, for it has been honorably
won and his life record proves what may be accomplished when there is
a will to dare and to do. He had no assistance when he started out for
himself, but he early learned to place his dependence upon industry
and indomitable energy and his progressive farming methods enabled him
year by year to add to his capital until he is now the possessor of a
substantial competence that classes him with the more successful men of
Walla Walla county.
FRANCIS M. LOWDEN.
A notably successful career is that of Francis M. Lowden, who is
engaged in farming and stock raising and still remains an active
factor in business, although he has passed the eighty-sixth milestone
on life's journey. He was born in Boone county, Kentucky, February 7,
1832, but much of his youth was passed in Brown county, Illinois, where
he resided until 1849, when at the age of seventeen years he crossed
the plains with a party of four. The young men traveled on horseback,
bringing with them a light wagon pulled by four horses to carry their
effects. They first went to Sacramento and from that point Mr. Lowden
proceeded to Downieville, where he followed placer mining for a season.
Later he went to Nevada City and in 1851 he returned to Sacramento,
where he invested the proceeds of his successful mining ventures in
mules and engaged in packing, a business which he followed profitably
for twenty-one years. His train conveyed freight into various parts of
California, Nevada, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Montana and thus he
became familiar with all of the west and its development. Hostile bands
of Indians who were on marauding expeditions throughout the country
were a menace to him, but by continued watchfulness he managed to avoid
loss, standing guard himself and never trusting hired help to this
duty. He allowed no fires to be built near his herd and his constant
care was rewarded by success. In 1878 he sold his packing business
and established his home between Walla Walla and Wallula, Washington,
where he engaged in raising and dealing in cattle, but in 1880 he lost
about ninety per cent of his herds. He did not allow himself to become
discouraged but with resolute purpose sought to retrieve his losses and
purchased about five thousand acres of land in Walla Walla valley with
the view of again engaging in the business on an extensive scale. By
means of ditches he brought water into every field of this vast tract
and soon developed a most excellent stock ranch. This land is still in
possession of the family, being owned by the Lowden Company, which was
incorporated for the purpose of raising horses, cattle, sheep and hogs.
They have imported many costly thoroughbred animals, never sparing
expense to secure the best stock, and they have done much to promote
the standards of stock raising in Washington. They have high grade
horses, cattle, hogs and sheep upon their place and theirs is one of
the leading stock ranches in southeastern Washington. Mr. Lowden has
ever been a very active and enterprising man, possessed of courage,
fortitude and resourcefulness--the characteristics of the true pioneer.
Moreover, he is a very efficient business man, alert and enterprising
and watchful of every opportunity pointing to success. His interests
have ever been most wisely and carefully controlled and his sound
judgment has ever stood as an important feature in his progress.
[Illustration: MR. AND MRS. SIMON TAYLOR]
Notwithstanding his large private interests, Mr. Lowden has always
found time to perform well the duties of a citizen and member of
society. He served as county commissioner for seven years and was a
member of the state penitentiary board which built the third wing and
the outbuildings, the stables, etc., of the penitentiary. In spite of
opposition, he succeeded with the help of others in building a jute
mill at the penitentiary in order to give employment to the prisoners
and in placing the mill in successful operation. He was also a member
of the school board for ten years and has ever been a faithful and
loyal friend of public education.
In May, 1868, Mr. Lowden was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary E. Noon,
who was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, but was reared in California.
They have become the parents of three children, namely: Marshall J.,
Francis M., Jr., and Hettie Irene. Mr. Lowden is a stanch adherent
of the Masonic fraternity and exemplifies in his life the beneficent
spirit of the craft. He is still very active, although he has now
reached the age of eighty-six years. Old age need not necessarily
suggest idleness nor want of occupation. There is an old age which
grows stronger mentally and morally as the years go on and gives out
of its rich store of wisdom and experience for the benefit of others.
Such is the record of Mr. Lowden. He keeps in touch with the trend of
modern thought and progress and in spirit and interests seems yet in
his prime. His life should serve to inspire and encourage many others
who at a much younger age grow weary and endeavor to shift to other
shoulders the burdens that they should bear.
J. A. MACLACHLAN, M. D.
Dr. J. A. MacLachlan, for many years actively and successfully
engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Dayton, was born
near Springfield, in the province of Ontario, Canada, in 1860.
After acquiring a public school education in his native country he
became a student in the University of Michigan, where he pursued his
professional course, winning the degree of M. D. upon graduation
with the class of 1889. He had studied the homeopathic methods and
following his graduation at once began a search for a suitable
location. Making his way westward, he decided to establish his home
in Columbia county and has since been identified with the medical
profession in southeastern Washington. Through the long years of
his residence in Dayton he has occupied a foremost place among the
medical practitioners. He is extremely modest and free from ostentation
but public opinion establishes his position and colleagues and
contemporaries acknowledge him the peer of the ablest physicians and
surgeons of the Inland Empire. He was elected to the position of vice
president of the state board of medical examiners and he belongs to the
Washington State Medical Society, thus keeping in touch with the trend
of modern professional thought, research and investigation.
Dr. MacLachlan was united in marriage to Miss Daisy Ping, a daughter of
Robert Ping, one of the well known pioneer settlers of Columbia county,
and with his family he occupies an attractive home in Dayton. He
belongs to the Dayton Club and has been identified with many movements
looking to the welfare and betterment of his community. He stands at
all times for progress and improvement and his aid and influence are
given on the side of those activities which are a matter of civic
virtue and of civic pride. He served in 1890 and 1891 as health officer
of Columbia county. He is well known as a leading member of the Knights
of Pythias and of the Odd Fellows lodges, having been identified with
those organizations for many years.
JOHN McFEELY.
John McFeely, of Walla Walla, has for years been one of the city's
prominent business men, and he is also connected with the agricultural
interests of the county, being the owner of a large farm devoted to
the raising of wheat. He has resided in the city for many years and
has an unusually wide acquaintance here and throughout the county as
well. His birth occurred in Fairfield, Ohio, near Dayton, March 3,
1868, and he is a son of John and Ann (Miller) McFeely. He received
his public school education in the Buckeye state and in youth learned
the blacksmith trade. He then started west to seek his fortune, being
convinced that there were better opportunities for advancement in the
country west of the Mississippi river than in the east. For a time he
lived in Kansas and then returned to Ohio, but could not be content
there and removed to Portland, Oregon, whence he came to Walla Walla,
Washington, in the spring of 1891. Here he found employment as a
horseshoer, but in the fall of 1891 he went to Milton, Oregon, where he
worked in the same line.
Subsequently Mr. McFeely returned to Walla Walla and bought an interest
in the horseshoeing shop of D. Sloan, now known as the Wigwam, and then
located at the corner of Second and Alder streets, where the Drumheller
four-story brick block now stands. The horseshoeing business was
booming and returned good profit to its owner. At length Mr. McFeely
purchased the lots on the corner of Fourth and Alder streets, then
known as the old Baldwin property, at that time covered with a growth
of locust trees. He cleared the timber and there erected a shoeing
shop, where he engaged in business for a considerable period. Later
he built a one-story brick building which he used as a shoeing shop
until he erected the McFeely Hotel, which is a three-story building
with basement. It is thoroughly modern in its appointments and is well
patronized. He also owns eight hundred acres of excellent wheat land in
Dry Hollow, near Prescott, all under cultivation and well improved. He
resides in one of the attractive homes at the edge of the city of Walla
Walla, and takes a justifiable pride therein. The grounds comprise two
acres and contain several cold water springs and a trout lake. The many
large shade trees add much to the comfort and beauty of the place.
[Illustration: JOHN McFEELY]
[Illustration: MRS. JOHN McFEELY]
Mr. McFeely was married December 9, 1899, to Miss Martha Besserer, a
daughter of the Hon. Charles and Ida (Sanderson) Besserer, who are
mentioned on another page of this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Besserer were
born seven children, of whom three survive, namely: Charles, a resident
of California; Lucile, the wife of A. McAlaster, also of California;
and Mrs. McFeely. The latter is the mother of two children: Martha
Yvonne, who was born August 5, 1903, and is now in high school; and
John Miller, born September 9, 1907.
Mr. McFeely possesses the qualities that command respect and win
regard, and he has been honored by election to the office of president
of the National Association of Master Horseshoers. Fraternally he
belongs to the Elks, and he and his wife both hold membership in
the Protestant Episcopal church. He has been quick to recognize
opportunities, prompt and energetic in taking advantage thereof, and as
the result of his sound judgment and enterprise he is now financially
independent.
C. A. HOLLENBECK.
C. A. Hollenbeck is now living retired in Asotin but for a long period
was actively identified with ranching in Washington. In 1912, however,
he put aside the work of the farm and has since spent his days in the
enjoyment of a well earned rest. A native of New York, he was born in
Cortland county, December 18, 1845, a son of Casper C. and Henrietta
(Egbertson) Hollenbeck, who were also natives of Cortland county, New
York. The great-grandfather in the Egbertson line was a soldier of
the Revolutionary war and also of the War of 1812. He passed away in
Cortland county, New York, at the advanced age of ninety years. The
grandfather of C. A. Hollenbeck in the paternal line was a native of
Holland, and on coming to the new world settled in Cortland county, New
York, where he followed the occupation of farming until his death. His
son, Casper C., was also a farmer and with his family removed westward
to Sedalia, Missouri, where he and his wife lived retired. There he
passed away in the spring of 1881.
C. A. Hollenbeck acquired a public school education in New York and
assisted in the work of the farm from early boyhood, taking his place
behind the plow almost as soon as old enough to reach the plow handles.
He left home in 1868 and made his way to Linn county, Iowa, where he
resided for two years, devoting his attention to general agricultural
pursuits there. In 1870 he removed to Ness county, Kansas, where he
hunted buffaloes and antelope while working with the Texas cattle.
He devoted eleven years to herding on the plains of Kansas and in
1881 he arrived in Washington, taking up his abode in what was then
Columbia but is now Asotin county. He took up a preemption claim in the
Montgomery Ridge district and during his active identification with
agricultural pursuits he accumulated thirteen hundred and sixty acres
of land in Asotin county, of which he has since sold all but three
hundred and twenty acres, now being cultivated and managed by his son.
In 1912 Mr. Hollenbeck retired from active business life and took up
his abode in the city of Asotin, where he now occupies an attractive
modern residence and is living retired, enjoying the fruits of his
former toil in a well earned rest.
Mr. Hollenbeck was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Story, a native
of Onondaga county, New York, who passed away November 1, 1917, her
death being deeply regretted not only by her immediate family but
also by many friends, for she was a lady of excellent traits of heart
and mind, kindly in manner and generous in spirit and most devoted to
the members of her own household. She found her greatest happiness in
providing for the comfort of her husband and children and her memory is
enshrined in the hearts of all who knew her.
"I cannot say and I will not say
That she is dead. She is just away!
With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand
She has wandered into an unknown land,
And left us dreaming how very fair
It needs must be since she lingers there."
Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hollenbeck: Carrie, the wife
of Henry Talbott, a rancher living in Asotin county; Martha, the wife
of William McMullan, who has a ranch near Spokane; Ettie, the wife of
Jake Blyen, who is a ranch owner at Crabtree, Oregon; Casper J., who
married Rose Miller and follows ranching in Asotin county; Frank, who
married Maggie Venette and lives in Asotin county, managing the old
home ranch, in addition to which he owns nine hundred acres; George H.,
who married Ethel M. Cannon and resides in Canada; and Mary, the wife
of H. L. McMillan, of Asotin county.
In politics Mr. Hollenbeck has been a republican from the days of
Abraham Lincoln, whom he saw at Syracuse, New York, on his way to
take the presidential chair in Washington in 1861. His has been an
active and useful life in which his business affairs have been wisely
directed, his efforts proving an element in the growth and progress of
the section of the state in which he lives, and among its valued and
representative citizens he is numbered.
JAMES P. WATSON.
Among the valued citizens of Garfield county who have been called to
their final rest was numbered James P. Watson, who lived on section 33,
township 13 north, range 43 east, and was closely associated with the
agricultural development and improvement of this section of the state.
He was born in England on the 31st of December, 1854, and was a son of
Porter and Susan (Talbot) Watson, both of whom were natives of England,
where they spent their entire lives. James P. Watson was educated in
the public schools of his native country and in 1871, when a youth of
seventeen years, bade adieu to friends and country in order to come to
the United States. He first made his way to Kansas, where he remained
for four years, and in 1875 he came west to the Pacific coast country.
He did not at once make a final settlement, however, but cast around
for a desirable location and in the meantime worked for wages, thus
becoming a factor in the business life of the community.
[Illustration: JAMES P. WATSON]
In 1877 Mr. Watson took up his abode in what is now Garfield county
and the following spring filed on a homestead, which he continued to
own throughout his remaining days and on which his widow still lives.
He was a man of energy and was ambitious to succeed. Indolence and
idleness were utterly foreign to his nature. Every hour was utilized to
the best advantage and as the years passed he prospered, so that from
time to time he was able to add to his homestead by additional purchase
until prior to his death he had become the owner of about a thousand
acres of valuable pasture and wheat land in Garfield county. Mr. Watson
had come to this country as a youth without money and without friends,
but he employed every moment of his time to good advantage, realizing
the eternal principle that industry wins. He also carefully saved his
earnings and invested the money thus gained wisely and well, so that
in the course of years he acquired a snug little fortune. Moreover, he
was a broad reader and deep thinker and became well informed on public
affairs. When he crossed the Atlantic it was to become an American
citizen, not to remain a subject of Great Britain, although he never
lost his love for his native land. He ever felt that his allegiance
should be given to the land of his adoption, under whose laws he lived
and found protection, and he ever stood for those plans and measures
which sought to upbuild the community in which he resided, to advance
the welfare of the commonwealth and of the country.
In 1880 Mr. Watson was united in marriage to Miss Emma I. Perkins, a
native of Oregon and a daughter of John N. Perkins, who was a physician
and philanthropist. Her father was a native of Ohio and crossed the
plains in 1851, settling in Oregon. In 1878 he came to what is now
Garfield county, establishing his home on the present site of Pomeroy.
His grandfather, Thomas Perkins, was a soldier of the Revolutionary
war. The mother of Mrs. Watson bore the maiden name of Derisa A.
Matsler and was a native of Ohio, where her marriage to Mr. Perkins
occurred. She afterward made the journey across the plains with her
husband to the northwest. She had three brothers--George, David and
John, who served throughout the Civil war in defense of the Union. To
Mr. and Mrs. Watson were born thirteen children, of whom two died in
infancy, and Inez D., who married J. C. Kimble died leaving two sons,
Vergel L. and Cecyl L. Those still living are as follows: Charles E.,
Alva N., Elsie I., James A., William C., Edna E., John P., Joseph F.,
Iva N. and Alma M. Most of the children are married and with their
families they are all residing in Garfield county, with the exception
of James A., who is now a resident of Whitman county. Mrs. Watson now
has seventeen grandchildren. She is a woman of pronounced ability who
has capably managed her property interests since the death of her
husband, which occurred on the 5th of September, 1915.
Mr. Watson was a man of sterling character, was a devoted husband
and kind and loving father. He was also an obliging and charitable
neighbor and his many sterling traits of character gained for him
the esteem and confidence of all with whom he came in contact. In
politics he was a democrat until the free silver plank was inserted in
the party platform, after which he became a supporter of republican
principles. He never failed to earnestly espouse any cause in which he
believed and his position was never an equivocal one. He expressed his
opinions honestly and fearlessly and men came to know that his word was
thoroughly reliable. He never had occasion to regret his determination
to come to the new world, for on this side of the Atlantic he found
the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization won a
substantial measure of success. Moreover, America gained a valued
citizen and southeastern Washington profited much by his efforts.
JOHN M. ROBINSON.
Among the representative business men of Garfield county is John M.
Robinson, a well known farmer and grain dealer of Pomeroy. He comes
from the middle west, being born in Missouri, September 6, 1859, and
is a son of Thomas W. and Pauline (Forshey) Robinson, the former also
a native of Missouri and the latter of Ohio. It was in 1874 that the
family came to the Pacific coast and after spending three years and a
half in California became residents of Walla Walla county, Washington,
in 1877. About a year later the father took up a homestead in what was
then Columbia county but is now Garfield county, locating on a farm
fifteen miles southeast of Pomeroy. There the mother passed away in
1878 and he died in Pomeroy in February, 1892. Of their nine children
four have also departed this life.
John M. Robinson was fifteen years of age when the family located in
California and in the schools of that state he began his education,
continuing his studies in Walla Walla county after their removal to
this state. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-two years
of age and then in 1881 took up a preemption claim, which is now within
the city limits of Pomeroy and he still owns eighty acres of that. He
engaged in farming until 1885, at which time he took twenty head of
work horses to California and spent one year in that state. He then
returned to Washington and purchased another farm, living thereon until
1892. Since then he has made his home in Pomeroy, where he bought a
warehouse and has engaged in buying grain. He is now the owner of
four thousand and ninety-five acres of land, all improved and under
cultivation.
Mr. Robinson was married in 1881 to Miss Melinda F. McKey, a native of
Kansas and a daughter of Rev. W. P. and Jane (Wilkinson) McKey, and to
this union have been born seven children, namely: Walter J.; Josie May,
now the wife of D. A. Taylor; Clare Marie, the wife of P. C. Clark of
Walla Walla; Dora Bell, the wife of G. Z. Ickes, Jr.; Ruth, the wife of
J. D. Lyon, Jr.; Vernon H. and Florestine, at home.
[Illustration: JOHN M. ROBINSON AND FAMILY]
Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are active and consistent members of the
Christian church of Pomeroy and he is serving as one of its elders.
He is also prominently identified with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, having filled all of the chairs in Pomeroy Lodge, No. 16.
In business affairs he has steadily prospered until he is now the
possessor of a handsome fortune and the success that has come to him
is but the just reward of his own industry, fair dealing and good
management, for he is a man of good business and executive ability and
sound judgment.
RICHARD D. ROBERTS.
More than a century ago Washington said that agriculture is the most
useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man, while Thomas
Jefferson said, "The hope of the nation lies in the tillers of the
soil." It is a well known fact that agriculture is the basis of all
advancement and prosperity and no country reaches the highest point
of its attainment if its farm lands are not properly and carefully
cultivated. Among those progressive men who are now concentrating
their efforts and attention upon the further development of the soil
in Walla Walla county is Richard D. Roberts, who has extensive farming
interests on section 13, township 9 north, range 37 east. He was
born upon this farm January 6, 1875, and is a son of David and Jane
(Anderson) Roberts. The father was a native of Wales and came to the
United States in young manhood. He made his way westward to Illinois,
where he took up his abode and there he formed the acquaintance of Jane
Anderson, who was a native of that state. They were married and about
1870 they left Illinois for Oregon. After spending one year in Forest
Grove of the latter state they came north to Washington and for a year
were residents of Waitsburg. At the end of that time David Roberts
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of the home farm upon which his
son Richard now resides. Not long afterward he preempted an eighty-acre
tract adjoining the original purchase and then bought another eighty
acres, continuing to give his time, attention and energy to his farming
interests until his death, which occurred in December, 1898. For
several years he had survived his wife, who passed away in 1892.
