NYPL RESEARCH LIBRARIES
3 3433 08178404 7
I
I
1
r
LYMAN'S HISTORY
of
Old Walla Walla County
Embracing
Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield
and Asotin Counties
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME II
1 J * 1
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1918
]l K Nf.W YORK
-^d^o^ 4 'TSlcOy-e^
BIOGRAPHICAL
N. G. BLALOCK, M. D.
No history of Walla Walla and of this section of the northwest would be
complete without extended reference to Dr. N. G. Blalock, who not only figured
as a most successful and progressive physician but, also recognizing the possibilities
for the material development of the northwest through its natural resources,
contributed in marked measure to the upbuilding of this section of the country
and the promotion of its business activities. His labors were of a character that
contributed to public progress as well as to individual success and in fact they
were of the most farreaching extent and importance.
Dr. Blalock was a native of North Carolina, his birth having occurred in
Mitchell county, that state, in 1836. He spent his youth amid rural surroundings
in his native state, his time largely being devoted to agricultural pursuits, while
later he took up the profession of teaching but regarded this merely as an initial
■ step to other professional labor. It became his earnest desire to enter the medical
profession and with that end in view he matriculated in the Jefferson Medical
College of Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1861. He first located
for practice in Mount Zion, Illinois, and when the Civil war was in progress he
put aside all business, professional and personal considerations and joined the
army as surgeon of an Illinois regiment, doing active duty at the front in this
connection. When hostilities had ceased he resumed the practice of medicine
in Illinois, where he remained until 1872. He then heard and heeded the call of
the west. He first came in 1872 to spy out the land. Crossing the continent
part of the way with a team, actuated by the purpose of selecting a new home in
the Pacific northwest, he decided upon Walla Walla and then returned to Illinois
for his family. In May, 1873, they left their home in Macon county, that state,
and on the nth of October reached Walla Walla, having spent about six months
upon the road, as they traveled by team. There were twenty-seven members in
the little immigrant party and their total financial resources on reaching their
destination did not exceed twenty dollars. Dr. Blalock at once sought employ-
ment in order to replenish his depleted exchequer. He began hauling wheat from
Walla Walla to Wallula and upon the return trip brought groceries and other
merchandise, which had to be laid in before navigation on the Columbia river
closed for the winter. He was thus engaged for a little over a month, after
which he opened his office and began practicing medicine. His career in that
professional field was a most notable one. His ability was pronounced. He
most carefully diagnosed his cases and his judgment was seldom, if ever, at fault.
He did most important work in the frontier community, his professional career
5
6 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
covering a period of fifty-three years, during which he kept a complete record
of his obstetrical cases, including the names, ages and birthplaces of parents and
the names and sexes of children. He officiated at almost six thousand obstetrical
cases. He was the loved family physician in many a household. He was most
sympathetic by nature, kindly in spirit and these qualities, added to his professional
skill and ability, made him most efficient in medical practice.
Dr. Blalock also deserves special mention for his contribution to the develop-
ment of Walla \\^alla and the northwest. He organized the firm of Blalock, Son
& Company for the purpose of building a mill and flume to engage in the manu-
facture and shijimcnt of lumber, wood, etc., from what is known as the Blalock
^fountain. This undertaking did not prove profitable, however, and the company
failed for two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, with assets of only fifty
thousand dollars. The nature of Dr. Blalock at once was manifest, for he
immediately assumed the liabilities of the company and in less than eight years
paid off every cent, with interest at from fifteen to twenty-four per cent per
annum, acting in this matter contrary to the advice of his attorneys. No other
course was possible to a man of his straightforward and honorable nature, how-
ever. He felt that every cent of his indebtedness should be met and he resolutely
set to work to achieve this end, which in an incredibly short space of time he
accomplished.
It was Dr. Blalock who installed the first telephone used in the state. He
rented six instruments at twelve dollars per month each and built and kept up
his own line from the mill to the end of the flume. He was the promoter of what
is known as the Blalock Orchards, two miles west of Walla Walla. In 1876 he
purchased for two dollars and a half per acre four hundred acres of desert
land, which he leveled, irrigated and then planted with fruit trees, including
apples, pears and cherries, and also set out many small fruits. He shipped the
first two car loads of pears from the state of Washington east of the Rocky
Mountains and made large exhibit of his fruit at the Worid's Columbian Expo-
sition in Chicago in 1893. Since that time the Blalock Orchards have been
enlarged to sixteen hundred acres and have constituted a most important feature
of the horticultural development of the northwest. Upon the land are now
eight artesian wells, all strong and affording a supply of water ample to
irrigate the entire area with a system of pipe lines over twenty miles in length
touching every acre of this vast tract. The lands are being sold in five-acre tracts
at from one thousand to fifteen hundred dollars per acre. Dr. Blalock also made
arrangements for the purchase of three thousand six hundred acres of dry land
six miles south of Walla Walla, for which he was to pay ten bushels of wheat
per acre, an amount equal to five dollars per acre. The first crop paid for the
land and all expenses of raising and han^esting and left him about three thousand
dollars. This was followed by the purchase of seven thousand acres of wheat
land in Gilliam county, Oregon, and he planted and promoted an orchard at the
town of Blalock. He was the promoter of the Blalock Islands enterprise, cover-
ing four thousand acres in the Columbia river in Benton county, Washington. He
was associated with others in the development of three thousand acres of desert
land under the Carey act in Morrow county, Oregon. No one labored more
untiringly for the opening of the Columbia river for navigation than Dr. Blalock,
who for years devoted many hours to the work. In appreciation of his efforts
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 7
in that behalf the Columbia and Snake River Waterways Association, meeting in
Lewiston in its third annual convention, passed the following resolution : "In
these days of the passing of the pioneer the people of the great northwest are
called upon from time to time to recognize the lifelong service of noble men and
women and to honor their names. Occasionally we take unto ourselves the rare
privilege of brightening the closing years of one of these servants of mankind
by a slight expression of our affection and appreciation of their efforts in things
worth while. Such an occasion greets us today as we meet to honor one of God's
emblems. In recognition of the large part Dr. N. G. Blalock has had in effecting
an organized movement to secure an open river; in grateful acknowledgment that
through his indefatigable and successful labor, associated with Joseph N. Teal,
W. J. Mariner and J. F. Smith, almost insuperable obstacles were overcome and
the Oregon Portage Railroad was built at The Dalles ; and with hearty thanks to
him for the lavish expenditure of time and money in representing his state at
meetings of the Natural Rivers and Harbor Congress and attending innumerable
other gatherings in the interest of our rivers, where he has materially helped
in securing definite results. Therefore, be it resolved, that we, the delegates to
the Columbia and Snake River Waterways Association here assembled, express
to Dr. N. G. Blalock our deep affection and our grateful appreciation for his long
life of loving service."
A splendid characterization of Dr. Blalock is found in the memorial address
which was delivered by the Hon. Ben F. Hill before a joint session of the state
senate and the house of representatives, on which occasion Mr. Hill said :
"Mr. President, Gentlemen of the senate and house:
"It is with a sense of profound sorrow that we pay a tribute to the memory
of Dr. Nelson G. Blalock, the distinguished member from Walla Walla, of the
constitutional convention. Dr. Blalock was born in Mitchell county. North Caro-
lina, in 1836. He was a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, served as a surgeon
in the One Hundred and Fifteenth Illinois Regiment in the Civil war and came
in 1873 to Walla Walla, the then metropolis of the northwest. The brilliant young
surgeon was in demand throughout the whole of the Inland Empire. He became
acquainted in his travels with the religious and geographical work of the great
Marcus Whitman and his chief ambition appeared to be to develop the economic
resources of that part of Washington territory. For this reason the names of
Marcus Whitman and Nelson G. Blalock will be indelibly linked together in the
building and construction of our great state. One of Nelson G. Blalock's earliest
exploits was, when roads were impossible, the building of a large flume from
the Blue mountains to Walla Walla, for the purpose of transporting logs, fuel
and lumber to that growing community. He made a success of and was the
pioneer of arid land wheat farming. As early as 1881 he produced the unprece-
dented yield of fifty thousand bushels of wheat on one thousand acres of arid
land. After proving that wheat could be successfully produced he turned to
irrigation projects, some of which now are honored in retaining the Blalock
name. He drilled for and found artesian water, utilized the water of the various
streams, and every one of the districts he founded is now a prosperous and
conservative community. I could go on and tell you of his work to complete the
Celilo locks and canal and of his intense desire to see an open Columbia river, but
those and local problems are developing as he anticipated they would. In fact
8 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
before Dr. Blalock passed away he had the final pleasure of knowing that all
these great economic benefits to the Inland Empire would be finished. In the
1913 session we were honored by having I")r. Nelson G. Blalock, during one of our
sessions, invited to take his place with our sjjeaker and then a few days later during
the session we were shocked to hear of his death. You do not wonder then that
Dr. Blalock was elected to represent the Walla W'alla district at the constitutional
convention and we revere and honor that man, soldier, physician, statesman who
in the econoitiic development of the Inland Empire was the greatest man the
northwest has yet produced. Dr. Nelson G. Blalock."
On the 13th of March, 1914, Dr. Blalock was stricken with apoplexy while
at work in his office and was taken to a hospital, where he died the following day.
DORSEY S. BAKER, AI. D.
-Xo history of W'alla W^alla and the Inland Empire would be complete with-
out e.xtended reference to Dr. Dorsey S. Baker, now deceased, who for maivy
years figured most prominently in the professional, commercial and financial
circles of the northwest. He stood in the front rank of the columns that have
advanced the civilization of W'ashington, leading to its substantial development,
progress and upbuilding. He was particularly active in the growth of W'alla
W^alla, where he continued to make his home for many years. He recognized
and utilized the resources of the country and by establishing many business enter-
prises contributed in marked measure to its development and progress. W'idely
known, his life history cannot fail to prove of interest to the many friends that
he left behind and who still honor and cherish his memory.
Dr. Baker was born in Wabash county, Illinois, October 18, 1823, and while
still a boy in his teens became the active assistant of his father, who was engaged
in milling and merchandising. Thus he received a thorough training that con-
stituted the broad foundation upon which much of the success of his later years
was built. After a time, however, he determined to enter upon a professional
career and with that end in view matriculated in the Jefferson Medical College!
of Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1845 on the completion of the
full course. He located for the practice of medicine in Des Moines, Iowa, but
after remaining there for a brief period determined to follow the advice of
Horace Greeley, who said: "Go west, young man, go west." Accordingly in
1848 he started for Oregon, where he arrived in the fall of the same year,
having no money and no acquaintances in this section of the country. He imme-
diately opened an office and began the practice of his chosen profession in Port-
land,- which was then a small town containing but one or two streets along the
river front. Gold was discovered in California the following year and Dr.
Baker joined the rush for the famous Eldorado. He remained in that state until
the spring of 1850 and then returned to Portland, where he entered into partner-
ship with L. B. Hastings in the conduct of a mercantile enterprise. The follow-
ing spring he again went to the mines, this time his objective point being Yreka,
which was tlien a newly developed mining camp. In May of the same vear.
however, he once more returned to Oregon and established his home in the
fs:
4^^ ,
•*^
W
/) .aX
^/U^--
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIHSA^^
.V8T9K, '-f^*^^,
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 11
Umpqua valley, where for several years he devoted his attention to stock raising,
to milling and to general merchandising. He erected the first flour mill in
southern Oregon at the old town of Oakland in Douglas county, and in 1858 he
was conducting business in Portland as a hardware merchant.
Dr. Baker's connection with Walla Walla dated from October, 1859, when
he established a store in this city, placing William Stephens in charge. The
following year, however, he personally assumed the management of the business
and in 1862 he entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, John F. Boyer,
in establishing the firm of Baker & Boyer, which was so long widely and favorably
known in eastern Washington. It was in that year that he also became asso-
ciated with Captain Ankeny, H. W. Corbett and Captain Baughman in the
organization of a steamboat company to operate a line of boats on the Columbia
and Snake rivers. This company built the steamer Spray for the upper river
and the E. D. Baker for the lower Columbia trade, thus instituting what con-
stituted a most important element in the development and upbuilding of the north-
west. These steamship lines were sold the following year to the Oregon Steam
Navigation Company. Dr. Baker's recognition of the possibilities and oppor-
tunities of the northwest constituted a most important factor in the develop-
ment of the Inland Empire. After nine years he took up the construction of a
railroad from Walla Walla to the Columbia River, building the line entirely
from his own resources. This not only enhanced the" fortune of the promoter
but brought prosperity and wealth to the entire W^-lia "Wafla valtey and adjacent
country. It was a matter of pride to Dr. CBaker that' diitirig -his ownership and
management of the railroad it was never encumbered ;with a mortgage and
never had a floating debt. He finally sold the-road-Ul.i.S^S to the Henry Villard
syndicate and it became a part of the Oregon Railway and Navigation System.
Throughout the remainder of his life Dr. Baker devoted his energies to
banking and to the inauguration of various business enterprises in and about
Walla Walla that continued as factors in the progress and improvement of the
city and of the state. The Baker-Boyer Bank, which was organized in 1869, is
the oldest institution of the kind in Washington and remains one of the strongest
moneyed concerns of the state. Later it was reorganized as the Baker-Boyer
National Bank.
Dr. Baker was married in Portland, Oregon, in June, 1850, to Miss Caro-
line Tibbetts, a native of Indiana, by whom he had seven children, three of whom
died in infancy. The others were Edwin Franklin, now living in California ;
Mary E., the deceased wife of Ex-Governor Miles C. Moore, now president of
the Baker-Boyer National Bank ; Henry C. ; and W. W., who is the vice presi-
dent of the Baker-Boyer National Bank. For his second wife Dr. Baker chose
Miss Mary Legier, of Tuscola, Illinois, who passed away soon afterward, and in
August, 1867, he wedded Elizabeth H. McCullough, by whom he had eight
daughters, four of whom died while young. Mrs. Baker passed away May 7,
1917, having for many years survived her husband, whose death occurred in
Walla Walla, July 5, 1888.
Dr. Baker not only lived to witness a remarkable transformation in this sec-
tion of the country but was an active participant in all the changes that broug'ht
about modern-day civilization. His greatest effort in pioneer days was
the building of the Walla Walla & Columbia River Railroad, which was the
12 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
foundation of the early settlement and building up of the great Inland Empire,
of which Walla Walla became the distributing point for eastern Washington,
Montana and Idaho. lie gave the original site for Whitman Seminary, donat-
ing land which became the nucleus of the present property of what is now Whit-
man College. Almost seventy years have passed since Dr. Baker came to the
northwest to cast in his lot with its pioneers. People of the present period can
scarcely realize the struggles and dangers which attended the early settlers, the
heroism and self-sacrifice of lives passed upon the borders of civilization, the
hardshijis endured, the difficulties overcome. These tales of the early days read
almost like a romance to those who have known only the modern prosperity and
conveniences. To the pioneer of the early days, far removed from the privileges
and conveniences of city and town, the struggle for existence was a stern and
hard one, and these men and women must have possessed indomitable energy
and sterling worth of character as well as marked physical courage when they
thus voluntarily selected such a life and successfully fought its battles under such
circumstances as prevailed in the northwest. The efforts of Dr. Baker were
indeed an important feature in the development of this section of the country.
He saw and utilized opportunities which have brought about modern-day prog-
ress and improvement and not only kept pace with the trend of the times but
was a leader in the onward march of progress in Walla Walla and this section
of the state.
C. R. ROGG.
C. R. Rogg, who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in
Dayton, has in his business career ever followed the admonition of the old Greek
philosopher, Epicharmus, who said : "Earn thy reward ; the gods give nought to
sloth." In other words he has ever been diligent and determined and his close
application and his energy have brought him the measure of success which he
now enjoys. He was bom in Bridgeport, Connecticut, May 17, 1876, and is a
son of Raymond and Katie (Toy) Rogg. The father was a native of Germany
but came to America when a young lad and settled in Connecticut, where he was
reared and married. In 1877 he removed with his family to Kansas, where he
establi-shed his home upon a farm and in that state both he and his wife passed
away. In their family were seven children, six of whom are now living.
Although bom in New England, C. R. Rogg was only about a year old when
the family home was established in the Sunflower state and there he was reared
and educated, pursuing his studies in the public schools. He was a young man of
about twenty-seven years when he determined to- leave the middle west and try
his fortune upon the Pacific coast. He arrived in Walla Walla county, Washing-
ton, in 1903 and there remained for a year, after which he removed to Dayton,
where he established a fumiture and undertaking business, in which he has now
been engaged for thirteen years, building up a trade of large and gratifying pro-
portions. He has a well appointed fumiture store, carrying a large and carefully
selected stock, and his reasonable prices, progressive business methods and earnest
desire to please his cu.stomers have brought to him a very gratifying patronage.
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 13
In May, 1906, Mr. Rogg was united in marriage to Miss Ollie Landon, who
was born in Kansas, a daughter of R. E. Landon, who is still living in that state.
To Mr. and Mrs. Rogg have been born three children: John Vern, whose birth
occurred October 23, 1907; Erma B., who was born January 29, 1910; and Caro-
line Bemice. Mrs. Rogg is a member of the Christian church. Mr. Rogg has
membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has filled all of the
chairs in the local lodge. He is also connected with Dayton Lodge, No. 3, K. P.
His political support is given to the democratic party and he has been elected a
member of the city council by the vote of his fellow townsmen, who recognized
his worth and ability and felt that public interests would be safe in his hands.
The years of his residence in Dayton have brought him a wide acquaintance and
his sterling worth has gained for him the high regard of those with whom he has
been associated.
FRANK C. ROBINSON, M. D., F. A. C. S.
Prepared by comprehensive study at home and abroad. Dr. Frank C. Robin-
son has won for himself a distinguished position in the ranks of the medical
profession in Walla Walla and the northwest. He has wisely utilized his native
talents and as the years have gone on his reading and research have kept him in
touch with the trend of scientific attainment. He was bom in Blandinsville, Illi-
nois, May 24, 1874, a son of Campbell and Elizabeth (Hungate) Robinson, both
of whom were natives of McDonough county, Illinois, where they were reared
and married. There they resided until 1875, when they removed to Taylor
county, Iowa, and in 1892 they became residents of Walla Walla county, Wash-
ington. The father purchased land at Bolles Junction, where he engaged in
farming for ten years, and in 1902 he retired from active life, taking up his
abode in the city of Walla Walla, where his remaining days were passed, his death
occurring in 1913, while his widow survived until 1916. He was for a long period
one of the most extensive and successful agriculturists of his locality, owning and
cultivating two thousand acres of land at Bolles Junction. In his family were six
children, namely: Frank C, of this review; Charles D., connected with the Lin-
coln Trust Company, of Spokane, Washington ; Samuel E., a farmer of Imperial,
California ; Lillian M., who is teaching in the high school of Hilliard, near Spokane,
Washington ; Harry H., a physician now on duty as a captain in the Medical
Reserve Corps at Waco, Texas ; and Myrtle V., the wife of William R. Howard,
a teacher in the high school of Spokane.
