Lyman's History of old Walla Walla County, Vol. 2 (part 2 of 3)
In 1914 Mr. Young was united in marriage to Miss Effie Morrison, of Walla Walla, and in the social circles of the city they are widely and prominently known. Mr. Young is a stalwart republican, giving unfaltering allegiance to the party and its principles. He belongs to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E.; to Enterprise Lodge, No. 121, I. O. O. F.; and to Columbia Lodge, No. 8, K. P. He is also identified with Alki Temple of the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan at Walla Walla and the Knights of the Maccabees and the Knights and Ladies of Security. He belongs to the Commercial Club and is interested in all of its plans and purposes for the upbuilding and development of the city. His wife is a member of the Christian church and Mr. Young gives his aid and influence on the side of all those forces which work for the upbuilding and progress of Walla Walla along material, social, intellectual and moral lines. In an analyzation of his life record it will be seen that concentration of purpose along a single line of business has been one of the salient features in his success. He started out as a florist and has continued in that field of activity. He has never allowed difficulties nor obstacles to bar his path but has overcome these by determined effort and has ever recognized that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement. He has sought earnestly to please his customers and his establishment, presenting everything that is most attractive, unique and beautiful in the line of floral culture, has been most liberally patronized.
THOMAS P. GOSE.
Thomas P. Gose, attorney at law practicing in Walla Walla as senior partner in the firm of Gose & Crowe, was born in Sullivan county, Missouri, May 11, 1855, a son of John M. and Hannah J. (McQuown) Gose. The father is a native of Kentucky, while the mother's birth occurred in Virginia. They were married, in Missouri, to which state they had removed with their respective parents in childhood days. The father was among the argonauts who started in search of the golden fleece to California in the year 1849. He made the overland trip by way of the Santa Fe trail and spent five years in the Golden state. He then returned to Missouri in 1854, crossing the plains, after which he continued his residence in Missouri until 1862, when he went to Denver, Colorado, again making a trip in quest of gold. He spent about one year there, after which he once more took up his abode in Missouri. The lure of the west, however, was upon him and in 1864 he removed with his family to Boise City, Idaho, where he arrived in August. The city was at that time a frontier village, far removed from civilization to the eastward or to the westward. Prices were so high that during that winter he was obliged to pay about fifty dollars for a fifty-pound sack of flour. In July, 1865, he came to Walla Walla and began farming in the vicinity of the city. Both he and his wife are still living, Mr. Gose having reached the notable old age of ninety-two years, while his wife is enjoying good health at the age of eighty-six years. They now make their home with their son, Thomas P. Gose, who is looking after their comfort and welfare and thus with filial devotion is repaying the love and care which they bestowed upon him in his youth.
Thomas P. Gose was a lad of about ten years when the family arrived in Washington and much of his education was therefore acquired in the public schools of Walla Walla, supplemented by study in the Whitman Academy. In the spring of 1886, having determined to engage in a professional career, he took up the study of law and in 1889, after a thorough reading of the principles of jurisprudence, he was admitted to the bar. In the fall of 1890 he opened his law office in Walla Walla and in the intervening period, covering twenty-seven years, he has had several law partnerships, being now senior member of the firm of Gose & Crowe, which was formed in August, 1914. This firm ranks with the foremost at the Walla Walla bar. Mr. Bose is devotedly attached to his profession, is systematic and methodical in habit, sober and discreet in judgment, diligent in research and conscientious in the discharge of every duty. An earnest manner, marked strength of character and a thorough grasp of the law, with ability to accurately apply its principles, make him an effective and successful advocate and he is also a safe and wise counselor.
On the 20th of December, 1893, Mr. Gose was united in marriage to Miss Clara Crowe, of Freewater, Oregon, by whom he has five children, as follows: Cecile, who was graduated from Whitman College with the class of 1916 and is now a teacher in the high school at Kalama, Washington; Gladys and Marjorie, both of whom are attending Whitman College; Vera, a high school graduate; and Thomas P., who is a high school student.
Mr. and Mrs. Gose are members of the Congregational church and are interested in all that pertains to individual uplift and community betterment. Mr. Gose votes with the democratic party and has served as deputy prosecuting attorney, while for four years he was a member of the Walla Walla board of education. He is the present chairman of the democratic county central committee and for years past has been a dominant factor in the affairs of his party, doing much to mold public thought and opinion and putting forth earnest and effective effort to secure party success. The limitless possibilities of the west have ever stirred his ambition and his energy, intelligently directed, has carried him into important professional relations.
BREWSTER FERREL.
Brewster Ferrel now occupies an attractive home at 336 South Palouse street in Walla Walla, where he is surrounded with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. For many years he was prominently and actively identified with farming, taking up that work in Walla Walla county in early pioneer times and meeting with all of the hardships and privations which were incident to the settlement of the frontier. He was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, August 22, 1838, a son of Edward and Rosella (Fish) Ferrel, the former a native of Pennsylvania, while the latter was born in Ohio. They were married in the Buckeye state and in 1854 removed to Iowa, where both resided up to the time of their death.
Brewster Ferrel was a lad of sixteen years when his father removed to Iowa and in the public schools of that state he supplemented the educational training which he had already received in Ohio. He was trained to farm work, early becoming familiar with the tasks of plowing, planting and harvesting, and he early developed habits of industry and perseverance which later constituted very important elements in the attainment of his present-day success.
In 1861, Brewster Ferrel was united in marriage in Iowa to Miss Caroline Bott, a native of Muskingum county, Ohio, whose parents had removed to Iowa when she was a little maiden of ten summers. The young couple began their domestic life in the middle west but in 1864 left their Iowa home and started across the plains with a team of mules and a prairie schooner. They joined a wagon train and, traveling after the slow and tedious method of that period, at length arrived in Walla Walla on the 3d of August, 1864. For some time after reaching the northwest Mr. Ferrel, like many other of the pioneers, engaged in freighting and continued in that business up to the advent of the railroad, when freighting by team was no longer profitable. He then concentrated his energies upon farming. It was in 1864 that he had homesteaded and secured the farm property which he still owns. The first year after his arrival there was little wheat raised and so great was the demand for it in the mining regions of the Rocky Mountains that he sold all he had for a dollar and a quarter per bushel, which was considered a very high price in that day. The following year, however, the eastern demand fell off and the farmers were obliged to market their product in Portland, where the wheat brought only sixty cents per bushel. Stock could be ranged easily in the mountains and for a time Mr. Ferrel engaged in raising stock, driving his cattle to the different mining camps, where he would sell them. Eventually, however, he disposed of his live stock interests entirely. To his original farm of two hundred acres he gradually added four hundred acres and finally more and more, paying for his last tract a hundred dollars per acre--a tract that could have been bought at the time of his arrival for a dollar and a quarter per acre. Mr. Ferrel has always been actuated by a spirit of enterprise and progressiveness in anything that he has undertaken. He was among the first to build a barbed wire fence in Walla Walla county. Up to this time he had hauled rails from the mountains and tied them to posts by means of rawhide, thus using the otherwise useless hides to help fence his crops from the ranging herds. For the first barbed wire he paid eighteen cents per pound and it was a very crude article compared to that manufactured at the present time at that. The most improved farm machine was the old McCormick reaper, bearing little resemblance to the binders and headers of the present time. Mr. Ferrel even cradled large portions of his wheat crop in those early years and all the farmers would unite to harvest and thresh. At that day many believed that the Walla Walla valley would be abandoned as soon as the mines to the eastward were exhausted and many refused to take up land and settle. At times Mr. Ferrel may have become discouraged but with stout heart he pressed on and his diligence and determination have at length secured a substantial reward. His crops today bring ten per cent on an investment rated at one hundred dollars per acre and he and his sons have built up a grain growing business that is as carefully, methodically and successfully managed as any mercantile establishment. The old homestead is located on Russell creek, about eight miles east of Walla Walla, and thereon Mr. Ferrel resided until 1902, when he took up his abode in the city, where he has one of the most handsome homes to be found in southeastern Washington. In the meantime he had added to his possessions until he became the owner of three thousand acres of farm land, which make him one of the county's most substantial and prosperous citizens. All that he has acquired in the course of an active and busy life has been won since he came to Washington and most of it has been made in the past twenty or twenty-five years.
Mr. and Mrs. Ferrel became the parents of eight children, seven of whom survive, as follows: Thomas J., who is engaged in farming in Walla Walla county; Rosella E., the wife of Walter Barnett, an agriculturist of Walla Walla county; Seth A., David B. and Joseph W., all of whom follow farming in Walla Walla county; Fidelia C., the wife of Charles Maxson, who is a farmer residing in Walla Walla; and Myrtle M., who gave her hand in marriage to Thomas Jones, an agriculturist of Walla Walla county.
Mr. Ferrel gives his political allegiance to the republican party, which he has continuously supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist church and have ever been loyal to its teachings, while to its work they have been generous contributors. They are among the most highly esteemed citizens of Walla Walla, where they have resided since early pioneer times, and there is no phase of the county's development and improvement in all the intervening years with which they are not familiar. In his business affairs Mr. Ferrel has ever displayed indefatigable energy, close application and persistency of purpose and his record indicates that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously.
FRANK FITZGERALD.
Frank Fitzgerald, who is devoting his time and energies to the operation of an excellent farm on section 34, township 13 north, range 42 east, Garfield county, was born in Tennessee, April 17, 1855, a son of Alford and Temperance (Bradshaw) Fitzgerald, natives respectively of Virginia and North Carolina, who were married, however, in Tennessee. In 1860 the family removed to Missouri and later in the same year the father passed away. The mother continued to reside in that state until her death in 1906. All of their four children survive.
Frank Fitzgerald passed the greater part of his boyhood and youth in the state of Missouri, as he was but five years of age at the time of the removal there, and his education was that afforded by the public schools. In 1887 he removed to Garfield county, Washington, and for thirteen years operated rented land but in 1900 bought his present farm of three hundred and twenty acres on section 34, township 13 north, range 42 east. His success has been based upon the sure foundation of hard work and the most rigorous attention to the task in hand.
Mr. Fitzgerald was married September 23, 1880, to Miss May Temple, who was born in Wisconsin, and they have eleven children, namely: Pearl, the wife of S. E. Fanning; Harold, Frank and Justin, all now in the United States army; Letta, the wife of Emery Dye; Alford; Otto; Opal; Louise; and two deceased.
Mr. Fitzgerald supports the republican party at the polls and for years has been a member of the school board, in which connection he has been instrumental in securing gratifying progress in the educational system of his locality. He is well known and highly esteemed and his personal friends are many.
LEE BARNES.
Lee Barnes, who is now filling the position of sheriff in Walla Walla county, was born in Boone county, Missouri, July 20, 1866. His father, John S. Barnes, is a native of Sangamon county, Illinois, born in February, 1828, and is still a resident of Oregon, having reached the ninetieth milestone on life's journey. His life has been devoted to the occupation of farming. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Lucinda J. Sims, was born in Kentucky and is deceased. In their family were seven children who are still living: M. C., who is a resident of Boone county, Missouri; J. T., living in Touchet, Washington; C. H., a resident of Yakima, Washington; Lucy J., the wife of John W. Parks, of Freewater, Oregon; W. W., also a resident of Freewater; Lee, of this review; and Joseph S., of Kansas City, Missouri.
Lee Barnes largely obtained his education in Saline county, Missouri, and afterward became a barber, following his trade at various places in his native state for seventeen years. On the expiration of that period he turned his attention to the confectionery business in Touchet, Washington, and has since made his home in Walla Walla county. He served for four years as deputy sheriff under Michael Toner and in 1914 was elected to the office of sheriff, in which position he is now serving for the second term, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity and without fear or favor.
In 1859 Mr. Barnes was married to Miss Ollie N. Doty, a native of Iowa and a daughter of Lyman Doty. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have become the parents of two children: Walter S., who married Vela Burns and has two children, Mildred and Audrey; and Lottie, the wife of Elvin Galloway, of Touchet, Washington, by whom she has one child, Elaine. On March 6, 1902, Mrs. Barnes passed away, sincerely mourned by her family and her many friends.
In politics Mr. Barnes has always been a stalwart advocate of democratic principles and has given earnest support to the party. He holds membership in the Baptist church and his life has been guided by its principles. Those who know him esteem him highly, for his marked characteristics of manhood and citizenship are those which commend him to the warm regard, the confidence and the goodwill of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
ROY ROBERT CAHILL.
Well qualified for his chosen calling, Roy Robert Cahill has made for himself a creditable position among the able attorneys of Dayton. Moreover, he deserves representation in this volume as one of the native sons of Columbia county, where his birth occurred June 19, 1884. He is a son of Alph P. and Irene M. (Starr) Cahill. The father is now cashier of the Broughton National Bank and a leading and influential business man of this section of the state.
Roy Robert Cahill was educated in the public schools of Dayton, after which he attended Whitman College at Walla Walla, there winning the degree of Bachelor of Arts upon the completion of a classical course in 1909. He thus laid broad and deep the foundation upon which to build the superstructure of professional learning. After his graduation from Whitman he entered the law department of Columbia University and there won his law degree as a member of the class of 1912. Following his graduation he returned to Dayton, where he opened an office and entered upon the practice of his chosen profession, which he has since followed independently.
In 1913 Mr. Cahill was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Criffield, a daughter of W. R. Criffield, of Walla Walla. He belongs to Dayton Lodge, No. 26, F. &. A. M. and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is widely known as a representative young business man, possessing marked ability and enterprise, and that his has been a well spent life is indicated in the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time.
REV. ALEXANDER WALTER SWEENEY.
After a useful and well spent life Alexander W. Sweeney passed away on the 28th of November, 1903, honored and respected by all who knew him. He was born in Savannah, Hardin county, Tennessee, January 25, 1825, but before he was five years of age accompanied his parents on their removal to Arkansas, the family locating near Fayetteville, which was then a frontier settlement with no educational advantages. Being unable to attend school he was taught the elementary branches by his father until the latter's death, which occurred in 1833 when our subject was still quite young. The father had a contract with the government to carry the United States mail and during his illness the son often took the mail.
After his father's death Alexander W. Sweeney started out to make his own way in the world and was apprenticed to a tanner, whose cruelty soon forced him to leave and seek the protection of an older brother. During the autumn of 1839 while attending a camp meeting near Fayetteville, he joined the Cumberland Presbyterian church and desirous of becoming a minister, was received under the care of the Arkansas Presbytery as a probationer when about eighteen years of age. A school of academic grade had been established in the community and Mr. Sweeney became a student there, in the meantime working for his support and doing his studying at night.
When in his nineteenth year he was licensed to preach and according to the custom of his church was put on the circuit to preach a part of each year. During a period of six months of continuous service on the circuit he received only two dollars and forty cents in money, one pair of home knit socks and had his horse shod free. For four or five years he continued to attend school as opportunity afforded while preaching and in that time made sufficient progress in his studies to enable him to enter the sophomore year in college. Accordingly he went to Princeton, Kentucky, where he attended Cumberland College until 1850, and then returned to the Arkansas Presbytery, where he was at once ordained to the ministry at the age of twenty-five years, having spent eight years in preparation for his chosen work.
Soon after his ordination Rev. Sweeney joined a company of gold hunters who with ox teams crossed the plains and arrived at a gold camp on the American river in California, August 26, 1850. The following Sunday he preached to a company of miners that collected under the shade of a live oak tree, thus beginning a ministry on the Pacific coast which lasted until his physical health failed him. In 1851 he went to the Willamette valley in Oregon and was present as a visitor at the organization of the Oregon Presbytery, November 3, 1851. For seven years he preached throughout the Willamette valley, exerting a strong moral influence wherever he went.
On the 15th of July, 1852, Rev. Sweeney was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Allen, of Marion county, Oregon, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Benson) Allen. Of the three children born to Rev. and Mrs. Sweeney, Adelia, the eldest, died at the age of fifteen years. Those still living are Samuel B. and Mrs. Adna Sharpstein.
On account of throat trouble Mr. Sweeney and his family went to California in 1858 and remained in that state for about four years, during which time he taught school for a year and a half at Sonoma, being principal of the female department of a Presbyterian college. In 1862 he again came north, going with the gold seekers to Clearwater, Idaho, where he devoted his time to the work of the ministry and to his duties as justice of the peace. In 1867 he removed to Umatilla Landing on the Columbia river in Oregon, where he not only engaged in preaching but also taught school. There was no organized church at that place but he was paid about six hundred dollars by popular subscription, which was the best salary he had ever received for his ministerial services up to that time. For one year he served as superintendent of schools for Umatilla county.
In 1869 Mr. Sweeney returned to California, traveling by way of the Columbia river and Pacific ocean, and during his sojourn in that state taught school under supervision of the church at Collegeville, about eight miles from Stockton, in San Joaquin county for a year and a half, and on his retirement from that work returned to Oregon, spending two years at Albany. From there he came to western Washington about 1872 and did considerable missionary work among the pioneers of this region, traveling over a large territory, more than one hundred miles in extent. He started the first Presbyterian church in Walla Walla with but two members. He preached in Waitsburg, Dayton, Pomeroy and Colfax and often held services in school houses and groves throughout the country. Failing health at length caused him to retire from the active work of the ministry after thirty-five years of most faithful service. He preached occasionally up to the year 1900. His wife was a most competent help and by her good management made the sunset of his life much easier financially. His unselfish life and devotion to the work of the Master gained him the unqualified regard of all with whom he came in contact. Although now eighty-one years of age, Mrs. Sweeney is still well preserved, being strong and active and able to do considerable work, including the care of her own garden. Her intellect seems unimpaired and she appears to be much younger than she really is. She was always a faithful wife, a capable financier and a hard worker, being able to support herself and children and secure the property which kept Mr. Sweeney in comfort during his declining years.
GUY S. DEMARIS.
An excellent farm of one hundred and thirty acres pays tribute to the care and labor bestowed upon it by Guy S. Demaris, whose place is situated on section 12, township 7 north, range 37 east, in Walla Walla county. He was born November 4, 1885, on the farm where he now resides, his parents being Orlando and Mary (Lewis) Demaris, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. His youthful days were spent under the parental roof and he early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops, dividing his time between the acquirement of an education in the district schools, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. He also had the advantage of a business course in the Empire Business College at Walla Walla and after completing his studies he worked for his brothers, Fred and David, in connection with their farming operations. In 1912 he began farming on his own account and has since given his attention to general agricultural pursuits. He took charge of the old home place of one hundred and thirty acres, which he is now cultivating, and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place indicates his careful supervision and his practical and progressive methods. The farm is divided into fields of convenient size by well kept fences, there are substantial buildings upon the land and he utilizes the latest improved machinery in carrying on the work of the fields. He annually harvests good crops and is winning success as the years go by.
On the 25th of December, 1906, Mr. Demaris was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Tash, a daughter of Andrew J. Tash, one of the pioneers of Walla Walla county, still living on Mill creek. To this marriage were born two children but both have passed away.
In his political views Mr. Demaris is a democrat but not an office seeker. He belongs to Welcome Lodge, No. 117, I. O. O. F., of Dixie, and to Walla Walla Encampment, No. 3, and is also a member of the Uniformed Rank, Canton No. 1, of Walla Walla. He and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian church and in social circles they occupy an enviable position, many of the best homes of their section of the county extending to them warm-hearted hospitality and welcome. Their good qualities are many and in matters of friendship they are always loyal and true.
JAMES T. ALLEN, D. M. D.
Among the able practitioners of dentistry in Washington is Dr. James T. Allen, who follows his profession in Dayton, his native city. He was here born on the 26th of December, 1877, and is a representative of one of the old pioneer families established in this section of the state in 1874. His parents were Albert O. and Sarah B. (Allen) Allen, the former a native of Tennessee, while the latter was born in Oregon. The father was reared in the state of his nativity and in 1872, at the age of twenty-three years, he made his way westward, remaining for about a year in Texas and then continuing his journey toward the Pacific coast. He spent another year in San Francisco and in 1874 arrived in Dayton. Subsequently he took up his abode upon a farm six miles east of the city and in the years that followed he acquired four hundred and eighty acres of excellent land. He continued upon his farm for some time, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and annually gathering good crops, which brought to him a very gratifying income. At length he retired from farm work and took up his abode in Dayton, where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in 1899. He was quite prominent in public affairs, serving as deputy sheriff under Al Weatherford and while in that capacity he assisted in the capture of a notorious band of cattle thieves that had been raiding the country around for some time. His death was occasioned by being thrown from a horse and dragged for a considerable distance while in the mountains after an outlaw. His widow is still living and makes her home with her son James.
To the public school system of Dayton, James T. Allen is indebted for his early educational training. He passed through consecutive grades to his graduation from the high school with the class of 1897 and later he became a student in Whitman College, where he spent two years. In the fall of 1899 he entered the North Pacific Dental College at Portland, Oregon, and there won his D. M. D. degree upon graduation with the class of 1902. After completing the course he opened dental offices in Waitsburg, where he practiced for two years but in 1904 returned to his native city, where he has since been in continuous and successful practice. He is recognized as one of the skilled dentists of southeastern Washington and has been accorded a very liberal patronage.
In 1906 Dr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Zada Estelle Baldwin, of Dayton, a daughter of Daniel Baldwin, now deceased, who was one of the pioneers of Columbia county. Dr. and Mrs. Allen have one child, Grace Corinne.
Fraternally Dr. Allen is connected with Dayton Lodge, No. 26, F. & A. M.; and Dayton Lodge, No. 3, K. P. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party but he does not seek nor desire office. On November 7, 1917, Dr. Allen was honored by appointment of Governor Lister to the position of member of the State Board of Dental Examiners, a recognition which justly reflects his high professional standing. His life stands in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, for in the city of his birth Dr. Allen has made for himself a most creditable and enviable position in professional circles and enjoys a practice that many an older representative of the profession might well envy.
FRANK FAURE.
Frank Faure, proprietor of the McFeely Hotel in Walla Walla, has been a resident of this city since 1902 and has made for himself a creditable position in its business circles. He was born in France, August 13, 1884, a son of Jean and Marie (Grant) Faure. The father was a farmer by occupation and spent his entire life in his native country, where he and his wife reared a family of three children, Jean and Leon being now soldiers of the French army. Frank Faure acquired a common school education in France and afterward attended the Superior school of La Mure Isère. After putting aside his textbooks he sought the opportunities offered in the new world, crossing the Atlantic in 1902, when a young man of eighteen years. Making his way westward to Walla Walla, he here became engaged in the hotel business and now owns and conducts the McFeely Hotel, located at Fourth and Alder streets. He has made of this a popular hostelry, catering to high-class trade, and his business has steadily grown because of the comforts which he affords to his guests.
In 1911 Mr. Faure was united in marriage to Miss Mary Daffis and they have a daughter, Frances. In his political views Mr. Faure is a democrat. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and with the Knights of Columbus, his association with the latter organization indicating his membership in the Catholic church. For fifteen years he has resided in Walla Walla, where he has become widely and favorably known, and he has never had occasion to regret his determination to try his fortune in the new world, for he here found good business opportunities and in their utilization has worked his way steadily upward.
ALBERT E. CORBETT.
A well spent life was that of Albert E. Corbett, whose industry and integrity in business affairs won him success and the respect of his fellowmen. He possessed many sterling traits of character, so that his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret among those with whom he was associated. He was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, December 7, 1855, and was a son of John and Jane (Lewis) Corbett.
Albert E. Corbett was reared at home and under the direction of his father learned the miller's trade. In 1889 he left his family in Ontario and came to the west, looking for an opening that would give him better opportunities to attain success and to establish a home for his wife and children. He first located in Columbia county, where he secured a position as night miller in the Touchet Flouring Mills, then owned by Henry Richardson. Two months later, however, the mill closed down for the winter and Mr. Corbett went to the coast, looking for work. Not finding suitable employment in Seattle or Tacoma, he went on to Victoria, British Columbia, where he secured a situation in a sawmill. In May of the following year he was there joined by his brother, Judson A. Corbett, who also found employment in the same mill. While working there Mr. Corbett was writing to friends in Columbia county, Washington, and learned of a chance to buy the Touchet Mills. In the fall of 1892 he made his way to Huntsville therefore, and in company with his brother, Judson A., bought the mill. They had saved about five hundred dollars each from their wages and this amount was used as the first payment on the purchase price of the mill. Within the following two years they paid off the entire indebtedness on the property, which was thus free from all encumbrance. In the spring of 1890 Mr. Corbett sent for his wife and family, who joined him in Victoria, coming to the west with his brother, Judson A.
It was in April, 1885, that Mr. Corbett was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Baker and to them were born four children, three of whom are still living, namely: Lewis, who is engaged in the automobile business in Dayton; Gertrude, who is a teacher in the schools of Dixie, Washington; and Florence, at home. The wife and mother passed away in May, 1895, and in May, 1899, Mr. Corbett was united in marriage to Miss Laura Baker, a sister of his former wife. She is a graduate of the Normal School of Ottawa, Canada, and is a woman of liberal education and of broad culture and refinement. By this marriage there were born two children, Helen and Emma, both at home.
For many years Mr. Corbett continued successfully in the milling business and as his financial resources increased he invested in property, becoming the owner of a farm in a section of land in Alberta, Canada and also acquired an interest in a farm in Ontario. Mrs. Corbett still holds both these places. His carefully managed business affairs and his judicious investments enabled him to leave his family in very comfortable circumstances. He was a member of the Woodmen of the World and also held membership in the Episcopal church, to the teachings of which he was most loyal. His wife and children also belong to the same church. In that faith Mr. Corbett passed away December 10, 1906, his death being the occasion of deep and widespread regret not only to his immediate family but also to the many friends whom he had won during the period of his residence in the northwest. Mrs. Corbett survives her husband and has proven herself a capable business woman, wisely managing the property left to her. She is widely and favorably known in this section of the state.
MRS. MARY C. NICHOLS.
Mrs. Mary C. Nichols, of Dayton, is widely and favorably known as one of the worthy pioneer women of Columbia county, where she owns valuable farm property from which she derives a gratifying annual income. She was born in Wisconsin in 1854 and is a daughter of A. C. and Oral A. (Pelton) Woodward, who were natives of Wisconsin, whence they crossed the plains to Washington in 1860, settling in Old Walla Walla county, near Dayton. They became identified with the farming interests of that locality and upon their ranch spent their remaining days. In their family were eight children, four of whom are yet living.
Their daughter, Mary C., was a little maiden of but six years when the trip was made to Washington, so that practically her entire life has been passed in the northwest. She was but sixteen years of age when in June, 1870, she gave her hand in marriage to Isaac Wallace Monnett, a native of Ohio, who came to Washington in 1869 and settled on a farm ten miles southeast of Dayton. Mr. and Mrs. Monnett became the parents of three children: Oral, who is the wife of Grant Lowe; Elizabeth, who has departed this life; and A. A. Monnett, who is a hardware and implement merchant of Dayton. The husband and father passed away in 1876 and for nine years Mrs. Monnett remained a widow. In 1885 she became the wife of F. J. Nichols and to them have been born four daughters: Minnie, who is the wife of C. C. Kifer, of California; Grace, who is a graduate of the Walla Walla high school and is at home; Mary L., who is the wife of J. B. Thompson; and Hazel E., the wife of C. E. McQuary.
Mrs. Nichols still owns what is known as the old Monnett homestead of five hundred and sixty acres, all of which is fine wheat land. It is a valuable property from which she derives a gratifying annual income. She also owns an attractive residence in the city of Dayton and she is numbered among the worthy pioneer women of this section of the state. For fifty-seven years she has lived in Washington and has therefore witnessed the greater part of the growth and development of the commonwealth. Events which to others are matters of history are to her matters of personal knowledge and she can relate many interesting incidents of the early days when the great stretches of land were unclaimed and uncultivated, when forests were uncut, when rivers were unbridged and when the work of progress seemed dim and distant in the future. The most farsighted at that time could not have dreamed of the wonderful changes which were to occur and transform southeastern Washington into a well settled and populous district in which are to be found all of the advantages and all and more of the opportunities of the older east. Mrs. Nichols is a member of the Congregational church and her many excellent traits of character have gained for her respect and popularity among her many friends.
L. L. HUNT.
L. L. Hunt is familiar with the methods of Indian warfare in the northwest, as he early became connected with the army in this section of the state. Since then he has been active in business along various lines and step by step has progressed until he is now in possession of a handsome competence that enables him to live retired. He makes his home in College Place, Walla Walla county, and has important farming interests on section 36, township 7 north, range 35 east. His career in many respects has been an eventful one. The width of the continent separates him from his birthplace, for he is a native of Maine. He was born on the 2d of August, 1855, his parents being George and Mary Ann (Prescott) Hunt, both of whom were representatives of old families that sent forth soldiers to the Revolutionary war. Both the father and mother spent their entire lives in the Pine Tree state.
L. L. Hunt was reared under the parental roof until he reached the age of sixteen years, when he left home and went to Boston, Massachusetts, where for four years he was engaged in railroading. The opportunities of the west, however, attracted him and he left New England, making his way to Nevada. Locating in Carson City, for more than a year he there worked in the timber region, and in 1876 he went to San Joaquin county, California, where he engaged in driving a team during the following winter. In 1877 he came to Walla Walla, where he worked for the government during the Joseph Indian war, driving a team used for transportation of supplies. A year later he became identified with Joe Woodworth in the operation of the old Cayuse stables in Walla Walla. He was connected with the conduct of this business for about three years and then turned his attention to farming on the Eureka Flats, becoming one of the large operators on the flats. He homesteaded, preempted and also took up a timber claim and he likewise purchased railroad land, owning at one time seven quarter sections. He farmed altogether seventeen hundred acres of rented land and he remained on the flats for about twelve years. He next removed to Walla Walla but after a year took up his abode at College Place, where he engaged in gardening. Subsequently he organized the L. L. Hunt Fruit & Produce Shipping Company and built up the business to extensive proportions, his interests becoming one of the chief industries of this section. He managed his affairs wisely and well and prosperity resulted. He now has retired from active business life and is enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly merits.
In 1888 Mr. Hunt returned to Boston for his bride and was there married on the 21st of October of that year to Miss Olivia Crosby. She was born in Nova Scotia and came to the United States at the age of sixteen years, her parents continuing in Nova Scotia, where they passed away. Mr. Hunt brought his bride to the west and they have since been widely and favorably known in this section of the state. They are consistent members of the Presbyterian church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest, and Mr. Hunt is now serving as one of the elders of the church. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and while living on the Flats he served for two years as postmaster. He also belongs to Trinity Lodge, No. 121, I. O. O. F. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Pioneers Association and are honored as among the early settlers who have contributed in marked measure to the upbuilding and progress of this section of the country. Mr. Hunt has led a most busy, active and useful life. From the time when he became connected with a military post on the frontier he has done everything in his power to further the interests and development of this section of the country and his business affairs, too, have been of a character that have contributed to public progress and improvement as well as to personal success. His memory compasses the period when the majority of homes in this section of the state were little cabins, when few roads had been laid out, when the forests were uncut and the streams unbridged. He has lived to witness many changes since those days and in the work of transformation has borne his full share.
GEORGE F. PRICE.
George F. Price is actively identified with farming interests in Columbia county, while making his home in Dayton. He is one of the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred within its borders January 7, 1874. His parents were Alexander and Clarinda J. (Anderson) Price, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. He spent his youthful days under the parental roof and mastered the branches of learning taught in the district schools, supplementing his early education by a commercial course in the Empire Business College at Walla Walla. He also attended the Gem City Business College at Quincy, Illinois, and when his studies were completed he became the active assistant of his father in farming enterprises. This association was maintained until the father's death, after which George F. Price operated the lands that constituted the family estate for several years. He is the owner of six hundred and forty acres of rich and valuable land and, also cultivating other tracts, is now successfully engaged in farming three thousand acres. This places him among the principal agriculturists of the county and in managing his business affairs he displays sound judgment, unremitting industry and notable perseverance. His record is therefore one crowned with success.
In 1903 Mr. Price was united in marriage to Miss L. Minerva Guernsey, a daughter of Dennis C. Guernsey, who took up his abode among the pioneer settlers of Columbia county and now resides in Starbuck. Mr. and Mrs. Price have two children, Dennis Alexander and Elizabeth Jane.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Price is a Knight of Pythias, belonging to Dayton Lodge, No. 3. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party and he is serving at the present time as a member of the city council and also as a member of the Dayton school board. He is much interested in everything that pertains to the public welfare and cooperates heartily in those measures and movements which are a matter of civic virtue and of civic pride. His wife is a member of the Congregational church and their influence is always felt on the side of reform and improvement. It is as a business man, however, that Mr. Price is perhaps best known and aside from controlling mammoth agricultural interests he is a director of the Columbia National Bank and a director of the Edwards-Hindle Company, which controls the leading mercantile establishment of Dayton. The call of opportunity is ever to him a call to action and one to which he readily responds. His power has grown through the exercise of effort. He has readily adapted himself to changing conditions in the business world and as he has progressed step by step he has gained a broader outlook and wider opportunities.
CONRAD HENRY KASEBERG.
Conrad Henry Kaseberg, a well known retired wagon maker residing in Walla Walla, was born in Germany, March 10, 1834, a son of Johannes and Mary Christina (Rumpf) Kaseberg, also natives of Germany, where they passed their entire lives.
Conrad Henry Kaseberg passed his boyhood and youth in his native country and there received his education. In 1857, when a young man, he crossed the Atlantic on a sailing vessel which docked at Baltimore, Maryland. From that city he removed to St. Louis, Missouri, whence, after a few weeks, he removed to Weston, Missouri, where his brother lived, and some three months later he went to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he remained from October, 1857, to June, 1859. The following two years were spent in St. Louis, after which he went to California. In 1867 he left the Golden state and returned to St. Louis, where he was married and where he continued to live until 1871, his business being across the river in Venice, Illinois. It was in that year that he came to Walla Walla county, Washington, and purchased the home where he still lives in the city of Walla Walla. He worked at the wagon maker's trade, which he had learned in Germany, having a shop at Second and Alder streets, until 1887, and he then bought seven hundred acres of fine wheat land on Dry creek, eleven miles out of Walla Walla, which he operated for a time and which he still owns, deriving a gratifying income from its rental. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Savings Bank.
Mr. Kaseberg was married on Christmas day, 1867, to Miss Augusta D. Timmermeister, also a native of Germany, and they became the parents of one child, who, however, died in infancy. Mrs. Kaseberg passed away in February, 1912, and was laid to rest in the Mountain View cemetery. She was an active member of the Lutheran church and her life was that of a devout Christian.
Mr. Kaseberg also belongs to that church and has never failed to give both his moral and financial support to its work. Fraternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge of Walla Walla. He is a republican in politics but his interest in public affairs is only that of a loyal citizen, though he served one year on the city council. He is a self-made man, having come to this country empty-handed, but through the opportunities here offered and his industry and good management he has gained financial independence. He has reached an advanced age but is still keen of mind and active of body and is accorded the honor due those who have behind them the record of a long and honorable life.
JOHN A. LANE.
John A. Lane, concentrating his efforts and attention upon general agricultural pursuits, cultivating eleven hundred acres of land, makes his home on section 24, township 8 north, range 36 east, in Walla Walla county. Almost the width of the continent separates him from the place of his birth, which was in Cameron county, Pennsylvania. He was born September 28, 1878, a son of Joseph and Mary (Berfield) Lane, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. The father was born in Philadelphia, where his youth was spent. His father died when the son was a lad in his teens and the burden of the support of the family fell upon his shoulders. He bravely met the task and throughout his entire life displayed the same spirit of resolution and energy. He continued his residence in his native state until 1880, when he came west to Walla Walla county, Washington, and took up his abode upon a farm near the present home of his son John. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and as his financial resources increased kept adding to his holdings until his landed possessions aggregated three hundred and forty-six acres. He continued to give his undivided time and attention to his farming interests until death called him on the 10th of September, 1905. His widow is still living and now resides with a daughter in Walla Walla.
John A. Lane was educated in the district schools and in the Waitsburg Academy, which he attended through the winter months, while the summer seasons were devoted to farm work. Upon the completion of his education he began farming on his own account, renting a tract of three hundred and twenty acres of land in the township where he still resides. He cultivated that place for three years and then took up a homestead in what was Yakima county, now Benton county. This he improved and cultivated for five years and he still owns that place. In 1907, however, he returned to the old homestead farm, which is owned conjointly by himself and his mother. He cultivates this place of three hundred and forty-six acres and rents adjoining land, operating altogether eleven hundred acres. He has thus come to rank with the leading and extensive farmers of his section of the state and his business affairs are carefully managed and conducted.
On October 16, 1898, Mr. Lane was united in marriage to Miss Nora P. Smith, a daughter of Mrs. Charles Ellis, of Dixie. Her father died during her infancy and her mother afterward married again. To Mr. and Mrs. Lane have been born three children of whom two are living, Dorothy M., who is attending the Walla Walla high school, and John A., Jr.
In his political views Mr. Lane maintains an independent attitude, voting for men and measures in preference to party dictation. He is now serving on the school board and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and his wife and daughter hold memberships in the Christian church. The members of the family are highly esteemed in the part of the county where they reside and have a circle of friends almost coextensive with their circle of acquaintances.
JESSE DRUMHELLER.
Jesse Drumheller, deceased, an honored pioneer of the west of 1852, was during the remainder of his life a prominent factor in the advancement of the business interests and development of this section of the country. Widely known, his life history cannot fail to prove of interest to the many friends who still cherish his memory, and it is therefore with pleasure that we present this record of his career to our readers. His birth occurred in Tennessee in 1835. There the first eight years of his life were passed, after which he accompanied his parents on their removal to Missouri, the family home being established near Springfield, where he remained until 1851. He then located near Savannah, Missouri, where he remained for a year, and in 1852 he heard and heeded the call of the west. He started out across the plains with ox teams for Washington and located in Cowlitz county, where he turned his attention to the lumber business. Soon afterward he removed to California, where for several years he engaged in mining, and in 1855 he became a resident of Oregon. There he joined the Oregon Volunteers for service in the Indian war and was sent to Walla Walla. During the eleven months in which he was a part of that command he participated in several severe engagements with the red men and aided in winning the victory which crowned the arms of the white troops. After the cessation of hostilities he entered the employ of the United States government and assisted in building the government posts at The Dalles, at Walla Walla, at Colville and at Simcoe. His activities thus became an important factor in the development of this section of the country. In 1859 he took up his abode on land two miles south of Walla Walla and turned his attention to stock raising and general farming, a business which he followed until about 1900. In this he prospered and from time to time added to his holdings until his landed possessions aggregated nearly six thousand acres. He thus carried on farming most extensively and in 1899 his crop of wheat amounted to about sixty-five thousand bushels. He followed the most progressive methods in the development of his land and stood at all times as one of the most enterprising and representative farmers of the northwest. He also carried on stock raising with success and his diligence and determination brought him prominently to the front in connection with the line of his chosen occupation.
On the 8th of October, 1863, in Walla Walla, Mr. Drumheller was united in marriage to Miss Martha A. Maxson, a pioneer of 1859. They became the parents of five sons: Samuel, of Calgary, Alberta; Oscar; George, a stock-raiser of Walla Walla; Thomas J., who is engaged in the hardware business with his older brother, Oscar, they being members of the well known firm of Drumheller & Company, dealers in hardware, furniture and crockery; and R. M., collector of customs at Seattle.
Jesse Drumheller was a member of the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in the lodge and in the chapter. His death occurred on December 2, 1907. He stood in the front rank among those who have planted civilization in the northwest and was particularly active in the growth of Walla Walla county, where for many years he made his home, and his labors were of a nature that contributed in marked measure to the substantial and moral development and upbuilding of this section of the country. He was a progressive business man, wide-awake, alert and energetic, and carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook. While his business interests became very extensive and important, he always found time to cooperate in plans and measures for the public good and was a most loyal and devoted citizen from the time when he aided in subduing the Indian uprising, through the period of later development and progress up to the time when death called him to the home beyond.
OLE HANNAS.
Ole Hannas, who resides on section 31, township 14, range 43, owns ten hundred and sixteen acres of Garfield county's valuable wheat and pasture lands and enjoys an enviable reputation as a successful and representative agriculturist. His present prosperity is entirely attributable to his own efforts, for he came to this state empty-handed about three decades ago. His birth occurred in Norway on the 9th of September, 1866, his parents being Ole and Anna (Kittelsaa) Hannas. The father passed away in that country in 1915, but the mother survives and yet makes her home in Norway.
Ole Hannas received a thorough common school education in his native country and there spent his youth. When twenty-one years of age he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, desiring to test the truth of the many favorable reports which had reached him concerning the opportunities and advantages to be enjoyed in America. After residing for one year in Minnesota he came west to Washington in the fall of 1888 and spent the succeeding winter and spring in Tacoma. In June, 1889, he made his way to Walla Walla and in the following October took up his abode in Garfield county. Having no money to invest in land, he secured employment as a farm hand. At the end of five years, in 1894, having saved his earnings, he began farming for himself on a small scale as a renter. Prosperity attended his efforts and about 1902 he purchased a half interest in five hundred and eighty acres of land where he now resides. From that time his success has been sure and rapid and today his holdings embrace ten hundred and sixteen acres of valuable wheat and pasture land in Garfield county, so that he has become one of the most extensive agriculturists and substantial citizens of the community.
On the 5th of April, 1905, Mr. Hannas was united in marriage to Miss Guri Tveit, crossing over to Norway for his bride, of which country she is a native. They have two children, Orle and John. Mr. Hannas gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is serving as a member of the school board, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. Fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen of the World, while in religious faith both he and his wife are Lutherans. They have won an extensive circle of warm friends throughout the community, being recognized as people of genuine worth whose aid and influence are given on the side of right, progress, reform and improvement.
JAMES B. WARREN.
James B. Warren became the owner of a valuable tract of land on section 4, township 10 north, range 42 east, Garfield county, and also held title to other land, his holdings comprising fourteen hundred acres at the time of his death. He was widely known and his demise was the occasion of much sincere grief. He was born in Franklin county, Tennessee, January 9, 1853, and was a son of Stewart and Louisa (Walker) Warren, both also natives of that state. There the father passed away and later the mother removed with her family to Missouri, where her death occurred in 1875. All of the six children in the family have likewise passed away.
James B. Warren received a common school education and remained with his mother until her death. In 1875 he went to California but only remained there for two years, settling in Polk county, Oregon, at the end of that period. The following year, however, he became a resident of Dayton, Columbia county, Washington, and in 1882 he purchased the farm on which his widow still resides. It comprises eight hundred acres and the buildings are located on section 4, township 10 north, range 42 east. From the operation of that place he derived such a gratifying profit that he was able to add to his holdings and became the owner of fourteen hundred acres, all of which is now in the possession of his widow. He was likewise a stockholder in the Pomeroy Mercantile Company at Pomeroy. He was a keen business man and, adding to this industry, sound judgment and a ready recognition of opportunities, it was but natural that he should gain a signal measure of success.
Mr. Warren was married in 1882 to Miss Marietta McCanse, who was born in Missouri, a daughter of Andrew G. and Margaret E. (Williams) McCanse, both natives of Tennessee, who, however, became early settlers of Lawrence county, Missouri. In 1876 the McCanse family removed to Oregon, but a year later located four and a half miles northeast of Pomeroy, Washington. Subsequently the parents returned to Missouri, where Mrs. McCanse died in 1907, her husband passing away September 8, 1909. Only three of their six children survive.
Mr. Warren was called to his final rest April 17, 1913, and his body was interred in the Chappele cemetery. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias and its teachings concerning the brotherhood of man found exemplification in his daily life. He took the interest of a good citizen in public affairs, although not an office seeker, and his ballot was cast in support of the republican party. He was for a third of a century a resident of Garfield county and during that time had a part in bringing about its development. His acquaintance was unusually wide and his friends were many. Mrs. Warren has retained her residence on the homestead and gives her personal supervision to its operation. The land is fertile, the improvements are modern, and she derives a handsome income from the place.
REV. A. R. OLDS.
Rev. A. R. Olds is superintendent of the Walla Walla County Poor Farm, situated on section 36, township 7 north, range 35 east in that county. He devoted many years of his life to the work of the ministry and then ill health obliged him to discontinue his labors in that connection. He is now making a most excellent record not only as superintendent of the Poor Farm in his care of the indigent ones but also in the management of crop production. He was called to this position in 1914 and has been most efficient in the discharge of all of the tasks that devolve upon him in this connection.
A native of Pennsylvania, his birth occurred in Bradford on the 30th of July, 1854, his parents being Robert D. and Hannah (Corkings) Olds, both of whom were natives of the state of New York, where they were reared and married. Soon afterward they removed to Bradford, Pennsylvania, where the father engaged in the shoe business until 1858, when he removed to Roanoke, Indiana, where he again conducted business as a boot and shoe merchant for twenty-eight years. The mother died in Roanoke and the father afterward came to the west, making his home with his son, Rev. A. R. Olds of this review, at Philomath, Oregon.
A. R. Olds pursued a public school education, supplemented by study in the Roanoke Seminary. He was thirteen years of age when he entered upon an apprenticeship to the shoemaking business, for his father conducted a custom made shoe business in connection with handling the factory product. After completing his apprenticeship A. R. Olds worked at the trade until 1882, when he made his way westward to Oregon, settling in Philomath. A year later he entered the ministry of the United Brethren church and for four years was minister at the college in Philomath. A little later he became connected with the Congregational church as a minister and for almost thirty years devoted his time and energies to the work, filling the pulpit in various churches. After his retirement from a regular charge he continued to do county missionary work until about a year ago. In September, 1896, he arrived in Walla Walla to take charge of the county missionary work but failing health caused him to give only a part of his time to the work in later years. Earnest and zealous in his efforts to upbuild the church, his labors wrought good results. He was not denied the harvest nor the full aftermath of his efforts. His high purpose, his ready sympathy, his words of wisdom all combined to act as an influencing factor drawing men to a better life.
In 1914 Rev. Olds was appointed superintendent of the County Poor Farm of Walla Walla county, in which capacity he has since served, and he has proven himself a master farmer, his crops at the present writing being among the finest in this section of the state. He also displays good business ability in the conduct and management of the Poor Farm and his official service in this connection is characteristic of traits which he has ever displayed, for it has always been his custom to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He never falters in the face of difficulties nor obstacles and his labors have brought good results, both in promoting material and moral progress.
In 1876 Rev. Olds was united in marriage to Miss Etta Fast, of Roanoke, Indiana, by whom he has three children, namely: Earl L., who is a resident of Bend, Oregon; Francis R., living at Klamath Falls; and Ruth, the wife of H. W. Bathany, of Walla Walla.
Rev. Olds gives his political allegiance to the republican party, which he has long supported. He is prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 7, A. F. & A. M.; Walla Walla Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M.; and Oriental Consistory, No. 2, A. & A. S. R., of Spokane. He is likewise a member of Trinity Lodge, No. 121, I. O. O. F., and Walla Walla Encampment, No. 3, I. O. O. F., and in June, 1917, a high honor was conferred upon him, for in that month he was made grand chaplain of the grand lodge of Washington. He also belongs to the Woodmen of the World. He is one of Walla Walla county's most esteemed and representative citizens and enjoys the respect, goodwill and trust of all with whom he has come in contact. Ever ready to extend a helping hand where aid is needed, his character and work have been such as have shed around him much of life's sunshine.
ARTHUR P. BLOOMFIELD.
Arthur P. Bloomfield, who is living retired in Columbia county after many years of successful farming, was born in New Jersey, February 6, 1840, a son of Jonathan and Theodosia (Foster) Bloomfield, the former born in England and the latter in New Jersey, in which state they were married. The father passed away in New Jersey and subsequently the mother became a resident of California, where her demise occurred. To them were born three children, of whom only our subject survives.
Arthur P. Bloomfield was reared in his native state and enjoyed the educational advantages afforded by the common schools. In 1861, when he had attained his majority, he went to California, where for about twenty years he devoted his time to farming and gardening, but in 1880 he came to Old Walla Walla county, Washington, taking up as a homestead the farm on which he still lives. Here he met with success and was able to increase his holdings until he now owns one thousand and ten acres of wheat and pasture land, all within what is now Columbia county. At length, feeling that he had earned a rest, he retired and now leaves to others the active work of the fields. He also owns a half interest in the Palace Hotel at Pullman, from which he receives a rental of two hundred and fifty dollars per month.
Mr. Bloomfield was married in 1874, to Miss Anna Lang, and they became the parents of seven children: Lulu, the wife of Bert Kimball; Ida, who resides in Walla Walla; Hattie, deceased; Frank, who is farming the homestead; and three who have passed away. The wife and mother died Saturday, October 6, 1917, and was laid to rest in Walla Walla cemetery.
Mr. Bloomfield is a stanch supporter of the republican party and has served with credit as a member of the school board and as road supervisor. His career illustrates what may be accomplished in this land of opportunity by persistent hard work and good management, for he began his career empty handed and is now financially independent.
MARTIN HANSEN.
Martin Hansen is a self-made man who has gained a creditable position among the representative and prosperous farmers of Walla Walla county. He arrived in this section of the state empty-handed but he saw the opportunities here offered and has utilized them to good advantage. He is now the owner of a valuable farm property situated on section 33, township 7 north, range 35 east. He was born in Denmark on the 12th of January, 1876, and is a son of Lars and Mary Hansen, who came to the United States when he was a lad of twelve years. The family home was established in Nebraska, four sons of the family having preceded the parents to the new world. There the father and mother located and both passed away in that state, the death of the father occurring in 1915, while his wife died in 1914.
In the common schools of Denmark, Mr. Hansen pursued his education, supplemented by a winter term's study in Nebraska and by two winter terms in Walla Walla county. He also took two six-weeks winter courses at the State College of Washington. He made good use of his time and opportunities in promoting his intellectual development and he has always continued a student of men and events. In other words he has learned much in life through observation and experience and has become a substantial and well informed business man.