At the usual age Richard D. Roberts became a pupil in the district
schools and there mastered the elementary branches of learning. He
afterward attended the public schools of Waitsburg and also spent
one term as a student in the Waitsburg Academy. In the spring of
1898, prior to his father's death, he took over the management and
development of the home farm, which he has since operated. He owns
a five-sevenths interest in the home place, together with a half
interest in another farm of five hundred and twenty acres in Columbia
county. He also has two hundred and forty acres in the Imperial valley
of California. He cultivates the home place of three hundred and
thirty-five acres, the Columbia county farm of five hundred and twenty
acres, of which he owns a half interest, and he leases five hundred
and eighty acres, thus farming in all fourteen hundred and thirty-five
acres of land in the Inland Empire. His extensive operations are most
carefully and wisely conducted. Scientific methods underlie his work.
He early realized the fact that farm interests should be as carefully
systematized as a commercial undertaking and in all of his work he
is methodical and progressive. His farm machinery is of the latest
improved kind and there is no accessory of a model farm property of the
twentieth century that is not to be found upon his place.
In 1900 Mr. Roberts was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Bateman, a
daughter of Henry Bateman, who was one of the earliest of Walla Walla
county's pioneers, first coming here in 1849 and the following year
settling on a claim on Coppei creek. He was an Indian war veteran and
one of the conspicuous figures in the early pioneer life of Walla Walla
county. His demise occurred in Waitsburg in December, 1915. Mr. and
Mrs. Roberts now have two sons, Harold and Henry.
In politics Mr. Roberts maintains an independent course, not caring
to bind himself by party ties. He belongs to Waitsburg Lodge, F. & A.
M.; to Touchet Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F.; and to the Ancient Order of
United Workmen; and his wife holds membership in the Methodist church.
Their lives are guided by high and honorable principles and in all
business affairs Mr. Roberts is regarded as thoroughly reliable as
well as energetic. His life record is as an open book. He has always
lived in this section of the state, has always carried on general
agricultural pursuits, and although there are no spectacular phases
in his career, he has ever been regarded as a substantial and valued
citizen because of his loyalty to the best interests of the community
and his cooperation in plans and measures which are calculated to
advance and uphold civic standards.
JAMES H. BOWLES.
The consensus of public opinion names James H. Bowles among the leading
citizens of Walla Walla county. He is the owner of a valuable farming
property and also of a fine residence in Prescott, where he makes his
home. He was born in Warren county, Missouri, November 11, 1854, and
is a son of Thomas H. and Lucinda (Gibson) Bowles, the former a native
of Virginia, while the latter was born in Missouri. They became the
parents of eight children, six of whom survive, but both the father and
mother died in Missouri.
James H. Bowles was reared and educated in the state of his nativity
and had reached the age of thirty-five years when in the spring of
1889 he came to Walla Walla county, Washington. He established his
home in Prescott and later he bought a farm of one hundred and eighty
acres, which he has carefully and persistently cultivated, bringing
the entire place under a high state of development. Upon the farm are
excellent improvements and everything about the place indicates the
careful supervision of a practical and progressive owner. He makes his
home, however, in Prescott, where he owns an attractive residence.
His business affairs have been carefully managed and his thorough
reliability has gained for him the respect and confidence of all, while
unfaltering energy has furthered his prosperity.
On the 14th of November, 1880, Mr. Bowles was united in marriage to
Miss Elizabeth Reavis, a native of Missouri and a daughter of Woodson
Reavis. They have become the parents of the following children: Thomas
Woodson, who died at the age of seven months; Mary Almeda, the wife of
J. T. Janes, who is living near Prescott; James William, residing near
Prescott, who married Lillian N. Coble and has one child, James Eugene;
Sarah Ann, who is the wife of F. E. Grubb, also living near Prescott,
and they have two children, Ora Vale and James Roy; Virginia Frances,
who is the wife of Vergil N. Harris, of Prescott, and has two children,
Genevra Elizabeth and Virginia Ann; one child who died at the age of
nine months; Pearl Margaret, who is the wife of C. L. Jones, living
near Prescott, and they have five children, William Lawrence, Dale
Walter, Ernest Monroe, Alma Elizabeth and James Dewey; Archie Eugene,
who married Elizabeth Helms and resides in Prescott; Walter Jennings,
who married Fay Hazel Nail; and Elizabeth.
[Illustration: JAMES H. BOWLES]
[Illustration: MRS. JAMES H. BOWLES]
Both Mr. and Mrs. Bowles are faithful members of the Christian church
and take an active interest in its work, while contributing generously
to its support. In politics Mr. Bowles is a democrat and has been
called upon to fill public office. He has served as a member of the
city council of Prescott; has also been a member of the school board;
and was deputy assessor for two years. Fraternally he is connected
with the Woodmen of the World. He has never had occasion to regret his
determination to establish his home in the northwest, for here he found
the opportunities which he sought and in the business conditions of
this section of the country he has so directed his efforts that a most
substantial competence has been acquired.
BERT LOGAN JONES, B. S., M. D., C. M.
The alumni of McGill University are found in all sections of the
American continent. The thorough training of that school well
qualifies its students for the various lines of work which they may
undertake and in the main the graduates of that institution have been
most successful. Dr. Bert Logan Jones is among the number who are
actively engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Walla
Walla. Pennsylvania numbers him among her native sons, his birth
having occurred in Allegheny on the 11th of May, 1882, his parents
being Reuben Reynolds and Maggie Elizabeth Jones. With the removal
of the family to the west he became a pupil in the public schools
and was graduated from the Baker school in 1898. He then continued
his education in the Washington State College and won the Bachelor
of Science degree in 1907. He afterward entered McGill University as
a medical student and was graduated from the Montreal institution
with the degree of M. D., C. M. He has since practiced his profession
in Walla Walla and in 1914 he was appointed surgeon in the state
penitentiary. In general practice he has made for himself a creditable
position. He is thoroughly conversant with the latest discoveries and
scientific researches that have to bear upon medical and surgical
practice, is most careful in the diagnosis of his cases and seldom if
ever at fault in matters of judgment regarding the outcome of disease.
Moreover, he holds to the highest professional standards and his course
has been an expression of the most advanced ethics of the profession.
On the 25th of December, 1916, in Pullman, Washington, Dr. Jones was
united in marriage to Miss Jessie Elliott Hays, a daughter of the
Rev. W. G. M. Hays, D. D. Dr. Hays was the founder of the United
Presbyterian church and the academy at Waitsburg, Washington, in 1886
and was the organizer of the United Presbyterian church at Olympia
in 1895. He also founded the United Presbyterian church at Pullman,
Washington, in 1898 and remained as pastor there for eighteen years.
He has thus had much to do with the moral progress and development of
this section and in his labors has not been denied the full harvest
nor the aftermath of his efforts. Mrs. Jones was graduated from the
Washington State College in 1906, from the State Normal School at
Cheney, Washington, in 1912, and from 1906 until 1916 taught in the
graded and high schools of this state.
Dr. and Mrs. Jones hold membership in the First Presbyterian church of
Walla Walla and he belongs to the Walla Walla Commercial Club and to
the Masonic fraternity, associations which indicate much of the nature
of his interests and the rules which govern his conduct. He is a man of
genuine personal worth, esteemed by all who know him and most of all
where he is best known. While he holds to high professional standards
and gives the greater part of his attention to his profession, he
also recognizes and meets the duties and obligations of citizenship
and in many ways has cooperated in bringing about public welfare and
improvement.
JOHN P. KENT.
While for many years Mr. Kent was one of the best known and most
prominent business men of Walla Walla, he always found time to
cooperate in public interests and the waterworks and the park systems
of the city were largely due to his initiative and to his untiring
effort. His determined purpose and indefatigable energy enabled him
to accomplish whatever he undertook and his worth in matters of
citizenship as well as in business circles was widely acknowledged.
Mr. Kent was born in Boston, Massachusetts, June 29, 1858, and when
about fifteen years of age removed to the Sunset state, arriving
in Walla Walla, where for forty-four years he occupied a prominent
position in connection with the commercial activity of the community.
In 1880 he became engaged in the meat business and later was associated
with William Kirkman, Chris Ennis and A. Beard in organizing the Walla
Walla Meat Company. He retained the active management of the business
until November, 1898, when he retired from that field in order to turn
his attention to insurance. From that time forward until his demise
he maintained an insurance office in the Dooly building and gained a
very prominent position in insurance circles. Mr. Kent was one of the
organizers of the firm of Gardner & Company and served as its second
vice president until his death. He did with thoroughness everything
that he undertook and therefore he mastered every phase of the
insurance business.
On the 12th of November, 1890, Mr. Kent was united in marriage to Miss
Delia A. Lyons, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. Lyons, and to them were
born four children: Ruth, the wife of Harry Paxton, Jr.; John Paul,
Mildred Agnes and Omer James, all of whom are living in Walla Walla.
Besides his activity in business circles Mr. Kent took a prominent part
in politics and in lodge, social and church affairs. He was a member
of the city council for two terms, beginning in 1896, and he was a
most aggressive advocate of the rights of the people. It was through
his instrumentality that Walla Walla secured its waterworks. He was
also particularly interested in public park development and did much
toward securing Walla Walla's present chain of city parks. He served
as a member of the first park board and lost no opportunity to further
the interests which he espoused, making the park system one which is
most attractive and creditable. He was one of the most trusted leaders
of the democratic party in the state of Washington and served as a
delegate to nearly every state and county convention of his party.
[Illustration: JOHN P. KENT]
In religious faith Mr. Kent was an earnest and loyal Catholic and
was twice representative of the state of Washington in the supreme
council of the Catholic Knights of America. He was also an earnest and
effective worker in behalf of the United Relief Society and was filling
the office of vice president at the time of his demise. For many years
he was a director of the Walla Walla County Fair Association and in
that connection did much to further public progress. He was also a
trustee of the local lodge of Elks and was a past grand knight of the
Knights of Columbus in Walla Walla. Death called him on the 8th of May,
1917, when he passed away at his home on Poplar street. He had been in
failing health for about a year but was confined to his home for only
the last week. One who knew him well paid to him the following justly
merited tribute:
"In the death of John P. Kent, Walla Walla has lost one of her best
citizens. He was always active in every progressive enterprise and a
factor in everything that had for its object the benefit of his home
city. He was eloquent of speech, which, combined with his recognized
probity and force of character, gave him great influence in the council
of his fellows. He was no trimmer but expressed his opinions on all
questions openly and frankly and even those who disagreed with him
acknowledged and admitted his sincerity of purpose. He was one of the
kindest of husbands, the most loving of fathers and a true and loyal
friend."
GEORGE F. MOTTET.
George F. Mottet is a retired stock man of Walla Walla who at the age
of twenty-seven years came to the new world and established his home
in this section of the state. Throughout the intervening period he has
been connected with the sheep industry but has now largely put aside
the active cares of business life to enjoy in well earned rest the
fruits of his former toil. He was born in France, February 17, 1859,
and is a son of Francis and Virginia Mottet, who were also natives of
France, where they spent their entire lives. They had a family of seven
children, but George F. is the only one now living. He was reared and
educated in France, enjoying liberal opportunities. He completed a high
school course and afterward served for four years in the French army.
He then determined to try his fortune in the new world and in 1886 he
came to America, making his way at once to Walla Walla. He has since
been identified with the interests of the northwest. He was engaged in
the sheep industry for twenty-four years and his affairs were wisely
and successfully managed, so that he derived therefrom a handsome
competence. After almost a quarter of a century he sold out and retired
from active business life, making his home at the present time at No.
440 Chase avenue in Walla Walla, where he occupies a fine residence.
In 1895 Mr. Mottet was united in marriage to Miss Leonie Vincent, a
native of France, and they have become parents of three children:
George, who died at the age of eleven years; Anna, who is a high school
graduate of Walla Walla; and one who died in infancy.
In his political views Mr. Mottet has always been a stanch republican
since becoming a naturalized American citizen but has never been an
aspirant for office. He and his wife belong to the Catholic church.
He is a self-made man--one who deserves much credit for what he has
accomplished. He has never had occasion to regret his determination
to come to the new world, for here he found the opportunities which
he sought and in their improvement has acquired a handsome fortune.
In addition to the home which he occupies in Walla Walla he has seven
other residence properties there, from which he derives a gratifying
annual income. His business interests have been carefully managed, his
methods have been characterized by the utmost integrity and the results
which have accrued are most satisfactory and creditable.
JOSEPH UTTER.
Joseph Utter, residing in Prescott, is identified with several
important business enterprises of the town and is also actively and
successfully engaged in farming in Walla Walla county. He was born in
the state of New York, February 22, 1855, a son of Alex M. and Alida
(Putman) Utter, both of whom were natives of the Empire state. They
removed to Wisconsin in 1859 and there resided until 1861, when they
became residents of Minnesota, establishing their home upon a farm. In
1862 the father enlisted for service in the Civil war, his patriotic
spirit prompting his ready response to the country's call for aid. He
joined Company G of the Third Minnesota Infantry and served until the
close of the hostilities, after which he returned to Minnesota, where
both he and his wife passed away. In their family were nine children,
eight of whom are yet living.
Joseph Utter was reared and educated in Minnesota and in 1882 arrived
in Walla Walla county, Washington, taking up his abode on a farm near
Prescott which he still owns. His place comprises eight hundred and
five acres of rich and productive land, all of which is improved. It is
largely devoted to the cultivation of wheat, for his farm is situated
in the midst of the rich wheat belt of Washington, famous throughout
the entire country. The methods which he employs in his farm work are
productive of excellent results. In addition to the growing of wheat
he is also engaged in stock raising and both branches of his business
are proving profitable. He is likewise a stockholder and manager of
the Prescott Warehouse Company and is the president of the Prescott
Telephone Company. In all business affairs he displays keen discernment
and unfaltering industry and his carefully directed labors are bringing
to him substantial returns.
[Illustration: JOSEPH UTTER]
In 1878 Mr. Utter was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Pettijohn, a
daughter of Thomas and Charity (Wisby) Pettijohn, both of whom were
natives of Ohio but spent their last years in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs.
Utter became the parents of eleven children: Arabelle, who is the wife
of W. H. James, now of California; Thomas H., who is living on the home
farm; Carrie May, the wife of A. W. Reser; Richard, who is married and
follows farming; Mildred, the wife of Henry Goe; Juliette, the wife of
John Reid; Ralph, who is married and resides in Prescott; Lilian and
Walter Wayne, who are living at home and two have passed away. The wife
and mother died in July, 1916, and was laid to rest in the Odd Fellows
cemetery. She was a consistent member of the Congregational church and
was most devoted to the welfare of her family. Her loss was also deeply
regretted by her many friends.
Mr. Utter holds membership in Prescott Lodge, No. 46, I. O. O. F.,
in which he has filled all of the chairs, and he also belongs to
the Woodmen of the World. In politics he is a republican but not an
office seeker. He has through individual effort and determination
become one of the prosperous farmers of Walla Walla county and one
of its representative business men. His worth is widely acknowledged
by all with whom he has come in contact and his business career is
characterized by a forcefulness and resourcefulness that is most
resultant.
DAVID W. MILLER.
David W. Miller, one of the representative and prosperous
agriculturists of Walla Walla county, within the borders of which he
has spent almost his entire life, makes his home in the city of Walla
Walla. He owns six hundred and twenty acres of productive land in
Spring Valley and operates altogether about fifteen hundred acres. His
birth occurred in Wyoming on the 22d of August, 1874, his parents being
David and Isabelle (King) Miller, who were born, reared and married in
Scotland. About 1870 they crossed the Atlantic to the new world and in
subsequent years resided in Pennsylvania, Utah and other states but
eventually came to Washington and about 1877 took up their abode in
Walla Walla county. Here David Miller gave his attention to general
agricultural pursuits, locating in Spring Valley, where he acquired
a section of land and in his undertakings won gratifying prosperity.
He was chosen to represent his district in the state senate for eight
years, being first elected in 1893 and making a splendid record that
gained the approval and continued support of his constituents. He was
one of the dominant factors in the organization of the Farmers Alliance
and was always foremost in any movement instituted to promote the
interests and welfare of the community. Fraternally he was identified
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His demise, which occurred
on the 6th of October, 1902, was the occasion of deep and widespread
regret, for in his passing the community lost one of its most valued
and esteemed citizens. His widow, surviving him for a number of years,
was called to her final rest in November, 1911.
David W. Miller, whose name introduces this review, was reared under
the parental roof and in the acquirement of an education attended the
district schools and also spent one year in study in Whitman College.
He then devoted about six years to farming and on the expiration of
that period embarked in the furniture and undertaking business at
Waitsburg, conducting an enterprise of that character for two years.
At the end of that time he engaged in the coal and wood business at
Walla Walla, being thus occupied until 1910, when he again turned his
attention to agricultural pursuits, which have since claimed his time
and energies. He owns six hundred and twenty acres of valuable land
in Spring Valley and operates altogether about fifteen hundred acres,
his interests being thus extensive and important. Success has attended
his efforts in this connection by reason of the fact that he utilizes
the most modern and progressive methods of agriculture and has ever
manifested industry, enterprise and unremitting energy.
On the 12th of August, 1903, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to
Miss Ida Breeze, a daughter of R. M. Breeze, of Waitsburg. They now
have three children, namely: James T., Earl W. and Ella Isabelle. In
his political views Mr. Miller is a democrat and fraternally he is
identified with Trinity Lodge, I. O. O. F., and with Columbia Lodge No.
70, K. P. His life has been upright and honorable in every relation and
he well merits the warm regard and high esteem in which he is uniformly
held.
SILAS W. SMITH.
For almost sixty years Silas W. Smith made his home upon the Pacific
coast and was long identified with its mercantile interests, conducting
a store in Walla Walla during the last years of his business career.
He was born in Monmouth, Illinois, August 16, 1844, a son of Isaac
and Margaret (Butler) Smith, who were also natives of that state. In
1853 the family crossed the plains and located on a farm near Dallas,
Oregon. They traveled in covered wagons drawn by horses and experienced
the usual hardships of such a journey. Upon a claim of three hundred
and twenty acres the father built the first log cabin in that locality
and he became one of the prominent and influential men of the valley
where he and his wife continued to make their home until called to
their final rest. He always took a very active part in politics and for
two terms was an honored member of the legislature. In his family were
nine children, only four of whom are now living.
Silas W. Smith was about nine years of age when he came with the family
to the far west and he was reared and educated at Dallas, Oregon,
graduating from the academy at that place. After leaving school he was
engaged in mercantile business at Independence, Oregon, for several
years, but in 1888 removed to Waitsburg, Washington, where he conducted
a store for some time, and later engaged in the same business in Walla
Walla in partnership with John Fitzgerald. He finally sold out and
lived retired until his death in 1912.