Dr. Frank C. Robinson was very young when the family went to Iowa and was
a youth of about eighteen years when the removal was made to the northwest. He
has since taken a most active interest in the development of the Inland Empire and
has contributed in substantial measure to the work of progress and improvement
along various lines. He was educated in the public schools and in the Waitsburg
Academy, being graduated from the latter institution with the class of 1897. The
following year he began preparation for the practice of medicine and surger\',
entering Rush Medical College of Chicago in the fall of 1898. He was grad-
uated from that institution on the completion of the four years' course as vale-
14 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
dictorian of the class of 1902 and immediately afterward served an interne-
ship of a year and a half in the Presbyterian Hospital of Chicago, thus gain-
ing broad and valuable practical experience along professional lines. He wras
afterward appointed superintendent of the Monroe Street Hospital in Chi-
cago, in which capacity he served for a year. Desirous of further advanc-
ing in his profession, he went abroad in August, 1905, for post-graduate work
in Europe, pursuing his studies and his research work in \'ienna, Austria,
where he remained until May, 1906, coming under the instruction of some of the
most eminent physicians and surgeons of the old world. He then returned to his
native land and opened an office in Walla Walla, where in the intervening period
of eleven years he has won a place in the front ranks of medical practitioners. His
ability is pronounced and he has gained a most creditable name and place in a pro-
fession where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit.
In 1905 Dr. Robinson was married to Miss Jessie Addle Morgan, a daughter
of J. W. Morgan, a pioneer druggist and the foremost citizen of Waitsburg, Wash-
ington. Mrs. Robinson is a graduate of the Washington State Normal School at
Ellensburg and later was graduated from the University of Washington with the
class of 1903. She is a lady of culture and refinement.
Dr. Robinson is well known in fraternal circles, belonging to Walla Walla
Lodge, No. 7, F. & A. M. ; also to Oriental Consistory, No. 2, A. & A. S. R., of
Spokane. He has likewise crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine, having membership in El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.,
of Spokane. He belongs to Columbia Lodge, No. 8, K. P. Dr. Robinson belongs
to the Walla Walla County Medical Society, the Washington State Medical
Society and the American Medical Association. At the annual convocation of the
American College of Surgeons in Chicago in October, 191 7, fellowship was con-
ferred upon Dr. Robinson. He makes his practice his chief interest, allowing
nothing to interfere with the faithful and conscientious performance of his profes-
sional duties, and his comprehensive knowledge of the science of medicine, accu-
rately applied, has gained him place with the eminent representatives of the pro-
fession in this state. In July, 1917, he entered the United States service and was
commissioned captain in the Medical Officers Reserve Corps and is now awaiting
summons to the front.
CHARLES A. KAUSCHE.
Charles A. Kausche, a well known fanner of Garfield county with residence
on section 21, township 12 north, range 41 east, was born in this county, May
27, 1881, a son of Henry and Paulina (Lowenberg) Kausche, the former a
native of Germany and the latter of Ohio. When only sixteen years of age
the father came to the United States and in 1876 removed to Oregon. Four
years later he came with his family to Garfield covmty, Washington, and took
up a claim. As soon as possible he erected a rude house of the type known
as a box house and in order to fence his land he hauled poles from the moun-
tains twenty-five miles distant. In time he brought his place to a high state
of development and erected excellent buildings thereon, being actively engaged
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 15
in farming until 1902, when he retired and removed to Pomeroy. In 1903 he
passed away there but his wife survives.
Charles A. Kausche, who is one of the five Hving children of a family of
eight, was reared at home and at the usual age became a pupil in the public
schools, which he attended in the acquirement of an education. In 1904 he
rented the old homestead and subsequently he bought the place, which com-
prises eight hundred and seventy acres. He has erected excellent modern build-
ings upon the place and has otherwise added to its value and it now ranks
among the best developed farms of the locality. He uses up-to-date methods
and implements in carrying on his work and also gives careful thought to the
problem of marketing to advantage.
Mr. Kausche was married in 1904 to Miss Odessa Trosper, who was born
in Old Walla Walla county, a daughter of Joseph G. and Ena (Bonney) Tros-
per, the former a native of Missouri. Two children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Kausche, Floyd B. and Merle K.
Mr. Kausche belongs to the Knights of Pythias and in politics supports the
republican party. For some time he was clerk of the school board and he is
strongly in favor of the best possible public schools. His extensive farming
interests do not leave him much time for outside activities but it is generally
known that he supports all movements seeking the material, civic or moral ad-
vancement of his community.
CHRISTIAN MILLER.
Christian Miller, who is devoting his time and energies to the operation of
a good farm on section 26, Russell Creek township, Walla Walla county, was
born in Denmark, January 27, 1854, a son of Soren S. and Sarah M. Miller,
who in 1862 came with their family to the United States. After residing for
six years in Utah, where the father engaged in farming, they came to Walla
Walla county, Washington, in 1868 with a colony composed of Mormons who
had seceded from the church and also others who were never associated with
that organization. The father belonged to the former class and he remained
with the colony until it broke up in 1880 or 1881. He then acquired title to a
small farm on Mill creek, where he continued to make his home until his
death, which occurred March 26, 1897.
Christian Miller had very little opportunity to attend school, as his boy-
hood was passed in a frontier community, but he has learned many valuable
lessons in the school of experience. He accompanied his parents on their re-
moval to Walla Walla county and remained with the colony until it was dis-
banded, after which he worked as a farm hand for a time. In 1889 he purchased
his first farm, comprising one hundred and sixty acres on section 26, Russell
Creek township, and has since added to his holdings from time to time until he
now owns about four hundred acres of excellent land. He is engaged in diver-
sified farming and has been very successful in his work.
On the 8th of November, 1882, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss
Grace E. Davies. who was born in Kansas, June 18, 1855. Her father, W. W.
16 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Davies, was a native of Wales, born August 8, 1833, and was at the head of the
colony of settlers who came to this county. Before leaving Wales he was
married August 24, 1854, to Miss Ann Jones, and they became the parents of
twelve children. It was in 1855 that they came to America and for a time
made their home in Utah and later in Montana, but in 1867 came to Walla
Walla county, Washington. Mrs. Davies, who was born in Wales, March 29,
1836, died May 19, 1879, and Mr. Davies passed away November 25, 1906.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller, of whom two survive, namely :
Sarah M., the wife of Elmer Meiner, a farmer of Russell Creek township; and
Esther M., at home.
Mr. Miller is a republican in politics and has served for a number of years
on the school board, in which connection he has done valuable work for the
schools. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and has many friends
within and without that organization. Through his own efforts he has gained
financial independence, his success being based upon enterprise, hard work and
good management.
HON. LEVI ANKENY.
With the history of development in the northwest Hon. Levi .\nkeny, of Walla
\\'alla, is largely familiar. He has been a witness of the various phases of life
during the progress from pioneer times to the days of present prosperity and he
has ever borne his part in the work of general upbuilding and improvement, while
at the same time he has so conducted his private business interests that substantial
results have accrued. He has been active in connection with mining and with
the copper industry and for many years he has occupied a most prominent position
in banking circles. His business interests alone would entitle him to representa-
tion in this volume and yet there are other phases of his life which also render
him a most prominent and representative citizen of the northwest, for he has
been United States senator and has done much to further the interests of this
section of the country in the halls of national legislation.
Mr. Ankeny was born near St. Joseph, Missouri, on the ist of August, 1844,
a son of John and Charity (Geer) Ankeny, the fomier a native of Pennsylvania
and the latter of the state of New York. Both were members of old families
whose ancestry can be traced back to Revolutionary war times and who were
represented by valiant soldiers in the struggle for independence. The father was
a newspaper man in Milford, Pennsylvania, for a number of years and died
while on a trip across the plains to Oregon in 1850. His widow continued the trip
and spent her last years in Portland, Oregon.
Levi Ankeny of this review was a little lad of but six summers when his
parents started with the family on the long trip over the hot stretches of sand
and through the mountain passes to the northwest, yet he remembers many
incidents of that journey, which was made after the primitive manner of the
times. He was reared on the Pacific coast and largely acquired his education in
Kingsley Academy in Portland. After reaching adult age he was for several years
engaged in merchandising in Orofino and in Florence. Idaho, selling goods from
iUilP
u (
Mn
Cva^yHx^^jnx^
PUBLIC Ub^AR^
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 19
pack trains all through the mining regions and also through the Fraser river
country of British Columbia. He was also for several years with the Wells
Fargo Express Company. During these years he became identified with the
cattle industry and his herds roamed the plains of both Idaho and Washington.
He was in Walla Walla in his cattle operations, grazing his herds throughout this
section of the country in the early days before settlement had laid claim to the
land.
Mr. Ankeny's identification with financial interests in the northwest began on
the 1st of January, 1878, when he organized the First National Bank of Walla
Walla. He thus entered actively into a field of business in which he has made
substantial progress and in which his efforts have contributed much to the up-
building and development of this section as well. In 1882 he organized the First
National Bank of Pendleton, Oregon, and a year later organized the First
National Bank of Baker City, Oregon. The same year he founded the First
National Bank of Waitsburg, Washington, and subsequently became the founder
of the Columbia National Bank of Dayton, Washington. He settled the affairs
of the Vancouver National Bank of Vancouver, British Columbia. He has since
disposed of the bank at Baker City, Oregon, and also of the one in Vancouver
but is still president of the other four banking institutions, the combined deposits
of which at the present time amount to over seven million dollars. There is no
phase of the banking business with which he is not familiar and he is thoroughly
acquainted with all of the grave problems of finance .wliich confront the country.
He has served as president of the State Banke^sl-A'3S0Giai:tDa..''He is actuated in all
that he does by a most progressive spirit; and," f^dily-.dJSciimfnating between
the essential and the non-essential in all biisine^.aff'airs, he has. so directed his
efforts that success in notable measure has ^tteiKlte'd-.liis «n<i<?<ivors and reputation
names him as the wealthiest resident of his county. Moreover, the policy that
he has pursued is one which will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny and
may well constitute an example that others may profitably follow.
In 1867 Mr. Ankeny was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Nesmith, a
daughter of James Nesmith, who was United States senator from Oregon. By
this marriage have been born five children, four of whom are living: Nesmith,
who is assistant cashier of the First National Bank at Pendleton, Oregon ; John
who is vice president of the First National Bank at Walla Walla ; Robert, who
operated a farm in the Willamette valley of Oregan but has volunteered and is
now serving as a machinist in the Navy ; and Harriett, who is the wife of Colonel
Francis Pope, of the United States army, formerly stationed at San Antonio,
Texas, but now in France.
Mr. Ankeny has not only done much to develop the material interests and
resources of this section of the country but has also contributed in large measure
to shaping its political history. He has always been a stalwart champion of the
republican party and upon its ticket was elected in 1903 to represent Washington
in the United States senate, serving in that august body for six years, during
which period he most carefully considered the vital questions which came up for
settlement and threw the weight of his aid and influence on the side of progress,
reform and improvement. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, being identified
with all the Masonic bodies of both the York and Scottish Rites. He has served
as grand master. He belongs to Walla Walla Commandery, No. 2, K. T., and is
20 OLD WALl.A WALLA COUNTY
a member of El Kader Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He also has membership
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent Protective Order
of Elks. His religious faith is evidenced in his membership in the Episcopal
church and that he is appreciative of the social amenities of life is indicated in
his identification with the Country Club. Mr. Ankeny is recognized as one of
the strong men of the northwest, strong in his honor and his good name, strong
in his ability to plan and perform. What he has undertaken he has accomplished
and, moreover, he has not only promoted his indi\idual interests but his activities
have ever been of a character which have advanced the public prosjierity as well.
CARY MELVIN RADER.
Cary Melvin Rader, a leading member of the bar of Walla Walla, engaged in
general practice, was born in Carroll county, Indiana, July 27, 1868. His father,
Solomon Rader, was also a native of the Hoosier state, born October 8, 1827. He
devoted his life to farming in early manhood and afterward took up merchan-
dising. He was a veteran of the Indian wars of the northwest and crossed the
plains in 1852.- He participated in the Modoc and Rogue River wars of 1853
and 1857. Later he returned to Indiana and became actively identified
with its agricultural and commercial interests. But longing for the west he
came to Walla Walla, Washington, in 1901, there remaining until his death, which
occurred Deceinber 2, 1912. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Martha
Ann Stewart, was born in Indiana, May 30, 1827, and is still living at the
notable old age of ninety years, her home being in Walla Walla.
Cary M. Rader was the only child of that marriage. He obtained a com-
mon school education in his native state and afterward attended the Central
Normal College at Danville, Indiana, where he pursued a law course. He
was there graduated on the 28th of July, 1891, and was admitted to the bar,
but in May, 1892, came to Walla Walla and has since been an active repre-
sentative of the legal profession of this city. He entered into partnership with
Senator Poindexter, with whom he was associated for about four years, after
which he practiced alone for a few years, and then becatne a partner of Frank
B. Sharpstein. Their connection continued for four years and Mr. Rader was
then alone in practice for a brief period. He afterward entered into partner-
ship with W. R. King, who later became a supreme judge of Oregon, and upon
the dissolution of that partnership he became connected with E. F. Barker,
forming the present firm of Rader & Barker. This association has since been
maintained and the firm occupies a very prominent position at the Walla Walla
bar. Along with those qualities indispensable to the lawyer Mr. Rader brought
to the starting point of his legal career certain rare gifts, including forceful-
ness of expression and a strong personality. He possesses a keen, rapid, log-
ical mind, plus the business sense, and a ready capacity for hard work. He
has, too, an excellent presence, an earnest, dignified manner and marked strength
of character, which, combined with a thorough grasp of the law and the abil-
ity to accurately apply its principles, has made him a most efTective advocate
and a wise counselor. While continuing in general law practice, he has spe-
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 21
cialized in corporation law and is thoroughly well informed concerning that
department of jurisprudence. He served for one term as city attorney in 1896.
In addition to his professional interests he is a director of the Peoples State
Bank, to which office he was elected on the organization of the bank, and he
has considerable farming interests.
On the 13th of September, 1893, Mr. Rader was united in marriage to
Miss Hattie Miller, a native of Eaton, Ohio, "and a daughter of Charles Mil-
ler, a resident of that city. Her mother has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Rader
have become the parents of three children, Ralph Waldo, Martha Bernice and
Melvin Miller.
In his political views Mr. Rader is an earnest democrat, believing firmly
in the principles of the party, yet never seeking office. He attends the Con-
gregational church and is a faithful follower of the Masonic fraternity, being
now a past master of Walla Walla Lodge, No. 7, A. F. & A. M. There have
been no spectacular phases in his career, but in a profession where advance-
ment depends entirely upon individual merit and ability he has worked his
way steadily upward. His practice is now extensive and of an important
character. At no time has his reading ever been confined to the limitations
of the question at issue and he is recognized not only in professional circles
but otherwise as a man of well rounded character, of finely balanced mind and
splendid intellectual attainments.
JUDGE JOHN W. HOLMAN.
Judge John W. Holman, of Dayton, has an unusual record of public serv-
ice, having for twenty-two years been police judge and justice of the peace, and
for seven years he was court commissioner. He was born in Monroe county,
Indiana, May 22, 1844, a son of Thomas and Laura (Parker) Holman, pioneers
of the Hoosier state. He was reared under the parental roof and at the usual
age entered the district schools. When eighteen years old he volunteered for
service in the Union army and from the time of his enlistment, on the 6th of
August, 1862, until after the close of the war he was with the armed forces of
the government. His record includes service in the battles of Ball Bluff, Port
Gibson, the siege of Vicksburg and the engagements at Jackson, Mansfield, Pleas-
ant Hill, Grandicor, Fort Gaines, Fort Morgan, Big Black, Champion Hills and
Raymond.
On returning to civil life Judge Holman removed to Illinois, where he engaged
in farming until 1868. In that year he became a resident of Nebraska and there
made his home until 1876, when he cast in his lot with the Pacific northwest.
During the intervening forty-one years he has lived at Dayton and has become
one of the foremost citizens of that town and, in fact, of Columbia county.
In 1888 he was appointed deputy sheriff under W. R. Marcus, and two years
later was elected justice of the peace. Subsequently he became police judge and
for twenty-two years he filled both offices. In the discharge of his duties he
manifested a fine sense of justice and an unusual ability to read human nature.
22 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
For seven years he was also court commissioner under Judge R. F. Sturde-
vant, and in that connection also he was thoroughly competent.
Judge Holman was married in Nebraska in 1869, to Miss Louisa E. Linn,
a native of Ohio. They became the parents of the following children: Laura
A. ; Ernest A. ; Jessie P. ; Olive F. ; Lola C. ; Nellie L. ; John W., Jr., deceased ;
Dorothy C. ; Charles D. ; and Donald L.
Judge Holman has been a republican almost since the organization of the
party and his advice has often been sought by the local party leaders. At one
time he was the republican councilman from Brooklyn. He has always been
justly proud of the fact that at the time of the country's need he offered him-
self in defense of the Union, and he finds great pleasure in the association with
other veterans of the Civil war in the local post of the Grand Army of the
Republic. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows. His strength of character and his unswerving adherence to high stand-
ards of morality have gained him the respect of his community, and, moreover,
he has won an unusually large number of personal friends, owing to his kindly
nature and his evident goodwill toward all. One evidence of his popularity is
the fact that while serving as justice of the peace he performed more marriages
than any other official or clergyman in the county and in many instances mar-
ried two generations of the same family. He has the satisfaction of know-
ing that he has discharged in full every duty devolving upon him, and that
during a long life he has at ajl tiHTes-pfOved^a-man of genuine worth, an official
devoted to the public welfare •:•-«'-; •'-■'•
V"
:! r^'^-v ■ — ■ —
i .S-; ■ I ^ -^ ■ ■ ■
JUDGE BENJAMIN L.'SHARPSTEIN.
No history such as this work defines in its essential limitations will serve to
offer fitting memorial to Judge Benjamin L. Sharpstein, who left the impress
of his individuality for good upon the commonwealth in many ways and whose
career ever reflected honor upon the state that honored him. A Mexican war
veteran, a pioneer, lawyer, legislator and member of the state constitutional
convention, he indeed played an important part in shaping the annals of Wash-
ington. For forty-two years he was a resident of Walla Walla and through that
period was not only closely connected with its interests and development but
was also associated with many of the movements which have shaped the policy
and directed the upbuilding of the state.