It was in 1887 that Martin Hansen crossed the broad Atlantic to the United States and about three years later he made his way to Walla Walla county, Washington, where he was employed for wages for five years. He saved carefully and systematically until his industry and economy had brought him sufficient capital to enable him, in 1895, to engage in farming on his own account. He then rented land and again he practiced economy and industry until in 1897 he had a capital sufficient to enable him to purchase his present home farm of one hundred and fifty-nine acres. Upon that place he has since resided and has made many valuable improvements thereon, among others drilling in 1912 two artesian wells which flow one thousand gallons of water per minute, greatly enhancing the value of the farm. Its splendid appearance is indicative of the care and labor which he has bestowed upon it. He arrived in Walla Walla without capital and today he is one of the substantial farmers of this section of the state, and what means more, the result achieved is due to his industry, his perseverance and his determination alone. He has never been afraid of hard work and he early recognized the eternal principle that industry wins.
Mr. Hansen is a republican in his political views, having supported the party since becoming a naturalized American citizen. He has served for a number of years on the school board and is one of the influential men of his community, his opinions carrying weight regarding public affairs. His life record should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished when energy points out the way.
JAMES H. SCHNECKLOTH.
James H. Schneckloth, the well-known and popular postmaster of Pomeroy, was born on the 25th of October, 1868, in Scott county, Iowa, a son of Henry and Margaretha (Kuhl) Schneckloth, who were natives of Germany and on coming to America in early life settled in Scott county, Iowa, where the father engaged in farming for some years. In 1881 he brought his family to Washington and located on a farm near Pomeroy, where he still resides. His wife died in 1914. To them were born eight children and seven of them survive.
James H. Schneckloth began his education in the public schools of his native county, where the first thirteen years of his life were passed in much the usual manner of farmer boys in the middle west. He then accompanied his parents on their removal to Washington and here grew to manhood. On starting out in life for himself he engaged in the stock business and is still interested in that enterprise. As time passed he prospered in his undertakings and is today the owner of a fine stock ranch of one thousand acres.
In 1912 Mr. Schneckloth was united in marriage to Miss Rose Dougherty, and to them has been born a daughter, Janet M. They are members of the Episcopal church, and Mr. Schneckloth is also identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Foresters. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the democratic party and he has taken a very active and influential part in public affairs. In 1904 he was elected county treasurer and acceptably filled that office until 1913. In February of the following year he was appointed postmaster of Pomeroy and is now serving in that capacity with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He is a self-made man, whose success in life is due to his own unaided efforts, and he is regarded as one of the leading citizens of the town.
JOSEPH WEIMER.
Joseph Weimer is a resident farmer of Garfield county, his home being on section 20, township 12 north, range 41 east. Ever loyal to his adopted country, he has made himself a creditable position as a leading agriculturist of Garfield county and as a citizen of genuine worth. He was born in Germany, June 3, 1861, and is a son of Casper and Lizzie (Braun) Weimer, who came to the United States in 1886. After arriving on the shores of the new world they made their way direct to the west with Washington as their destination and established their home in Garfield county, where the father filed on a homestead claim five miles northwest of Pomeroy. With characteristic energy he began the development and improvement of that property and devoted his attention to its further cultivation until the time of his death.
Joseph Weimer, whose name introduces this review, acquired his education in the common schools of his native country and in 1884 he set sail for the United States, landing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Crossing the continent without tarrying for any length of time in the east, he at length reached the Pacific coast and spent six months in California. He then came northward into Washington and made his final settlement. He took up a homestead in Garfield county on which he resided for seven years, at the end of which time he bought land and removed to his present home farm on section 20, township 12 north, range 41 east. Upon that place he has since resided. He is one of the self-made men of this state. He came to the northwest in very limited financial circumstances and today he owns three hundred and twenty acres of valuable wheat land in Garfield county. His plate is improved with substantial buildings, with well kept fences and good farm machinery and everything about his place indicates his careful supervision and his practical and progressive methods. The fields give promise of abundant harvests in the autumn and the work of the farm has been carried on in a most modern and effective way.
In 1891 Mr. Weimer was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Andress, a native of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and they have become the parents of four children: Edward Joseph, Frank Henry, Fred and Tillie, all of whom are still under the parental roof. Mr. Weimer and his family are communicants of the Catholic church.
In his adopted land Mr. Weimer has found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has won a substantial measure of success. He has worked diligently and persistently along lines that have led to gratifying results and is now one of the enterprising farmers of Garfield county.
JOHN H. HARER.
John H. Harer is a resident farmer of Walla Walla county, owning and cultivating one hundred and thirty acres of land on section 4, township 6 north, range 35 east. He was born in Lane county, Oregon, on the 25th of February, 1859, his parents being David and Sarah (Standifer) Harer. The father was a native of Arkansas, while the mother was born in Tennessee. They were married in the former state and there resided until 1852, when they determined to try their fortune upon the Pacific coast and removed to Oregon. They settled in Lane county and in 1865 left that locality to become residents of Walla Walla county, Washington, the father having previously made several trips into this part of the country prior to the removal. He secured a homestead claim at Webfoot and later he bought and removed to the farm where Valley Chapel is now located. He kept adding to his original purchase from time to time as his financial resources increased until he was the owner of more than a section of land. Upon that property he died, passing away June 14, 1883. His widow long survived him and departed this life in 1907. During her last nine years she made her home with her son John.
John H. Harer is numbered among the honored pioneer settlers of the northwest, having resided in this section of the country for almost six decades. He acquired a district school education and also attended the public schools of Walla Walla. On reaching manhood he became engaged in the cattle business, with which he was identified for several years, and in 1889 he purchased from the other heirs their interest in the Harer estate and thus came into possession of his present home farm, upon which he has since carried on general agricultural pursuits. The farm originally comprised one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land, but he has recently sold thirty acres of the tract. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and everything about his place indicates his careful supervision, progressive methods and indefatigable energy.
In 1882 Mr. Harer was united in marriage to Miss Eva Waterman, a native of Walla Walla county. Her father was Samuel Waterman, who crossed the plains from Iowa to California in 1860 and in the spring of 1861 arrived in Walla Walla county, taking up his abode in the vicinity of Valley Chapel. He was thus closely identified with the early development and progress of this section of the state until his death, which occurred in January, 1878. His widow survives and is now living with a daughter in Spokane, Washington. To Mr. and Mrs. Harer have been born three children, two of whom survive, namely: Inez, who is the wife of E. S. Gibson, of North Yakima, Washington; and Bertha, the wife of R. L. Ridley, who operates the farm of his father-in-law. Mrs. Harer is a member of the Christian church and is a lady of many admirable characteristics.
Mr. Harer gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He has never sought or desired political office but for several years he served as school director and proved a stalwart champion of the cause of education. Both he and his wife are actuated by a spirit of progress and enterprise in all that they undertake and their interest centers deeply in those affairs which promise to upbuild and develop further the section of the country in which they live.
WILLIAM F. CLUSTER.
William F. Cluster, deceased, was one of the honored and highly esteemed citizens of Pomeroy. His birth occurred in Indiana on the 8th of February, 1831, and his parents were Daniel and Margaret (Tumlin) Cluster, natives of Kentucky and Ohio respectively. About 1861 they removed to Missouri, where both died. In their family were eleven children, all of whom have passed away with the exception of one sister, residing in Missouri.
In the state of his nativity William F. Cluster was reared and educated and on leaving the parental roof at the age of twenty-three years went to Missouri. He crossed the plains to Oregon in 1862 and spent the remainder of his life on the Pacific coast. In 1868 he married Mrs. Mary E. French, a native of Ohio, who only a short time previously had come to the northwest and had located in Oregon, where they continued to make their home until 1871. It was in that year that Mr. and Mrs. Cluster removed to old Walla Walla county, Washington, and took up a claim seven miles from Pomeroy, on which they built a log cabin, this being the family home for four years. They remained on the farm until 1882, when they took up their abode in Pomeroy and here Mrs. Cluster still lives. She continues in possession of the old homestead, which comprises two hundred acres of finely improved land, and owns a forty-acre tract which adjoins the city of Pomeroy. She has six residences in this city and derives a substantial income from all these properties.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Cluster are as follows: Viola E., the wife of C. E. Gray; Florence M., the wife of E. M. Pomeroy; Carrie E., deceased; and E. C., a resident of Pomeroy.
After a useful and well spent life, Mr. Cluster passed away on the 14th of June, 1915, leaving his immediate family as well as many friends to mourn his death. His remains were interred in the Pomeroy cemetery. Mrs. Cluster takes an active part in the work of the Presbyterian church, to which she belongs and is a most estimable lady who has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances in the city and throughout the surrounding country.
W. H. GILLIS.
The family of W. H. Gillis, residing in Dayton, pays fitting tribute to his memory in preserving the record of his life in this history of southeastern Washington. He was born in Montgomery county, North Carolina, and was reared and educated in his native state. In 1867 he was united in marriage to Miss Lucy A. Crump, of Stanly county, North Carolina, a daughter of Stephen and Eliza (Kendall) Crump, both of whom were natives of the Old North state, where they lived and died. They were the parents of five children, all of whom survive. Mrs. Gillis was reared and educated in North Carolina, pursuing her studies in the common schools and afterward in the Greenville and Doranport colleges of that state. To Mr. and Mrs. Gillis were born three children: Lillian, who has departed this life; John A.; and Minnie, who is the wife of J. F. Hall. The death of Mr. Gillis occurred March 2, 1906. He had been a soldier of the Civil war, serving for four years, and was brave and loyal to the cause which he espoused. He never faltered in the performance of any duty that devolved upon him and made an excellent record as a soldier. To his family he was a devoted husband and father and found his greatest happiness in promoting the welfare of his wife and children. In business affairs he was progressive and reliable and his sterling worth was acknowledged in many relations.
On the 16th of June, 1907, Mrs. Gillis became the wife of A. H. Richardson, who died five years later. Mrs. Richardson is the owner of a valuable farm property of five hundred and twenty acres pleasantly and conveniently situated about five miles east of Dayton. Upon this place many modern improvements have been made. The buildings are substantial and commodious, the fences are well kept and everything about the place indicates the progressive spirit of the owner. Mrs. Richardson rents her farm and therefrom derives a gratifying annual income. She also owns one of the finest residences of Dayton and is most comfortably situated in life. She is a member of the Christian church and takes an active interest in promoting the church work. Her social position is indicated by the fact that the hospitality of the best homes of Dayton is freely accorded her.
WILLIAM GAYLORD COLEMAN.
William Gaylord Coleman, a well known member of the Walla Walla bar, was born October 7, 1884, in the city where he still resides. His father, Dan J. Coleman, a native of Bowling Green, Kentucky, became a pioneer farmer of the Eureka Flat district and spent his last days in Walla Walla. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Mattie C. Roberts, was a daughter of E. G. Roberts and was born in an emigrant wagon somewhere along the Platte river while the family were crossing the plains. Her first marriage was with J. W. Cookerly and she later wedded Dan J. Coleman. The family ever has been closely associated with the pioneer development of Washington.
Reared in his native city, William Gaylord Coleman, after mastering the preliminary branches of learning, decided upon the practice of law as a life work and with that end in view entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and was there graduated in June, 1909, "with honors" and with the LL. B. degree. He returned to the northwest, opening an office in Walla Walla, and has since engaged in practice here. In a profession where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit and ability he has made steady progress and public opinion names him as one of the able lawyers of the Walla Walla bar.
On the 5th of September, 1911, in Walla Walla, Mr. Coleman was married to Miss Margaret S. Steel, a daughter of T. S. and Annie J. Steel. They hold membership in the Presbyterian church and Mr. Coleman is a past grand of the Odd Fellows lodge. A lifelong resident of Walla Walla, he has a wide acquaintance and his sterling worth as a man, as a lawyer and a citizen is indicated by the high regard entertained for him by his fellow citizens.
JOHN MARTIN.
John Martin, living retired in Walla Walla after many years devoted to agricultural pursuits, was born in Ireland, January 1, 1842, a son of John and Ann Martin, who spent their entire lives on the Emerald isle. The educational opportunities accorded John Martin were those common to the boys of his time, he attending the national schools, and he remained in Ireland until he was twenty-five years old, when, in 1867, he emigrated to the United States. He first resided in New York state, where he secured employment in a brickyard at Haverstraw, and subsequently went to Baltimore, Maryland, but finding it too hot to suit him there, he went to Chicago, where he was employed by the Armour Packing Company, during the winters for several years, but in summer followed his work of brick burning and helped to manufacture the brick used in the construction of the United States customs house in Chicago. After remaining in the metropolis of the middle west for eight years he came to Walla Walla, Washington, in 1882 and settled on a farm on Dry creek. He operated that place until 1905, when he retired and removed to Walla Walla, where he purchased land and built his home on Grove street, where he has since lived. He is still prominently connected with agricultural affairs, however, as he owns fourteen hundred acres of fine wheat land, all of which is well improved. He gives his personal supervision to the management of his farm although he leaves the actual work of its operation to others. All that he has he has made since coming to Walla Walla county and it is but natural that he should be enthusiastic concerning conditions here.
In 1875, in Chicago, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Sarah McAvaney, a native of Illinois, and they have become the parents of fourteen children, of whom two are deceased, the others being: James, who is now chief of police of Walla Walla; John P., who is farming in Spring valley; Mary, the wife of Joe Martin, who although of the same name is not a relative; Elizabeth, the wife of Albert Schiller; Margaret, the wife of Roy Davies; and Katherine, Agnes, Grace, Theresa, George, Lillian and William, all at home.
Mr. Martin supports the republican party and has served acceptably as member of the school board. He is a communicant of the Catholic church, and his life has been guided by high moral standards. His residence is attractive and up-to-date and he is enjoying all the comforts of his life as the result of his well directed labors and wise investments. Mr. Martin is strong and vigorous for his years but to enjoy the balmy air of the south he spends his winters in Los Angeles, California.
C. F. ACTOR.
C. F. Actor, a grain dealer and warehouse man of Starbuck, was born in Dixie, Washington, on the 27th of October, 1868, a son of H. C. Actor, one of the veterans of the early Indian wars and one of the well known men of the pioneer period of Walla Walla county. He died August 30, 1917, near Dixie and extended mention of him appears elsewhere in this work.
C. F. Actor was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the public schools of Dixie. He also attended the Empire Business College of Walla Walla and thus became well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. In early manhood he worked for a time in Colfax and was variously employed, after which he returned to Walla Walla county and for some time was engaged in farming. In 1902 he removed to Starbuck and entered the grain trade, managing the Alto warehouse for the Alto Warehouse Company for a year. On the expiration of that period he became the representative of the Balfour-Guthrie Company, with which he continued for four years as grain buyer. In 1907 he engaged in the grain business on his own account and since that time has operated independently and successfully, being today one of the well known grain merchants of Columbia county, controlling a business of large volume that brings to him a good financial return.
In 1900 Mr. Actor was married to Miss Lucy May Buroker, daughter of Martin B. Buroker, of Waitsburg, and they have become the parents of five children, four sons and a daughter, namely: Charles M., Alfred A., Grace, Lester E. and Fred F.
In his political views Mr. Actor has ever been an earnest republican since attaining adult age. In January, 1917, he was appointed to fill a vacancy on the board of county commissioners and is now serving in that capacity, in which connection he is making an excellent record, carefully safe-guarding the interests of the county, yet never blocking public progress by useless retrenchment. He belongs to Tucannon Lodge, No. 106, F. & A. M., of Starbuck, and also to Starbuck Lodge, No. 158, I. O. O. F. In 1916 he was representative to the grand lodge of Odd Fellows. He is also identified with Dayton Lodge, No. 3, K. P. In banking circles he is known as a director of the Bank of Starbuck and he ranks with the leading and representative business men and citizens of the town, his aid and influence being always given on the side of progress and improvement. He at all times displays a public-spirited devotion to the general good and has wisely conducted his private business affairs, which have brought to him substantial and merited success.
M. W. SWEGLE.
A successful career has been that of M. W. Swegle, who now follows farming on section 32, township 7 north, range 35 east, in Walla Walla county. He has lived in this county since 1888 and is concentrating his efforts and attention upon the development and improvement of a farm of five hundred and fourteen acres. This is a memorable locality in the history of the state for it is the site of the Whitman massacre--the identical spot on which the atrocities committed by the red men culminated in the murder of the noble Reverend Whitman and his family, those venerable pioneers, who were doing such inestimable work in claiming this region for the purposes of Christian civilization, laying the cornerstone of the foundation for the moral and materially visible development of the entire region.
Mr. Swegle is a western man by birth, training and preference and exemplifies in his life the spirit of enterprise and progress which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of the west, leading to its wonderful development. He was born in Salem, Oregon, June 28, 1861, a son of Charles and Lucinda (Robinson) Swegle. The father was a native of New Jersey, while the mother's birth occurred in Ohio. They were married in Illinois, to which state they had removed with their respective parents, and in 1848 they crossed the plains with ox teams to Oregon, settling first in Clackamas county, although soon afterward they removed to Marion county, taking up their abode near Salem. There the father resided until 1880, when he came with his family to Walla Walla county, Washington, and purchased nine hundred acres of land, a part of which is included within the boundaries of the present home place of M. W. Swegle. In the residence where his son now resides the father passed away on the 7th of May, 1888, and in his death the community mourned the loss of an honored pioneer settler and most respected citizen--one who in every relation of life commanded the goodwill and confidence of those with whom he came in contact. His widow survived him for several years and passed away in November, 1895.
M. W. Swegle was reared upon the old home farm and acquired a common school education. From the time he attained his majority he began farming on his own account and in 1888 he established his home in Walla Walla county. Soon afterward he purchased a section of land, some of which he has since sold, while a portion thereof he deeded to his wife. The present farm, held conjointly by Mr. Swegle and his wife's heirs, comprises five hundred and fourteen acres. This land he has brought to a very high state of cultivation, carrying on farm work along the most progressive lines. He is at all times practical in what he undertakes and the results are therefore substantial and most desirable. He has placed good improvements upon his farm and its neat and attractive appearance indicates his intelligently directed activity.
On the 2d of July, 1890, Mr. Swegle was united in marriage to Miss Libby Brooks, also a native of Oregon, although at the time of her marriage she was living in Walla Walla county. She was a daughter of John Brooks, who came to this county from that of Yamhill in Oregon. He is still living and at the present time is a resident of Portland, Oregon, the beautiful city of roses. To Mr. and Mrs. Swegle were born eight children, seven of whom survive, namely: Floyd and Jesse, who are operating the home farm; May; Alice; Frank; Florence; and Irene. All the children are yet at home. The wife and mother passed away February 19, 1916, her death being the occasion of deep and widespread regret among her many friends. All who knew her sympathized and grieved with the family, to whose welfare and interest she was always most devoted.
Mr. Swegle votes with the democratic party. He has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to give his time to and concentrate his energies upon his own affairs, upon the interests of his home, upon his business and upon those things which help to further the welfare of the community. For thirty years he has been a resident of Walla Walla county and has witnessed many favorable changes during this period, having by his own labors in no small measure contributed to agricultural development.
S. V. DAVIN.
One of the energetic and progressive business men of Walla Walla is S. V. Davin, president and manager of the Washington Weeder Works. He is a native of France, born September 20, 1861, and is a son of Joseph E. and Nomie (Escalle) Davin, who came with their family to America in 1873 and located in California, where the parents continued to make their home until death. Of their thirteen children only two are living, these being Joseph and S. V., of this review.
S. V. Davin was twelve years of age on the emigration of the family to the United States and in the schools of California he completed his education, which was begun in his native land. He remained in the Golden state until 1888, when he came to Walla Walla and spent three years on a ranch in this locality. During the following ten years he engaged in business in the city and was also interested in farming and stock raising, owning sixty-three hundred acres of land in Franklin county, Washington, stocked with sheep, and is president of the Davin-Mitchell sheep and cattle ranch, the company owning one thousand acres of land. Mr. Davin also owns one hundred and ninety-four acres of land west of the garrison, which is worth eight hundred dollars per acre and has two hundred and twenty-five acres at Lowden, Walla Walla county, upon which he keeps both cattle and sheep and has twenty-five cows for dairy purposes. Since 1910, however, Mr. Davin has given his attention largely to the business of the Washington Weeder Works, which is in a flourishing condition, manufacturing a double-disc weeder, which was awarded the gold medal at the Lewis & Clark Exposition as the best weed killer and cultivator exhibited. Besides the property already mentioned Mr. Davin owns a business building, also the Ritz Hotel and three residences in Walla Walla.
In 1893 he was united in marriage to Miss Ardella Haight, who died in 1901, leaving no children, and in 1903 he again married. To this union were born two sons, Jackson Joseph and Virgil Edward Marion. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Davin is an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Eagles, the Moose and the Red Men. In politics he is a republican but has never cared for office. He gives his undivided attention to his extensive business interests, is prompt, energetic and progressive and carries to successful completion what he sets out to accomplish.
HON. JOHN F. ROCKHILL.
Hon. John F. Rockhill owns and operates a farm of five hundred acres of land in Columbia county, upon which he has resided for almost a quarter of a century, having taken up his abode upon that place in 1893. He was born in Marshall county, Iowa, April 29, 1855, a son of Anthony and Rosetta (Robbins) Rockhill, the former a native of Ohio, while the latter was born in the state of New York. They lived for some time in Iowa, but at length determined to try their fortunes upon the Pacific coast and in 1864 crossed the plains, establishing their home in Grande Ronde valley, Oregon. In 1865, however, they removed to the vicinity of Portland and in 1868 they came to Washington, settling in Walla Walla county, where the father rented a farm for two years. In 1870 he removed to a farm near Dayton and upon that place continued to reside until his demise. His widow also spent her last days upon that farm. They had a family of nine children, of whom six are yet living.
Hon. John F. Rockhill of this family was a little lad of nine years when he left his native state in company with his parents and came to the northwest. From the age of thirteen years he has lived in Washington and in the public schools of this section of the state he completed his education. He afterward took up land and engaged in farming, bringing to his duties broad practical experience which had come to him through assisting his father in the development and cultivation of the old home property. In 1885 John F. Rockhill removed to Whitman county, where he resided for eight years, but in 1893 he returned to Columbia county and purchased his present farm, upon which he is now living. He owns five hundred acres of excellent wheat land and in connection with the production of that cereal he is also successfully engaged in raising stock. In a word, his business affairs are capably managed and whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion. He is likewise a stockholder in the warehouse at Turner and at Dayton and is regarded as a prominent figure in the business circles of his section of the state.
In 1877 Mr. Rockhill was united in marriage to Miss Mabel L. Taylor, a native of Iowa, and to them have been born eight children: Don M. a resident of Columbia county; Daisy, now the wife of C. I. Fleming, of Oregon; Hazel, deceased; Luella, who is a graduate of a normal school and is now engaged in teaching; Nora, who has departed this life; Cora, who was graduated from the high school and is now the wife of Edgar Hilbert, of Columbia county; John, who is engaged in farming with his father; and Mabel L., who is also a graduate of the high school and is the wife of Glenn Cecil.
Mrs. Rockhill is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is a lady of many excellent qualities. Mr. Rockhill belongs to Dayton Lodge, No. 136, I. O. O. F. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and in 1915 he was called upon to represent his district in the state legislature, of which he proved an able member, carefully considering the vital and significant problems which came up for settlement and throwing the weight of his influence where he felt that the public good could best be conserved or promoted. For several years he has served on the school board and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He is a self-made man whose business advancement is attributable entirely to his own well directed efforts. Not only has he progressed in a financial way but has also come to be recognized as one of the prominent and influential citizens of Columbia county, where for almost a half century he has made his home, therefore witnessing the greater part of the growth and development of this section of the state. Great indeed have been the changes which have occurred during this period and Mr. Rockhill is numbered among the worthy pioneer settlers.
W. E. SPROUT.
W. E. Sprout is regarded as among the foremost business men of Starbuck, where he is engaged in general merchandising and he also is president of the Bank of Starbuck. He was born in Grundy county, Missouri, on the 31st of January, 1861, a son of Francis M. and Sarah (Winters) Sprout, the former a native of Indiana, while the latter was born in Ohio. They were married in Grundy county, Missouri, to which place they had removed in boyhood and girlhood with their respective parents. Following their marriage the father turned his attention to farming in Grundy county, but at the time of the Civil war he put aside all business and personal considerations to espouse the cause of his country, serving for a year and a half in the Civil war. He was wounded in the battle of Shiloh, losing his right arm. His first wife had died when their son, W. E. Sprout, was an infant of but four months and three years later the father married Miss Sophia Newland. He continued his residence in Missouri until 1888, when he removed to Hutchinson, Kansas, where he was engaged in farming until the death of his second wife in the year 1905. Since that date he has lived retired in Hutchinson, where he still makes his home, being now in the eightieth year of his age.
W. E. Sprout acquired but a limited education, his opportunities being such as the district schools afforded. When not busy with his textbooks he worked in the fields and thus early received the training which well qualified him to begin farming on his own account when he attained his majority. He carried on general agricultural pursuits in Grundy county for three years and in 1884 he came west to Washington, settling in Dayton, where he spent two years as a farm hand, working for wages. In 1886 he invested in land, becoming owner of a farm on the Tucanon, a half mile outside the city limits of the town site of Starbuck. Upon that place he engaged in general farming and stock raising, which business claimed his time and attention until the year 1892, when Starbuck was made a railroad division point and Mr. Sprout then established a butchering business in the village. This was largely done in order to find a profitable market for his cattle. Eight years later, in 1900, he bought out the mercantile business of A. L. O'Neil of Starbuck and has since been prominently identified with the commercial interests of the town. For eight years he carried on the business independently and then, in 1908, organized the Sprout & Barnhart Mercantile Company, which was incorporated with Mr. Sprout as the president and W. H. Barnhart as the secretary and manager of the company. In 1907 Mr. Sprout was also the dominant factor in the organization of the Bank of Starbuck, of which he became president and has since served in that connection. He is thus actively identified with the financial interests of the county and has made the Bank of Starbuck one of the strong and thoroughly reliable moneyed institutions of this section of the state.
In 1890 Mr. Sprout was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Wooten, a native of Columbia county, Washington, and a daughter of W. S. Wooten, who came to this state from Missouri about 1878 and still makes his home in Dayton. Mr. and Mrs. Sprout became the parents of one child, who has passed away, and the wife and mother died in January, 1906. Two years later, in April, 1908, Mr. Sprout was again married, his second union being with Miss Ida Hukill, a native of Walla Walla and a daughter of Allen Hukill, who was one of the early pioneers of Columbia county, taking up a homestead in this section of the state shortly after his arrival in Washington, when the entire region was largely an undeveloped section. To the second marriage of Mr. Sprout has been born one child, Allen M.
In his political views Mr. Sprout is a republican and served as the first mayor after the city of Starbuck was incorporated. He also served for a number of years as a member of the town council and ever exercised his official prerogatives in support of well defined plans and measures for the general good. He likewise served on the school board and the cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion. Fraternally he is connected with Tucannon Lodge, No. 106, F. & A. M., of Starbuck, and also with Starbuck Lodge, No. 158, I. O. O. F. He has recently disposed of his landed possessions but Mrs. Sprout still owns her homestead which she entered prior to her marriage. Mr. Sprout belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and its teachings have been the guiding force in his life, making him a man among men, honored and respected by reason of his sterling worth, his patriotic loyalty in citizenship, his integrity and progressiveness in business and his faithfulness in friendship. In his public offices he has displayed the same spirit of enterprise and recognition of opportunity that has marked his business career, and Starbuck has profited much by his labors.
LESTER LEE ROBISON.
Lester Lee Robison, one of the foremost agriculturists and most extensive sheep growers of Walla Walla county, has in his own name three thousand acres of wheat land and seventy-five hundred acres of grazing land. His home is on section 34, township 8 north, range 35 east. His birth occurred in Dayton, Columbia county, Washington, on the 13th of April, 1884, his parents being Andrew M. and Theodosia (Fall) Robison, the former born in Austin, Texas, March 16, 1854, and the latter in Sidney, Iowa, on the 7th of September, 1857. It was in the year 1872 that the mother came to Washington with her parents, the family home being established near Dayton in Columbia county. Andrew M. Robison made his way to this state in the winter of 1876-7, when a young man of twenty-two years, and after his arrival he secured a contract with the Northern Pacific Railroad Company in construction work. Later he bought stock throughout this section, furnishing meat for the railroad construction gangs, which numbered about seven thousand Chinamen. Subsequently Mr. Robison took up his abode near Dayton and engaged in farming and in the stock business, being recognized for a number of years as one of the extensive stock buyers of this section of the state. In the fall of 1897 he removed to Walla Walla county, locating on Dry creek, four and one-half miles northwest of Walla Walla, where he acquired extensive farm lands, owning at the time of his death some twenty-eight hundred acres. He was widely recognized as one of the influential and leading citizens of southeastern Washington and was a prominent representative of the Masonic fraternity. His demise occurred on the 21st of October, 1907, but his widow survives, making her home in Walla Walla, where she has an extensive circle of friends.
Lester L. Robison acquired his education in the city schools of Walla Walla and also attended the State Agricultural College at Pullman, Washington. After putting aside his textbooks he worked with his father until 1907, when he started out independently as an agriculturist, taking charge of his father's large holdings, which he has managed with marked success to the present time. The property in his own name embraces three thousand acres of wheat land and also some seventy-five hundred acres of grazing land. Moreover, he has been heavily interested in the stock business for a number of years and is one of the foremost sheep growers of Walla Walla county.
On the 11th of September, 1907, Mr. Robison was united in marriage to Miss Elsie Riffle, of Walla Walla, her father being Elihu G. Riffle, who was one of the earliest pioneers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Robison have a daughter, Laura Lee. Politically Mr. Robison is a democrat and fraternally is identified with the following Masonic organizations: Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M.; Walla Walla Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M.; the Knight Templar Commandery; Oriental Consistory, A. & A. S. R.; and El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He also belongs to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E. A young man of enterprise, ambition and ability, he has ably carried forward the work of his honored father and his career bids fair to be one of continued achievement.
JAMES G. WOODEND.
James G. Woodend was one of the prominent farmers of southeastern Washington for many years and won a substantial measure of success by reason of the careful manner in which he developed his fields and managed his business affairs. He was a native of England and came to America when a young man of twenty-seven years. He did not tarry on the Atlantic coast but made his away across the country and took up his abode in Columbia county, Washington, at Starbuck. Here he occupied the position of section foreman for nineteen years and on the expiration of that period turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, purchasing a farm which he at once began to further develop and improve. Year after year he carefully tilled the soil and his plowing and planting, with the careful cultivation of his fields, brought to him substantial harvests which sold at a good figure. He was thus busily and successfully engaged in general farming up to the time of his death. In the intervening years he had added to his holdings as opportunity offered until he had become the owner of sixteen hundred acres of land which is still in possession of his widow, the greater part being wheat land. He was regarded as one of the most prominent men in the valley and his life work indicates what can be accomplished in the way of wheat production in this section of the state. Moreover, his history shows clearly what can be attained by honorable purpose and indefatigable energy.
In 1886 Mr. Woodend was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Bellingham, a native of England, who came to America in the same year. To them were born six children: Isabel, the wife of F. F. Kent; Anna M., who is living in Spokane; Robert G., who follows farming; Thomas S., at home; Marguerite V., the wife of A. J. Burke; and Mildred A., who is a student in the high school at Spokane.
The death of the husband and father occurred on September 21, 1915, and his remains were interred in the Starbuck cemetery. He left a widow and six children to mourn his loss, his demise being also a matter of deep regret to his many friends who sincerely esteemed him. He possessed many sterling traits of character, was thoroughly reliable in business, was public spirited in citizenship, held friendship inviolable and was devoted to the welfare and happiness of his wife and children. Mrs. Woodend still owns and manages her farm property and in fact has added to the sixteen hundred acres left by her husband, making an additional purchase of six hundred and twenty acres, also in Columbia county, so that she now owns over two thousand two hundred acres of valuable land in this section of the state.
M. B. WINCHELL.
M. B. Winchell, who is engaged in general merchandising in Touchet, Walla Walla county, ranks with the foremost business men of this section of the state. A spirit of progress and enterprise actuates him in all that he undertakes and his course has been characterized by a determined purpose. He has ever recognized the fact that when one avenue of success seems closed there can always be marked out another path that will lead to the desired goal. Alert and energetic and thoroughly reliable, his position among the business men of Walla Walla county is indeed enviable. A native son of Washington, he was born at Lyons Ferry on the 28th of March, 1888, his parents being Hezekiah and Alice L. (Palmer) Winchell. The father was a native of Michigan and the mother of the state of New York. They were married, however, in Minnesota, where the father was identified with timber interests for a number of years. In 1883 he brought his family to the west, settling in Walla Walla county, Washington, at which time he filed on a homestead near Lyons Ferry but resided thereon only long enough to prove up on the property. He then took up his abode in Waitsburg and for twenty-two years the family lived in or near that town. The father was engaged in farming during this time. He died in 1905, at the comparatively early age of fifty-six years. The sons in the family continued to make their home with their mother, her death occurring on the 5th of June, 1917. Mr. and Mrs. Winchell were worthy pioneer people of this section of the state and contributed much to its development and progress.
M. B. Winchell pursued his education in the graded schools of Waitsburg and also in the Waitsburg Academy, while subsequently he spent three terms in the Waitsburg high school, which he attended in the winter seasons. In fact his attendance at school was by no means continuous, but he utilized every opportunity to promote his education by entering school whenever he could. His father met with financial reverses and thus Mr. Winchell of this review was obliged early to start out in the business world and provide for his own support. He also earned the money that enabled him to continue his education. After finishing his course of study in the graded schools he devoted two years to work before he entered the academy and there was also a period of two years between his academic course and his high school course. In the meantime, however, he was learning many valuable lessons through experience. He was employed during the summer months and he made every spare hour count. He continued farm work and subsequently turned his attention to the grain business, becoming manager of an elevator when a youth of but seventeen years. This elevator was located at Alto, and he subsequently managed elevators at other points for the same company, a fact which is indicative of his capability and of his faithfulness. It is recognized that the best way to learn to do a thing is to do it. Habit brings accuracy and power grows through the exercise of effort. Labor does not tire--it gives resisting force; and all of these facts Mr. Winchell demonstrated in his life. He studied every task that came to his hand and from each new experience learned valuable lessons which have proven of worth to him in later years. He learned to correctly judge men and read character, while at the same time he was acquainting himself with commercial methods. While engaged in the grain trade he bought and shipped grain on tonnage during the winter months and attended school when there was no grain to ship. In other words he improved every opportunity to promote his knowledge as well as to advance his material interests. In 1914 he entered the employ of the Allen Grocery Company in Waitsburg and there laid the foundation for his mercantile success. In 1916 he took up his abode at Touchet and became one of the dominant factors in the organization of the Quality Stores Company, having stores at Touchet, Lowden and Waitsburg. He became the manager of the establishment at Touchet, which at the last inventory showed a stock of over thirty-one thousand dollars value, while annually he does a business of from seventy-five to eighty-five thousand dollars. This is a splendid establishment to be under the care of a young man who had to fight his own way, make his own way through school unaided and at all times rely upon his own resources. In the parlance of the present day, he is a live wire, or in other words he has the dynamic force which makes things move. An opportunity is to him a call to action and the call is never neglected.
On the 22d of September, 1912, Mr. Winchell was united in marriage to Miss Alberta Williams, of Walla Walla, by whom he has two children, Zilpha Alice and Ruth Emily. Mr. Winchell maintains an independent course in regard to politics, voting for men and measures rather than for party. Fraternally he is connected with Delta Lodge, No. 75, K. P., of Waitsburg, and also with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, while both he and his wife hold membership in the Community church of Touchet. He is interested in all that pertains to the material, political, social, mental and moral progress of the community. In a word his aid and influence are given on the side of advancement and improvement, and with him each day must mark off a full-faithed attempt to grow more and to know more.
WILLIAM C. WOODWARD.
William C. Woodward, a resident farmer of Columbia county, Washington, was born February 13, 1862, within the boundaries of the county where he still resides and which has been his home throughout the intervening period. He is a son of Albert and Oral Woodward, of whom mention is made in connection with the sketch of his sister, Mrs. Mary Nichols, on another page of this work. He spent his youthful days under the parental roof and divided his time between the acquirement of an education and work in the fields. His early training under his father's direction acquainted him with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops, so that valuable experience aided him when, on attaining his majority, he started out in the business world for himself. He began farming and has since been identified with general agricultural pursuits, owning valuable property which he has brought under a high state of cultivation, so that year after year his fields return to him good harvests that bring him a substantial income.
In 1891 Mr. Woodward was united in marriage to Miss Nora Davis, a native of Oregon and a daughter of Daniel and Isabella (Laughlin) Davis. Mr. and Mrs. Woodward have become the parents of six children: Albert D., S. M., O. H., L. S., H. L. and Sarah Alice. The parents are members of the Christian Science church and in his political views Mr. Woodward is a republican. He has served as county commissioner for two terms and has made an excellent record in his devotion to the public welfare. He has also been a member of the school board and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He has many sterling traits of character, is thoroughly reliable as well as enterprising in the conduct of his farming interests, is progressive in citizenship and loyal in friendship. In fact, he is most faithful to every cause which he espouses, does not hesitate to express his honest convictions and his position upon any important question is never an equivocal one. A resident of what is now Columbia county for fifty-five years, he has been a witness of practically its entire growth and development and is justly numbered among its worthy and honored pioneer settlers.
JOHN ROBERTSON.
John Robertson, who follows farming on section 25, township 11 north, range 41 east, in Garfield county, was born in Prince Edward Island, Canada, on the 30th of November, 1866, but since 1882 has been a resident of Washington and through all the intervening years has been identified with its agricultural development. His parents, John and Mary (Steel) Robertson, were also natives of Prince Edward Island and were of Scotch parentage. In 1873 they removed with their family to California, settling in the Livermore valley, where the father's death occurred four years later, and in the fall of 1882, Mrs. Robertson with her four sons and one daughter came by team to Washington, where they proceeded to make a home for themselves. There was a strong family bond between the brothers, mother and sister and they held all of their interests jointly for many years, the brothers cooperating in their farming enterprises, and as a consequence all of them prospered. The mother is still living and makes her home with her son John, whose filial love and devotion repay her for the care which she gave to him in his youth.
John Robertson pursued a district school education in California, to which state he was taken by his parents when a lad of but seven years. He was a youth of sixteen when the family home was established in Garfield county, Washington, and here in connection with his three older brothers he began farming. Early in the '90s he homesteaded eighty acres which adjoins his present home farm, but he continued to engage in business in connection with his brothers until 1902, since which time he has followed farming independently. As the years have passed on he has prospered in his undertakings by reason of his close application and indefatigable energy and, making judicious investment in real estate, is now the owner of five hundred and sixty-five acres of excellent farm land and is regarded as one of the prominent agriculturists of his section of the state.
J. M. CRAWFORD.
A notable example of successful personal achievement is the history of J. M. Crawford, president and general manager of the Tum-a-lum Lumber Company of Walla Walla. Since making his initial step in the business world his career has been marked by an orderly progression that has brought him forward step by step until he now occupies a most prominent position in the commercial and manufacturing circles of the northwest. He was born in Smithfield, Ohio, June 3, 1865, and is a son of Dr. J. B. Crawford, who was engaged in the practice of medicine in Gillespie, Illinois, for many years. In 1910 he came to Walla Walla and here passed away in 1915 at the age of eighty-eight years.
J. M. Crawford spent his early life in the states of Illinois, Nebraska and Kansas. At the age of twenty-two years he was employed by the Badger Lumber Company of Kansas City and remained with them from 1887 to 1890, acting as line yard manager for western Kansas at a salary of fifty dollars per month, but he found his work very congenial. In 1889 he was married in western Kansas to Miss Martha Cox and they began their domestic life in a humble way, their first home being made in a lumber shed of the company, and here their oldest son was born. On starting in business for himself Mr. Crawford purchased a stock of lumber from the Paddock Lumber Company of Raywood, Illinois, and thus he laid the foundation for his present successful business.
In 1904 Mr. Crawford came to Walla Walla and formed the Whitehouse-Crawford Company by purchasing the control of a company from its original owners and later bought out those still interested in the business, so that today it is an entirely new corporation. In 1908 his brother, Joseph F. Crawford, came to Walla Walla and is now general manager of the company. They own a plant devoted to the manufacture of interior trimmings, showcases, bank and store fixtures, in addition to which they deal extensively in lumber, this being one of the most important industries of Walla Walla. The plant covers a block and a half on North Second street and forty men are employed throughout the year in the manufacture of a product which finds a ready sale on the market.
It was in 1906 that Mr. Crawford started the Tum-a-lum Lumber Company with five lumberyards, but which has since grown until it now has forty-five lumberyards in eastern Washington and central Oregon and is capitalized for five hundred thousand dollars. Of this company Mr. Crawford is the president and general manager. His business interests have thus assumed very extensive proportions and his activities constitute an important element in the material growth and commercial development of the northwest. Moreover, Mr. Crawford has been most active in advancing the welfare and upbuilding of his city by inducing many others to locate here. He has prevailed on many of his old friends to come from the east and make their homes in Walla Walla and five different Crawford families have located here.
To Mr. and Mrs. Crawford have been horn three children. Harold E. is a graduate of Whitman College and the Boston School of Technology. He now has charge of the engineering department of the Tum-a-lum Lumber Company, which constructs elevators, furnishes plans for houses and promotes good buildings, the plans and work being given patrons free of charge. C. Howard is treasurer of the Tum-a-lum Lumber Company and office man. He attended the Walla Walla high school until the age of seventeen, when he entered the office of the company and has steadily advanced, being a young man of practical experience and pronounced ability. Both sons are progressive and able to fill positions calling for skill and effectiveness. Susan M., the only daughter, was at one time a student at the University of Washington but is now attending Whitman College.
Mr. Crawford is a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine. He has taken a marked interest in the Walla Walla Commercial Club and served on its board of directors for some years and as its president for one year. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian church and Mr. Crawford was on the building committee when the present house of worship was erected. He is a self-made man, able, forceful and successful, and can well be numbered among the builders of Walla Walla. Alert and enterprising, he seems to lose sight of no opportunity that will advance his legitimate business interests or will promote the welfare and upbuilding of the community at large. His keen sagacity has been an important element in public progress and Walla Walla honors him as one of her most valued and representative men.
GRANT LOW.
Grant Low, a resident farmer of Columbia county, living on section 3, township 10 north, range 40 east, is numbered among the native sons of North Carolina, his birth having occurred within the borders of the Old North state December 25, 1870. His parents were Samuel and Dillie (Proctor) Low, who were also natives of North Carolina, where they spent their entire lives, the father there conducting a plantation.
Grant Low was reared upon the old home farm until his sixteenth year, and acquired but a limited common school education. His parents died when he was a youth of ten years and he was placed with a guardian, for whom he worked for his board and clothes. He did not like the treatment he received, however, and at the age of sixteen he ran away from his foster parents and went to Missouri, where he was employed as a farm hand for three years. In July, 1889, he made his way westward to Dayton, Washington, where he arrived with a cash capital of but five dollars. His financial condition rendered it imperative that he secure immediate employment and soon afterward he began working for wages at farm labor, spending three years in that way. He next purchased a place of one hundred and sixty acres on credit. He did not have a cent with which to make an initial payment but he possessed courage and determination and was not afraid to work. Moreover, he recognized the eternal principle that industry wins. He began farming for himself and within the next five years was able to clear his place of all indebtedness. From that time forward he has steadily added to his holdings until he now has twelve hundred and forty acres in his home farm and he owns altogether forty-four hundred acres near Starbuck, in Columbia county, of which eighteen hundred acres is valuable farm land. He operates altogether three thousand acres of his own land and six hundred acres belonging to the Dwelly estate, which he farms under lease. He is one of the leading agriculturists of southeastern Washington, his business affairs having been most carefully managed and his investments most judiciously made. He employs progressive methods in the care and cultivation of his land and he has added many improvements to his farm, which is today valuable and which constitutes one of the attractive features in the landscape.
On December 3, 1891, Mr. Low was united in marriage to Miss Oral Monnett, of Covello, Columbia county, Washington, a daughter of Wallace Monnett and a sister of A. A. Monnett, one of the prominent business men of Dayton. Mr. and Mrs. Low became the parents of five children, four of whom survive, namely: Nellie, Josie, Alberta and Donald. All are at home.
Mr. Low gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a stanch advocate of its principles but does not seek nor desire office as a reward for party fealty. He has always preferred to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs and, working steadily and persistently, he has gained a comfortable competence, being numbered among the leading and progressive agriculturists of Columbia county.
ANGUS McKAY.
Angus McKay, a well known and enterprising farmer of Walla Walla county, was born in Canada on the 13th of January, 1836, and is a son of Angus and Margaret (Campbell) McKay, both of Highland Scotch birth. In 1832 they crossed the Atlantic and settled in Canada, where they continued to make their home until called from this life. To them were born eight children but Angus is the only one of the number now living.
Mr. McKay grew to manhood in Canada with the usual advantages of a boy of that period, attending school as he found opportunity. He subsequently served three years apprenticeship in a general merchandise store and remained in the Dominion in various capacities until in 1861 he left Canada and came to Walla Walla, Washington, where he engaged in the confectionery and tobacco business for five years. His former experience stood him in good stead and that he was successful along business lines is evident from the fact that at the end of that period he was enabled to secure a homestead of three hundred and twenty acres on Russell creek and he has since given his time and attention to farming with good results, becoming one of the well-to-do men of his community.
In 1866 Mr. McKay married Mrs. Mary A. Winship, a native of Ohio, who crossed the plains with her parents in 1852 in a covered wagon drawn by ox teams and settled in Oregon. To this union have been born seven children, of whom three are living, namely: March, residing and assisting on the ranch; Angus, living in Prossor; and Bessie, the wife of Oscar M. Shelton.
Mr. and Mrs. McKay are living on the ranch which has been their home for over half a century and besides this property they own a residence in the city of Walla Walla. Fraternally Mr. McKay is a member of the Masonic order and being a strong temperance man he organized the first Good Templars lodge in this region in 1866. In politics he is a republican and for fifty years he has efficiently served as justice of the peace, his rulings being fair and impartial. He has also filled the office of assessor for several years and no trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. His honorable principles have won him many friends and all who know him hold him in the highest esteem.
JOHN W. FOLEY.
The life record of John W. Foley spells success. He has succeeded in whatever he has undertaken by reason of close application, determined purpose and indefatigable energy. Early in life, when little more than a youth, he started out upon a mercantile career in Adam, Oregon, and the prosperity which attended that venture gave him his start for bigger things. He was likewise successful in the live stock business and later in farming operations, which he has carried on extensively, being regarded today as one of the foremost representatives of agricultural interests in Garfield county, his home being on section 3, township 12 north, range 41 east. He was born in the Willamette valley of Oregon on the 1st of November, 1866, and is a son of Francis and Hannah (Reese) Foley. The father is a native of Ohio and the mother of Kansas and in early life they crossed the plains, becoming residents of Oregon. They now make their home in California.
Liberal educational advantages were accorded John W. Foley. After mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools he became a student in the Willamette University of Salem, Oregon, and subsequently attended the Portland University, thus becoming well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. In young manhood he turned his attention to the hardware business, establishing a store in Adam, Oregon, where he remained for two years. The venture proved profitable and he sold out at a good advance. He then went to Rock Lake in Whitman county, Washington, and for seven years was engaged in the cattle business. Again success attended his undertaking and on the expiration of that period he removed to Walla Walla, where he was engaged in the hardware and implement business for two years. He also devoted a part of his attention to farming when in Walla Walla county and in March, 1916, he took up his abode upon his present home farm in Meadow Gulch, Garfield county, where he owns sixteen hundred acres of rich and valuable land that responds readily to the care and cultivation which he bestows upon it. In business affairs he displays sound judgment and discriminates readily between the essential and the non-essential, discarding the latter and utilizing the former to the best possible advantage.
In 1893 Mr. Foley was united in marriage to Miss Edith Babcock, a daughter of W. A. Babcock, one of the early pioneer settlers of Whitman county who is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Foley have three children: Harold F., Eva and Wayne C. Mr. Foley gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a stanch advocate of its principles but he has no desire for public office. He and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist church, contributing generously to its support and doing their part in its work. They are interested in all that pertains to the welfare and upbuilding of the community in which they reside and have been active factors in advancing its material, social and moral progress. They are widely and favorably known and the hospitality of the best homes of their locality is accorded them.
ANDREW J. ABEL.
Among the well known residents of Columbia county is Andrew J. Abel, a retired farmer. He was born in Indiana, October 28, 1838, a son of Andrew and Sarah Abel, both of whom were Hoosiers by birth. They grew to mature years and were married in Indiana but in 1840 removed with their family to Iowa, whence, in 1864, they set out by wagon for the far west. They at length reached Old Walla Walla county, Washington, and took up their residence on a farm near Dayton. Their first home in this section was a log cabin with a slab floor and a clapboard roof. Subsequently good buildings were erected upon the place, and the parents resided there until their death.
Andrew J. Abel, who is one of two living children of a family of ten, received the greater part of his education in Iowa and there grew to manhood. Upon removing to Washington with the other members of the family in 1864 he took a preemption claim in Paddock Hollow, and there he maintained his home for six years. At the end of that time he sold this place and took up as a homestead the farm on which he still lives. This comprises two hundred and forty acres, is in a high state of cultivation and is well improved. During his active life he gave the closest attention to the management of his affairs and as the years passed his resources increased. He is now in good financial circumstances and is living practically retired.
Mr. Abel married Miss Sarah A. Brodhead, and they have had eleven children, of whom eight survive, namely: Andrew J., Jr.; Maria J., the wife of James Woodward; Sarah E., who married William Newby; Cora A., now Mrs. Charles Ingram; Adele, the wife of Seymour Litter; Maud, the wife of Sterling Litter; Chester, a resident of Columbia county; and Tressie, who married Lenn Collins, now of Missouri.