On the 5th of November, 1867, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss
Esther M. Barney, a native of Keokuk, Iowa, and a daughter of Harlow
and Mary A. (Curtis) Barney. Her father was born in Pennsylvania and
her mother in Vermont. They were among the pioneers who crossed the
plains with ox teams in 1853 and settled near Dallas, Oregon, where
Mr. Barney took up six hundred and forty acres of land, making his
home thereon until his death. His wife also died there. Two of their
three children are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born five
children, namely: Mary Ellen, the deceased wife of W. W. Maxwell; E.
H., also deceased; O. B., a resident of Waitsburg, Washington; Lenna,
the wife of Laverne Bartlett of Walla Walla; and Milan W., a merchant
of Waitsburg.
[Illustration: SILAS W. SMITH]
[Illustration: MRS. SILAS W. SMITH]
Mrs. Smith owns a valuable ranch of five hundred and forty acres,
all in a high state of cultivation. She is a faithful member of the
Christian church, to which her husband also belonged, and he took
quite an active part in all church work. He also held membership in
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a stanch republican in
politics, exerting considerable influence in local affairs and serving
for two terms as mayor of the city with credit to himself and to the
entire satisfaction of his constituents. In his death the community
realized that it had lost a valued and useful citizen--one devoted to
the best interests of the community. Mrs. Smith is a member of the
Rebekah Lodge at Waitsburg and has filled all the chairs in the same.
Like her husband, she makes friends wherever she goes and is held in
the highest esteem by all who know her.
F. J. ALDRICH.
F. J. Aldrich is a representative farmer of Columbia county who
utilizes the most progressive methods in tilling the soil and caring
for his crops. Western enterprise finds expression in his life. He is
a western man by birth, by training and by preference. He was born in
Walla Walla county, Washington, July 1, 1872, and is a son of Milton
and Sarah (Stanfield) Aldrich, the former a native of Michigan, while
the latter was born in Iowa. In 1850 the father crossed the plains to
California, where he engaged in prospecting and mining, continuing his
operations from California clear into Canada. In 1860 he made his way
to Walla Walla county, Washington, where he took up a homestead on Dry
creek, seven miles east of the city of Walla Walla. Later he acquired
other lands until he became owner of eight hundred and fifteen acres
in the home place and nine hundred and twenty acres on Coppei creek,
five miles from Waitsburg. He devoted many years to the development
and improvement of his farm land and about five years prior to his
death removed to Walla Walla, where he passed away about 1912. His
widow is still living and yet occupies the home ranch. Mr. Aldrich
was a republican in his political views and was twice elected county
commissioner of Walla Walla county. He took an active and helpful
interest in community affairs and was actuated by a public-spirited
devotion to duty. His wife is a member of the Methodist church and a
lady of many admirable qualities which have gained for her the high
esteem and goodwill of all with whom she has been brought in contact.
F. J. Aldrich was reared upon the home farm and acquired his education
in the common schools and in Whitman College, where he won his academic
degree, although he lacked three months of graduation. On attaining
his twenty-first year he began farming for himself and has since been
prominently identified with agricultural interests in Walla Walla and
Columbia counties. In 1902 he removed to his present farm in Columbia
county, where he owns one thousand acres of land and in addition to
that tract he also operates another thousand acres under lease. He is
thus one of the extensive farmers of his section of the state, his
great, broad fields annually producing excellent harvests, while the
methods that he employs are of the most progressive character. In fact
his farm work is an indication of the last word in modern scientific
agriculture.
In 1895 Mr. Aldrich was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Lloyd, a
daughter of Albert G. Lloyd, now deceased, of whom extended mention is
made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich have become parents
of two children, Elmo and Erick.
In his political views Mr. Aldrich is a stalwart republican, always
supporting the party at the polls yet never seeking office as a reward
for party fealty. He belongs to Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M.,
and also to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E. He ranks with the
foremost citizens of Columbia county and is honored and respected by
all, not alone by reason of the success which he has achieved but
also owing to the straightforward business methods which he has ever
followed. He has never been known to take advantage of the necessities
of another in any business transaction and through legitimate channels
has won his prosperity.
WALLACE R. COPELAND.
Wallace R. Copeland, residing in Walla Walla, is actively identified
with the agricultural development of this section of the state. He
is a western man by birth, training and preference and in his life
exemplifies the spirit of enterprise which has ever been the dominant
factor in the upbuilding of this section of the country. He was born in
Yamhill county, Oregon, March 26, 1860, a son of Henry S. and Mary Ann
(Morton) Copeland, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. He was but
two years of age when his parents removed from Yamhill county to Walla
Walla county, Washington, and here he was reared to manhood upon the
old homestead farm, early becoming familiar with the best methods of
tilling the soil and caring for the crops. In 1882 his parents left the
farm and removed to Walla Walla, where both died.
Wallace R. Copeland pursued his education in the district schools
and began his studies in one of the old-time log schoolhouses with a
puncheon floor, slab benches and sod roof. The methods of instruction
were also somewhat primitive, but he has lived to see marked
development in the educational system of the state until Washington
stands foremost in many respects in regard to its public school work.
He remained at home through the period of his youth and continued
to assist his father in the farm work until he reached the age of
twenty-two years. He then started out independently as a farmer and as
time has passed on has made for himself a most creditable and enviable
position among the leading agriculturists of the state. He at first
rented land from his father, cultivating four hundred and fifteen acres
on the Cottonwood creek. This was in 1882. For ten years he farmed that
place successfully as a renter and during the financial panic of 1892-3
he bought the farm of his father and has since extended his farming
interests by the purchase of one hundred and seventy acres, so that he
has in all five hundred and eighty-five acres. This is very valuable
wheat land and upon it are produced some of the finest wheat crops
that are grown in this section of the state. About 1911 he purchased
five hundred and eighty-four acres of wheat land on Mill creek, for
which he paid one hundred dollars per acre. He also owns a section of
grazing land in the foothills. In the year 1916 he planted five hundred
and sixty acres to wheat and there was an excellent yield. He is most
progressive in his methods and has closely studied every phase of wheat
cultivation, so that sound judgment directs his efforts and produces
splendid results.
[Illustration: WALLACE R. COPELAND]
On the 9th of March, 1884, Mr. Copeland was united in marriage to Miss
Augusta Kaseberg, of Walla Walla, a daughter of John and Henrietta
Kaseberg, natives of Germany, who came to this country when children
and were married here. For a time they made their home in Illinois,
but in 1882 came west and settled in Walla Walla county, Washington.
By trade the father was a wagon maker but his last years were devoted
to farming. He died in 1905 and the mother passed away about three
years later. In their family were eight children, of whom six are still
living. To Mr. and Mrs. Copeland have been born five children: Henry,
who is engaged in farming in Walla Walla county; Laura, the wife of
Chester Offner, of Walla Walla; Elizabeth, the wife of Mathew Ennis, a
farmer of this county; Ella, at home; and Edwin, who attended school
at Pullman and later engaged in farming in Walla Walla county, but in
December, 1917, he enlisted as machinist mate in the aviation service
of the United States navy and went to San Diego, California.
Mrs. Copeland is an active member of the Presbyterian church and its
auxiliary societies and is also an earnest worker in the Red Cross
service. In his political views Mr. Copeland is a republican and gives
stalwart support to the party, but is not an office seeker. He belongs
to the Farmers Union of Walla Walla and there is no resident of this
section of the state who is more able to speak with authority upon
agricultural questions, especially those relating to the cultivation of
wheat. His career has been notably successful. He had no assistance at
the outset but has steadily worked his way upward and his persistent
energy has brought him to a most enviable position. He has extensive
holdings and his labors have been the foundation of his present
prosperity.
J. R. AULT.
J. R. Ault, residing on section 26, township 11 north, range 37 east,
is well known as one of the leading farmers and representative citizens
of Columbia county. His birth occurred in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, on
the 7th of May, 1884, his parents being John N. and Rebecca (Kinnear)
Ault, who were born, reared and married in that province. The father
was for a number of years engaged in wool buying at Cornwall, where he
is now living retired. The mother, however, is deceased, having been
called to her final rest in 1898.
J. R. Ault was reared under the parental roof and acquired his
education in the city schools of Cornwall. In 1904, when a young man
of twenty years, he came to the state of Washington and took up his
abode in the vicinity of his present home, here beginning farming
as a renter. In 1909 he came into possession of his first property,
purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in association with
his brother, S. C. Ault, in partnership with whom he operated the
place until the fall of 1916, since which time he has carried on
his agricultural interests independently. He now owns three hundred
and sixty acres of land and leases one hundred and sixty more, and
in the conduct of his farming operations he has won a well deserved
and gratifying measure of success by reason of his enterprise, close
application and progressiveness.
In the exercise of his right of franchise Mr. Ault supports the men
and measures of the democratic party and fraternally he is a prominent
Mason, belonging to Tucanon Lodge, No. 106, F. & A. M., of Starbuck;
Dayton Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M.; Washington Commandery, No. 5, K. T.,
of Walla Walla; and El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane.
He has already won a most creditable position as an agriculturist of
Columbia county, and all with whom he comes in contact recognize him as
a young man of sterling personal worth and many commendable qualities.
JAMES P. SEITZ.
James P. Seitz, who from the age of sixteen years has been a resident
of Walla Walla county, is now actively engaged in farming, his land
being situated on section 9, township 6 north, range 36 east. He is a
progressive man, alert and energetic, and his well defined plans have
been carried forward to successful completion. He was born in Missouri,
April 13, 1870, and is a son of John P. and Lydia J. (Chambers) Seitz,
whose family numbered eight children, five of whom are yet living. The
father was a native of Germany and when a young boy came to America,
the family home being established in Illinois, and for a time they
also lived in Indiana. Subsequently a removal was made to Missouri and
there John P. Seitz met and married Miss Chambers, who was a native of
Ohio and was of English descent. For twenty-five years he continued
his residence in Missouri and in 1886 came to the northwest with Walla
Walla county as his destination. After reaching this section of the
country he invested in farm land, which his son James now owns. Here
he continued to devote his time and energies to general agricultural
pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death in 1911. His wife
had passed away in 1910. In early life Mr. Seitz had learned the trades
of millwright and blacksmith, possessing much natural mechanical skill
and ability. He was a soldier of the Civil war, responding to the call
of his adopted country for aid to crush out the rebellion in the south,
and upon the field of battle he proved his loyalty to his adopted land.
He was also greatly interested in the cause of education and insisted
that English should be more thoroughly taught in our schools even if it
was necessary to exclude foreign languages.
[Illustration: JAMES P. SEITZ]
[Illustration: MRS. JAMES P. SEITZ]
James P. Seitz spent the first fifteen years of his life in the state
of his nativity and then came with his parents to Washington. He
supplemented his public school training by a high school education
and also attended Whitman College. He thus became well qualified for
life's practical and responsible duties. He was reared to farm work
and has never sought to change his occupation, for he finds farming
congenial and has made it profitable as a result of his indefatigable
energy and close application. He first rented the old homestead and
later he purchased the property, which is situated on sections 9 and
10, township 6 north, range 36 east. His farm comprises three hundred
and twenty acres in the valley between the foothills and constitutes
a desirable, beautiful and valuable property, for it has been highly
improved. In fact it is one of the finest farms in this section of the
state. Substantial buildings furnish ample shelter for grain and stock.
Mr. Seitz has erected a large, modern, circular barn, for which he made
the plans, and he also did much of the work of construction himself.
He even cut and sawed the timber and in this and other ways did much
toward completing the structure. He has also erected other buildings
upon his farm, including one containing the large engine which is the
motive power for his machinery, drill forge, electric dynamo, etc. His
residence is as complete and modern as a city home and is a monument to
the enterprise and progressive spirit of the owner. Everything about
his place is kept in good repair and fences divide the farm into fields
of convenient size, so that the work is carried on more advantageously.
He utilizes the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of
plowing, planting and harvesting, and in wheat production he displays
the most progressive methods in handling the crop, which is a very
large one, as the soil is excellently adapted for the production of
that cereal. He is also successfully engaged in stock raising. He is a
man of pronounced business ability in his chosen line of endeavor and
is constantly seeking out new methods which will promote his interests
and augment the productiveness and the general value of his farm.
On the 8th of April, 1903, Mr. Seitz was united in marriage to Miss
Adina Chambers, a native of Washington and a daughter of Joseph and
Mollie (Bulen) Chambers, the former a native of Missouri, while the
latter was born in Dayton, Washington. They had a family of two
children, Mrs. Seitz and Richard Chambers, who is now a soldier in
the United States army. To Mr. and Mrs. Seitz have been born seven
children: Lydia V., Helen, John P., May, Ina, Ara and Earl.
Mr. and Mrs. Seitz attend the Presbyterian church and are people of
genuine worth, enjoying the confidence and goodwill of all with whom
they have been associated. Mr. Seitz belongs to the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, his membership being in Lodge No. 121. In politics
he maintains an independent course, voting for the candidate whom he
regards as best qualified for the office without considering party
ties. He is actuated by a patriotic desire to stand for all that tends
to promote the best interests of the community and of the commonwealth
and his cooperation can always be counted upon to further various
movements and measures for the public good.
SMITH F. HENDERSON.
Smith F. Henderson, a prominent brick and cement contractor of Walla
Walla, was born in Pennsylvania, January 28, 1849, a son of R. S. and
Margaret (Keys) Henderson, who were born in the Keystone state, of
Irish descent. Both passed away in Pennsylvania and three of their ten
children are also deceased.
Smith F. Henderson spent the days of his boyhood and youth under
the parental roof and received the usual educational advantages,
attending the public schools. In 1875, in early manhood, he went to
California but three years later came to Walla Walla, where he has
since remained. He has always followed the brick and cement contracting
business and his thorough knowledge of the principles of construction
in those materials and his scrupulous fulfillment of every detail of
his contracts have enabled him to build up a large patronage. He has
erected many of the better buildings in the city and ranks as one of
its leading contractors. He holds title to an excellent building, from
the rental of which he derives a gratifying profit.
Mr. Henderson was married in 1880 to Miss Katherine Root, who was born
in Tennessee, but who has resided in Walla Walla since the early '60s.
To them have been born four children, of whom three have passed away,
one son, Arthur G., surviving.
Mr. Henderson gives his political allegiance to the republican party
and his religious faith is that of the Methodist church, to which his
wife also belongs, and of which he has served as chairman of the board
of trustees. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows in which local lodge he has filled all the chairs, and with
the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His integrity, his public spirit
and his business ability are generally recognized and his personal
friends are many.
O. M. RICHMOND.
O. M. Richmond, a well known resident of Walla Walla, owns twelve
hundred acres of fine land in Walla Walla county and derives a
gratifying profit from its rental. He was born in Illinois, July 12,
1860, a son of Andrew J. and Mary J. (Lane) Richmond. The father was
born in Ohio but for a number of years resided in Illinois. In 1880 he
came to the Pacific northwest and took up his home in Oregon, where
both he and his wife passed away. All of their six children survive.
O. M. Richmond was a student in the public schools of his native state
and thus obtained his education. He was nineteen years of age when
he accompanied his parents on the long journey across the plains and
he assisted his father in developing the homestead. He continued to
farm in that state until 1913, when he came to Walla Walla, where he
has since resided. He purchased land in Walla Walla county and now
owns twelve hundred acres but rents it to others, preferring to live
retired. He has gained the success which is his through industry and
sound judgment and the rest which he is now enjoying is well deserved.
Mr. Richmond was married in 1889 to Miss Nellie Preston, who was born
in Illinois and is a daughter of William and Margaret (Hatch) Preston,
natives of Illinois. In 1879 the Preston family removed to Oregon and
for a number of years resided on a farm in that state. The father
died in Oregon and the mother subsequently came to Walla Walla and is
now living with Mr. and Mrs. Richmond. The latter have two daughters:
Gladys, the wife of O. Taylor, of Walla Walla county; and N. Bernice,
who is a graduate of Whitman College and is teaching music.
[Illustration: MR. AND MRS. O. M. RICHMOND]
Mr. Richmond belongs to the Baptist church and seeks to further its
work in every way possible. In politics he is a democrat and has served
capably on the school board. Fraternally he belongs to the Artisans.
Although he has resided in Walla Walla for only a few years he has
already won the sincere friendship of many, his salient characteristics
being such as invariably command respect and regard.
ALVIN G. BAUMEISTER.
Formerly as a clothing merchant and later in the real estate and
insurance field Alvin G. Baumeister has made for himself a most
creditable position in the business circles of Walla Walla, where he
has been conducting his interests as a member of the firm of Shaw &
Baumeister. He is a native son of the city in which he resides and the
course which he has pursued throughout his entire life has been such as
to commend him to the confidence, goodwill and high respect of all with
whom he has been associated. He was born in this city January 23, 1883,
and is a representative of one of its oldest and most honored pioneer
families, his parents being Max and Alvine (Schweiker) Baumeister, of
whom more extended mention is made on another page of this work.
Alvin G. Baumeister began his education in the schools of Walla Walla,
passing through consecutive grades to the high school. On the 1st of
February, 1905, when he was a young man of about twenty-two years, he
was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle E. Wilson, a daughter of P. H.
Wilson, one of the prominent farmers of Walla Walla county and one of
its well known pioneer citizens. With a good education and now with a
home for which to provide, Mr. Baumeister seriously took up the duties
of life and in the year of his marriage became identified with the
commercial interests of Walla Walla, establishing and conducting a
clothing and furnishing goods store. He carried on the business with
growing success for about three years or until 1908, when he disposed
of his store and removed to Seattle. He remained for nine months in
that city and was employed in a clothing store, but upon his father's
death in 1909 he returned to Walla Walla and became his successor in
the real estate and insurance business, in which he has been engaged
until recently. He had one of the large agencies of this character and
negotiated many important realty transfers. He thoroughly understands
property values and has handled business interests of importance
in this line. He also had a well organized insurance department,
representing a number of the most reliable companies, and he wrote
a large amount of insurance. Thus his interests were profitably
managed and his course illustrates what may be accomplished by serious
endeavor. Recently he has sold his insurance business in Walla Walla
and has now identified himself with a new organization, established in
St. Louis, Missouri. This new company is to be known as The Liberty
Insurance Corporation of which all capital is to be invested in liberty
bonds.
Mr. Baumeister also figures prominently in fraternal circles. He has
membership in Walla Walla Lodge, No. 7, A. F. & A. M.; in Walla Walla
Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M.; in Washington Commandery, No. 1, K. T.;
in Oriental Consistory, A. & A. S. R., of Spokane; and in El Katif
Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., also of Spokane. His name is likewise on
the membership rolls of Trinity Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F., and of the
encampment, and he belongs to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O.
E. He likewise belongs to the Commercial Club and is a member of the
Walla Walla Golf Club--associations that further indicate the nature
of his interests. In politics he is a republican, well versed on the
questions and issues of the day and believing firmly in the principles
of his party, yet he does not seek nor desire office, preferring to
concentrate his energies and attention upon his business affairs. He
ranks with the leading and representative business men of Walla Walla,
where his entire life has been passed. His record is a commendable one,
for at all times his course has displayed no esoteric phase. In all
things he is open and aboveboard and an analyzation of his career shows
that it is close application and indefatigable energy which have placed
him in his present enviable position in real estate and insurance
circles.
EDWARD BAUMEISTER.