Judge Sharpstein was a native of the state of New York, his birth having
occurred in Bath, Steuben county, October 22, 1827. He was a lad of seven years
when his parents removed westward to Michigan, settling first in Macomb county,
where they resided until their removal to Sheboygan county, Wisconsin. In the
family were two sons, John and Benjamin L. The former became an attorney
of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and later went to San Francisco, California, where he
served as a judge of the supreme court. After the Civil war his brother Benjamin
read law with him for some time. Reared upon the home farm, Judge Sharp-
stein divided his time between the work of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the
playground and such tasks as were assigned him in connection with the develop-
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR. 'ENO*.
1 1 n. ■■. ■-- I.- NOATIOlHfc
BENvJAMIN 1_,-. SHARPSTEIN
MR3.BEN-JAM1N L.SHARP STEIN
\ PJBLIC L13HARY
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 27
nient of the fields. He did not care, however, to make farming his life work
and turned from agriculture to a professional career, it being his desire to prepare
for the bar. He therefore entered upon his studies, which, however, were
interrupted when he was nineteen years of age, for in 1846 his patriotic spirit
was aroused and he joined the American amiy as a soldier in the Mexican war.
Upon the close of hostilities with that country he returned to his home and
resumed the study of law, being admitted to the bar in 1852.
Judge Sharpstein was married in 1854 to Miss Sarah J. Park, who was
indeed a faithful companion and helpmate to him on life's journey. She has long
figured prominently in the social circles of Walla Walla and her life has been
fraught with many good deeds and characterized by the highest principles.
Following their marriage Judge and Mrs. Sharpstein continued to reside in the
middle west until 1865, when they determined to try their fortune on the Pacific
coast and with their three eldest children, John L., Ada A. and Arthur P., they
left the Mississippi valley and with a large train of immigrants started across
the plains for Oregon. The city of Salem, Oregon, was their objective point but
on reaching Walla Walla, Judge Sharpstein was so favorably impressed with
the opportunities of this section that he determined to make his home here. There-
after he was identified with the city and was a most important and influential
factor in advancing the best interests of the community, in promoting its progress
and upbuilding and in upholding its standards of citizenship. He not only held
high rank as a lawyer but was also prominent iij shaping the political history of
his state. At the bar he was forceful and resoXirceful.. He tad .comprehensive
knowledge of the principles of jurisprudencfe and- was most, accurate in applying
those principles to the points in litigation. His arguments were most logical, his
reasoning sound and clear and his deductions -accurate.
In political faith Judge Sharpstein was a democrat and held loyally to the
principles of his party, although he knew that such a course would deprive him
of many political honors, for the district and state in which he lived were over-
whelmingly republican. However, his fellow townsmen recognized his genuine
worth and patriotic spirit to such an extent that in 1866, again in 1879 and once
more in 1886 he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature by
overwhelming majorities. In 1889 he was chosen as a member of the state
constitutional convention and aided in framing the organic law of Washington.
He left the permanent stamp of his wisdom and farsightedness upon that valuable
document. His marked ability as a lawyer, combined with his patriotic citizenship
and his keen insight into the present needs and the future possibilities of the state,
made his service of the greatest worth to the commonwealth and he bore a most
important part in shaping the constitution. He was again called to public office in
1890, when he was appointed a member of the tide land commission,
Judge Sharpstein was also a leader in local affairs and for twenty-seven years
in all, with some periods of intenuission, he served as a member of the school
board and during much of that time was its president. He did most effective
work in advancing the standards of the schools and improving the methods of in-
struction, and one of the fine school buildings of W^alla Walla fittingly bears
his name.
While many public interests thus claimed his time and attention, Judge
Sharpstein regarded the practice of law as his real life work and, admitting his
Vol. n — 2
28 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
three sons to a partnership, thus organized one of the strongest legal firms of
Washington. One of his sons, Arthur P., died in 1896. Two sons, John L.
and Frank B., are still engaged in the practice of law in Walla Walla, while the
youngest son, Charles M., has made for himself a national reputation as farmer,
art critic and writer. He, too, is a resident of W'alla Walla. The only daughter,
Ada A., is now the widow of C. B. Upton and lives in Tacoma. Mrs. Sharp-
stein is still li\ing and although now almost eighty years of age is wonderfully well
preserved, being able to do her own marketing and attend to her business affairs.
The family of Judge Sharpstein has worthily maintained the high position estab-
lished by the father, who departed this life i\Liy 2, iQO/, honored and respected
by all who knew him. His memory is enshrined in the hearts of those with
whom he came in contact and his name is written large on the pages of Washing-
ton's history.
GEORGE J. RUARK.
George J. Ruark, one of the prominent citizens of Garfield county, is actively
identified with farming interests and now makes his home in Pomeroy. He
was bom in Jefferson county, Kansas, August 17, 1858, a son of Thomas and
Mary A. (Messenger) Ruark, who were natives of Illinois and of Ohio respec-
tively. In early life they removed with their respective parents to Wayne
county, Iowa, and were there married. They began their domestic life in that
county, where they continued to reside until 1857 or 1858, when they became
residents of Kansas but after two years returned to Wayne county, Iowa,
whence in 1862 they started across the plains with ox teams and wagons for the
Pacific coast. The journey was a long and arduous one, but day after day
they pushed forward and eventually reached Clarke county, Washington, where
they located, establishing their home ten miles north of Vancouver, where they
lived until the spring of 1871. In that year they became residents of Walla
Walla county and Mr. Ruark engaged in the live stock business until the spring
of 1879. In the fall of 1878 he and his family removed to what is now Gar-
field county, establishing their home near Deadman's Hollow, eighteen miles
east of Pomeroy. There the father engaged in fanning until 1890 and, add-
ing to his possessions from time to time, he acquired ten hundred and forty
acres of valuable wheat land. In the spring of 1890 he removed to Whitman
county, his son, George J. Ruark, taking charge of the old home farm in Gar-
field county. The father then continued in active connection with farming and
live stock interests in Whitman county until 1900, when he retired from busi-
ness life and removed to Asotin, Washington. He owned four hundred and
twenty acres of land in Whitman county, which he leased on his removal to
Asotin, where he still maintained his residence at date of death, January 8.
1908. His widow still survives and is now a resident of Pomeroy. In poli-
tics the father was a democrat and took active interest in the work and suc-
cess of the party. For a number of years he served as postmaster of Dead-
man but otherwise refused public office. He belonged to the United Brethren
church and was one of the sterling citizens of Garfield county.
OLD \\ALLA WALLA COUNTY 29
George J. Ruark was educated in the district schools and was reared to
farm life, early becoming familiar with all of the duties and labors that fall
to the lot of the agriculturist. In the fall of 1883 he began farming on his own
account, renting land in conjunction with his brother Charles and with his
father. The Bowman ranch of one thousand acres, which they operated in
partnership for three years, returned to them a gratifying annual income and
on the expiration of that period George J. Ruark began farming independently,
renting two hundred and seventeen acres of the same ranch. This he cultivated
for a year and in 1888, having carefully saved his earnings, he bought a small
place on which he located. He also continued to cultivate rented land in con-
nection with his home farm and in the fall of 1889 he rented his father's farm
of ten hundred and forty acres, which he continued to cultivate for five years.
He then returned to his own place, which he farmed in connection with other
land until the fall of 1902, when he sold that property and bought his present
farm of fourteen hundred and twenty acres, situated at the head of Deadman's
Hollow. This is now being cultivated by a tenant, and Mr. Ruark established
his home in Pomeroy in the fall of 1903. From this point he directs and super-
vises his business interests and at the same time he has the enjoyment of city
life.
In 1889 Mr. Ruark was united in marriage to Miss Olive Vannausdle, of
Garfield county, a daughter of Harris Vannausdle, who came from Nebraska
in 1884. He is still living and makes his home among his children. Mr. and
Mrs. Ruark have an adopted daughter, Elma Maurene.
Politically Mr. Ruark is a democrat and on the party ticket was elected
a member of the board of county commissioners in 1894, filling the position for
four years in a most acceptable and creditable manner. Fraternally he is con-
nected with the Woodmen of the World. He ranks with the leading and repre-
sentative men of Garfield county, for by his enterprising efforts he has con-
tributed much to the upbuilding and development of this section. He stands for
progress and improvement along all lines and his cooperation can ever be
counted upon to further any well devised plan for the general good.
DAVID B. FERREL.
David B. Ferrel, a well known farmer of Russell Creek township, Walla
Walla county, was bom August 8, 1870, a son of Brewster and Caroline (Bott)
Ferrel, both natives of Ohio, an extended sketch of whom appears elsewhere
in this work. David B. Ferrell was reared at home and after attending the
district schools for a number of years became a student in the Walla Walla
schools. In the meantime he had received thorough training in farm work un-
der his father and when twenty-one years of age he became his father's part-
ner in the operation of the home farm of two thousand acres. The greater
part of the active supervision of the work devolves upon Mr. Ferrel of this
review and he is one of the largest grain growers of his township, having
under cultivation in 1917 more than a thousand acres. He has reduced the
operation of his farm to a scientific basis, uses the most modem machinery and
30 OLD WAIJ.A WALLA COUNTY
is highly efficient in the management of the business aspect of his work. He
beheves that the fanner should give to bis work the same careful study that
the business man docs to the conduct of bis affairs and he is always among the
first to adopt improved methods and equipment.
On the 2d of November, 1904, Mr. Ferrel was united in marriage to Miss
Laura Wolfe, of Oakland, Maryland, and they have two children, Carlton D.
and Dorothy B. Mr. Ferrel has never allied himself with any political party,
preferring to cast an independent ballot. He is a member of the school board
and takes a lively interest in educational matters. Both he and his wife belong
to the Methodist Episcopal church and can be depended upon to support all
movements for the upbuilding of the community along moral as well as along
material lines. They have a wide acquaintance and are uniformly held in high
regard.
HARVEY McDonald.
Harvey McDonald, who has lived retired in Walla Walla for the past fifteen
years, was long actively identified with agricultural interests as one of the
extensive operators of the wheat belt and is still the owner of five hundred and
twenty-five acres in Walla Walla county, eight hundred and thirty-one acres in
Whitman county, this state, and four hundred and forty acres in Umatilla
county, Oregon. His birth occurred in Ontario, Canada, on the loth of March,
1857, his parents being John and Margaret (Kinnear) McDonald, who were also
natives of that province. There the father spent his entire life, passing away in
1863, when his son Harvey was but six years of age. The mother afterward
reared her family and in later years made her home among her children, her
death occurring in Weston, Oregon.
Harvey McDonald acquired his education in the common schools of Ontario,
Canada, and there spent the first twenty-three years of his life. In 1880 he
crossed the border into the United States, locating in Umatilla county, Oregon,
where he engaged in farming. Success attended his efforts as a wheat grower
and he became one of the extensive operators of the wheat belt, acquiring large
holdings which he still retains. About 1897 he took up his abode in the city of
Walla Walla in order that his children might have the advantages of its schools.
For five years thereafter he devoted his attention to the real estate business
but since 1902 has lived retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest, leaving the
cultivation of his farms to tenants. He was one of the organizers of the People's
State Bank and has served as a director of the institution continuously to the
present time.
In 1885 Mr. McDonald was united in marriage to Miss Nora Richardson,
a daughter of John Richardson, one of the prominent ranchmen and pioneer
settlers of Umatilla county, Oregon. The children of Mr. and Mrs. McDonald
are three in number, as follows : Clara, who is the wife of C. B. Weathermon.
an agriculturist residing in Umatilla county, Oregon ; Areta, who gave her hand
in marriage to S. Henderson Boyles, of Spokane, Washington; and Esther, the
wife of Lindon Barnett, of Walla Walla.
HARVEY Mcdonald
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 33
Politically Mr. McDonald is a republican, loyally supporting the men and
measures of that party at the polls. Prior to the inauguration of the commission
form of government he served for fourteen months as a member of the city
council and in that connection made a most excellent record. Fraternally he is
identified with the Woodmen of the World, while his religious faith is indicated
in his membership in the Methodist church, to which his wife also belongs. His
course has at all times commended him to the confidence and respect of his
fellowmen and he is widely recognized as one of the representative, substantial
and esteemed citizens of Walla Walla.
ANTHONY FEIDER.
Anthony Feider, an energetic and up-to-date farmer residing on section i,
township II north, range 42 east, Garfield county, was born in Germany, Jan-
uary 12, 1884, and is a son of S. A. and Rosa (Pohl) Feider, who in 1890
removed with their family to the United States. For some time they resided
in Walla Walla county, Washington, and then came to Garfield county, pur-
chasing the farm on which they still live. All of their six children also survive.
Anthony Feider received the greater part of his education in Garfield county
and remained at home until he attained his majority,. .during -which time he
became thoroughly familiar with the various phasies of ''fetril:worl^ On begin-
ning his independent career he decided to devote HiS' 'life io 'the occupation to
which he had been reared and is now successfully opeya,ting five hundred acres be-
longing to his father. He harvests a large aniount of grain annually and also
raises high grade stock, from the sale of which he derfves'"a good profit.
In 1907 Mr. Feider was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Pierre, who
was born in Minnesota. Their children as follows : Paul A., Vincent A., John
F., Joseph S., Edward P. and Albert W. Mr. and Mrs. Feider are communi-
cants of the Catholic church and are always willing to further its work in every
way possible. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and his person-
ality is such that he has made many friends within and without that organization.
In politics he is a stanch republican but he has never had time to give to pub-
lic affairs, his farming operations requiring his undivided attention.
FRANK KIBLER.
Frank Kibler, who resides on section 5, Spring Creek township, Walla Walla
county, is devoting his time exclusively to the operation of the large farm
properties owned by the Kibler estate, and his well directed efforts are rewarded
by gratifying profits. He was born May 18, 1882, in the township in which
he still lives, and is a son of Jacob and Louisa (Buroker) Kibler. The father
was a native of Shenandoah county, Virginia, and in 1853 came to the Pacific
coast, locating in California, where he spent five years in the gold fields. In
1858 he removed to W^alla W^alla county, Washington, and for several years,
34 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
or until the coming of the railroad, he was engaged in freighting. After rail
transportation was established he turned his attention to farming, becoming the
owner of land on Mill creek, about six miles east of Walla Walla. He pros-
pered in his farming operations and became the owner of fifteen hundred acres
of as fine farm land as can be found in the state. He continued to give his
attention to tlie management of his afifairs until his death, which occurred in
September, 1908. His wife, who was born in the middle west, accompanied
her parents on the long overland journey to Walla Walla county in 1864.
She survives and still resides on the homestead.
Frank Kibler was reared under the parental roof and his experiences were
those common to boys raised in a western pioneer community. He attended
the district schools and also aided in such of the farm work as was within his
strength, and by the time he had reached maturity he was an experienced
agriculturist. He and his three brothers have always farmed in partnership
and since the death of the father they have added extensively to their land
holdings, which are all in the name of the Kibler estate. They are progres-
sive and up-to-date, and no invention that will facilitate the work of the
fann is lacking upon their properties. Moreover, their residence rivals in
attractiveness and in modern equipment the best city homes, and the barns
and other buildings are likewise of the latest type. Their farms are modern
in equipment and illustrate the possibilities of farm life when the agriculturist
brings to his work the same careful study and the same willingness to adopt
new methods that characterize the successful business man along other lines.
Frank Kibler married Miss Leora McLeran, of Moscow, Idaho. She is a
member of the Christian church and takes a praiseworthy interest in its work.
Mr. Kibler supports the democratic party at the polls but has never been an
active party worker, for his entire time has been taken up with the manage-
ment of his farming interests. He has a wide acquaintance in the county in
which his entire life has been spent, and his sterling worth is indicated in the
fact that his stanchest friends are those who have known him intimately since
boyhood.
F. M. SANDERS.
F. M. Sanders, a successful farmer residing in Walla Walla township, was
bom in Walla Walla county, December 31, 1873, a son of John and Rebecca
(Meredith) Sanders, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Ohio.
In 1865 they crossed the continent with ox teams and located upon a farm east
of Dixie, in Walla Walla county, where both resided until called by death. To
them were born seven children, of whom six survive.
F. M. Sanders was reared and received his education in this county and
gained valuable training in farm work under his father's direction. When he
attained his majority he began farming on his own account and for thirty years
he has made his home upon his present place, which comprises one hundred
and sixty acres of excellent land in Walla Walla township. The improve-
ments thereon are substantial and up-to-date, and his labors are rewarded by
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 35
good crops. He is also a director of the Self-Oiling Wheel & Bearing Com-
pany of Walla Walla.
Mr. Sanders was married in May, 1907, to Miss Minnie BHven, a native
of Minnesota, and they became the parents of three children, Lester F., Irene
L. and Ralph H. On the 12th of May, 1917, the wife and mother passed away
and she was laid to rest in the College Place cemetery. She was a consistent mem-
ber of the Seventh Day Adventist church and her upright Christian life gained
her the respect of all with whom she came in contact.
Mr. Sanders is a democrat in politics and has served acceptably as a mem-
ber of the school board. He belongs to the Farmers Union and is interested
in every movement that tends to advance the interests of agriculturists.
JAMES J. EDWARDS,
James J. Edwards, the highly efficient president of the Edwards-Hindle
Company, conducting one of the leading department stores in southeastern
Washington, is recognized as a foremost factor in the commercial development
of Dayton. His rapid advancement to his present position is indicative of
what can be accomplished in tlie inland empire when a man is energetic, sound
of judgment and determined to succeed, for he began his business career as
cash boy and has at all times depended solely upon his own resources.
His birth occurred in Tennessee, October 22, 1873, and his educational
opportunities were in no way better than those afforded the average boy.
In fact many a man who consoles himself with the thought that if he had had
a chance he might have accomplished something had, in his youth, more favor-
able opportunities than did James J. Edwards. He was early compelled to
make his own living and his first position was that of cash boy, with a salary
of two dollars per week. He was faithful in the discharge of his duties in
that connection, and being keen of observation even in that position, gained
much information concerning the conduct of a store. His ability and fidelity
were rewarded by advancement, and as the years passed he became increas-
ingly familiar with merchandising. In 1899 he came to Dayton and took charge
of the clothing department of the store owned by T. M. Hanger & Company.
Subsequently he was promoted to the head of the dry goods department of
that business and he retained that position until the company retired from
business in Dayton and removed to Walla Walla. Mr. Kdwards then organ-
ized the Edwards-Hindle Company, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars
and took over the store formerly conducted by T. M. Hanger & Company, the
new management taking charge of the place October 29, 1906. In the inter-
vening eleven years the trade has shown a steady and rapid growth, the floor
space has been increased, the store now occupying all the original Weinhard
block at the corner of Main and Second streets. The location is one of the
best in the city and in itself is an indication of the success that has attended
the activities of Mr. Edwards and his associates. The store is well organized
and carries a full line of dry goods, clothing and all kinds of groceries. Its
policy has always been to carry, as far as possible, trade marked goods of
36 OLD \\"ALL.\ WALLA COUNTY
national reputation, and its large patronage is further increased by the fact
that the stock is so complete as to offer a large range for selection in every
department. It is known as "The House of Quality," which slogan expresses
the policy rigorously carried out in the management of the business.