Mr. Abel gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but has not served in any office with the exception of that of member of the school board. His wife belongs to the Christian church and he also casts his influence on the side of right and justice. For more than five decades he has been an interested witness of the progress that has been made in Old Walla Walla county, and his reminiscences of the early days are of much interest to the younger generation who are growing up amid conditions vastly different from those that their parents found here.
SMITH OWENS GWINN.
Smith Owens Gwinn is successfully engaged in farming on section 20, township 11 north, range 40 east, in Columbia county. He was born in Putnam county, Missouri, February 17, 1855, his parents being William and Nancy (Triplett) Gwinn, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, where they were reared and married. Soon afterward they removed to Putnam county, Missouri, where they resided until 1864, when they heard and heeded the call of the west. The stories which reached them concerning the opportunities on the Pacific coast led them to the determination to try their fortune in Washington. With ox teams and wagons they traveled across the plains, being six months on the journey, and at length they established their home in Walla Walla county, six miles east of Walla Walla, where the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, for which he paid eighteen hundred dollars. Today the same property is worth forty thousand dollars. He lived upon that farm for a number of years and then sold the property, after which he took up his abode in the city of Walla Walla, spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He had acquired a comfortable competence sufficient to meet all of his needs and also sufficient to supply him with the comforts of life. He passed away in 1897, while his widow survived for about twelve years, her death occurring in 1909. In his political views Mr. Gwinn was a democrat, giving stalwart allegiance to the party. He served as county assessor of Walla Walla county before it was divided, occupying that position for three or four years. He was widely known throughout the county, ranking as a representative business man and progressive citizen, and as a pioneer he contributed much to the early development of his section of the state. He and his wife were consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church and were people of the highest respectability, enjoying the goodwill and confidence of all with whom they were associated. They left the impress of their individuality for good upon the material, political and moral development of the community.
Smith O. Gwinn was a lad of but nine years at the time of the removal of the family to Washington, so that he pursued his education largely in the schools of this district. He attended the Maxson school on Russell creek and on reaching his majority he began farming on his own account, renting land for that purpose. He raised two crops in Walla Walla county and in the fall of 1877 removed to Columbia county, where he homesteaded eighty acres. He failed, however, to get water on his land and therefore sold his right, after which he purchased another eighty acres with water on it. About 1880 he disposed of that farm and invested in his present home place of one hundred and sixty acres. In 1895 he leased this farm to Charlie Thronson and removed to Dayton, where he turned his attention to the livery business, with which he was identified for four years. Later he was engaged in various lines of business and retained his residence in Dayton until 1904, when he removed to Portland, where he resided for two years. He then went to Spokane, where the following year was passed, after which he returned to Portland, Oregon, where he again lived for three years. Once more he took up his abode in Spokane, where he remained until July, 1917, when he returned to the old home farm in Columbia county. Upon this place he has recently erected one of the most commodious and beautiful country homes in southeastern Washington and he has added many other modern improvements which add to the value and attractive appearance of the place. He also owns four hundred and eighty acres of land which constitutes one of the valuable wheat ranches of Columbia county. His business affairs are carefully managed and his unfaltering energy has carried him steadily forward to the goal of success.
Mr. Gwinn votes with the democratic party, of which he has been a stalwart champion since attaining his majority. He belongs to Touchet Lodge, I. O. O. F., and is one of the well known citizens of Columbia county who has gained a gratifying measure of success owing to his close application and indefatigable energy. His efforts have been a contributing factor in bringing about the splendid results that have been achieved in making southeastern Washington a notable agricultural belt, especially adapted to wheat raising.
W. H. YOUNGER.
W. H. Younger, who superintends the operation of the Prescott mills as agent for the Portland Flouring Mills Company, the largest concern of the kind in the northwest, was born in Stockton, California, on the 29th of January, 1889, a son of Thomas W. and Nannie (Welch) Younger. For a period of forty-three years the father was connected with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company as superintendent of motive power but has recently retired and now makes his home at Forest Grove, Oregon.
In the acquirement of his education W. H. Younger attended the public schools of Portland and also the Portland Academy. When a youth of sixteen years he entered the employ of the Portland Flouring Mills Company, securing a position as office boy in their Portland offices. With this important enterprise he has been connected continuously to the present time, becoming thoroughly familiar with every phase of the milling business, and that his services have been recognized as of value is indicated by his steady promotion. In 1909 he was made bookkeeper under E. H. Leonard, agent of the Prescott mills, serving in that capacity for four years or until the 1st of April, 1913, when he was appointed agent of the mills at Dayton, Washington. He had charge of the mills there for four years and on the 1st of May, 1917, was transferred to Prescott as agent at this point, in which connection he is making an excellent and most commendable record.
On the 28th of June, 1910, Mr. Younger was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Grace Anderson, of Portland, Oregon. Mr. Younger gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is deeply interested in matters of civic concern, having served as president of the Dayton Commercial Club and as a member of the Dayton Board of Trade. Fraternally he is identified with Dayton Lodge, F. & A. M., and he is also a charter member of Whetstone Lodge, No. 157, K. P., in which he has passed through all the chairs. His wife belongs to Trinity Episcopal church of Portland and both enjoy an enviable position in the social circles of Prescott, where they now make their home.
WILEY L. ARNOLD.
Wiley L. Arnold, a representative and successful agriculturist of Walla Walla county, resides on section 26, township 8 north, range 37 east, where he operates a well improved farm of forty-five acres, and he is also the owner of another valuable farm of one hundred and eighteen acres four miles distant from the aforementioned place. His birth occurred in Tennessee on the 8th of September, 1866, his parents being John and Anna Arnold, who spent their entire lives in that state. They had two sons, the brother of our subject being Grant, who is still a resident of Tennessee.
Wiley L. Arnold spent the period of his minority in his native state and in 1887, when a young man of twenty-one years, made his may to Spokane, Washington. Soon afterward, however, he removed to Vancouver, Washington, where he also spent but a short time and then went to Grants Pass, Oregon, there remaining during a winter season. Subsequently he came to Walla Walla county, Washington, and here worked on a ranch for three and one-half years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Grants Pass, Oregon, but two years later again made his way to Walla Walla county and purchased the farm on which he now resides and to the cultivation of which he has devoted his attention continuously to the present time. It is a highly improved property, comprising forty-five acres on section 26, township 8 north, range 37 east, near Dixie. Mr. Arnold also owns another farm of one hundred and eighteen acres nearby and in the conduct of his agricultural interests has met with gratifying and well deserved success, being energetic, enterprising and progressive. He is also a stockholder in the warehouse at Sapellel.
In 1893 Mr. Arnold was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Perry, a native of California and a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Shinn) Perry, the former born in Canada and the latter in Michigan. They made the trip to California in 1849 and after a number of years' residence in that state took up their abode in Grants Pass, Oregon, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They became the parents of twelve children, eight of whom survive. To Mr. and Mrs. Arnold have been born six children, as follows: Veora I., who is the wife of George W. Bruce; Marion Harvey; Zeffie A.; Sarah F.; Ivan W.; and one who died in infancy.
Mr. Arnold gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has ably served as school director here. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 117, and his wife is a consistent member of the Christian church. They are widely and favorably known in Walla Walla county and Mr. Arnold enjoys an enviable reputation as a self-made man whose success is the merited reward of his unremitting industry and sound business judgment.
JOHN HOFFMANN.
John Hoffmann is one of the honored pioneer settlers of Walla Walla and of the Inland Empire. There is no phase of the frontier development with which he is not familiar, for he came here when the work of progress seemed scarcely begun. In the years which have since elapsed he has not only witnessed remarkable changes that have brought this county to a foremost place in the way of improvement and development but he has also taken a most active part in bringing about this result by reason of his extensive interests and activities as an agriculturist.
Mr. Hoffmann was born in Germany, March 28, 1852, and remained in that country until he reached the age of sixteen years, when his father sent him to the new world in order that he might escape Bismarck's compulsory military service law, which had been established at the close of the Franco-Prussian war. He remained for a period in New York and in the eastern part of the country but in 1878 reached Walla Walla, being then a young man of twenty-six years. He began life as a farm hand, and something of the intense activity and enterprise which has ever characterized him is indicated in the fact that he came to be the possessor of eight thousand acres of the finest land in the wheat belt of Washington, having six thousand and eighty acres in one body, which was but bunch grass land when taken by Mr. Hoffmann. It is now well improved with fine buildings, supplied with best modern improvements, including electric light and baths. Water is secured at a depth of nine hundred and forty-five feet, Mr. Hoffmann being the first to drill a deep well in this locality. His fine place certainly indicates what energy, good judgment and determination can do. At the time of his arrival, however, little land had been brought under the plow and the city of Walla Walla was scarcely more than a trading and military post. The wide fields were covered with sagebrush or bunchgrass and there were no railroads. Mr. Hoffmann brought with him a heavy team and with this he at once began work, hauling freight from Wallula to Spokane and into the Coeur d'Alenes. It often required two or three months to make such trips, for the horses had to be fed on grass, as there was little grain for that purpose. With the completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad, Mr. Hoffmann recognized the fact that freighting would no longer be profitable and therefore looked about him for some other means of support. He was unable to secure a homestead because he could not remain upon it, necessity forcing him to provide for his support in other ways. He therefore used his preemption right and occupied one hundred and sixty acres of land on what is now Eureka Flats. He used his team in work for others and as opportunity offered rented adjoining land. It was about 1880 that he threshed his first wheat crop from a tract of seventy-five acres, selling the crop at about forty-four cents per bushel after hauling it eighteen miles to Prescott. In his third year he harvested half a section of wheat but as yet had no farm machinery. When sowing and threshing time came, Mr. Hoffmann with his eight horses continued to work for others and in this way paid for putting in and gathering his crops for several years. In the meantime he was most carefully saving his earnings in order to equip a farm, and whenever opportunity offered he also added to his holdings, becoming the owner of four thousand four hundred acres on the Eureka Flats. There he introduced punctuality and regulations as stringent as those of a factory. He began work after three o'clock in the morning to round up the horses and ended the day's work at dark or later. He secured modern steam machinery and with his working system he did more work than if he had forced his employes to continue their labor from daylight until dark. There was no loss of time and each move was made to count for the utmost. He kept in touch with every phase of progressive farming and in fact was a recognized leader in introducing improved methods. He studied agriculture from the practical and from the scientific standpoints and, in fact, he recognized that these two things are one. The results achieved were marvelous and as his financial resources increased he continued making investments. From time to time he purchased cheap land. He bought six sections of railroad land along the Snake river to be used as horse pasturage until rapidly moving settlement required it. For this he paid only seventy-five cents per acre and after a few years he sold it at a net profit of five dollars per acre, thus realizing a handsome sum on his investment. He made other similar purchases of land, which in time he turned into ready money, continuing to realize a fair profit. His holdings at one time embraced over twelve thousand acres. He continued to occupy his farm until 1893, when he removed his family to Walla Walla, and in 1903 he retired from the active management of his farming property. He helped to organize and is a director of Walla Walla's Farmers Agency.
On April 25, 1881, Mr. Hoffmann was united in marriage to Miss Theresa Kirchner, a native of Minnesota, who came to Washington with her parents when she was a child of but four years. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffmann have become the parents of ten children, seven of whom are yet living: John Edward, an agriculturist of Columbia county, Washington; Bessie D., who is the wife of Ben Grote, of Walla Walla; Anna, who gave her hand in marriage to George Retzer, a druggist residing in Walla Walla; Valline, who is pursuing a course in mechanical engineering in the University of Washington at Seattle; Philip, a senior in the high school; John William, who is an eighth grade pupil; and Corleen, who is a freshman in the high school.
In politics Mr. Hoffmann has long been a stalwart republican and gives unfaltering allegiance to the principles of the party, yet without desire for office. He belongs to the Commercial Club and through that agency works for the upbuilding and development of the city in which he makes his home. He is well known in fraternal circles, holding membership in Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, A. F. & A. M.; Walla Walla Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M.; Columbia Commandery, K. T.; Oriental Consistory, No. 2, A. & A. S. R.; and El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. For from thirty to forty years he has belonged to the order. He and his wife are also members of the Order of the Eastern Star and they are widely and prominently known socially, having a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance. The life record of Mr. Hoffmann is indeed a notable one and there is no resident of Walla Walla who has more truly earned the proud American title of a self-made man. Being early released from the military rule of Germany, he found in the opportunities of the new world the chances for advancement if the individual possesses industry and determination. These qualities are his in large measure and step by step he has progressed until he has long since occupied a place among the men of affluence in Washington. For almost forty years he has been a witness of the changes which have here occurred and is today one of the honored pioneer settlers of Walla Walla county, his memory forming a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present.
U. F. CORKRUM.
No student of history can carry his investigations far into the annals of Walla Walla county without learning of the close connection of the Corkrum family with the development of the agricultural interests of this section of the state. U. F. Corkrum is numbered among the progressive and enterprising wheat growers of Walla Walla county, where he was born on the 1st of June, 1866. His father, Francis M. Corkrum, was a native of Kentucky, and in early life went to Illinois, where he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Killabrew, who was a native of that state. They were residents of Illinois until 1865, when they crossed the plains with ox teams to Washington. On their arrival the father took up a homestead on Dry creek, about six miles northeast of Walla Walla, where he resided until about 1895. He then removed to the city, where the last twelve years of his life were passed, his death occurring in 1907. He was one of the first men in this county to take up wheat growing, demonstrating the possibilities for the successful production of that crop in this section of the state. He became one of the most extensive wheat growers of eastern Washington and acquired twelve hundred acres of land, mostly devoted to wheat raising. His widow survived him for a brief period, passing away in 1910.
U. F. Corkrum was educated in the Union school on Dry creek, with one term at Whitman College. The winter seasons were devoted to his school work, while the summer months were spent in farm labor. As early as his nineteenth year he began farming on his own account and on attaining his majority he made his first purchase of land, becoming owner of a farm of two hundred and forty acres on Dry creek. To this he added at intervals as his financial resources increased until 1893, at which time he had ten hundred and thirty-five acres, but the widespread financial panic of that year caused him to lose all that he had and to start in business life anew. That he met discouragement bravely and undertook his task with stout heart is indicated in the fact that he now owns six hundred and forty acres of rich and valuable wheat land and recently sold another tract of one hundred and sixty acres. He is now residing in Walla Walla in order to give his children the advantages of the city, but he is still one of the active wheat growers of the county and his business affairs are systematically managed, while the results that are attained are most desirable.
In 1897 Mr. Corkrum was united in marriage to Miss Kathryn Williams, of Brecknockshire, Wales, who emigrated to the United States in 1894, and came to Washington two years later. They now have four children, namely: Franklin Carl, Frederick Victor and Ralph Edward, all of whom are students in the Walla Walla high school; and Bertie Stanford, who is attending the graded school.
In politics Mr. Corkrum is a democrat but is without ambition for public office. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to the teachings of which they consistently adhere, and their influence is always on the side of right, progress and improvement. They are honored among those whose financial liberality made possible the fine new church built in 1917. Their cooperation can ever be counted upon to advance and support movements for the benefit of the individual and of the community at large and they advocate the highest standards of citizenship. Mr. Corkrum's example is well worthy of emulation. Many a man of less resolute spirit would have become utterly discouraged by failure, but in his career difficulties and obstacles have seemed but to serve as an impetus for renewed effort, calling forth his latent powers. Recognizing that perseverance and industry are essential features to success, he has ever cultivated those qualities and has gained a most creditable position in business circles.
CLINTON H. CUMMINGS.
Clinton H. Cummings is a well known agriculturist residing on section 4, township 6 north, range 35 east, Walla Walla county, there owning eighty acres of land in the richest part of the valley. His birth occurred in Lewisburg, Union county, Pennsylvania, on the 13th of August, 1855, his parents being Andrew and Catherine (Boney) Cummings, who spent their entire lives in the Keystone state. The father worked at the cabinet maker's trade in early life, but after the period of the Civil war embarked in the furniture business and was identified therewith in later years.
Clinton H. Cummings acquired a limited education in the district schools and subsequently secured a position as clerk in a mercantile establishment, while for a year and a half he was in the employ of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Company. In 1883 he heard and heeded the call of the west and made his way to the Pacific coast country, reaching Seattle on the 28th of April of that year. He remained in that city for eight years, being employed in various ways, and in 1891 he came to Walla Walla county, Washington, where he secured a position as manager of a grain warehouse. He was afterward employed in different capacities at Walla Walla until 1896, when he took up a homestead in the Nez Percé reservation and there devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits for seven years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of the property and returned to Walla Walla, where he established himself in the grocery business, successfully conducting an enterprise of that character for ten years. He then traded his store for his present farm holdings, which embrace eighty acres of the richest land in the valley and to the cultivation of which he has since devoted his attention, meeting with a well deserved and gratifying measure of prosperity in this connection.
In 1889 Mr. Cummings was united in marriage to Miss Frances Belle Kennedy, of Walla Walla. He is a democrat in politics and has served for two terms as a member of the city council of Walla Walla, the fact that he was elected in a strong republican ward being indicative of his personal popularity and the public confidence in his capability. Fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, belonging to the Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287. His well directed business activities have won him material success and by his upright and honorable life he has gained the warm regard and friendship of many with whom he has been brought in contact.
CHARLES ISECKE.
For almost a third of a century Charles Isecke was a resident of Washington and during that long period made valuable contributions to the work of development and progress in the state. There was no phase of pioneer life in Washington with which he was not thoroughly familiar and at all times he bore his part in the work of development and won a substantial measure of business success. His personal qualities, too, made him very popular and everyone whom he met was his friend.
Mr. Isecke was born in Pommern, western Prussia, May 8, 1842, and had therefore completed the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten when called to his final rest. He acquired his education in the common and normal schools of his native country and after putting aside his textbooks began learning the miller's trade, with which he became thoroughly familiar. He was twenty-four years of age when in 1866 he severed home ties and bade adieu to his native land preparatory to becoming a resident of America. Crossing the Atlantic, he located at Buffalo, New York, and was there employed for a time in carpenter work but afterward turned his attention to railway bridge building. The west, however, attracted him and in 1874 he made his way to California, where for four years he was employed in the car shops at Salida. In the spring of 1878 he arrived in Washington, and after seeking a favorable location decided upon Anatone, where he purchased a small store that had been established only a short time before. Increasing the size of the stock immediately, he continued to carry on the business for eleven years with substantial success and in 1889 sold out to W. J. Clemans. He then removed to Asotin and during the period of his residence in that city was connected with various important industries and business enterprises, becoming president of the Blue Mountain Lumber & Manufacturing Company and also president of the bank of Asotin from its organization until his demise.
Mr. Isecke was married in 1879, about a year after taking up his abode in Anatone, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary L. Sutherland, of Truro, Nova Scotia, with whom he had become acquainted in California. Mr. Isecke was prominent in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and became a charter member of Hope Lodge, No. 30, at Anatone. He regularly attended the lodge meetings, had filled all of the offices in the organization and was always in attendance at the annual sessions of the Grand Lodge. He gave his financial aid and assistance to all movements calculated to benefit the community in which he lived and he was most generous in his contributions to religious organizations and charitable societies. He possessed a cheery nature, was ever considerate of others and never failed to extend a helping hand where he could give assistance. At Christmas time he was most generous in his gifts to the poor and it was his desire that all people should be happy. His kindly nature made him loved by all and his circle of friends was coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance. On the fiftieth anniversary of their graduation Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote a poem concerning his classmates in which he termed them "The Boys." Speaking of one of them he said:
"You see that boy laughing, you think he's all fun But the angels laugh, too, at the good he has done. The children laugh loud as they troop to his call But the poor man that knows him laughs loudest of all."
These words are entirely applicable to Mr. Isecke, who belonged to that class of men who shed around them much of life's sunshine and who are ever putting forth earnest and effective effort to ameliorate the hard conditions of life for the unfortunate.
WILLIAM H. LEONARD.
William H. Leonard, one of the best known stock breeders in southeastern Washington, where he took up his abode almost four decades ago, is the proprietor of the Blue Ribbon Stock Farm on section 28, township 14 north, range 41 east, and owns eleven hundred and sixty acres of land, comprising one of the best improved farms in Garfield county. His birth occurred in Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 1st of March, 1860, his parents being William J. and Sarah Jane (Cronkhite) Leonard, who were married in Illinois and spent the remainder of their lives in Vermilion county, that state. The father was an agriculturist, owning and cultivating two hundred and eighty acres of valuable corn land in Vermilion county. He died when yet a comparatively young man, passing away in 1866 or 1867, and his wife survived him for but ten years.
William H. Leonard was a youth of but sixteen years when he lost his mother and since that time he has made his own way in the world. In 1877 he journeyed westward by immigrant train to California, spending two years in Los Angeles county, where he worked for wages. In 1879 he came to Washington, locating in Walla Walla county, where he again worked for others for a period of two years and at the end of that time settled in what was then Columbia county and is now Garfield county. Here he took up a preemption claim of one hundred and sixty acres, subsequently commuted this and then took up a homestead. At the same time that he filed on his homestead he bought a quit claim on a timber claim, on which he proved up later. Since then he has added to this by purchase until his present holdings comprise eleven hundred and sixty acres and he enjoys the distinction of owning one of the best improved farms in Garfield county. During the past fourteen years Mr. Leonard has specialized in the breeding of registered thoroughbred shorthorn cattle and now has more than eighty head that are registered or eligible to registry. He has attended the Lewiston livestock show and sale with a carload of cattle for the past three years and has gained a most enviable reputation as a breeder. His style of dealing with his customers has contributed most to his success, demonstrating that honesty is the best policy, for when one of his animals is placed on the auctioneer's block, the buyers of his stock know that there are no by-bidders running up the price and that every animal purchased from him measures up to the standard set. The prosperity which has come to him is indeed well deserved, for he has worked earnestly and energetically as the years have gone on and by able management and sound judgment has won a place among the leading stock breeders and farmers of this section of the state.
In 1881 Mr. Leonard was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Starr, of Columbia county, her father, William H. Starr, being among the early pioneer settlers of that county. They have become the parents of five children, as follows: Clara E., who is the wife of Fernando Freeburn, a farmer of Garfield county; Izza C., who gave her hand in marriage to W. Morse, of Waitsburg, Washington; William J., who operates the home farm; Mary M., who was educated in the State Normal School at Cheney, Washington, and is now engaged in teaching; and Mildred T., at home.
HEZEKIAH N. BROWN.
Hezekiah N. Brown, a retired farmer, residing in Dayton, Columbia county, was born in central Tennessee, August 28, 1845, a son of John and Perlina (Kincade) Brown, who were also natives of that state. In 1847 they removed west to Arkansas, and there the father spent his remaining years. The mother, however, came to Columbia county, Washington, in 1874. The following year her death occurred. They had eight children, of whom five survive, two residents of Washington; two of Idaho; and one of Texas.
Hezekiah N. Brown received his education in Arkansas and there grew to manhood. Most of his boyhood was spent in rail splitting and hard work on the farm. In 1872 he determined to cast in his lot with the Pacific northwest and came to what is now Columbia county, Washington, but was then a part of Walla Walla county. He acquired title to land and as time passed he was able to add to his holdings. Success was the natural result of his hard work, thrift and good management, and he still owns nine hundred and thirty-two acres, which is in a high state of cultivation and is well improved. Although the buildings upon the farm are now commodious, up-to-date and attractive in design, during the first years of his residence here he lived in a box house. In 1909 he retired and removed to Dayton, where he still lives.
Mr. Brown was married in Arkansas in 1869, to Miss Elizabeth Carpenter, whose birth occurred in Runnells county, Missouri, February 14, 1849. To them have been born five children: Leo and George, both of whom are farming; Elmer H., who is living in Seattle; Walter S., a merchant of Spokane; and Luella, deceased.
Mr. Brown has been a lifelong adherent to the democratic party and for twenty-five years he rendered capable service as a member of the school board. At the time of the Civil war he served in the Confederate army under General Cooper, and although he was at the front four years and took part in much hard fighting he came out without a scratch. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church, whose teachings are the guiding principles of their lives. Mr. Brown was not only thrown upon his own resources at an early age but until he was twenty-four years old aided materially in the support of his parents. He is, therefore, a self-made man and is entitled to the credit given those who, through their own unaided efforts, have gained material success and an honored place in their community.
C. A. HALES.
Since 1892, C. A. Hales has been identified with the sheep industry in Washington and Oregon and is now senior partner in the firm of C. A. Hales & Sons, prominent sheep raisers of Walla Walla county. He resides on section 12, township 9 north, range 37 east, and has been a lifelong resident of the northwest, his birth having occurred in Marion county, Oregon, October 16, 1867, his parents being William H. and Lucinda (Turner) Hales. The father crossed the plains in 1851, when a young man of twenty-one years, and located near Portland, Oregon, when there were but one or two log cabins on the site of the present beautiful city. Later he went to California, where he followed mining for a number of years, and in 1873 he became a resident of Weston, Oregon, where he engaged in ranching and in the livestock business. He acquired extensive land holdings and became a prominent factor in the livestock industry in that section of the country, there remaining until his death, which occurred in 1887. His wife had crossed the plains with her parents in 1849, when but four years of age, the family home being established in Marion county, Oregon. She still survives and makes her home near that of her son, C. A. Hales, of this review.
In the common schools C. A. Hales acquired his education. He was but twenty years of age at the time of his father's death, at which time the latter's extensive and important business interests devolved upon the son. He had to assume the management of the large farm holdings and livestock interests, and though his responsibilities were heavy, he proved adequate to the demands placed upon him. In 1892 he turned his attention to the sheep industry and has in the course of years become one of the foremost sheep men of the northwest, running some twelve thousand head of sheep at the present time. His splendid business ability is demonstrated by his successful control of extensive interests of this character. He has a vast acreage on which to pasture his flocks and he keeps in close touch with every condition bearing upon the welfare of his business and upon the market. He is thus thoroughly acquainted with everything that has to do with the successful conduct of his interests.
In 1890 Mr. Hales was married to Miss Lucinda Galloway, of Morrow county, Oregon, and to them have been born eight children, six of whom are living, namely: Willis R., who is associated with his father in the sheep business and is the manager of the Union Stock Yards at Pasco, Washington; Alfred L. and Lester M., who are also associated with their father in the sheep business; Marvin R.; Ila M.;, and Gertrude E.
Politically Mr. Hales is a stanch republican, while fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., and Dayton Chapter, R. A. M. Mr. Hales and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is much interested in its work and generous in its support. He stands at all times for those things which are a matter of benefit to the individual and to the community at large and his influence is always on the side of progress, justice, truth and right. His career has been notably successful. It is true that something came to him through inheritance; on the other hand, it is true that necessity is the spur of ambition and industry, and there are too many cases where inheritance has seemed to enfeeble effort rather than to call forth the most persistent purpose. Mr. Hales, however, nobly met the tasks that developed upon him at his father's death and in the conduct of business interests was and is always looking for opportunities to advance. His course has been marked by a steady progression and each forward step has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities, which he has eagerly, promptly and rightfully utilized. Moreover, his business affairs have always been of a character that have contributed to public progress as well as to individual success and through the management of his extensive sheep interests he has done much to further prosperity in Walla Walla county.
HARVEY B. BATEMAN.
Among the honored early settlers of Old Walla Walla county was Harvey B. Bateman, who took an active part in the development of this region, especially along agricultural lines. He was born in Illinois on the 10th of November, 1833, and in early manhood crossed the plains, enduring all the hardships and dangers of such a journey. On reaching Washington he bought a farm near Waitsburg and continued to reside thereon up to the time of his death, his time and attention being devoted to farming.
In 1876 Mr. Bateman was united in marriage to Miss Susan Thomas, a native of Missouri and a daughter of T. T. and Nancy (Curl) Thomas, who in 1851 left their home in the Mississippi valley and after crossing mountains and desert finally reached Linn county, Oregon, where the father took up a donation claim. He built thereon a log cabin with a clapboard roof and stick chimney and in this frontier home the family lived in true pioneer style. He became one of the prominent and influential citizens of his community and was called upon to represent his district in the state legislature for two terms. Later he went to Alaska, where his death occurred. His wife died in Washington. In their family were ten children, of whom five are still living.
To Mr. and Mrs. Bateman were born twelve children, but Mida, the wife of J. O. Windust, and four others are deceased. Those living are: Mary, the wife of Andrew Gregg of Oakesdale, Washington; Nancy, the wife of Wesley Star; John M.; James S.; Dollie, the wife of Fred Porter; Katherine, the wife of W. F. Hawks; and Wilber, who is now operating the homestead farm, comprising three hundred acres. The place is well improved with good and substantial buildings and still belongs to Mrs. Bateman.
Mr. Bateman was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his widow also belongs, and his earnest Christian life won for him the confidence and high regard of all with whom he came in contact either in business or social life. He passed away in 1904 and was laid to rest in the Waitsburg cemetery. Mrs. Bateman has not only reared her own family but has also cared for five grandchildren, which she has educated as well. Her life has been a busy and useful one and she well merits the high esteem in which she is uniformly held.
WILLIAM E. CAHILL.
William E. Cahill, who is engaged in the abstract and general loan business in Dayton, was born in Green Lake county, Wisconsin, on the 18th of January, 1862, his parents being William R. and Angeline C. (Church) Cahill, both of whom were natives of the state of New York, but in early life removed with their respective parents to Wisconsin, where they reached man and womanhood. It was there that William R. Cahill and Angeline C. Church were married, after which they located upon a farm, Mr. Cahill devoting his attention to the development and improvement of that place until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in the Union army in the fall of 1861. He served for three years and participated in many hotly contested engagements. On one occasion he was carrying on his back from the field a wounded man when a shell burst near them and cut the man squarely in two and threw Mr. Cahill a distance of seventy-five feet, the concussion being so great that it burst both ear drums and partially paralyzed him, making him a physical wreck through the following years of his life. He passed away in 1890. In 1878 he had removed with his family to Columbia county, Washington, arriving in Dayton on the 4th of May of that year. He took up his abode upon a farm near Dayton, where he resided until about a year prior to his death, when he established his home in the city of Dayton. His widow still survives and now resides with her son, A. P. Cahill.
William E. Cahill spent the first sixteen years of his life in his native state and during that period acquired a common school education in Wisconsin. In 1878 he accompanied his parents to Washington and subsequently became a student in the Dayton high school. At the age of nineteen years he started upon his business career in a humble capacity, being employed to wheel sawdust from under the saw in a sawmill in the mountains near Dayton. Thirty days later he was promoted to the position of driving a bull team of five yoke of bulls at the sawmill. For three months during this summer he lived on red beans and sour dough bread and he carried fifty cents in his pocket for that entire period without having occasion to spend it. During the following winter he attended the Dayton high school and subsequently he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for two years. During this time he saved enough money to pay his tuition in the Portland Business College, where he became a student. After completing his course in that institution he once more returned to Dayton and on the 4th of May, 1884, he accepted a clerkship in the mercantile house of M. Hexter, by whom he was employed for seven years, his long retention in that position indicating most clearly his fidelity, capability and trustworthiness. He resigned his position on the 4th of May, 1891, and opened a set of abstract books, since which time he has been engaged in the abstract and insurance business, also handling mortgage loans and acting as agent for various clients. He has built up a business of extensive proportions and derives therefrom a gratifying annual income. He was also one of the organizers of the Broughton National Bank and became a member of the board of directors, in which capacity he is still serving. He has from time to time made extensive investments in farm lands and is now the owner of farm property comprising two thousand acres eight miles east of Dayton.
Fraternally Mr. Cahill is connected with Columbia Lodge, No. 26, F. & A. M., of Dayton, and with Dayton Lodge, No. 3, K. P. He is loyal to the teachings and purposes of those organizations and enjoys the high regard of his brethren. Dayton numbers him among its foremost citizens and he is progressive in every movement that looks to the advancement of the city and the upbuilding of its interests. There is no movement for the public good which seeks his aid in vain, but he never has been imbued with political ambition and prefers to do his public service as a private citizen. He has been an interested witness of the growth and development of this section of the state since pioneer times and has been a contributing factor to the work that has been accomplished in the way of promoting public improvement. Each forward step in his career has brought him a wider outlook and broader opportunities and his entire record has been marked by an orderly progression that has brought substantial results.
HON. MILES CONWAY MOORE.
Honored and respected by all, there is no man who occupies a more enviable position in public regard in Walla Walla than does Hon. Miles Conway Moore, the last territorial governor of Washington and now a prominent figure in banking circles. His high position in the regard of his fellowmen is due not to the success which he has achieved but to the straightforward, honorable purpose which he has ever followed. He has made wise use of his time, his talents and his opportunities and in laboring to promote his individual interests has also advanced the welfare and progress of city and state at large. He is now the president of the Baker-Boyer National Bank.
Mr. Moore was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, April 17, 1845. His father, Amos L. Moore, was a native of Delaware, while his mother belonged to the Monroe family of which President James Monroe was a representative--one of the oldest and most prominent families of Virginia. At the age of twelve years Miles C. Moore accompanied his parents on their removal from Ohio to Wisconsin and he was educated in the Methodist Episcopal Institute at Point Bluff, Wisconsin. In 1863 he came to Walla Walla, then a youth of but eighteen years, and was first employed as a clerk in the store of Kyger & Reese. The following year he embarked in business on his own account in Blackfoot City, a mining town in Montana, but in the fall of 1866 he returned to Walla Walla and entered into partnership in the conduct of a store under the firm style of H. E. Johnson & Company. In 1869 he opened a general store as a member of the firm of Paine Brothers & Moore. This establishment was later converted into an agricultural implement business, which was the first of the kind in eastern Washington.
In 1877 Mr. Moore became associated with his father-in-law, Dr. D. S. Baker, in the grain business, buying extensively for those early days. They loaded three ships at Astoria with the first wheat brought from the interior of the state and continued in the wheat business until 1879. The partnership, however, was maintained until the death of Dr. Baker in 1888, at which time Mr. Moore was made one of the administrators of the estate. Together they built six miles of railroad up Mill creek in order to bring down timber and wood from the mountains. After Dr. Baker retired from the grain business Mr. Moore formed a partnership with his brother Charles and continued along that line until the death of his brother in 1888. They bought grain in the Palouse district and along Snake river. Our subject afterward devoted several years to public affairs and in 1889 was chosen territorial governor of Washington, which office he most ably filled. He was interested in the Baker & Boyer Bank, which was the first private bank established in this state, being organized in 1869 and made a national bank in 1889. Mr. Moore became a stockholder and the vice president, remaining in that position until the death of Mr. Boyer in 1898, when he succeeded to the presidency and still remains at the head of the institution, discharging his duties with marked capability. He possesses notable executive force and his administrative direction has been characterized by a recognition of all the different phases of the business and its opportunities. He was likewise a stockholder in the First National Bank of Walla Walla and is extensively interested in real estate in various parts of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. His investments have been most judiciously made and have brought to him a very gratifying financial return.
In Walla Walla, in March, 1873, Mr. Moore was married to Miss Mary E. Baker, a daughter of Dr. D. S. Baker, who was born in Portland, Oregon. They are the parents of three children: Frank A., a resident of Walla Walla; Walter B., deceased; and Robert L., also of Walla Walla. Mrs. Moore died in 1904 at Oakland, California, where she had gone with the hope of benefiting her health. In 1884 Mr. Moore purchased property and erected the residence which has since been his home and where his children grew up.
Governor Moore early came to a recognition of the duties and obligations as well as of the privileges of citizenship and has been a leading factor in promoting political progress and in advancing the interests of his community and the commonwealth along many lines. In 1877 he was elected mayor of Walla Walla and in 1889 was appointed governor, serving in that important position at the time when the territory was merging into statehood. The duties which devolved upon him in this connection were of a most delicate and important character, but were discharged with credit and honor to himself and to the satisfaction of the people at large. No plan or movement for the benefit of the city along lines of progress and improvement seeks his aid in vain. The public work that he has done has largely been of a nature that has brought no pecuniary reward and yet has made extensive demand upon his time, his thought and his energy. Opportunities that others have passed by heedlessly he has noted and improved to the betterment of the city and the state in many ways. He is extremely modest and unostentatious in manner and all who know him speak of him in terms of praise. In his life are the elements of greatness because of the use he has made of his talents and his opportunities, because his thoughts are not self-centered but are given to the mastery of life's problems and the fulfillment of his duty as a man in his relations to his fellowman and as citizen in his relations to his city, state and country.
J. C. LEWIS
J. C. Lewis, who has resided in the Pacific northwest for more than seventy years, is one of the most honored residents of Dayton. His birth occurred in Kentucky, February 1, 1842, but when he was two years old he was taken by his parents to Missouri, where the family home was maintained for a year. In 1845 they removed to the Willamette valley, the long trip across the plains being comparatively uneventful as there was no trouble with the Indians and no serious shortage of food or water. He grew to manhood in the Willamette valley and received his education in its pioneer schools. He remained in Oregon until the fall of 1869, when he came to Old Walla Walla county, Washington. The following winter was spent on the site of the town of Dixie, which was not platted until a number of years later, but in the fall of 1870 he took up a homestead in Columbia county eleven miles northeast of Dayton. He devoted his time and attention to the cultivation of his fields and the raising of stock and derived a gratifying annual income from the sale of his farm products. In 1898, feeling that he had accumulated a competence, he retired to Dayton, where he is still living.
In 1864, in Oregon, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage to Miss Maria Lapham, who in the spring of 1853, when seven years of age, accompanied her parents and an elder sister on their removal from Michigan to the Willamette valley. Not only was the trip across the plains long and tedious, as the journey was made by ox team, but many misfortunes overtook the train, which, captained by a Mr. Eliott, attempted to reach the Willamette valley by a cut off route known as the "lost trail." As the result of the many hardships of the journey Mrs. Lapham died in eastern Oregon and the only coffin available was the wagon box. Not long after this the party lost its way and all came very nearly perishing of thirst. They were also attacked by Indians and their cattle driven away and Mr. Lapham and his small daughters found themselves alone and afoot in the Deschutes country. Leaving the two little girls in camp with a little flour, the father set out in search of the cattle, hoping to find at least a few. During his absence a rescuing party found the girls and took them to the Willamette, Maria riding behind the captain of the party down the Mackenzie river. Mr. Laphan settled in Willamette valley and passed away in Dayton, Washington in 1901 at the age of ninety years. The older daughter died soon after reaching the family's destination but the younger, as before stated, became the wife of Mr. Lewis and is still living in Dayton. By her marriage she became the mother of six children, but only two daughters are now living: Mrs. Wilson McBride and Mrs. John A. McCauley, both of Columbia county.
Mr. Lewis is a strong advocate of republican principles and supports the candidates of that party by his ballot. He served as county commissioner from 1888 to 1892 and in 1906 was appointed to the board to fill out eighteen months of an unexpired term. Practically the entire story of the development of the northwest is a matter of personal knowledge to him, for when he accompanied his parents to Oregon the city of Portland had not been thought of and there were no settlements in the valley with the exception of Oregon City and a trading post at Salem. He has taken great pleasure in watching the marvelous changes that have since occurred and is confident that a still greater future is in store for this section. At all times his attitude has been that of a public-spirited citizen willing to subordinate private interests to the general good and performing faithfully all the duties devolving upon him. Both he and his wife have hosts of friends in Dayton and throughout Columbia county, and the leisure which they are enjoying is well merited.
LAWRENCE O. McINROE.
Lawrence O. McInroe is the owner of one of the well improved farms of Walla Walla county, his place being situated on section 34, township 8 north, range 36 east, where he has four hundred and forty-two acres of rich and valuable land. He is one of the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred within its borders December 29, 1874. His parents were James and Cordelia (Nelson) McInroe, the former a native of the state of New York, while the latter was born in Iowa, where their marriage was celebrated. The father crossed the plains in the year 1852, assisting Mr. Sharpstein in bringing a herd of horses across the country. He remained for some time but afterward returned to Iowa and it was subsequent to that event that he was married. The spell of the west, however, was upon him and soon after his marriage he brought his bride to Walla Walla county. Here he took up a homestead and later he purchased more land, becoming actively and prominently identified with agricultural interests. Adding to his possessions from time to time, he was at his death the owner of eight hundred and eighty acres of valuable wheat land and was numbered among the prosperous farmers of this section of the state. Both he and his wife died in this county. In their family were but two sons, the younger being Frank, who now resides southeast of Walla Walla.
Lawrence O. McInroe was reared and educated in the county where he still resides, supplementing his public school course by study in a business college. After attaining his majority he began farming on his own account on the land which he now owns. He had been reared to the occupation of farming and had early become familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He has always kept in close touch with the trend of modern progress along agricultural lines and his valuable farm property of four hundred and forty-two acres indicates his careful supervision and his progressive methods. He has added splendid buildings to his place and all modern equipments and improvements. He makes a specialty of raising wheat, to which the soil is splendidly adapted, and he is also successfully engaged in stock raising, keeping high grade cattle, horses and hogs upon his farm.
In 1902 Mr. McInroe was united in marriage to Miss Zenna Buroker, a native of Walla Walla county and a daughter of William and May (Gallaher) Buroker. Mr. McInroe belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his wife is connected with the Rebekahs. He is also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party but he has never sought nor desired office. He and his wife attend the Presbyterian church and they are widely and favorably known in the community where they reside. Since starting out in the business world he has made steady progress. His industry and perseverance are among his salient characteristics and upon these qualities he has builded his success. He is not only progressive in all that he undertakes but is thoroughly reliable and his business integrity stands as an unquestioned fact in his career.
SAMUEL WALTERS.
Samuel Walters, a well known merchant and assistant postmaster of Starbuck, Washington, was born in Australia on the 24th of May, 1869, his parents being John T. and Elizabeth (Neil) Walters. His father was a native of Pennsylvania but in 1853 went to Australia, where he was married, the mother being of Scotch descent but born in Australia. They continued to reside in that country until 1871 when they came to the United States and took up their abode in Iowa, where they made their home for nine years. In 1880 they arrived in Walla Walla county, Washington, but after living here for about three years removed to Whitman county and later to Stevens county, where their last days were passed. To them were born eight children and six of the number still survive.
Samuel Walters was only two years of age when his father returned to America, bringing with him his family, and the son was principally educated in the common and high schools of Whitman county, Washington. After putting aside his textbooks he entered the service of a railroad company and continued in that line of work for six years. In 1910 he came to Starbuck and has since engaged in mercantile pursuits, carrying on business under the name of the Starbuck Trading Company, of which he is secretary and treasurer. He is a progressive, energetic business man of sound judgment and keen discrimination.
Mr. Walters was married in 1908 to Miss Alberta Gerking, of Waitsburg, Washington, and to them has been born a daughter, Elizabeth. Mrs. Walters is a member of the Episcopal church, and Mr. Walters is identified with the Woodmen of the World and the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in Lodge No. 106, A. F. & A. M., in which he has filled all the chairs. The democratic party finds in him a stanch supporter of its principles and he is now serving as chairman of his precinct. For the past five years he has served as city treasurer of Starbuck and is also filling the position of assistant postmaster. No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree and he well merits the confidence of his fellow citizens.
JOHN BLESSINGER.
For more than forty-two years John Blessinger was a resident of Columbia county and was one of its most esteemed citizens, manifesting throughout his entire life those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard. He was born in Pennsylvania on the 8th of March, 1838, and when he was but a young child accompanied his parents on their removal to Hancock county, Indiana. It was there that he was reared to early manhood and in the common schools of that locality he acquired his education. About 1859, however, he left the middle west and made his way to the Pacific coast, settling in the Willamette valley near Salem, Oregon. During the following ten years or more he devoted his attention to mining and then came northward to Washington, arriving in Dayton on the 1st of November, 1872. This section was then a largely undeveloped and unimproved district. He purchased land and turned his attention to farming, his home ranch being located about five miles east of Dayton. It comprised six hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land and he developed it into one of the most valuable wheat farms of Columbia county. The soil is splendidly adapted to the production of that crop and Mr. Blessinger's methods were at once practical and progressive. In addition to that property he owned other land and was classed among the county's most successful and enterprising farmers. His labors brought splendid results and his methods constituted the last word in progressive agriculture. About 1900 he removed to Dayton, turning over the operation of his farm to his sons, and he then became one of the organizers of the Broughton National Bank, of which he was made a member of the board of directors.
On the 21st of April, 1872, Mr. Blessinger was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Byrd, of Marion county, Oregon, a daughter of Luther Byrd, who crossed the plains with ox teams from Arkansas to Oregon in 1854 or 1855. He took up his abode in Marion county, that state, and there engaged in farming to the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Blessinger became the parents of seven children, five of whom survive, as follows: John B., who follows farming in Columbia county, Washington; Albert E., who is an agriculturist of Columbia county and resides in Dayton; Myrtle, at home; Leo, who is engaged in farming in Columbia county; and Fred, who operates the home place.
Mrs. Blessinger resides in a comfortable home in Dayton, her husband having left her in easy financial circumstances. She is a devoted member of the Congregational church and her aid and influence are always given on the side of reform and progress. She is a member of the Halpine Society and is also a member of the Red Cross Society. She is a lady of culture and refinement and is constantly extending a helping hand where aid is needed, taking a most active part in charitable work. Mr. Blessinger was numbered among the esteemed citizens of Dayton, being a man of sterling character, and when death called him the deepest regret was felt throughout the community in which he lived.
HENRY F. WATROUS.
Prominent among the self-made men of Columbia county is Henry F. Watrous, whose life has been principally devoted to agricultural pursuits, and success has attended his well directed efforts. He was born in Green county, Wisconsin, January 26, 1848, his parents being Levi W. and Elmira (Fish) Watrous, natives of Canada and Ohio, respectively. On leaving the Dominion the father removed to Wisconsin, where he was married and where he continued to make his home until 1850. The following five years were spent in Iowa but at the end of that time he went to Minnesota, where he lived for the same length of time. He then returned to Iowa and in 1875 came to Washington, settling in Old Walla Walla county. He took up a soldier's claim of one hundred and sixty acres a mile and a half from Dayton and built thereon a box house, making his home upon that place until the required improvements were made; he then sold the farm and brought his family here. There were eleven children and nine of the number are still living.
During his boyhood Henry F. Watrous accompanied his parents on their various removals but was principally reared and educated in Iowa, attending the common schools there. At an early age he began earning his own livelihood by working as a farm hand at seventeen dollars per month and was thus employed for two years, during which time he saved enough money to come west. It was in 1871 that he crossed the continent to Salt Lake City, which was then the terminus of the railroad, and from there continued his journey on horseback in company with an uncle and his family who rode in a wagon. On reaching Dayton, Washington, he found employment on a farm at four hundred dollars per year and at the end of that time was able to send for his father. After the latter's arrival they contracted to purchase a sawmill near the mouth of Jim creek, agreeing to pay for the plant with lumber, which was the principal medium of exchange in those days. Whenever enough clear lumber had been cut to warrant a trip to Walla Walla, Henry Watrous would start with a load drawn by oxen and would sell the same for thirty-five to forty dollars per thousand. After operating the mill for four years it was traded for the farm still owned by our subject but he has added to the original tract until he now owns nine hundred and fifty acres of land, all improved and devoted to wheat. Until 1914 he operated his land but has since rented the place and is now living retired in Dayton, where he owns a fine residence. He is a stockholder in a grain warehouse there and is today one of the prosperous citizens of the community.
In 1903 Mr. Watrous married Miss Sadie Williams, a native of Missouri, and although they have no children of their own they have an adopted daughter, Bonnie. Mr. Watrous is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 10, of Dayton, and is a republican in politics. He has efficiently served as a member of the school board but has never had the time nor inclination for office, his business affairs claiming his undivided attention. Although he has met with hardships and difficulties in his career he has overcome these by persistent effort and is today one of the substantial citizens of his community, his success being the just reward of his industry and good management, for he is a man of excellent business ability and sound judgment.
E. F. DUNLAP.
E. F. Dunlap holds the responsible position of manager of the Dayton plant of the Portland Flouring Mills Company and throughout his entire career has been connected with this corporation, entering its service in the humble capacity of office boy. From that point he has steadily worked his way upward and his orderly progression has brought him to the position which he now occupies and for which he is well qualified, for as the years have gone on he has gained comprehensive and extensive knowledge of the business in all of its phases. He is numbered among the native sons of Oregon, his birth having occurred in Wallowa county, on the 5th of October, 1887, his parents being Robert C. and Mary E. (Pool) Dunlap, both of whom are natives of the Willamette valley of Oregon, their respective parents having been among the earliest settlers of that section of the country. Following their marriage they established their home in Wallowa county, where the father engaged in the live stock business, there remaining until 1898, when he removed to Walla Walla county, Washington. He took up his abode upon a ranch near Prescott and is here engaged in operating a hay and dairy farm, being numbered among the representative agriculturists of this section of the state.
E. F. Dunlap, spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, acquired his education in the graded schools and in 1902, when a youth of fifteen, started upon his business career, securing a position as office boy in the plant of the Portland Flouring Mills Company at Prescott, Washington. His fidelity, ability and trustworthiness led to promotion and he was afterward made assistant bookkeeper. In 1908 he was transferred to the Dayton mills as bookkeeper and in 1913 he was returned to Prescott as local manager of the plant. On the 1st of May, 1917, he was again sent to Dayton as manager of the mills, in which capacity he is now serving and as the controlling factor in the operation of the plant here he is doing splendid work for the company. The latest processes of flour manufacture are utilized here and the plant is splendidly equipped, while the standard of excellence is ever fully maintained.
In 1913 Mr. Dunlap was united in marriage to Miss Susan Weatherford, a daughter of F. M. Weatherford, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this work. In his political views Mr. Dunlap maintains an independent attitude with republican tendencies. He belongs to Alki Lodge, No. 136, I. O. O. F., and also to Whetstone Lodge, No. 157, K. P., of Prescott. He is one of Dayton's representative and progressive men. Almost his entire life has been passed in Washington and the spirit of western enterprise finds exemplification in his career and has gained for him a substantial measure of success.