In Saxe-Weimar, Germany, on June 24, 1848, was born the subject of this
sketch. His father, Ernest Baumeister, was a native of Erfurt, Germany,
and came to the United States in 1854, bringing his family. Settlement
was made in New York state and so thoroughly did the elder Baumeister
identify himself with the interests of the country of his adoption,
that upon the breaking out of the rebellion, he promptly enlisted in a
New York regiment of volunteer cavalry and served with distinction and
valor until the last conflict at Fredericksburg when he was wounded
and soon gave his life for his country. He had married Miss Charlotte
Schroeder, also a native of Germany.
Our subject was but a lad when his father died and the same spirit that
pervaded the breast of the ancestor, was found well planted in the
heart of his son. He, too, has taken up the cause of his country in a
determined and loyal way, championing those measures and principles
which are for the upbuilding of our free institutions. After attending
the common schools of New York until he was twelve years old, he
accompanied his brother, Max, to California. For two years he served an
apprenticeship there as a barber and in April, 1863, he and his brother
moved to Washington and settled in Walla Walla where for nineteen years
they followed the barber trade. Then selling out they engaged for two
years in the real estate and insurance business.
In 1885 Edward Baumeister moved to Lewiston and accepted a position
in the general store of John P. Vollmer & Company. For seven months
he served faithfully there and in the fall of 1885, came to the town
of Asotin, then located farther up the river than at present. Mr.
Baumeister selected the place where Asotin now stands and opened a fine
general merchandise establishment. This general store was, for many
years, the commercial center of the county. The upper rooms of the
building were used for lodge and court room purposes. During the panic
of 1893-5, the firm practically financed the county. Much of the grain
and live stock of the county was bought by the company and shipped
away. At one time, several hundred horses were driven by the firm back
to Missouri and Illinois. During these years, the store acted as the
bank and financial clearinghouse of the county and in 1900, the first
bank in the county was opened in connection with the business. In 1908,
the general store was sold but the bank was retained, and is still
doing a leading business in the county.
[Illustration: EDWARD BAUMEISTER]
In addition to the property already mentioned, Mr. Baumeister has
extensive holdings in real estate in Asotin county as well as in other
places in Washington and Idaho and is considered one of the wealthy and
substantial men of the state.
In political matters, Mr. Baumeister has been a life long republican
and it can be said that throughout his public career he has shown
the same care and painstaking effort in public matters as that which
brought him success in his own business. Fraternally, he is an Odd
Fellow, having joined that order in Walla Walla, in 1869. At the
present time, January, 1918, he is the only man living who was a member
at the time of his initiation in Enterprise Lodge, No. 2. He was the
first representative from the Grand Encampment of the then territory
of Washington, to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, which met that year at
Minneapolis. He is also a charter member of Riverside Lodge, No. 41,
of Asotin, and a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, at
Lewiston, Idaho.
Edward Baumeister is practically the father of Asotin county and
has been for many years one of the leading men of the state. For
two terms, he represented Asotin, Garfield and Columbia counties in
the state senate and for fifty-four years he has been associated
with every financial, political and social movement in southeastern
Washington. He has been personally acquainted with every governor
of the territory, and the state, up to the present time except the
first four. For thirty-two years, he has lived and labored in Asotin
and been intimately associated with every step in the growth of the
county and city. Throughout all these years, Mr. Baumeister has borne
an unblemished reputation for honesty, kindness and genuine goodness.
At the time of this writing he is undoubtedly the best known and best
loved man in Asotin county. He is a striking example of what can be
accomplished by courage, optimism and persistency in spite of the
handicap of lack of scholastic training and financial resources. He
is, in fact, a self made man who has done a good job. His life is thus
an example worthy of imitation by every young man, and this, in the
opinion of the writer, is about the highest praise anyone can be given.
Although now seventy years of age, he is still an active and
progressive citizen. At the present time, he is president of the local
commercial club, chairman of the Red Cross war fund and the thrift
stamp and war saving certificate fund of the county. All these public
interests he carries in addition to his regular duties as president of
his bank.
At College Point, New York, May 3, 1870, Mr. Baumeister married Miss
Elizabeth Miller. They will soon celebrate their golden wedding and it
may be truthfully said of Mrs. Baumeister that her interests in the
development of the Inland Empire, have been as great as those of her
husband. She is widely known, interested in every good movement and
many a cause has been aided by her during her life as a pioneer woman.
To Mr. and Mrs. Baumeister were born two children: Anna C., wife
of Dr. Stephen D. Brazeau of Spokane; and Alletta W., wife of W.
L. Thompson, president of the American National Bank, of Pendleton,
Oregon. Mrs. Baumeister has been, for many years, a member of
the Protestant Episcopal church and a liberal supporter of all
benefactions. Though not directly allied with the church, Mr.
Baumeister exemplified in his life, many of the virtues of the
Christian, and really tries to carry out, in his life, the principles
of righteousness.
MORDO McDONALD.
Mordo McDonald, one of the prominent men of Walla Walla county, is
not only successfully operating large tracts of land but is also
active in public affairs, his energy and capability enabling him to
accomplish much. He was born in Stark county, Illinois, February 18,
1863, the son of John and Jane (Grant) McDonald, both natives of
Scotland, the former being born in the village of Sheldaig, Apple
Cross parish, in the northern part of Scotland, July 10, 1823. The
parents were reared and married in their native country and the father
followed the career of a sea captain. In 1857 they came to the United
States and, continuing their journey, traversed the continent as far
as Stark county, Illinois, where they located. The father farmed
there until 1863, when he removed with his family to the far west,
crossing the seemingly illimitable plains with one yoke of oxen and
one yoke of cows, which they milked every day on the journey. Under
the most favorable conditions the long trip overland to the coast was
fraught with many hardships, but the difficulties of the journey were
increased by the fact that the father broke his leg on the second day
out. However, he was confined to his bed but eighteen days, and then
he was able to walk on crutches. At length Oregon was reached and he
took up a homestead not far from the town of La Grande. He brought the
place under cultivation and met with gratifying success in his farming
operations, continuing to reside upon the homestead. He passed away
November 17, 1903, and his wife died two years later, November 16, 1905.
Mordo McDonald was but an infant when brought by his parents to Oregon
and was reared at home with the usual experiences of the boy brought
up in pioneer surroundings. His education was that afforded in the
district schools but he received thorough training in farming through
assisting his father. In early manhood he was associated with his
brothers and his father in the operation of the home place. When he was
twenty-five years old he and his five brothers bought a tract of land,
which they cultivated in addition to operating the homestead. This
partnership was maintained until 1895, when Mr. McDonald of this review
removed to Walla Walla county, Washington. For a year he conducted a
butcher business in partnership with Chris Ennis, and then, with three
other men, went into the horse business, furnishing eight thousand
horses to the government for service in the Philippine islands. He
became interested in raising horses and for a number of years devoted
his time to that work, becoming well known as a horse dealer and
breeder and confined his business entirely to handling government
horses. In 1908, however, he gave up that work and began cultivating
his present home farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 8,
township 6 north, range 36 east. He raises the crops best suited to the
soil and climate of this section and receives a good profit from his
labors.
On December 24, 1889, Mr. McDonald was united in marriage to Miss Belle
Cameron, a daughter of Alex Cameron, who came to Oregon on the same
emigrant train of which the McDonald family were a part. To this union
were born two children: Jessie, the wife of W. C. Marsh, a resident of
Los Angeles, California; and Hector, at home. The wife and mother died
in 1906 and on June 2, 1909, Mr. McDonald was united in marriage to
Miss Florence Halvor, of The Dalles, Oregon.
Mr. McDonald is well known as an active worker in the republican party
and in the fall of 1906 he was elected to represent his district in
the state legislature, in which connection he made a record creditable
alike to his ability and public spirit. For several years he served as
chairman of the republican central committee and at one election in
that period every man on the ticket was successful with the exception
of the candidate for constable, who was sick in the hospital and was,
therefore, unable to canvass the county. Mr. McDonald was a member of
the board that had charge of the Walla Walla county exhibit, held in
Portland, and the fact that the exhibit won many prizes is proof of
the energy and efficiency which the board brought to their task. The
other members were, Dr. N. G. Blalock and C. L. Whitney. Mr. McDonald's
fraternal connections are with Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, A. F. & A.
M.; Walla Walla Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M.; Washington Commandery, No.
1, K. T.; and El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane. He is
thoroughly western in spirit and interests and has full confidence in
the prosperous future in store for Washington.
JOHN B. DUNHAM.
No matter in how much fantastic theorizing one may indulge as to
the cause of success, he must eventually reach the conclusion that
prosperity is the outcome of persistent effort and indefatigable
industry combined with close application. This statement finds
verification in the life record of John B. Dunham, a prosperous stock
dealer now residing in Walla Walla. He was born in Logansport, Indiana,
November 13, 1842, a son of John and Matilda (Griffin) Dunham, both
of whom were natives of the Hoosier state, where they were reared and
married. The father, attracted by the discovery of gold in California,
was among those who made their way to the Pacific coast over the
Isthmus route in 1849. He was reasonably successful in his search for
the precious metal and in 1850 he returned to Indiana with the rewards
of his labor. Soon afterward he removed to Champaign county, Illinois,
where he was engaged in farming up to the time of his death.
John B. Dunham spent his youthful days under the parental roof and
acquired a district school education. When not busy with his textbooks
his attention was given to the work of the farm and he assisted in
the tasks of plowing, planting and harvesting. In June, 1864, when in
the early twenties, he responded to the country's call for military
aid, enlisting as a member of Company A, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth
Illinois Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war,
being mustered out in September, 1865. When the country no longer
needed his aid he engaged in farming in Champaign county, Illinois,
there remaining until 1888, when he came to the coast, settling first
at Roseburg, Oregon. There he engaged in the feed business for three
years and afterward removed to Eugene, Oregon, where he was engaged in
merchandising for five years. In 1896 he came to Walla Walla, where he
has since made his home and during the period of his residence here,
covering twenty-one years, he has been successfully engaged in the
livestock business. Persistency of purpose has ever been one of his
marked characteristics and, guided by sound judgment, has brought him a
very substantial measure of prosperity.
On the 19th of December, 1883, Mr. Dunham was united in marriage to
Miss Eliza J. Hull, a daughter of John Hull, of Champaign county,
Illinois. They have become the parents of four children, as follows:
Lena E., who is the widow of W. G. Osborne and resides in Los Angeles,
California; Charley, who makes his home in Baker, Oregon; Fannie M.,
the wife of John Shaddick, who is proprietor of an automobile garage in
Walla Walla; and Victor B., a resident of Montana.
In his political views Mr. Dunham is a stalwart republican but has
never been an office seeker. For the past three years he and his wife
have spent the winter seasons in southern California but return to
Walla Walla for the summer months. They have gained many friends during
the period of their residence in this city and the hospitality of their
home is greatly enjoyed by their associates. In business affairs Mr.
Dunham sustains an unassailable reputation for integrity as well as
enterprise and in matters of citizenship he has always been as true and
loyal to his country as when he followed the nation's starry banner on
the battlefields of the south.
MATTHEW LYONS.
Matthew Lyons, who is successfully engaged in farming in Walla Walla
county, was born in Ireland, March 22, 1869, and is a son of Thomas and
Anne (Touey) Lyons, also natives of that country. When about twenty-one
years of age the father went to Australia, where he engaged in mining
for some time, and while there he met Miss Anne Touey and they were
married. After spending twelve years in that country, during which time
four children were born to them, they returned to Ireland, where the
following two years were passed. In 1871, however, they again left the
Emerald isle and this time came to the United States, bringing with
them their family of six children. The father having a brother, Patrick
Lyons, residing in Washington, the family proceeded to this state
and here Thomas Lyons homesteaded a tract near Dixie, in Walla Walla
county. As time passed he steadily prospered in his farming operations
and became the owner of two thousand acres of land in one body. He also
acquired a large tract of fourteen hundred acres on Russell creek.
He continued the operation of his land for many years, but in 1902
purchased a home at No. 204 Newell street, Walla Walla, and there spent
the remainder of his life, dying on the 1st of February, 1914, at the
age of eighty years. His wife survived him only one week and passed
away at the age of seventy-eight. Their three youngest children were
born in Washington and of the nine, eight are yet living: John, now
a resident of Valdez, Alaska; Frank P., a physician of Kansas City,
Missouri; Delia C., who is living at the old home in Walla Walla;
Thomas R., an ex-judge of Juneau, Alaska, and now an attorney of
Seattle, Washington; Matthew, of this review; Annie, deceased; James
C., who is engaged in farming on Russell creek; Eleanor B., a resident
of Walla Walla; and Margaret E., the wife of Frank Shaw, of Seward,
Alaska.
[Illustration: THOMAS LYONS]
[Illustration: MRS. THOMAS LYONS]
Matthew Lyons was a mere infant when brought by his parents to this
state and here he grew to manhood. He attended the district schools
and completed his education at the Empire Business College of Walla
Walla, from which he was graduated. During his boyhood and youth he
assisted his father in the farm work and on attaining his majority took
charge of a portion of the homestead, of which he now owns four hundred
and eighty acres. He also rents a large tract of land and is today
operating two thousand acres devoted to wheat. Although his attention
is principally given to the raising of grain, he raises stock to some
extent and has steadily prospered in his business undertakings.
In 1903 Mr. Lyons was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Chandler, a
native of Detroit, Michigan, and a daughter of Joseph and Matilda
(Smith) Chandler. To Mr. and Mrs. Lyons have been born five children,
as follows, Margaret G., Eleanor M., Mary B., Matthew J. and Gerard, of
whom the last named is deceased. In 1916 Mr. Lyons erected a commodious
modern residence on South Third street, Walla Walla, and here the
family now reside.
He has never been an office seeker but has nevertheless manifested a
commendable interest in public affairs and has staunchly supported the
candidates and measures of the democratic party. He holds membership
in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus
and the Maccabees and is deservedly popular in those organizations.
Both he and his wife are communicants of the Catholic church. He is
enthusiastic concerning Walla Walla county and its opportunities and
finds pleasure in cooperating in movements calculated to advance its
interests.
JAMES McGREEVY.
James McGreevy, a prosperous retired farmer residing on section 8,
township 13 north, range 43 east, Garfield county, was born in Ireland,
March 22, 1867, a son of Hugh and Rose (Flynn) McGreevy, both of whom
passed their entire lives in Ireland. They had two children, of whom
the daughter, Jennie, is still a resident of the Emerald isle.
The son, James McGreevy came to the United States when only eleven
years of age and joined an uncle living in Pittsburgh. After remaining
there for five years he went to Iowa, where he lived for one year. It
was in 1889 that he settled in Columbia county, Washington, and for one
year he engaged in the stock business, after which he purchased his
present farm in Garfield county. It comprises four hundred and eighty
acres, all of which is under cultivation, and the improvements thereon
are excellent and add much to its value. He operated the place until
1914, when he retired, but he still retains his residence thereon.
Mr. McGreevy was married in 1898, in Washington, to Miss Rose Glennon,
who was born in Clayton county, Iowa. He casts his ballot in support of
the democratic party and has served acceptably as a member of the local
school board. He holds membership in the Woodmen of the World and in
the Farmers' Union and is deservedly popular in those organizations. He
was thrown upon his own resources at an early age and his educational
opportunities were limited, but his native soundness of judgment,
combined with industry and the determination to succeed, has enabled
him to distance many who started with greater advantages.
CHARLES E. BERG.
Charles E. Berg, the proprietor of the Lily mills in Walla Walla, has
been engaged in that line of business for thirty-five years and is one
of the pioneer mill men of eastern Washington. He was born in Polk
county, Oregon, March 28, 1854, a son of John and Margaret (Donnelly)
Berg, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Ireland. They
came to America in young manhood and young womanhood and were married
in San Francisco, California, whence they removed to Polk county,
Oregon, in 1853. They took up their residence on a small ranch there
and the father built a log cabin with a clapboard roof and stick
chimney, which was the family home during the year they remained in
Oregon. At the end of that time they returned to California, where the
father engaged in mining for four years. In 1862, however, he removed
to Walla Walla county, Washington, and remained here until his death.
There were nine sons in his family, but only three are now living.
Charles E. Berg was a child when his parents removed to Walla Walla
county and here he received his education, attending the pioneer
schools. His first school stood at the corner of Fifth and Main
streets, in Walla Walla, and in those early days each scholar had to
pay fifty cents each week as the teacher's compensation. During his
youth he learned the miller's trade and for thirty-five years has
engaged in the milling business, being now the proprietor of the Lily
mills of Walla Walla. He himself erected the plant in 1917 and he takes
the greatest care in the manufacture of his flour, which is of the
highest grade and for which he finds a ready sale. On investigation
he found that about twenty-five thousand dollars per year was going
out of the city for pancake flour, self-rising flour, corn meal and
graham flour and that no mill here was manufacturing these products.
Accordingly he erected his mill to supply the demand, believing he
could do a good business and supply the people of his home vicinity at
a considerable saving on these articles. His mill was completed and put
in operation in January, 1918. Besides this plant he also owns forty
acres of land and has a nice residence in Walla Walla.
[Illustration: CHARLES E. BERG]
Mr. Berg was married in 1901 to Miss Matilda Gear and for his second
wife chose Mrs. Etta Jones. The democratic party has a stanch supporter
in Mr. Berg and for two terms he served efficiently as street
commissioner of Walla Walla, while for twenty years he supervised the
work of the prisoners at the state penitentiary. The competence which
is now his is evidence of his industry and good management, for all
that he has he has made by his own labors. He is highly esteemed by all
who know him and has many warm personal friends. He was a member of the
old Walla Walla Volunteer Fire Department until the paid department was
created. While a lad in his teens he was "torch boy," whose duty it
was to carry the light by which the firemen found their way to fires
and for working about their apparatus, for at that time there were no
street lights in Walla Walla. At the age of twenty-one years he became
a full fledged fireman, his company being "Tiger" Engine Company No. 2.
The machines were then pulled by hand and the water likewise pumped.
Later they secured a steam engine. When the paid department was formed
Mr. Berg retired from the service. He remembers the first fire in Walla
Walla, which was the burning of the Robinson Theater at Seventh and
Main streets, and the soldiers from the garrison helped in fighting
the fire with a "bucket brigade." He also has vivid recollections of
the early days when the Vigilantes were the law enforcers and often
the law breakers. There was a secret society known as the U. F. F. Us,
whose purpose was a mystery, which used to parade with torches and did
mysterious things. On one occasion the Vigilantes had warned a negro
called Slim Jim to leave the town. He was accused of making keys and
releasing prisoners from the old jail. He was given a certain time to
leave and warned that if he was not then gone he must hang. He failed
to go, so one night they forced his room at the old City Hotel, took
him in a wagon to South Second street and hanged him on a tree which
now stands in the yard of Frank Singleton. His body was informally
buried on a ridge not far from the place of execution, where was an old
burying ground.
HENRY F. ZÜGER.
Henry F. Züger, a prosperous and up-to-date farmer of Walla Walla
county engaged in the raising of both wheat and stock, has spent his
entire life in this county, as his birth here occurred August 20,
1883. An account of the life of his father, Marcus Züger, Sr., appears
elsewhere in this work.