Mr. Edwards was married in Oakesdale, Washington, to Miss Laura Gra-
ham in 1893 and they have one child living, Lloyd G. Edwards. Mrs. Edwards
died in 1899. ^^^- Edwards was married to Miss Celeste Price in 1908. He
is devoted to the interests of his family and takes a great deal of pleasure in
his beautiful home on South First street, which is one of the finest residences
in Dayton. A great deal of thought and care has been given to its interior
decoration, and all of the modern conveniences have been installed. Although
at no time indifferent to political questions Mr. Edwards has not taken a very
active part in civic affairs, preferring to give his entire attention to the man-
agement of his extensive business interests. He has found in the develop-
ment of the Edwards-Hindle department store full scope for his executive
ability and energy, and has derived great satisfaction from his effective work
in building up its trade. His ability as a merchant is universally recognized,
and during the years of his residence in Dayton he has also gained a place in
the warm regard of many because of his admirable qualities as a man.
LEWIS McMORRIS.
Among the honored early settlers of Washington was Lewis McMorris, who
in 1852 came to the Pacific coast and throughout the remainder of his life was
identified with the interests of this section of the country. He was here before
the city of Walla Walla was founded and he saw its development and assisted
in its making. With his brother Joseph and his sisters, Mrs. Sarah Funk and
Mrs. Emma Craig, he lived for years in the evening of his days on First street
in Walla Walla. He was bom in Coshocton, Ohio, August 12, 1831, and came
of Scotch ancestry, the family having been founded in America in 1774 by a
representative of the name who served in the Revolutionary war and who settled
near Winchester, Virginia. After the establishment of American independence
the family was founded in Ohio and in later generations representatives of the
name went to Shelby county, Illinois, and there engaged in farming.
Lewis McMorris was one of the family who went to Illinois and on attaining
his majority he was fitted out by his father to accompany a bachelor neighbor
and a party to California. It was in the month of March, 1852, that they started
vi'est with ox teams, crossing the plains and meeting with many of the hardships
and privations which fell to the lot of the pioneers. It was in that year that the
cholera proved so terrible a scourge and all the way from the Missouri river
graves dotted the trail. With only a sheet for a shroud and without a casket the
bodies were lowered into their graves and the traveler, starting out full of hope,
was laid to his last sleep. Often five newly made graves were to be seen in a day.
The party with which Mr. McMorris traveled consisted of a train of three
wagons at the start but they were afterward joined by six wagons en route at
St. Joseph, Missouri, and on the 15th of September, 1852, they reached Fosters,
LEWIS McMORRIS
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 39
near Oregon City. There the oxen and wagons were sold and horses were pur-
chased by those who desired to go on to the mines. They made pack saddles,
loaded the horses and pressed on to southern Oregon, where a year and a half
was spent at Sutter Creek, at Crescent City and at other mines. They were not
successful there, however, and pressed on to Yreka, California, where Mr. Mc-
Morris again engaged in mining. The Rogue River Indian war, however, broke
out in southern Oregon, causing him to change his location and he made his way
to the northern part of the state. He became a packer, rushing goods from
Portland to the mines at Colville. After one of these trips he hired the team of
mules to the quartermaster of the Oregon Volunteers to haul supplies to their
headquarters at The Dalles. On the second trip the Indians stole both mules and
supplies. On the 7th of December, 1855, the battle of the Walla Walla with the
Indians was begun on Walla Walla river west of the present site of the city, a
battle that lasted for four days and in which several thousand Indians were lined
up against a few hundred white volunteers. The white men, however, were
victorious and it was a memorable battle because it was a victory of a few over
many arid also because it marked the beginning of a lasting peace between the
Indians and the white settlers in that vicinity. Mr. IMcMorris was one of tlig
active participants in that battle. In 1856, when the troops camped at what
became old Fort Walla Walla they moved about four miles up Mill creek but
decided that the first stopping place was best and returned. It was this that
decided the location of Walla Walla. Mr. McMoTf^, aisisted in-building the
canton, as the old fort was called, which was mad^ {roiji-'tji^"varidu,s; .trees which
grew along the banks of Mill creek. Years late^ wheri'tnig land"" was -sold for
building purposes in order to extend the present city, it-"was desired to saive intact
some of the old fort buildings, to place them in tlie .city ..park _^s historic relics,
but it was found that the timber had rotted so that they crumbled away. In 1857
Mr. McMorris made the trip to the Willamette valley to buy teams for the
government. On his return he began freighting for McClinchey & Freedman.
who were proprietors of the first mercantile house in this city, located at the
corner of Third and Main streets. In 1S59 he began buying cattle and to secure
a watering place for his herd he purchased land which included the present site
of Wallula. The winter of 1861-2 was an exceedingly hard one and by spring
his herd of two hundred and seventy head had decreased to forty. He next
turned his attention to the mercantile business, in which he engaged with his
brother, but this enterprise did not prove profitable and he sold his interest in
the business. W^ien land was thrown open to settlement he secured a preemption
claim at a dollar and a quarter per acre, his place being located two miles south
of the town now known as the Hammond Farm. It was there that he conducted
his stock-raising venture for several years and at the same time operated a pack
train to Boise, Idaho. After closing out his mercantile interests with his brother
he was for four years the owner of a stage line operating between Dayton,
Washington, and Lewiston, Idaho. He laid out the town of Wallula and donated
to the railroad company the land which they used for depot purposes there.
His long and useful life was ended in 1915. He passed away at his home in
Walla Walla at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. He had never married
but he left a brother and two sisters. The brother, however, died in the spring
of 1917. There are also four nephews and one niece: the Funk brothers, who
40 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
are engaged in merchandising in Walla Walla ; the Craig brothers, of Illinois ;
and Agnes Lillian Piirdy, of Portland, Oregon. Mr. AIcMorris was a member
of the Oregon Pioneer Society, the Inland Empire Pioneers Association and the
Indian War Veterans. Throughout the long years of his residence in this locality
he became very widely and favorably known and he left many friends as well
as relatives to mourn his loss. lie performed an important part in promoting
the early development and upbuilding of this section of the country and with
many events which have left their impress upon the history of the northwest
his name is inseparably associated.
JOSEPH F. TACHI.
Joseph F. Tachi, who passed away August 8, 19 12, was a well known citizen
of Walla Walla county. He was a native of Italy and came to America thirty-
seven years ago. He did not tarry on the Atlantic seaboard but crossed the
coimtry and settled in Walla Walla county, Washington, where he took up the
occupation of gardening, which he followed with success, developing a good
business in that connection. He continued active in gardening up to the time
of his demise, which occurred in 1912.
Almost a quarter of a century before, on June 9, 1889, at Walla Walla
Mr. Tachi was united in marriage to Miss Antonia Coboch, who was likewise
bom in the sunny land of Italy and came to the new world when twenty-seven
years of age. She owns ten acres of valuable land on section 36, township 7
north, range 35 east, at College Place and she is also the owner of the Star
Laundry and a brick building which contains five storerooms and which re-
turns to her a most gratifying annual income from its rental. In addition to
these investments she owns thirty-one acres of land which is splendidly im-
proved. She belongs to St. Francis Catholic church, of which Mr. Tachi was
also a member, and he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Cath-
olic Knights of America, and the Red Men. During their residence in Walla
Walla county Mr. and Mrs. Tachi gained many warm friends, he being well
known as a representative business man. Mrs. Tachi has also proved most
capable in the management and control of her interests, and her property is
now bringing to her a substantial annual income.
MICHAEL MARTIN.
Michael Martin, a well known farmer residing on section 2, township 6
north, range 35 east, Walla Walla county, is entitled to the honor that is accorded
the self-made man, for he has gained the competence that is now his solely
through his own labors. He was bom in County Galway, Ireland, September 5,
1835, and is a son of John and Ann (Larkin) Martin, both of whom spent their
entire lives in County Galway. Michael Martin was reared and educated in his
native land and remained there until 1863, when he decided to try his fortune
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY il
in the United States and crossed the Atlantic to New York city, where he
remained for a time. He then went to South Glastonbury, Connecticut, but
three years after his emigration to this country he came to the Pacific coast by
way of the Panama route, and spent two years in California. Subsequently he
was a prospector in the placer gold mines at Emmitsburg and Helena, Montana,
where he and his brother Patrick spent three years. It was in 1870 that they
came to Walla Walla county, Washington, and purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of land and also took up a section of railroad land later on, their home
being on Dry creek. Our subject finally sold his share of the property to his
brother John, who still owns the place, and then purchased his present farm on
section 2, township 6 north, range 35 east, where he has resided continuously
since. He gave his personal attention to the operation of his place until advanc-
ing years led him to retire from active labor, since which time the farm has
been operated by his son Emmet. He has been a hard worker and has mani-
fested good judgment in the direction of his affairs, and as the years have
passed his financial resources have steadily increased.
In 1890 Mr. Martin was married in Ireland, to Miss Julia Kellher, and
they have become the parents of five children, of whom three have passed
away. Those living are : Emmet M., who is now in charge of the home farm ;
and Estella, a nurse at St. Mary's Hospital in Walla Walla. The wife and
mother passed away in 1900 and was laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery. The
family are communicants of the Catholic church of Walla Walla, and Mr. Martin
supports the republican party at the polls but has never been ambitious to hold
office. For more than half a century he has made his home in Walla Walla
county, and in that period has seen a marvelous change in conditions as the coun-
try has been transformed from a pioneer district into a highly developed agri-
cultural section.
J. W. SWEAZY.
J. W. Svveazy, a farmer of Columbia county, living on section 34, township
10 north, range 37 east, was bom in Wallula, Washington, on the 8th of May,
1884, a son of Frank and Allie J. (Barnes) Sweazy. The father was a native
of Portugal, while the mother was born in Missouri. When a youth of four-
teen the father came to the United States, having relatives living in Petaluma,
California. To that point he made his way. His wife crossed the plains with
her mother in 1880, her father having previously been killed while serving as
a soldier in the Civil war. She and her mother located on a ranch near Waits-
burg, Washington. About the same time Frank Sweazy made his way to
Walla Walla county and soon afterward they were married. He then pur-
chased the farm which is now the home of his son, the subject of this review,
and thereon he resided for a number of years. Ultimately, however, he re-
moved to Waitsburg, where he continued his residence for twenty years, or
until the time of his death in 1914. His widow survives and yet makes her
home in Waitsburg.
T. W. Sweazy was educated in the public schools and also attended the
42 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Waitsburg Academy. In 1902, at the age of eighteen years, he became a wage
earner, entering the employ of Corbett Brothers in the capacity of bookkeeper
at their mill at Huntsviile. A year later he resigned to accept a position with
John Smith, a hardware merchant of Waitsburg, where he filled the position
of bookkeeper for four years. On the expiration of that period he went to
Walla Walla, where he held the office of deputy county auditor under J. N.
McCaw, in which capacity he served for four years. In November, 1910, he
was elected county auditor and so continued for two terms of two years each,
making a most creditable record in that position by the promptness and sys-
tematic manner and general capability with which he discharged his duties.
On the expiration of his second term he returned to the home farm, which
he has since occupied and operated. It is a tract of three hundred and twenty
acres of rich and productive land, much of which he has brought to a high
state of cultivation, and the fields are now bringing forth rich crops. They are
divided into tracts of convenient size by well kept fences and there are val-
uable improvements upon the place, and the spirit of neatness and thrift which
there prevails indicates the progressive methods of the owner.
In 1909 Mr. Sweazy was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Ramseur, of
Waitsburg, and they have many friends in the community where they live. Mrs.
Sweazy is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Sweazy holds membership
with Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., and is a loyal exemplar of the
teachings of the craft. His political allegiance 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 reward for party fealty, preferring to concentrate his
thought, attention and purpose upon his farming interests, which are bring-
ing to him substantial success.
JUDGE MACK F. COSE.
Judge Mack F. Gose is one of the distinguished representatives of the bench
and bar in Washington. Few lawyers have made a more lasting impression upon
the judicial history of the state, both for legal ability of a high order and for the
individuality of a personal character which impresses itself upon a community,
and he proved himself the peer of the ablest members of the court of last resort
while serving as one of the supreme judges of the state. He was born in
Missouri, July 8, 1859, ^nd is a son of John M. and Hannah Gose, natives of
\'irginia. In 1864 the family came west and after spending a year at Boise,
Idaho, proceeded to Walla Walla county, Washington, where the father turned
his attention to horticulture, becoming a prominent fruit grower of this region.
Judge Gose was only five years of age when the family arrived in Walla
Walla county and he is indebted to the public schools of Walla Walla for the
early educational advantages he enjoyed. After leaving school he entered the
office of ex-Senator John B. Allen, one of the distinguished attorneys of the
northwest at that time. After reading law for some time. Judge Gose was
admitted to the bar in 1883 and at once began the practice of his chosen profes-
sion in Pomeroy, where he has since remained, becoming in the meantime one
JUDGE MACK F. GOSE
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 45
of the leading lawyers of this section of the state. He won for himself very
favorable criticism for the careful and systematic methods which he followed.
He has ever displayed remarkable powers of concentration and application and
his retentive mind has often excited the surprise of his professional colleagues.
As an orator he stands high, especially in the discussion of legal matters before
the court, where his comprehensive knowledge of the law is manifest and his
application of legal principles demonstrates the wide range of his professional
acquirements. The utmost care and precision characterize his preparation of a
case and have made him one of the most successful attorneys of the state. It
was the qualities which he had displayed in private practice that commended
him for judicial service and he was elected a judge of the supreme court, serving
on the bench of the court of final appeals in Washington for six years. His
opinions are fine specimens of judicial thought, always clear, logical and as brief
as the character of the case will permit. He never enlarged beyond the necessi-
ties of the legal thought in order to indulge in the drapery of literature. His
mind during the entire period of his course at the bar and on the bench has been
directed in the line of his profession and his duty.
In 1886 Judge Gose was united in marriage to Miss Lelah Seeley, a daughter
of Charles H. Seeley, and to them was bom a daughter, L. Vyvien, who is now
the wife of Charles A. McCleary, of Olympia. Judge Gose makes his home in
Pomeroy, where he occupies an attractive residence, a«d -in a-ddltion he owns
and supervises a large ranch, taking considerable; interest, and' p'Hoie in,' his agri-
cultural labors. His political endorsement has, 1 since' ' 1^96, i'ee'it-givten to the
republican party and upon that ticket he was elected;^tp .thevoffice ofjmayor of
Pomeroy, the reins of city government being in •mp^st capable hands during his
administration of civic affairs. He is today one of the honored and representative
men of the state.
CHARLES F. FLATHERS.
Charles F. Flathers is a representative agriculturist of Walla Walla county,
owning and cultivating six hundred and fifty-two acres of valuable land situated
on section 32, township 10 north, range 36 east. It was upon this farm that he
was born March 17, 1875, a son of Benjamin F. and Melinda (McQuown)
Flathers, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. He was reared upon the
old homestead and became a pupil in the Prescott schools, dividing his time be-
tween the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work
of the fields. He continued to assist his father until 1905, when he joined his
brothers, John and Emery Flathers, and for five years the three brothers conducted
farming interests in a partnership relation. Emery then withdrew but Charles F.
and John continued their interests together until 1914. Since that time Charles
F. Flathers has carried on farming interests independently and is now the owner
of six hundred and fifty-two acres of valuable wheat land, which he carefully
and successfully cultivates. He has become one of the most substantial agricul-
turists of Walla Walla county. He studies closely everything bearing upon wheat
culture and the production of other crops suited to soil and climatic conditions
46 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
here and his progressive methods produce splendid results. His farm with its
broad fields, its substantial buildings and its modern improvements presents a
most pleasing appearance and is a very attractive feature of the landscape.
On the 20th of October, 191 1, Mr. Flathers was married to Miss Elizabeth
Fowler, of Walla Walla, a daughter of Colonel Alexander Fowler, of Fort Scott,
Kansas, who won his title l)y service in the Civil war and has now passed away.
In politics Mr. Flathers is a democrat but not desirous to hold office. He is a
member of Prescott Lodge, No. 46, I. O. O. F. At the time of her marriage Mrs.
Flathers was engaged in nursing in Walla Walla. She is a lady of liberal edu-
cation and culture and both Mr. and Mrs. Flathers are widely and favorably
known in their section of the county, enjoying the high regard of an e.xtensive
circle of friends.
S. F. ATWOOD.
S. F. Atwood, who is doing excellent work as principal of the Dayton high
school, was born in Johnson county, Missouri, January 29, 1885, a son of Wiley
C. and Indiana (Freeman) Atwood, natives respectively of Virginia and Iowa.
Both, however, were taken as children to Johnson county, Missouri, and there
they were reared and married. The father engaged in farming there until 1893,
when he went to Bates county, that state, whence in 1896 he removed to Ellens-
burg, Washington. In his new home he resumed the work of tilling the fields
and he is now engaged in agricultural pursuits in Benton county, where he has
lived since 1913. In that year he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife.
S. F. Atwood attended the district schools of Missouri in early boyhood and
continued his education in the Ellensburg schools, graduating from the high
school in 1902. He prepared for teaching in the Ellensburg State Normal
School, from which he was graduated in 1905, and the thorough professional
training which he there received well fitted him for the performance of his duties
as principal of the North Street school of Ballard, Washington, which position
he held for three years. At the end of that time he matriculated in the Uni-
versity of Washington at Seattle, but withdrew from that school in his senior
year on account of his mother's illness. In December, 1909, he was called to
Dayton as principal of the high school and has ever since served in that capacity,
his continuance in the position indicating his efficiency. He regards teaching
as being as truly a profession as the law or medicine and believes that one
intending to devote his life to educational work should prepare as thoroughly
as the physician or lawyer. He has remained a constant student of educational
methods and is always willing to adapt to the needs of his school any new
plan which has proved of value.
Mr. Atwood was married in 1910 to Miss Anna Laura McMillan, of Seattle,
and they have four children, Dorothy Jean, Violet Claire, Florence May and
Stanley Freeman, Jr.
Mr. Atwood endorses the principles of the democratic party and supports its
measures at the polls and in 1916 was its candidate for county superintendent.
He belongs to Occidental Lodge, No. 72, F. & A. M., of Seattle, and is also a
member of the Inquiry Club of Dayton. Both he and his wife attend the Con-
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 47
gregational church and can be counted upon to further movements having as
their object the moral advancement of the community. He has not at any time
kept himself aloof from the everyday interests of life but has been a factor in
the development of Dayton along various lines.