W. H. STONECIPHER.
W. H. Stonecipher, who follows farming on section 10, township 8 north, range 37 east, in Walla Walla county, is a representative business man whose wise use of time and opportunities has gained for him a place among the prosperous agriculturists of this part of the state. He had no assistance at the outset of his career and whatever he has achieved and enjoyed is the direct result of his own labors. He came to the Pacific coast country from the middle west, his birth having occurred in Washington county, Illinois, December 29, 1869, his parents being James A. and Margaret (Breeze) Stonecipher. The father was a native of Indiana but removed to Jefferson county, Illinois, with his parents when but two years of age and it was in the latter county that the mother was born and reared. They were there married and the father subsequently purchased a farm just over the county line in Washington county, where he lived until his seventieth year, when he returned to Jefferson county, taking up his abode in the town of Cravat, where he lived retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest up to the time of his demise.
W. H. Stonecipher acquired a limited education in the district schools near his father's farm and through the period of his boyhood and youth aided in the work of the fields, early becoming familiar with all of the arduous tasks incident to the development and cultivation of the crops. After reaching his twenty-first year, or in the spring of 1891, he came to the west with Washington as his destination. He arrived in Waitsburg on the 13th of March and during the following summer worked for wages as a farm hand. In 1892 he went into the Palouse country and there prospected for a desirable location. Not finding anything to suit him, however, he returned to Walla Walla county and through the succeeding five years was again employed by others. In 1896 he made his first purchase of land, becoming the owner of a forty-acre tract. Not long afterward he acquired eighty acres additional and two years later he bought one hundred and twenty acres making his farm one of two hundred and forty acres. For some years he not only cultivated this land but also worked for wages for others in order to help pay for his own place. He made use of every spare hour and as a consequence he has prospered. In 1909 he purchased the Electric Farm of five hundred and fifty acres. Prior to this, or in 1907, he had purchased the Boley Robbins farm of four hundred and eighty acres, which he traded in on the Electric Farm in 1909. In 1913 he traded the latter property for seven hundred and thirteen acres adjoining his home place, which thus was extended, becoming a tract of nine hundred and fifty-three acres. It is located in the heart of the Spring valley district, the richest wheat growing belt of Walla Walla county. Mr. Stonecipher not only successfully cultivates this land but for the past fourteen years he has also rented and farmed the T. P. Ingall's place of seven hundred and four acres. This property he purchased in December, 1917, and he therefore now owns one thousand six hundred and fifty-seven acres, his interests being most extensive, so that he is ranked with the leading agriculturists of Walla Walla county. He has closely studied soil and climatic conditions, so that he is thoroughly acquainted with what can be done in the way of crop production here. His methods are most progressive, his business affairs are systematically handled and in all things he displays sound judgment as well as unfaltering enterprise.
In 1895 Mr. Stonecipher was united in marriage to Miss Alta Winifred Gerking, a daughter of D. B. Gerking, who was one of the pioneer settlers of Walla Walla county and now resides in Rose Lake, Idaho. Mr. and Mrs. Stonecipher have become the parents of six children, three sons and three daughters, as follows: Lola M., the wife of O. Glen Conover, who is in the service of his father-in-law; Grace H., who attended the Washington State College for two years and is now pursuing her studies in the State Normal School at Ellensburg; James D., who is in his senior year in the Waitsburg high school; M. Blanche, a public school pupil; Harvey V.; and Chester B. On December 23, 1917, a baby daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Glen Conover, the first granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stonecipher.
Mr. Stonecipher gives his political endorsement to the republican party. He has served as a member of the school board for twenty years and his wife is now a member of that board. Fraternally he is connected with Waitsburg Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., and with the Woodmen of the World and is true and loyal to the teachings of these organizations, which recognize man's obligations to his fellowmen. At different points in his career difficulties and obstacles have barred his path and he has had many hardships to overcome, but persistent energy has enabled him to work his way upward and his life proves the eternal principle that industry wins. His course may well be followed by others who desire to attain honorable success, and although he started out in life empty-handed, he is now the possessor of a very handsome competence and has worthily won the proud American title of a "self-made man."
WILLIAM P. FISHER.
William P. Fisher is an enterprising farmer of Walla Walla county, residing on section 27, Small township, where he owns and cultivates a valuable tract of land embracing eighty acres. His birth occurred in Ohio an the 6th of October, 1860, his parents being Joseph and Lydia E. (Dyke) Fisher, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. They were married in the Buckeye state and a number of years later removed to Kansas, where the father passed away and where the mother still makes her home. They became the parents of five children, all of whom are living.
William P. Fisher was a lad of twelve years when the family home was established in Kansas and it was in that state that he acquired his education. In 1900, seeking the broader opportunities of the west, he made his way to the Yakima country and there remained for twelve years. The year 1915 witnessed his arrival in Walla Walla county, Washington, where he has since resided. He purchased eighty acres of land on section 27, Small township, and has improved the property until it is now a valuable and productive tract, annually yielding golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon it. He also owns a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres on the Snake river and has won a place among the substantial and progressive agriculturists of the community.
In 1881 Mr. Fisher was united in marriage to Miss Martha L. Twidwell, born near Peoria, Illinois, and a daughter of A. K. and Mary Ann (Myers) Twidwell, who were also natives of Illinois. Both passed away in Kansas, in which state they had established their home in the early '70s. To Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have been born seven children, as follows: Charles L., who is a farmer of Washington; George L., living at Mabton, this state; Myrtle V., the wife of L. B. Heffron, of Walla Walla; R. B., who is a resident of Grandview, Washington; Nina B., who is the wife of H. P. Mears, of Touchet, Washington; D. O., who is engaged in farming; and W. F., who operates his father's farm. Mr. Fisher gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has ably served as a member of the school board. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Christian church, taking an active and helpful part in its work. They have an extensive circle of friends throughout the locality and are widely recognized as people of genuine personal worth.
JAMES L. DUMAS.
Among the horticulturists of southeastern Washington who have won prominence in their chosen calling is James L. Dumas, one of the pioneer orchardists of the northwest. He is proprietor of the famous Pomona Fruit Ranch, five miles west of Dayton, Washington, which contains an orchard of one hundred and twenty acres of commercial apples. His home is one of the most beautiful country residences in Columbia county and the place is provided with all city conveniences.
Mr. Dumas was born in Clark county, Missouri, on the 1st of December, 1862, and is a son of Louis P. and Nancy W. (Waggener) Dumas, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Virginia. Both parents died in Missouri, where they made their home for some years, and of the five sons born to them only two are now living.
James L. Dumas grew to manhood in his native state and on leaving there in 1882 came to Washington, where he attended Whitman College for three years. Several years were then devoted to teaching and he subsequently pursued a course in a normal school in New York state, from which he was graduated in 1891. The following year he was sent to the Hawaiian islands to conduct a teachers training school and he remained in that beautiful country for five years.
It was while en route to the Hawaiian islands that Mr. Dumas made a trip through the fruit districts of California and this undoubtedly influenced him to take up horticulture on coming to Washington. Thus originated the Commercial apple industry in the Touchet valley. On his return to this state in 1897 Mr. Dumas purchased his present farm of two hundred and forty acres in Columbia county and he now has about half of that amount in apples, from which he has raised on an average of thirty-four thousand one hundred boxes of apples in the last ten years. In the fall of 1917 he harvested over forty thousand boxes of apples.
In 1888 Mr. Dumas married Miss Fannie J. Storie, a native of New York, in which state her parents, Kennedy and Isabel Storie, both died. Mr. and Mrs. Dumas have four children, namely: Loren F., who is a graduate of the Washington State College; Mabel, a student at the Bellingham Normal School; Alura, who is attending high school; and Edwin, now seven years of age.
Mr. and Mrs. Dumas are members of the Congregational church of Dayton and he is one of its trustees. In politics he is an ardent republican and has served as a delegate to the state conventions of that party. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows but his chief interest is in the apple industry and he has taken a very active and prominent part in the work of those organizations designed to promote horticulture. He has served as president of the Washington State Horticultural Society and as such did much to improve the orchards of the northwest. The society never had a more active head or one who took the same impartial interest in all fruit growing districts of this section. He has made two trips to the nation's capital in the interest of the northwestern growers. A lover of the great outdoors, it was but natural that he should be among the first to join the "back-to-the-farm" movement in this country and as a representative of the Washington State Country Life Commission he has addressed thousands of interested people in the northwest. Mr. Dumas is vice president of the Broughton National Bank. He has served on the state board of education and is a member of the American Pomological Society; the Society for the Promotion of Horticultural Science; the National Educational Association; and the American Genetic Society. He has been superintendent of the Dayton schools and the public schools of Pullman and was the honored president of the Washington State Educational Association. In 1915 he was elected one of the five members of the executive board of the American Pomological Society. It will thus be seen that he has been prominently identified with a number of organizations whose object has been to promote the welfare of this region along many lines and he well deserves mention among its most public-spirited and progressive citizens.
R. W. LOUNDAGIN, D. V. M.
Dr. R. W. Loundagin, who is engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery in Waitsburg, was born in Benton, Arkansas, December 28, 1859, a son of George W. and Rhoda J. (Stewart) Loundagin. The father was a native of Tennessee and the mother's birth occurred in Indiana. They removed to Arkansas with their respective parents and were married later in that state. In April, 1861, they left Little Rock, Arkansas, for the Pacific coast country, crossing the plains with ox teams. They were en route for six months and at length arrived in Walla Walla, Washington, about the 1st of October. They camped in the shadow of the fort for three or four weeks, after which Mr. Loundagin rented a small place of forty acres from an old man of the name of Massey. Upon that tract Mr. Loundagin spent the winter and followed farming. In the following summer he purchased a quit claim deed from W. P. Bruce on a quarter section about a mile and a half south of Waitsburg. This was in the Coppei valley. He paid Mr. Bruce two thousand dollars to move off the claim and Mr. Loundagin filed on the property as a homestead. In the years following he purchased land adjoining and continued to add to his possessions until his holdings comprised one thousand acres, constituting one of the most valuable wheat farms in Walla Walla county. He also owned other lands throughout the county, his holdings amounting together between four and five thousand acres. He was one of the first men to demonstrate that wheat could be successfully grown on the hills and uplands, and in proving this fact he contributed much to the development and prosperity of the county, as many followed his example and now the Walla Walla wheat belt is famous throughout the country. Mr. Loundagin continued to reside upon the old home farm up to within seven years of his death, when he removed to Waitsburg, turning over the operations of his farm to a son. He passed away about 1910, having for five years survived his wife. In their deaths the county lost two of its representative and valued pioneer people.
R. W. Loundagin was only about two years of age when brought by his family to the northwest. He acquired a district school education and through the period of his boyhood and youth worked with his father, to whom he continued to render active assistance until 1883. He then embarked in business on his own account, purchasing a livery stable in Waitsburg. The following year, however, he sold that property and again resumed active connection with agricultural interests, purchasing four hundred and eighty acres of railroad land two and a half miles north of Bolles Junction, for which he paid five dollars per acre. He lived upon that farm and kept bachelor's hall for eighteen years, after which he sold the property at ten dollars per acre, which was all that he could get at that time. Recently, however, the farm sold for seventy dollars per acre. While residing upon that tract of land Mr. Loundagin purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Columbia county, in the Hog Eye valley, four and a half miles east of Waitsburg. Most of that land is devoted to alfalfa and is very valuable. Mr. Loundagin still owns that farm property and from it derives a gratifying annual income.
From his youth Dr. Loundagin was deeply interested in horses, and by reason of the successful manner in which he treated his own horses when they needed medical attention, he was called upon to treat his neighbors' horses. As these calls became more frequent he began to read and study recognized works on veterinary surgery, including such authorities as Professor Fleming, A. H. Baker, Professor James A. Lawe, A. C. Copeland and others. His practice in time became a very large one and today he is classed among the ablest veterinary surgeons in southeastern Washington. In 1909 he built a modern veterinary hospital, which was the first private institution of this kind built in the state. It proved a financial success and his practice has continuously and successfully increased to the present time.
In 1902 Dr. Loundagin was married to Miss Albertina Smith, of Hanford, California. He votes with the democratic party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has never been an office seeker. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Christian church and are loyal to its teachings and its principles. His life has been an active and useful one and he has made steady progress in the field of his chosen profession and his other fields of endeavor, and his ability, industry and thoroughness have brought him a substantial measure of success.
OSCAR E. KING.
Farming interests in Columbia county find a worthy representative in Oscar E. King, a well known agriculturist who owns and cultivates a valuable property on section 9, township 11 north, range 40 east. He was born on the farm where he now resides, February 15, 1871, his parents being William B. and Elizabeth (Cantonwine) King, the former a native of Indiana, while the latter was born in Iowa. The father crossed the plains to the Pacific coast as a young man, making his way to California in 1852. There he was employed for a time in survey work and subsequently he conducted the Woodville House, a well known hostelry situated on the Rabbit Creek road, about forty miles from Marysville, California. In 1855 he returned to the east by way of the Isthmus route, but the lure of the west was upon him and again by way of the Isthmus route he made his way to the Pacific coast. In those days hay was worth eighty dollars per ton and Mr. King brought with him six hundred pounds of Hungarian grass seed, expecting to make a small fortune in the growing of hay. The following season, however was one of drought and, failing to raise a crop, his funds were exhausted in the venture and his season's work amounted to naught. In 1862 he came to Walla Walla county, arriving in the city of Walla Walla on the 4th of July. He then went up into the Idaho mines, but not meeting with success, he retracted his steps and spent the winter in Oregon. In the spring of 1863 he again came to Walla Walla and the following spring took a sub-contract under Captain Mullen to carry the mail from Walla Walla to Colville. He took the mail on horseback and remained as mail carrier for two years and nine months. His employer, Captain Mullen, becoming involved in financial difficulties, Mr. King was unable to collect a cent for his services for the entire period. Later he secured the mail contract direct from the government and operated a stage line from Walla Walla to Lewiston for four years. In 1867 he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, purchasing his farm on the Tucanon river in Columbia county, and in 1868 he settled upon his land, while at the same time he continued to operate his stage line with hired help. He was thus closely and prominently associated with the work of early development and improvement in this section of the northwest. His wife had crossed the plains with her parents in 1863, the family having as their outfit both ox and mule teams. Mrs. King was then a young girl in her teens and drove the mule team throughout the entire journey across the plains. The Cantonwine family spent the winter of 1863-4 in the Willamette valley of Oregon and in the spring of the latter year came to Washington, where they took up a homestead near the present site of Dixie, and later Mr. Cantonwine built the first hotel in Waitsburg, his daughter, Mrs. King, acting as cook for the few boarders who patronized the house in that early period. After locating on his farm William B. King took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres adjoining his original place and in subsequent years he and his sons in partnership bought other farm lands until their holdings approximated two thousand acres. Mr. King was thus actively, prominently and successfully identified with the agricultural development of the county until his death, which occurred April 12, 1911. His widow survived him for but a brief period, passing away on the 11th of March, 1912. In their family were four sons and three daughters who are yet living, as follows: Harry and Edwin S., well known farmers of Columbia county, Washington; Oscar E., of this review; Silas L., a resident of Pomeroy, Washington; Zorah I., who is the widow of R. A. Jackson and resides in Dayton; Alice, who gave her hand in marriage to Henry Delaney, a farmer of Columbia county; and Frankie G., the wife of A. P. Cahill, who is a banker of Dayton, Washington.
Oscar E. King pursued his early education in the country schools and supplemented it by a business course in the Portland Business College. After reaching adult age he joined his brothers and his father in their extensive farming operations, and following the father's death the sons continued to cooperate in their farming enterprises until 1915, when the partnership was dissolved and a division of their holdings was made. Oscar E. King now owns five hundred and fifty-six acres of valuable land and is one of the substantial farmers of the Tucanon valley. His business affairs have been carefully managed and directed and his unfaltering enterprise and unremitting diligence have brought to him a substantial measure of success. In his political views he is an earnest republican but has never been an office seeker, and he is widely known as one of the influential citizens of Columbia county.
B. F. BREWER.
B. F. Brewer is one of the most prominent farmers of Walla Walla county, living on township 6, range 36 east. He is the president of the Farmers Union and occupies a foremost position as a representative of that progressiveness which has largely revolutionized farming methods in the past quarter of a century. Moreover, his labors have demonstrated the possibilities of this section for agricultural development and have contributed much to the wealth of the district.
Mr. Brewer was born November 2, 1879, on the farm where he now lives, a son of John F. Brewer, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. He was reared on the old homestead and pursued a public school education, attending the high schools of Walla Walla and Seattle, while later he became a student in the State Agricultural College at Pullman. Following the completion of his course he entered the First National Bank of Walla Walla as bookkeeper and for four years was identified with that institution. Upon his father's death he took charge of the home farm and has since operated it. He is now cultivating this place of five hundred and twenty acres and he and his mother own conjointly a farm of seventeen hundred and eighty acres, which they purchased in 1908. His farming interests are thus extensive and are conducted according to the most progressive methods. He has the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and he understands the scientific principles that underlie all of his activities. In his work, however, it is definitely seen that he is a man of action rather than of theory and sound judgment directing his labors, has brought splendid results.
On May 25, 1904, Mr. Brewer was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Chew, a daughter of H. C. Chew, one of the pioneer nurserymen of Walla Walla county, now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Brewer have been born two children but only one is living, Mary Charlotte.
Mr. and Mrs. Brewer are worthy Christian people whose belief actuates them in all life's relations. Mr. Brewer belongs to the Presbyterian church, while his wife is a member of the First Methodist church. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he is thoroughly informed concerning the issues and questions of the day but has never taken an active part in party work. He has served as secretary of the Farmers Union and during the past two years has been president of the organization. When the Farmers Agency was established he was made its first manager and served in that important capacity for three years, but his private interests demanded his entire attention and he therefore resigned his position. He does everything in his power to promote the welfare and interests of the agriculturist and in all that he does is actuated by a spirit of enterprise that produces splendid results. He is a man of sound business judgment, sagacious and farsighted, and his well defined plans are carried forward to successful completion.
WILLIAM GOODYEAR.
William Goodyear, a prosperous business man of Starbuck, dealing in wood and coal, was born on the 11th of March, 1853, in Canada, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Hynes) Goodyear, the former a native of England and the latter of Ireland. On crossing the Atlantic to the new world in 1833 they settled on a farm in Canada and continued to make it their home until their deaths. They had a family of ten children of whom seven survive.
Reared in the Dominion, William Goodyear is indebted to its schools for the education he enjoyed during his boyhood and youth. On leaving home in 1870 he went to Fort Scott, Kansas, where he spent a short time, but later in the same year crossed the plains, driving four cows to a covered wagon. On reaching Salt Lake City he hired out to a Mormon bishop, and subsequently he went to Idaho, where he was interested in a sawmill for twelve years. In 1883 Mr. Goodyear came to Old Walla Walla county, Washington, and for two years drove cattle from here to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Later he bought and sold horses and also engaged in farming until 1903, when he sold out and removed to Starbuck, which has since been his home. He owns considerable property in the village, being extensively engaged in the real estate business, and also deals in wood and coal.
Mr. Goodyear was married in 1902 to Miss Emma Woods, a native of Missouri, and having no children of their own they are now rearing a boy, Richard H. Wellman by name who is a grand nephew of Mrs. Goodyear.
Mrs. Goodyear is serving as postmistress of Starbuck and is a lady of more than ordinary business ability. She is a member of the Eastern Star and Mr. Goodyear holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has filled all the chairs in his lodge and is a stanch democrat in politics. Since coming to the United States he has steadily prospered in his business undertakings until he has become one of the well-to-do citizens of his community and the success that has come to him is due entirely to his own well directed efforts.
W. E. McKINNEY.
W. E. McKinney, the well known proprietor of the McKinney Auto Company of Waitsburg, was born in Walla Walla county, about a mile from Waitsburg, on the 6th of April, 1868. His father, William McKinney, is a retired farmer living in Waitsburg. He was one of the early pioneer settlers of the northwest country and through many years was closely and prominently associated with the agricultural development and the upbuilding of this section. He was born in Warren county, Indiana, May 5, 1836, and is a son of William and Ann (Walter) McKinney, who crossed the plains with ox teams to Oregon in 1845. On their arrival in that state they settled in Washington county, near Hillsboro, and their later years were spent in Oregon. Their son, William McKinney, was a lad of but nine years at the time they crossed the plains and thus he was reared on the western frontier and early became familiar with all of the experiences, hardships and privations which fall to the lot of the pioneer settler. In 1855-6 he served as a member of Company A under Colonel Kelly and later under Colonel Cornelius in the Indian war. He spent the winter of those two years in Walla Walla, which was then a far western frontier fort. In 1856 he returned to Oregon and was employed on his father's farm until 1858, when he made his way up to The Dalles with the intention of going on to Walla Walla in order to homestead in that locality. He was told, however, that the country was not yet open for settlement and he therefore returned to the vicinity of Portland, Oregon, where he spent the winter. The following spring he made his way northward as a member of the state boundary survey as government packer and in the fall of 1859 he came to Walla Walla county to locate and has since resided in this section of the state. In 1864 he filed on a homestead on the Touchet river, one mile below Waitsburg, and there continued to live for more than a quarter of a century. He also took up a timber claim and he purchased adjoining land, so that his ranch became one of five hundred and fifty-two and one-half acres. This property he still owns. In 1890, however, he removed to Waitsburg, where he has a beautiful city residence and is most attractively and comfortably situated.
William McKinney was married on the 14th of December, 1865, to Miss Sarah J. Paulson, who crossed the plains in 1864. They became the parents of four children, as follows: Frank P., who is a banker residing in Olympia, Washington; William E., of this review; Thomas V., who operates his father's farm; and Emma, at home. William McKinney is a democrat in his political views. Late in the '70s or early '80s he was a candidate, through the insistence of his friends, for the office of county commissioner, and while the county was almost two to one republican, he was defeated by only twenty-five votes, a fact which indicated his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him. He is held in the highest esteem wherever known and ranks with the honored old pioneer settlers of Walla Walla county. In 1914 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on the 20th of August of that year.
Their son, William E. McKinney, was educated in the Waitsburg public schools and also attended the Waitsburg Academy. On reaching manhood he became the active assistant of his father in important farming enterprises, and upon his father's removal to Waitsburg a year or two later, W. E. McKinney took charge of the home place, which he cultivated for twelve or thirteen years. He then assumed the management of the old Lewis Neace farm of twelve hundred or thirteen hundred acres and he also leased twelve hundred acres more, so that he operated in all twenty-four hundred acres of land. This he continued to do until September, 1916, when he retired from farming and engaged in the automobile business, purchasing the Dickinson & Denney garage, which is the largest garage of Waitsburg. He has the agency for the Velie and Buick cars and is one of the leading automobile dealers of the county, having built up a business of large and important proportions.
In 1891 Mr. McKinney was united in marriage to Miss Lelia Brown, a daughter of Mrs. Jennie Brown, of Lincoln county, Washington. To them have been born three children, one son and two daughters, as follows: William E., who is a member of the United States navy; Mrs. John Rhinehart, of Waitsburg; and Imogen, who gave her hand in marriage to Guy McLaughlin, of Waitsburg.
Mr. McKinney has always voted with the democratic party but has never been a candidate for office. Fraternally he is connected with Delta Lodge, No. 70, K. P., and also with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His position as a business man ranks him with the leading representatives of automobile interests in his section of the state and he is classed with the foremost citizens of Walla Walla county. He is alert and energetic and is watchful of every opportunity that points to a possible development of his business. His sale of motor cars has reached a substantial figure, while in the repair department he also does a business of gratifying extent.
JOHN C. NEACE.
No student of the history of Columbia county can carry his investigations far without learning of the important part which the Neace family has taken in the agricultural development of this section of the country. John C. Neace is now extensively and successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits, having fifteen hundred and thirty-two acres of land in Columbia county. He was born on the Tucanon, in what is now Columbia county, July 14, 1865, a son of Louis Neace, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this work. After acquiring a public school education he continued his studies in the schools of Forest Grove, Oregon, where he had as an instructor Professor W. D. Lyman. On reaching manhood he became associated with J. H. Marrow, of Waitsburg, in the mercantile business, under the firm name of J. H. Marrow & Company, and remained in that connection until 1895, when Mr. Neace and T. M. Hanger bought out the interest of Mr. Marrow in the business and thus formed the firm of Neace, Hanger & Company. Mr. Neace was thereafter identified with commercial interests until 1897, when he sold out and in 1898 went to Montana, where he and his brothers, together with their father, formed the Neace Cattle Company and engaged extensively in raising cattle in that state. John C. Neace remained in Montana until May, 1916, when he returned to Columbia county. The Neace Cattle Company owns twenty thousand acres of land in Montana and John C. Neace individually owns fifteen hundred and thirty-two acres in a body in Columbia county, where he now resides. This land is being operated by his son, Donald D.
On the 8th of April, 1888, Mr. Neace was united in marriage to Miss India A. Denney, of Waitsburg, a daughter of Nathaniel B. and Priscilla (Hawk) Denney. The father first crossed the plains to Washington in 1861 and subsequently returned to Iowa, but in 1870 he again came to this state, making the journey across the plains from Iowa in company with his family. Mr. and Mrs. Neace are the parents of a daughter and son: Mildred L., who is the wife of Dr. A. T. Gilhus, of White Sulphur Springs, Montana; and Donald D., who is operating the home farm.
In politics Mr. Neace maintains an independent course, voting for men and measures rather than party. He belongs to Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., and is a loyal Mason. He has always been closely connected with Columbia county even during the period of his residence in Montana and is widely known as one of its progressive agriculturists. His business methods constitute the last word in modern farming, and undeterred by any obstacles or difficulties which he may meet, he pushes his way steadily forward to success.
J. G. BRUNTON.
J. G. Brunton, a well known and successful farmer residing an section 20, township 8 north, range 38 east, Walla Walla county, was born in that township on the 23d of January, 1881. His parents, W. H. H. and Sarah A. (Lewis) Brunton, are mentioned at length elsewhere in this work. He received his education in the Fix district schools and at Whitman Academy, which he attended for three or four terms. He was a young man of twenty years at the time of his father's death and a year later he left school and turned his attention to farming. In 1903 he filed upon a homestead in Franklin county, but in 1904 he commuted his claim and returned to the home farm. He has since operated about three hundred acres of the land owned by the estate and one hundred and ten acres adjoining, and the large crops which he annually raises are proof of his industry and his practical knowledge of agriculture. He still owns valuable property in Walla Walla which he obtained in trade for his homestead, and he has already gained a competence although still a young man. He gives the most careful attention to whatever task he has in hand and this habit of concentration has been an important factor in his success.
In June, 1913, Mr. Brunton was united in marriage to Miss Geneva Eldridge, a daughter of Hon. H. D. Eldridge, a prominent farmer and influential citizen of Walla Walla county, a biography of whom appears on another page in these volumes. One son, William Eldridge, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brunton.
Mr. Brunton is a republican in politics and is loyal in his support of its candidates and measures. His fraternal connections are with Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E., and with Mountain Gem Lodge, No. 136, K. P. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church and the highest moral standards have ever guided their lives. They have a wide acquaintance and are universally held in high esteem.
HIRAM M. HOOVER.
Hiram M. Hoover, who has lived retired in Waitsburg since 1911, was long and actively identified with agricultural pursuits in Walla Walla county and is still the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of valuable land. His birth occurred in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of July, 1853, his parents being Myers and Ann (Royer) Hoover, who spent their entire lives in that county, where the father followed farming throughout his active business career.
Hiram M. Hoover was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the public schools. When a young man of twenty years he left home to provide for his own support and, making his way to Ohio, worked as a farm hand in Wayne county, that state, for four years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Iowa, in which state he spent three years, and in 1880 he journeyed westward to San Francisco, California, where he hired out to a surveying party, with which he worked in southern Nevada for six months. He then returned to California and worked in the harvest fields of the Sacramento valley, while later he engaged in salmon fishing. In the fall of 1881 he returned to his native state, taking ship from San Francisco to the Isthmus of Panama, which voyage consumed twenty-one days, and crossing the Isthmus by railroad along the route of the present canal and then boarding a steamer which reached New York city at the end of seven days. After a few months spent at his home he returned to San Francisco, California, in the spring of 1882 and there remained throughout the following summer. He then sailed for Puget Sound, locating in Whatcom county, Washington, where he took up a homestead and continued to reside until the summer of 1885. That year witnessed his arrival in Walla Walla county and his settlement in Waitsburg, where he has made his home almost continuously since. He cultivated rented land during the first four years of his residence here and then purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres about two miles northeast of Waitsburg, over the county line, in Columbia county. Since that date, as his financial resources have increased owing to his well directed activity and able management, he has added to his holdings by additional purchase from time to time until at present he owns four hundred and eighty acres. The cultivation of this property claimed his attention and energies until 1911, when he put aside the active work of the fields and has since rented the place to a tenant. He is a stockholder in the Exchange Bank of Waitsburg and has long been numbered among the leading and substantial citizens of that place.
In 1886 Mr. Hoover was united in marriage to Miss Eva I. Loundagin, a sister of Dr. R. W. Loundagin, of Waitsburg, and the daughter of G. W. Loundagin, who came to Walla Walla county as a pioneer in 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover became the parents of six children, three of whom survive, namely: Anna L., who is her father's housekeeper; Elam H., a ranchman, residing in Carter, Montana; and Emory M., who is a second lieutenant in the United States army and is now stationed at Douglas, Arizona. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in August, 1912, and her demise was deeply mourned by her immediate family as well as by an extensive circle of friends. Mr. Hoover gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while his religious faith is that of the Christian church, in which he holds membership. The period of his residence in Walla Walla county covers more than three decades and he has won a place among its esteemed and representative citizens.
W. H. WOOD.
More than a century ago George Washington said, "Agriculture is the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man." Its worth as the basis of all other business prosperity has been continuously demonstrated since the world began, and at no time has its usefulness been greater than at this era in the world's history, when all civilization is facing a crisis. The work of the farmer is indeed of the utmost worth and to this occupation W. H. Wood is devoting his time and energies with good results. He was born in Alvorado, Texas, on the 29th of April, 1880, and is a son of Daniel J. and Alice E. (Scott) Wood, both of whom are natives of Illinois, where they were reared and married. Soon afterward they went to Texas, where the father engaged in cotton growing, remaining in the Lone Star state for a year and a half. He was urged by his neighbors to remain for another year, being told that if he would stay for that length of time he would never desire to leave. His answer was that he was well aware of the fact that if he remained for another year he would not have money enough to get out, so turning his back upon Texas, he went again to Illinois, where he continued through the winter. In the spring of 1881 he started for the west, hoping to find more favorable conditions in this section of the country. He made Washington his destination and after crossing plains and mountains he took up his abode in Columbia county, where he secured a homestead in Smith Hollow. There he still resides, having long been numbered among the substantial farmers of that section of the state.
W. H. Wood was reared under the parental roof, being only about a year old when brought by his parents to the northwest. He became familiar with every phase of pioneer life in this section of Washington and has lived to witness the remarkable growth and development that has occurred in the intervening years. He acquired his education in the district schools and at the age of eighteen he started out independently in the business world by leasing one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he began farming. He sold his wheat at thirty-eight cents per bushel and realized three hundred dollars profit from his crop. He continued to carry on farming on his own account and carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase, in 1902, his first land. He invested in one hundred and sixty acres, the purchase price of which was one thousand dollars. He borrowed much of the money with which to pay for his farm and thus made his start toward success. He continued to practice the most rigid economy and the most unfaltering industry and within three years he had cleared his ranch of all indebtedness. From that time forward he made it his purpose to add to his holdings whenever favorable opportunity offered and today he owns and cultivates four hundred and fifty-seven acres and also leases another tract of four hundred and eighty acres, and is now extensively engaged in farming in Thorn Hollow. He has brought his land under high cultivation, has added many improvements to the place and thereon are found all the accessories, conveniences and modern equipment of a model farm. In addition to his agricultural interests Mr. Wood is a stockholder in the Dayton Mercantile Company. Opportunity is to him ever a call to action and a call to which he readily responds.
In 1902 Mr. Wood was united in marriage to Miss Maud McCall, a daughter of Charles T. McCall, one of the early settlers of Columbia county, who now makes his home in Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have two children, Daniel W. and Walter H.
In his political views Mr. Wood is a republican and always votes for the men and measures of the party but has never been an office seeker. He prefers to concentrate his thought and attention upon his business affairs. He is a man of strong purpose whose plans are well defined and he displays resourcefulness in accomplishing any object for which he starts out. Practically a lifelong resident of Washington, there is no phase of its development through three decades with which he is not familiar and as a farmer he has contributed much to the agricultural progress of this section of the state.
JOHN F. MARTIN.
John F. Martin, one of the leading stock raisers of Walla Walla county, is living on section 3, township 6 north, range 33 east, where he has a valuable tract of land of three hundred and thirty acres. His business affairs are wisely directed and his efforts have done much to raise the standard of stock raising in this section of the state.
From early pioneer times Mr. Martin has resided within the borders of Washington. In fact he is one of the native sons, having been born in Thurston county on the 1st of May, 1858. His parents are William and Ann E. (Yantis) Martin, the former a native of Indiana, while the latter was born in Missouri. They crossed the plains to the northwest in 1852 and settled first in Thurston county but after about two decades established their home in Walla Walla, where they resided until 1901 and where Mr. Martin was engaged in the mercantile business. In 1901 they removed to Touchet.
John F. Martin was reared and educated in this state, becoming a resident of Walla Walla county in 1872, when a youth of fourteen years. In 1883 he removed to Wallula, where he engaged in buying cattle, and in 1900 he purchased his present farm of three hundred and thirty acres, then a tract of pasture and alfalfa land. He has since concentrated his efforts and attention upon its development and improvement and the result of his labors is seen in highly cultivated fields, in well kept fences, in substantial buildings and in the latest improved machinery. He has made a specialty of stock raising and is now engaged extensively in handling Percheron horses, Durham cattle and Oxford sheep. He has closely studied the best methods of caring for stock and is familiar with all of the scientific principles that underlie his work as well as the practical phases of his activities. In addition to his live stock interests Mr. Martin is connected with the Touchet State Bank as one of its directors.
In 1886 Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Belle Tyson, a native of Nebraska, by whom he has six children, namely: Charles W., who is coach at the Pennsylvania State College, which position he has held for four years; Frank J.; May, the wife of H. J. Hanson; Lucy,. who gave her hand in marriage to Wendel Barker, of Walla Walla; Blanche M., a high school graduate; and Pearl.
Fraternally Mr. Martin is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and with the Eagles. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party. He has served for twelve years on the school board and the cause of education has found in him a faithful friend whose labors have done much to promote educational interests in this section. As a business man he is thoroughly alert and progressive, watchful of every opportunity pointing to success, and his long experience and close study enable him to speak with authority upon all matters relative to stock raising. He has, indeed, won a place of prominence in this connection in Walla Walla county.
WILLIAM G. PRESTON.
William G. Preston, deceased, was for many years a prominent citizen of Waitsburg, where he was engaged in the milling business and was also a large landowner, holding title to three thousand acres. He was born in Galway, Saratoga county, New York, November 23, 1832, a son of Dr. Calvin and Margaret (McAllister) Preston, both of whom spent their entire lives in the Empire state. In their family were four sons and two daughters, all of whom have passed away.
William G. Preston grew to manhood in New York and received his education in Galway Academy. At the age of eighteen he went to live with an uncle, Rev. A. W. Platt, in Tompkins county, New York, where he remained until going to sea in 1852. The following two years were spent upon the water, during which time he visited New Brunswick, New Orleans, Liverpool and many other ports in Great Britain and America, returning to Galway, New York, in 1854. In the fall of that year he made his way west to Nebraska by way of Chicago and Rock Island and down the Mississippi river to St. Louis and then up the Missouri. He located at Bellevue, Nebraska, and became captain of a large ferry boat in 1855, but when Omaha was made the territorial capital the boat was sold to the Council Bluffs & Nebraska Ferry Company and he went with it to Omaha. In 1857 he returned east to Steubenville, Ohio, where he built the Omaha City, a double engine side-wheeler used in carrying freight on the Missouri river. In 1858 he retired from the ferry business and accompanied his brother to Pike's Peak, Colorado, and built one of the finest houses in the present city of Denver. After engaging in mining in that state for two years he went to northern Idaho, which then formed a part of Washington territory. He traveled most of the way by water and crossed Snake river in a wagon box in the vicinity of an old fort situated near the mouth of the Salmon river.
It was in 1866 that Mr. Preston came to Waitsburg, Walla Walla county, and identified himself with the Washington flouring mills and machinery business, which he and his brother, Platt A. Preston, had bought. Under his management these mills became the foremost industry of Waitsburg and the high quality of their product became well known throughout the state. In addition to his milling and mercantile business Mr. Preston was prominent in other lines, being a director of the Merchants Bank of Waitsburg and a stockholder and director of the Schwabacher Company of Walla Walla. He was also prominently identified with the Puget Sound Dressed Meat Company during its existence and was much interested in farming and stock raising. At the time of his death he was the owner of more than three thousand acres of land.
In 1869 Mr. Preston was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Cox, who was perhaps the first white child born near Boise, Idaho, her birth occurring in 1845 while her parents were making the overland journey to the Pacific coast. Her father, Anderson Cox, was a native of Ohio and a farmer by occupation. On coming west he located near Albany, Oregon, on a donation claim, where he remained for a number of years, but in 1862 came to Walla Walla county, Washington, and acquired land. He also built a sawmill, the first in this county. Both Mr. and. Mrs. Cox passed away here and six of their ten children are also deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Preston were born four children: Herbert P., who is engaged in the feed business in Toppenish, Washington; William C., who died when six months old; Charles B., a resident of Portland, Oregon; and Dale H., deceased.
Mr. Preston was a stanch republican in his political belief and served for two terms as a member of the territorial legislature. In 1881, while a member of that body, he was made chairman of the ways and means committee. He was much interested in educational affairs, especially in his later years, and in 1913 erected the beautiful auditorium known as Preston Hall at Waitsburg, it being designed for vocational training and containing a swimming pool, gymnasium and large hall for public meetings, etc. In all the relations of life he was loyal to the teachings of the Presbyterian church, of which he was a member, and his integrity was never open to question. His death occurred on the 20th of February, 1916, and he was laid to rest in the Waitsburg cemetery. Like her husband, Mrs. Preston has also been a generous contributor to all worthy enterprises for the public good and she now makes her home in Walla Walla, where she is well known and highly esteemed.
JAMES L. ROBISON.
James L. Robison is a retired farmer residing in Walla Walla. He is familiar with all of the experiences of the stock raiser on the western frontier, having ridden the range as a cowboy, while in later years he became extensively engaged in stock raising on his own account. He was born in east Tennessee, July 28, 1842. His father died during the infancy of the son, and the mother later married John Grubb, by whom James L. Robison of this review was reared. He acquired a common school education and when he was but ten years of age crossed the plains with his parents. They spent the winter in Missouri and in the spring of 1853 started on the long westward journey to Oregon. They took up their abode in Linn county, twenty miles south of Albany, where Mr. and Mrs. Grubb spent the remainder of their lives. At the early age of fifteen Mr. Robison began to work for wages and in 1861 made his way northward into eastern Oregon and spent the hard winter on the T. K. McCoy ranch on the Tum-a-Lum in Umatilla county. He continued to work for others until 1868, when he bought some cattle and thus established himself in the cattle business. He had previously engaged in riding the range for seven years prior to engaging in the cattle business on his own account. He was therefore familiar with the business and from the beginning met with success. He spent fifteen years in the cattle business, having as high as a thousand head upon the range. At length, when the free range was cut off by the settlement of the country, he retired from that business, after which he had sheep on the range for a considerable period. Eventually, in 1913, however, he put aside all business cares and retired from active life. He still owns six hundred and forty acres of valuable wheat land ten miles north of Walla Walla and from the rental of his property secures a gratifying income.
In early manhood Mr. Robison was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary J. Cecil, a daughter of William Cecil, who crossed the plains to Oregon in 1862, locating in what is now Morrow county. Mr. and Mrs. Robison became the parents of three children but only one survives, Lena M., who is the wife of Otto Haar, of North Yakima, Washington. Mrs. Robison is a member of the Congregational church and a lady of many admirable qualities.
In politics Mr. Robison is independent in thought and at local elections does not consider party ties but has always voted the republican ticket in electing a president. His life has been a very busy, active and useful one. His business activities were connected with an era that is fast passing away--the era when Washington was still the country of the open range before its lands were divided and taken up for farms. He is therefore familiar with all the phases of the history of the state in its development from pioneer times and he rejoices in what has been accomplished as the work of improvement and advancement has been carried forward here, placing this great state on a par with the older commonwealths of the east. In fact, Washington has gained a position of leadership in various respects and has every reason to be proud of her splendid record in the line of business development and especially in the progress which she has made in the organization of her school system.
In his business career Mr. Robison has at all times displayed that spirit of enterprise so characteristic of the west and now, at the age of seventy-five years, he is able to enjoy well earned rest, his former labors having resulted in a competence which meets all of his needs and requirements and yet leaves a sufficiency for many of the luxuries of life.
JOSEPH GROTE.
The farming interests of Joseph Grote would be termed mammoth even in this great west where agricultural interests are on the whole conducted on a most extensive scale. He is now operating sixty-two hundred and eighty acres of land in Columbia and Walla Walla counties, making his home on section 22, township 11 north, range 38 east, of the former county. His long experience and his extensive operations enable him to speak with authority upon everything connected with farming in the west at the present day. He recognizes fully the possibilities and the opportunities of the country and what he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of the innate powers and talents which are his. Mr. Grote is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Piqua on the 7th of April, 1885, his parents being John and Anna Grote, both of whom were natives of Germany, where they were reared and married. In 1881 they came to the United States and after a residence of nine years in Ohio made their way westward to Washington, the family home being established in the Palouse country, where Mr. Grote remained, however, for a period of only two years. He then came to Walla Walla county, where he purchased a ranch north of Prescott and there he successfully engaged in farming to the time of his death. For a number of years prior to his demise he resided in the city of Walla Walla and from that point superintended the operation of his ranch. He died October 14, 1915, and is survived by his widow, who is now making her home in southern California.
Joseph Grote, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the district schools near his father's farm and in the city schools of Walla Walla. After reaching young manhood he continued to assist his father in the development of the fields until 1909, when he started out to engage in farming independently, entering into partnership with his brother Theodore. They gradually increased their operations in extent and importance until their interests placed them at the head of the leading agriculturists of Columbia county. In 1914 the partnership between the two brothers was dissolved and Joseph Grote retained twenty-three hundred acres of their holdings. In addition to this he operates four hundred and eighty acres of school land in the township where he resides and he leases and operates the Sharpstein ranch in Walla Walla county, containing thirty-five hundred acres of land. He has thus become one of the foremost agriculturists of the northwest. He plants twenty-five hundred acres to grain each year and harvests mammoth crops.
In 1917 Mr. Grote was united in marriage to Miss Lillian Baumann, a daughter of F. A. Baumann, a retired farmer of Walla Walla. In politics he maintains an independent course, not caring to bind himself by party ties. He is not remiss in the duties of citizenship, however, but stands for progress and improvement in public affairs and reaches out along helpful lines in recognition of the needs and opportunities of county and state. He is an enthusiastic advocate of the great northwest, and well he may be, for in its opportunities he has found the path to success and is today numbered among the men of affluence in southeastern Washington.
JOHN ADKINS GROSS, M. D.
There is much that is inspiring in the life record of Dr. John Adkins Gross, who for many years was prominently associated with the agricultural development and activity of southeastern Washington, acquiring extensive landed possessions which he converted into rich and productive fields. His worth as a man and citizen was widely acknowledged and there are in his life record many chapters worthy of consideration.
Dr. Gross was born in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, July 30, 1840, a son of Dr. Oren and Jane (Snow) Gross. He was reared and educated on Cape Cod. In his youth he studied navigation and also taught school for a time but at the age of twenty-three years enlisted in 1863 as a member of the Forty-third Massachusetts Infantry for service in the Civil war, remaining at the front until the close of hostilities. He became corporal of his company and while he did not engage in any of the battles between the north and the south his service was of a hazardous nature, such as scout duty and running boats loaded with provisions past blockades, etc. He ever manifested the utmost loyalty to the nation's starry banner and the cause for which it stood and with a most creditable military record returned to his home.
Soon after leaving the army Dr. Gross went to New York city, where he engaged in carpenter work until the panic of 1873 swept away all his investments. He then crossed the continent to San Francisco, California, where he lived for two years. He afterward went to Astoria, Oregon, and was in that city and in Portland until 1879, when he came to Walla Walla. Here he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for several years. He taught at Frenchtown, riding back and forth from Walla Walla. When he had saved enough he secured a homestead in Umatilla county, Oregon, and kept adding to his landed possessions until he had over eleven hundred acres, which he brought under a high state of cultivation. He afterward purchased a ranch of twenty-five hundred acres near Starbuck, Washington, all of which has been planted to crops and has been improved with very substantial and commodious buildings. In a word his labors wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of the place and also in its value and he won recognition as one of the foremost agriculturists of this section of the state.
Dr. Gross was married twice and when he went to war left a bride of only a few weeks. He was married a second time at Pendleton, Oregon, on the 9th of February, 1891, when Miss Bessie S. Green, of Kansas, became his wife. He had four children by his first marriage, while four were born of his second union. Carrie B., the eldest, is now, the wife of R. C. Dunnington, of Walla Walla. Jennie I. is the wife of F. H. Richmond, of Walla Walla. Millie E. is the wife of Ralph E. Story, of Silver Lake, Oregon. O. E., of Seattle, Washington, was the youngest child of the first marriage. The others are: John E., who is now upon the ranch; Julia E., who was graduated from Wellesley College in the class of 1917; Marvin, now a high school pupil; and Mabel, who is also in high school.
The death of Dr. Gross occurred July 17, 1915, and he was laid to rest in Mountain View cemetery in Walla Walla. He was a man of marked ability and in his later years he studied medicine, being graduated from the Hahnemann College at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with the class of 1900. At that time he was over sixty years of age but he possessed an especial aptitude for the physician's work and a very retentive memory, which carried statistical knowledge. The greater part of his life, however, was devoted to farming and stock raising and he became one of the most extensive and prosperous farmers of Walla Walla county. His political endorsement was given to the republican party and he always took an active part in politics. Fraternally he was connected with the Knights of Pythias and also with the Grand Army post thus maintaining pleasant relations with his old military comrades, with whom he followed the stars and stripes on the battlefields of the south. He was a man of many sterling traits of character, genial and affable, and enjoyed the high esteem of those with whom he was associated. Since his death Mrs. Gross has erected a fine residence on Boyer avenue in Walla Walla but still has charge of her ranch property and is a woman of excellent business ability, fully capable of meeting the requirements put upon her in the management of her estate.
OSSIE MARTIN.
The stock raising interests of Columbia county have a worthy representative in Ossie Martin, who is the owner of a valuable farm of seven hundred and twenty acres on section 23, township 12 north, range 38 east. He is one of Washington's native sons, his birth occurring in Old Walla Walla county, February 8, 1867. His parents, James and Bridget E. Martin, were natives of Ireland but in early life emigrated to America and first located in Missouri. In 1861, however, they started for the Pacific coast in a covered wagon drawn by mules and at length reached Walla Walla. They located on a farm and later Mr. Martin took up a homestead near Waitsburg, where he lived until 1893, when he sold the place and removed to Walla Walla. Both he and his wife died in that city. To them were born seven children and all are living.
Ossie Martin was reared in much the usual manner of farmer boys and was educated at a Catholic school in Walla Walla. On starting out in life for himself he chose the occupation with which he was thoroughly familiar--that of farming, and has since followed that pursuit with most gratifying results. In 1909 he purchased his present farm comprising seven hundred and twenty acres and in connection with its operation has given considerable attention to the raising of stock, making a specialty of the breeding of shorthorn and Hereford cattle, now having about one hundred head upon his place. Besides his valuable farm property he owns a residence in Waitsburg, which he rents.
In 1892 Mr. Martin married Miss Mary Martin, who, although of the same name, was not a relative, and to them have been born seven children, as follows: Wesley J.; Harold A., who is in the army; Cecelia K., the wife of Albert Goodyear; Melba C.; Oswald D.; Esther M.; and Wilbert H.
The family are communicants of the Catholic church and Mr. Martin is a democrat in politics but has never cared for the honors of public office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business interests. He is one of the leading citizens of his community, and takes a commendable interest in public affairs, as every true American citizen should.
GUSTAV VOLLMER.
Among the pioneers of Walla Walla county who persevered in spite of hardships of the early days and who are now reaping the reward of their faith in this section, is Gustav Vollmer, a resident of section 12, township 9 north, range 37 east, who owns more than eleven hundred acres of fine land, which he purchased years ago at far less than its present market value. As time has passed he has adapted his methods of farming to the changed conditions and his progressive spirit has been an important factor in his success. He was born in Germany, May 7, 1854, a son of John H. and Emelia (Flaskamp) Vollmer, who passed their entire lives in that country. Of their seven children, five survive and all but our subject are still residents of Germany.
Gustav Vollmer attended the public schools of his native country in the acquirement of his education but when seventeen years old emigrated to the United States. The first two years in this country were spent in Illinois, where he was employed as a farm hand, but in 1873 he went to Nebraska, where he remained until 1879. In that year he determined to take advantage of the unusual opportunities afforded the young man in the Pacific northwest and removed to Oregon. In 1880 he took up a homestead in Umatilla county, Oregon, twenty-five miles southwest of Walla Walla and for twenty years maintained his residence thereon. For a considerable period, in order to market his wheat, it was necessary to haul it to steamboat landings on the Columbia river, which required three days. While he was gone on such trips his wife remained upon the farm with her small children, although the nearest neighbors were miles away. The isolation was one of the greatest hardships which the early settlers had to endure, but there were also other discouraging features as, for instance, the low prices, wheat selling one year for twenty-three cents a bushel. Mr. Vollmer recognized, however, that with the settlement of the country these untoward conditions would change and that the fertility of the soil guaranteed the future of the farmers, and he consistently invested his savings in land. He owns 480 acres of land in Umatilla county, eighty acres adjoining Waitsburg, where he makes his home. His holdings total 1,193 acres. All the land is rich and productive and, moreover, his farms are well improved, the excellent buildings thereon adding materially to the value of his property. He has given the greater part of his time and attention to wheat growing and is thoroughly familiar with that business. In fact his success has been in a measure due to the fact that he has concentrated his energies upon that line of endeavor. He is now one of the men of wealth in Walla Walla county and takes justifiable pride in the fact that he is a self-made man, his prosperity being due entirely to his own foresight, energy and good management.