Henry F. Züger was reared at home and received a good education in
the public schools and in high school. On attaining his majority he
entered into partnership with his brother, Marcus, and for five years
they operated the homestead. At the end of that time Mr. Züger of
this review took up his residence on his present farm on section 12,
township 9 north, range 36 east. He holds title to six hundred acres
and rents other land, operating in all twenty-one hundred acres.
Although the land is all excellently adapted to wheat raising, he has
found it more profitable to raise stock as well as wheat, and he has
gained gratifying success along both lines. He realizes that while hard
work is necessary in farming, industry alone is not enough; that the
farmer as well as the business man must plan his work carefully and
give attention to the proper marketing of his products.
Mr. Züger was married in 1908 to Miss Ella Clodius, a native of Mill
Creek, Washington. They are the parents of a son and daughter, Charles
V., and Helen M.
Mr. Züger is an advocate of the principles of the republican party
and casts his ballot in support of its candidates. He has served as
school clerk and has been instrumental in furthering the interests
of the local educational system. He is well known as a member of the
Elks and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the principles of
fraternity underlying these organizations find exemplification in his
daily life. Both he and his wife are communicants of the Roman Catholic
church and manifest a praiseworthy interest in its varied activities.
NATHANIEL WEBB.
Nathaniel Webb, who for many years was actively engaged in sheep
raising and farming, is now living retired in Walla Walla at
the advanced age of eighty-four years. He was born in Stamford,
Connecticut, December 17, 1833, and is a son of John Webb, who was also
born in Stamford and who devoted his life to farming. He removed to the
middle west and his death occurred in Minnesota. The mother bore the
maiden name of Sallie Davenport and was also a native of Connecticut.
Nathaniel Webb, who is one of two sons, went to California by the
Nicaragua route in 1854 and ten years later removed to Oregon, whence
in 1876 he came to Walla Walla county. For eight years he engaged in
mining in California and Idaho and after removing to Oregon taught
school for two or three terms at Roseburg, that state. In 1868 he
purchased sheep and turned his attention to sheep ranching, in which
he continued to engage for a number of years after taking up his
home in Washington. He was one of the earliest and most successful
sheep ranchers, owning large numbers of sheep on the range in Oregon
and Idaho, as well as in Washington. In 1882 he bought about three
sections of land, one-half of which was railroad land and sold at two
dollars and sixty cents an acre, and he also took up a homestead claim,
a timber claim and a preemption right, acquiring in all about five
hundred acres from the government. Later as this region became more
thickly settled he to a great extent gave up sheep raising and turned
his attention to farming, in which he likewise met with a signal degree
of success. He owns about three thousand acres of land, from which he
derives a handsome income, but leaves the management of his affairs to
others and is enjoying well deserved leisure. He resides in Walla Walla
and is surrounded with all of the comforts of life.
[Illustration: MRS. NATHANIEL WEBB]
[Illustration: NATHANIEL WEBB]
Mr. Webb was married November 17, 1875, to Mrs. Eliza J. Smith, who
was born in Hannibal, Missouri, December 28, 1843, a daughter of James
and Almeda (Barney) Boggs, who in 1853 went to Oregon by ox team. The
father took up a donation claim of three hundred and sixty acres near
Dallas, in Polk county, and engaged in operating that place until
1860, when he removed to Roseburg. He, too, was chiefly engaged in the
raising of sheep, which business many of the early settlers followed.
Mrs. Webb was the eldest of a family of ten children, of whom only
four now survive. In 1857 she was married to F. W. Smith, by whom she
had four children, namely: J. Cy, who died, leaving a wife and six
children, Orville, Jessie, Nate, Melvin, Helen and Mollie; George W.,
at home; Mary E., who became the wife of J. Valaer and died, leaving
one son; and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Webb have become the
parents of three children: Nat, who is a graduate of Whitman College
and is now farming; Paul, who is married and resides at Heppner,
Oregon; and Kate, who died in infancy.
Mr. Webb is a stanch republican in politics and has supported the
candidates of that party ever since it came into existence. His wife
holds membership in the Methodist church and both can be counted upon
to use their influence on the side of right and justice. For more than
six decades Mr. Webb has been connected with the Pacific coast and
for more than forty years has been a resident of Washington and has
seen the open ranges where thousands of sheep fed give way to finely
improved and highly cultivated wheat fields and has witnessed many
other changes as the development of eastern Washington has progressed.
He has thoroughly identified his interests with those of his county
and state and has always placed the public welfare above his private
interests.
HON. JAMES M. DEWAR.
One of the prominent figures in the early history of Walla Walla
county was the Hon. James M. Dewar, stockman, farmer and member of
the territorial legislature. He was born in Scotland, in the county
of Perth, near the ancient castle of Doune, February 12, 1824. His
father was a farmer and he grew up on the northern slope of the
Grampian hills, becoming familiar with the scenes of Scottish legend.
He received his education in his native country and remained at home
until 1853, when he decided to try his fortune in America. For five
years after his arrival in this country he traveled over the northern
states and in 1858 he came to the Pacific coast country. While making
his home at Champoeg, on the Willamette river, he met a relative,
Archibald Mackinley, who was known to practically all the pioneers
of the northwest as one of the most daring trappers in the employ of
the Hudson's Bay Company. Mr. Mackinley advised Mr. Dewar to settle
in the Walla Walla valley, describing in detail its many advantages,
but also pointing out the fact that there existed considerable danger
from Indians. Taking everything into consideration, Mr. Dewar decided
to act on the advice of the trapper and on the 4th of January, 1859,
arrived within the limits of the present Walla Walla county. His first
home was a log cabin on Cottonwood creek and, liking the surroundings,
he bought it and the claim on which it was built, paying the owner
fifty dollars for the whole. At first it was not his intention to make
this his permanent home but rather to make it a base for his stock
raising activities, as he saw in the fine grazing land of the Walla
Walla valley a fine opportunity to raise stock for the Pacific market.
However, the more he learned about this section the more confident
he became that it offered opportunities which could not be surpassed
elsewhere and accordingly when the country became settled and his range
began to narrow he sold off his surplus stock and turned his attention
to farming. His first purchase of land consisted of three hundred and
twenty acres, to which he later added one hundred and seventy-four
acres, and his well directed labors resulted in transforming the entire
tract into a highly improved farm in a high state of cultivation. He
fenced his holdings, erected good buildings, including a beautiful
modern home which took the place of the pioneer log cabin, and he also
planted an orchard, the oldest in the county with one exception.
On the 27th of January, 1864, Mr. Dewar was married in Walla Walla to
Miss Margaret McRae, who survives. To them were born seven children,
of whom three are living, Alexander, Alida and Gordon M. The others,
John, James M., Elizabeth and David are deceased, the last two dying of
diphtheria on the same day.
Mr. Dewar was a stanch advocate of republican principles and was
recognized as a leader in party circles. In 1878 he was chosen as a
member of the territorial legislature and while serving in that body
was the author of the celebrated railway freight bill which bore his
name. In 1882 he was again elected to the legislature and a third
time was chosen to represent his district in 1888, but before that
legislature convened the territory had become a state. He was also a
delegate to the convention which nominated candidates for membership in
the body to which the drafting of the state constitution was entrusted.
To him a public office was a sacred trust and his course was dictated
solely by considerations of the general welfare. Through the honest
and capable discharge of his duties he won the right to rank among
the builders of the state. The guiding principle of his life was his
religious belief and the Presbyterian church found in him a loyal and
active member. His widow is still identified with that denomination and
likewise takes a hearty interest in its activities. The death of Mr.
Dewar occurred March 27, 1892.
ELI BOLICK.
Eli Bolick is now practically living retired in Asotin but still
has extensive investments in farm lands and mercantile interests.
He was born in North Carolina in 1854 and there spent the period of
his boyhood and youth, during which time he acquired a common school
education. The period of his minority was passed in the home of his
parents, Abner and Nancy Bolick, who were farming people of the Old
North state. On his way westward Mr. Bolick stopped for one year in
Missouri in order to earn money with which to continue the trip. He
then came on to Washington, where he arrived in 1878, and settled on a
homestead on the flat above Asotin. From time to time he added to his
property until he now has eighteen hundred acres of rich and valuable
land, which his sons are now cultivating. For many years, however, he
personally gave his time and attention to his farm work and his life
has ever been one of untiring energy and thrift. However, about two
or three years ago he retired from the farm. While busily engaged in
tilling the soil he made wheat his principal crop. It was in the latter
'90s when the people began to realize that their land was valuable and
it has since steadily advanced in price until it is now selling on an
average of from fifty to sixty dollars per acre. In addition to his
farming interests Mr. Bolick has a large hardware and implement store
in Asotin which is supervised by Robert Anderson, who is half owner of
the business. This is the only store of the kind in the town and the
trade has steadily grown.
[Illustration: ELI BOLICK]
In 1886 Mr. Bolick was united in marriage to Miss Elvinia Forgey, who
was born in the Willamette valley, Oregon, and was a daughter of Elias
and Calistine Forgey, pioneers of that section. In 1882, however, her
parents removed to Asotin county, Washington, and took up a homestead,
where Mr. Forgey engaged in the raising of grain and stock. Mrs. Bolick
passed away July 7, 1916. By her marriage she had become the mother of
nine children: Maude, who died at the age of seventeen years; Wallace
and Alice, twins, the former a large rancher of Alberta, Canada, while
the latter is the wife of Ray Adams, of Cheney, Washington; Mollie, the
wife of B. Hughes of the Willamette valley; Grace and Nettie, who are
engaged in teaching; Dell, who married Ruby Sargent and is upon his
father's farm; and Russell and Fern, both at home.
In politics Mr. Bolick has always been a republican but not an active
party worker. He served for six years as county commissioner although
he was never ambitious to hold office. He has ever been a friend of
education and the public schools have found in him a stalwart champion.
He stands for progress and advancement along many lines and in his own
business career has illustrated the force of unfaltering industry and
close application guided by sound judgment.
HON. GEORGE C. GINN.
Hon. George C. Ginn, of Walla Walla, is prominent both in agricultural
circles of this section and in public affairs, having served as a
member of the state legislature. He was born in Umatilla county,
Oregon, November 27, 1875, a son of Richard and Catherine (Kinnear)
Ginn, the former a native of Scotland, whence he emigrated to Canada
in 1840. He was married there and in 1860 removed with his family to
Minnesota, where he resided for a decade. He then came to the Pacific
northwest and settled on a farm in Umatilla county, to the operation of
which he gave his entire time and attention until 1898, when he retired
and removed to Walla Walla. Here he passed away in 1899 and his wife
died five years later.
Hon. George C. Ginn, who is one of six living children of a family of
ten, received his education in the common schools and in the State
Normal School in Oregon. During his boyhood and youth he also received
thorough training in agricultural work which proved very valuable when
he began farming on his own account. On beginning his independent
career he purchased land in Umatilla county and still owns five hundred
acres there, the operation of which he supervises, although he makes
his home in Walla Walla. In the management of his farming interests
he has displayed sound judgment, a progressive spirit and excellent
business ability and is one of the substantial residents of Walla
Walla. He is also a stockholder and a director in the Third National
Bank of this city.
In 1903 occurred the marriage of Mr. Ginn and Miss Rowena Evans.
Following her death in 1910 he was married in 1912 to Miss Linnie
P. Riggs, a native of Oregon. Mr. Ginn is prominent in the councils
of the republican party, which he has supported since becoming of
age, and in 1914 he was elected a member of the state legislature.
His thorough grasp of public questions, his ability to differentiate
between the essential and the non-essential and his consistent regard
for the public welfare soon attracted favorable notice in that body and
his work as a legislator reflected credit upon himself and upon the
district which he represented. Fraternally he belongs to Lodge No. 121,
I. O. O. F., to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, in which he
has held a number of offices, and to the Woodmen of the World. He is in
hearty sympathy with the work of the Commercial Club, of which he is an
active member, and every project calculated to promote the interests
of Walla Walla depends upon and receives his moral and material
support. He possesses the physical and mental vigor that enables him
to accomplish much with seeming ease and although his has been a busy
life he has always been characterized by a hearty good nature that has
endeared him to his many friends. Both he and his wife belong to the
Presbyterian church and his generous spirit has found expression in a
liberal support of its various activities.
FRED L. MILLER.
Among the native sons of Washington who have elected to continue
residents of the state is Fred L. Miller, a prominent farmer and stock
raiser of Garfield county. He was born on the site of Dayton, Columbia
county, February 12, 1866, and is a son of George W. and Sarah E.
(Ping) Miller, an account of whose lives appears in the sketch of Judge
Chester F. Miller, elsewhere in this work.
Fred L. Miller grew to manhood in his native county and as a boy
attended the Dayton public schools and continued his studies in the
high school, from which he was graduated in 1888. On beginning his
independent career he took up his residence upon the farm where he
still resides, which is located on the Snake river. He divides his
time between grain farming and breeding cattle for the market. He owns
forty-two hundred acres and in addition to this operates six hundred
acres of state land under lease. He is recognized as an authority upon
the different problems relative to the production of grain and on
the various phases of cattle raising and each branch of his business
returns to him a good profit. He specializes in registered white faced
Hereford cattle and feeds from three hundred to four hundred each
winter.
On the 16th of October, 1888, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss
Laura A. McMorris, a daughter of J. E. McMorris, who in 1879 removed to
Columbia county, Washington, from California. Ten children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller, namely: George E., at home; F. Albert, who
is in the United States Army; Harry B. and Nell B., at home; Jessie R.,
the wife of Jack Phillips, of Garfield county; and Otis D., Sarah E.,
Merritt and Merrell, twins, and John, all at home.
Mr. Miller is a republican and his advice is often sought in local
party councils. In November, 1908, he was elected to the board of
county commissioners for the short term and in 1910 was elected to the
office for the long term, serving in all for six years as a member of
the board, and in that connection he did valuable work for the county,
giving the same careful attention to the management of its affairs that
he gives to the direction of his private interests. He is identified
with the Woodmen of the World and has many friends within and
without that organization. Among his salient characteristics are the
ability to discriminate between the essential and the non-essential,
resourcefulness in adapting himself to new conditions and sound
judgment and these qualities have proved as valuable in his work as a
farmer as in any other field of activity.
JOHN R. LYONS.
That John R. Lyons possesses good business ability is evident from the
fact that he is successfully operating a fine ranch of nine hundred
acres devoted to the raising of wheat and of stock. He was born in
Ireland, April 28, 1867, and is a son of Patrick and Frances Lyons, a
sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Our subject was brought
to Walla Walla county, Washington, in childhood and here received a
good common school education. He remained under the parental roof until
he attained his majority, during which time he aided his father in
farming, and then began cultivating land on his own account. He took
up his residence upon the ranch which he now owns and which comprises
nine hundred acres of fertile land in Walla Walla township. The place
is well improved and his work is facilitated by the most modern and
up-to-date equipment. He raises stock extensively and also grows a
large quantity of wheat annually. He is energetic and progressive
and the success which he has gained is the direct result of his good
management and industry.
Mr. Lyons was married in 1903 to Miss Frances O'Brien, who was born in
Nebraska and is a daughter of George and Katherine O'Brien, both now
deceased. Mrs. Lyons has also passed away, her death occurring March 8,
1906. She was buried in the Catholic cemetery in Walla Walla. Her two
daughters, Mary L. and Anna M., are both now students in St. Vincent's
Academy.
Mr. Lyons gives his political support to the democratic party but
has never had time to take an active part in public affairs. His
fraternal relations are with the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks, in both of which organizations he is
popular. He has not only gained financial independence but he has also
contributed in considerable measure to the development of Walla Walla
county along the lines of scientific agriculture and stock raising and
is recognized as a prominent citizen.
FRANK McCOWN.
Frank McCown, who is living retired after many years devoted to
agricultural pursuits, was born in Clakamas county, Oregon, November
15, 1855, a son of William and Sarah (Best) McCown, both natives of
West Virginia. In 1846 they removed to Kansas and six years later
crossed the great plains by ox team to Oregon. The father took up a
donation claim of four hundred and eighty acres in Clakamas county and
erected a large cabin, which remained the family home for a number of
years. In 1878 removal was made to Walla Walla county, Washington, and
later the father purchased land which he operated until his death. To
him and his wife were born seven children, but only two are living, the
brother of our subject being J. L., now a resident of Portland, Oregon.
Frank McCown was reared and educated in Oregon, and during his boyhood
and youth received valuable training in farm work. When he was
twenty-three years old he came to Washington, and has since resided
in Walla Walla county. He devoted his active life to farming and from
time to time added to his holdings until he now owns fifteen hundred
acres of land which he leases, having retired in 1902. He maintains his
home in Waitsburg but spends his winters in California. The success
which he has gained has proved that he is quick to recognize and take
advantage of business opportunities, and in the development of his farm
he was always willing to profit by the work of investigators along
agricultural lines.
Mr. McCown was married in 1881 to Miss Laura Walker, and they have
become the parents of five children, namely: Emory D.; Malcolm W.;
Annie N., the wife of Walter Minnick; Hazel B.; and Frank Jr.
Mr. McCown supports the democratic party at the polls but has not taken
an active part in public affairs although he has taken the interest of
a good citizen in matters of government. He belongs to Lodge No. 5, I.
O. O. F., in which he has filled all of the chairs. The standards by
which he has governed his life are further indicated in his membership
in the Christian church, to which his wife also belongs. His friends
are numerous and his qualities are such that all who come in contact
with him hold him in high esteem.
JOE MARTIN.
Among the men who have aided in the development of Walla Walla county
as a leading wheat producing section is Joe Martin, who is engaged in
wheat raising on an extensive scale on section 36, township 8 north,
range 35 east. He was born in County Roscommon, Ireland, April 26,
1869, a son of John and Bridget (Feely) Martin, who passed their entire
lives in that country.
Joe Martin was reared at home and received his education in the common
schools of Ireland. About the time he became of age he emigrated to
America and took up his residence in Fremont, Iowa, where he spent six
or seven years. At the end of that time he decided to identify his
interests with those of the Pacific northwest and came to Walla Walla
county, Washington. After working as a farm hand for several years
he was able to rent his present farm, which he has since purchased.
He owns nine hundred acres and specializes in wheat raising. His
practical knowledge of the methods best adapted to conditions in this
locality, combined with his energy and good judgment, has enabled him
to gain financial independence. His farm is excellently improved and is
equipped with the most up-to-date machinery.
[Illustration: JOE MARTIN]
[Illustration: MRS. JOE MARTIN]
At Walla Walla, January 27, 1903, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to
Miss Mary Martin, who although of the same name is not a relative. An
account of the life of her father, John Martin, appears elsewhere in
this work. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin: Alicia
S., Michael, James F., Mary T., Catherine B., Esther R., Helen M., and
Rose Anna.
The parents hold membership in the Catholic church of Walla Walla and
give their influence and support to movements whose object is the
promotion of the moral welfare of the community. Mr. Martin supports
the democratic party at the polls and is now serving efficiently as
clerk of the school board. He has not been otherwise active in public
affairs, the management of his farming interests leaving him little
time for other activities. The success which he has gained is due
to his own efforts and he is fully entitled to the credit given a
self-made man.