WILLIAM MARTIN.
Among Walla Walla county's venerable and highly respected citizens is
numbered William Martin, a retired farmer who is now living in Hill township.
Moreover, he has lived on the Pacific coast for sixty-five years and is familiar
with every phase of its growth and development from Indian fighting to the
latest methods of crop production. He was bom in Indiana, September 30, 1833,
and is a son of Jesse and Catherine (Harris) Martin, the former a native of
Ohio, while the latter was born in Kentucky. At an early date they became
residents of Indiana and afterward established their home in McLean county,
Illinois. In 1844 they removed to Missouri, where they resided until 1857,
when they started across the plains for California, whither their son William
had preceded them. They located in Thurston county, Washington, and there
continued to reside until called to their final rest. They had a family of ten
children but only three are now living.
William Martin was reared and educated in Missouri, where he resided
until 1852, when at the age of nineteen years he came to the Pacific coast coun-
try. He outfitted with an ox team and wagon and started upon the long jour-
ney to California, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast and
the business opportunities which it opened up. He was six months in crossing
the plains and then concluded to locate in Oregon, but after spending three
months in Oregon City went to Thurston county, Washington, where he was
employed in a sawmill for three years and a half. On the expiration of that
time he took up a claim. Upon that land, which was entirely wild and unde-
veloped, he built a little log cabin with a clapboard roof and beg^n life there in
true pioneer style, experiencing the hardships and privations incident to the set-
tlement of the frontier. Upon that place he lived for several years and his
labors wrought a marked change in its appearance, for he broke the sod, tilled
the fields and in course of time gathered good harvests. He afterward pur-
chased more land in that locality. The years were fraught not only with much
hard labor but with other experiences of pioneer life. In 1855 ^"d 1856 Mr.
Martin was engaged in fighting the Indians and became familiar with all of the
treacherous methods of Indian warfare. Later he concentrated his efforts upon
farming and as the years passed his labors were crowmed with a substantial
measure of success.
On December 14, 1856, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Ann E.
Yantis, who was born in Missouri in 1840 and by whom he had five children,
as follows : John F. ; J. A. ; Catherine, who is the wife of L. H. Koontz, of Pasco,
Washington ; William E. ; and one who died in infancy.
It was in 1872 that Mr. Martin brought his family to the Walla Walla valley,
where he has since lived, covering a period of forty-five years. Here he was
48 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
engaged in the stock business until 1880 and then removed to Walla Walla and
turned his attention to mercantile pursuits. In 1886 he entered a railroad office
at Wallula, where he remained for nine years, and at the end of that time located
on a ranch on Snake river, living there for three years. The following year was
spent in Walla Walla and he next owned and occupied a ranch on Hudson Bay
in Oregon for three years. On selling that place he returned to Washington
and has lived in Touchet since 1901. He purchased" a store in Touchet which
he carried on for some time but at length sold that property and retired from
active business life, so that he is now enjoying a rest which he has truly earned
and richly deserves. He owns seven acres of land in the village of Touchet,
upon which he has a comfortable and attractive residence and is now pleasantly
situated there.
His has been an active and useful life and one which, by its integrity and
honor, has gained for him the respect and confidence of all with whom he has
been brought in contact. His political allegiance has always been given to the
democratic party and upon that ticket he was elected to represent his district
in the general assembly of Washington in 1877. He has served on the school
board, has filled the office of justice of the peace and at all times has been
most loyal to the trust reposed in him. He and his wife are consistent mem-
bers of the Christian church and have guided their lives by its teachings, being
always careful to conform theix actions to high standards. In a word they have
ever endeavored to follow the gtflden rule, doing unto others as they would have
others do unto them. I ■;^.^K' •
RAYMOND RINGOLD REES.
A man who has contributed to the upbuilding of a city in one line of develop-
ment is considered worthy of honor, but that man who has a part in the promotion
of his city's interests in many fields of activity has a still greater claim upon the
gratitude of his fellow citizens, and such was the record of Raymond Ringold
Rees, pioneer newspaper man, prominent merchant and man of affairs.
He was born in Reily, Ohio, June 17, 1833, and was taken by his parents to
Delaware, that state, where he remained until he was twenty-one years old. Dur-
ing his youth he served an apprenticeship to the printer's trade and in 1854 he
came west with a brother by way of the Isthmus of Panama, their destination being
Portland, Oregon, in the vicinity of which a third brother lived. After a short
time Mr. Rees of this review secured work as a typesetter on the Christian Advo-
cate and as he had the distinction of being the only man in Portland who could
set book type, he did that work on McCormac's Almanac, the first book published
on the Pacific coast. He was also employed as a typesetter on the first issue of
the Daily Oregonian, Portland's famous newspaper. AA'ith the exception of
eighteen months spent with a brother in the Colville mines, he was identified with
newspaper publication in Portland until 1861, when he came to Walla Walla,
reaching here on the 21st of November.
Mr. Rees formed a partnership with Nemiah Northrop and established the
first newspaper in this section — the \\^ashingtc)n Statesman. The firm sent to
JIA.TOR KAYJIOND U. KKKS
MRS. RAYMOND R. REES
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 53
Portland for a press, which arrived on schedule time, and the first issue of the
new paper appeared on November 27th. The publishers therein made the follow-
ing announcement to the public : "We send forth this morning with our con-
gratulations the first number of the Washington Statesman, and respectfully
solicit the attention of the people of Walla Walla and county to its pages. . . .
That a weekly publication devoted to the various interests of the country, con-
taining all the news which may be gathered from different quarters, is essentially
needed in the Walla Walla valley we premise no permanent resident will deny.
This admitted, we have no misgivings as to the disposition of the people to come
forward and promptly sustain an enterprise so materially calculated to further
their interests as a community." In the meantime the firm of Rees & Northrop
learned that two brothers named Smith intended starting a democratic paper in
Walla Walla and had sent to Portland for a press, which, however, reached
The Dalles just as the Columbia river, at that time the only highway, froze over,
with the result that it could not be delivered for three months. Mr. Smith desired
to become a member of his competing firm and his wish was granted. The first
subscriptions did not come in to the new paper as readily as had been expected.
Accordingly Mr. Smith made a tour on horseback of Walla Walla county and
Umatilla county and succeeded in obtaining two hundred subscriptions at five
dollars per year, the circulation list containing the names of practically all the
men of the two counties. The Statesman was the first newspaper, established in
eastern Washington, then known as the "upper country," awd^WasVa factor of
great importance in the early development of this regidh! * Mr. Rees was one of
the owners of that journal until November, 1865, when he., sold his interest
therein to W. H. Newell, and the following five yleki?. were 'de voted -to farming
in connection with his father-in-law. In 1870 he returned to WaTTa'Walla and
formed a partnership with H. E. Johnson for the conduct of a mercantile busi-
ness under the style of Johnson & Rees. Two years later W. P. Winans bought
into the firm and the name was changed to Johnson, Rees & Winans. With Mr.
Johnson's subsequent retirement from the business the firm name became Rees &
Winans and so remained until 1887, when the business was sold. In the mean-
time a two-story building was erected where now stands the Farmers Savings
Bank. Plans were subsequently made for the erection of the Rees-Winans
building but before construction work was begun Mr. Rees was called by death.
His widow, with Mr. Winans. however, carried out the plans already made and
the building was erected in due time and was an important addition to the
downtown section of Walla Walla. As a merchant Mr. Rees was enterprising,
progressive and sound of judgment, managing his affairs carefully and giving
much thought to anticipating the demands of his customers. He based his success
upon the firm foundation of the best service possible and full return for all
money received.
Mr. Rees was married March 12, 1865, to Miss Augusta Ward, the only child
of Mr. and Mrs. Michael V. Ward. She was born near Chicago, in De Kalb
county, Illinois, in 1843 and in 1853 accompanied her parents to Oregon, the
journey being made by ox team. The family settled near Lebanon, in Linn
county, but the long wet season proved unhealthful and Mr. Ward developed
serious throat trouble. On the advice of a physician he removed to Walla Walla
county, bringing with him three hundred head of cattle. That winter, however,
Vol. n — 3
54 OLD WALl.A WALLA CULWTY
there was an unusually heavy snowfall and owing to the unfavorable weather
conditions he lost all of his cattle but forty-four. However, the increase in prices
enabled him to realize so much from the remaining cattle that his net loss was
inconsiderable. He bought the Lewis McMorris ranch a few miles south of
Walla Walla and operated that place for some time but at length disposed of it.
He then removed to Walla Walla and erected there the most pretentious home
in the city at the corner of East and Poplar streets. At the time of the visit of
President Hayes and party the president and his wife were entertained at the
home of Mr. Ward, as there were no suitable hotel accommodations to be found
in the city. Mrs. Hayes insisted in helping with the house work and at her
reciuest fried apples were served at breakfast. The democratic spirit manifested
by the president and his wife made their visit a genuine pleasure as well as an
honor. To Mr. and Mrs. Rees were born three children: Frank W., a well
known dentist of Walla Walla; Elma R., the wife of H. H. Turner, cashier of
the Baker-Boyer Bank of Walla Walla: and Lora R., the wife of Paul Compton,
of Los .Angeles, California. Mr. Compton is a son of Ceneral Compton. who
for years had command of the garrison at Walla Walla.
Mr. Rees was a prominent democrat and for many years took an active part
in politics. He represented his district at two different times in the state legisla-
ture ; for several years served as county treasurer, and his record as an official
was highly creditable alike to his ability and his jniblic spirit. He was always
called upon with a certainty of response for aid in carrying out projects for the
development of Walla Walla city and county and his demise, which occtirred
July 12, 1889, was recognized as a great loss to his community.
His widow survives and resides in one of the handsomest residences of the
city, in which she takes great pride, for it was built in accordance with plans
drawn by herself. After the death of her husband she carried on the business
of the estate. She is one of the honored pioneer settlers of Walla Walla and
her reminiscences 'of the early days when the present rapidly growing city was a
little frontier settlement are much appreciated by the younger generation, who
find it hard to realize that conditions have changed so radically within a half
century. When she came to this region there were not more than twenty white
women in the vallev and she is one of the very few of the number now li\ing.
JOHN H. ROMAINE.
John H. Romaine, who has been engaged in farming in Columbia county,
was bom in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, April 15, 1857, a son of Garrit
Romaine. a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Our subject grew
to manhood in his native state and there received a good common school edu-
cation. When twenty years old he accompanied his parents to Washington and
not long after his arrival in this state took up a homestead on section 25, town-
ship II north, range 38 east. He brought his land to a high state of develop-
ment, and gained recognition as a progressive and capable farmer. He raised
both wheat and stock and his annual income reached gratifying proportions.
He added to his holdings as the years passed until he owned fourteen hundred
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 55
acres of fine land but sold out in the fall of 1917 and purchased a ranch of
seven hundred and fifty-five acres in Umatilla county, Oregon, nine miles south
of Walla Walla, Washington, on which he expects to locate.
In 1882 Mr. Romaine was united in marriage to Miss May McKellips and
following her death married Miss Ella Davis, a daughter of Cyrus and Nancy
(Holly) Davis, natives respectively of Vermont and Ohio. They removed to Old
Walla W^alla county and here her father passed away in 1910. Her mother
survives and makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Romaine. The latter have
become the parents of four children: Jean M., deceased; one who died in in-
fancy; Garrit; and Jean Henry.
Mr. Romaine gives his political allegiance to the republican party but has
never sought office, his farming interests requiring his undivided time and atten-
tion. His wife belongs to the Congregational church and takes much interest
in its work. During the forty years of his residence in Old W'alla Walla county
Mr. Romaine has witnessed a remarkable transformation and has kept pace with
the development of the county, at all times giving his support to progr-essive
measures.
ZIBA DIMMICK.
For a quarter of a century Ziba Dimmick has been a resident of W'alla
Walla county and is now numbered among its most prosperous farmers, being
extensively and successfully engaged in the growing of w^heat. His place is sit-
uated on section 27, township 8 north, range 34 east of W. M. He is a west-
ern man by birth, by training and by preference, and the spirit of western enter-
prise finds exemplification in his life. He was born at The Dalles, Oregon, on the
8th of March, 1868, and is a son of H. R. and Ann (Cooper) Dimmick, the
former a native of Illinois, while the latter was born in Scotland. It was in
the year of 1853 that the father crossed the plains with ox teams, meeting all
the hardships and privations of that strenuous trip in the early days. He located
first on the Umpqua river in southern Oregon, where he lived with his parents
until the spring of 1862, when he and his wife moved to The Dalles. His re-
maining days were spent in that state, and his widow, who still survives is
now a resident of Hood River county, Oregon. In her family were ten chil-
dren, of whom Ziba is the eldest son and six of the number are now living.
Ziba Dimmick was reared and educated in Oregon, no event of special
importance occurring to vary the routine of life for him in the days of his
boyhood and youth. At the age of sixteen years he started to work for the
Oregon-Washington Railroad & Navigation Company, where he learned the
blacksmith's trade, at which he worked until 1892. When a young man of
about twenty-four he came to Walla Walla, W^ashington, and commenced his
career as a farmer, working for different men, until 1900, when he invested his
savings in the farm upon which he now resides. He today owns seven hundred
and twenty acres of rich and productive wheat land and has always made a
specialty of raising that crop, for which the soil and climate are particularh-
adapted. Success has therefore attended his efforts, for in all of his methods
56 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
he is practical and progressive and through the summer months the broad fields
of waving grain give promises of abundant harvest in the autumn. In addition
to this property Mr. Dimmick owns one hundred and ten acres of valuable land
in Hood River county, Oregon, where he is engaged in raising alfalfa and
clover.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Dimmick is a Woodman of the World and an
Odd Fellow, politically a republican. His energy and determination have made
him what he is today — one of the prosperous farmers of Walla Walla county,
and his substantial traits of character have won for him the warm regard of
all with whom he has been brought in contact. Walla Walla county gained a
substantial citizen when he removed from Oregon to this state, for his labors
have contributed much to its agricultural development.
FRANK S. DEMENT.
It was in the quaint and picturesque little city of Oregon City, Oregon, that
Frank S. Dement, prominent miller and grain dealer of Walla Walla, was born
November 3, 1853, ^ representative of one of the oldest and most prominent
families upon the Pacific coast. His father, W. C. Dement, came to Oregon from
Virginia in 1843 '" the train with Marcus Whitman. He engaged in merchan-
dising at Oregon City, the little town that was founded above the falls of the
Willamette river, and he was one of the four who built the railway around the
falls at Oregon City, which was one of the first, if not the first railway on the
Pacific coast. With many events which shaped the pioneer development and later
progress of that section of the country he was closely associated. He served as
captain of volunteers in the Rogue River Indian war in 1856 and there was no
phase of frontier development with which he was not thoroughly familiar. He
became a resident of Oregon before the city of Portland was established and
he lived to witness many remarkable changes as the work of settlement was
carried forward. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Olive Johnson, came
to Oregon in 1845 ^""^ was a daughter of the Rev. Hezekiah Johnson, a Baptist
missionary of that state.
Frank S. Dement, spending his boyhood days under the parental roof,
acquired his education in the Oregon City Seminary and in early life took up the
printing business, learning the trade, after which he engaged in general printing
and in publishing of the Oregon City Enterprise. He figured prominently in
public affairs in that locality and served as county treasurer of Clackamas
county, Oregon, which position he resigned in 1879 and removed to Walla Walla
on account of his health. In the following year he organized the Dement
Brothers Company and has continuously served as its president. He and his
partners purchased the Eureka flour mills of the firm of Welch & Schwabacher
Brothers in 1880. These mills had a capacity of one hundred and fifty barrels
daily and something of the growth of the business is indicated in the fact that
the present capacity is six hundred barrels daily. In a word they have developed
one of the most important milling industries of this section of the state and
they are also well known as extensive grain dealers. It was Frank S. Dement
%
/•
^/<^. k}-Mnxj nJ^
THE NEW '<OBK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 59
who in 1882 imported the first bluestem seed wheat from New Zealand to the
Pacific northwest and it is today the leading wheat grown in this section of the
country. Through this channel and his other business activities he has contributed
in marked measure to the material development and consequent prosperity of
his section of the state. In the conduct of his business affairs he has amassed a
considerable fortune, much of which he has invested in Walla Walla real estate,
thus indicating his faith in the future of this district.
In Oregon City, Oregon, on the ist of August, 1877, Mr. Dement was married
to Miss Frances Miller, a daughter of Captain J. D. Miller, who was a pioneer
steamboat operator on the Willamette and Columbia rivers. To Mr. and Mrs.
Dement have been born two sons: Charles F., who is county auditor of Walla
Walla County; and Frank Bingham, who is now in the National army at Camp
Lewis. He was graduated from the Shattuck Military School of Minnesota in
1914 and was a student in Whitman College with the class of 1918.
Frank S. Dement has long been a recognized leader in republican circles in
his county and was chairman of the county republican central committee. He has
done much to further the interests of his party, believing firmly in its principles
and recognizing the duties and obligations as well as the privileges of citizenship ;
yet he has never sought nor desired office as a reward for party fealty. Frater-
nally he is connected with the Benevolent Prote.ctive Order of Elks and is a
prominent Mason, having taken the degrees of both tlie York and 'Scottish Rites.
He is a member of Oriental Consistory, A. & A.'rSivRi^.pf Spojcane and of El
Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. For the past'-thirty years he has 'been a very
active and prominent member of the CommerciaLClubbf'WalTa Walla and is now
one of its directors and the treasurer. He stands' for ^pfDgressiveness. in all public
affairs and his efforts in behalf of general progress and improvement have been
practical, farreaching and effective. Men who know him — and he has a wide
acquaintance — speak of him in terms of the highest regard both as to his rela-
tionship with business affairs and in matters of citizenship.
JOSEPH LEDGERWOOD.
Joseph Ledgerwood, deceased, spent the last years of his life in honor-
able retirement from business in Pomeroy, enjoying the fruits of his former
labor. For many years he had been identified with farming in southeastern
Washington and his well directed business affairs brought to him a very sub-
stantial competence, enabling him to enjoy all of the comforts and many of
the luxuries of life and also to leave his family in very easy financial circum-
stances. He was born in Clay county, Missouri, July 17, 1836, and was a son
of Joseph and Rachael Ledgerwood, who were natives of Tennessee and after-
ward became pioneer settlers of Clay county, Missouri.