On the 12th of June, 1881, Mr. Vollmer was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Schmitt, a daughter of John and Katherine (Martin) Schmitt. To this union have been born nine children: John H.; Clara Augusta, the wife of Harland Mills; Emma Caroline, the wife of William Harris; William, who is farming in this locality; Julia, the wife of William Stimmel; Zelma, Minnie and Charles, all at home and graduates of the high school; and Katherine, deceased.
The parents hold membership in the Evangelical Lutheran church and its work profits by their hearty support. In politics Mr. Vollmer is a stanch republican and he has served his district ably for two terms as a member of the state legislature. His interest in education has found expression in effective work as a member of the school board, and all projects for the advancement of the public welfare have received his endorsement. He finds great pleasure in contrasting the early days in this section, when the settlers were to a great extent cut off from the outside world, with the present day with its excellent means of communication with all parts of the country. As an illustration of the extent to which the pioneers were dependent upon their resources it may be mentioned that Mr. Vollmer made the furniture used in his home from timber which he had cut. For a number of years it was necessary to practice the strictest economy, but he has never regretted his pioneer experiences and finds pleasure in the knowledge that he has had a part in the development of this region.
JAMES CHRISTENSEN.
James Christensen, a well known farmer of Garfield county who owns five hundred and twenty acres of good land on section 2, township 12 north, range 41 east, has resided in various parts of the west and in Alaska and for some time engaged in mining but for several years past has devoted his attention to farming and stock raising exclusively. He was born in Denmark, February 25, 1866, a son of Christian and Gertrude Petersen, who passed their entire lives in that country. To them were born seven children, of whom six are living.
James Christensen attended the public schools of Denmark as a boy and youth, thus acquiring a good education, and in 1885, at the age of nineteen years, came to America. For one year he was employed as a farm hand in Nebraska and then was for several years a resident of California. Later he spent a year in Montana and in 1891 removed to Walla Walla county, Washington, where he worked on a farm until his removal to Alaska. A decade was devoted to gold mining there and during that time he made three trips to Europe. On leaving Alaska he went to Idaho, but remained there for only a short period, after which he again came to Walla Walla county, Washington. He decided to turn his attention to farm work and took up a homestead on Eureka flats which he cultivated for eight years. He then traded that place for a farm in the vicinity of Walla Walla but two years later exchanged that property for his present farm of five hundred and twenty acres on section 2, township 12 north, range 41 east, Garfield county. Much of his land is given over to the growing of wheat but he also engages in stock raising and derives a good profit from both branches of his business.
Mr. Christensen was married in 1905 to Miss Dora Renn, who was born in Minnesota. They are the parents of three children, namely: George F., Gertrude M. and Anna M.
Mr. Christensen is an adherent of the republican party and casts his ballot in support of its candidates. He has not taken a very active part in political affairs but is now serving as a school director, in which connection he constantly works for the advancement of the local schools. He is a self-made man, having attained prosperity solely through his own efforts, and his energy and determination have gained him the respect of all who know him.
JOHN C. WRIGHT.
John C. Wright, deceased, was an early settler of Walla Walla county, Washington, and engaged in farming here for many years. He was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, April 2, 1843, a son of Alexander and Jeannette Wright, both of whom passed away in the Empire state.
John C. Wright was reared at home and received his education in the public schools. As soon as he was old enough he went to work on the lake boats and was so employed until he enlisted for service in the Civil war as a member of Company L, Second Minnesota Cavalry. He was with the colors for three years and was then mustered out of the military service at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. In 1878 he and his wife came to the Pacific northwest, locating in Walla Walla county, Washington, where he took up a tree claim of one hundred and sixty acres. He subsequently purchased additional land and gave his entire time and attention to his farm work. He was successful, harvesting abundant crops, for which he found a ready sale, and as time passed his resources steadily increased. His widow still owns two hundred and eighty acres of excellent land with good improvements and derives a gratifying income from the rent of that property.
Mr. Wright married Mrs. Sallie Vangilder and to them were born three children: Emma Strand, a resident of Spokane, Washington; and two who died in infancy. In 1871 the wife and mother passed away and in 1872 Mr. Wright was again married, choosing as his wife Miss Carrie Griffin, a native of Vermont and a daughter of Daniel and Rhoda (Fullington) Griffin, natives respectively of New Hampshire and of Canada. In 1862 the family removed to Minnesota and there the father died, but the mother subsequently went to Kansas, where she spent her last days. To them were born eight children, of whom only two survive. Mr. and Mrs. Wright became the parents of eight children, of whom the first three died in infancy, the others being: Ada, who is married; Burt C., who is at home with his mother; Myrtle, the wife of Otis Denny; Carrie, who married Leigh Homer, of Montana; and Jack C., a railroad agent.
Mr. Wright was interested in public affairs and well informed on political issues but he never had the time nor inclination to hold office. His was a quiet, unostentatious life, marked by careful attention to his affairs, by the support of movements seeking the general good and by uncompromising honesty at all times. He passed away in 1898 and those who knew him well still cherish his memory.
CHARLES B. LAMBERT.
An eventful career is that of Charles B. Lambert, who, of Swedish birth, spent some time as a sailor on the high seas and also sojourned for a period in Alaska. He is now living a less spectacular but none the less useful life as an architect and contractor of Walla Walla and in professional circles has gained for himself a creditable position. Born in Sweden on the 6th of April, 1871, he is a son of August and Louise (Von Bose) Lambert, both of whom were natives of Sweden, where the mother passed away but the father is still living. In their family were five children, three of whom survive.
Charles B. Lambert was reared and educated in Sweden, where he attended the common schools until he reached the age of fourteen years. Desirous then of providing for his own support, he went to sea and spent three years as cabin boy and sailor. At the age of seventeen he returned to his native country and took up the study of architecture, to which he devoted two years, having thorough training in that regard. It was in the year 1890 that Mr. Lambert sailed for the new world, hoping to find better business opportunities on this side of the Atlantic. He landed in New York city, where he was employed for a time and later went to Chicago and to St. Paul, continuing in architectural work in these different cities. In 1897 he made his way to Alaska, where he remained for a year and a half, and in 1898 he arrived in Walla Walla, where he embarked in business on his own account. He has since become widely and prominently known as an architect and contractor and his skill and ability are manifest in many of the most substantial structures found in this city and through the surrounding district. The attractiveness of his plans has added much to the beauty of Walla Walla and in the erection of buildings he studies closely utility, comfort and convenience as well as the attractive exterior.
In 1901 Mr. Lambert was married to Miss Alma O. Jones, a native of Sweden, and they became the parents of two children: Ruth L., who is now a high school student; and Edith E. The family occupy an attractive residence which Mr. Lambert owns. He is prominent in Masonic circles, having taken all the degrees of the York and Scottish Rites up to and including the thirty-second degree in the consistory, and he is now eminent commander of the Knights Templar commandery. He also has membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His study of the questions and issues of the day has led him to give his political endorsement to the republican party. He is a man of high personal worth and marked professional ability and a most progressive citizen who exemplifies in his life the spirit of western enterprise, progress and successful accomplishment.
BAILEY H. GROSS.
Bailey H. Gross was for more than a third of a century a resident of Walla Walla county and became one of its extensive landowners and prosperous farmers. He was a native of Illinois and ere reaching man's estate became a resident of Iowa--in fact continued to make his home in Iowa through the greater part of his childhood. It was there that he wedded Miss Julia A. Rice, who was born in Indiana and also became a resident of Iowa in her girlhood days. They began their domestic life in that state, where they continued until 1862 and then started on the long journey across the plains with the Pacific coast as their destination, but on reaching Virginia City, Nevada, were so pleased with the conditions they found that they decided to locate there. For eight years the father was engaged in dairying in that place and in 1870 resumed his interrupted journey westward and for ten years was a resident of what is now Modoc county, California. On the expiration of that decade he made his way northward into Walla Walla, Washington, arriving in the year 1880, accompanied by his family. Here he turned his attention to farming, in which he prospered greatly, and as his financial resources increased he kept adding to his landed possessions until he was the owner of thirteen hundred and sixty acres of fine wheat land. He personally supervised the operation of his farm, which was largely devoted to the production of wheat and other cereals. His methods were most progressive and his labors brought him most gratifying success. He continued to supervise the operation of his farm until 1913 and then retired, taking up his abode in Walla Walla, where his remaining days were passed in the enjoyment of well earned rest, his death occurring March 12, 1915. He had for about three years survived his wife, who died in June, 1912. During the thirty-five years of his residence in the county he witnessed great changes as the work of progress and of transformation was carried steadily forward. His activity as an agriculturist constituted a substantial contribution to the development of the state and, moreover, his life work proved what can be accomplished through individual effort and ability. He started out in the business world empty-handed and by reason of personal worth and effort gained a place among the substantial citizens of the northwest.
HENRY SCHMITT.
Henry Schmitt engaged in farming for many years and won a competence which enables him to live retired in Waitsburg. He was born in Lee county, Iowa, December 17, 1859, a son of John and Katharina (Martin) Schmitt, both natives of Germany. In 1840 they emigrated to America and located in Iowa, whence they removed to Nebraska where the mother passed away. Subsequently the father returned to Iowa with his children but after living there for a year went to Umatilla county, Oregon, and became the owner of a good farm there. He is deceased and six of his ten children have also passed away.
Henry Schmitt passed his boyhood and youth mainly in Iowa, and after completing the course in the common schools became a student in the high school at Burlington, from which he was graduated. For some time thereafter he resided at home, assisting his father, but on attaining his majority began farming in Umatilla county, Oregon, the family in the meantime having removed west. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on which he resided for thirty-four years, during which time he brought the place to a high state of development and made many excellent improvements thereon. His practical methods and his industry were rewarded by large crops and he gave careful attention to the markets, and thus was able to dispose of his crops to good advantage. Since selling his farm he has taken up his abode in Waitsburg, where he owns a fine residence and three acres of land.
On the 7th of September, 1881, Mr. Schmitt was married to Miss Carrie Piepke, a native of Germany. Both hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and can always be counted upon to do their part in promoting its welfare. Mr. Schmitt is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Oregon and has exemplified in his life the beneficent principles upon which that organization is based.
EMMETT S. HENNESSEY.
Emmett S. Hennessey, senior member of the firm of Hennessey & Calloway, a leading undertaking firm of Walla Walla, was born in Saratoga, Illinois, December 27, 1881, his parents being Joseph Daniel and Kathrine (Harney) Hennessey, who are natives of Illinois and of Irish parentage. In 1908 they removed westward to Walla Walla, where they still reside. They were the parents of five children, all of whom are yet living.
Emmett S. Hennessey, the eldest of the family, pursued his education in the public schools of Henry, Illinois, until graduated from the high school on the 1st of June, 1900. He is also a graduate licensed embalmer. After completing his high school course he spent one term as a teacher in a rural school at Grafton, Nebraska, and for one year was teller and accountant in a bank in Michigan, North Dakota, but fearing for his health, he left the bank to enter the University of Minnesota as a medical student. Later, however, he changed his course to the study of anatomy, embalming and sanitary science. He took up the undertaking business in Walla Walla in connection with the oldest undertaking company of the state in 1903, becoming a member of the firm of Picard & Hennessey. That association was maintained until 1908, when he bought out the interests of his partner and conducted the business alone until recently, when he became associated with Mr. Calloway. His reliable methods, his enterprise and the excellent line of goods which he carries have secured to him a very liberal and gratifying patronage and he is now regarded as one of the leading undertakers of the Inland Empire.
On the 25th of May, 1909, Mr. Hennessey was united in marriage to Miss Mary Harter, a native of Walla Walla and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Harter, who are natives of Germany and came to America in 1868. In 1872 they established their home in Walla Walla, where, they still reside. To Mr. and Mrs. Hennessey have been born four children, namely: Charles, Patrick, Harry and Mary, all of whom are still under the parental roof.
Mr. and Mrs. Hennessey are members of the Catholic church, in which Mr. Hennessey is serving as a trustee. He also holds membership with the Knights of Columbus and is a past grand knight. He belongs to the Elks Lodge, No. 287, with which he has been identified for twelve years, and at the present writing, in 1917, is holding the office of loyal knight. He likewise belongs to the Commercial Club and cooperates in all of its well defined plans and movements for the upbuilding of the city. In politics he is a republican and in 1911 and 1912 filled the office of county coroner. He does not seek nor desire political preferment to any extent, however, as he wishes to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs. He is well known in this city and through the period of his residence here has gained an extensive circle of warm friends.
JAMES E. SHORT.
In the death of James E. Short, Walla Walla county lost one of its pioneer settlers and progressive farmers. He was born in Grant county, Wisconsin, April 8, 1847, and was a young lad of eleven years when his parents removed with their family to Iowa, where they continued to reside until he reached the age of nineteen. The family home was then established in Texas, where the parents later passed away.
James E. Short was reared and educated in Iowa, pursuing his studies in the public schools through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he worked in the fields. He was thus employed until he was twenty-three years of age. In the meantime the family had removed to Texas and in the Lone Star state he was married to Miss Martha E. Vickers, who was born in Texas. They began their domestic life there and after thirteen years removed to Oklahoma, where they resided for a number of years. On the expiration of that period they sold their property in the southwest and came to the Pacific coast country with Washington as their destination. In 1905 Mr. Short purchased land in the Walla Walla valley, becoming owner of six hundred and forty acres. This is wheat land, all under a high state of cultivation. He ranked with the leading and prosperous farmers of the county and followed the most progressive methods in all of his work. His place ever presented a neat and thrifty appearance, which indicated the careful supervision of a practical and progressive owner.
To Mr. and Mrs. Short were born nine children, namely: Adelaide T., who is a graduate nurse; James V.; Amie E., who is the wife of William F. Dolling; William E.; John W.; Oscar N.; Susan Eva; Elma M. C.; and Martha S.
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, as did Mr. Short, and his influence was ever on the side of right, truth, reform and progress. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party and of its principles he was a stanch champion, but he never sought nor desired political office. He served, however, as a school director and was interested in all that pertained to the intellectual advancement of the community. He died May 7, 1917, and was laid to rest in Mountview cemetery in Walla Walla, leaving a widow and nine children to mourn his loss. His death was also the occasion of deep regret to many friends, for he had become widely and favorably known during the period of his residence in this section of the country. He had many substantial traits of character, was thoroughly reliable in business and was a public-spirited citizen. His widow and sons now operate the farm and the family occupies a prominent social position in this section of the state.
JAMES P. NEAL.
James P. Neal, deputy prosecuting attorney of Walla Walla county and a resident of the city of Walla Walla, was born in Westfield, Indiana, November 12, 1883, a son of the Rev. A. G. Neal, who is pastor of the First Methodist church of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and of Laura (Johns) Neal.
James P. Neal was accorded liberal educational opportunities. After graduating from the high school at Angola, Indiana, as a member of the class of 1901 he entered De Pauw University at Greencastle, that state, and pursued a classical course, winning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1906. After leaving De Pauw he went east for law study and matriculated as a law student in Harvard University, where he remained until 1908. Having been admitted to practice law in Madison county, Indiana, in 1907, he maintained an office for a time at Alexandria, that state. He was admitted to practice before the supreme court of Indiana in 1908, was admitted to practice in Oregon in the same year and in Washington in 1914. In 1908 he opened an office in Freewater, Oregon, and in 1913 he became connected with the firm of Brooks & Bartlett in Walla Walla, that association being maintained until 1915. Since February of the latter year he has been a partner in the firm of Stafford & Neal and in this connection enjoys a large and lucrative practice which is constantly growing in volume and importance. He has filled various positions of a professional character. In 1907 he was deputy prosecuting attorney of Madison county, Indiana, and from 1909 until 1913 was city attorney of Freewater, Oregon. In 1915 he was made city attorney of Walla Walla, which position he yet fills, and in 1917 he became deputy prosecuting attorney of Walla Walla county and is yet the incumbent in that office.
Mr. Neal was married in Walla Walla, November 6, 1912, to Miss Louise Root, a daughter of F. F. and Margaret Root. In politics Mr. Neal is a republican and an active worker in party ranks, his opinions carrying considerable weight among the leaders of the party. He was a member of the county central committee of Umatilla county, Oregon, from 1910 until 1912 and in 1916 was a member of the county central committee of Walla Walla county. His fraternal relations are with the Masons, the Elks, the Moose, the Woodmen of the World and the Knights and Ladies of Security. He is also identified with Beta Theta Pi, a college fraternity. Mr. and Mrs. Neal are people of genuine worth, occupying an enviable position in social circles, and their many substantial traits of character have won them the respect and high regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact.
JOHN D. TAGGARD.
John D. Taggard is prominently connected with the development of horticultural interests of the northwest. His efforts have demonstrated the possibilities for fruit culture in Walla Walla county and he is now conducting a successful business as an orchardist, having his place on section 12, township 8 north, range 37 east. He was born amid the Ozark mountains of Missouri, near the city of Springfield, June 28, 1863, a son of Aaron and Ruth M. (Holland) Taggard, the former a native of Missouri, while the latter was born in Tennessee. For many years they resided upon a farm in Webster county, Missouri, but in later life the father retired from agricultural pursuits and took up his abode in Conway, where for some years he engaged with a younger brother in a mercantile enterprise, being associated with that business for several years. He died in 1910 and is survived by his widow, who yet resides in Conway.
John D. Taggard was reared under the parental roof and the common schools afforded him his preliminary educational privileges. He afterward attended the seminary at Lebanon, Missouri, and also became a student in the Mountain Dale Seminary, thus being accorded liberal advantages which well qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties. He left home at the age of about eighteen years and came to Washington, where he arrived in September, 1881. He took up his abode in Dayton, Columbia county, where he engaged in teaching at the Alex Baldwin schoolhouse for one year. During the following year he took the advice of friends and for the sake of his health accepted a position on the sheep ranch of Gretman Brothers and lived in the open for two years. He was at that time afflicted with pulmonary trouble and his life in the open completely restored him to health. He then went to Whitman county, where he took up a homestead six miles north of the Snake river, and there he engaged in the cattle business, remaining upon that place for nine years, but his business venture did not prove profitable and he was entirely without means when he left that country. He then removed to Waitsburg, Walla Walla county, where he engaged in gardening and fruit growing. He was a pioneer in the commercial apple business of the Walla Walla valley. From his boyhood days he was a lover and a student of tree life and is today said to be the foremost orchardist of Walla Walla county. He has studied every phase of the question both from a practical and scientific standpoint and there is perhaps no man in this section of the state better informed concerning the possibilities of fruit raising in the northwest. In 1905 Mr. Taggard and his very close friend, Rev. B. Z. Riggs, rented a twenty acre orchard of W. R. Amon and in the following year they purchased that tract together with sixteen acres adjoining, which had formerly been planted to trees, but the trees had been pulled out. Mr. Taggard and Mr. Riggs immediately replanted the sixteen acre tract and in 1907, when Mr. Riggs' health failed, Mr. Taggard took over the interests of his partner and soon afterward admitted Albert Dickinson to a partnership, the latter purchasing a half-interest in the twenty acre orchard. After three years, however, Mr. Taggard became sole owner of the orchard and the business. In 1910, in connection with others, he planted another orchard of fifty acres. He had entire charge of the planting and the care of the orchard, which is now in bearing and is one of the finest to be found in the fruit district of this section. At the present time Mr. Taggard has in course of construction a community packing house one hundred and fifty by forty feet, which will cost in the neighborhood of five thousand dollars and will have a storage capacity of twenty-five carloads of fruit. He expects to pack between fifty and sixty thousand boxes of fruit this year, which means practically one hundred carloads. In this way the association will be independent of the middleman and will allow the owner to hold the fruit until the market is right. Mr. Taggard has thus closely studied everything that has a bearing upon orcharding in the northwest and displays sound judgment, combined with the most progressive methods, in everything that he undertakes.
On the 4th of December, 1887, Mr. Taggard was married to Miss Rilda Boothe, of Dayton, and they have an adopted daughter, Lillian. In politics Mr. Taggard is a stalwart republican. In 1910 he followed the lead of Roosevelt and became a supporter of the progressive party and was nominated on its ticket for representative, but was too busy to give the time to the campaign that would secure an election. His personal popularity, however, carried weight, so that he was defeated by only a small majority. Mr. Taggard is a member of Delta Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F. He and his wife hold memberships in the Christian church, guiding their lives by its teachings and conforming their conduct to its principles at all times. He has been an officer of the church for twenty years. While his efforts have brought personal success, his labors have been of even broader reach and importance, for his example has been followed by many others. He has demonstrated what could be accomplished and others have taken up the ideas which he has set forth. Today there is no feature of orcharding in the northwest with which he is not familiar and his opinions are largely accepted as authority by all fruit growers in this section.
EDMOND J. JOHNSON.
Edmond J. Johnson is a self-made man who has gained a substantial position in business circles of Walla Walla as a dealer in wood and coal. He deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, as he started out in life empty-handed and has placed his dependence upon the substantial qualities of industry and perseverance. He was born in England in February, 1861, and was there reared and educated. He had attained the age of twenty-four years when he determined to try his fortune in America, hoping that he might find better business opportunities on this side the Atlantic. He crossed the continent after reaching American shores, making his way to Walla Walla, Washington, where he worked at the butchering trade, which he had previously learned in his native land. He followed that business for seven years and then went to work for the city in the street department, occupying a position of that character for fourteen years. On the expiration of that period he turned his attention to the wood and coal trade, in which he has since been engaged, and through the intervening years he has built up a business of very gratifying and substantial proportions. He also has the contract for street cleaning in the city and is leading a most active life. Energy has ever been one of his most marked characteristics and indefatigable effort has brought him the success which is now his.
In 1890 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Leona Hastings, a native of Kansas, and they have become the parents of three children: Susie, who is now the wife of C. Brent, of Portland, Oregon; Hazel, who is the wife of Clem Burgman, living on a ranch in Walla Walla county; and William, who died at the age of three months.
The family occupy an attractive home in Walla Walla and Mr. Johnson has become the owner of some good residence properties in the city. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, which he has supported since becoming a naturalized American citizen. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has made many warm friends in that organization. His life record should inspire and encourage others, for he started out when a lad of eleven years and has since been dependent upon his own resources. He early recognized the fact that industry wins. He may never have heard of the Greek philosopher Epicharmus, who said: "Earn thy reward; the gods give naught to sloth," but he knew the principle that underlies those words and indefatigable industry has characterized him at every point in his career. Step by step he has advanced and is now not only a substantial business man of Walla Walla but one who enjoys and deserves the respect, goodwill and confidence of all with whom he is associated.
JOHN WARREN LANGDON.
John Warren Langdon, one of the best known business men of eastern Washington, prominently identified with the commercial and financial interests and with the community life of Walla Walla, was born in New Hampton, Iowa, December 18, 1871, a son of Warren W. Langdon, who was a native of Illinois. The father was an expert tinner by trade and was also connected with banking interests of the northwest for a number of years, becoming a very prominent factor in business affairs in Moscow, Idaho.
He was superintendent of the Walla Walla waterworks for five years and figured prominently in connection with public affairs in this city. His attitude in respect to his country's welfare was clearly manifest at the time of the Civil war, when he put aside all business and personal considerations and responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting as a member of Company A, Ninety-fifth Regiment of the Illinois Volunteer Infantry, on the 9th of August, 1862, at Marengo, Illinois. He served for three years and was mustered out at Camp Butler, Illinois August 17, 1865. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Hester M. Robinson, is also a native of Illinois.
Their son, John Warren Langdon, acquired his early education in the common schools of Moscow, Idaho, and afterward attended the Bishop Scott grammar school of Portland, Oregon, where he stood at the head of his classes, receiving the headmaster's prize for the highest standing during the school year; his marks at this school were the highest received by any student during the seventeen years of the school's existence to that time, and he also received two additional prizes for excellence in deportment and penmanship.
At the age of sixteen years he left school and was placed in the First National Bank of Moscow, Idaho, of which his father was vice president. Two years later he accepted a position with the Dorsey S. Baker estate of Walla Walla, one of the richest estates in the northwest. Ten years later, upon division of the estate, he became secretary of the firm of Baker & Baker, a strong loan company, doing business in the Walla Walla valley. Two years later, owing to increased personal business responsibilities, he resigned, and at that time incorporated the Green Investment Company of Walla Walla for the purpose of handling the business affairs of Mary F. Green, his mother-in-law. This corporation is heavily interested in both city and country real estate, and its holdings are scattered throughout the state of Washington.
There is no man more familiar with property values and conditions in this section of the country than Mr. Langdon. At the present time he is one of the joint owners and managers of the Baker-Langdon Orchard Company of Walla Walla, owners of a six hundred acre apple orchard adjoining the city of Walla Walla, which is recognized as one of the finest commercial orchard properties in the United States; is also vice president and manager of the Green Investment Company of Walla Walla; a director of the Baker-Boyer National Bank of Walla Walla, the oldest bank in the state of Washington; is vice president of the Blalock Fruit Company, owning the largest fruit and vegetable farm in the northwest; is a director of the Northwestern Fruit Exchange of Seattle and New York, one of the largest and most widely known fruit shippers in the northwest, and has still other interests which place him in the foremost rank of the business men of this section of the country.
On the 16th of September, 1897, Mr. Langdon was married to Miss Philinda Green, who was born in Walla Walla, a daughter of William O. and Mary F. (Young) Green, who were pioneers of the Walla Walla valley, having crossed the plains by team at a very early period in the settlement of the northwest. Mr. and Mrs. Langdon have become parents of two sons: Warren Orville and John Green, both now attending Walla Walla high school.
While most important business interests have claimed the attention of Mr. Langdon, he has also found time and opportunity to cooperate in plans and measures for the public good and has been a most generous supporter of interests which are looking toward the upbuilding and development of city and state.
The cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion and he is a member of the board of trustees of Whitman College and chairman of the board of directors of the Whitman Conservatory of Music. He is also a director and vice president of the Walla Walla Commercial Club and chairman of its agricultural and horticultural committee. Elected president of the park board of Walla Walla, Mr. Langdon set about to construct an ideal park for the city. The city council having set aside a beautiful tract of forty acres owned by the city, for park purposes, Mr. Langdon prepared, with his own hands, plans for the park, and working in conjunction with the Woman's Park Club of Walla Walla, assisted in developing an unusually attractive landscape, embracing play grounds, boating lake, tiny streams and waterfalls, now known as City Park. Recently he has prepared elaborate plans for the development of Dreamland Park on Ninth street. He is now and for many years past has been secretary of the board of trustees of St. Paul's School, which was the first school for girls in the territory of Washington, and today is recognized as one of the state's best educational institutions.
Holding membership in St. Paul's Episcopal church, he has served for years as one of its vestrymen and as its junior warden. He is one of the trustees of the newly organized Young Women's Christian Association, and as the first vice president of the Young Men's Christian Association in Walla Walla assisted materially in raising funds for the construction of an elegant building for this association in Walla Walla. Mr. Langdon is chairman of the membership committee of the Red Cross in Walla Walla; vice president of the Washington State Harvesters League; and a member of the state executive committee for food conservation appointed by Herbert Hoover, chairman of food conservation. Mr. Langdon is interested in art, and has done some exceedingly creditable photographic work among the northwest Indians and has reproduced in enlargements and panoramas historical scenes in the states of Oregon and Washington, many of which he has personally hand-colored. He thoroughly enjoys home life and takes great pleasure in the society of his family and friends.
He is always courteous, kindly and affable and those who know him personally entertain for him warm regard. A man of great natural ability, his success in business from the beginning of his residence in Walla Walla has been uniform and rapid.
As has been truly remarked, after all that may be done for a man in the way of giving him early opportunities for obtaining the requirements which are found in schools and in books, he must essentially formulate, determine and give shape to his own character, and this is what Mr. Langdon has done. He has persevered in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and gained a most satisfactory reward. He has endeavored to make his life exemplary in all respects and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity.
JOHN BACHTOLD.
John Bachtold is a well known and representative business man of Walla Walla who is now proprietor and manager of the Dacres Hotel, one of the leading hostelries of the city. He comes from a land that has produced many famous hotel proprietors. In every country on the face of the globe the Swiss have proven their capability in that field, many of the finest hotels of every land being conducted by those who were born within the shadow of the Alps. Mr. Bachtold was born in Switzerland in 1865 and spent the first fourteen years of his life in his native country. He then crossed the Atlantic to America and became a resident of South Dakota, where he engaged in farm work for nine years. On the expiration of that period he arrived in Washington, making his way to Grays Harbor, where he secured a position as clerk in a hotel, thus receiving his initial business training in the line to which he now directs his energies. The next year he became proprietor of a hotel in Oswego, Oregon.
In 1892 Mr. Bachtold removed to Walla Walla, where he established a restaurant. The following year, however, he turned his attention to other business interests, in which he was engaged for several years. At length he took over the management of the Dacres Hotel, which is an excellent hostelry, well equipped, while his keen interest in the successful management of the business leads him to put forth every effort for the comfort and welfare of his guests. He is likewise identified with several other business concerns of the city, all of which profit by his sound judgment and indefatigable energy. That Mr. Bachtold is deeply interested in the city's welfare has been manifest by his intense activity in maintaining the efficiency of the volunteer fire department, of which he was the president. He has also been very active in fraternal circles as a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Foresters, the Eagles and the Sons of Hermann. He is also connected with the Maennerchor, which indicates his love of music and a cultivated taste in that direction.
Mr. Bachtold was married in Grays Harbor in 1892 to Miss Annie Schuerch and to them have been born six children, Ida, Annie, George, John, Edward and Walter. Mr. Bachtold has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for in this land he has found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has made steady progress along the high road to success.
GEORGE J. GUTHRIDGE.
Walla Walla rightly takes pride in her efficient fire department, which is highly systematized and is conducted along the most modern methods, and as chief of the department George J. Guthridge has accomplished work that entitles him to rank among the best fire chiefs of the northwest. He is a native son of Walla Walla, born April 7, 1870, in the house which he now occupies though it has since been remodeled. His parents, Benjamin G. and Ellen J. (Goss) Guthridge, were born respectively in London, England, and Cork, Ireland, but came to the United States in young manhood and young womanhood. At that time the father had been dependent upon his own resources for a number of years, as he ran away from home when a boy and went to sea and in the next few years visited all the principal ports of the world. It was in 1862 that he decided to settle permanently in the United States and the vessel on which he was then sailing, on putting into Portland, Oregon, was wrecked on the Columbia river bar, he and the negro cook being the only persons rescued. At that time there was considerable excitement in the northwest over the newly discovered mines in Idaho and he went to that section, where he remained for a short period, after which he drifted to Walla Walla. There he engaged in the restaurant business for a time and then turned his attention to the conduct of a meat market. He was engaged in that business for a quarter of a century and derived therefrom a gratifying profit which enabled him to retire. Having disposed of his private interests, he was then offered and accepted the appointment as steward of the state penitentiary, being the first man to hold that position after the institution had been removed from Seattle. For seven years he filled that important and difficult position and then retired from all active work, spending his last years in well deserved leisure. His death occurred June 4, 1912. He had survived his wife for many years, as she passed away July 21, 1885.
George J. Guthridge was reared under the parental roof and attended the Catholic boys' schools of Walla Walla and also took a business course in a night school. As a youth and young man he assisted his father in the management of his butchering business and after the latter disposed of his meat market the son was variously employed until 1890, when he was appointed a member of the city fire department. He served in that capacity for two years and then was for a similar length of time deputy sheriff. Again he became connected with the fire department but following an accident in 1896, which occurred when answering a fire call and in which his leg and ankle were broken, he was for four years out of the department. In 1900, however, he returned to the service and in April, 1904, was appointed captain. In January, 1912, he was appointed assistant chief and on the 1st of February, 1917, was made chief. His long experience in the department has given him a thorough knowledge of the needs of the service and as captain, assistant chief and chief he has worked tirelessly and effectively to raise the work to an ever higher standard.
On the 1st of October, 1902, Mr. Guthridge was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Berg, who was born August 17, 1879, six miles east of Vancouver, Washington, but at the age of ten years removed with her parents to North Yamhill, Oregon, living there until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Guthridge have become parents of six children, five of whom survive: Eugene, thirteen years old; Francis; Albert; Leona; and Walter.
Mr. Guthridge is a republican in politics and fraternally is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Knights of Columbus. He and his family are members of the Catholic church and support the work of that organization. His entire life has been passed in the west and he is thoroughly imbued with the spirit of enterprise characteristic of this country and has great faith in the prosperous future before it.
D. C. EATON.
D. C. Eaton, a member of the present board of county commissioners, residing in Waitsburg, is ranked among the extensive wheat farmers of Walla Walla county, within the borders of which he has made his home for almost four decades and where he has acquired some quite valuable land. His birth occurred in Rock county, Wisconsin, on the 19th of September, 1854, his parents being Asael and Amanda (Pineo) Eaton, who were born, reared and married in Nova Scotia. Soon after their marriage they crossed the border into the United States, locating first in DeKalb county, Illinois, and a few years later in Wisconsin. Subsequently they took up their abode in Allamakee county, Iowa, and there spent the remainder of their lives.
D. C. Eaton acquired his education in the public schools of Iowa and in 1877, when a young man of twenty-two years, he left the parental roof to make his own way in the world. Journeying westward to the coast, he spent a year or more in the vicinity of Portland, Oregon, and in the spring of 1878 came to Walla Walla county, Washington. Here he was engaged in the stock business for seven or eight years and about 1886 he turned his attention to farming, which has claimed his time and energies continuously since. Success has crowned his efforts in the intervening years, he now being numbered among the extensive wheat growers of Walla Walla county.
On July 15, 1886, Mr. Eaton was united in marriage to Miss Melvina Sickler, of Waitsburg, who is a native daughter of Walla Walla county, her father, Daniel Sickler, having crossed the plains in an early day. They have become the parents of six children, five of whom survive, namely: Clarence, who is a graduate of the State Agricultural College at Pullman of the class of 1910 and who now operates one of his father's ranches; and May, Marcia, Gladys and Ruth, all of whom are attending the State Agriculture College at Pullman.
Politically Mr. Eaton is a stanch republican and in 1898 he was elected to the board of county commissioners, in which connection he made an excellent record and to which office he was again chosen in the November election of 1916, so that he is again serving at the present time. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, A. F. & A. M.; Dayton Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M.; Walla Walla Commandery, K. T.; and El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane. His is a highly creditable record and he well deserves mention in this volume as one of the foremost farmers and representative citizens of the county.
FRED GAYLORD WILLS.
Fred Gaylord Wills was born August 24, 1884, in Arlington, Oregon, a son of W. H. and Clara (Oviatt) Wills. The father was born in Plymouth, England, and when twenty-one years of age came to the states, settling in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1879 he made his way to the Palouse country to buy sheep and after spending the winter at Endicott came to Walla Walla. He considered this locality as the most desirable that he had seen and accordingly decided to make it his permanent home. He was married at Walla Walla to Miss Clara Oviatt, who was born in Akron, Summit county, Ohio, and resided there until the early '80s, when she came to Walla Walla and made her home with a sister until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Wills have watched with great interest the development of what was a mere hamlet to a prosperous and up-to-date city of over twenty-five thousand inhabitants and they have at all times done their full share in contributing to its upbuilding.
Fred Gaylord Wills attended the public schools of Walla Walla, Whitman Academy at Walla Walla, the Rindge Manual Training School at Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the University of Washington at Seattle, which in 1908 conferred upon him the degree of LL. B. It had been his intention to devote his life to the legal profession but being offered a position in July, 1908, a short time after his graduation, he entered the employ of the First National Bank of Walla Walla as messenger. In 1910 he was appointed deputy clerk of the superior court of Walla Walla county and while holding that office in addition to discharging his duties in that capacity he was employed in the First National Bank, working there after the hour of closing at the clerk's office. In 1912 he went to Seattle and for a short time engaged in the real estate business there, after which he went to Tacoma, where he turned his attention to accounting, which profession he has since followed. In 1916 he returned to Walla Walla and he has met with gratifying success here. His acquaintance among the business men of the city and his excellent business and official record were important factors in his obtaining the appointment of city clerk. He understands thoroughly the principles of finance and accounting, and his work gives uniform satisfaction.
Mr. Wills was appointed city clerk on the 20th of January, 1917, and his prompt and capable performance of his duties has won for him the commendation of the citizens. He has always given careful study to the questions and issues of the day and has been a stanch supporter of plans and projects calculated to promote the civic interests of his city and county. The greater part of his life has been passed in Walla Walla, and his genuine personal worth is indicated by the fact that those who have been intimately associated with him since boyhood are his stanchest friends.
On the 16th of June, 1917, Mr. Wills was married in Walla Walla to Miss Dorothy Frances Drum, who was graduated from the University of Washington with the A. B. degree and who from 1914 to 1917 was assistant librarian of the public library at Walla Walla. Her father, Henry Drum, was appointed warden of the state penitentiary by Governor Lister in 1912 and still holds that office.
WILLIAM LAMBIE.
William Lambie, prominent as a horse breeder and farmer of Garfield county, living on section 31, township 14 north, range 43 east, was born near Glasgow, Scotland, March 13, 1846, a son of John and Margaret (Bryson) Lambie, both of whom were born in the neighborhood of Glasgow, where they spent their entire lives, the father devoting his time and attention to the occupation of farming in order to provide for his family. His son, William Lambie, was reared under the parental roof and acquired a public school education. On attaining his twenty-first year he bade adieu to the land of hills and heather and made his way to New Zealand, where he spent four years. He then came to the United States, making his way to the Hawaiian Islands and thence to San Francisco. He spent a short time in the Sacramento valley of California, after which he removed from San Francisco to Portland, making the trip by steamer. He spent one month in the harvest fields of the Willamette valley and then came by steamer up the Columbia river to Wallula and thence by wagon to Walla Walla, Washington. This was in the summer of 1871. When he saw the Blue mountains and the Walla Walla valley he said to himself that he would travel no farther. During that fall and the succeeding winter he was employed by James Foster, located at the foot of the mountain and the following spring he started out to find land for himself. He assisted a party with cattle upon the Palouse river below Colfax and slept on the floor in his own blanket in the only house in sight in Colfax at that time. He then journeyed northward in search of land near the much-talked-of route of the Northern Pacific Railroad, which at that time, however, had not been surveyed. He pushed on to the neighborhood of Medical Lake, where he located on a beautiful prairie sloping toward the south. He then returned to Walla Walla for a team and wagon, and when he again traveled over the route he brought back with him some garden seed and grain and planted ten acres of his land that first season. In the summer he worked for a stock man upon the present site of the town of Sprague, putting up hay. In August he returned to his own place to look after his crop, but found that his potatoes had been frosted and he, therefore, abandoned his claim. That fall he started down the creek with his team and located in a big meadow on Cow creek, where he cut and sold hay, the purchaser being Thomas Durry, a sheep man. In this business he engaged for four years and afterward sold the ranch to Mr. Durry for eight hundred dollars. He then went to Lower Crab creek and bought mares with his money and began the breeding of horses. In the fall of 1877 he took up his abode upon what has since been his home farm and in the fall of that year he did the first plowing done on the bench land in the north half of Garfield county. He first preempted one hundred and sixty acres and at the same time took up a timber claim, while three years later he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of railroad land. This constituted the nucleus of his present extensive possessions and gave him his start toward his later success. From time to time he has bought adjoining land until his present holdings comprise something more than twenty-one hundred acres and he operates under lease four hundred and eighty acres in addition, which he has cultivated for more than a quarter of a century. He has been one of the foremost breeders of thoroughbred draft horses in southeastern Washington and for the first fifteen years he specialized in the breeding of Clydesdales, for which breed he has gained a wide reputation. For the last ten or twelve years he has given his attention largely to the breeding of black Percheron horses and has gained an enviable reputation in this respect throughout the entire northwest. He is regarded as one of the foremost breeders and one of the most reliable judges of good horses in Washington. In connection with his extensive operations as a breeder Mr. Lambie farms eight hundred acres to wheat and has one hundred and ten acres planted to alfalfa and annually he produces splendid crops because his methods are practical and progressive.
In 1880 Mr. Lambie was united in marriage to Miss Emma Clark, of Fresno, California, by whom he had two children, one of whom survives, John Hazen, who is a resident of Longbeach, California. Mrs. Lambie has a home at Longbeach, California, where she spends much of her time, and Mr. Lambie there passes the winter months, while in the summer seasons he remains in Washington to superintend his business interests.
He is a member of the Farmers Union and he does everything in his power to promote the interests of the agriculturist and develop the farming possibilities of the state. He holds membership in the Unitarian church and is a man of genuine personal worth, progressive and reliable in business, patriotic in citizenship and at all times guiding his life by high and honorable principles. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to leave the land of his fathers and seek a home in the new world, for here he has found good opportunities and in their utilization has worked his way steadily upward until he is now numbered among the prosperous residents of Garfield county.
H. A. TRIPPEER, M. D. V.
Dr. H. A. Trippeer is one of the leading veterinarians of southern Washington and was one of the organizers of the Veterinary Hospital Company, which erected the fine City Veterinary Hospital of Walla Walla. His birth occurred in Peru, Indiana, July 6, 1881, and he is a son of Joseph E. and Alice (Alexander) Trippeer, the former also a native of Peru, Indiana, and the latter of Linneus, Missouri. Their marriage occurred in the latter town, to which the father had removed with his parents. Not long after he was married, however he returned to Indiana, and there engaged in breeding thoroughbred race horses and Devon cattle. In 1888 he took to Wasco county, Oregon, a number of horses and the first Devon cattle ever seen in the Pacific coast country. Among the horses was Mattie Mullen, who for a considerable period was the fastest short distance horse on the entire coast. He was prominently identified with live stock interests in the northwest for a number of years but is now living retired in Cove, Oregon.
H. A. Trippeer early began assisting his father in the care of his fine stock and the experience thus gained has been of great benefit to him in his professional career as a veterinarian. In 1904 he entered the Washington State College at Pullman and after two years' work in the veterinary department of that school he went to Chicago and continued his course in the famous McKillip Veterinary College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1907. He then came to Walla Walla and took the United States examination for veterinarian at Fort Walla Walla. While awaiting the action of the government on his application he entered into private practice at Walla Walla in partnership with Dr. J. W. Woods and as he met with marked success in that connection he decided to continue in private practice. Two years later he, Dr. Woods and Dr. Baddely, organized the Veterinary Hospital Company, which later built the city Veterinary Hospital, an institution which is one of the best of its kind in the northwest. Later Dr. Baddely withdrew from the company, selling his interest therein to Dr. Woods and Dr. Trippeer. The partners have gained an enviable reputation for thorough scientific knowledge and skill in practice, and their patronage is large and steadily increasing.
Dr. Trippeer married Miss Pearl G. Griffith, of Sioux City, Iowa, and they have become the parents of a daughter, Denise. The doctor belongs to Cove Lodge, No. 91, A. F. & A. M., of Cove, Oregon; to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E., and to the Walla Walla Commercial Club, in which connection he is associated with other enterprising business men in projects for the upbuilding of the city. He and his wife attend the services of the Episcopal church and are liberal in their support of its work. Since becoming a resident of Walla Walla the Doctor has gained a wide circle of friends and is held in the highest esteem both professionally and personally.
ORLEY HULL.
Attracted by gold discoveries in California, Orley Hull came to the Pacific coast and throughout the intervening period until his death was a resident of this section of the country. He was born in Iowa in 1825 and there the period of his boyhood and youth was passed amid the conditions of frontier life, for at that time the state of Iowa was yet a part of the great western territory that lay uninhabited and undeveloped west of the Mississippi. He continued in that state until he reached the age of twenty-four years, when the news reached him concerning the discovery of gold in California and he determined to try his fortune upon the Pacific coast. Accordingly he made the necessary arrangements for the trip, securing a covered wagon and an ox team, with which he started across the plains in 1849. The journey was a long and arduous one over the hot stretches of sand and across the mountains, but he pushed on day after day and ultimately reached his destination. After spending some time in California he determined to make his way northward and came to Walla Walla county, Washington. Here he took up the occupation of farming and stock raising, to which he devoted a number of years, becoming one of the representative agriculturists of the county. Eventually he established his home in Walla Walla, where his last days were passed.
It was in Walla Walla that Mr. Hull was united in marriage to Mrs. Hannah M. Laird, a native of Rochester, New York, and a daughter of Dr. Hiram Preston, of that city. After reaching womanhood she married Leonard Laird and they subsequently removed to Minnesota, where he engaged in farming for a time. He possessed considerable musical talent and took an active interest in religious work. On leaving Minnesota he removed to Hillsboro, Oregon, where he conducted a hotel for two years, but about 1877 brought his family to Washington, and located on a farm seven miles from Walla Walla, where he spent his remaining days, dying there in 1879. To Mr. and Mrs. Laird were born six children, of whom four are still living, namely: Miss Florence, a resident of Walla Walla; George D., of Portland, Oregon; Jennie, the widow of Millard Roff, of Walla Walla; and Nellie A., who is the widow of James A. Delaney and is living with her mother in Walla Walla. During the Spanish-American war Mr. Delaney entered the service and died of Manila fever. He left one child, Adrian L., now a guard at the Washington penitentiary in Walla Walla.
Mr. Hull was a stalwart and loyal member of the Masonic fraternity, in the work of which he was actively and helpfully interested, being ever ready to extend a helping hand to a brother of the order. He also took an active part in the upbuilding of the city of Walla Walla and his aid and cooperation could be counted upon to further any measure or movement for the public good. Those who knew him esteemed him as a man of high purpose and of honorable life and when he passed away in April, 1892, his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret in the southeastern section of the state, where he had long made his home and his funeral was widely attended. He was a man of marked integrity and his word was always as good as his bond.
YANCEY C. BLALOCK, M. D.
With the lasting example of his honored father before him, Dr. Yancey C. Blalock has followed in his professional footsteps and has won a place among the eminent physicians and surgeons of Walla Walla. He was born in Mitchell county, North Carolina, August 3, 1859, a son of Dr. Nelson G. and Panthea A. (Durham) Blalock, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this work. During his infancy his parents removed with the family to Macon county, Illinois, and he was a youth of fourteen when they started across the plains to Walla Walla, making the long and arduous journey according to the primitive methods of the time. Dr. Blalock has a very vivid recollection of many of the events of the trip as they passed on over the long stretches of hot sand and through the mountain passes that eventually brought them to the Pacific Coast. His education was largely acquired in the public schools of Walla Walla and in the Whitman Seminary. At length he determined to make the practice of medicine his life work and accordingly in 1881 entered the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from which his father had graduated many years before. He completed his course in that institution as a member of the class of 1884, after which he returned at once to Walla Walla and for a time was associated with his father in the active practice of medicine and surgery. Later, however, he established himself independently in practice, and in 1902 he accepted the appointment to the position of receiver of the United States land office at Walla Walla, serving in that capacity for two years, at the end of which time he resigned to resume the private practice of his profession. He has since given his undivided thought and attention to his professional interests and is ranked today among the leading practitioners of the county. He is most conscientious in the performance of his professional duties, recognizing how grave are the responsibilities which confront the physician.
In April, 1883, Dr. Blalock was united in marriage to Miss Julia Sanderson, a native daughter of Walla Walla, and to them was born a son, Jesse N. Mrs. Blalock passed away on the 6th of January, 1885, and in 1890 Dr. Blalock was again married, this union being with Miss Lillian Ballou, a native of Illinois and a daughter of Orlando and Elizabeth (Boyd) Ballou. To this marriage has been born a daughter, Phoebe I.
For many years Dr. Blalock has been prominent in fraternal circles. He has membership in Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M., of which he is a past master, and he also belongs to Walla Walla Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M., of which he is past high priest. He has taken the Knights Templar degree in Washington Commandery, of which he is a past eminent commander, and he belongs to Oriental Consistory, A. & A. S. R., of Spokane. He has also crossed the sands of the desert with El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane, and he and his wife are members of Alki Chapter, No. 25, O. E. S., of which Dr. Blalock is past patron, while his wife is a past matron. In Masonic circles the doctor occupies a very prominent position and is a past grand master of the grand lodge of the state and a past eminent commander of the grand commandery of the state. He likewise served as grand secretary of the grand chapter of the Royal Arch Masons for a number of years and was grand recorder of the grand commandery, Knights Templar. On March 6, 1914, he received the honorary thirty-third degree.
Dr. Blalock has occupied various civic offices and for three terms was county coroner. He served in the volunteer fire department of Walla Walla for twenty-two years, six of which he was chief. He is always loyal in positions of public trust and in all of his service in behalf of the community has been actuated by a singleness of purpose that has brought good results for the community. His political allegiance is given the republican party and he is an active and earnest worker in its ranks. He has served as chairman of the republican county central committee and puts forth every legitimate effort to further the success of the principles in which he so firmly believes. His prominence, professional and otherwise, is the outcome of his ability, his fidelity to duty and his high standards. His sterling characteristics commend him to the confidence and goodwill of all and throughout Walla Walla county, where almost his entire life has been passed, he has a circle of friends almost equal to the circle of his acquaintance.
THOMAS GILKERSON.
Thomas Gilkerson, who is residing on the family homestead in Walla Walla township, Walla Walla county, was born in England, October 19, 1837. His parents, George and Sarah (Rayson) Gilkerson, were also born in that country and in 1843 came with their family to America. They took up their residence in New York state, living there during their remaining days. To them were born seven children, of whom five survive, namely: Mrs. Mary Wallace, of Spokane; Thomas, of this review; James and William, who are living in New York; and Frances, who is now the wife of Thomas Curry, of Homer, New York.