JAMES C. ROBERTS.
James C. Roberts, a well known and prosperous farmer residing on
section 4, township 7 north, range 35 east, was born in Lee county,
Virginia, July 17, 1866, a son of Robert and Mary Roberts, also natives
of that state, where the mother is still living.
There James C. Roberts was reared and received his education, but when
twenty-one years of age he crossed the continent, locating in Walla
Walla county, Washington. For some time he was employed as a farm hand
but in 1888 he took up a homestead on Dry creek and remained there
until 1905, when he purchased his present farm, which comprises one
hundred and sixty acres and is improved with excellent buildings. The
place is all fine alfalfa land, valued at three hundred dollars per
acre, and it produces such excellent crops that it yields a good profit
on the capital invested.
Mr. Roberts was married in 1889 to Mrs. Martha Kelley, also a native
of Virginia. In 1886 she came west and has since resided in this part
of the country. By her first union she had five children, all of whom
survive, and by her marriage to Mr. Roberts she has become the mother
of twins: Elnora, deceased; and James Austin.
Mr. Roberts is a republican and for three terms served on the school
board, during which time he did effective work for the local schools.
His wife is a member of the Congregational church. Both are well known
in the county and the prosperity which they have gained is the result
of their own industry and good management.
W. L. TAYLOR.
W. L. Taylor, a successful farmer of Garfield county, Washington,
residing on section 19, township 13 north, range 43 east, was born in
Adams county, Illinois, in 1840, a son of Adam and Barbara (Grimes)
Taylor, both natives of Kentucky, who removed to Illinois at an early
day and there passed away upon the homestead. Five of their seven
children are still living.
W. L. Taylor was reared in his native state and is indebted to its
public schools for his education. He remained there for a number of
years after attaining his majority but in 1878 removed to Walla Walla
county and settled on land on section 19, township 13 north, range 43
east, where he has ever since resided. He has added to his original
homestead and now owns three hundred and twenty-five acres of as fine
wheat land as can be found in Washington. He has never regretted his
choice of farming as an occupation, for he has found the work congenial
and has gained a competence. He supervises the operation of the place
but leaves the greater part of the actual work of its cultivation to
others.
In 1866 Mr. Taylor was married to Miss Lucretia Vannest, who was born
in Illinois, and to them were born three children: Willard; Edward, who
is farming the home place; and James, now a resident of Idaho. The wife
and mother passed away in 1915 and was buried in the May View cemetery.
Mr. Taylor supports the democratic party at the polls but he has never
held office, with the exception of serving on the school board. He
belongs to the Grange and to the Farmers' Union and believes that
much can be accomplished for the advancement of country life through
cooperation on the part of the farmers. He is an honored pioneer of the
county and his accounts of early day conditions are of great interest
to the younger generation.
GODFRED HANSON.
Godfred Hanson, who has been actively and successfully identified with
the farming interests of Walla Walla county for the past three decades,
is the owner of sixty-one acres of productive land on section 1, Ritz
township. His birth occurred in Denmark on the 17th of March, 1856, his
parents being Hans and Cecil (Rasmussen) Hanson, who were also natives
of that country. In the '70s they crossed the Atlantic to the United
States and here spent the remainder of their lives. They became the
parents of nine children, but only two are now living, the surviving
brother of our subject being Fred, who makes his home in Wisconsin.
Godfred Hanson was reared and educated in the land of his nativity,
there spending the first seventeen years of his life. In 1873,
attracted by the greater opportunities of the new world, he emigrated
to the United States and took up his abode in Wisconsin, where he
remained for fourteen years. On the expiration of that period, in 1887,
he made his way westward to Washington, settling in Walla Walla county
and purchasing a farm of sixty-one acres in Ritz township which he
has operated continuously to the present time, covering a period of
three decades. He erected substantial and commodious buildings on the
property and now has a well improved farm on which he makes a specialty
of the raising of alfalfa. His undertakings as an agriculturist have
been attended with well merited success, so that he has long been
numbered among the prosperous and representative citizens of his
community.
In 1888 Mr. Hanson was united in marriage to Miss Anna Jensen, a native
of Denmark, by whom he had four children, namely: Cecelia, Howard and
Mildred, all at home; and Fred, who is deceased.
In politics Mr. Hanson is a stalwart democrat and at present he is ably
serving as school director and clerk. He was reared in the Lutheran
faith and still adheres to the teachings of that church. He is indeed
a self-made man and deserves all the praise that term implies, for the
success which he now enjoys is attributable entirely to his industry,
energy and perseverance.
WILLIAM E. BRUCE.
William E. Bruce, who is devoting his time to farming on section 25,
township 9 north, range 37 east, is a native son of Washington as his
birth occurred in Columbia county, September 18, 1880. His father was
James W. Bruce, and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Addie
Harmon, was a native of Oregon, but in 1857 came to Walla Walla county.
James W. Bruce engaged in farming in this county for many years and met
with gratifying success in that connection.
William E. Bruce, who is one of a family of four children, all of whom
survive, was reared in Walla Walla county and began his education in
the public schools, continuing his studies in Pullman College. He
remained at home, giving his father the benefit of his labor until he
attained his majority, when he began operating three hundred and twenty
acres of wheat land and three hundred and seventy acres of pasture
land. He is still farming those tracts and derives a gratifying income
from both his wheat raising and his stock raising.
In 1914 Mr. Bruce was married to Miss Clarabel Weatherford, of Dayton,
a daughter of Hon. F. M. Weatherford, a sketch of whom appears
elsewhere in this work. Mr. Bruce has never been active in public or
political affairs. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal
church and fraternally is identified with Lodge No. 16, A. F. & A.
M., at Waitsburg and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at
Waitsburg. These connections indicate the high standards which have
governed his life and have gained him the respect of all who know
him. As a farmer he is progressive and businesslike, as a citizen he
manifests a commendable public spirit and in the private relations of
life he is scrupulous in his recognition of the rights of others.
JOHN E. WEBB.
Having gained financial independence John E. Webb is now living
retired in Walla Walla, save for the supervision which he gives to his
extensive landed interests. He was born in Illinois, August 13, 1870,
and was reared in that state. He received a public school education and
was also trained to agricultural pursuits during his boyhood and youth.
In early manhood he went to Nebraska, whence, several years later, he
came to Walla Walla county, Washington. He readily adapted himself
to the crude conditions here, and as the years passed he purchased
additional land and now owns about nine thousand acres. His property
affords him double pleasure in that it is the direct result of his own
business insight, resourcefulness and enterprise. He is one of the
largest land holders in the county and he has always been among the
first to adopt new methods or improved equipment.
In 1906 Mr. Webb was united in marriage to Mrs. Annie Pickard, the
widow of Charles F. Pickard. By her first marriage she had six
children, namely: Clara, who married O. L. Compton; Thetford; Anita;
Russell; Olive, the wife of C. W. Cornelius; and Beatrice. To Mr. and
Mrs. Webb has been born a son, Harry E.
Mr. and Mrs. Webb spend their winters in California and all the
comforts of life are theirs. Mr. Webb has never been ambitious to
hold public office, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his
individual interests. However, in developing his large farm holdings,
he has played an important part in the upbuilding of Walla Walla county
along agricultural lines. He has a number of fraternal connections,
belonging to the Masonic lodge, the Knights of Pythias lodge and the
Elks. Few men are more widely known or more highly esteemed in Walla
Walla county than he, and it is largely recognized that his integrity,
as well as his ability, is above question.
JOHN CHANDLER.
John Chandler, for many years a resident of Whitman county, where
he still owns twenty-five hundred acres of fine land, is now living
retired in Walla Walla, enjoying well deserved leisure. His birth
occurred in Gloucestershire, England, January 14, 1854, and he is a son
of Joseph and Eliza (Surman) Chandler, also natives of that country,
where the father passed away. In 1882 the mother and her family of
eight children came to America and proceeded at once to Washington, as
at that time our subject's uncle, William Yend, was living six miles
north of Walla Walla. Mrs. Chandler continued to make her home with her
children in that region until her death, which occurred in 1904. Of the
eight children five still survive.
John Chandler received his education in his native land and there grew
to manhood. In 1882 he accompanied the family on their emigration
to the United States and on reaching Washington took up a homestead
in Whitman county. As soon as possible he placed his land under
cultivation and was so successful in his farming operations that from
time to time he was able to purchase more land until he now owns
twenty-five hundred acres. For a few years after locating here he
engaged in the cattle business to quite an extent but since then has
given his attention principally to the raising of wheat. His holdings
consist of some of the finest wheat land in the county and he now
derives a good income from the rental of his property. In 1909 he
retired from active labor and removed to Walla Walla, where he erected
a fine residence on Roosevelt street, and here he has gained a high
place in the esteem of his fellow citizens.
Mr. Chandler was married in 1901 to Miss Ada Fowler, also a native of
England, and they have five children, namely: John F. and Ruth, both of
whom are high school students; Dorothy; Theodore W.; and Elizabeth.
[Illustration: JOHN CHANDLER]
Mr. Chandler has supported the republican party since acquiring the
right of franchise and for a considerable period served on the school
board in Whitman county. Both he and his wife are communicants of the
Protestant Episcopal church and its work receives their hearty support.
Their residence is one of the attractive homes of Walla Walla and it is
known for its cordial hospitality.
JOSEPH W. TONER.
Joseph W. Toner, who is successfully farming in Walla Walla county, was
born in Vermont, April 22, 1875, a son of Daniel and Bridget (Ferrell)
Toner. The father was born in Vermont and the mother was a native of
Ireland, but they were married in the Green Mountain state, where they
resided until called by death. To them were born seven children, of
whom five survive.
Joseph W. Toner was reared at home and as a boy and youth attended the
public schools. In 1892, when seventeen years, he came to Walla Walla,
Washington, and for some years engaged in dairying. He now, however,
gives his attention to general farming. He owns thirty-seven and a half
acres of finely improved land within the city limits of Walla Walla and
has refused nine hundred dollars an acre for the place.
Mr. Toner was married in 1895 to Miss Permelia C. Hammond, a native
of Walla Walla and a daughter of William R. and Permelia Hammond. To
this marriage have been born seven children: Helen, the wife of Milton
Carter; Mildred, Edward and Mary, all high school students; Daniel,
Jeanie and Ferrell.
The family attend the Presbyterian church and contribute to its
support. Mr. Toner holds membership in the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows of Walla Walla and is popular in that organization. In
political belief he is a democrat and he is now capably serving as a
member of the school board.
JOHN A. BAILEY.
For thirty years John A. Bailey has resided upon the Pacific coast and
since 1898 has made his home in Walla Walla, where he is now actively
engaged in business as the president of the Lumber & Fuel Company. He
was born in Colchester county, Nova Scotia, January 10, 1862, a son
of Alexander and Jane (Ferguson) Bailey, both of whom were natives of
that country, where the father passed away, while the mother is still
living there. They had a family of four children, all of whom are still
residents of Canada with the exception of John A.
The last named was reared and educated in his native country, pursuing
a public school course, and in 1883, having attained his majority, he
left home and crossed the border into the United States, taking up his
abode in Boston, Massachusetts, where he remained for a brief period.
The west attracted him, however, for he believed that its opportunities
were limitless and in 1887 he crossed the country to California. There
he remained for about two and one-half years, after which he went to
Portland, Oregon, and there resided until his removal to Grays Harbor.
He came to Walla Walla, Washington, about 1898, and here took up the
business of contracting and building, which he followed successfully
until 1916. He then became connected with the Lumber & Fuel Company,
of which he is now the head, and in this connection he is conducting a
business of extensive and gratifying proportions.
In Los Angeles, California, in 1887, Mr. Bailey was united in marriage
to Miss Christina M. Bailey, who, though of the same name, was not a
relative. She, too, was born in Canada, where her mother, one sister
and two brothers still reside, and by her marriage has become the
mother of a daughter, Edith M., who is now the wife of Clarence G.
Ludwigs. She is a graduate of the high school of Walla Walla and also
of the Washington State University. Mrs. Bailey and her daughter
hold membership in the Presbyterian church and are prominent in the
social circles of the city. Mr. Bailey is identified with the Masonic
fraternity and has taken all of the degrees of the York and Scottish
rites and has crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine. He likewise belongs to the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. His political endorsement is given to the republican party,
which he has supported since becoming a naturalized American citizen.
Opportunity has ever been to him the call to action and in his business
career he has so wisely utilized his opportunities that success in
substantial measure has come to him. With him every day must mark
off a full-faithed attempt to know more and to grow more. He early
recognized that where there is no advancement there has been no effort,
and putting forth earnest and persistent effort, he has passed many
others who perhaps started out ahead of him on life's journey. He is
stable in purpose, quick in perception, swift in decision, energetic
and persistent in action; and thus he has made for himself a most
creditable position on the stage of business activity in Walla Walla.
J. H. COYLE.
The business upbuilding of a city is attributable not to one individual
but to the combined efforts of many. However, there are some who
occupy positions of leadership in their respective lines--men well
trained in a given field and whose intelligently directed efforts
produce substantial results that work not only for their own benefit
but constitute a most important force in general business progress
and prosperity. Such a man is J. H. Coyle, the president and manager
of the Walla Walla Mill Company, and thus prominently identified
with the milling interests of Walla Walla. He was born in Crawford
county, Wisconsin, December 5, 1859, a son of J. B. and S. A. (Lemons)
Coyle. The father was a native of Ohio, while the mother was born in
Wisconsin, and they became the parents of four children, two of whom
are now living.
[Illustration: J. H. COYLE]
J. H. Coyle of this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth in
the state of his nativity and is indebted to its public school system
for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed. He early began
learning the miller's trade, which he followed in Minnesota, leaving
his native state when eighteen years of age. He continued a resident of
Minnesota until 1897, when he came to Walla Walla county, Washington,
and purchased what was known as the old McKennan mill. Since that time
he has been identified with the milling interests of Walla Walla and is
today at the head of an important enterprise of this character. After
some years he admitted his son, J. D. Coyle, to a partnership in the
business, which has been incorporated with J. H. Coyle as the president
and manager and J. D. Coyle as the secretary. Their mill has a capacity
of seventy barrels. The plant is splendidly equipped with the latest
improved machinery and the most modern processes of flour manufacturing
are utilized, so that the output is of excellent quality, insuring a
ready sale on the market.
In Minnesota, in 1887, Mr. Coyle was united in marriage to Miss Emma
Buehler, a native of Wisconsin, and they have become the parents of
eight children: John D., who is associated with his father in business;
Velma, the wife of A. W. Hancock; W. F.; Vida; Clarence, who has
passed away; Victor; Emma; and Erma. The parents attend the Methodist
Episcopal church.
In his political views Mr. Coyle is a republican and has served on
the school board for a number of years but has never sought strictly
political office. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and
the Odd Fellows and exemplifies in his life the beneficent spirit of
these organizations. His has been an active and useful life fraught
with good results. His business affairs have been successfully and
wisely managed and he is now the owner of six acres of land, upon
which is a fine property. His milling business has become one of the
important productive industries of Walla Walla and his colleagues
and contemporaries in business circles speak of him in terms of high
regard, not only by reason of the success which he has achieved but
also owing to the straightforward business policy which he has ever
followed.
EMERSON E. WOODS.
Emerson E. Woods, who resides on the old Woods homestead on section 9,
township 9 north, range 37 east, is one of the alert and enterprising
young farmers who have chosen agriculture as a life work because
of their recognition of its many possibilities. He was born in the
township in which he still resides on the 12th of February, 1893, and
is a son of Joel and Viola M. (Hull) Woods, a sketch of whom appears
elsewhere in this work. He received a good education in the Waitsburg
public schools and also received thorough training in farm work under
the guidance of his father. When he was twenty-two years old he began
his independent career, renting six hundred and sixty acres of land,
which he has since operated. In December, 1916, he also took charge of
the Woods homestead of five hundred and fifty acres on which he now
resides, and although he has only reached the middle twenties he has
proved his capability as an executive, ably managing the operation
of the twelve hundred and ten acres. It is needless to say that he
utilizes the most improved methods and the latest implements in his
work, and that he gives careful study to the markets.
On the 22d of December, 1915, Mr. Woods was married to Miss Estella
H. Hazelton, of Waitsburg, a daughter of Thomas and Leona (Parker)
Hazelton, pioneer settlers of Walla Walla county, both now deceased.
Mr. Woods votes the republican ticket but has not otherwise been active
in public affairs, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his
farming interests. He belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen,
and his religious faith is that of the Christian church. He is a
typical western man, self reliant, enterprising and confident of the
future, and he has thoroughly identified his interests with those of
his county and state.
BYRD COYLE.
Byrd Coyle, a well known dairyman and substantial farmer of Walla
Walla county, was born in Lebanon, Oregon, February 7, 1860, and is a
representative of a very old and prominent family of that state. His
father, James B. Coyle, was born in Peoria, Illinois, March 4, 1832,
and throughout life followed farming. In 1852 he crossed the plains
with ox teams and located in Oregon, where he made his home until
coming to Walla Walla county, Washington, in 1866. Here he homesteaded
one hundred and sixty acres of land, to which the family have since
added from time to time until now the home place comprises five hundred
and sixty acres. The father died on the 29th of April, 1901, but the
mother of our subject is still living and continues to reside on the
home farm. She bore the maiden name of Jane Summers and was born in
Iowa, August 23, 1841. She was only five years of age when she crossed
the plains with her parents in 1846, her father being captain of a
large company traveling with ox teams. They reached the Whitman Mission
in Oregon so late in the fall that they resolved to spend the winter of
1846-7 at that place and there Mrs. Coyle attended the school conducted
by Dr. Whitman, who was killed in the Whitman massacre the following
fall. In the spring of 1847 Captain Summers proceeded with his family
to Lebanon, Oregon, where Mrs. Coyle grew to womanhood and was married.
She is today one of the oldest settlers of the Pacific northwest and is
thoroughly familiar with the entire development of this region.
Byrd Coyle is one of a family of ten children, nine of whom are still
living. Two sons are now residents of Canada and a daughter lives in
Kennewick, Washington, but the remainder are all living in Walla Walla
county. Here Byrd Coyle attended the district schools and his early
education was supplemented by a course at Whitman College and later
at the Oregon State University, where he was a student for two years.
After putting aside his textbooks he engaged in railroad work for
several years and then spent three years and a half in Alaska, but in
November, 1900, he returned to Walla Walla county. His father died soon
afterward and he and his brother Charles have since had charge of the
home farm, which they have operated with most gratifying success. In
connection with general farming they give considerable attention to the
dairy business, having a creamery upon his place and selling both milk
and butter, and they furnish employment to from twenty-five to forty
men.
On the 27th of June, 1916, Byrd Coyle was united in marriage to Miss
Lenora Stewart, a native of Virginia and a daughter of Moore Stewart.
They are earnest and consistent members of the Congregational church,
and Mr. Coyle is also identified with the Benevolent Protective Order
of Elks. In politics he is a democrat and takes a deep and commendable
interest in public affairs.