Joseph Ledgerwood acquired his education in the common schools of Gay
and Daviess counties of Missouri and on reaching manhood took up the occu-
pation of fanning. In 1864, with little money to outfit him for so hazardous
and extended a journey, he started across the plains for the Pacific coast
country, and while he endured many hardships and privations while en route,
60 OLD \\ ALI.A WALLA COUNTY
he ultimately in safety reached the Umpqua valley, where he made a home
for his family and continued to reside until 1877. He then disposed of his
property in that region and removed to Garfield county, Washington, settling
about nine miles east of Pomeroy. There he prospered and from time to time,
as his financial resources increased, he added to his land until at his death he
was the owner of about one thousand acres of valuable farm property. In the
later years of his life he retired from active farm work and removed to Pome-
roy, where he spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of the fruits of his
many years of successful labor. For a long period his life had been one of
untiring industry and perseverance, during which he was watchful of every
opportunity and indication pointing toward success. At all times he based his
advancement upon the sure foundation of industry and persistency of pur-
pose.
In 1859 Mr. Ledgerwood was united in marriage to Miss Louise O'Keef, a
native of Illinois, who was a faithful helpmate to him and shared with him in
all of the hardships and privations of pioneer life, when Oregon and Wash-
ington were still frontier states. She still survives her husband and cherishes
his memory, for he was most devoted to the welfare and happiness of his
family. To Mr. and Mrs. Ledgerwood were born nine children, seven of whom
are yet living, as follows : William T. ; J. Joseph ; John T. ; Lou Emma, who
is the wife of W. A. DeBow, a grain dealer of Pomeroy; Martha R., who is
the widow of James B. Carter and resides in Pomeroy ; Rosa, who gave her
hand in marriage to Lou Jurgens, of Asotin county, Washington ; and Qara B.,
the wife of Edward Davis, of Okanogan county, Washington.
Mr. Ledgerwood was a very progressive man, public-spirited in all that
he did, and his aid and cooperation could ever be counted upon to further
public progress. He aided many movements for the general good, and while
he was never a politician in the commonly accepted sense of the term and never
would consent to hold office, he gave earnest support to the democratic party
because of a firm belief in its principles. He belonged to the Masonic fra-
ternity and to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a consistent
Christian man, both he and his wife being lifelong members of the Methodist
Episcopal church. Mrs. Ledgerwood occupies a handsome home in Pomeroy,
surrounded by all the comforts and conveniences which make life worth living.
REME De RUWE.
Among the successful sheep raisers of Columbia county is numbered Reme
De Ruwe, who was bom in Belgium, September 15, 1882, a son of Peter and
Julia De Ruwe, also natives of that country, where their entire lives were
passed. To them were born fifteen children. The subject of this review is
indebted for his education to the schools of his native land, and remained at
home until he was about twenty years old. Then, in 1902, he decided to try
his fortune in the United States and located in Walla Walla county, Washing-
ton, where he at once turned his attention to raising sheep. He has since con-
tinued in that occupation on an extensive scale. He pastures his sheep on a
ranch comprising twelve hundred acres of land in Columbia county. The sue-
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 61
cess which he has gained in fifteen years is quite unusual, demonstrating his
abiHty to adapt himself to a new condition, his sound judgment and his enter-
prise. His ranch is well improved and is a very valuable property.
In 1914 Mr. De Ruwe was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Kregger,
and they have a son, Marvin, and have also adopted three children. Mr. De
Ruwe casts his ballot in support of the republican party, whose principles accord
with his political beliefs. He was reared in the Catholic faith and consistently
gives his influence on the side of moral advancement. He has gained many
friends since coming to eastern Washington, his salient characteristics being
such as never fail to command respect and win regard.
CHARLES L. WHITNEY.
Charles L. Whitney, who is living retired on section 6, township 6 north,
range 36 east, Walla Walla county, is now enjoying a period of well merited
leisure made possible by his former successful labors as a nurseryman and hor-
ticulturist. He was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, January 26, 1857, of
the marriage of William G. and Marcia M. (Pettis) Whitney, the former a
native of Onondaga county. New York. They removed to California in 1879;
two years before their son Charles L. had made his way to the Pacific coast,
and after residing there for one or two years they came to Walla Walla county,
Washington. Here the father, in partnership with his son Charles L., bought the
farm where the latter still resides. This place was the site of the Sims mill,
which was the first mill built in the state and possibly the first in the north-
west. The date of its erection was 1858 and there was also a distillery operated
within the limits of the farm. In the early days pack trains, numbering one
hundred animals were sent to the outlying camps loaded with flour, bacon and
whiskey, and the farm is indeed one of the historic places of the state. The
father established the Home nursery and the son the North Western nurseries,
and both proved successful in that business. The father remained active in the
management of his affairs both as a nurseryman and as a farmer until his
death in 1912. The mother passed away in 1910.
Charles L. Whitney was reared in Pennsylvania and after attending the com-
mon schools became a student in the Edinboro (Penn.) State Normal school
and in Austinburg College at Austinburg, Ohio. Later he took up the study
of medicine at the Eclectic Medical College at San Francisco, California, but
left that institution a year before the completion of his course. It was in 1877
that he removed to California and he was one of the first settlers of the town
of Whatcom. He devoted some time to timber cruising and for a number of
years he traveled through California, Oregon and Washington, becoming famil-
iar with practically every part of the Pacific coast. In 1880 he came with his
parents to Walla Walla county and established the North Western nurseries,
which he conducted for years. He was one of the first men to enter that line
of business in this section and his success in the growing of fruit trees deter-
mined the possibilities of this region in the production of fruit. He also engaged
in general farming to some extent and found that likewise profitable. For
62 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
four years he was county fruit inspector and later was for a similar length
of time state fruit inspector and was generally recognized as an authority on
everything pertaining to fruit and its production. About 1907 he gave up the
nursery business and has since rented his land for gardening, although he still
resides upon his farm, which comprises one hundred and £fty-two acres two
miles south of Walla Walla, in the most fertile part of the valley. His home is
a handsome country residence, provided with all modern conveniences.
In 1883 Mr. Whitney was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth McCaslin,
who was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, but was teaching in the schools of
Omaha, Nebraska, at the time of her marriage. They have become the parents of
five children, of whom four survive, namely: Elizabeth May, the wife of Ned
McLean, of Walla Walla; Bertha, who married L. F. Turman, of Willows,
California; Charles B., who is first sergeant with the Washington Field Artillery,
under Major Weyrauch; and Marguerite, the wife of Fred Houghton, of Attalia,
this county.
Mr. Whitney's political views accord with the principles of the republican
party and he gives it his stanch support but has never taken a very active part in
politics. However, he has always felt the keenest interest in the upbuilding of
his county and his influence has been felt in its development along horticultural,
agricultural and civic lines. He was a member of the board of commissioners
that had charge of the Walla Walla exhibit at the Lewis and Clark Exposition
held in Portland in 1905 and took a great deal of pride in the fine showing that
the county made. He has a number of fraternal connections, belonging to Blue
Mountain Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M.; Walla Walla Chapter, No. i, R. A. M.;
Walla Walla Commandery, No. i K. T. ; El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.,
of Spokane; to the Shrine Club at Walla Walla, of which he is president; to
Alki Chapter, No. 25, O. E. S., of which he is past patron and of which his
wife was the second matron; to Enterprise Lodge, No. 2, L O. O. F., of which
he is past grand ; to the Ancient Order of United Workmen ; and to Walla Walla
Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E. His high standing in the Odd Fellows society i.-^
further indicated by the fact that he holds the lodge jewel.
EDWARD H. NIXON.
Edward H. Nixon, one of the earliest of Walla Walla's pioneers now living
and for many years a dominant factor in civic affairs, was born in Guyandotte,
West Virginia, on the 26th of May, 1842. When he was ten years of age his
parents removed to Jackson county, Iowa, settling on a farm about eight miles
west of Sabula. He was there educated in the district schools and at his mother's
knee, she having been educated for a teacher in the Massachusetts schools in early
life. Subsequently she went west to teach in the West Virginia schools and it
was there that she was married. After mastering the early branches of learning
Mr. Nixon continued his studies in the high school at Maquoketa, Iowa, and at
the age of twenty years he was elected to the office of constable in his district,
but the commissioners refused him a commission because he was not of legal age.
EDWARD H. NIXON
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 65
He began reading law at Maquoketa, Iowa, and advanced sufficiently to try cases
before a justice of the peace.
In sentiment he was strongly anti-slavery at the beginning of the Civil war
and as his sympathies were with the north, he determined he would not fight for
any country that would uphold slavery, but after the Emancipation -Proclamation
he oftered his services to the country and was accepted in December, 1863, being
mustered into the service as a member of Company A, Ninth Regiment of the
Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for one year, five months
and eleven days. He then received an honorable discharge, the war having been
brought to a close. He had participated in the battles of Snake Creek Gap,
Resaca, Dallas and New Hope Church, Ackworth or Big Shanty, and the seven
days' siege of Kenesaw Mountain and many skirmishes. He was also in the
battle of Atlanta on the 22d of July, 1864, in the battle of Ezra Church and
many others, taking part in every engagement in which his regiment partici-
pated until the fall of Atlanta. At close of the war he received an honorable dis-
charge and returned to his home with a most creditable military record, having
nobly done his part to preserve the Union. He afterward pursued a course in
Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York, and subsequently he
engaged in farming until 1873, when he started for the far west with Walla Walla
as his destination. He arrived here on the i6th of March of that year and took
up the profession of teaching. He also engaged in farm'-'work and in fact ac-
cepted any employment that would yield him an honest -derl-lar;
On the 2d of April, 1876, Mr. Nixon was united, in .niajriage to Miss Kate
Stewart, a daughter of Daniel and Margaret Ste'wa:rt, afid'to.^thto have been
born three children, two daughters and a son: Stella, now the wife of H. L.
Wilson, who is state highway contractor and a resident of Walla Walla; Laura,
the wife of H. H. Hadley, who is engaged in the automobile business in Dayton,
Washington; and Edward S., who is associated with his father in the real estate
and insurance business under the firm style of E. H. Nixon & Son.
In 1877, soon after his marriage, Mr. Nixon removed to Whitman county
and took up a homestead and tree claim and preempted another one hundred and
sixty acres of land. He also rented a section of school land and for eight years
or more was extensively and successfully engaged in farming. He laid out the
first road ever laid out in Whitman county and was well known as the pioneer
settler of that county, instituting much of the progressive work which has brought
about its present-day progress and prosperity. In 1885 he returned to Walla
Walla, and while he has disposed of his landed interests in Whitman county,
he still owns valuable farm property and since 1892 he has conducted a real
estate and insurance business, the firm of E. H. Nixon & Son maintaining an
office in the Jaycox building. For many years Mr. Nixon was one of the most
conspicuous figures in the civic aiTairs of Walla Walla. He served as road over-
seer, was also United States deputy postmaster, was justice of the peace two
years and was police judge one year. He was also city assessor one term and
was a member of the city council and at all times exercised his official pre-
rogatives in support of many well defined plans and measures for the general
good. He looked beyond the exigencies of the moment to the opportunities and
possibilities of the future and labored not only for the welfare of the passing
hour but for future time as well. He was responsible for the establishment of
66 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
thf perpetual care system in the city cemetery and later the same system in the
Odd Fellows cemetery, serving as president of the cemetery committee for a
number of years. IMr. Xixon has long been a faithful and prominent member
of the Grand Army of ilie Republic, in which he has filled all of the offices in
the local post. He has also been honored with the jjosition of assistant adjutant
general and assistant quartermaster general of the Department of Washington
and Alaska. He has membership in Blue Mountain Lodge, Xo. 13, A. F. & A. M.,
and is a member of Washington Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled
all of the chairs, including that of noble grand. In 1890 he joined with F. W.
Paine and others in forming the Interstate Building Loan & Trust Association,
and he is a member of its board of trustees and vice president of the association.
In a word his activities are broad and varied. He is a liberal minded man,
recognizing the duties and obligations of the individual to his fellowmen and to
his country. At all times he has been actuated by a progressive spirit and in
business afifairs has been stimulated by a laudable ambition. His purposes have
been well defined and promptly executed and the course which he has pursued
has at all times measured up to the highest standards of manhood. His work
has been of great benefit to the community at large as well as a source of indi-
vidual success, and Walla Walla county honors him as one of her best known
pioneers. His religious faith is that of the Unitarian church.
S. S. MORITZ.
S. S. Moritz, who since 1914 has held the office of postmaster of Dayton,
was formerly prominently identified with its business interests, first as a mer-
chant and later as a real estate operator. He was born in Victoria, British Col-
umbia, August 28, 1863, a son of Moses and Adeline (Greenenburg) Moritz,
natives respectively of Alsace, France, and of Groesenadar, Germany. The
mother came to the Pacific coast by way of the Panama route in young woman-
hood and joined relatives living in San Francisco. The father emigrated
to this country in early manhood and after spending some time in the middle
west made his way to the California gold fields in 1849. He acquired some
valuable mining properties but later lost them through reverses in fortune. He
became a naturalized citizen of the United States in San Francisco in 1855 and
subsequently went to Portland, Oregon, where he was married, the lady who
became his wife having in the meantime removed to that city, where she made
her home with relatives. Mr. Moritz engaged in merchandising there until the
discovery of gold on the Fraser river in the British possessions. He then removed
with his family to Victoria, where they resided for two years, after which they
returned to Portland. Later they became residents of Centerville, Idaho, where
the father was well known as a general merchant. At length he removed to Boise
City with the view of giving his children better educationjil advantages and
remained there until 1873, when he went to Salt Lake City, where he was active
in business until 1890. He then retired and spent his last days in the home of his
son, S. S. Moritz. He passed away September 23. 1913, when in his eighty-
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 67
eighth year. He was a man of vigorous constitution and retained the full use of
his faculties up to the time of his death. His widow survives.
S. S. Moritz received his education in the schools of Boise City and of Salt
Lake City and during vacations received business training which stood him in
good stead in his later years. For several years before leaving school the sum-
mers were devoted to clerking in various stores in Salt Lake City, chiefly the
clothing business, and in the spring of 1885, when a young man of twenty-one
years, he came to Dayton, Washington, to accept a position with Duzenbury &
Stencil, general merchants. For a year he had charge of their clothing and fur-
nishing department and then engaged in business for himself, establishing a cloth-
ing and furnishing store. For eighteen years he conducted that store and became
a dominant factor in the commercial life of Dayton, his resourcefulness, energy
and keen insight into business conditions causing him to be generally recognized
as a leader. In 1904 he sold his store, as he desired to give his undivided atten-
tion to his other interests. For a number of years he had been investing heavily
in real estate and he it was who laid out the Syndicate Hill subdivision of Day-
ton, which is now recognized as the finest residence district of the city, and for
a decade his entire time was given up to looking after his real estate interests,
but in 1914 he became postmaster of Dayton by appointment of President Wil-
son. During the intervening three years he has held that position and has per-
formed his duties in the same capable manner that he managed his private affairs.
Mr. Moritz was a stanch republican in his political views until 1896, but in
that year he became convinced of the wisdom of the policies advocated by Wil-
liam Jennings Bryan and gave his support to the democratic party, with which
he has since been identified. He has taken an active part in public affairs and
many improvements in Dayton have been brought about largely through his in-
defatigable work in their behalf. Notable among these is his achievement in
securing the paving of the business district in spite of much indifference and
determined opposition. His interest in good roads has found further expression
in the arterial highway law, a very significant piece of legislation, which is based
upon a plan conceived by Mr. Moritz. When it became necessary to change the
city charter in conformity with the state regulations he led the movement for a
charter that would meet all the needs of Dayton and was largely instrumental in
securing such an instrument. He has been one of the most active members
in the Dayton Commercial Club since its organization and has had a large part
in its effective and far-reaching work for the city. Fraternally he belongs to Day-
ton Lodge, No. 3, K. P. His position as one of the foremost residents of Dayton
is secure and his personal friends are many.
T. F. DICE.
T. F. Dice, residing on section 2, township 9 north, range 36 east, Walla
Walla county, holds title to a large amount of land but is renting the greater
part of it and is thus enjoying comparative leisure. His birth occurred in Penn-
sylvania, February 15, 1859, a son of William and Susan (Redrick) Dice, who
68 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
passed their entire lives in the Keystone state. Five of their seven children are
still living.
T. F. Dice grew to manhood in Pennsylvania and supplemented the educa-
tion acquired in the public schools by attendance at Mercersburg college in Mer-
cersburg. On leaving his native state he went to Savannah, Georgia, where he
spent three years, and then in 1889 he came to Walla Walla county, Washington,
for the benefit of his health and here he purchased a farm on which he resided
for three years. He next bought his present home place on section 2, township 9
north, range 36 east, and for many years personally operated the five hundred
acres comprised in the farm. At the present time, however, he rents all the land
but an eighty acre tract, which is in alfalfa and which he looks after himself.
In 1884 occurred the marriage of Mr. Dice and Miss E. A. Spangenberg. The
latter was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of Frederick A.
and Fanny Anna Spangenberg, both also bom in Pennsylvania. The father, who
successfully engaged in the practice of law for many years, is now deceased,
but the mother survives. Mrs. Dice had exceptional musical training and her
talents along that line have been a source of great pleasure to her family and
friends. Mr. and Mrs. Dice have four children: William T., who lives in Cal-
ifornia ; Lee R., who is teaching in the University of Montana ; Frances E., the
wife of the Rev. Robert M. Hood, now a resident of Idaho ; and Carl E., a
student of Mount Tamalpais Military Academy, San Rafael, California. During
the years of his residence in Walla Walla county Mr. Dice has become widely
and favorably known, his many excellent qualities gaining for him many warm
friends.
W. H. BARNHART.
The field of opportunity finds its boundaries only in the limitations of the
individual. When energy and ambition lie dormant the path of advancement
seems closed, but to the man who believes that there is a chance for every individual
and who is willing to take his chance with others, there always comes a time
when he can take the initial step that will lead on to fortune. That Mr. Barnhart
recognized the opportune moment is shown in the fact that he is now one of the
leading business men of Starbuck, where he is widely known as the vice president
and manager of the Sprout & Barnhart Mercantile Company and also as a
member of the board of directors of the Bank of Starbuck. Iowa claims him as
a native son, his birth having occurred in Wapello county on the nth of October,
1871, his parents being Henry and Ehzabeth (Johnson) Barnhart. The father
was a native of Tennessee, while the mother's birth occurred in Ohio, and in
Iowa their marriage was solemnized. They had accompanied their respective
parents to the last mentioned state in childhood and were there reared. Mr. Barn-
hart turned his attention to farming and railroading, which he followed in Iowa
until 1889, when he removed westward to Oregon and for a number of years
was employed by the Oregon & Washington Railroad & Navigation Company in
the capacity of engineer. He thus took part in the early development of railway
operations in the west. He died in December, 191 5, and is survived by his widow,
who resides on a ranch near Spokane.