Thomas Gilkerson grew to manhood in New York and there received his education. In 1860, when a young man, he and his brother James came west to Walla Walla county, Washington, and he of this review took up a homestead in Walla Walla township, where he has since remained. He proved successful in his farming operations and later from time to time added to his holdings, becoming the owner of a large and valuable tract. He now leaves the active work of the farm to others but still gives supervision to the management of his interests. He has gained a competence and the period of leisure which he is now enjoying is well deserved.
In 1862 Mr. Gilkerson was united in marriage to Mrs. Eliza (Sickles) McWhirk and they have had five children, of whom three are living, namely: Harry, Thomas J. and Dewitt A.
Mr. Gilkerson has supported the democratic party since gaining the right of franchise and has taken the interest of a good citizen in public affairs although never an aspirant for office. He has been identified with Walla Walla township for more than a half century and during that time has always proven a loyal citizen and a man of sterling worth.
CLINTON D. DAVIS.
Clinton D. Davis, who has lived in Garfield county continuously since 1878, covering a period of four decades, now owns three hundred and thirty-three acres of land on section 6, township 13 north, range 43 east, and is well known as one of the substantial farmers of the Mayview district. His birth occurred in Marion county, Oregon, on the 12th of December, 1854, his parents being Leander and Mary (Cox) Davis, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Indiana. Leander Davis crossed the plains as a young man in 1846 or 1847, and at the same time Mary Cox, yet a young girl, accompanied her parents to Oregon, her father taking up a donation claim in Marion county. Mr. Davis also took up a donation claim in the same county and it was there that he was later married and spent the remainder of his life, passing away in 1875 at the age of forty-eight years. He served as a member of the Oregon legislature in 1866 and made a most excellent record in that connection. His widow continued her residence on the donation claim in Marion county, Oregon, until the time of her death, which occurred in the seventieth year of her age.
Clinton D. Davis attended the public schools at Silverton in the acquirement of an education and was about seventeen years of age when he began providing for his own support. During the following five years he worked for wages and was then married. He had saved enough money to feel justified in starting out independently as an agriculturist and in 1878 he brought his bride to Washington and took up a homestead in Garfield county which is a part of his present home farm, on which he has resided continuously to this time. As his financial resources have increased, owing to his untiring industry and capable management, he has extended the boundaries of his place by purchase until it now embraces three hundred and thirty-three acres. The property yields him a gratifying annual income and he has long been numbered among the representative agriculturists and substantial citizens of the county.
In 1877 Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Elmira Hubbard, of Marion county, Oregon, a daughter of Joseph Hubbard, who crossed the plains from Illinois to Oregon in 1855 and took up a donation claim in Marion county, where he spent the remainder of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Davis became the parents of three children, namely: Edith, who is deceased; Alvin, at home; and Ella, who holds a clerical position in Spokane.
In politics Mr. Davis is is stanch republican, having supported the men and measures of that party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has witnessed the development of this section of the state from pioneer times to modern and has borne his share in the work of progress and improvement, while in the conduct of his private business interests he has also manifested the sterling traits of character which have won him the high regard and esteem of his fellow citizens.
DANIEL HAYES.
Daniel Hayes is one of the well known and honored pioneer settlers of Walla Walla county. Six decades have come and gone since he arrived in the state of Washington, and there is not a feature of its development with which he is not familiar. He has had many interesting and varied experiences incident to the life of a pioneer, and his memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present.
Daniel Hayes was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in the year 1840. His parents died while he was yet a boy, and at the age of twelve years he came to America, where a brother and sister had emigrated some years before. When in America but a short time he went to work as an errand boy for James A. Hamilton, a son of Alexander Hamilton, patriot and statesman, at his beautiful home on the Hudson river. He was affectionately known to the Hamilton family as "little Danny," and the only schooling he ever received was from Mr. Hamilton's daughter Angelica, who became interested in him and taught him evenings. Mr. Hayes has never forgotten his benefactress, and his youngest daughter bears her name. When seventeen years of age he left this good home and the opportunities he was promised, and came west. He made the trip by the way of the Isthmus of Panama and landed in San Francisco in April, 1857. Shortly after arriving in San Francisco, he entered the employ of the government in the quartermaster's department. He served for eleven months at Benicia, California, and then went to The Dalles, Oregon, with Captain Jordan. In 1858, when on the way to Fort Simcoe with a government train of forty wagons, news was received of Colonel Steptoe's defeat in a battle with the Indians near the present site of Rosalia. They then returned to The Dalles, where Colonel Wright fitted out troops, and moved to the mouth of the Tucanon river where Fort Taylor was built. Mr. Hayes was the driver of an ammunition wagon and brought supplies to Fort Taylor, where Major Wise was stationed. When Fort Taylor was abandoned he joined Captain Mullan's command and assisted in building the military road from Fort Walla Walla to Fort Benton, Montana. In 1861 he left the employ of the government and went to the mines at Orofino, Idaho. There he took up a claim and engaged in mining during the summer of that year. He later bought a pack train and engaged in the business of freighting until 1873, when he settled on the farm where he still resides.
At the outbreak of the Spanish-American war in 1898, Mr. Hayes offered his services to the government and was appointed by Quartermaster Cameron at Fort Walla Walla, to take charge of a pack train in Cuba. He served in Cuba during the period of the war, carrying food and ammunition to the American soldiers at the front.
Mr. Hayes was twice married. In 1873 he was married to Miss Elizabeth O'Donnell, who died in 1876. The two children born to them died in early childhood. In 1879 he married Miss Mary Carrol, who like her husband was a native of Ireland and who still survives. Nine children were born to them, eight of whom are still living, one having died in infancy. The daughters are: Catherine (Mrs. W. C. Anderson), Nellie (Mrs. B. G. Wiley), Margaret (Mrs. William Upton), and Angela; the sons are Parnell, Tom, John and Leo. There are three grandchildren, Elinor and John Edward Wiley and William Upton.
Mr. Hayes and his family are all members of the Roman Catholic church, and give their political allegiance to the democratic party. His youngest son came of age just in time to cast the tenth vote in the family for the reelection of Woodrow Wilson. The story of his life proves that Daniel Hayes was a sturdy pioneer whose life has been closely identified with the early history of the state of Washington, and who was a man always willing to accept his share of hardships and always eager to serve his country. When war was declared on Germany he had reached an age when he could no longer be of service, but was proud in the knowledge that his children would take up the duties for which he was no longer fitted. Shortly after declaration of war his son John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and his daughter Angela joined the Army Nurse Corps. The former is at present stationed at Galveston, Texas, and the latter at Honolulu.
Mr. Hayes has lived to see the pioneer cabins replaced by the more commodious and beautiful homes on the farms as well as in the cities. He has seen his family grow to manhood and womanhood, and though not possessed of wealth, he is spending his late years in comfort on his productive farm in the foothills. He takes great pleasure in discussing his many interesting experiences, and when in a reminiscent mood can relate most thrilling tales of the days when the Indians were constantly on the warpath, and when he and his comrades traveled many miles over unbroken roads, swam their horses across swollen streams, and often subsisted for days on scanty rations. He has now passed the seventy-seventh milestone in life's journey, but is still hale and hearty and boasts an endurance equal to that of his sons.
MARCUS ZÜGER.
Few men control farming interests of such extent in Walla Walla county as does Marcus Züger, who is the owner of forty-two hundred acres of land. Moreover, he figures in financial circles as the president of the Exchange Bank of Waitsburg. Alert and enterprising in business, he has carefully watched his opportunities, which he has wisely improved, and his energy and determination have carried him forward into important relations in business circles. A native of Switzerland, he was born June 18, 1852, a son of Carl and Elizabeth (Horner) Züger, who were also natives of the land of the Alps, where they spent their entire lives and reared their family of twelve children, eight of whom are now living.
Marcus Züger was reared and educated in Switzerland and in 1871, when a young man of nineteen years, bade adieu to friends and native country in order to try his fortune in the new world. Crossing the Atlantic, he spent five years in Boston, Massachusetts, but in 1877 heard and heeded the call of the west. It was in that year that he arrived in Walla Walla county, Washington, and took up a homestead claim on which he built a box house. In true pioneer style he began life on the western frontier, but with the passing years he has been able to secure all of the comforts and conveniences known to the older east, for his labors have brought substantial success and his sound judgment has enabled him to wisely invest his earnings in real estate. Adding to his property from time to time, his landed possessions now aggregate forty-two hundred acres in the great wheat belt of southeastern Washington. He is now extensively engaged in the raising of wheat and also pays some attention to stock raising, he and his sons farming all of his land. His cooperation has also been sought in connection with banking and he is now the president of the Exchange Bank of Waitsburg.
In June, 1872, in Boston, Massachusetts, Mr. Züger was united in marriage to Miss Magdalena Jacober, a native of Switzerland, and they became the parents of five sons: Fred, who has passed away; Marcus, a farmer; Carl, who died while serving in the Spanish-American war; and Henry and Frank, who are associated with their father and their brother Marcus in farming operations. The wife and mother passed away in February, 1909, and was laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery in Walla Walla. Her death was the occasion of deep regret not only to her family but to many friends, for she had gained the warm regard and friendship of many with whom she had been brought in contact.
Fraternally Mr. Züger is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has always voted the republican ticket since becoming a naturalized American citizen and he has done active service for the community as a member of the school board. He has never regretted his determination to come to America, for here he found the business opportunities which he sought and has steadily worked his way upward, winning the proud title of a self-made man. He arrayed determination, perseverance and capability against drawbacks, poverty and trials and the result was absolutely certain, for the former three are invincible--they know no defeat. He today therefore ranks among the most prosperous residents of Walla Walla county and his activities are of a character that have contributed much to the agricultural development of this section of the state. Making his home in Waitsburg, he is now able to enjoy all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life and the most envious cannot grudge him his success, so worthily has it been won.
JOHN W. WOODS, D. V. S.
Dr. John W. Woods, one of the incorporators of the Veterinary Hospital Company, builders of the City Veterinary Hospital of Walla Walla, was born in Contra Costa county, California, on the 20th of May, 1868. His parents, Daniel and Sarah (Golden) Woods, crossed the plains to California about the time of the gold excitement in that state, locating in Contra Costa county, where the father engaged in mining and subsequently turned his attention to merchandising. Both he and his wife remained residents of Contra Costa county, California, until called to their final rest.
In the acquirement of an education John W. Woods attended the public and night schools of Stockton and Fresno. Having determined upon the practice of veterinary surgery as a life work, he took up the study of that profession in early manhood and in 1898 he entered the veterinary department of the Washington State College, being graduated from that institution in 1902. For a year following his graduation he served as house surgeon at the college and on the expiration of that period he located for practice in Dayton, Washington, there remaining for two years. The year 1906 witnessed his arrival in Walla Walla and for a short period he practiced independently here but in 1907 became associated with Dr. Herman A. Trippeer, with offices on Main street. Dr. Woods, Dr. Trippeer and Dr. J. C. Baddely organized the Veterinary Hospital Company and built the City Veterinary Hospital. In 1915 the two first named acquired Dr. Baddely's interests and have since conducted the business with marked success, having built up an extensive veterinary practice in Walla Walla and surrounding counties. Their hospital is equipped with all modern needs and is recognized as a model of its kind.
In 1902 Dr. Woods was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Bruce, of Dayton, Washington, by whom he has three children, two daughters and a son, namely: Vyvien B., Sylvan M. and Edwinna M. Dr. Woods gives his political allegiance to the republican party and fraternally is identified with Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, A. F. & A. M. His wife is a consistent and devoted member of the Christian church. Both Dr. and Mrs. Woods are widely and favorably known in social circles of Walla Walla and the former enjoys an enviable reputation as a most successful representative of his profession.
JOHN SMITH.
A man of well balanced capacities and powers is always a strong character and one who inspires confidence in others; he may not have genius or any phenomenal characteristics, yet he is capable of mature judgment of his own capacities and of the people and circumstances that make up his life's contacts and experiences. He is eminently a man of business sense and easily avoids the mistakes and disasters that come to those who, though possessing remarkable faculties in some respects, are liable to erratic movements that result in unwarranted risk and failure. A man of well balanced mind, even temper and conservative habits is not necessarily lacking in enterprise of the kind that leads to great accomplishments. What a man does and what he attains depend largely upon his opportunities, but the well balanced man mentally and physically is possessed of sufficient courage to venture where favoring opportunity is presented and his judgment and even-paced energy generally carry him forward to the goal of success. Such has been the record of John Smith, a hardware and implement dealer, whose activities not only center in Walla Walla but also extend to Waitsburg, Washington, and formerly to Milton, Oregon. In a word he is one of the foremost merchants and business men of the northwest, constantly alert to opportunities which he uses wisely and well.
Mr. Smith was born in Casco, Wisconsin, on the 16th of June, 1863, a son of John M. and Kate (Larkin) Smith, both of whom were natives of Ireland. The father came to the United States with a brother when he was but a child, settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In his youth he learned the stone mason's trade, to which he devoted many years of his life. He passed away at the age of seventy years, while his wife died at the age of sixty-seven years. She also came to the new world in childhood with her parents and in Wisconsin became the wife of John M. Smith.
John Smith, whose name introduces this review, was reared upon the old homestead farm in Wisconsin, his father being an agriculturist as well as a stone mason. He therefore early became familiar with all duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He received but a limited education in the country schools of his district and at the age of fourteen years he went into the lumber woods of Wisconsin, since which time he has been dependent upon his own resources. Although young, he was rugged of constitution and he spent several months at the heavy work in the logging camps, after which he entered upon an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade and when still in his teens had become a skilled workman in iron. In 1884 he entered into partnership with John Huntamar and opened a blacksmith and horseshoeing shop. A year and a half later his partner withdrew from the firm and Mr. Smith was joined by others in the organization of the firm of Tierney, Smith & Company. This new company embarked in a wider field, taking over the manufacture of wagons and carriages as well as blacksmithing and horseshoeing. Two years later Mr. Smith sold his interest in the business, desiring to try his fortune in the west.
It was in 1888 that he crossed the continent to become a resident of Walla Walla and here he entered the employ of E. F. Michael, of Laporte, Indiana, as a salesman of agricultural implements in Utah, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and California. He sold goods for the Laporte house throughout these six states and remained in that position until 1893, when he resigned and embarked in business on his own account, entering into partnership with H. V. Fuller. They opened an agricultural implement warehouse in Walla Walla under the style of Fuller & Smith. This undertaking proved profitable from the beginning and after a year Mr. Smith purchased the interest of his partner in the business, which he conducted alone for a year. He then opened a branch store in Waitsburg, Washington, and in 1900 he bought out the firm of McComber & McCann, hardware dealers of Waitsburg. The hardware store was then consolidated with his implement business and the new venture was incorporated under the firm name of the John Smith Hardware Company, with Mr. Smith as the president. In order to accommodate the enlarged business he erected a brick block, seventy by one hundred and twenty feet, the finest business block in Waitsburg. In 1901 the John Smith Company of Walla Walla was incorporated, with Mr. Smith as the president, and in 1903 the Smith-Allen Hardware Company of Milton, Oregon, was organized and incorporated, Mr. Smith also becoming the president of the last named company. His interests and activities in connection with the hardware and implement business are thus extensive and important, his ramifying trade interests covering a broad territory. He carefully and wisely selects his stock, is reasonable in his prices, straightforward in his dealings and has ever recognized the fact that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement. He also has extensive land holdings in southeastern Washington and he is a heavy stockholder in the Tariff Silver Mine of British Columbia. He likewise has other property holdings. He was one of the organizers of the Interstate Building & Loan Association, the name of which was changed in 1916 to the Walla Walla Savings & Loan Association. Since its organization he has served on the loaning committee and also as one of its directors and has filled the office of vice president. During the fifteen years of its existence the company has made but two foreclosures. Efficiency has ever been his slogan and has constituted the foundation upon which he has built his success. He possesses an aggressive nature and his vocabulary knows no such word as fail. By keen attention to business, by careful management and by ready discrimination he has built up interests of large and profitable proportions which are the merited reward of his labors and which have placed him in the ranks of the foremost business men of the Inland Empire.
In 1887 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Darrow, of Madison, South Dakota, who died the following year. On the 12th of October, 1897, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Mary E. Vaile, a daughter of Rufus and Minerva Vaile, who were among the early settlers of Walla Walla. To this marriage there have been born seven children, five of whom survive, namely; Frank M., Mary Catherine, Edward Ralph, Helen B. and Bernice Elizabeth. Mr. Smith has three times been the victim of fires, each of which started on adjoining property and once almost a block away. These conflagrations swept away about forty thousand dollars worth of his property. The most disastrous of these occurred in 1902, when his barn burned and two of his children, John, four years of age, and Zera, less than three years old, were playing there and were burned to death.
It is a recognized fact in this day and age of the world that it is almost as essential to play well as to work well. In other words there must be recreation to act as a balance wheel to intense business activity lest commercialism should result in an undue development out of all proportion to other things. Fraternities provide the outlet for many men and Mr. Smith is among the active members of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Ancient Order of Foresters. For almost thirty years he has also been a director and once served as president of the Pacific Northwest Hardware & Implement Association and has the unusual distinction of having never missed a meeting of the board of directors. He votes with the republican party, to which he has always given his support since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He takes an active interest in all public affairs but has never been an aspirant for office, and if asked the reason would probably answer that he has never had the time. Mrs. Smith has been a prominent member of the Walla Walla Shakespeare Club for ten years and has filled all of the offices in that organization, serving as its secretary for three terms. She is also a member of a committee of the Red Cross and is very active in its work. In early life she engaged in teaching for about eight years, having taught nine months of school when she celebrated the seventeenth anniversary of her birth. She taught for some time in the mountains of Oregon, near the Washington state line, and has also taught in this state. In church affiliation Mr. and Mrs. Smith are Catholics, loyal to the teachings of their denomination. He has justly won the proud American title of a self-made man, for he started out in life empty-handed when a youth of fourteen and his boyhood was a period of earnest and unremitting labor. In fact he has led a most strenuous life and activity and diligence have been the crowning points in his career, winning for him the prosperity which he now enjoys.
BERTON DELANY.
Among the native sons of the Pacific northwest who have elected to continue their residence in this section after reaching man's estate is Berton Delany, a well known farmer of Columbia county, whose birth occurred in Walla Walla county, April 12, 1884. His parents, George and Olive (Day) Delany, were born respectively in Tennessee and West Virginia. In 1843 the father crossed the plains with his parents when but twelve years of age and the family located in Marion county, Oregon. There he remained until 1858, when he came to the Walla Walla valley. He participated in the Rogue River Indian war. In 1864 he engaged in stock raising on an extensive scale in the Grande Ronde valley but in 1870 removed to the Crab creek country of Washington, where he devoted his attention to cattle raising until his return to the Walla Walla valley in 1880. Here he began raising grain. He was one of the earliest pioneers of this section, and here he spent his last days.
Berton Delany, who is one of six living children in a family of eight, was reared under the parental roof and attended the common and high schools in the acquirement of his education. He has concentrated his energies upon raising stock and grain, and since beginning his independent career has gained a place among the leaders in the agricultural development of Columbia county. He now owns two thousand acres, most of which is planted to wheat, and the management of his farm leaves him little time for participation in public affairs.
Mr. Delany was married in 1906 to Miss Mamie Henten, and they have two daughters, Dorothy O., and Sarah M. Mr. Delany belongs to Starbuck Lodge, No. 106, A. F. & A. M., at Starbuck, in which he has filled part of the chairs, and also to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of that place. His wife is identified with the Order of the Eastern Star.
PINCKNEY N. HARRIS.
Pinckney N. Harris, a prominent real estate dealer who has negotiated some of the most important realty transactions in the history of Walla Walla, was born in North Carolina, June 18, 1877, a son of Sidney Butler and Mary Ann (Cooper) Harris, both natives of North Carolina, where they lived and died. To them were born nine children, of whom our subject is the eighth in order of birth and of whom only four now survive. The father served throughout the entire period of the Civil war and was so fortunate as to come out without a scratch. He was mustered out of the military service at Chattanooga, after which he returned to North Carolina, where he engaged in farming until he passed away in 1898. His widow survived for sixteen years, her death occurring in 1914.
Pinckney N. Harris grew to manhood under the parental roof and in the acquirement of his education attended the district schools. As a young man he held the position of foreman in a large tannery for two years but at the time of the Spanish-American war put aside all personal interests and enlisted in Company B, First Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, with which he was connected until 1900, when he received his discharge in Nebraska. He then located in Walla Walla county, Washington, and for three years followed agricultural pursuits, with which he had become familiar in his boyhood. Later he was for one and a half years engaged in mercantile business at Prescott, after which he disposed of his interests there and removed to Walla Walla, where he has since been active in the real estate field. He has carried through some of the largest sales of real estate that had ever been made in the county and is generally recognized as an authority upon conditions and prices in his line of work. He owns personally a number of valuable pieces of property in Walla Walla and has great faith in the future of the city, believing that realty here will show a steady increase in value.
In 1904 Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Miss Edith Ogden, who is a native of Oklahoma and is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ogden. Her parents now reside in Waitsburg, Washington, but were born respectively in Illinois and Kentucky. To Mr. and Mrs. Harris have been born three children, Arline, Edgar and Arthur T.
Mr. Harris is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks at Walla Walla and he also belongs to the Commercial Club, which numbers within its ranks practically all of the public-spirited and up-to-date business men of the city. He has won prominence in real estate circles and his success is doubly creditable in that it is due entirely to his own efforts.
CHARLES THOMAS MAXWELL.
Charles Thomas Maxwell is one of the pioneer photographers of western Washington, conducting a gallery at Walla Walla. He arrived in this state in April, 1883, and through all the intervening period, covering more than a third of a century, he has been closely associated with the photographic art and has maintained the highest standards in his work. He has been identified with the business in several of the leading cities of the state but has long maintained a studio in Walla Walla, where he makes his home.
Thomas Maxwell, as he is called, was born at Piney, Monroe county, Tennessee, May 20, 1865, a son of Samuel G. and Martha E. (Allison) Maxwell. He is connected in the paternal line with the Greer family. His great-grandfather, Samuel Greer, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, serving as a private in Captain Asa Hill's company of the Second Battalion of the Cumberland County (Pa.) Militia. In the maternal line Mr. Maxwell is connected with the Allison family, his great-grandfather, John Allison, serving as a captain under Colonel Isaac of Sullivan county, Tennessee, in the battle of Kings Mountain in October, 1780, and otherwise actively sharing in all the experiences which went to make up the record of the Continental soldier in the Revolutionary war. His great-great-grandfather, John Allison, emigrating from Ireland, became a resident of Pennsylvania and was one of the Allison family from whom have descended the well known Allisons of Pennsylvania, also W. B. Allison of Iowa and Nancy (Allison) McKinley, the mother of President William McKinley. Samuel G. Maxwell, father of C. Thomas Maxwell, was born about a mile from Jonesboro, Tennessee, in 1820 and there passed away in 1867. He had attained the thirty-second degree in Masonry at the age of twenty-four years. His wife was born in Jonesboro, Tennessee, in 1826 and died in Walla Walla in 1901. Both were educated in Jonesboro and they had a family of ten children, of whom Thomas was the youngest. His eldest brother was killed in the Civil war before the birth of Thomas.
The latter acquired a district school education at Piney and Sweetwater, Tennessee, and was a youth of eighteen years when in April, 1883, he came to Washington, making his way to Dayton, where he entered into business with his brother, Joseph D. Maxwell, who was a photographer and had made photographs in Walla Walla in 1878. He had reached Washington territory in 1877 and continued in the photographic business until his death, which occurred in 1915. Thomas Maxwell and his brother Joseph were the first photographers in Spokane, opening a permanent studio there in 1884. They were later joined by two other brothers, Grayson Y. and W. W. Maxwell, and they conducted three studios for many years--one in Spokane, one in Dayton and one in Walla Walla. Thomas Maxwell took charge of the Walla Walla establishment and is still conducting business in this city. He has at all times kept in close touch the most advanced and progressive methods and employs the latest scientific processes in photographic production.
On the 3d of July, 1911, in Walla Walla, Washington, Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage to Miss May Bradlee, who was born at San Francisco, California, December 12, 1882. The birth of her father, Frank Kimball Bradlee, occurred in California in 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell have one son, Charles Thomas (called Thomas), who was born on the 16th of July, 1913.
In politics Mr. Maxwell sometimes votes the democratic ticket, sometimes the republican. In fact he is non-partisan, supporting the candidates whom he thinks best qualified for office. For many years he has been identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. His has been an active, useful and honorable life, winning him the high esteem of all with whom he has come in contact, and Walla Walla has long numbered him among its valued, respected and representative citizens.
ALEXANDER MILNE.
Alexander Milne, who owns valuable farm holdings in Umatilla county, Oregon, now resides in Walla Walla and is well and favorably known in the city. He was born in Scotland, August 1, 1856, a son of William and Janet (Reid) Milne, also natives of that country, where they passed their entire lives. Our subject, who is one of three living children in a family of eight, received his education in his native country and remained with his parents until he was seventeen years old. He then started out on his own account and came to America, believing that this country offered better opportunities to an ambitious young man than the older countries of Europe. He went at once to Umatilla county, Oregon, and for some time was employed as a common laborer, although later he was engaged in railroad work and in freighting. In 1882 he purchased a farm in Umatilla county, Oregon, and for almost three decades his time and attention were given to the operation of that place. He worked hard and, moreover, so planned his labors as to receive the maximum result and the business phase of farming also received his careful study and he accumulated a competence which in 1910 enabled him to retire from active life. He then rented his farm of three hundred and twenty acres and removed to Walla Walla. The value of his place is enhanced by the excellence of the improvements thereon and he derives a good income from its rental.
In 1887 Mr. Milne was united in marriage to Miss Mary Armour, a native of Canada, and they have one son, Edmund, who after graduating from Whitman College went to Harvard University, where he completed his course in 1915. He is now a member of the faculty of Bowdoin College of Brunswick, Maine.
Mr. Milne is a stanch republican but his interests in public affairs is that of a public-spirited citizen and not that of a would-be office holder. His wife belongs to the Presbyterian church and his support can always be counted upon for movements seeking higher moral standards. Although he came to the northwest a boy in his teens without money or any usual advantages of any kind he has through his own efforts gained financial independence and justly ranks as one of the substantial residents of Walla Walla.
J. C. MELGER.
J. C. Melger, who since 1914 has owned and operated the farm that he now occupies on section 14, township 8 north, range 37 east in Walla Walla county, has in the course of an active and well spent life won substantial reward from his labors. While he acquired the ownership of his present farm only three years ago he has long been a resident of Walla Walla county, where he arrived in 1888, while Washington was still a territory. He was born in Russia, January 31, 1868, a son of Christ and Mary (Layman) Melger, both of whom spent their entire lives in Russia.
J. C. Melger was reared to his eighteenth year in his native country and acquired his education in its public schools. The favorable reports which had reached him concerning America and its opportunities led him to the determination to try his fortune in the new world and in 1886 he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for the United States. He was penniless when he arrived in New York city, but a fellow traveler advanced him money with which to reach Chicago and from there he wired to some friends in Kansas to send him the funds to continue his journey westward. Accordingly he made his way to the Sunflower state, where he spent two years. But still the lure of the west was upon him, beckoning him farther on, and in 1888 he made his way to the Pacific coast country. It was in that year that he arrived in Walla Walla county, Washington, where he secured employment on a ranch. He thus worked for eleven years in order to gain a start, after which he began farming on his own account as a renter. He was thus engaged until 1914, when his industry and economy had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase his present place, comprising two hundred and eighteen acres, on which he now resides. He has since operated this farm and in connection with his home place he cultivates one hundred and sixty acres of rented land. He is industrious and energetic and is meeting with good success in his undertakings.
On July 20, 1915, Mr. Melger was united in marriage to Mrs. Clara Matthews and to them has been born a son, Clyde Joseph. By her former marriage Mrs. Melger had a daughter, Mary Thelma. Politically Mr. Melger is a republican, having supported the party since becoming a naturalized American citizen. His study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to a belief in the efficacy of republican principles as a factor in good government. He belongs to Welcome Lodge, No. 117, I. O. O. F., of Dixie, and to Mountain Gem Lodge, No. 136, K. P. He came to this country a poor boy unable to speak the English language, but he soon mastered the tongue of his adopted land and he is today one of the progressive and influential men of his section, actuated in all that he does by the spirit of western enterprise and allowing no obstacles or difficulties to bar his path if they can be overcome by persistent, earnest and honorable effort.
HARRY W. MARTIN.
Harry W. Martin is one of the wide-awake and enterprising business men of Walla Walla county. He is now secretary and treasurer of the Blalock Fruit & Produce Company of Walla Walla, becoming half owner in this business in April, 1917. He was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, June 4, 1875, a son of Levi F. and Julia (Girard) Martin, both of whom were natives of the state of New York, whence they removed westward to Wisconsin after their marriage. The mother died in Wisconsin and at a later period, following his retirement from active business, the father came to Walla Walla and spent the last five years of his life in the home of his son, Harry W., passing away in 1910. He was for many years one of the leading business men of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, where during the years of his active business life he devoted his attention to merchandising.
Well defined business plans and purposes have actuated Harry W. Martin at every point in his career since he made his initial step in the business world. He was educated in the public schools of Chippewa Falls and in the University of Wisconsin, thus being splendidly qualified for life's practical duties and responsibilities. On the completion of his university course he became associated with his father in merchandising and was identified with the business until 1898, when he responded to the call of the west and made his way to Walla Walla. His first business connection here was with the Pacific Coast Elevator Company, With which he was associated for four years. Subsequently he served as private secretary to the firm of Moore & Sons, the senior partner being Governor Miles C. Moore. That association was maintained for two years, at the end of which time Mr. Martin became teller of the Baker-Boyer National Bank, in which capacity he continued for six years. He then resigned on the organization of the Inland Transfer Company, which he formed as a partner of R. H. Johnson. That business was subsequently sold to good advantage and Mr. Martin continued with Mr. Johnson as office manager of the Electric Feed Mill. During his connection with Mr. Johnson he also conducted a fire insurance business on his own account and yet remains active in that line, writing a large amount of insurance each year. In 1917 he purchased a half interest in the Blalock Fruit & Produce Company, of which he became the secretary and treasurer, and he is now bending his efforts to the executive management and direction of this business, which, carefully conducted, is meeting with very substantial success.
In 1904 Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Ada Goodhue, her father being James P. Goodhue, one of the pioneers of Walla Walla. Mr. and Mrs. Martin now have two daughters, Marion and George.
Mr. Martin gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, while fraternally he is identified with the following organizations: Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a past master; Walla Walla Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M.; Washington Commandery, No. 1, K. T.; Oriental Consistory, No. 2, A. & A. S. R.; El Katif Temple A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane; and Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E. Loyalty to any cause which he espouses has ever been one of the marked characteristics of Mr. Martin. Those who know him recognize his sterling worth, place dependence upon his substantial qualities and feel that his word is as good as his bond, for that fact has been demonstrated throughout his entire connection with the business interests of the west. The limitless opportunities of the Pacific coast country make constant call to the men of business ability and learning of the east and Mr. Martin has found here ample opportunity for the exercise of his industry and enterprise--his dominant qualities.
FRANK ZÜGER.
No student of history can carry his investigations far into the records of Walla Walla county without learning of the close and prominent connection which the Züger family has had with the agricultural development of this section of the state. Their labors have been of the greatest benefit in converting the wild land into productive fields, making the Walla Walla valley one of the great wheat producing regions of the northwest. Frank Züger is now extensively engaged in farming on section 2, township 9 north, range 37 east. It was in this township of Walla Walla county that he was born August 4, 1888, his parents being Marcus and Martha (Jacober) Züger, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. He pursued a district school education, supplemented by study in the city schools of Walla Walla and by a course in the Empire Business College, thus becoming well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. In 1908, at the age of twenty years, he began farming on his own account, operating a portion of his father's extensive land holdings, and at the present time he is cultivating between sixteen and seventeen hundred acres of wheat land, thus being one of the big operators in this section of the state. His great broad fields, a waving sea of grain, are a delight to the eye, indicating the ready response which nature makes when intelligent care and cultivation are applied to the fields.
On the 15th of September, 1908, Mr. Züger was united in marriage to Miss Lulu Edith Corkrum, a daughter of Jasper Corkrum, who was one of the early pioneers of Walla Walla county but is now residing in Alberta, Canada. To this union have been born four children, Martha Magdalene, Wanda Belle, Walter Elroy and Frances Elizabeth.
In his political views Mr. Züger is an earnest republican. Fraternally he is connected with Delta Lodge, No. 70, K. P., and with El Kinda Temple, D. O. K. K., of Walla Walla. He is also a member of Waitsburg Lodge, F. & A. M. His business attainments place him with the foremost representatives of agricultural life in this section of the state. He is alert, energetic and resourceful in business affairs, while at the same time his influence and aid are given on the side of progress and improvement. His entire life has been actuated by a spirit of advancement and he stands for a high type of American manhood and citizenship.
P. S. ALDRICH.
The time and attention of P. S. Aldrich, a resident of Walla Walla, are given to the supervision of his farming interests. He is a native of Walla Walla county, born January 6, 1877, and is a son of Milton and Sarah Ann (Stanfield) Aldrich. The father was born in New York state, and the mother in Iowa. In their youth they became convinced that there were better opportunities for advancement in the far west. They made the long journey across the plains with ox teams and located in Walla Walla county, Washington, where, after their marriage, they engaged in farming. The father passed away here in 1910, but the mother survives at the age of seventy-two years. They became the parents of three children: Dora, now the wife of F. M. Walker; Fred; and P. S., of this review.
The last named has passed his entire life in Walla Walla county and is indebted for his education to its public schools. Under his father's able direction he early became familiar with farm work and aided in the operation of the homestead until he became of age. He then began his independent career and since starting out for himself his resources have steadily increased. He now owns eight hundred acres of good land in Walla Walla county and is engaged in both wheat and stock raising, finding such a course more profitable than specializing in either industry. He owns an attractive and commodious residence in Walla Walla and is financially independent.
Mr. Aldrich was married in 1908 to Miss Mary Abbey, who was born in Clay county, Iowa, and they have become the parents of three children, Percy M., Robert W. and Hazel E. Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and do everything in their power to further its work. Mr. Aldrich supports the republican party but has never held office with the exception of serving on the school board. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Dixie and is also identified with the Elks. The same qualities which have made him popular in those organizations have gained him the goodwill of all who have come in contact with him. Eastern Washington offers the best of opportunities to her citizens but in order to gain success a man must be ready to take advantage of these opportunities and must display the characteristics of industry, determination and good judgment, all of which are strongly marked characteristics of P. S. Aldrich.
A. G. WEARY.
A. G. Weary is well known in agricultural and financial circles in Walla Walla county. He is engaged in farming on section 12, township 6 north, range 33 east, and he is a member of the board of directors of the Touchet State Bank. England numbers him among her native sons, for he was born in that country in the county of Cornwall, August 2, 1861, his parents being Edwin and Eliza (Oliver) Weary. The mother died in England in 1877, the father having come to the United States about 1870. For several years he worked in the mines of Pennsylvania and of Nevada. About 1878 he arrived in Walla Walla county, Washington, where he turned his attention to farming and, adding to his possessions from time to time as his financial resources permitted, he acquired twelve hundred and forty acres of land in the vicinity of Touchet and a tract of one hundred and sixty acres about six miles west of the town. He was also heavily interested in both the cattle and sheep industries, owning five thousand head of sheep at the time of his death. In a word he was a most progressive, enterprising and prosperous business man, owing his success entirely to well directed energy and thrift. He died July 21, 1896, while his wife had passed away in 1877.
A. G. Weary came to the United States in 1878, when a youth of seventeen years. He had acquired his education in the public schools of England, supplemented by an academic course, and after reaching the new world he worked on his father's ranch and was associated with his father in the live stock business up to the time of the latter's death. He is now the owner of nine hundred and twenty acres of rich and valuable land and is still extensively engaged in raising cattle and sheep in connection with the operation of his fields. In fact he stands as one of the foremost farmers and stock raisers in eastern Washington, and in addition to tilling his own soil he also operates six hundred and forty acres belonging to his father's estate which was willed to the children of Mr. Weary. He has been one of the dominant factors in the organization of the Touchet State Bank and was made a member of its board of directors, in which position he still continues.
On November 2, 1901, Mr. Weary was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Hesser, a native of Germany, who emigrated to the United States in young womanhood. They have two children, Edwin F. and Hilda M., both at home.
In politics Mr. Weary is a republican and he belongs to the Community church of Touchet, while his wife is identified with the Lutheran church. Their aid and influence are always given on the side of progress and improvement, of righteousness, truth and reform. Mr. Weary is a man of marked force, ability and resourcefulness. His plans are well defined and promptly executed. He recognizes and utilizes opportunities that others pass heedlessly by, and fortunate in possessing character and ability that inspire confidence in others, the simple weight of these qualities has carried him into important relations. He is today one of the foremost business men of Walla Walla county and his course has won him honor and the respect of all with whom he has been associated.
A. B. ROTHROCK.
Among the highly esteemed residents of Walla Walla is A. B. Rothrock, who is now renting his large farm and is living retired after many years devoted to agricultural pursuits. He was born in Marion county, Oregon, June 5, 1870, a son of A. B. and Lucretia C. (Cox) Rothrock, natives respectively of North Carolina and Kentucky. The father's birth occurred in 1816 and in 1839 he removed to Illinois, which at that time was still largely unsettled. In 1863 he once more moved westward, going to Iowa, and two years later he was again numbered with the pioneers, crossing the plains in that year to Oregon. He engaged in farming for some time in Marion county, that state, but in 1868 removed to Umatilla county, where he developed a large herd of cattle, becoming one of the leading cattlemen of that section. When the country became so thickly settled that the free ranges disappeared he turned his attention to wheat growing and in that connection, too, won prominence and prosperity. He was a man of such energy and such unusual soundness of judgment that he gained a position of leadership in whatever he undertook. In his later years he removed to Weston in order to give his children better school advantages and there his death occurred in 1881. His widow survived for many years, dying in 1912.
A. B. Rothrock was reared at home and after attending the district schools continued his education in the Oregon State Normal School at Weston. He received practical training of great value under his father, as from boyhood he assisted the latter in his extensive farming operations. After reaching mature years he continued to work with his father until he was about twenty-five years old, when he began farming independently, renting the home farm of four hundred acres. In 1902 he purchased three hundred and sixty-nine acres of land in Umatilla county, which he farmed in connection with the home place, the successful management of the seven hundred and sixty-nine acres of land requiring his undivided time and attention. He continued to reside upon the home farm until 1909, when he removed with his family to Walla Walla in order to the better educate his children. He continued, however, to give personal supervision to the cultivation of his farm in Umatilla county, Oregon. In 1915 he purchased the homestead and now owns about eight hundred acres of land, which he is renting, as he feels that he has earned a period of leisure. The success which he gained as a farmer was due to the same qualities of foresight, energy and close application to his work that characterize the prosperous business man and he has always felt that agriculture should be recognized as having the same status as other industries.
On the 25th of August, 1897, Mr. Rothrock was married to Miss May Steen, a daughter of Milton Steen, one of the pioneer farmers of Umatilla county. To this union have been born four children: Velma S., who was graduated from the Walla Walla high school with the class of 1917; Forrest B. and Arthur, who are attending the Sharpstein school; and James S.
Mr. Rothrock gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but has never cared to take an active part in public affairs. However, his influence has been felt as a force making for civic advancement and he has always discharged to the full all obligations resting upon him as a citizen. He belongs to Weston Lodge, No. 58, I. O. O. F., of Weston, Oregon, and the teachings of the craft have guided him in the various relations of life. His salient qualities are such that to know him intimately is to respect him for his sterling worth, and his friends hold him in the warmest regard.
DELOS H. COFFIN.
An enterprising and active business man was Delos H. Coffin, who for many years was identified with farming interests in Walla Walla county and who passed away in 1909. His life record had spanned the intervening years from 1854, and his diligence and determination had won him a substantial measure of success, numbering him among the self-made men of this section of the country. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, August 1, 1854, a son of George D. Coffin, who in 1855 crossed the plains with his family and cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Oregon. He took up his abode upon a farm and there Delos H. Coffin was reared, sharing with the others of the household in all of the hardships and privations which constitute features of pioneer life in the northwest. He also assisted in the arduous task of developing a new farm and early learned the value of industry and persistency of purpose as factors in the pursuits of life.
In 1881 Mr. Coffin was united in marriage to Miss Stella Sickler, a native of Minnesota and a daughter of James and Mary (Cook) Sickler, who were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they removed westward to Minnesota in the early '50s. In 1859 they crossed the plains with ox teams and covered wagons to Washington, experiencing all the hardships of such a trip, and eventually they reached the Walla Walla valley, where they took up their abode upon a farm which the father purchased, his land including the present site of College Place. The original home of the family was a little log cabin and they lived in true frontier style until their labors enabled them to secure many of the comforts and conveniences known to the older civilization of the east. The mother died upon the old homestead and the father afterward sold that property and removed to a farm which he purchased on Mill Creek. In their family were twelve children, of whom five are now living.
After the marriage of Mr. Coffin he began farming on his own account, purchasing a tract of school land upon which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made. He at once began to develop the property and in the course of years added fine buildings to the place. He later purchased more land and Mrs. Coffin is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres left to her by her husband. Since his death she has acquired another tract of two hundred acres and also bought a farm of one hundred and eighty-four and a third acres near Dixie. She likewise has four acres where she now lives, on which she has erected an attractive home. Her land is all wheat land, very rich and productive, and her fields annually bring to her gratifying harvests. Mrs. Coffin manages all of the estate and displays excellent business ability and resourcefulness in controlling her interests.
Mr. Coffin departed this life in 1909. He was a consistent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was laid to rest in the Odd Fellows cemetery. He also belonged to the Fraternal Order of Eagles and took an active part in its work. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he served as county commissioner. His was a well spent life, his career being one of activity and usefulness, and all who knew him entertained for him warm regard by reason of his many sterling traits of character. Like her husband, Mrs. Coffin is widely and favorably known in Walla Walla county and has a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of her acquaintance.
SAMUEL B. SWEENEY.
Samuel B. Sweeney, who is a well known landowner residing in Walla Walla, is a native of the northwest, his birth having occurred in Oregon, May 24, 1858. His parents, Rev. Alexander W. and Angeline (Allen) Sweeney, were born respectively in Missouri and Tennessee. In 1847 the mother accompanied her parents to Oregon, the journey being made by ox team. On arriving there Mr. Allen took up a donation claim and there the family home was established. Rev. Sweeney became a resident of Oregon in 1850 and later was married in that state. Subsequently he spent some time in California but in 1872 he removed with his family to Waitsburg, Washington, whence two years later he came to Walla Walla, where he passed away. His widow, however, survives at the advanced age of eighty-one years. They were the parents of three children, of whom two survive.
Samuel B. Sweeney attended school in both California and Oregon and in early manhood was a teacher in the old Whitman College. At length he decided to abandon that profession and turned his attention to farming, renting land until he had saved enough money to purchase a farm. He owns four hundred and eighty acres in Walla Walla county and also several smaller tracts of land and he derives from his holdings a gratifying annual income. His business affairs have been managed capably and he is now in excellent financial circumstances.
In 1893 Mr. Sweeney was married to Miss Adna Fudge, a native of Walla Walla county and a daughter of Adam and Mary (Perkins) Fudge. At an early day in the history of Oregon the Fudge family removed to that state, whence they eventually came to Walla Walla county, Washington. The father is now deceased but the mother still survives. To Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney have been born two children, Philip B. and Eleanor D., both of whom are attending the Oregon Agricultural College at Corvallis.
Mr. Sweeney was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church, and his wife is a Christian Scientist. He is a stanch republican and has taken the interest of a good citizen in public affairs but has not held office with the exception of serving as a member of the school board. He belongs to the Masonic blue lodge of Walla Walla and in his daily life has exemplified the teachings of that order. Beginning his career empty-handed, he has reached the goal of success through quick recognition of opportunity, hard work and the careful management of his affairs.
JOHN A. DANIELSON.
John A. Danielson, residing in Waitsburg, is prominently connected with farming and live stock interests in Walla Walla county. He was born in Sweden, January 7, 1862, his parents being Andrew and Anna (Anderson) Danielson, who came to the United States in 1865 and first took up their abode near Grand Rapids, Michigan. They settled on a farm there and continued to reside thereon until called to their final rest. John A. Danielson was but three years of age on the emigration of the family to the new world. He was reared and educated in the district schools and in the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, Michigan.
For one term Mr. Danielson taught school in that state and in 1884 he came to Washington, settling on Whiskey creek in Walla Walla county, where he filed on a homestead and preempted another quarter section. He afterward purchased additional land, adding to his holdings from time to time until his possessions now aggregate three thousand acres. For the past eleven years he has made his home in Waitsburg in order that his children might enjoy the advantages of the public school system of this city. He is quite extensively engaged in cattle raising as well as in general farming, running two hundred head of Hereford cattle on his ranch. He is a most progressive agriculturist and stock raiser whose interests are wisely directed and carefully managed. He cultivates his farm according to the most progressive methods and as a stock raiser pays close attention to all the scientific principles which have now become a feature of the live stock business on all up-to-date farms. He is likewise a stockholder and a member of the board of directors of the Farmers Union Warehouse Company.
On November 8, 1891, Mr. Danielson was married to Miss Louisa J. Holderman, of Columbia county, Washington. Her father, Gilderoy Holderman, came to this state from Missouri in 1879, settling in what is now Columbia county. His family joined him here in 1881. He was a Civil war veteran and his early death, which occurred October 28, 1883, was the direct result of wounds and exposure which he suffered while defending the Union cause on the battlefields of the south. To Mr. and Mrs. Danielson have been born twelve children, namely: Anna L., Jessie M., Frank, Naomi, Dewey, Cecil, Ralph, Lola, Roy, Inez, John A., Jr., and one who died in infancy. The others are still under the parental roof.
Mr. Danielson is a stalwart republican and for several years he served as a member of the school board while living on his farm and is now a member of the board of education in Waitsburg. He has never sought political office, however, but is always to be found ready and willing to give his aid and assistance to any plans and measures which tend to uphold civic standards or advance the best interests of his community. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and they are held in the highest esteem by reason of their sterling worth, their integrity and their fidelity to all measures of individual and community uplift. Mr. Danielson certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished in a business way. He started out in life empty-handed but possessed the substantial qualities of industry and determination, and upon those qualities as a foundation he has builded his prosperity. Moreover, the course he has pursued is indicative of the fact that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously.
GEORGE L. BAILEY.
Among those men who have found success in following agricultural pursuits and are now able to live retired is George L. Bailey, of Walla Walla, who was born near The Dalles, Oregon, on the 10th of April, 1874, a son of Lyman J. and Mary (Graham) Bailey. The father was a native of New Hampshire and the mother of Missouri and they were married in Salilo, Oregon. The father's parents died when he was but a boy and at the age of nineteen, in the year 1849, he crossed the isthmus and made his way to the California gold fields. However, he did not work in the mines but drifted north into Oregon and settled at Salilo, where he learned the trade of a ship carpenter. For several years he was employed by the Oregon & Washington Railroad & Navigation Company in boat building and during those years he was associated with Lew Thompson in the cattle business, Mr. Bailey working at his trade while Mr. Thompson took care of their cattle interests. In the hard winter of 1871-2 they lost most of their cattle and Mr. Bailey and Mr. Thompson then dissolved partnership and the former gave up his position in the shipyard and went to Klickitat county, where he took up a homestead. He was the first settler and built the first house near Bickleton on Alder creek, hauling the lumber for floors some sixty miles. There he engaged in the live stock business and farming, being identified with those interests up to the time of his death.
George L. Bailey, whose name introduces this review, pursued a public school education, which was supplemented by four years' study in Whitman Academy. Following the completion of his course there he went east to Boston, Massachusetts, where he attended Burdett's Business College. On finishing his studies on the Atlantic coast he returned to Walla Walla and soon afterward was united in marriage, in July, 1898, to Miss Etta Aldrich, a daughter of Newton Aldrich, one of the earliest of Walla Walla county's pioneers, having come into this section of the state from California with a bunch of cattle in 1858. He was so favorably impressed with the country and its prospects that he decided to remain and make his home. Accordingly he took up a preemption claim two and a half miles southwest of Dixie and thereon resided to the time of his death, which occurred in 1888. He was very successful and acquired large land holdings.
Mr. Bailey engaged in farming in Walla Walla county, his wife owning two hundred acres of land which she received from her father's estate, and Mr. Bailey's career as a farmer was begun upon that tract. As he has prospered in his undertakings he has purchased much other land and is now the owner of twelve hundred and eighty acres, nearly all of which is valuable wheat land. He continued to cultivate his fields until 1917 but has now rented his farm for the coming year and is giving his attention to other business interests. In wheat production he has been very successful. He has cultivated his land and cared for his crops according to the most modern methods and has annually gathered large harvests, the sale of which has added materially to his income and financial resources.
Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have become the parents of the following children, Mildred E., Dorothy A., Helen A., Gladys I., Lyman N. and Donald L. All of the children are still at home and Mildred E. and Dorothy A. are attending high school.
Mr. Bailey gives his political allegiance to the republican party and in religious faith he and his wife are Congregationalists. Both are widely known for their genuine worth. They have displayed many sterling traits of character which have gained for them warm regard and as a business man Mr. Bailey has long occupied a creditable position in this section of the state. Notwithstanding the obstacles and difficulties in his path he has advanced steadily step by step and his orderly progression has brought him to a place among the most successful agriculturists of Walla Walla county.
PHILIP YENNEY.
Philip Yenney, deceased, was for many years a well known and prominent agriculturist of western Washington. He became identified with the state in pioneer times and lived to witness the remarkable changes that were wrought as the work of development and improvement was carried forward, and with the passing years he bore his full share in the work of general progress and improvement.