H. D. CONOVER.
H. D. Conover, who is farming extensively in Columbia county,
Washington, is now financially independent, although he began
his career empty-handed. He is a western man by birth as well as
preference, as he was born in Linn county, Oregon, March 28, 1859, a
son of W. S. and Margaret (Crawford) Conover, both of whom were born in
Indiana. In 1852 both came to Oregon as members of a train of emigrants
journeying by ox team. They were married in Oregon and remained
residents of that state until called by death. To them were born two
sons, the brother of our subject being O. M. Conover, of Waitsburg.
H. D. Conover attended the district schools in his early boyhood, but
in 1872, when but thirteen years, came to Washington and found work on
a stock farm. He was so employed until he was thirty-five years old,
since which time he has followed agricultural pursuits independently.
He now operates fourteen hundred acres of land, growing large crops of
grain annually and also raising some stock. His long experience and his
keen powers of observation have taught him the most effective methods
of carrying on his work and he manages the business phase of farming
excellently and as a result receives a good return on the capital
invested in his holdings.
Mr. Conover was married on the 6th of December, 1885, to Miss Rachel
McKinney, a native of Washington county, Oregon, and they have three
children: Lettie A., the widow of J. W. Roberts; Henry M., a prosperous
farmer; and Louise, the wife of F. P. Kinder, of Waitsburg, Washington.
Mr. Conover belongs to Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 70, to Occidental
Lodge, No. 11, A. O. U. W., and to the Woodmen of the World. His
political belief is that of the republican party and its candidates
receive his support at the polls. He is respected wherever known
for his strength of character, his enterprise and his unquestioned
integrity, and his personal friends are many.
WILLIAM M. WEATHERFORD.
William M. Weatherford, president of the Weatherford-Wallace Company,
of Dayton, conducting a loan, real estate, insurance and abstract
business, was born in Columbia county, the 4th of October, 1879, a son
of Francis M. and Harriett A. Weatherford, who were pioneer residents
of Oregon and Washington, having crossed the plains with ox teams at a
period when that was practically the only method of travel between the
east and the west. The father is now the owner of an extensive farm in
Columbia county and is one of the leading citizens of the district. He
has served as a representative of the county in the state legislature
and has otherwise been prominently connected with public affairs.
In the public schools of his native county William M. Weatherford
pursued his early education and afterward became a student in the
Portland Business College of Portland, Oregon, from which in due course
of time he was graduated. He was reared to the occupation of farming
and after his textbooks were put aside devoted his attention for a time
to general agricultural pursuits, but thinking to find other business
activities more congenial and perhaps more profitable, he concentrated
his efforts upon the banking business for a period. Later he became
identified with the insurance, mortgage loan and real estate business
and his efforts have since been directed along those lines. At the
present time he is at the head of the Weatherford-Wallace Company, of
Dayton, as its president and is thus conducting a profitable loan, real
estate, insurance and abstract business.
On the 2d of June, 1906, Mr. Weatherford was united in marriage in
Walla Walla, Washington, to Miss Roselle M. Carpenter, a daughter
of G. W. and Mary A. Carpenter, the former a druggist of Waitsburg,
Washington. Mrs. Weatherford was born in Olympia, Washington, and
acquired her education in the public schools of this state and in
the Washington State College at Pullman. Her mother is one of the
descendants of John Quincy Adams. To Mr. and Mrs. Weatherford has been
born a daughter, Marybelle. Mr. Weatherford supports the Congregational
church and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party.
He has membership with the Knights of Pythias and with the Masons
and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit upon which these
organizations are founded. He is likewise connected with the Dayton
Commercial Club and he stands for progress and improvement, advocating
all those interests which have to do with the welfare and upbuilding of
the city in which he makes his home. He has always lived in Washington
and the spirit of western enterprise has found expression in his life.
There has been nothing spectacular in his career but his course has
been marked by that steady advancement which follows persistent and
earnest effort, and his substantial traits of character have won for
him the kindly regard and goodwill of his associates in both business
and social life.
MARTIN CAMPBELL.
No history can surpass in picturesque detail the life record of Martin
Campbell, who as prospector and miner is familiar with the development
of the Fraser river country and who as farmer and miller has been
closely associated with the progress and upbuilding of Walla Walla
county. He is now living retired, enjoying a rest which he has truly
earned and richly deserves. He has passed the eighty-fourth milestone
on life's journey, his birth having occurred in Flemington, New Jersey,
February 13, 1833, his parents being Daniel and Charlotte Campbell, who
were also natives of New Jersey, the town of Campbellsville in that
state being named after the paternal grandfather, Martin Campbell. His
father was miller by trade and for several years operated a mill on the
Riarton river. Both he and his wife spent their entire lives in New
Jersey.
[Illustration: MARTIN CAMPBELL]
[Illustration: MRS. MARTIN CAMPBELL]
Martin Campbell was reared under the parental roof and pursued his
education in one of the old-time subscription schools of that early
period. When but seventeen years of age he went to sea and on the
vessel on which he shipped was the captain's wife and little daughter.
Shortly after they sailed away the little girl fell overboard and
Mr. Campbell jumped in and rescued her. He was then taken out of the
forecastle and given a berth in the cabin, while the captain's wife
made it her duty and pleasure to look after his education and to her
he owes much of his early intellectual development. In 1856, after
sailing round Cape Horn, he landed at San Francisco and made his
way up through the Puget Sound country. He began work in the mills
of the Fort Gamble Lumber Company and in 1858 was attacked by the
mining fever, which it is said some time or other gets everyone who
resides in the vicinity of a developing mining district. Accordingly
he went to Victoria, British Columbia, where he fell in with some of
the clerks of the Hudson's Bay Company and through them he learned of
the gold dust that was being brought down from the Fraser river. The
Indians had scratched the gold out with sticks and brought it to the
Hudson's Bay Company. Although forbidden by Governor Douglas of British
Columbia, Mr. Campbell raised a company and began prospecting for gold
up the river, returning that fall. In the spring of 1860 he made an
overland trip to the Similikameen country in British Columbia and while
crossing the mountains lived on rice and sugar. There is scarcely an
experience which comes to the prospector and the miner with which he
is not familiar. He met all of the hardships and privations incident
to such a life and, like many another, he did not gain the fortune for
which he was striving in that way, although in later years he made
for himself a most substantial place in business circles. In the fall
of 1860 he crossed the border into Washington and spent the winter at
Fort Colville. In the following spring he engaged in prospecting on the
Pend Oreille river and later engaged in prospecting and mining on the
Columbia river, thus spending his time until 1863.
In that year Mr. Campbell came to Walla Walla county and through the
following two years was variously employed. In 1865 he turned his
attention to farming, making a specialty of the raising of wheat, which
he hauled to Wallula, selling it for from thirty-five to fifty-five
cents per bushel. He was afterward a member of the firm of Coyle &
Campbell, millers, and for several years, engaged successfully in the
milling business in Walla Walla. In recent years he has disposed of
his farm holdings but still owns various city properties, from which
he derives a very gratifying annual income. His investments have been
judiciously made and his sound judgment is manifest therein.
In 1869 Mr. Campbell was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Ernest,
who came to Walla Walla county from Iowa in 1862. They are well known
as a most honored pioneer couple of the northwest. The experiences
which have fallen to the lot of Mr. Campbell would rival any tale
of fiction and he can speak with authority concerning the phases of
development and progress in this entire section of the country. He
came here when the red man largely held dominion over the northwest,
regarding its great forests as his hunting ground and its streams as
his especial place for fishing. But the country, rich in its natural
resources, beckoned the progressive man of the east--the man who is
not afraid to face danger, hardships and privations in order to aid
in reclaiming this great region for the purposes of civilization. To
this class belongs Mr. Campbell and the work which he has done in
the development and upbuilding of the west entitles him to more than
passing notice. He has left his impress upon the work of progress and
improvement and his reminiscences concerning the early history of the
country are most interesting.
JOHN D. JONES.
John D. Jones is an important factor in the industrial circles of
southeastern Washington as he is president of the Self-Oiling Wheel &
Bearing Company of Walla Walla, many of whose products are manufactured
under patents which he has taken out. He was born in Wales, November
15, 1863, a son of Richard N. and Ellen Jones, who in 1881 emigrated
to Canada. For a year they resided in Montreal and then removed to
Minneapolis, Minnesota, where they have since made their home.
John D. Jones was educated in the public schools of his native country
and in the night schools of Minneapolis. When he accompanied his
parents to the United States at the age of nineteen years he entered
the shops of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. When fifteen
years old he had apprenticed himself to the machinist's trade in Wales
and during his residence in Montreal he worked in the shops of the
Grand Trunk Railway. While there he assisted in putting the first air
pump on an engine on the Grand Trunk system. For several years he was
connected with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul and the Minneapolis,
St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie railways and was the first machinist to be
employed by the latter road in Minneapolis. In the fall of 1888 he came
to the Pacific northwest, entering the shops of the Oregon-Washington
Railway & Navigation Company at The Dalles, and later he worked at
various points along their system. On severing his connection with that
road he engaged in the butchering and restaurant business in La Grande,
Oregon, after which he went as far east as Marshalltown, Iowa, where
he was employed by the Iowa Central Railway. However, after his life
in the west he found the east too restricted and unenterprising and
again came west. He entered the shops of the Oregon-Washington Railway
& Navigation Company at Portland and was later transferred to the
Umatilla shops. In 1895 he left there and came to Walla Walla, where
he entered the employ of Gilbert Hunt. Subsequently he was appointed
master mechanic of the Washington & Columbia River Railroad under
Joseph McCabe and about that time was also appointed chief engineer of
the state penitentiary by Governor Meade, which appointment, however,
he refused to accept. He became superintendent of the Mill Creek
Railway and held that position during the time that its track was
changed from narrow gauge to standard gauge. In addition to his other
railroad experience he has at times served as an engineer and ran one
of the first narrow gauge engines that entered Walla Walla, it running
on the old Dr. Baker railway.
[Illustration: HOME OF MARTIN CAMPBELL]
In 1905 Mr. Jones went into business for himself, opening a machine
shop on South Second street, Walla Walla. He built up a large business
and also took out a number of patents and in 1914 he organized the
Self-Oiling Wheel & Bearing Company, which manufactures goods under his
patents. Up to the present time he holds about twenty-eight patents on
automobile parts and harvesting machinery. The plant of the company is
one of the best equipped in Washington and the employes are skilled
mechanics. The goods manufactured include farm machinery of all kinds,
gas engine pistons and ring stocks, self-oiling devices for pulleys,
hay blocks and warehouse truck wheels. The company's most important
product is without doubt one of the most successful combined harvesters
ever built. This machine, which is manufactured under patents owned
by Mr. Jones, is capable of harvesting and sacking grain under four
cents per bushel and is so simple in its design that it can be operated
with only a third of the usual horse power. The great wheat country
of eastern Washington, of which Walla Walla is the center, affords an
unsurpassed market for improved farm implements and it is but natural
that the Self-Oiling Wheel & Bearing Company should have built up a
large trade, even within the few years of its existence. From the
organization of the concern Mr. Jones has served as its president and
has given his entire time and attention to looking after its interests.
To his thorough and practical knowledge of mechanics he adds executive
ability and keen business insight and is generally recognized as an
industrial leader.
In 1887 Mr. Jones was married to Miss Catherine L. Morris, of
Langollen, North Wales, and to them have been born three sons:
Griffith, who is athletic instructor in the high school at Pendleton,
Oregon; Wynne, superintendent of the foundry of his father's plant; and
Richard L., a student at Whitman College.
Mr. Jones belongs to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 7, F. & A. M., and to
Oriental Consistory, A. & A. S. R., of Spokane. He is also connected
with the Woodmen of the World and has many friends in fraternal
circles. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Christian Science
church and give their support to all good works. His career from the
time that he apprenticed himself to the machinists's trade has been one
of continual advancement, gained through his industry, determination
and sound judgement.
HENRY C. BAKER.
Prominent and important business interests have come under the
direction of Henry C. Baker, who is a leading figure in real estate
circles of Walla Walla and one of the best known orchardists of the
Pacific northwest. The spirit of western enterprise and progress has
ever found expression in his life. He was born in Portland, Oregon,
November 17, 1858, a son of Dr. Dorsey S. Baker, of whom extended
mention is made elsewhere in this work. He acquired his early education
in the schools of Walla Walla and in the Whitman Seminary and afterward
attended the high school at Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he spent two
years as a student. He then entered his father's bank and devoted two
years to that business, after which he went to Moscow, Idaho, where he
again engaged in the banking business. He is now president of the firm
of Baker & Baker, dealers in farm loans, and is also one of the owners
of the Baker-Langdon orchards, the greatest orchards on the coast.
He is likewise one of the stockholders of the Baker-Boyer Bank. In a
word, his business connections are of a most extensive and important
character and have been most wisely managed, so that splendid results
have accrued.
In 1887 Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Clara E. Young, of
Oakland, Oregon, a daughter of E. G. and Martha (Barnett) Young, who
crossed the plains in an early day, settling in the Umpqua valley.
The father is still a resident of Oakland, Oregon, but the mother
has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have become the parents of one
daughter, Henrietta Lucile, who is a graduate of Whitman College and is
at home with her parents.
In his political views Mr. Baker is a stalwart republican, and while
never an office seeker, he has done everything in his power to advance
public interests both along the lines of political activity and
otherwise. In his business life he has been a persistent, resolute
and energetic worker, possessing strong executive powers and keeping
his hand steadily upon the helm of his business. He is strictly
conscientious in his dealings with debtor and creditor alike. Keenly
alive to the possibilities of every new avenue opened in the natural
ramifications of trade, he has passed over the pitfalls into which
unrestricted progressiveness is so frequently led and has been enabled
to focus his energies in directions where fruition is certain. If a pen
picture could accurately delineate his business characteristics, it
might be given in these words: a progressive spirit ruled by more than
ordinary intelligence and good judgment; a deep earnestness impelled
and fostered by indomitable perseverance; a native justice expressing
itself in correct principle and practice.
JOSEPH DAVIN.
Joseph Davin, of Walla Walla, is one of the foremost citizens of
Walla Walla county, owning in addition to a ten thousand acre sheep
ranch large tracts of excellent farming land, and the success which
he has gained seems doubly remarkable when contrasted with his
financial circumstances when he arrived in the United States a young
man of eighteen years. He was then empty-handed, but he believed that
opportunities were open to all in this country and was energetic and
determined to gain prosperity. He was born in France, March 1, 1856, a
son of Joseph Davin, an account of whose life appears in the sketch of
his son, S. V.
Joseph Davin of this review grew to manhood in his native country
and was indebted for his education to its public schools. In 1874 he
came to the United States and for eight years remained in California,
whence he came to Walla Walla county, Washington. For two years he
was employed as a sheep herder but at the end of that time was able
to buy a small flock of sheep, and has since engaged in ranching
on his own account. He now owns ten thousand acres devoted to the
raising of sheep and is one of the largest operators in that line of
activity in this part of Washington. He also owns another ranch of
fifteen hundred acres, eight hundred acres of wheat land and a stock
ranch of six hundred and forty acres, and likewise holds title to a
number of valuable properties in the city of Walla Walla. His business
interests include as well, a large block of stock in the mercantile
business conducted by Gardner & Company. He still gives careful
personal supervision to his extensive interests and ranks as one of the
capitalists of Walla Walla county.
Mr. Davin was married in 1892 to Miss Mary Ayraud, also a native of
France. To them have been born eight children: Alix, the wife of
Captain August Stemer, U. S. A.; Mary, at home; Sarah, the wife of
Peter Reno; Bertha, who is a graduate of the Walla Walla high school
and is at home; Anna; Ida; Joseph, Jr.; and Margaret.
Mr. Davin, although faithful in the discharge of the duties devolving
upon him as a citizen, has never had the time nor inclination to seek
office. His political views accord in the main with the principles of
the democratic party, and its candidates receive his support. He and
his wife both belong to the Catholic church and take a considerable
interest in the furtherance of its work. There are few men in Walla
Walla with a wider acquaintance than he, and his genuine worth is
indicated by the fact that those who have been most closely connected
with him hold him in the highest esteem.
CHARLES J. BROUGHTON.
Charles J. Broughton, a capitalist of Dayton, was born in Maryland,
September 7, 1854, a son of Elijah S. and Harriett A. (Buck) Broughton,
the former a native of Maryland, while the latter was born in Vermont.
Both passed away, however, in the state of Maryland. In their family
were four children, of whom three are yet living.
Charles J. Broughton was reared and educated in the state of his
nativity and started out in life on his own account when a youth of
seventeen years. He made his way westward to the Pacific coast and
acted as cook for a pack train for six months, working at a salary of
forty dollars per month. He afterward became clerk in a store and was
thus engaged for three years. In 1877 he purchased a pony and thus came
to Walla Walla. After reaching his destination he obtained a position
at Dayton in the employ of Alexander McDonald, who was proprietor
of a general store and with whom he remained for ten years. On the
expiration of that period he purchased a half interest in the business,
which he continued to carry on and develop for thirteen years, the firm
being known during that period as Fallbacher & Broughton. At the end of
that time he purchased the interest of his partner in the business and
thus became sole owner. He carried on the store for five years longer
and then sold the stock but is still owner of the store building. As
the years have passed and he has prospered in his undertakings he has
added to his holdings from time to time and he now owns over eight
thousand acres of wheat land in the northwest. He is also the president
of the Broughton Bank of Dayton, which was organized in 1909.
In 1890 Mr. Broughton was united in marriage to Miss Ina McCleary and
to them have been born eleven children: Mary, who is a graduate of
Smith College of Massachusetts; Charles; Hattie, who is now in college
in Massachusetts; E. Van, a high school pupil; Helen, also attending
high school; Francis; Ruth; James; Elizabeth; and two who have passed
away. Mrs. Broughton is a member of the Congregational church. Mr.
Broughton is a republican in his political views and for one term
served as county treasurer but has never been ambitious to hold office,
preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business
affairs, which have been wisely conducted and have brought to him a
substantial measure of success. His plans have always been carefully
formulated and promptly executed, and his sound judgment has been
manifest in his judicious investments, which have made him one of the
capitalists of his section of the state. Fraternally he is identified
with the Masons, belonging to the blue lodge and also to the commandery
at Walla Walla, in which he has filled some of the chairs.
MAX BAUMEISTER.
Max Baumeister was for many years a prominent figure in real estate,
insurance and loan circles in Walla Walla and belonged to that class
of men whose business enterprise and ability won them prominence and
success. His indefatigable energy, his marked strength of character and
his persistency of purpose featured largely in the attainment of the
handsome competence which he ultimately won. A native of Germany, he
was born on the 13th of March, 1840, a son of Dr. Ernest Baumeister,
who crossed the Atlantic to the new world with his family when his son
Max was a youth of fourteen years. At the time of the Civil war he
responded to the call of his adopted country for military aid and was
killed on the field of battle, his remains being laid to rest in the
National cemetery at Arlington.