W. H. BARXHART
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 71
W. H. Barnhart, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, com-
pleted his education in the high school at Albia, Iowa, from which he was
graduated with the class of 1889. The following year he came to Oregon and
for a number of years successfully engaged in teaching school, imparting readily
and clearly to others the knowledge that he had acquired. He also worked in a
store at La Grande, Oregon, and subsequently he became a student in Armstrong's
Business College at Portland. Later he took up railroading as an employe of the
Oregon & Washington Railroad & Navigation Company and was employed by
that corporation for thirteen years. During the last seven years of that period
he ran an engine and in 1907 he resigned his position with the company and
purchased an interest in the mercantile establishment of W. E. Sprout of Starbuck.
The following year the company was reorganized and incorporated, with Mr.
Barnhart as the vice president and manager of the business, and Mr. Sprout as
the president. They have a spacious and well appointed store, carrying an
extensive line of goods, and they always maintain the highest standards in the
personnel of the house, in the stock carried and in the treatment accorded patrons.
Their business has therefore gradually increased as the years have gone on and
has become one of the profitable commercial interests of southeastern Washington.
In September, 1901, Mr. Barnhart was united in marriage to Miss Bessie A.
Wright, of Starbuck, and they have become parents of two daughters, Grace M.
and Blanche L. Mr. Barnhart is a loyal representative of the Masonic frater-
nity, belonging to Tucanon Lodge, No. 106, F. & A. M., of which he is now
worshipful master. He is also identified with the Brotherhood of Locomotive
Engineers and has served as chief engineer in the order. In politics he is a
stalwart republican and is now mayor of Starbuck. He had previously served
for several years as a member of the town council and his fitness for further and
more responsible public duties led to his election as chief executive. His wife
and two daughters are members of the Episcopal church and Mr. Barnhart is
serving on its board of trustees. His aid and influence are always given on the
side of progress and improvement as related to the material upbuilding and also
the social, intellectual and moral advancement of the community. Those who
know him, and he has a wide acquaintance, esteem him as a man of genuine
worth who well merits the success that has crowned his efforts since he started
out in business life empty-handed.
IRA D. BRUNTON.
Among the native sons of Walla Walla county who have elected to continue
residents thereof is Ira D. Brunton, who is engaged in farming on section 30,
township 8 north, range 36 east. He was born in that township, May 11, 1876,
and is a son of W. H. H. and Sarah A. (Lewis) Brunton, a sketch of whom
appears elsew^here in this work. He was reared upon the home farm, and his
boyhood and youth were spent in the acquirement of a district school educa-
tion and in helping his father. He further pursued his studies in Whitman
College and at the old Empire Business College at Walla Walla, thus fitting him-
self for his later life.
72 OLD WALI.A WALLA COUXTY
After his marriage Mr. Bruiiton began farming for himself, operating a part
of the homestead in partnership with his father, this relation being continued
until his father's death, after which Mr. Brunton of this review and his brother
Frank managed the entire estate of seven hundred acres for five years. At the
end of that time Ira D. Brunton took over the operation of four hundred acres
and his brother Garfield became responsible for the cultivation of the remain-
ing three hundred acres. In 1903 our subject purchased one hundred and sixty
acres adjoining the home farm and he now operates both places and also four
hundred acres of rented land, or nine hundred and sixty acres in all. It is thus
evident that his interests are extensive and make heavy demands upon his time
and energies, but he is industrious, progressive and systematic in his work and
his affairs are kept well in hand.
Mr. Brunton was married October 10, 1S97, to Miss Bessie L. Ramseur,
a daughter of David W. Ramseur, who removed to Walla Walla county from
North Carolina in 1892. To Mr. and Mrs. Brunton have been born five chil-
dren: Elsie M., the wife of Clyde Garland, of Walla Walla; and Reese R.,
Lucille B., and Miles and Melvin, twins, all of whom are at home.
Mr. Brunton's political views are in accord with the principles of the demo-
cratic party and he supports its candidates at the polls. In 1908 he was his
party's nominee for sheriflf and polled a large vote. Fraternally he is connected
with Mountain Gem Lodge, No. 136, K. P., and his wife is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church. He is held in high esteem as a citizen and as a
man, and his success as a farmer entitles him to rank among the leaders in the
agricultural development of the county.
JOSEPH CLARK FAIR.
Joseph Clark Fair, an independent grain buyer and one of Dayton's foremost
business men and representative citizens, was born in Benton county, Arkansas,
February 26, 1874, a son of Joseph A. and Martha Ann (Russell) Fair, the
former born in Sullivan county, Tennessee, and the latter in Barry county, Mis-
souri. The parents were taken by their respective parents to Benton county,
Arkansas, and there grew to manhood and womanhood. They continued to reside
there following their marriage, with the exception of four years spent in Texas,
up to the time of the mother's death, which occurred in June, 1899. The father
devoted his active life to farming but is now a resident of Centerton, Benton
county, Arkansas, where he is living retired. He is a local Methodist minister
and was often importuned to join the conference but refused, saying he knew he
could make a living farming but did not know whether he could as a minister or
not. His parents, Ellis and Nancy Hamilton (Easly) Fair, were representatives
of old families of Tennessee. Mr. Fair was killed by Indians at the time of the
Civil war. The parents of Mrs. Martha Ann (Russell) Fair were Ehjah and
Louisa (Bell) Russell, natives respectively of Missouri and Tennessee. Mr.
Russell went to the California gold mines in 1849, crossing the plains with ox
team, and returned to the east in 1852 by sailing vessel. At the time of the Civil
war he was killed by bushwackers.
OLD WALLA WALLA COUXTY 73
Joseph Clark Fair was reared at home, and in the acquirement of his educa-
tion attended the common schools of Arkansas and the Elm Springs Academy,
in Washington county, that state. For two terms he engaged in teaching in Ben-
ton county, Arkansas, but because of the low salary paid teachers gave up the
profession. In 1898 he decided to try his fortune in the far west and located at
Condon, Gilliam county, Oregon, where he was connected with lumber interests.
He remained there for five years and during the last year helped to build the
courthouse. During that time he acquired title to seven hundred and twenty
acres of land, which he has since sold at a profit. In 1903 he became a resident
of Dayton, Washington, where he has ever since remained, and he is well known
throughout Columbia county as a grain-buyer. He is expert in judging wheat
and keeps in the closest touch with the grain markets and has been very success-
ful in his business affairs.
Mr. Fair was married in 1908 to Miss Nellie Virginia Gregg, who was born
in Washington county, Arkansas, but at the time of her marriage was county
superintendent of schools of Columbia county. To them was born one child, who.
however, is deceased. Mr. Fair is a stanch democrat in politics and has served
with ability as a member of the town council. He is well known in fraternal
circles, belonging to Alki Lodge, No. 136, I. O. O. F., of which he is past grand;
Franklin Encampment, No. 13, I. O. O. F., of which he is past chief patriarch;
Dayton Lodge, No. 26, F. & A. M., of which he is now worshipful master; and
Dayton Lodge, No. 3, K. P., of which he is past chancellor. His religious faith
is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church, and in his business
dealings, as well as in the private relations of life, his conduct measures up to
high moral standards. He feels that his decision to come to the west was one of
the wisest that he has ever made and he is confident that a greater future is in
store for this section.
CHARLES CLAGUE.
Charles Clague, a prosperous farmer residing on section 2, township 9 north,
range 36 east, Walla Walla county, was born on the Isle of Man in March, i860,
a son of Richard and Isabella (Quirk) Clague, also natives of that island,
where their entire lives were passed. Our subject's education was received in
the public schools and he remained in his native country until he attained his
majority but in 1881 came to the United States. For six months he worked in a
grocery store in Olean, New York, after which he decided to see the west. There
for a month he worked in Colorado and then continued his journey, arriving in
,San Francisco on Christmas day, 1881. He only remained in that city for two
days, however, and then came to Walla Walla county, Washington. He took up
a homestead two miles south of Prescott and for twenty years lived upon that
place, which he operated successfully. He also purchased other land, becoming
the owner of seven hundred and eighty acres. In 1902, in partnership with
T. F. Dice, he bought five hundred acres of land and later they purchased the old
Samuel Erwin home farm, where both have since resided. I\Ir. Clague has sold
his homestead and the land adjoining and has also disposed of the equity of the
74 OLD \\ALLA WALLA COUNTY
five hundred acre tract but retains his interest in the farm of eighty acres, where
he and Mr. Dice reside. He also is the owner of fifty-two acres of irrigated land
near Patterson, Stanislaus county, California. He has gained financial independ-
ence and. having disposed of the greater part of his holdings, is now enjoying a
period of comparative leisure.
Mr. Clague is a progressive republican in politics and has always been most
loyal to the interests of his adopted country. He belongs to the Presbyterian
church and in its teachings are found the principles which guide his life. For
thirty-six years he has resided in Walla Walla county and has done his part in
bringing about the wonderful development that has taken place during that time.
He has a wide acquaintance and a large number of warm personal friends.
FRANK W. PAINE.
Frank W. Paine is a capitalist of Walla Walla whose name is inseparably
interwoven with the history of city and state. Coming to the west in pioneer
times, he is familiar with every phase of frontier life and with the processes of
development which have brought the state from pioneer conditions to its present
stage of progress and prosperityv -H4ft -individual- labors have contributed much
to the results achieved, and ho accounfoFWalla Walla's development would be
complete without extended refeteRce'tb'hini. " ' " "•
Mr. Paine was bom August 2^„ -1839^ -iu. Mercer, Somerset couny, Maine,
and has therefore passed th^-seVinty-^efgJith'Jnflestone on life's journey. His
father, William Pairfe, was born in Hingham, Massachusetts, September 5, 1801,
and died December 4, 1883, wliile the mother, who bore the maiden name of
Elizabeth Wentworth Pike, was born in Somersworth, New Hampshire, Decem-
ber 29, 1804, and passed away February 14, 1872. Both parents were of English
Puritan stock. Among the early representatives of the Paine family were men
of title who belonged to the nobility of England, and in New England representa-
tives of the name loyally served their country in the struggle for independence
and as statesmen aided in formulating the policy of the commonwealth with
which they were connected. In religious faith the parents of Frank W. Paine
were Congregationalists. In political faith William Paine was first a whig and
afterwards a republican, and by occupation he was a fanner. To him and his
wife were born six children, who were reared more in the fear than in the love of
God, but for their day they were on the firing line, both in good works and
exemplary lives.
Frank W. Paine began his education in a little unpainted schoolhouse of one
room, which stood at the forks of the road on Beech Hill, in the town of Mercer,
Somerset county, Maine. He at first had the opportunity of attending school for
about eight weeks in the summer and ten weeks in the winter season until he was
ten or eleven years of age, when he no longer found it possible to continue his
studies through the summer but was enabled to attend school through the winter
until his eighteenth year. He then began teaching in the country districts through
the winter months, while the summer was devoted to farm work. On leaving
the schoolroom, however, he did not consider his education complete, for his
T'.-: NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, l.lNOa
w
m
o
Q
o
I— I
H
^' ^^
^
.-:.»•'
Si
Pi^^f
^^^^s
Bfci-rw ._ ^,^— »
Aoi^l^i^iiSlifll
f Ai "-4 ,
a ',
1 ,:,.«» '*•» ''^'''*
, % 'iWm^^l^:
K||.
M^g
■ i-/'"' y-'' ■'■^'^^■■■»j.. "'•"
i T^^-^^
■ ' ^ • ^'^^^i
...v.feftS'
^^^^^■H^^n
1
~l^
p-jl^te
.1 _
!__ .llll^^T"^^^ V-.
}
/ 1'^ ■
' ^Kll*^^SS-y-
1
1 ,^|giP*^i«P**f^S§?i^^^P^^
;-^
1 MteMif^f^''^^^'"'^ '- .>"..rT----*^*s£3JS§^isS!iJ
.:p
I £* ~ - --"^
Hii j,^--^^,, _ _. -■_:-'. ^,,,--- W '
f^ns-.-s
j^ M
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 79
strong desire for learning has led him to read and study systematically and he
always has near him good books on history, literature, science and poetry. Such
books have also constituted a part of his continuous reading and thus he has
obviated his lack of early training and become a most well informed man. More-
over, in the various positions of public trust which he has filled he has always
found it to be of the greatest assistance to resort to the most reliable authorities
treating on the matters in hand and in these ways he has been able to accomplish
something of what a liberal education might have done for him. He has many
times so keenly felt his deficiency in the lack of school and college training that
upon an analysis of his educational shortcomings he determined that his most
serious lack was a fuller understanding of history, literature and Latin, and he
has wherever possible urged young men to prepare along those lines.
As school teaching and farming seemed to oft'er small opportunities in
Maine, Mr. Paine resolved to go west and chose California as his objective point,
arriving in that state in October, 1861, with a letter from the late Judge E. D.
Sawyer of San Francisco to an old friend of his at Mokelumne Hill. He was
soon on the ground of the "Jumping Frog of Calaveras county" and found the
addressee of his letter to be the proprietor of a provision store and his affairs
much run down at the heel. Early in the spring of 1862, therefore, Mr. Paine
went to Dogtown, in Shasta county, to join two friends who were preparing to
go to the newly discovered mines on Salmon river in Idaho. He became the
third member of the party, whose route, as contemplated, lay over the Siskiyou
mountains to southern Oregon, then to Portland and-oii.by \yay of Walla Walla,
but at Jacksonville they were advised to cross the Cascade mduritains down the
east side to Klamath lake and on to Walla Walla. After many days of weary
walking they arrived in Walla Walla late in June, .i86i; and there met the return-
ing tide of miners from Salmon river and Florence, wlwbdiscQHraged the three
young men from going further in that direction.
Under the stress of necessity Mr. Paine made haste to find employment and
after two or three months by precarious work of different kinds he secured
a situation in the Baker-Boyer store but was soon detailed to take charge of the
Spray warehouse at Wallula under Dr. Baker's direction. In the spring of 1863
a mad rush for the Boise mines carried Mr. Paine along. As a measure of
economy he engaged with a mule pack train owned by the firm of Johnson &
Stratton, serving as off side packer and learning to "throw the diamond hitch."
The wealth which Mr. Paine accumulated in that mining venture consisted
mainly in experience. In the fall of 1864 he returned to Walla Walla and at
once was reinstated in his former position with the Baker-Boyer firm, there re-
maining until the spring of 1866, when another attack of mining fever took him
to Montana with a stock of clothing made for the California miners' trade, which
stock of goods was readily sold at a good profit. After enjoying a few weeks
of summer on the summit of the Rockies he returned to the land of his adoption,
and to be safeguarded against another "call of the wild," on his return he ac-
cepted the proffer of a partnership made by William Stephens, a merchant con-
ducting business at the corner of Main and First streets. The business prospered
and at the end of a year Mr. Paine purchased the interest of his partner and
admitted his brother John to a partnership, removing the stock to the corner of
Second and Main streets, where they conducted a very substantial business.
Vol. n — 4
80 • OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
After about two years opportunity enabled Mr. Paine to succeed by purchase to
the Baker-Boyer business, then located on the present site of the Baker-Boyer
Bank. Miles C. Moore joined him as a partner under the style of Paine Brothers
& Moore, which firm soon became widely known for its business enterprise and
also for its local political influence. During the existence of the firm they estab-
lished branches at Waitsburg and at Dayton and built a fine steamboat, The
Northwest, to ply in wheat carrying on the Columbia and Snake rivers. The
war department, however, leased the steamboat to transport troops and munitions
during the war with the hostile Willowas, under the notable Chief Joseph, in
1878. Soon after the boat was taken over by the Oregon Railway & Navigation
Company. After nearly ten years of pleasant and profitable partnership Mr.
Moore withdrew from the firm. In the meantime they had concentrated their
attention upon farm implements and machinery and this business was conducted
under the style of Paine Brothers. In 1879 they built the three-story brick build-
ing, which was then the finest business block in the northwest outside of Port-
land. Upon its completion and upon the organization of the First National
Bank it took up its home in this building, where it has since continued.
While for many years Mr. Paine figured most prominently in commercial
circles, he also became a leader in the public life of the community as well. His
first public office was that of councilman, which he filled in 1878 and 1879. He
afterward served as city treasurer in 1883 and 1884 and was mayor of Walla
Walla through the two succeeding years. All of these offices came to him un-
sought. During his mayoralty term he signed the ordinance prohibiting stock
from running at large in the streets and this executive act lost him his reelection.
He recognized, however, the value of such a course to the city and followed the
dictates of his judgment and his conscience notwithstanding the contrary advice
of his friends who desired his reelection. In 1880 Mr. Paine was elected school
director in District No. 34, the western part of the city. In 1882, by act of the
legislature. Districts No. 34 and No. i, the latter the eastern part of the city, were
united in one and the two boards of directors acted as one until the next election,
when Mr. Paine was elected one of the three directors for the combined district.
He was reelected at each succeeding election until 1906 and during his in-
cumbency, covering more than twenty-five years, he was chairman of the board,
which from time to time had to meet increasing requirements by the erection of
two frame and three brick schoolhouses. To do this the legal maximum levy
of five per cent was not exceeded. The educational work done and the standing
of the schools was equal to the best in the state.
In 1887 Governor Watson C. Squire, at the request of many of Mr. Paine's
friends, appointed him superintendent of the new state penitentiary which had
been recently erected at Walla Walla, with orders to establish rules and regula-
tions and to conduct the institution on a similar plan to that of the Oregon state
penitentiary. After some hesitation he accepted the appointment, and as the
legislature, after providing an appropriation to erect the buildings, had neglected
to make any appropriation for its maintenance, it became necessary to secure a
citizens' pledge of five thousand dollars on which to draw for incidentals for the
ensuing year or until the next legislature should meet. This done, he took six
good men as guards with him to Seatco, where the old contract prison built of
logs was located and where the convicts divided their time between working in
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 81
a sash and door factory, working their way out of prison and being worked back
by a reward or a bloodhound. Governor Squire met Mr. Paine at that place
and after getting a record of the convicts, as a measure of economy for the state,
he pardoned sixteen whose terms were nearly completed, leaving ninety-seven
to be transfered to Walla Walla, which was accomplished without loss of any
member. The next problem was to produce work for the prisoners and Mr.
Paine soon succeeded in establishing and operating successfully a brickyard,
which proved greatly beneficial to the prisoners. At the close of his term and on
the convening of the legislature he reported to the governor, then Governor
Semple, giving account of the amount required to cover all indebtedness incurred.
The legislature readily made the appropriation, supplemented by a complimen-
tary resolution. Two years later, under a new legislative enactment, Mr. Paine
was made chairman of a commission of three members appointed by Governor
Elisha P. Ferry, consisting of P. A. Preston, F. M. Lowden and Mr. Paine.