Mr. Yenney was a native of Germany and came to the United States when a youth of sixteen or seventeen years and for some time worked on the Potomac river in connection with its traffic interests, while subsequently he was employed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. Later he secured a situation on a plantation in Virginia and on leaving the Old Dominion went to Iowa, where he met the lady whom he afterward made his wife, her parents having removed from Pennsylvania to Indiana and subsequently to Iowa, where they were residing at that time. In 1860 Mr. Yenney came to the northwest, which was then far removed from civilization, being cut off by the long stretches of hot sand and the high mountains that often seemed an insurmountable barrier to the traveler who would have desired to become a resident of the Pacific coast country. Undeterred by hardships and difficulties which he must meet, Mr. Yenney made his way to Washington and for some years was engaged in freighting between Walla Walla and the Idaho mines. The district into which he came bore little resemblance to the highly developed section that one sees here today. After freighting for a time he became connected with Mr. Still in the conduct of a trading post on Hangman's creek, near the present site of Spokane, a place which was then known as the California ranch. Subsequently he engaged in farming, with which he was prominently identified up to the time of his death, and as his financial resources increased he kept adding to his holdings by additional purchase until he had acquired some sixteen hundred acres of wheat land and one thousand acres of grazing land. He thus won a position among the foremost agriculturists of this state and his life record illustrates what it is possible to accomplish in the west when the individual possesses industry, determination and laudable ambition.
In early manhood Philip Yenney was united in marriage to Miss Rachael Winnett, a native of Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of the following children. John Fred, born in Iowa, June 5, 1858, came with his parents to Washington in 1860 and was educated in Walla Walla. During his active business life he followed farming in Columbia county, but died at San Diego, California, where he had gone with the hope of benefiting his health. He was three times married and left a family of seven children. His third wife now makes her home in East Walla Walla. Sarah M., the second of the family, married James McKee, of Walla Walla, and they made their home at Pomeroy. She died, leaving a husband and six children. Robert C. was born, reared and educated in Walla Walla. He was graduated in 1889 from Whitman College. Subsequently he entered the University of Pennsylvania, where he pursued a medical course and was graduated with the degree of M. D. After spending one year in hospital work he located in Portland, where he has since engaged in practice. He is now at the head of a hospital unit ready for service when the government calls. William H. and Lewis O. are represented on another page of this volume. Margaret, the youngest child, married Ernest E. Brown, of Spokane, where she now resides. Two children, Thomas J. and Anna R., died while young.
Mr. Yenney was a consistent member of the Lutheran church and died in that faith on the 28th of June, 1905. His life was at all times honorable and upright and commended him to the confidence and goodwill of those with whom he came in contact. His widow still survives him and now occupies the old family home at No. 834 East Alder street in Walla Walla. She, too, is a consistent Christian and has membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.
WILLIAM H. YENNEY.
The great wheat fields of Walla Walla county and the surrounding sections of this state and of northern Oregon are always a matter of marvel to the traveler, who thinks of the west as a region of mines and of forests and little realizes what wonderful strides have been made along agricultural lines. Prominent in connection with farming interests in Walla Walla county is William H. Yenney, who superintends his operations from his city home.
He was born in this county October 17, 1869, and is a son of Philip and Rachael (Winnett) Yenney. He spent his early youth on the old home farm and was educated in the district schools and in Whitman College, which he attended for two years. After reaching adult age he continued to remain on the old homestead and cooperated with his father in the latter's extensive farming and horse raising enterprises. Since his father's death he and his brother Lewis have operated the farm in partnership and are classed among the most successful agriculturists of Walla Walla county. There is no phase of progressive farming with which they are not familiar and their thoroughly up-to-date methods produce splendid results. They have broad wheat fields and also produce other crops, while at the same time they are extensively and successfully engaged in stock raising. In the spring of 1917 W. H. Yenney removed to Walla Walla, where he now lives in a handsome new residence at No. 20 Merriam street.
At Dayton, Washington, Mr. Yenney was united in marriage to Miss Cora Edgell, a daughter of William and Sarah (Kuykendall) Edgell, of Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Yenney have been born four children, namely: Frank, who is now on the home ranch; Philip, now attending high school; and Clark and Richard, also in school. Philip Yenney is president of the champion football team of the northwest, which is the Walla Walla high school team. It has defeated all competitors in the northwest and also the Salt Lake City team.
Mr. and Mrs. Yenney are active workers on committees for the successful prosecution of the war, being prominently connected with the work of the Red Cross, the Young Women's Christian Association and the Young Men's Christian Association. Mrs. Yenney is a Member of the Methodist Episcopal church and, like her husband, enjoys the warm regard and friendship of all with whom she has been associated. Her home is noted for its warm-hearted hospitality and is the center of a cultured society circle. Fraternally Mr. Yenney is connected with Washington Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F., and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He is regarded as one of the foremost business men of Walla Walla county and there is no phase of modern day enterprise having to do with farming operations with which he is not familiar.
LEWIS O. YENNEY.
Lewis O. Yenney, a representative farmer of Walla Walla county, is residing at No. 834 East Alder street in the city of Walla Walla. He has spent his entire life in this county, where his birth occurred on the 8th of May, 1872. He represents one of its old and prominent pioneer families, his parents being Philip J. and Rachael (Winnett) Yenney, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
His youthful experiences were those of the farmbred boy. He spent his early life under the parental roof and was early trained to the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. His education was acquired in the district schools, supplemented by study in Whitman College, and on reaching manhood he became the active assistant of his father and brother in the management of extensive farming interests. For some years prior to the father's death the brothers had entire charge of the important agricultural business which he had built up. He gave to them each an interest in the farm and since his death they have continued its cultivation and improvement. It is equipped with all of the latest accessories and conveniences known to the model farm of the twentieth century. There are large and commodious buildings for the shelter of grain and stock and the latest improved machinery promotes the work of the fields.
Mr. Yenney resides with his mother and is looking after her interest, comfort and welfare in her old age, for she has now reached the age of eighty-five, having been born on the 22d of November, 1832. She is remarkably well preserved for one of her years and keeps in touch with interests and events of modern days. The fact that many of Mr. Yenney's warmest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood is an indication that his life has been an active, useful and honorable one. For forty-five years he has lived in this county and has witnessed much of its growth and development. He has seen its lands reclaimed and cultivated, its forests cut and its other natural resources utilized. As the years have passed on he has borne his share in the work of general improvement and progress, while at the same time he has conducted his private business interests in a way that has brought very substantial results, and today Walla Walla county numbers him among her leading agriculturists.
FRED GREENVILLE.
Fred Greenville, of Walla Walla, who is engaged in farming, was born in Minnesota on the 16th of July, 1860, a son of Peter and Jean (Mitchell) Greenville. The father followed the occupation of farming in Rice county, Minnesota, where he spent his entire life. Fred Greenville acquired a limited education in the common schools, but during much of the time when he should have attended school, his services were required upon the farm and his training was that of the fields rather than of the schoolroom. On reaching his twentieth year he came to Washington in 1881, settling in Walla Walla county, where he began work as a farm hand. He continued to work for wages for a number of years but in 1881 took up a homestead on the Eureka Flats, which he operated with hired help for several years. Subsequently he rented land and began farming for himself, and as his financial resources have increased, he has added to his holdings from time to time until his farming possessions now aggregate eleven hundred and twenty acres of valuable wheat land in Walla Walla county. In fact he is one of the leading wheat growers of this section of the state and cultivates fifteen hundred acres, renting three quarter sections of his land. He also leases a section and a half of land belonging to others and a quarter section on Dry creek, together with a half section in Franklin county. His life history proves conclusively that activity doesn't tire, that it gives resisting power and develops further strength. He has learned how best to conserve time and effort and to make each blow tell in the accomplishment of his purpose. His business affairs are most carefully systematized and the work of the farm is done in the same methodical manner as that of a commercial enterprise.
In 1890 Mr. Greenville was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Timm, of Paha, Adams county, Washington, by whom he has five children, as follows: Ollie, the wife of Adolphus Myers, who is employed by her father; and Ettie, Lloyd, Lola and Howard, all at home.
Mr. Greenville gives his political allegiance to the republican party and was elected to the board of county commissioners of Walla Walla county in 1908, serving in that capacity for one term. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Trinity Lodge, No. 121, and also to the encampment and the canton. He is also a member of the Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E., of Walla Walla Aerie, No. 26, F. O. E., and of the Woodmen of the World. Notwithstanding his lack of early advantages and educational opportunities, Mr. Greenville has made steady progress in his business career and his ambition and energy, which are among his most marked characteristics, constitute an example well worthy of emulation.
H. A. REYNOLDS.
H. A. Reynolds is largely concentrating his time and efforts upon general agricultural pursuits, being located on the Ransom Clark donation claim adjoining Walla Walla. He has, however, other important business connections and is well known as a progressive and representative citizen of his section of the state. He was born on the farm where he now resides, October 14, 1863, his parents being Almos H. and Lettice (Millican) Reynolds. He was reared upon the home farm and acquired his education in the public schools, supplemented by a high school course at Ann Arbor, Michigan. He afterward attended the State University of Michigan, from which he was graduated with the class of 1886, winning the Bachelor of Arts degree. He then took up the study of law under J. B. Allen but failing health caused him to discontinue his preparation for the bar for a time. Later, however, he continued his reading under B. L. Sharpstein and was admitted to the bar. He then practiced law for a brief period but on account of his health gave up professional activity and turned his attention to farming that he might be benefited by the outdoor life. He has since been connected with agricultural pursuits and is now giving his time largely to the further development and improvement of the Ransom Clark donation, which constitutes one of the valuable farming properties in the vicinity of Walla Walla. He has other important business connections, however, and is a stockholder in the Farmers Savings Bank and in the Malcolm McLean Grocery Company. He also is identified with other business interests of Walla Walla, where he likewise has made judicious investments in property. In business affairs he is a man of sound judgment and keen discrimination, readily judging between the essential and the non-essential, and his efforts have been most intelligently directed and his investments most judiciously made.
In 1891 Mr. Reynolds was united in marriage to Miss Bertha C. Truesdell, of Minnesota, who was a teacher in the Whitman College. To this marriage have been born five children: Carrie, who is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College of South Hadley, Massachusetts; Charlotte, who was graduated from Whitman College with the class of 1917; Margaret, who is in her junior year at Whitman College; Harry Jay; and Allen Lynn.
Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds are members of the Congregational church and take an active interest in its work and in many projects which are developed for the public good. In his political views Mr. Reynolds is a stalwart republican, and while never an aspirant for office, he has been a prominent factor in the affairs of his party for years past. He was elected to the board of county commissioners as an advocate of the project of building a new courthouse and was elected on that issue. He was also a member of the board that had in charge the construction of the new courthouse and at all times his aid and influence have been given to those projects which are looking to the present welfare and the future advancement of city and county. Those who know him esteem him as a man of genuine worth. His liberal education, his public spirit, his recognition of the duties and obligations of citizenship make him one of the valued and representative men of Walla Walla county and his social qualities make for personal popularity.
GEORGE C. ALEXANDER.
Thirty-six years have been added to the cycle of the centuries since George C. Alexander became a resident of Walla Walla county. For many years he was actively engaged in general farming and still makes his home on section 12, township 6 north, range 35 east, but is now living retired, having in former years acquired a handsome competence that enables him to rest from further labor. He was born in La Fayette, Indiana, on the 18th of March, 1861, a son of Emanuel and Antha (Stretch) Alexander, the former a native of Ohio, while the latter was born in Indiana. The father was a farmer by occupation and spent the last four years of his life in the home of his son, George C., passing away in 1905.
George C. Alexander was reared under the parental roof and acquired a public school education. At the age of twelve years, however, he became a wage earner and has since been dependent upon his own resources for whatever he has achieved and enjoyed. He worked as a farm hand for neighboring farmers up to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated on the 28th of May, 1893, Miss Lillie C. Davis becoming his wife. During her girlhood days she accompanied her parents, William J. and Lucy E. (Hecker) Davis, to Walla Walla county, the removal being made from Iowa in 1885.
George C. Alexander had arrived in Walla Walla county in 1881 and after taking up his abode here worked as a farm hand until the time of his marriage, when he began farming on his own account, renting land. In 1905 he purchased his first land, becoming owner of his present home place of two hundred and twenty acres. He had enough money to make a half payment on the place and within five years he had cleared it of all indebtedness. In subsequent years he has put improvements upon it to the value of more than twenty-five hundred dollars. He has also bought eighty acres of irrigated land in Montana. Taking up his abode upon the home farm, he concentrated his efforts and attention upon its further development and improvement and in the course of years his labors worked a marked transformation in the appearance of the place, which he brought under a high state of cultivation. He still resides upon his home farm but is now living retired and rents his land, while he is enjoying the fruits of his former labor. In politics he maintains an independent course nor has he ever sought the honors and emoluments of public office. He ranks with the leading and representative men of his township and deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. He has truly won the proud American title of a self-made man, for he started out empty-handed when a youth of but twelve years and has worked his way steadily upward by diligence and determination. Whatever he has gained has been the reward of his earnest labor and his record indicates what may be accomplished in a busy life where there is a will to dare and to do. His course should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be done through persistent, earnest effort when guided by sound judgment.
D. B. STIMMEL.
Through struggles and adversities D. B. Stimmel has reached a position among the prosperous residents of Walla Walla county and is now living retired in Waitsburg. For many years he was actively connected with agricultural interests, and diligence and determination brought to him the measure of success that now enables him to rest from further labors. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, January 1, 1856, his parents being Benjamin and Charlotte (Smith) Stimmel, who were also natives of the Buckeye state, where they were reared and married. In 1861 they removed westward to Tazewell county, Illinois, and in 1879 became residents of Reno county, Kansas. There the father died in the '90s, but the mother is still living and now makes her home with a son in Oklahoma.
D. B. Stimmel was the eldest in a family of ten children, nine sons and one daughter. The duty and the burden of assisting in rearing the family and providing for their support fell upon his shoulders and as a consequence his education was limited. He could attend school only at such times as his services were not required upon the farm. He remained at home until he reached his twenty-fourth year, when in 1880 he filed on a homestead in Reno county, Kansas, and began farming on his own account. There he resided for nine years, when he determined to try his fortune in the northwest, having heard favorable reports concerning this section of the country. In the spring of 1889, therefore, he made his way to Walla Walla county, Washington, arriving in Waitsburg about the middle of May with a wife and six children and a cash capital of but fifteen dollars. Here he began working for wages, being thus employed through the harvest season, and in the fall of that year he rented a farm and began its cultivation. He was not familiar, however, with the farming conditions of this section of the country and the poor crops and the widespread financial panic of 1893 made his first few years a struggle for existence. In the winter of 1895-6 he left the farm which he had rented with an indebtedness of three thousand dollars. The following spring he went up into the Nez Percé country and engaged in hauling posts and doing other work for the Indians, in which circumstances he was reminded of the scriptural passage that "the first shall be last and the last first." He may not have liked this domination of an inferior race, but he was willing to accept any occupation or employment that would yield him an honest living. The following fall he located on a place of one hundred and sixty acres belonging to his brother-in-law and afterward purchased two hundred and forty acres adjoining that farm, assuming a mortgage of twelve hundred dollars and back taxes and interest. He paid one hundred dollars cash upon the property, which according to the terms of agreement would cost him nine dollars and sixty-five cents per acre. A year later it had more than doubled in value and recently would have sold for one hundred dollars per acre. From the time of his purchase of this property Mr. Stimmel's prosperity began. The tide seemed to have turned for him and the years brought him a substantial measure of success as a reward for his labors. At different times he continued adding to his property, acquiring two other quarter sections of land, so that his ranch came to be one of five hundred and sixty acres. A quarter section of this he afterward deeded to his two older sons upon his retirement from active business, but he still retains ownership of four hundred acres, which he rents to his sons. In 1906 he removed to Waitsburg and later erected his present handsome city residence.
In 1879, in Reno county, Kansas, Mr. Stimmel was united in marriage to Miss Hattie E. Kirby, by whom he had ten children, eight of whom are yet living: Minnie, who is the wife of Lorenzo Bly, of Alberta, Canada; Earl and Ernest, twins, who follow farming in Walla Walla county; John T., also an agriculturist of Walla Walla county; William, who operates his father's farm; Viola, who gave her hand in marriage to Ralph Lukenbihl, of Waitsburg; Millie, who makes her home with her sister Minnie in Alberta, Canada; and Albert, also a resident of Alberta, Canada. The wife and mother passed away in December, 1908, and in 1909 Mr. Stimmel was again married, this union being with Mrs. Mary J. Lynch née Lewis, of Ontario, Canada.
Mr. Stimmel gives his political allegiance to the republican party. Fraternally he is connected with Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M.; Waitsburg Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F.; and with the Woodmen of the World. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church and are people of genuine personal worth, enjoying the warm regard and goodwill of all with whom they have been brought in contact. Difficulties and obstacles have at times beset the path of Mr. Stimmel but with persistency of purpose he has continued his labors and as the years have gone on has earned a most satisfactory reward. When determination, perseverance and talent are arrayed against drawbacks, poverty and trials, the result is almost absolutely certain. The former are invincible--they know no defeat. The habits of industry and close application which he early developed have constituted the foundation of his present success.
MRS. MARY A. KIMMERLY.
For almost half a century Mrs. Mary A. Kimmerly has been a resident of Walla Walla and has therefore witnessed almost the entire development of this region. She was born in Portage, Genesee county, New York, and bore the maiden name of Miss Mary A. Nesdel. In early life she went to Minnesota, where she married Frank Kimmerly, also a native of New York, his birth having occurred in Watertown. By trade he was a millwright and erected the first flour mill in Rochester, Minnesota, which was one of the first mills built in the state. In 1869 he brought his family to Washington and here readily found work at his trade, erecting a mill at Lapwai, another at Weston and several others. He also branched out into general contracting and built many of the best residences in Walla Walla during the '70s. He erected the Stine House, where now the Dacres Hotel stands, and several other important business structures.
Mr. Kimmerly was not only prominent in industrial circles but also took an active part in public affairs, serving as deputy sheriff of Walla Walla county and also as city treasurer. He was a thirty-second degree Mason and was the first master of Rose Croix Lodge of Perfection at Walla Walla. He was generally recognized as one of the most prominent residents of the city and his death, which occurred on the 28th of July, 1878, was considered a great loss to the community. Mrs. Kimmerly still survives her husband and continues to live at the old Kimmerly residence with her two sons, E. S. and W. W., at No. 526 South Second street.
HON. CHARLES BESSERER.
Hon. Charles Besserer was the builder of the third house in Walla Walla and was prominently identified with the city for many years, especially in connection with newspaper publication. He became recognized as one of the foremost journalists on the Pacific coast and his editorials, original and trenchant, were widely read. He was born near Heidelberg, Germany, October 10, 1838, and at seventeen years of age he enlisted for service in the English army. While still a member of the army he was sent to the state of Washington, at which time Walla Walla was but a log cabin village. When his term of enlistment was over he decided to make the United States his home and he proved his loyalty to his adopted land by valiant service in the Union army during the Civil war. He ever took an active interest in government affairs and did not a little to shape public thought and action in regard to community interests. He early turned his attention to newspaper work. After having honorably served throughout the period of hostilities between the north and the south he returned to Walla Walla, where he erected the third house of the city. A few years later he went to Montana, where he resided for a brief period, but in 1873 he returned to Walla Walla, where he embarked in the grocery business. In 1875, however, he became actively connected with newspaper publication in the purchase of the Spirit of the West, a weekly paper published in Walla Walla, the name of which he changed to the Watchman. In 1885 he established the Milton Eagle and a year later he sold the Watchman. A few years afterward he purchased the Journal and the Watchman, both of Walla Walla, and for several years managed these papers successfully, but again he sold out and paid a visit to his native country. Upon his return to America he purchased the Union, the Journal and the Watchman and combined the three papers into a new publication known as the Morning Union. This he continued to own and edit until 1898, when he removed to Oakland, California. He was quite successful financially and it was his love of editorial work that caused him to continue his labors on the San Francisco and other papers subsequent to the establishment of his home in California. He was widely known because of his interesting and comprehensive editorials, which were eagerly read throughout the west. His paper was ever maintained as an independent sheet in regard to politics. He also wrote many articles of a worldwide scope for Harper's Weekly.
Hon. Charles Besserer was united in marriage to Miss Ida Sanderson, who still survives him, his death having occurred on the 2d of February, 1912, being occasioned by heart trouble. The part which he took in the early development and subsequent progress of Walla Walla well entitles him to representation in its history.
LIEUTENANT BERNARD OVIATT WILLS.
Among the native sons of Walla Walla who are rendering excellent service in the armed forces of the nation is Lieutenant Bernard Oviatt Wills, U. S. N., who is now assigned to special duty in New York city. He was born in Walla Walla, August 22, 1887, and is a son of W. H. and Clara (Oviatt) Wills, an account of whom appears in the sketch of their son, Fred Gaylord Wills.
Bernard O. Wills attended the public schools of Walla Walla and continued his study in the high school, graduating with the class of 1905. The following year he entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis and in 1910 completed the required course there and received the title of ensign. He has remained continuously in the navy and has won promotion, so that although he is still a young man he now has the rank of senior lieutenant. He is now serving by assignment on the special board of patrol, with office at No. 11 Broadway, New York city, and his highly efficient work in that connection is of importance in the great task that confronts the navy in placing the defenses and the naval forces of the United States on a war footing. He is a representative young naval officer, proud of the history and traditions of the navy, thoroughly equipped by highly specialized training for the work in hand, high-spirited and yet recognizing that the high order of ability and daring found in the personnel of the navy can only be made available to the nation's service by discipline.
On the 3d of July, 1917, Lieutenant Wills was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Lee Hanscom. Although he has been stationed in the east for some time, his many friends in Walla Walla have not lost sight of him and have followed his career with great interest and pride.
MISS MARY J. THOMAS.
In the educational circles of Walla Walla Miss Mary J. Thomas is widely and favorably known. She has done much to further the interests of the public schools and is now the principal of the Sharpstein school. She is a native daughter of Walla Walla and the spirit of western enterprise has found expression in her work. Her father, George Franklin Thomas, was born in Norfolk, Virginia, in the year 1815 and when very young left home, going to the state of New York. In 1840 he removed from the Empire state to the south and for many years engaged in staging in Georgia and in Alabama. In 1850 he became one of the Argonauts who sought gold on the western front, making his way to California. After reaching that state he resumed his staging business, which he successfully conducted, and he may well be termed the pioneer stage man of the Pacific coast. He became the president of the Oregon & California Stage Company, which conducted a fine line of stages from Sacramento to Portland. After the war between the north and the south he removed to Salem, Oregon, and on the discovery of gold in the Salmon River mountains he placed a line of stages on the road between The Dalles and Celilo. When the Oregon Steam & Navigation Company built a railroad there he moved onward and started a stage line between Wallula and Walla Walla. In 1863 he built the Thomas & Ruckle Road across the Blue mountains and was identified for many years with the principal mail route in this section of the country. In 1865 he was elected mayor of the city and for many years in rotation was elected councilman. In 1874 he was the candidate on the democratic ticket for the office of sheriff of the county and was elected over three competitors. At the next election in 1876 he was reelected and from 1878 until the time of his death was associated with this office. He passed away January 12, 1884, survived by a wife and six children, two sons and four daughters, but since then the mother and two sons have passed away. The daughters are Mrs. Thomas Durry, Mrs. Thomas Page and Miss Mary J. Thomas, of Walla Walla; and Mrs. George M. Cosgrove, of Spokane, Washington. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Bridget Rodgers, was born in Ireland, June 24, 1832, and came to America in 1844, first settling in New Orleans and later removing to California. Her death occurred in Walla Walla, November 26, 1905.
Miss Mary J. Thomas, reared in Walla Walla, was educated in St. Vincent's Academy and became a grade teacher in the Baker school of Walla Walla. She has since devoted her life to that profession and became principal of the Baker school, while later she was transferred to the Sharpstein school, of which she is now the principal. She holds to high ideals in her work, is constantly studying out new methods to improve her efficiency and her own zeal and interest in the work have inspired and encouraged both teachers and pupils under her.
JAMES F. CROPP, M. D.
For almost forty years Dr. James F. Cropp has successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Walla Walla, where he was also the promoter and founder of the Walla Walla Hospital, an institution of which the city has every reason to be proud. He has ever occupied a prominent position in professional circles and has been instrumental in maintaining the highest standards of activity in his chosen field, recognizing fully the duties and obligations which devolve upon the physician. He was born in Virginia, April 16, 1854. His father, Silas F. Cropp, was also a native of the Old Dominion, where he followed the occupation of farming. He married Maria Katherine Martin, born in the same state, and both have passed away. They had a family of four children, of whom two have departed this life.
Dr. Cropp pursued his early education in a little log cabin school in the state of Washington, which at one time was headquarters of the army that went to rescue General Steptoe on Steptoe Butte. The family had come to Washington in 1872. They made their way westward to American Falls, Idaho, driving a team of oxen across the country. They then proceeded by stage to Portland and on to Albany and from that point walked to Walla Walla across the Cascade mountains. From this city they proceeded to a point near the Farmington country and there plowed the ground upon which Farmington is built. From that point they proceeded to Dry creek, near Walla Walla, and Dr. Cropp of this review secured employment in the hay fields, working for Sergeant Smith during the summer. He obtained a dugout near there and gathered a few common school books, and in company with E. H. Nixon, now of Walla Walla, prepared himself as best he could for educational work, after the hours of harvesting were over. He at length secured a school, of which Sergeant Smith was a director, and taught through the winter months. This was a large school and he proved capable in its management and conduct. Later he taught in various other schools through the valley, being thus engaged until 1876, when he walked the greater part of the distance to Portland and there secured passage on the old steamer Ajax, on which he worked his way to San Francisco. This step was actuated by his laudable ambition to prepare for the practice of medicine, which he had determined to make his life work. He there entered the medical department of the University of California, which at that time was only a summer school. At the close of the session, in company with Charles E. Levitt Sajous, now a famous medical practitioner and author of Philadelphia, he started for the east. They worked their way on freight trains and walked part of the way until they reached Philadelphia, where they matriculated in the Jefferson Medical College, from which institution they were both graduated in March, 1878. The determination with which he pursued his education, making his way in spite of seemingly almost insurmountable difficulties, is characteristic of Dr. Cropp. He has never faltered in the performance of a task to which he has set himself and throughout his entire life he has ever carried his well defined plans forward to successful completion. Following his graduation he returned to Walla Walla and in the intervening years has continuously and successfully practiced medicine and surgery. During this period he has also served in various official capacities of a professional nature for the city, county and the state. He has been physician and surgeon to the state penitentiary for six years and since the building of the Odd Fellows Home he has been physician to that institution. In 1890 he built the Walla Walla Hospital, which has since been successfully conducted and from which numerous nurses of very high standing have been graduated, doing important duty in their professional capacity through the city, county and surrounding states, many of them occupying most important positions in other hospitals. While many years have elapsed since Dr. Cropp was graduated, he has by broad reading and thorough study kept in touch with the trend of modern scientific thought and investigation and with the progress that is being continuously made by the profession. His ability is pronounced and he stands not only as the dean of the medical profession in Walla Walla but as one of its most distinguished representatives in the northwest.
In 1879 Dr. Cropp was united in marriage to Miss Ida Hungate, a daughter of H. H. and Mary (Duncan) Hungate and a native of California. They have become parents of a daughter, Hallie H., who is at home. She is connected with the Daughters of the American Revolution, for the ancestors of Dr. Cropp served in the struggle for independence. Dr. Cropp is thoroughly familiar with the history of pioneer development in the northwest. On the trip across the plains, when the family were making their way to the Pacific coast, they encountered considerable trouble with the Indians. He has seen this entire section of the country reclaimed for the purposes of civilization, while the work of development and improvement has been carried steadily forward. His aid and influence have ever been on the side of progress and improvement and his work has had far reaching and beneficial results. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He belongs to the Commercial Club and cooperates heartily in all of its well defined plans and measures for the welfare and upbuilding of the city. Along strictly professional lines he has connection with the Walla Walla County Medical Society and the Washington State Medical Society. He is interested in their proceedings and contributes in no small measure to the success of some of the meetings, for his judgment is accepted as an authority upon many questions of vital importance to the profession. He has ever held to the highest professional standards and anything that tends to solve the intricate problem which we call life is of interest to him.
EDWARD WILSON CLARK.
Edward Wilson Clark, one of the leading attorneys of Columbia county, practicing at Dayton, was born in Morrow county, near Heppner, Oregon, on the 15th of November, 1865, his parents being Oscar F. and Mary A. (Allen) Clark, the former a native of the state of New York and the latter of Ohio. They were married, however, in Oregon, Mr. Clark having crossed the plains as a young man of twenty-one or twenty-two years in 1846. The mother's parents died when she was but a little child and she made the long trip to the west with her brother, Charles Allen, who arrived in Oregon about 1850. She continued to reside with her brother in this section of the country until her marriage. Oscar F. Clark took part in the Cayuse Indian war and in 1848 made his way northward and settled on what is now the city of Walla Walla in Walla Walla county, Washington. The previous year the Whitman massacre occurred. He became familiar with every phase of pioneer life and bravely met all of its hardships and privations. He was married about 1850 and for some years lived in Corvallis, Oregon. He had been engaged in teaching in the east and was identified with educational work for several years after his removal to Oregon. In later years he was elected county superintendent of schools of Benton county, Oregon, and he was also appointed the first probate judge of that county. In 1866 he became a member of the board of county commissioners of Umatilla county, Oregon, and he was one of those who were most earnest and effective in securing the establishment of the county seat at Pendleton. Indeed he was recognized as a very prominent and influential citizen of Oregon, where he remained until 1877, when he removed to Columbia county, Washington. Taking up his abode in Dayton, he was soon thereafter elected justice of the peace and served in that office for many years. His decisions were strictly fair and impartial, being based upon the law and the equity in the case, and that he enjoyed the full confidence of the public is indicated by his long retention on the justice bench. Death called him in 1898 and his widow, surviving for about a decade, passed away in 1908.
Edward W. Clark was reared under the parental roof and completed his education in the Dayton high school. In 1886 he took up the study of law, reading under the preceptorship of Judge M. M. Godman, of Dayton, and in 1888 he was admitted to the bar, after which he opened a law office in Dayton, his ability placing him, through the intervening years, in the front ranks of the profession. He served for ten years as prosecuting attorney of Columbia county and for five years was city attorney of Dayton. He was also for one year city clerk and at the present writing is a member of the board of education, in which position he has continuously served since 1893. The public school system indeed finds in him a stalwart champion and one whose efforts in its behalf have been characterized by marked progress.
On the 28th of February, 1892, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Nellie B. Gritman, of Dayton, a daughter of Delos W. and Mary (Davis) Gritman. Her father, who was one of the successful agriculturists and prominent citizens of Columbia county, served for a number of years as a member of the board of county commissioners and was widely recognized as a man of sterling character and genuine worth. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have a son, Roscoe L., who was graduated from Whitman College with the class of 1915 and is now a student in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia.
Fraternally Mr. Clark is connected with Dayton Camp, No. 95, W. O. W.; with Dayton Circle, No. 238, Women of Woodcraft; and with Dayton Lodge, No. 3, K. P. He ranks with the leading and representative residents of Dayton because of his loyalty in citizenship, because of his genuine personal worth and also by reason of his professional ability. He is a man of well balanced intellect, thoroughly familiar with the law, possessed also of comprehensive general information and of an analytical mind. He is recognized as a formidable adversary in legal combat but one who at all times holds to the highest standards of the profession, his record reflecting credit upon the history of the bench and bar of Washington.
BERT THOMAS, M. D.
Dr. Bert Thomas, occupying a leading position among the most capable and successful medical practitioners of Walla Walla, is well qualified in all those particulars which make for advancement in his chosen profession. His liberal preparatory training well qualified him at the outset of his professional career and in the intervening period he has studied closely and read broadly, thus keeping in touch with the trend of modern professional progress. He was born in Walla Walla county, March 4, 1874. His father, Alfred Thomas, a native of Kentucky, was born in 1828 and in the spring of 1870 made his way to the northwest, becoming identified with agricultural interests in this county. Here he spent his remaining days, covering a period of more than a quarter of a century, his death occurring in 1896. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eleanor Lewis, was born in Iowa and has also passed away.
Dr. Thomas of this review was one of a family of twelve children, six of whom are yet living and all are residents of Walla Walla county. He acquired a common school education and afterward entered the Whitman College, from which in due time he was graduated. He next became a student in the University of Michigan, matriculating in the medical department, from which he was graduated with the class of 1904. He then put his theoretical knowledge to the practical test in a year's service in a hospital in Jackson, Michigan, and gained the broad and valuable knowledge and experience which can never be as quickly acquired in any other way as in hospital work. On the expiration of that period he returned to Walla Walla, where he has since practiced medicine and surgery, and throughout the intervening years he has maintained a place in the front ranks of the profession. He is very careful in the diagnosis of his cases and seldom, if ever, at fault in matters of professional judgment. He belongs to the Walla Walla Valley Medical Society, the Washington State Medical Association and the American Medical Association and thus keeps abreast with modern thought, investigation and research.
Dr. Thomas married Miss Orville Green, who was born in Walla Walla, a daughter of W. O. and Mary F. (Young) Green, who were pioneers of this county, having crossed the plains in 1852. Dr. Thomas belongs to the Masonic fraternity and is a faithful exemplar of the teachings of the craft. His entire life measures up to high standards and those whom he has met in social relations entertain for him the warmest friendship and regard, for his salient qualities are those which make for personal popularity.
PATRICK O'CONNOR.
Patrick O'Connor, deceased, was an enterprising and successful farmer and stock raiser of Columbia county and his name deserves a place upon the pages of its history. He was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, March 16, 1850, and was reared in the land of his birth. On reaching the age of sixteen, however, he determined to try his fortune in the new world, for he had heard favorable reports concerning its opportunities and advantages. On reaching American shores he at once crossed the continent to the Pacific coast and located in San Francisco, California, where he remained for nine years. He was there employed in a boiler factory and at street car work. After spending over five years in that city he came northward to Walla Walla in 1880 with the intention of returning to San Francisco but found Walla Walla to his liking and took up his abode there. He was made section foreman for the Union Pacific Railway and for a considerable period was active in that connection. In subsequent years he made several removals, living for a short time in Dayton and a short time on the present home ranch near Starbuck. In 1896 he took up his abode on his Columbia county farm, first purchasing forty-six acres of land. To this, however, he added from time to time as his financial resources permitted until at his death he was the owner of an excellent tract of land of two hundred and sixty-seven acres, upon which he engaged extensively in stock raising and in the growing of alfalfa. In business affairs he was energetic and determined. He allowed no obstacles nor difficulties to bar his path if they could be overcome by persistent and earnest effort. He worked diligently and as the years passed on gained a place among the substantial farmers of his adopted county, his attention being given to general agricultural pursuits and stock raising until his death, which occurred May 7, 1910.
On the 30th of December, 1889, Mr. O'Connor was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary McGreevy, who was born in Iowa and came to Washington in 1887, locating on the present site of Jackson's Siding in Columbia county, where lived her uncle, Daniel McGreevy. Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor had one son, Daniel A., who is now operating the home farm.
In politics Mr. O'Connor was a stalwart democrat, giving unfaltering allegiance to the principles of his party. He served for some years as road supervisor and made an excellent official in that connection. In fact he was a progressive and public-spirited citizen, giving helpful aid to all movements for the advancement of the community. He belonged to the Catholic church, of which his widow and son are also communicants. The family has long been well known in Columbia county and, like her husband, Mrs. O'Connor enjoys the respect and goodwill of those with whom she has been brought in contact.
ALBERT M. JENSEN.
Albert M. Jensen, head of the A. M. Jensen Company of Walla Walla, was born in Denmark in 1868 and at the age of fourteen years began work in a general store. His life has been one of continuous business activity since that time. Coming to the new world in 1890, he settled in Minnesota and was employed by one of the largest department stores in St. Paul for eighteen years. He began work there as general utility boy, was advanced to the position of salesman and later became a buyer and department manager, and while thus engaged he made various trips to New York and abroad for his firm.
In 1910 Mr. Jensen came to Walla Walla and organized the A. M. Jensen Company, which then bought out the Skiles Dry Goods Company, which had been established in 1905 on a very small scale. The floor space now in use for the display and sale of women's merchandise is approximately fifteen thousand square feet.
In 1897 Mr. Jensen was united in marriage to Miss Effie Byland, who was born in Shelbyville, Indiana, and they have three children: Leon, Everett and Gladys. Mr. Jensen is a member of the First Presbyterian church, is a Scottish Rite Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine and also of the Odd Fellows lodge. In politics he is an independent republican but has never sought or held office. His military record covers six months' service in the Danish navy before coming to the United States. He has taken considerable interest in civic affairs and for several years was a member of the board of trustees of the Walla Walla Commercial Club and served for one year as its president. He is always anxious and willing to help wherever necessary for the good of the city, state or country and acted as chairman and member of several important Liberty Loan and Food Conservation sub-committees.
JOHN H. EDWARDS.
One of the well improved farm properties of Walla Walla county is that owned by John H. Edwards, an enterprising, alert and energetic agriculturist, whose home is on section 30, township 9 north, range 34 east. He is there extensively engaged in wheat growing and also in stock raising.
Mr. Edwards was born in Texas, March 8, 1859, a son of John C. and Sarah (Hillard) Edwards, the former a native of Tennessee, while the latter was born in Alabama. They removed to Texas in 1858 and while residing in that state the mother was called to her final rest. The father passed away in Tennessee, having returned to his native state. In their family were seven children, but only three of the number are now living.
John H. Edwards was largely reared and educated in Tennessee, having the usual opportunities and experiences of the farmbred boy. He was a young man of twenty-three years when he determined to try his fortune in the northwest and made his way to Walla Walla county, settling upon the farm on which he now resides in the fall of 1883. It has since been his home, and adding to his holdings from time to time as his financial resources have permitted, he has become the owner of thirty-four hundred acres of valuable wheat and pasture land. He has great broad fields, devoted to the raising of wheat, and rich pastures, in which are found large herds of cattle. He makes a specialty of raising Durham cattle and he is also engaged in raising Percheron horses and high grade hogs. He has improved his ranch with modern buildings. There is a commodious and attractive residence, in the rear of which stand good barns and outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, and these in turn are surrounded by broad fields, highly cultivated.
Mr. Edwards was united in marriage to Mrs. Margaret Woods and to them have been born two sons. Earl J., who is a graduate of the high school, was married in 1915 and has a son, Edwin. Eldon H., the younger son, is also a high school graduate.
Mr. Edwards is deeply interested in the cause of education, has served as school director, and has put forth every effort in his power to give his sons good opportunities, thus qualifying them for life's practical and responsible duties. He votes with the republican party but has never been an office seeker. He and his wife hold membership in the Christian church and are loyal to its teachings, while to its support they make generous contribution. The conditions which he found in the northwest gave him the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization he has worked his way steadily upward. His handclasp, however, is as warm for his friend in a threadbare coat as for the prosperous business friend of his later years. He appreciates what it means to overcome difficulties, having had his own hard times and his own life is organized along lines that have called for a full dole of labor with every turn of the wheel. In social intercourse he is genial, kindly and humanly sympathetic, while his business affairs are characterized by the most rigid integrity.
WILLIAM W. WALTER.
William W. Walter, an honored pioneer of Washington, was born in Wayne county, Indiana, September 7, 1827. He was a descendant through his mother, Rachel Doddridge, of the Doddridge family of England. The name of Phillip Doddridge is common in the Walter family and every branch of the family has one child bearing the name of Doddridge. The father, William Walter, Sr., was a Virginian who lived for a time in Maryland and afterwards became a resident of Ohio and still later of Indiana, where his son, William W. Walter, was born. When the latter was eight years of age the family removed to Iowa, which was then a wild, unclaimed country. In 1845 the spirit of emigration swept over the east and Mr. Walter, then a youth of seventeen years, was among those who desired to see the great country beyond the Rocky mountains. His father, being of a roving turn of mind, decided to emigrate. That spring all was made ready and soon they had started on that long and perilous journey. Several families of the relatives, with many others, formed a company of about sixty-five wagons and elected Sol Tetheroe, a man experienced in that line of work, as their captain. They moved in order, stood guard every night to avoid surprise, and parties of hunters were organized to furnish game for the camp. The first part of the journey was very pleasant. Dancing on the green at night and hunting big game by day was very pleasing to the youngsters at least. Buffaloes were so plentiful there was often trouble keeping them out of camp. As they traveled along immense herds would come bearing down on the train, when riders would be sent out and guns fired to turn them from their course and save the train from being run down and trampled by the huge beasts. On the eastern slope the company experienced the first Indian scare. They were in the Crow country and Indians had been in sight all day, skirting around in small parties. Late in the day several hundred Indians confronted them, yelling and beating drums and dashing wildly toward them. The emigrants thought an attack was imminent and corralled the wagons, thus making a fortification. They placed the women and children in the circle and the men made ready to fight. Then a Rocky Mountain man named Greenwood, who was acting as guide, rode out to meet the Indians and called a council. After a talk the Indians dispersed although they had intended an attack. Only the influence of Greenwood, whose wife was a Crow Indian, saved them from serious trouble. The greatest excitement on the trip was caused by a stampede of the teams. One never experiencing a stampede cannot form any idea of the terror and danger. There seems to be a sort of animal telepathy among cattle, so that at a signal from one, a thousand head will go wild in an instant. Then imagine if you can a train of sixty-five wagons with from five to ten yoke of oxen to a wagon tearing along the prairie at full speed, teams doubling, passing each other, tearing off wheels, amid the screams of children scattered along the way. Some teams ran two miles before stopping, yet with it all no one was killed, although one woman had a leg broken and several wagons were demolished. It took some time to get in moving order again and mothers were looking for their children and the babies crying for their mothers. The excitement was intense and it was an experience never to be forgotten. At length, however, the party moved on again. At Fort Hall they met Steve Meek, a brother of Joe Meek, who agreed to show them a new route to Oregon bearing more to the south, crossing the Cascade mountains near the head waters of the Willamette, thus avoiding the Blue mountains. He made the proposed route appear so feasible that they followed him, leaving the old trail near Boise, Idaho. They followed the Mathew river to the south and west and soon found themselves in a trackless desert of sagebrush, rock and sand but with little feed for the stock, and to add to their troubles they could no longer find water. They traveled on and on, sending men ahead to search for water. These men returned and reported water forty miles ahead, so that the party traveled all night to reach it. While encamped there resting, a man herding the cattle picked up a large nugget of gold and from that find originated the famous blue nugget gold find, but the spot has never been located again, at least no mine has been discovered. People starving would not remember places very well as they were more anxious about something to eat. The party forced the guide to pilot them to The Dalles, which he did. When at last they reached the Deschuttes river they were in a pitiable condition, many being sick from lack of food. There they lashed wagon boxes together for a raft and ferried over their effects, swimming the cattle. Finally they arrived at The Dalles, where they cut trees in the forest, made rafts of the logs, loaded wagons and families on them and proceeded to float down the Columbia, while the boys and younger men drove the cattle down the trails. The rafts were tied up at night and camp made on shore. It now began to rain and food was almost an unknown article. They had had no bread for weeks. Those are the hardships which try men's souls and show what stuff they are made of. When they reached the Cascades they made the portage with the teams over the muddiest roads ever seen, it requiring three days to travel six miles. Their only food until they reached Vancouver was a salmon now and then purchased of the Indians. Dr. McLoughlin came to their relief most nobly when they reached Vancouver. They afterwards moved out to the Tualitin plains, in Washington county, Oregon, and settled on as fine land as ever lay out of doors. The principal food supply that winter was boiled wheat and potatoes, with plenty of deer meat. The following year was a prosperous one and the hardships were forgotten and life in the main was a happy existence. In the fall of 1847 the news of the Whitman massacre reached that country. The people were wild with excitement and a company of volunteers was organized. All were eager to join it. Mr. Walter joined and served through the war.
In 1849 the discovery of gold in California caused great excitement and all the young men and many older ones rushed to the gold mines. Mr. Walter went in 1850. They traveled by land through the Rogue river country, where the treacherous Indian lurked at every turn. Mr. Walter had some thrilling adventures with the Indians. At one time he and a companion rode all one day and night with their guns ready for use. They saw many Indians in ambush watching them and their only theory concerning the failure of the red men to attack was the belief that there was a large party coming behind the two lone riders. The two young men lived in the open and their amusements were hunting bears, panthers and Indians. They mined on the American river, having fair luck, and afterwards remaining in California for a year returned to Oregon.
In 1856 William Walter married Miss Charity A. Marsh, a student in the Forest Grove Academy. She was a native of Michigan and crossed the plains in 1852. Following their marriage they removed to Douglas county, Oregon, where they remained a few years, and in March, 1860, arrived in Walla Walla county, Washington. After reaching Walla Walla county Mr. Walter engaged in cattle growing, in which he prospered. By 1861 he had a fine herd and was for those times a wealthy man, but an unusually severe winter came on, causing most of his herd to die. Broken in resources and in spirit, he gathered the remainder of his herd, numbering about thirty head of cattle and these he sold. He then bought a pack train of his own and became one of the earliest packers in this region and developed a business of extensive proportions in that connection. He hauled supplies to nearly all the mines in the surrounding states. Many strenuous and trying experiences came to him, for robbers were numerous and these road agents were always alert for the returning pack train to haul in the returns of the pack sales through their robbery, attaining their end, if necessary, by murder. Mr. Walter was a man of fine physique and great strength and his physical prowess often served to protect him. While the husband and father was away on his pack train trips, which often lasted for six or more months, the pioneer mother, left alone with her small children, with many hostile Indians about, had to bear heavy burdens in order to care for and protect the interests of her frontier home.
Four of their children are still living on or near the old homestead on the Touchet. The eldest, Mrs. O. M. Fine, was born in Douglas county, Oregon, July 12, 1857. Mrs. Kate W. Pettijohn was born in Douglas county, Oregon, December 18, 1858. Mrs. Fanny Dunlap was born in Walla Walla county, October 31, 1866, and John Doddridge Walter is also a native of Walla Walla county, born December 8, 1869.
W. W. Walter and his family were among the earliest settlers in the valley. At that time Walla Walla was but a little garrison town and the many flourishing towns of the present were unknown. On the Touchet, near a big spring, Mr. Walter built his first cabin of logs with a thatched roof covered with dirt. The earth served for a floor. They were very comfortable during the summer but when the fall rains set in there was trouble, for the roof would leak for several days after all was fair outside. Moreover, the snakes deemed the roof no bad place for a home and one morning while the family were enjoying their breakfast one of the reptiles caused a commotion, especially among the feminine portion of the family, by wriggling through the roof and dropping on the table. This necessitated a new roof and a trip to the Blue mountains for shakes. An Indian trail ran in front of the cabin door and on Sunday droves of Indians would pass by on their way to the home of Rev. H. H. Spalding, a half mile below, to hear him preach. The settlers also attended the services, for the sermons were spoken in English, an interpreter repeating them to the Indians. The singing of these Indians, led by Mrs. Spalding and her daughter, Amelia, will ever be a sweet memory, for their voices were soft and low. Visiting in those days meant more than a ceremonious call. A carriage was unknown in these parts and people usually traveled on horseback, even children learning to manage a horse at a very early age. People came from afar to visit and stayed for days and surprise parties and dances were frequent occurrences. In 1862, the neighborhood having become quite thickly settled, the number of children of school age demanded a school, so several of the leading citizens called a meeting to devise ways and means. They had no organized district and no public money. They went into the woods, cut cottonwood logs, drew them to a designated place and erected a schoolhouse in the dooryard of Mr. Walter. The roof was of shakes made in the Blue mountains and hauled down. The heating plant was a huge fireplace in the east end of the building, built of sod and the chimney was of sticks and mud. A log was cut out in the north wall and a row of eight by ten inch window panes fitted in and this furnished the only light except the open door. The seats were of puncheon. A subscription was taken up to pay the teacher, who was a Virginian with a very pronounced southern accent. The old elementary spelling book was the principal textbook. There are still many persons living who received their first lessons in this little log schoolhouse. Later a district was organized and a schoolhouse built a mile or so up the valley near the center of the neighborhood. The Walter family experienced the usual incidents and hardships of pioneer life. The nearest physician was at the garrison of Fort Walla Walla and a rider was sent there for aid on more than one occasion, yet altogether those were happy days. The whole wide country lay before them and everyone for miles around was friend and neighbor. Where today are seen immense wheat fields in those days there were seas of waving bunch grass. The hills were dotted with sleek cattle and horses and the ever present cayuse, or Indian pony. In those days cattle was king and times were good, although opportunities for an education were limited. Only public schools were available and very few studies were taught. The daughters in the Walter household had two winters in the Waitsburg public schools, which ended their attempt to acquire an education, although later they studied at home, especially history, rhetoric and the languages, although they had no teacher to assist them.
In 1861 the Civil war broke out, Washington's citizens had come from every state in the Union and their opinions were accordingly diversified. The patriotic contingent decided that they should have a flag, so the material was purchased and a sewing bee was held at the home of S. H. Erwin, where they made a flag, every stitch by hand. The thirty-four stars were whipstitched on the blue field and with patience and perseverance the stripes were set together. The old flag is still in existence though largely in tatters today. It has played a prominent part on the Fourth of July celebrations and is a valued pioneer memento. At the second election of President Lincoln the news was brought across the continent by pony express. Some one caught the word at Walla Walla and rode to the Touchet, stopping at each door with a shout and waving of the hat, telling the glad news and then passing on. The neighbors bore the flag to the schoolhouse, hoisted and unfurled it there, took off their hats and saluted with cheers, while the children marched around Old Glory, singing "Rally Round the Flag Boys." While the west was rejoicing over peace having been established once more the direful news was flashed over the country that Lincoln had been assassinated. Again the news was long on the way and again a rider brought in the word from Walla Walla, but there was no shout of joy or waving of flags as on the former occasion. A number of men, however, came to the schoolhouse and raised the old flag until it hung at half mast. The sturdy pioneers stood with bowed heads and solemn countenances, while the children were awed and half afraid, not knowing what it all meant.