Max Baumeister spent the first fourteen years of his life in his native
country and during that period attended the public schools after
reaching the age of six years. He then left Germany for the United
States in company with his parents, the family home being established
in New York city, where he remained until after he had attained his
majority. It was in 1859 that he came to the Pacific northwest by way
of the Panama route to California, and after residing in that state
for two years he returned to New York and thence made his way to
Europe, where he traveled extensively. At a later period, however, he
once more went to San Francisco and in 1862 established his home at
Portland, Oregon, where he remained for a brief period and then removed
to Walla Walla, coming up the river by boat to Wallula and thence
walking across the country with Henry Ankeny. At that early day there
was but little employment to be had and in order to provide for his own
support he opened a barber shop after he had worked for a time in other
connections. He had but fifteen dollars when he reached Walla Walla.
He was of a saving disposition and was a hard worker. He understood
but little English at the time of his arrival and thus encountered
some difficulties owing to lack of knowledge of the language. However,
he was quick to learn and he made the best possible use of his
opportunities. He often worked from three o'clock in the morning until
nine o'clock at night and on Saturdays until midnight. At 3:00 A. M. he
would rise to heat water for the miners' baths. For a time he acted as
hired man but after three months he bought out his employer and thus
began laying the foundation of his later success. He conducted his
barber shop until about 1882, after which he engaged for a little time
in merchandising and later established himself in the real estate, loan
and insurance business. He also engaged in farming quite extensively.
He readily recognized and utilized opportunities and such were ever to
him the call to action, to which he made immediate response. He was
prominently identified with real estate, loan and insurance interests
up to the time of his demise, which occurred February 3, 1909, and
through all these years he occupied a prominent position in business
circles because of the enterprise which he displayed, by reason of his
initiative and also owing to his thorough reliability.
In Walla Walla, in 1864, Mr. Baumeister was united in marriage to Miss
Anna Hauer, who passed away in 1879. The following year Mr. Baumeister
was again married, his second union being celebrated on Long Island,
Miss Alvine Schweiker becoming his wife. They had been acquainted
during the period of Mr. Baumeister's residence in New York, when his
wife was but a little girl, and after returning to New York he renewed
his acquaintance with his former friend and they were married, after
which he brought his bride to Walla Walla. They became the parents of
six children: Charlotte Anna, the wife of B. F. Thompson, of Walla
Walla; Alvin Garfield, living in Walla Walla; Max E., who is engaged in
trout growing at Stevenson, Washington; Olga S., the wife of Clifton
N. Draper, of Schenectady, New York; Werner W., who is a student in
Whitman College; and Karl Edward, who is attending high school.
The old home of the family was on Alder street. As the years passed
on Mr. Baumeister made extensive investments in property and acquired
between five and six thousand acres of wheat land in Garfield county.
He afterward disposed of that and purchased a farm of several hundred
acres now just outside the city limits of Walla Walla. In 1900 he
erected thereon the present beautiful home of Mrs. Baumeister, which
has since been occupied by the family. The house, spacious, modern and
attractive in style of architecture, is surrounded by thirteen acres of
ground laid out in beautiful lawns shaded by fine trees and with well
planned drives.
Mr. Baumeister was a charter member of Enterprise Lodge, I. O. O.
F., but in later years was not an active worker in the organization.
He also became a member of Walla Walla Lodge, No. 7, F. & A. M., and
in his life exemplified the beneficent spirit of the craft, which is
based upon a recognition of the brotherhood of man and the obligations
thereby imposed. He was also one of the charter members of the Pioneer
Society of Walla Walla and maintained most pleasant relationships with
those who became early residents of this section of the state and
aided in advancing the work of general progress and improvement. He
became an American citizen after crossing the Atlantic and long gave
loyal support to the republican party. During the early period of his
residence in Walla Walla he was a dominant factor in civic affairs
but in later years took no active part in politics beyond assisting
and promoting any movement for the advancement of the interests of
the town. There was no movement, however, which looked to the benefit
and further upbuilding of the community that sought his aid in vain.
He stood for progress and improvement at all times and Walla Walla
numbered him for many years as one of its foremost citizens, and his
death was the occasion of profound and widespread regret throughout
eastern Washington. Mrs. Baumeister and her family are members of the
Christian Science church and she is deeply interested in all those
things which have cultural value or which promote benevolent interests.
She has been president of the Walla Walla Symphony Club, is a member
of the Parent Teachers' Association, is an active worker in the Young
Women's Christian Association and is the secretary of the Red Cross.
She has much influence in these connections and her work is of the
greatest benefit.
JOHN GRANT KELLY.
John Grant Kelly, manager of the Daily Bulletin, published at Walla
Walla, has made this one of the most influential dailies of the
northwest outside of the large cities and he has ever been recognized
as a fearless defender of what he believes to be for the best interests
of the state. He was born in Peoria, Illinois, July 16, 1872, a son of
William and Sarah Ann (Roberts) Kelly, the former a native of New York
city, of Irish parentage, while the latter was born in Clay county,
Missouri, and is of Scotch descent. The father was a veteran of the
Civil war, having served with Company I of the Ninety-first Illinois
Infantry. He died in the year 1914 and is still survived by his widow.
John Grant Kelly acquired a public school education in Kansas City,
Missouri, being graduated from the Central high school there with the
class of 1892. After his textbooks were put aside he became connected
with the Kansas City Journal, with which he was identified for seven
years. Later he was advertising and business manager of the Drovers
Journal-Stockman of Omaha, Nebraska, for a decade and on the 1st of
February, 1910, he purchased the Walla Walla (Wash.) Daily Bulletin,
which he has since published and which is owned by himself and Mrs.
Kelly. As editor and publisher of this paper he has made the Bulletin
thoroughly independent in its espousal of issues strictly on a merit
basis. He was the leader in the movement that brought the commission
form of government to Walla Walla in 1911, and the Bulletin was
the only daily newspaper in the state of Washington that supported
state-wide prohibition in 1914. It has ever been an advocate of
measures of reform and improvement and is regarded as one of the most
influential dailies in the Pacific northwest outside of those published
in the larger cities. It has ever stood consistently for clean and
efficient government and has disregarded party lines.
On the 22d of June, 1900, in Kansas City, Missouri, Mr. Kelly was
united in marriage to Miss Martha Violet Miller, a daughter of Jacob
J. and Laura E. Miller, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The father, a native
of Switzerland, engaged in jewelry manufacturing in both Milwaukee and
in Kansas City. To Mr. and Mrs. Kelly have been born three children:
Norman Miller, Eugene Armand and Virginia. The parents are members of
the First Congregational church of Walla Walla and Mr. Kelly is also
identified with the Young Men's Christian Association. Fraternally he
is connected with several Masonic bodies and also with the Knights
of Pythias and he belongs to the Shrine Club and to the Walla Walla
Commercial Club. In his political views he is independent and has
favored non-partisan government of city, county and state affairs. His
military record covers ten years' connection with the Third Regiment of
the National Guard of Missouri at Kansas City, during which time he
rose from private to first lieutenant and served as first lieutenant of
Company G of the Third Regiment of the Missouri National Guard during
the Spanish-American war. He has never aspired to public office but has
ever given his aid and influence on the side of reform and progress
and he is now serving on the State Council of Defense in the state of
Washington.
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
Abel, A. J., 372
Actor, C. F., 347
Actor, H. C., 659
Aldrich, F. J., 765
Aldrich, P. S., 509
Alexander, G. C., 533
Allen, J. T., 314
Anderson, A. F., 121
Anderson, J. P., 611
Ankeny, Levi, 16
Arnold, W. L., 377
Ashby, J. D., 289
Ashby, J. J., 286
Atwood, S. F, 46
Ault, J. R., 769
Bachtold, John, 466
Bailey, G. L., 519
Bailey, J. A., 819
Baker, D. S., 8
Baker, H. C., 835
Barnes, Lee, 304
Barnhart, W. H., 68
Barr, H. E., 110
Bateman, H. B., 394
Baumeister, A. G., 779
Baumeister, Max, 838
Baumeister, Edward, 780
Berg, C. E., 792
Bergevin, C. O., 130
Bergevin, Damase, 151
Berryman, J. E., 628
Berryman, L. P., 701
Besserer, Charles, 538
Blalock, N. G., 5
Blalock, Y. C., 480
Blessinger, John, 405
Bloomfield, A. P., 334
Bolick, Eli, 802
Bolter, A. J., 201
Bourgeois, E. F., 596
Bowe, William, 646
Bowers, C. J., 592
Bowles, J. H., 746
Brewer, B. F., 420
Brewer, J. F., 236
Brooks, J. W., 271
Broughton, C. J., 837
Brown, C. H., 179
Brown, H. N., 390
Bruce, W. E., 815
Brunton, I. D., 71
Brunton, J. G., 428
Brunton, O. W., 573
Brunton, W. H. H., 649
Byrnes, Edward, 714
Cahill, R. R., 307
Cahill, W. E., 395
Campbell, L. J., 627
Campbell, Martin, 826
Cantonwine, E. J., 655
Chandler, John, 816
Christensen, James, 449
Clague, Charles, 73
Clark, E. W., 544
Clark, W. S., 86
Clodius, H. F., 660
Clodius, J. W., 243
Cluster, W. F., 340
Coffin, R. F., 695
Coffin, D. H., 514
Coleman, W. G., 344
Conover, H. D., 825
Copeland, H. S., 270
Copeland, Thomas, 276
Copeland, W. R., 766
Corbett, A. E., 316
Corbett, J. A., 692
Corkrum, F. M., 677
Corkrum, U. F., 384
Cornwell, A. G., 645
Cornwell, J. M., 609
Cornwell, O. T., 138
Cox, D. H., 149
Coyle, Byrd, 824
Coyle, Charles, 178
Coyle, J. H., 820
Crawford, J. M., 364
Crocker, T. H., 696
Cropp, J. F., 542
Cummings, C. H., 385
Cummins, Woodson, 632
Dague, G. B., 158
Danielson, J. A., 518
Darby, J. A., 285
Davin, Joseph, 836
Davin, S. V., 349
Davis, C. D., 484
Delany, Berton, 497
Demaris, G. S., 313
Demaris, Orlando, 704
Dement, F. S., 56
De Ruwe, Jules, 206
De Ruwe, Reme, 60
Dewar, J. M., 801
DeWitt, Oliver, 686
Dice, T. F., 67
Dimmick, Ziba, 55
Dovell, W. T., 649
Dowling, P. B., 229
Drumheller, Jesse, 328
Dumas, J. L., 414
Dunham, J. B., 785
Dunlap, E. F., 411
Durry, Thomas, 622
Edmiston, J. E., 202
Eaton, D. C., 468
Edwards, J. H., 552
Edwards, J. J., 35
Eldridge, H. D., 574
Evans, G. A., 638
Fair, J. C., 72
Fall, J. N., 83
Farrish, William, 188
Faure, Frank, 315
Feider, Anthony, 33
Ferrel, Brewster, 302
Ferrel, D. B., 29
Fisher, W. P., 413
Fitzgerald, Frank, 304
Flathers, C. F., 45
Flathers, Emery, 200
Fleischer, F. J., 192
Foley, J. W., 371
Ford, W. E. L., 116
Frazier, C. R., 264
Gilbreath, S. L., 144
Gilkerson, Thomas, 483
Gillis, W. H., 343
Ginn, G. C., 805
Goodyear, William, 425
Gose, J. R., 104
Gose, M. F., 42
Gose, T. P., 301
Grant, O. E., 606
Greenville, Fred, 531
Gross, B. H., 452
Gross, J. A., 442
Gross, W. E., 169
Gross, W. H., 615
Grote, Joseph, 441
Grote, Theodore, 244
Guernsey, D. C., 220
Guichard, R. E., 579
Guthridge, G. J., 467
Gwinn, S. O., 375
Hales, C. A., 393
Halle, A. H., 111
Halsey, E. E., 580
Hannas, Ole, 329
Hansen, Martin, 337
Hanson, Godfred, 814
Hanson, H. H., 703
Harbert, J. W., 292
Harer, J. H., 339
Harper, Dick, 225
Harris, P. N., 497
Hart, H. G., 186
Hawley, P. B, 123
Hayes, Daniel, 487
Henderson, S. F., 775
Hennessey, E. S., 455
Hester, S. W., 641
Hoffmann, John, 378
Hollenbeck, C. A., 737
Holm, Adolph, 650
Holman, J. W., 21
Hoover H. M., 431
Hull, Orley, 479
Hunt, L. L., 320
Huntington, John, 674
Isaacs H. P., 590
Isecke, Charles, 386
Jensen, A. M., 551
Johnson, E. J., 461
Johnson, H. A., 668
Jones, B. L., 751
Jones, J. D., 832
Kaseberg, C. H., 322
Kausche, C. A., 14
Kausche, H. A., 230
Keiser, J. L., 616
Kellough, G. E., 261
Kelly, J. G., 840
Kennedy, Robert, 233
Kent, J. P., 752
Kenworthy, L. B., 281
Kibler, C. F., 95
Kibler, Frank, 33
Kimmerly, Mary A., 537
King, O. E., 419
Kirkman, William, 124
Kuykendall, E. V., 132
Lamb, J. M., 584
Lambdin, G. E., 131
Lambert, C. B., 451
Lambie, William, 474
Lane, J. A., 327
Lane, W. T., 242
Langdon, J. W., 462
Larson, Alfred, 263
Lasater, Harry, 701
Lasater, J. H., 713
Ledgerwood, Joseph, 59
Leonard, E. H., 234
Leonard, W. H., 389
Lewis, J. C., 400
Lloyd, A. G., 247
Loney, C. C., 137
Long, J. O., 291
Loundagin, R. W., 417
Low, Grant, 369
Lowden, F. M., 728
Lyman, W. D., 106
Lyons, E. A., 678
Lyons, J. R., 807
Lyons, J. W., 691
Lyons, Matthew, 786
McArthur, Herbert, 667
McCabe, C. A., 275
McCaw, R. C., 707
McClung, Peter, 258
McCown, Frank, 807
McDonald, Harvey, 30
McDonald, Mordo, 784
McFeely, John, 732
McGreevy, James, 791
McInroe, L. O., 403
McKay, Angus, 370
McKinney, W. E., 426
McMorris, Lewis, 36
McSherry, Nelson, 130
MacLachlan, J. A., 731
Malloy, W. S., 160
Marbach, Martin, 708
Martin, H. W., 507
Martin, John, 344
Martin, Joe, 808
Martin, J. F., 433
Martin, Michael, 40
Martin, Ossie, 445
Martin, William, 47
Mattoon, A. R., 185
Mauzey, H. G., 631
Maxwell, C. T., 498
Melger, J. C., 502
Miller, C. F., 170
Miller, Christian, 15
Miller, D. W., 759
Miller, F. L., 806
Miller, Frank, 159
Miller, W. H., 216
Milne, Alexander, 501
Mojonnier, F. E., 207
Moore, Charles, 152
Moore, J. M., 194
Moore, M. C., 396
Moritz, S. S., 66
Mottet, G. F., 755
Mulkey, L. P., 564
Neace, J. C., 427
Neal, J. P, 459
Nelson, C. T., 624
Nelson, E. J, 168
Nichols, Mary C., 319
Nilsson, Lars, 682
Nixon, E. H., 62
Nye, C. E., 105
O'Connor, Patrick, 548
Olds, A. R., 333
Osterman, Henry, 97
Paine, F. W., 74
Paine, J. G., 570
Painter, W. C., 112
Paul, W. D., 85
Petersen, H. P., 656
Pettijohn, Jonathan, 167
Pettijohn, W. T., 214
Pettyjohn, Sherman, 623
Plucker, Charles, 118
Pollard, G. T., 272
Preston, W. G., 434
Price, Alexander, 187
Price, G. F., 321
Rader, C. M., 20
Rees, R. R., 48
Reith, John, 601
Reser, William, 702
Reynolds, Allen H., 96
Reynolds, Almos H., 98
Reynolds, H. A., 532
Reynolds, Lettice J., 98
Richardson, W. H., 642
Richmond, O. M., 776
Roberts, J. C., 813
Roberts, R. D., 745
Robertson, John, 363
Robinson, C. S., 718
Robinson, F. C., 13
Robinson, J. M., 742
Robison, J. L., 440
Robison, L. L., 357
Rockhill, J. F., 350
Rogers, J. W., 595
Rogg, C. R., 12
Rohn, J. J., 583
Romaine, F. C., 678
Romaine, Garrit, 92
Romaine, J. H., 54
Rommel, C. H., 145
Rose, J. J., 282
Ross, J. A., 122
Rothrock, A. B., 513
Ruark, G. J., 28
Russel, T. A., 145
Sanders, F. M., 34
Sanders, R. O., 199
Sanford, A. L., 612
Schmitt, Henry, 452
Schmuck, Lewis, 665
Schneckloth, J. H., 338
Scott, W. M., 256
Seeliger, Charles, 717
Seitz, J. P., 770
Semrow, A. C., 563
Sharpstein, B. L., 22
Short, J. E., 456
Siebert, V. E., 241
Singleton, Frank, 84
Spreitzer, John, 638
Skinner, O. Z., 163
Smith, John, 490
Smith, S. W., 760
Soturno, Pasquale, 681
Spreitzer, John, 638
Sprout, W. E., 355
Stimmel, D. B., 534
Stine, Frederick, 208
Stonecipher, W. H., 412
Strahm, J. U., 136
Sturm, Christian, Sr., 250
Sweazy, J. W., 41
Sweeney, A. W., 308
Sweeney, S. B., 517
Swegle, M. W., 348
Tachi, J. F., 40
Taggard. J. D., 460
Taylor, Andy, 180
Taylor, C. M., 722
Taylor, W. L., 813
Taylor, W. M., 249
Thomas, Bert, 547
Thomas, Mary J., 541
Toner, J. W., 819
Trippeer, H. A., 478
Turner, B. M., 721
Utter, Joseph, 756
Vollmer, Gustav, 446
Walla Walla Union, 279
Wallace, J. L., 280
Walter, Clark, 174
Walter, J. D., 562
Walter, W. W., 557
Walters, Samuel, 404
Warren, J. B., 330
Watrous, H. F., 406
Watson, J. P., 738
Weary, A. G., 510
Weatherford, F. M., 146
Weatherford, W. M., 825
Webb, J. E., 815
Webb, Nathaniel, 796
Weimer, Joseph, 338
Weyrauch, P. H., 602
Whiteman, C. H., 226
Whitney, C. L., 61
Wickersham, A. L., 164
Wills, B. O., 541
Wills, F. G., 473
Winchell, M. B., 361
Wood, W. H., 432
Woodend, J. G., 358
Woods, C. J., 257
Woods, E. E., 823
Woods, E. L., 84
Woods, J. W., 489
Woodward, W. C., 362
Wright, J. C., 450
Yenney, L. O., 526
Yenney, Philip, 520
Yenney, W. H., 525
Young, F. M., 297
Younger, W. H., 376
Züger, Frank, 508
Züger, H. F., 795
Züger, Marcus, Sr., 488
Züger, Marcus, Jr., 262
TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:
--Obvious print and punctuation errors were corrected.