Some time in the middle '60s the settlers conceived the idea of celebrating the Fourth of July, so the neighbors gathered at the home of Mr. Walter and proceeded to clear out a grove near the Big Spring, where they fitted up seats and a platform. People gathered from all parts of the valley, stage loads coming from Walla Walla, and Judge J. H. Lasater was the speaker of the day with "Uncle Billy" Smith, of Waitsburg, as master of ceremonies, while J. M. Hedrick read the Declaration of Independence and Jonathan Pettijohn and William Smith were also among those who spoke. A public dinner was served, all being invited to take part at one long table, and in the evening a dance was enjoyed by all. To that celebration the families came in wagons and the young people on horseback and they were among the happiest and most care-free people in the world. The people in this country went through the reconstruction period in a different way from the east and lawlessness reigned for a time. The chief offences were murder and horse stealing and as gold was discovered in Idaho and Walla Walla became an outfitting place for miners the town became infested with thieves, gamblers and gunmen. Then the Vigilantes came into existence as a protection to life and property and were very effective in ridding the country of its undesirable element. In the late '60s their work was done and the country took on a normal tone. Business enterprises were started, farms opened up where stock had previously ranged and wheat raising was begun with success. Today wheat is king and, like all of the west, stock raising has become largely a thing of the past in Walla Walla county, as have the cowboy and the Indian.
William Walter never left the home he had made for himself and family. His wife passed away December 23, 1897, and he continued to live on the old place with his youngest daughter until September 23, 1906, when he passed on. He was a man of sterling worth, a steadfast friend, doing his part in all affairs of public interest, was most hospitable in his home and he and his wife took the greatest pleasure in entertaining their friends. Their home was the gathering place for all the young people of the countryside.
While Mr. Walter volunteered to find the murderers of Dr. Whitman, whom he knew personally, he was a friend to the Indians as a whole and had some stanch friends among them, some of whom came to camp by his door until the time of his death. He attended the ceremonies at the erection of the monument to Dr. Whitman and the other martyrs and he was one of the party who buried the remains of Dr. Whitman and his wife. He became a member of the first organization of Pioneers of Walla Walla and was also a member of the Oregon Pioneers' Association. In 1880 the first railroad was built in the Touchet valley and little towns were started, among them Prescott, which became quite a railroad town with roundhouse and machine shops. It was filled with railroad men and cowboys which formed two factions, and as the town boasted three saloons and was wide open, a clash was due to come occasionally. Prescott went through all the phases of a frontier town, with gambling houses, etc., had her quota of murders and robberies until the boom dropped out, when it seemed for a time that the town was doomed to die a natural death. Then a new era came. The place began to revive, a good school was built, churches were established, the surrounding country was planted to wheat to furnish grain for one of the largest mills in the country, responsible men took hold of the business enterprises and today Prescott is one of the most thriving little towns in the county. The children of William Walter, having been reared in this valley, have seen all of the changes wrought in the last half-century. They have seen the wild, unbroken prairies developed to their present high state of cultivation and the eldest daughter, Mrs. Fine, still lives on a part of the old homestead. She is the mother of eight sons and a daughter, all grown to manhood and womanhood and all married and settled in homes of their own, with the exception of one. Mrs. Dunlap, another daughter, lives in the house in which she was born. J. D. Walter, the only son, also occupies a part of the old homestead and is mentioned elsewhere in this work. The other daughter, who in 1890 became the wife of John H. Pettijohn, is living on a homestead which was taken up in 1880 and they occupy an attractive little residence in which they expect to spend their declining years. The Walter family has indeed played an important part in the progress and development of this section of the country from the early days and the name is written high on the roll of honored pioneer settlers.
JOHN D. WALTER.
John D. Walter is a resident farmer of Walla Walla county and a well known representative of one of the honored pioneer families. He was born December 8, 1869, on the farm which he yet owns and cultivates, his parents being W. W. and Charity (Marsh) Walter, who in 1845 first crossed the plains and who are mentioned at length on another page of this work.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, John D. Walter became largely familiar with many of the experiences which constituted life for the pioneer. He was educated in the district schools, the first school of the neighborhood being built in his father's dooryard. He early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops and later he engaged in the butchering business in Prescott and also devoted much time to buying and selling stock, being thus occupied for twenty years. On the expiration of that period he sold his business and turned his attention to farming on the old home place. Today he owns five hundred acres of rich and valuable land splendidly adapted to wheat raising and in addition he cultivates another five hundred acre tract which he rents, so that he is most extensively engaged in general farming. His crop is largely wheat and owing to his indefatigable energy and intelligently directed labor his efforts have been crowned with success. He is also engaged in stock raising and keeps on his place high grade cattle, horses and hogs.
In 1898 Mr. Walter was united in marriage to Miss Lula R. McSherry, a daughter of Nelson McSherry, mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Walter have become the parents of four children, Ernestine O., Helen and Leila, twins, and Camille.
The family is now living in the city of Walla Walla at No. 114 Colville street. They attend the Presbyterian church and Mr. Walter belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to the Elks and Knights of Pythias lodges. In the first named he has filled all of the chairs. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire office as a reward for party fealty. His children possess much musical talent, which is being thoroughly trained and cultivated. The family, connected with Walla Walla county since early pioneer times, has always kept pace with the trend of modern day thought and progress. The work begun by the father has been carried forward by the son, whose farm is today an expression of twentieth century methods in agriculture.
A. C. SEMROW.
One who does not delve below the surface of things seldom stops to consider what an important part the architect plays in the improvement of a city. However, his labors constitute one of the strongest features in its attractiveness, and in city building in the west there has been most earnest effort put forth with a view to equalling everything that is of convenience, comfort and beauty in the older structures of the east, while at the same time modern progress adapts all building operations to modern needs. It is in this field that A. C. Semrow has labored and is now regarded as one of the most successful and capable architects of Walla Walla. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, October 11, 1885, a son of August and Minnie Semrow. For the past twenty-five years the father has been prominently identified with the building and contracting business, ranking very high in connection with building operations in Milwaukee.
A. C. Semrow spent his youthful days in his father's home and at the usual age became a pupil in the public schools. He mastered the lessons therein taught until he had become a high school pupil and when he left that institution he had the benefit of a course of instruction in the Milwaukee University. As early as his fourteenth year, however, he became an assistant to his father in the contracting and building business and at the same time he began his studies as an architectural draftsman. He pursued his studies in the offices of some of the leading architects of Milwaukee and of Chicago and he likewise pursued a course in the Milwaukee University. He thus became thoroughly familiar with the scientific principles which underlie his work and gained expert knowledge of every phase of the profession. In April, 1914, well qualified for his chosen calling, he came to the west, making Seattle, Washington, his destination. There he opened an office but after a year he removed from that city to Walla Walla, where he has since remained, becoming widely and favorably known in professional connections. Throughout the city are found many evidences of his skill and ability. He has had the contract for designing and erecting some of the finest structures of Walla Walla and his work has indeed added to the beauty and attractiveness of the place.
On the 9th of May, 1911, Mr. Semrow was married to Miss Frances Wiseman, of Seattle, Washington, a daughter of Richard B. Wiseman, who was one of the pioneer residents of Walla Walla, locating here when the city was a small town and when the work of progress and improvement seemed scarcely begun. Subsequently he removed to Seattle, where he is now engaged in the real estate business.
Mr. Semrow, as one of the representative young business men, has gained a prominent position in public regard, for he has come to be recognized as one who is thoroughly reliable as well as progressive and one whose word is as trustworthy as any contract.
LOGAN P. MULKEY.
Logan P. Mulkey, who was one of the most successful business men of Walla Walla, devoted his later years to the buying and selling of city properties but previously operated a stock farm of twenty-five hundred acres. His birth occurred in Corvallis, Oregon, December 24, 1853, and he was a son of Johnson Mulkey, who crossed the plains three times, an achievement the meaning of which the present generation can scarcely realize, for at the present time the journey which a half century or more ago meant months of weary traveling with the danger of attack by Indians or of an outbreak of pestilence, is now a matter of a few days and is made with the utmost comfort. Johnson Mulkey was a slaveholder in Kentucky in the early days but freed all his slaves some years prior to the Civil war, as he had become convinced that the practice of holding men and women in bondage was wrong. However, such had been his kindness to his slaves that one old mammy refused to leave the family and accompanied them to the northwest. It was in 1845 that Mr. Mulkey first came to Oregon territory and he was so pleased with conditions in this section of the country that in 1846 he returned to Kentucky in order to settle up his affairs and in 1847 he again made the long journey to the west, this time accompanied by his family. His wife was ill when they reached the Whitman home and made plans to remain there until she recovered her health while the other members of the family should continue their journey but later she decided to accompany them and did so, thus escaping massacre at the hands of the Indians, for it was only a short time later that the Whitmans were killed by the red men. Mr. Mulkey located at Corvallis, Oregon, and in the succeeding years acquired extensive farm, timber and sawmill properties, together with valuable mining interests in Idaho. He became one of the wealthy men of Oregon and at the time of his death in the winter of 1861-2 carried in his belt something more than seven thousand dollars in gold dust. He had made a trip to some of his mining properties in Idaho and on his return reached John Day, Oregon, about fifty miles from The Dalles, where he became snowbound. Anxious to reach home as soon as possible, he started overland on foot and, being weighted down by the gold dust which he carried, he became exhausted and nearly perished from the cold. His companions buried him in the snow and then hurried for help to the home of William Graham, whose sons went after him and brought him to the Graham home, where a few days later he died. This was quite a coincidence, as it was years afterwards when Logan P. Mulkey and Georgia Graham were married that the facts were discovered that it was to her father's house that the dying man had been taken. The body was buried in the cemetery at The Dalles.
Logan P. Mulkey received his education in the public schools of Corvallis, Oregon, and also gained valuable training in self-reliance and resourcefulness in the experiences which came to him in the pioneer settlement in which he grew to manhood. On starting out on his independent career he went to Pomeroy, Washington, where he became connected with the hardware business, and for twelve years he was engaged in that line. He erected one of the first store buildings in Pomeroy and was quite prominent in the early commercial life of that place. At length his health became impaired through close confinement and he sold his hardware store and bought a stock ranch of some twenty-five hundred acres seven miles from Pomeroy. For many years he gave his attention to raising stock on an extensive scale but in 1903 he disposed of his land and removed to Walla Walla, where he became a prominent operator in real estate, buying and selling city properties. He was highly successful in that business but his prosperity was not gained at the price of the failure of others, for he was never known to take advantage of any man. If he had sold a property and the purchaser found it difficult to make his payments at the time specified he was given an extension of time and his terms were made easier. Mr. Mulkey's high sense of honor and his probity inevitably won for him the respect and the warm regard of those with whom he was brought in contact and his friends were legion.
In 1885 Mr. Mulkey was united in marriage to Miss Georgia Graham, a daughter of William Graham, who was also a pioneer of the northwest, having crossed the plains from Ohio in 1852.
Mr. Graham was born in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1818, and at the age of twenty-one years married Miss Harriet Duncan. They removed to Missouri, where they spent seven years, and in 1852 started across the plains to Oregon with three wagons and twelve head of cattle. This trip was a very arduous one and while en route their money was stolen. Being a very generous man, Mr. Graham picked up all stranded travelers from other trains. He was accompanied by his wife and six children. In crossing the Cascade mountains an ox fell exhausted and by hand the wagons were lowered in order to proceed on their journey. The next morning this ox had wandered away and a man bought the wagon and brought the family to a place near Corvallis, for which Mr. Graham paid him one hundred dollars. On the journey westward nearly all provisions gave out and the men were forced to hunt in order to supply the party with something to eat. While on one of these hunting trips five Indians came and the women traded a wagon cover for flour. Mr. Graham took up a homestead near Corvallis, not far from the mouth of the Deschutes river, where he developed a fruit farm. In 1874 he came to Washington and purchased a farm one and one-half miles from Dayton, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died at the age of seventy-four years and his wife at the age of seventy. In their family were eleven children, of whom six are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Graham were both consistent members of the Congregational church and were very hospitable people, their home being always open to the travelers or newcomers of this region.
To Mr. and Mrs. Mulkey were born five children, of whom four survive, namely: Allen L., who operates a twenty-two hundred acre ranch in Walla Walla county belonging to his mother; Frances, at home; Marion, who volunteered June 1, 1917, and is now a member of Battery D, Twentieth Field Artillery, stationed at Camp Stanley, Leon Springs, Texas; and Helen, at home.
Mr. Mulkey was a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity but was not very active in the work of that organization, preferring to spend his leisure time at home. One of his strongest characteristics was his devotion to his family and to his friends and anything that he could do to add to the pleasure of those whom he loved was a source of the greatest satisfaction to him. His death occurred on the 7th of August, 1910, but his memory lives in the hearts of many.
Since her husband's death Mrs. Mulkey has personally managed the large estate and in 1914 she erected the Mulkey apartments at No. 20 Park street and the following year erected an apartment building on the site of the old family home, which had been destroyed by fire, the new building being entirely designed by her. These buildings are thoroughly up-to-date and provided with all the improvements to be found in the highest class apartments and are valuable assets of Walla Walla. In addition to looking after her interests in connection with these apartments Mrs. Mulkey gives supervision to the operation of a splendid ranch of twenty-two hundred acres which she has acquired since the death of her husband and she also owns considerable city property. She and her children are members of the Congregational church and she also belongs to the Sunshine Club and the Reading Club of Walla Walla. All movements for the moral and civic as well as the material upbuilding of Walla Walla receive her hearty support. She combines the qualities necessary to the successful conduct of large business interests with the qualities of the home maker, for she has been a devoted mother and was in the fullest sense a true helpmate to her husband.
JOHN G. PAINE.
John G. Paine, who has been actively identified with commercial, financial and agricultural interests in western Washington, was born in Mercer, Maine, July 8, 1842. He acquired a common school education in his home town, where he was reared upon a farm. Prompted by a desire to attempt something more promising than a New England farm offered, he followed Horace Greeley's advice to go west and in 1865 arrived in Walla Walla. Soon after his arrival he secured employment in the general merchandise store of Baker & Boyer, acting as a salesman in their establishment. In 1868 he entered into partnership with his brother, F. W. Paine, in the conduct of a general store and in 1871 took over the management of a branch store in Waitsburg. Six years later, having disposed of that business, he opened a branch store in Dayton and in the meantime he served as cashier of the Columbia National Bank. After a few years of confinement in indoor life, the firm having acquired several large tracts of wheat land, he undertook the development of that property and devoted several years to wheat growing. More recently, however, he has been largely interested in the development of alfalfa land and is thus prominently connected with an industry which is proving a source of wealth to eastern Washington. Mr. Paine occupies a homelike suite of rooms in the Paine building. He is widely known in the state as a most progressive business man and his enterprise has carried him into most important business connections.
OSCAR W. BRUNTON.
Well directed business activity finds expression in the life record of Oscar W. Brunton, vice president of the Dement Brothers Company, proprietors of a large flour mill at Walla Walla. He was born in Alton, Illinois, on the 15th of March, 1868, a son of David and Margaret P. (White) Brunton. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Tennessee, while their marriage was celebrated in Illinois. The former was a winding stair builder and became actively identified with business interests in Alton, Illinois, where he passed away in 1870. His widow afterward removed with her three children to Macon City, Missouri, and thence to Hannibal, that state, and in August, 1876 they came to Walla Walla, where she joined her sister, who was the wife of Rev. H. W. Egan, who was presiding over the Cumberland Presbyterian church at this place. Here Mrs. Brunton reared her children and continued to make her home until 1907, when she took up her residence with a daughter in Berkeley, California, where she has since resided. She is now in her eighty-seventh year and is enjoying excellent health, while in possession of all of her faculties.
Oscar W. Brunton was educated in the Walla Walla public schools and in Whitman Seminary. In his boyhood days he took up the study of telegraphy and mastered the Morse code while he was but a child. A brother being an operator, he was desirous of studying along that line but he never followed the profession as a means of livelihood. For some years in his youth he worked as a job printer in the old Journal office, and in 1884 he entered the employ of Dement Brothers in the Eureka flour mills. There he proved efficient, capable and trustworthy and in 1892 he had risen to the position of mill manager, while in 1896, upon the incorporation of the company, he became one of the members of the concern and continued as manager of the mills. In 1907 he was elected to the vice presidency of the Dement Brothers Company and remained as manager as well. Since that time he has given his attention to administrative direction and executive control as well as to the operation of the mills and has contributed much to the success of the business. There is no phase of milling operations with which he is not familiar and his long experience and capability constitute an important element in the growing success of their trade.
Mr. Brunton was united in marriage on the 12th of May, 1891, to Miss Alice Roberta Egbert, a daughter of Marion D. Egbert, who is now deceased, but for many years was a well known publisher of Walla Walla. Mr. and Mrs. Brunton have become the parents of one child, Margaret A., who is a graduate of the University of California of the class of 1914 and is now a successful teacher in the Le Grand (Calif.) high school.
In his political views Mr. Brunton is a stalwart republican, having been a staunch supporter of the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He belongs to the Walla Walla Commercial Club and cooperates in all of its well defined plans for the upbuilding of the city, for the extension of its trade relations and for the upholding of its high civic standards. He ranks with its foremost business men and representative residents, enjoying the goodwill and confidence of all with whom he has been associated.
HON. HARLAN D. ELDRIDGE.
A valuable farm property is that owned and operated by Hon. Harlan D. Eldridge, who is living on section 1, township 7 north, range 37 east, Walla Walla county. It is equipped with all the latest accessories and conveniences of a model farm property of the twentieth century and in its splendid appearance indicates the care and supervision of a practical and progressive owner. But while Mr. Eldridge is a representative and prosperous agriculturist, he is also a citizen wide awake to the duties and obligations that devolve upon him in connection with public affairs and has rendered active aid to his state as a member of the general assembly.
He was born in Dallas county, Iowa, April 6, 1858, and is a son of Joseph W. and Matilda (Parks) Eldridge, the former a native of Ohio, while the latter was born in Indiana. Removing westward, they settled in Iowa in 1856, taking up their abode upon a farm in Dallas county, where they remained for a number of years. Afterwards they became residents of Omaha, Nebraska, where both spent their remaining days. They had a family of three children, of whom two are now living.
Harlan D. Eldridge spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his native county and there completed a public school education which fitted him for life's practical duties and responsibilities. He received thorough training in the work of the farm and thus became well qualified for the tasks which he later undertook for his own benefit. In April, 1880, when a young man of twenty-two years, he arrived in Walla Walla county and took up a homestead north of Waitsburg, upon which he resided for ten years. On the expiration of that period he sold the property and bought his present farm, which is situated on section I, township 7 north, range 37 east. He has since improved the property with fine buildings, making it one of the attractive features of the landscape. In addition to the comfortable and commodious residence there are also barns and outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock and the latest improved machinery facilitates the work of the fields. He has here six hundred and forty acres under cultivation and he makes a specialty of the growing of wheat and of stock raising, in both of which branches of business he is meeting with excellent success. He studies carefully the question of crop rotation and the productiveness of the soil and he employs the most scientific methods of carrying on his farm work-methods which are after all the practical elements of desired results.
In 1884 Mr. Eldridge was united in marriage to Miss Etta Barnes, who was born in Walla Walla county and is a daughter of William T. and Sarah A. (Blaine) Barnes, natives of Kentucky and of Indiana respectively. The family removed to Oregon in 1852 and settled on a ranch there, upon which the parents resided until 1864, when they came to Walla Walla county, here spending their remaining days. In their family were thirteen children, including one pair of twins, and of this number six are yet living. To Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge have been born five children: William W., who is now located on a ranch in Alberta, Canada; Taylor B., who is a merchant of Dixie, where he is also filling the position of postmaster; Earl V., at home; Geneva M., the wife of J. G. Brunton; and Bonnie G., the wife of Burt O'Neal. Her death occurred November 25, 1915.
The parents hold membership in the Christian church and guide their lives according to its teachings. Mr. Eldridge gives his political support to the republican party and in 1909 was elected on that ticket to the state legislature. He proved an earnest working member of the general assembly and gave thoughtful and earnest consideration to the vital questions which came up for settlement. He has also filled the office of county commissioner for four years and he has done effective service in behalf of the interests of the schools as a member of the school board. In a word, he stands for progress and improvement at all times and lends his support to those interests and activities which are matters of civic virtue and of civic pride. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has filled all of the chairs in the local lodge to which he belongs. He has also filled all of the offices in Mountain Gem Lodge, No. 136, K. P., of which he is a charter member. His life has been well spent and his many sterling traits of character have gained for him the warm regard and confidence of all who know him. Whatever he undertakes he does with thoroughness and energy and because of his genuine worth and public-spirited citizenship his fellow townsmen have honored him with high office.
RALPH E. GUICHARD.
Ralph E. Guichard, deceased, was born in Walla Walla on the 6th of January,. 1869, being a son of Judge Rudolph Guichard, who in a military capacity was sent to Walla Walla when there was nothing here but a fort. The father was a man of high intellectual attainments and of unswerving integrity. He was born at Zeitz, Prussia, December 8, 1830, and in 1854 came to the United States. For a year he resided in Rhode Island and in Massachusetts, after which he went to West Virginia and subsequently to Newport, Kentucky, where he enlisted in the United States army. On the 10th of August, 1857, he was sent to Fort Walla Walla and on retiring from the army he embarked in merchandising in this city, successfully conducting business here until 1871. He afterward took up the study of law and in 1884 was admitted to the bar. He held many public offices, including that of probate judge, was also register of the land office, was county treasurer and penitentiary commissioner. His public duties were discharged with marked fidelity and ability, so that over the record of his official career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. In politics he was a democrat, recognized as one of the leaders of his party. He was also a prominent Mason, loyal to the teachings and purposes of the craft. On the 14th of October, 1866, Judge Guichard was married to Miss Mary Morrison and to them were born three children: Ralph E., Albert and Mary. The father passed away on the 3d of April, 1898.
Ralph E. Guichard spent his entire life in Walla Walla. He pursued his education in the Catholic Academy and at the age of fifteen years he entered the drug store of Charles A. Hungate in the capacity of clerk, there remaining for seven years, during which time he thoroughly mastered pharmacy and became a registered pharmacist. He subsequently spent three years in the same store under J. W. Esteb and for one year was in the employ of James McAuliffe. He then became a partner in the business, under the firm style of Guichard & McAuliffe. After a few months, however, the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Guichard entered the employ of the Whitehouse Clothing Company and later became part owner of the business. In 1900 the entire business passed into his hands. His sagacity, his industry, his caution and his capable management, together with his close application, won for him substantial success and an honored place among the commercial leaders of this section. The Whitehouse Clothing Company or the R. E. Guichard Clothing Company, Inc., developed an excellent trade and has become one of the leading clothing houses of the city.
On December 30, 1903, Mr. Guichard was united in marriage to Miss Margaret A. Wooden, of New York, who taught for several years in the city schools of Walla Walla. They had a family of three children: Harold E., Dorothy-Mae, and Robert A.
Mr. Guichard passed away August 10, 1913, and his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. He was a member of the Catholic church, also of the Knights of Columbus and of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He likewise held membership in the Commercial Club. His entire life, with the exception of a few years spent in travel, was passed in Walla Walla, so that he was largely familiar with its history, and events which to many were matters of record were to him familiar from personal knowledge and experience. He ever rejoiced in the upbuilding and progress of his city and cooperated to the extent of his time and ability in all matters that related to the general welfare and improvement.
HON. ELMER E. HALSEY.
Hon. Elmer E. Halsey, of Clarkston, is a lawyer, now following his profession in Washington and at the same time is taking active part in framing the laws of the state as a member of the legislature. He was born in Dover, New Jersey, January 23, 1861, a son of Thomas J. and Sarah E. Halsey, who were also natives of that state. He was reared in New Jersey and acquired his early education in the schools of Dover and Hackettstown. In 1878 he went to Missouri and worked on a farm. In 1883 he attended the St. Louis Law School in the same state. In 1885 and 1886 he was a law student in the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and was admitted to the bar in the spring of the latter year. In 1890 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Baraga county, Michigan, and was reelected in 1892 and 1894, having been elected to that office for three consecutive terms. He was also appointed to the position of receiver of the United States land office at Marquette, Michigan, in 1896 and occupied that position until 1898. In August of the latter year he made his way westward to Washington and took up his abode in Clarkston, opening a law office in that city and also in Lewiston. He has since engaged in the practice of law. In 1902 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Asotin county. He is recognized as a strong, able lawyer, and is considered one of the leaders in the legislature. He is a stalwart supporter of the republican party and in 1909 was elected to represent his district in the state legislature and is still serving at this date in that capacity, having been elected to the office for five consecutive terms, without opposition in his own party four times, and twice without opposition from the democrats.
In 1886 Mr. Halsey was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Thomas, a daughter of John R. Thomas, of L'Anse, Michigan, but a native of Vermont. They have two children: Marion G., who is the wife of Dr. E. D. Sawyer, of Asotin, and Burt C., who is in the United States army in the Fourth Balloon Squadron of the Signal Corps, having enlisted while a student at the University of Washington.
Mr. Halsey is a Mason, having three times served as master of Clarkston Lodge, No. 143, F. & A. M. For fifteen years he served on the Clarkston school board and the cause of education has found in him a stalwart champion. He was largely instrumental in the legislature in promoting the bone-dry law of Washington and succeeded in having the bill passed through the house. His name is connected with much important legislation which has been enacted during his five terms connection with the house of representatives. His course has been characterized by the utmost devotion to the public good and the record of no member of the legislature has extended over a longer connection therewith and none has been more faultless in honor, fearless in conduct or stainless in reputation.
J. J. ROHN.
J. J. Rohn is now living retired in Walla Walla but for a long period was actively identified with farming interests in this section of the state and through close application and unremitting energy won a substantial measure of success. He was born in Baden, Germany, November 22, 1834, and is a son of Nicholas and Kate (Cipf) Rohn, who were also natives of that country, where they spent their entire lives. They had a family of six children, but so far as he knows, J. J. Rohn is the only one now living. He was reared and educated in his native country and was a youth of seventeen when he bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for America, having determined to try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic. He crossed the water in 1851, making the trip on a sailing vessel, and landed at New York city, where he remained for two years, working at his trade of picture frame gilder, which he had learned in Germany. Subsequently he removed to Baltimore, Maryland, where he resided for one year, and in 1855 he enlisted for active service in the United States army and was sent to New York harbor, where he remained until May of that year. He was then transferred to San Francisco, California, and afterward was sent to Red Bluff, and still later to Fort Lane, Oregon, to which point he walked, making the entire distance on foot. In 1855 the Indian war broke out and that winter he was engaged in fighting the red men, being in the mountains throughout the entire period. He was fortunate in that he escaped all injury, although he experienced many of the hardships incident to such warfare. In 1857 he was sent to Fort Walla Walla, where he was stationed for several years. He went out with the Wright expedition in 1858 and in 1859 he was transferred to Vancouver, where he remained until honorably discharged in 1860.
Mr. Rohn then returned to Walla Walla and took up a homestead on Mill creek, where he has since lived. He still owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which is highly improved. He has added to it all modern accessories and conveniences and was successfully engaged in farming for many years but eventually put aside the active work of the fields to enjoy a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He is now eighty-three years of age and is most comfortably situated in life, the years of his former toil bringing to him a competence that supplies him with all necessities and many luxuries.
In 1866 Mr. Rohn was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Sanders, who was born in Indiana, a daughter of Joseph Sanders, who came to Walla Walla in 1864. To Mr. and Mrs. Rohn were born four children: Kate, who is the widow of T. J. Bryan; Malina J., who is the wife of Harry Gilkerson; Fred, who owns and operates three hundred and eighty acres of land in Whitman county; and Sarah Belle, deceased. The son is married and has seven children. The wife and mother passed away in 1872 and Mr. Rohn has never married again. He reared his children to man and womanhood alone, doing the part of both mother and father in his care of them.
In politics Mr. Rohn has always been a stalwart democrat, actively interested in the success of his party and doing everything in his power to secure the adoption of its principles. His has been a well spent life fraught with good results and characterized by all those traits which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard. Industry, and perseverance, guided by keen intelligence, have been the basis of his success and he can look back over the past without regret. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for he here found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has made steady progress.
HON. JAMES M. LAMB.
No history of Walla Walla county would be complete and satisfactory were there failure to make reference to Hon. James M. Lamb, who was familiarly known as Governor Lamb. When death called him in 1898 he had been a resident of this county for almost forty years. He was one of its first pioneers and one of its most progressive citizens. He had established the first blacksmith shop in this section of the state and he was the first to demonstrate the possibility of wheat growing on the hills. In many other ways he contributed to public progress and improvement though the utilization of the resources of this section of the country.
Mr. Lamb was born in Logan county, Kentucky, February 19, 1835, a son of Downing and Elizabeth (Maxwell) Lamb, both of whom were natives of Logan county, Kentucky, where they resided until the '70s, when they came to Washington territory, establishing their home in Columbia county, where they resided until called to their final rest.
James M. Lamb remained a resident of his native state until he reached the age of nineteen years, when he crossed the plains to California with his parents in 1854, the gold fields being the attraction which brought them to the Pacific coast. He learned the blacksmith's trade after reaching California, where he conducted a shop and also engaged in farming. In 1856 he was married there to Miss Jane Pearce, also a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of John and Martha (King) Pearce. She crossed the plains from Atchison county, Missouri, in 1856.
Mr. and Mrs. Lamb began their domestic life in California but in 1859 came to Washington, establishing their home in Walla Walla county, where Mr. Lamb opened the first blacksmith shop in this section of the country, there being no shop between Walla Walla and Dayton at that period. He continued to operate his shop and conduct his farm up to the time of his death. About 1867 he went to a place near McMinnville, Oregon, to help perfect the first combination cutting and threshing machine used in this section of the country, as he was a master mechanic. This machine was first drawn by horses attached both in front and behind. Later he made a number of improvements on the machine, which was afterward sold to Holt & Company for two thousand dollars, and it has subsequently been perfected until today it is the standard machine of the kind used in this locality.
Mr. Lamb homesteaded eighty acres of land on his arrival in Walla Walla county and afterward added to his holdings by purchase from time to time until his farm comprised two hundred and eighty acres. This he brought under a high state of cultivation, carefully and persistently developing his fields, so that annually he gathered abundant harvests. It is said that he was the first man to demonstrate the possibility of growing wheat on the hills. He continually sought to improve his farm, was always ready to take up new methods and his sound judgment demonstrated to him the worth of any new idea that was advanced.
In politics Mr. Lamb was a democrat and one of the active workers of the party. He became a leader in molding public thought and opinion and exerted much influence over the affairs of the community. His aid was always given on the side of improvement and upbuilding. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his ability, called upon him to serve in several public offices. He was elected justice of the peace and filled that position for many years, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial, so that he won golden opinions from all sorts of people. In 1867 he was elected to the territorial legislature, where he served with honor and distinction, carefully aiding in the solution of many intricate and involved problems in connection with shaping the early legislation of the state. He also assisted in surveying Walla Walla county in pioneer times and there were many phases of public improvement with which he was closely identified. In 1885 he removed to Walla Walla, where he made his home until his death, although he passed away in Lodi, California, on the 5th of March, 1898, having gone to that place for the benefit of his health. His widow still survives and resides at the old home in Walla Walla with her son, Daniel W.
To Mr. and Mrs. Lamb were born six children: John D., a resident of Walla Walla; Georgia A., the wife of George Howard, of Berkeley, California; Martha E., who married A. H. Johnson, of Tacoma, Washington; Cora A., the widow of J. L. Cation and a resident of Walla Walla; William T., of this township; and Daniel W. The two sons, William T. and Daniel W. Lamb, conduct the old home farm and are representative agriculturists of this section of the state.
James M. Lamb was a most consistent Christian gentleman and an active worker in the church. He became one of the organizers of the First Christian church, services being held on the 4th of July, 1874, in an old log cabin at Dixie. The charter members were John R. Ware, Margaret Ware, Philip and Clarinda Beal, Elizabeth Neland, J. M. and Jane Lamb, W. T. Barnes, Sarah Barnes, Mr. Barnes becoming deacon and clerk, with J. R. Ware as elder. The life of James M. Lamb was ever guided by the highest and most honorable principles and he left to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. For almost forty years he was a resident of Walla Walla and was one of its most valued citizens and honored pioneers. He contributed much to its early development as well as to its later progress and at all times he enjoyed the confidence and respect of those with whom he was brought in contact. His two sons are members of Mountain Gem Lodge, No. 136, K. P., of Dixie. Both have passed through all of the chairs and are members of the grand lodge and they are also identified with El Kindi Temple, No. 193, of the Knights of Khorassan. In business affairs they are progressive and enterprising, wisely managing their important farming interests, which are bringing to them a substantial annual return.
HON. HENRY PERRY ISAACS.
Hon. Henry Perry Isaacs, deceased, was one of the historic figures who have been dominant factors in the development of southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon. His activities were of such a nature that he might be termed one of the empire builders of this section of the country. He saw the possibilities here and utilized the opportunities offered, his labors at all times contributed to public progress and prosperity as well as to individual success. He thus left his impress for good upon the history of Walla Walla and of the state and his memory is yet revered and honored by all who knew him.
Mr. Isaacs was a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where his birth occurred on the 17th of March, 1822. He came of Scotch-English ancestry and while spending his youthful days in the Keystone state acquired a common school education. He had no other opportunities for educational advancement save those which were self-acquired. He possessed, however, an observing eye and retentive memory and was continually storing his mind with facts that proved a basis for his success in later years. At an early age he entered the employ of one of Philadelphia's foremost mercantile houses and his training there constituted an important element in his later progress along commercial lines. When twenty-one years of age he removed to Indiana with a view of seeing something of the outside world and after reaching that state he engaged in merchandising on his own account. Subsequently he joined the rush for the California gold fields, but was not especially successful in his mining venture. However, he was a man of broad vision and saw wonderful opportunities in the new western country. This land of perpetual sunshine seemed to promise great things for the future and in 1858 he proved his faith in the country by erecting at Fort Colville, Washington, his first flour mill, demonstrating to the farmers of this section that wheat could be raised profitably upon the hills and uplands, which in those early days were given over to stock raising. This was the initial step in the development of his important milling interests. In 1862 he built the North Pacific Mills at Walla Walla and in 1864 he erected the War Eagle Mills at Boise City, Idaho. Wherever opportunity offered he eagerly grasped it and extended his efforts into various fields, his labors at all times proving profitable by reason of the intelligent direction of his efforts. In 1865 the Middleton mills at Middleton, Idaho, were built and in 1883 he still further extended his efforts by the building of the North Pacific Mills at Prescott, known as Mill B. In 1898 he built the North Pacific Mills at Wasco, Oregon. His wide experience in this line made him the foremost miller of the Pacific coast. His operations exceeded in volume and importance those of any other man engaged in the milling business. His knowledge concerning the best methods of manufacturing and handling flour became a matter of general comment and he was recognized as authority upon all matters pertaining to milling in any of its branches. The output of his mills was not only sold extensively in this section of the country but the production above what was needed in Washington and the northwest found a ready market in the orient and much of the product was exported to China. Mr. Isaacs was the first miller on the Pacific coast to adopt the roller system in the manufacture of flour, his first rolls being of porcelain and imported from Switzerland. He at all times kept his business in touch with the most modern processes and introduced the latest improved machinery into his plant.
Outside of milling circles Mr. Isaacs was perhaps best known by reason of his public spirit and his progressiveness. After demonstrating the possibilities of wheat growing and the development of kindred interests arising therefrom he did some pioneering in horticulture, planting in 1864 one of the first orchards in the vicinity of Walla Walla. Not long afterward he planted a vineyard and from this point he experimented successfully with almost every variety of fruit and vegetables grown in the north temperate zone. He was an enthusiast in all that pertained to progress and evolution in plants and tree life and he gave liberally of his time and means to further the cause. He was a leader in public affairs and he represented the county in the territorial council of 1885 and 1886, at which session he introduced the bill establishing the state penitentiary at Walla Walla. He was constantly watchful of opportunities pointing not only to his individual success but to the general development of this part of the country, and he ever looked beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities and opportunities of the future. He was the first to attempt to induce G. W. Hunt to build the Washington & Columbia River Line from Dayton to Wallula and thence to Pendleton. The line was successfully built and operated and the completed project was a monument to his enterprise and farsightedness. He was also president of the Commercial Club at the time and used every effort to secure the early construction of the road. But few men in all Washington became so thoroughly conversant with the state, its varied interests and its possibilities or were so deeply interested in the success of its enterprises as Mr. Isaacs, and but few men have arisen to take so active a part in the development of this section of the country. With his death on the 14th of July, 1900, the state of Washington and in fact the entire Pacific northwest lost one of its most conspicuous figures, most esteemed citizens and most honored men.
CHRISTIAN J. BOWERS.
Christian J. Bowers has gained a gratifying measure of success as a farmer and is still active in that connection although now a resident of Walla Walla. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, January 7, 1867, a son of George W. and Catherine M. (Brown) Bowers, also natives of that city, where they were reared. They continued to reside there for about ten years after their marriage and then removed successively to Pennsylvania, Illinois, Iowa and Kansas. From the last named state they crossed the plains in 1880 by horse team to Walla Walla, Washington, and located in the Dry creek hills, about seven miles north of Walla Walla. The father took up a homestead and also preempted one hundred and sixty acres of land and resided upon his farm until about 1896, when he disposed of his holdings and removed to Columbia county, where he purchased two hundred and forty acres on Patit creek, four miles from Dayton. He still owns that farm, but since 1905 has been a resident of Walla Walla. To him and his wife were born the following children: Christian J., of this review; Bertha S., who passed away at the age of eighteen years; Mae, who is now the wife of John W. Eby, of Walla Walla county; Charles E., a resident of Walla Walla; and Gertrude, who is the wife of Clarence Wilson, of Topeka, Kansas.
Christian J. Bowers received his early education in the district schools and in the Waitsburg public schools and at the Huntsville Seminary. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and following his marriage in 1888 he began farming on his own account in the Dry creek hills and maintained his residence upon his ranch until 1905, when he removed to Walla Walla. He still directs the operation of his holdings, which include three hundred and twenty acres near Lowden, and also owns about eight hundred acres in Whitman county. The financial independence which is now his is the direct result of his thorough knowledge of farming, his enterprise and his good management, and he justly ranks among the successful men of Walla Walla county.
On the 13th of May, 1888, occurred the marriage of Mr. Bowers and Miss Laura V. Coplen, a native of Washington. Her grandfather, Henry Coplen, removed with his family from Indiana to Colorado and thence in 1864 located in the Willamette valley, near Vancouver, Washington. Six years later, in 1870, he removed to Whitman county, Washington, where he founded the town of Latah. His son, Benjamin, was a scout in the early days and took part in the Indian wars in the northwest. The mastodon skeleton which is now preserved in Field Museum in Chicago was found upon his farm. James W. Coplen, father of Mrs. Bowers and son of Henry Coplen, was married in 1865, in the Willamette valley, to Miss Elizabeth Hoskins, a daughter of Dillon and Rachel (Emery) Hoskins, who had removed to the west with their family from Iowa, crossing the plains with ox teams in 1851 and reaching their destination after six months spent en route. They settled at Scio, in the Willamette valley, where they secured a donation claim of three hundred and twenty acres. The parents both died in Oregon, the father passing away in 1888 and the mother in 1898. Soon after their marriage James W. Coplen and his wife took up a donation claim on the old battleground near Vancouver, Washington, at which place Mrs. Bowers was born, and while there Mr. Coplen became ill and accordingly returned to his old home in the Willamette valley, where his death occurred in 1868. To him and his wife had been born two children: William, a resident of Lewiston, Idaho; and Laura V., who became the wife of Christian J. Bowers. Mrs. Coplen later removed to Walla Walla county, where she met the Rev. William C. Gallaher, and in 1871 they were married. Mr. Gallaher was born in Putnam county, Illinois, in 1835, and died on a farm which he owned near Milton, Oregon, December 22, 1915, his widow passing away upon the farm in February, 1916. They were the parents of two children: Minnie E., now the wife of O. E. Phillips, of Walla Walla; and Ernest U., who resides upon the old home farm near Milton, Oregon. Rev. Gallaher was one of the pioneer ministers of the northwest, coming as a missionary to Oregon. He was one of the earliest settlers of "Old Oregon," having made the long journey across the plains with his parents in 1845, when a boy of ten years. The family settled in Oregon and there he grew to manhood. In 1861 he removed to Walla Walla and helped to organize the first United Brethren church in the state. He remained active in the work of the ministry until he reached an advanced age and was one of the best known divines of the northwest.
To Mr. and Mrs. Bowers have been born four children, namely: Harry C., who is farming the Whitman county farm belonging to his father; George W., who is operating his father's farm in Walla Walla county; Violet B., the wife of Wayne Reid, who is also farming in Whitman county; and Sheldon H., who is at home.
Mr. Bowers gives his support to the candidates and measures of the democratic party and takes a commendable interest in the questions and issues of the day but has never been an office seeker. His wife belongs to the Christian church and aids in its work. She is also a member of the Sunshine Club and the president of the Woman's Educational Club of Walla Walla. He is a man of importance in his community and is also popular personally.
J. W. ROGERS.
J. W. Rogers, who for eight years has been successfully and extensively engaged in the automobile business in Walla Walla, was born in Georgia on the 28th day of February, 1879, a son of James and Ellen (Tatum) Rogers, the former a native of Tennessee, while the latter was born in Georgia. About thirty years ago they removed to Kansas, where they are still living.
J. W. Rogers was reared and educated in the Sunflower state, passing through consecutive grades until he became a high school student. He left the middle west in 1907 to become a resident of the Pacific coast country, making his way to Walla Walla, where for two years he was employed in a wholesale grocery house. Since then he has given his attention to the automobile business and now handles the Stutz and Premier cars. He has developed a business of large and extensive proportions. The Stutz car is the champion of the world today and his sales reach a most gratifying annual figure. He also still owns a garage and other property in Dayton, Washington. His business affairs have been wisely and carefully managed and he is actuated by a spirit of enterprise in all that he does. Alert and energetic, he never fails in carrying out his purpose, for he recognizes that when one avenue of opportunity seems closed, he can carve out other paths that will reach the desired goal.
In 1909 Mr. Rogers was united in marriage to Miss Florence Helm, a native of Walla Walla. They are members of the Baptist church and are prominent in the social circles of the city, the hospitality of many of the best homes of Walla Walla being cordially extended them. Mr. Rogers votes with the democratic party and is a staunch advocate of its principles. He belongs to the Commercial Club and is in hearty sympathy with every plan and measure put forth by that organization for the benefit and upbuilding of the city, the extension of its trade relations, or the upholding of its civic standards. For ten years a resident of Walla Walla, he has made himself an enviable position in its business and social circles, and those who know him speak of him in terms of high regard.
EUGENE F. BOURGEOIS.
Eugene F. Bourgeois, one of the prosperous farmers of Walla Walla county, where he has been actively identified with agricultural pursuits during the past four decades, is now the owner of seven hundred acres of valuable land on section 13, Dixie township. His birth occurred in Paris, France, on the 10th of October, 1847, his parents being Franquell and Felicia Bourgeois, who emigrated to the United States in 1852 and took up their abode in Bond county, Illinois, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They had a family of eleven children, three of whom yet survive.
Eugene F. Bourgeois, a little lad of five years when he crossed the Atlantic in company with his parents, was reared and educated in Illinois and remained in that state until thirty years of age. In 1877 he made his way to the Pacific coast country and took up a homestead in Walla Walla county, Washington, which he has since made his place of residence, erecting fine buildings on his property and otherwise improving the same until it is now very valuable. As the years have passed and his financial resources have increased he has extended the boundaries of his farm by purchase until it now comprises seven hundred acres of land, through the cultivation of which he has won a gratifying annual income.
On the 21st of October, 1888, Mr. Bourgeois was united in marriage to Miss Isabel Lang, a daughter of Israel and Allie Ann (Hambough) Lang, both natives of Warren county, Virginia, from which state they removed to Illinois, locating in Pike county in 1867. There they spent the remainder of their lives. By occupation Mr. Lang was a farmer. To Mr. and Mrs. Bourgeois were born four sons, namely: Charles; Frederick; Henry; and William, who is deceased.
Mr. Bourgeois gives political allegiance to the republican party and has furthered the interests of education as a member of the school board. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church. He has justly won the proud American title of a self-made man, for he came to this state empty-handed and has worked his way upward to a position among the substantial and representative citizens of his county.
JOHN REITH, M. D.
Well equipped by thorough preparatory training, Dr. John Reith entered upon a successful career as a physician and surgeon and is now prominently known as the superintendent of the Walla Walla Sanitarium, the Seventh Day Adventist institution of this city. He was born in Huron county, Ontario, September 10, 1883, a son of John and Jane (Moir) Reith, the former a native of Ontario, while the latter was born in Ireland. The father has devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits. He removed to British Columbia in 1892 and now resides in Lacombe, Alberta.
Dr. Reith came to Walla Walla, Washington, in 1900. He had attended the schools of British Columbia, where he had accompanied his parents on their removal during his childhood days. He was therefore reared on the western frontier. Becoming imbued with a desire to enter upon a professional career, he became a student in the Walla Walla College, which he attended for six years, and in 1907 he entered the medical department of the University of Oregon at Portland and there won his professional degree as a member of the class of 1911. He afterward served for a year as interne in the Good Samaritan Hospital of that city and while thus engaged gained the broad and valuable experience which can be secured in no other way as rapidly and as accurately as in hospital practice. In March, 1912, he was made superintendent of the Walla Walla Sanitarium, over which he has since presided. He has held to the highest standards in its management and conduct and has made it largely an ideal institution.
On the 14th of August, 1907, Dr. Reith was married to Miss Grace M. Wood, a native daughter of Walla Walla county, her father having been one of the early pioneers of this section of the state. He arrived about 1856, when the Indians were still numerous throughout Washington and when the work of progress and development was scarcely begun. He brought into Walla Walla county the first harvester ever seen here and he was closely associated with many initial movements which have resulted in the upbuilding and benefit of the county. His wife was a singer of considerable note and she was also the first teacher of music in Whitman College; likewise in St. Paul's and in Walla Walla College. She brought into this county the first organ ever within its borders. To Dr. and Mrs. Reith have been born two children, Margaret Isabel and Mabel Elizabeth.
Dr. and Mrs. Reith are members of the Seventh Day Adventist church and guide their lives according to its teachings. The Doctor is a member of the Washington State Medical Society and the American Medical Association and through his connections with those organizations keeps in close touch with the trend of modern scientific thought, research and investigation. He has developed pronounced ability in the line of his profession, is very careful in the diagnosis of his cases and accurate in his judgment. In his hospital work he has developed a splendid institution, one in which the most thorough care is given to patients, and the success which has attended the work secures to it a continued patronage.
MAJOR PAUL H. WEYRAUCH.
Major Paul H. Weyrauch, for many years connected with the United States regular army, a veteran of the Spanish-American war and now major of the Washington Field Artillery in the United States service, is a valued resident of Walla Walla, where his business connection is that of president of the Blalock Fruit & Produce Company. He was born in Barmen, Germany, April 4, 1873, a son of Ernest and Johanna (Piper) Weyrauch. The father died in Germany in 1886 and in 1889 the mother came with her family to the United States, two of her elder sons having preceded her to this country. With her younger children she settled in the state of New York, where she resided to the time of her death, which occurred in January, 1917.
Major Weyrauch was a youth of sixteen years at the time he accompanied his mother to the new world. He was educated in the public schools and in preparatory schools of his native country, and after crossing the Atlantic he worked for his brothers, who were engaged in silk ribbon manufacturing in the Empire state. After spending two years in that way he went to New York city, where for some time, through the financial panic of 1893, he was employed at whatever he could get to do that would yield an honest living. However, he was possessed of a good education and marked enterprise and subsequently secured a position as shipping clerk and bookkeeper in a silk factory at College Point, Long Island. He continued to act in that capacity until 1895, when he entered the service of his adopted country as a member of the regular army. He was first stationed at College Point and while there saw much of the army engineers stationed at Willets Point, about three miles from College Point. He became impressed with this branch of the service, and with the hope of later securing a commission, he joined the service and was assigned to the First Artillery at Davids Island, New York, there remaining for almost two years. He then went with his command to Key West, Florida. While at Davids Island he had endeavored to be transferred to the hospital corps, where there was greater opportunity for advancement, but his commanding officer did not want to let him go and his transfer did not occur until after he had reached Key West. In May, 1897, however, he became a member of the hospital corps and on the night of the blowing up of the Maine, February 15, 1898, he was sent to Havana, Cuba, with Major Paul Clendemin to assist the Maine survivors, being the first enlisted man to be sent to Cuba after the destruction of the battleship. In April, 1898, he was made hospital steward and served as such at Key West Barracks, Florida, at Fort Jefferson on the island of Dry Tortugas, at Washington Barracks in Washington, D. C., at Fort Monroe, Virginia, at Hilton Head, South Carolina, and at Fort Screven on Tybee Island in Georgia, thus continuing until August, 1899, when he was transferred to the Twenty-eighth United States Volunteer Infantry as hospital steward and served with that regiment in San Francisco, California, and in numerous places in the Philippine Islands. He took part in various engagements in the Orient and in February, 1901, he took the examination for a commission, General Pershing, now commanding the American forces in France, being then president of the examining board. Major Weyrauch was commissioned a second lieutenant of cavalry to date from February 2, 1901, and was assigned to duty with the Fourteenth Cavalry Regiment, with which he served at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and also in the Philippine Islands, while in December, 1905, he came to Fort Walla Walla with his regiment. While in the Philippines he took part in several campaigns against the Moros under General Leonard Wood.
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.
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.
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.
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.