With the ready compliance of his colleagues, Mr. Paine proceeded at once to
establish a jute mill, having at his personal expense visited and investigated the
San Quentin and Oakland jute mills, where he learned of their methods and was
advised of their profits, thus becoming convinced of the economy of the meas-
ure and of what was of much greater moment, the providing of employment for
the inmates of the institution. The establishment of the mill was strenuously
opposed by the labor element, as had been the brickyard, but the objection to con-
vict labor has been largely overcome in view of the importance to the health and
morals of the inmates of all such institutions. With the advanced views of the
day Mr. Paine gladly sees the passing of another most degrading abuse from
which this particular institution suffered at times in its earliest history — that of
making it a base for political operations of a most scandalous character and its
offices a reward for political jobbery.
Another field of activity into which Mr. Paine entered was that of the Build-
ing Loan & Trust Association, which he was largely instrumental in organizing
in February, 1890. It was called the International Building Loan & Trust Asso-
ciation of Walla Walla and soon built up a prosperous business. It has con-
tinuously paid its patrons a good rate of interest, has built many comfortable
homes in and around the city and is today one of the leading institutions of the
kind in the state. It is strictly mutual, makes money only for the stockholders
and the only salary paid is that to its secretary, together with a small fee to its
board members for each regular monthly meeting. The business methods are
highly commended by the state examiner. Of this association Mr. Paine has
been the president since its inception, covering a period of more than twenty-
seven years. One of the most greatly appreciated honors that has come to Mr.
Paine has been his appointment on the board of overseers of Whitman College
and he is further honored in the position of chairman on the college loaning
board.
In the late '70s Mr. Paine assisted in organizing the first Board of Trade at
Walla Walla. At that early date it was thought to be of questionable value to the
business community, so that it was with difficulty that funds could be secured
to pay a secretary. In fact the body's activities and even its existence was at
times of an intermittent order. In time the Board of Trade became the Cham-
ber of Commerce and eventually the Commercial Club, and it fell to the lot of
82 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Captain P. B. Johnson of the Walla Walla Union and to Mr. Paine to keep alive
the last named organization, the former acting as secretary and the latter as
president. They answered correspondence, mailed descriptive circulars and other
literature and in this way induced at least some settlers to come to the valley.
All this occurred long before the inception of the present very much alive com-
mercial body.
Mr. Paine not only figured in the business and public activities of the city but
also in its social organizations. He became a member of the Inquiry Club on
its organization twenty-six years ago, a club which is still in vigorous existence.
Its membership has included many of the brightest minds in Walla Walla— men
from various professions and callings in life. Whitman College has been largely
represented on its roster. The workings of the club certainly have a great charm
for its members, for its discussions cover the widest possible range of subjects
and any member called upon expresses his views upon the subject under discus-
sion with entire absence of restraint and accepts with good grace whatever he
may get in return. Mr. Paine was also connected with an association of gentle-
men of literary attainments which was organized in 1877. Among its members
were Dr. George M. Sternberg, later surgeon general of the United States army,
Judge J. K. Kennedy, Dr. J. E. Bingham, Colonel H. E. Holmes, Ex-Governor
M. C. Moore, Colonel W. H. Miller, J. F. Boyer, Major R. R. Rees, F. W. Paine
and a number of other prominent citizens. The objects of this association, as ex-
pressed in its articles of organization, were to maintain a scientific and useful
library, to promote science and to cultivate and improve its members. Mr. Paine
is also a member of the Archaeological Association of Walla Walla, which under
Professor Anderson maintains a good degree of activity, bringing to the city
many able lecturers on arts and sciences. On the list of the members of the
Symphony Orchestra is also found the name of Frank W. Paine, who has been
its honored president for many years, an association which has done much to
cultivate and promote musical taste in Walla Walla.
Most pleasantly situated in his home life, notwithstanding the extent and
importance of his business and public and social activities, the interest of Frank
W. Paine, yet has ever centered in his home. He married Ida B. Illsley, a
daughter of Jonathan H. Illsley, a merchant of Harrison, Maine, the wedding
being celebrated in the Presbyterian church on Capitol Hill in Washington, D. C,
April 3, 1876. After a brief visit to their old homes in Maine they turned to-
ward Walla Walla, visiting the Centennial at Philadelphia while en route and
thence proceeding to San Francisco, to Portland and on to their destination, where
they arrived on the 6th of July, being soon domiciled in the home which they yet
occupy. Mrs. Paine comes of a family of superior musical and literary talent,
finding its highest exponent perhaps in her eldest sister, the late Mrs. Caroline
A. Tolman, who possessed unusual literary ability and devoted much time and
talent to advocating the emancipation of women, contemporaneous with Eliza-
beth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and Abigail Scott Dunniway. They
labored to make a place for woman side by side with man. Theirs was scant
praise in their day but already the harvest of their labors is being garnered.
To Mr. and Mrs. Paine were bom four daughters. Elizabeth, the eldest,
passed away at the age of twenty-four years. Josephine became the wife of
Timothy A. Paul, a graduate of the University of Virginia and now a resident
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 83
of Walla Walla, by whom she has three children, two sons and a daughter. Mary
became the wife of Ben G. Stone, a real estate and insurance man and farmer
of Walla Walla, and they have two sons. Frances is the wife of R. Douglas Ball,
"who is engaged in the wholesale paper business in Seattle, and they have three
children, a daughter and two sons. Mr. and Mrs. Paine are happy in the pos-
session of their three daughters, their generous, manly husbands and their prom-
ising children. They stand to them a full measure of reward for any and all
sacrifices it may have been their duty and pleasure to make for them and an
ample assurance of continued happiness in them, for all of which they duly re-
turn thanks to the "giver of every good and perfect gift."
JOHN N. FALL.
John N. Fall was one of the pioneers of Walla Walla county who reaped
the reward of his labors, being at the time of his death the owner of large tracts
of fine wheat land, the operation of which he supervised, altliough a resident
of Walla Walla. He was born in Indiana, September 13, 1836, a son of Asa
and Agnes (Davis) Fall, the former a native of North Carolina. Both parents
passed their last years in Walla Walla county.
John N. Fall received the education usually afforded boys in pioneer com-
munities and remained with his parents until he reached mature years. In 1861
he decided to take advantage of the opportunities offered the ambitious young
man in the Pacific northwest and crossed the plains with ox teams. He at once
settled in Walla Walla county, buying a farm on Mill creek, on which he resided
until 1867. He then removed to Walla Walla but continued to operate his farm
and, although as the years passed his holdings increased rapidly, he never ceased
to exercise direct personal supervision over his agricultural interests. He was
at once practical and progressive, being ready to adopt any new method or imple-
ment whose value had been reasonably well proven. He gave careful study to
the problems of increased production, the conservation of soil fertility and ad-
vantageous marketing, and it was recognized that he was an authority on every-
thing pertaining to wheat raising.
Mr. Fall was married in Missouri in 1858 to Miss Sarah E. Williams,, a
daughter of Benjamin and Mary Williams, both of whom were born in Kentucky,
but for a number of years resided in Missouri, whence they finally removed to
Iowa, where the father passed away. The mother then came to Walla Walla
county, where she spent her last years. To Mr. and Mrs. Fall was born a son,
Dr. E. E. Fall, who died in February, 1917, leaving a son, Edmond E.
Mr. Fall supported the democratic party at the polls and manifested the
interest of a good citizen in public affairs. Fraternally he belonged to the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and
the spirit which characterized his life was that of fraternity and consideration for
others. He passed away in 1900 and was laid to rest in Mountain View ceme-
tery. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, to the support
of which he contributed generously, and his sterling worth gained him a warm
place in the regard of those who were closely associated with him. Mrs. Fall was
84 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
also a member of that denomination and was likewise keenly interested in its
various activities. After the death of her husband she owned and personally
managed the operation of two thousand and forty acres of wheat land and two
hundred and forty acres on the mountain, a part of which was wheat land and a
part pasture. In looking after her extensive interests she manifested an executive
ability and keen insight into business that was far above the average and slie was
recognized as a factor in the development of the county along agricultural lines.
ELMER L. WOODS.
Elmer L. Woods, who resides on section 7, township 9 north, range 27 east,
is one of the leading horticulturists of Walla Walla county, his apple orchard
comprising almost four thousand trees of the finest varieties. He was born in that
township, November 4, 1888, and is a son of Joel and Viola M. (Hull) Woods,
a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. He was reared at home and
during his boyhood and youth attended the Waitsburg public schools, thus receiv-
ing a good education. On reaching man's estate he became associated with his
father in the operation of the home farm, and this relation was continued until
the father's death. In 191 1 forty acres were planted to apple trees, ninety-six
to an acre, by Walter & Morris, the administrators of the estate. This orchard
of three thousand eight hundred and forty trees is now bearing, and is one of
the finest fruit orchards in the county. At the time the estate was settled Mr.
Woods of this review acquired title to the orchard, and it yielded about two
thousand boxes of apples in 1917. He has given the orchard the most thorough
and systematic care and is ever businesslike in solving problems of packing and
marketing.
Mr. Woods belongs to Delta Lodge, No. 70, K. P., of Waitsburg and is in
hearty sympathy with the ideals of the fraternity upon which that organization
is based. He jxjssesses in marked measure the enterprise and self-reliance char-
acteristic of the western man, and he has the utmost confidence in the future of
his county and state.
FRANK SINGLETON.
There are few residents of Walla Walla who can claim connection with the
city from 1857. The memory of Frank Singleton, however, harks back to the
period when this was a frontier fort and the work of progress and civilization
had scarcely been begim in all this section of the country. The Indians were more
numerous than the white settlers and only here and there had some venture-
some spirit penetrated into the western wilderness to plant the seeds of civilization.
Frpnk Singleton, who is now extensively interested in mining and is engaged
in the real estate business in Walla W^alla, was but six years of age at the time
of his arrival in Washington. He was lx)rn in San Antonio. Texas, November 7,
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 85
1S50, and after the removal of the family to the northwest pursued his educa-
tion in the public and parochial schools of Walla Walla. On reaching manhood
he engaged in tlie live stock business, with which he was prominently identified
for many years. At one time he was a heavy holder of farm lands, but in 1916
he sold his farm north of Prescott, comprising six hundred acres, which was
the last of his farm possessions. For the past twelve years he has been prom-
inently identified with mining and has large holdings in mining property. For
six years he has been engaged in the real estate business in Walla Walla and has
negotiated many important realty transfers. In a word, he is a progressive
business man, alert and energetic, his activities guided by sound judgment, while
his laudable ambition has brought to him gratifying success.
In July, 1907, Mr. Singleton was united in marriage to Mrs. Martha White,
who in her maidenhood was Miss Kidwell, a daughter of James Kidwell, who
in 1863 cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Walla Walla. By her former
marriage Mrs. Singleton had two sons : Walter, who is engaged in farming in
Walla Walla county ; and Vivian, who is a farmer of Franklin county. Mr.
and Mrs. Singleton are widely and favorably known in the city and surround-
ing country, having an extensive circle of friends, while the hospitality of the
best homes is freely accorded them. With every phase of pioneer life and of
the later development and progress of the county they are familiar, having
been interested witnesses of the growth and upbuilding of this section of the
state from early pioneer times.
WILLIAM D. PAUL.
William D. Paul was successful as a farmer and his personal qualities were
such that he made and retained friends readily. He was recognized as a man
of worth and there was much sincere regret when he passed away at his home
in Walla Walla. His birth occurred in Walla Walla county, October 21, 1864,
and his parents were Thomas and Susan F. (Ellis) Paul, both of whom were born
in Iowa. In 1861 they crossed the plains with ox team to Washington, and the
father took up a claim in Walla Walla tounty, on which they resided until called
by death.
William D. Paul was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement
of his education attended the pioneer schools. His entire life was devoted to
farming and he became in time the owner of three hundred and twenty acres
of fertile land, from which he received a gratifying income. He made many
improvements upon his place and was careful and systematic in the conduct of
the farm work. He also held title to valuable city property and for a number
of years resided in Walla Walla.
In 1895 Mr. Paul was married to Miss Kate Loney, a native of Canada and
a daughter of Charles and Charlotte (Cole) Loney, who were born in Ireland
but emigrated to Canada in young manhood and womanhood. In 1880 they
came to Walla Walla, Washington, and here they passed their remaining days.
To Mr. and Mrs. Paul were born four children: Thomas N., who is farming
86 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
in Walla Walla county; Winifred and Ruth, both high school students; and
Geneva.
Mr. Paul endorsed the principles of the republican party, and gave his loyal
support to its candidates at the polls. His religious faith was the determining
principle in his life and he gave freely of his time and means in furthering work
of the Baptist church, in which he held the office of deacon and also that of
treasurer. He passed away August 24, 1916, and was laid to rest in the Moun-
tain View cemetery. His unswerving integrity and his consistent regard for the
rights and feelings of others gave him a place in the warm regard of many, and
those who were privileged to know him intimately still cherish his memory.
Mrs. Paul owns the family residence in Walla Walla and there makes her home.
She rents the farm and personally attends to the management of her affairs
and displays in that connection unusual business qualities. She, too, is a faith-
ful and active member of the Baptist church and is a woman of many admirable
qualities.
WILLIAM S. CLARK.
William S. Clark, who is living retired in Walla Walla save for the manage-
ment of his extensive farming interests, has passed his entire life in the north-
west and is a son of pioneers who came to "Old Oregon" in 1843, when this
region was wild and uninhabited save by Indians and fur traders and when
it was still a mooted question whether it was British or American territory.
The birth of William S. Clark occurred in Portland, Oregon, April 9, 1857,
and his parents were Ransom and Lettice Jane (Millican) Clark. The father
was born near St. Johnsbury, Vermont, July 22, 1810, and was descended from
a long line of Puritan ancestors. The first one of the family to emigrate to
America was Lieutenant William Clark, who became one of the first settlers
of Dorchester and Northampton, Massachusetts. Smith College at Northamp-
ton is situated upon land that was a part of his homestead.
Ransom Clark received his education in Vermont and remained there for a
considerable period after reaching mature years. At length, however, he mani-
fested the pioneer spirit that had characterized his ancestors and removed to
the west, where he believed there were better opportunities. He first located
in Wisconsin and then went to St. Louis and later to New Orleans. He was in
St. Louis in 1843 at the time Lieutenant Fremont was fitting out his company
for his trip to the Pacific coast and although the greater part of his men were
French and Canadian frontiersmen, Mr. Clark and about a half dozen other
Americans enlisted for the expedition. Mr. Clark remained with the Fremont
party until The Dalles were reached and then, with two other Americans, left
the command and joined the American emigrants just coming into the country.
In the spring of 1844 he took up his residence upon a farm near Lafayette and
was successful in adapting himself to the conditions of that frontier locality,
growing good crops and also engaging in stock raising. The Oregon Spectator
of July 4, 1846, contained the following advertisement: "Ransom Clark, at his
home on Yamhill river, offers for sale wheat, oats, com, white beans, peas and
RANSOM CLARK
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 89
potatoes, also bacon, salt pork, hogs and breeding sows." At the time of the
discovery of gold he went to the mines in California, where he spent two years,
after which he conducted a hotel in Linn, Oregon, and still later became one
of the proprietors of the Columbian Hotel in Portland. In 1855 he went to the
Colville country, in which gold had been discovered, and returning by way of
Walla Walla, took up a donation claim of six hundred and forty acres just south
of the present site of Walla Walla. However, the country had not yet been
formally opened for settlement and he was compelled to leave by Nathan Olney,
Indian agent. In 1858, however, he learned that the country would soon be
opened up and in that spring went to his claim with a full outfit of farming
implements, fruit trees, nursery stock, etc. He took with him John Haley to
fence and care for his place and, leaving him there, soon returned to Oregon.
The following spring he again came to this region, and this time was accom-
panied by his son, Charles W., whom he left on the place. In May he returned
to Portland to make final arrangements for removing to his land, but while
there became ill and died on the 24th of May, 1859, at the early age of forty-nine
years. He was a member of the famous Lyceum and Debating Society of Ore-
gon City and, as he wrote to a friend, "always advocated those principles which
are best calculated to promote the cause of education, to promote the greatest
good to the greatest number." He was quite prominetllrtn: civic affairs, served
as a member of one of the early legislatures and in iS44..w^s.,-Qhe.. of three com-
missioners to view out and survey a road from the 'WillairLette . f ajjs , to th« falls
of the Yamhill river. He realized that a great, future^^vas' itr-' Store; for this
section and was among the men who laid broad arid"!d£e|) 'tiie.-lQUudatieu.'for its
future development. • .,-....-.-.■...■
Ransom Clark was married in 1845 to Miss Lettice Jane, the eldest daugh-
ter of Elijah and Lucinda (Crisp) Millican. She was born in Canehill, Arkan-
sas, October 3, 1830. In 1843 the family joined the \A'hitman train and after
a journey of weary months reached Oregon. The following year the Millican
family settled near the town of Lafayette, Yamhill county, and there in 1845
Lettice J. Millican became the wife of Ransom Clark. Following the death of
her husband in 1S59, she made the journey to Walla Walla in order to make
arrangements for subsequently locating upon the farm which Mr. Clark had
taken up and which was known for many years as the Ransom Clark donation
claim. She was given a place in the government ambulance from Wallula to
Walla Walla and her first night in the latter place was spent in the fort. The
following morning she was driven out to her claim and remained there for two
weeks. She then returned to Portland, where the birth of her daughter occurred
the following summer. In October, 1859, she again came to Walla Walla in
company with her family. They were passengers on the first stage from The
Dalles to Walla Walla, with John F. Abbott as driver. Later she received a
letter from Judge E. D. Shattuck of Portland advising her to sell her claim
for two hundred and seventy-five dollars and abandon the idea of developing it.
However, she disregarded this advice and continued to reside upon the farm
with her children. On the 23d of May, i86t, she married Almos H. Reynolds,
a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. She was one of the earliest
pioneer women at the head of a ranch in Walla Walla county and the fact
that she had been privileged to witness more of the growth of the northwest
90 OLD WjVLLA WALLA COUNTY
ihan others seemed to t,nvc bur an added interest in everything j)ertaining to
public welfare. She contribiUed much to the upbuilding of the various institu-
tions of the city and by reason of her force of character and her many liberal
and well advised benefactions she was recognized as a most prominent citizen
of Walla Walla. The erection of the Young Men's Christian Association build-
ing was made possible by a twenty thousand dollar donation from her and after
its completion she was one of the chief contributors toward its upkeep. ,\t the
rally and jubilee held when the association had raised the forty-five thousand
dollars necessary to pay off its debt the speech that she made expressing her
great joy in the knowledge that the association was free of all debt will long
be remembered by all who heard her. She was also a loyal friend and patron
of Whitman College, contributing generously at various times to the support
of the institution and paying off a debt of six thousand dollars on the girls'
dormitoiy, which is named in her honor Reynolds Hall. She was a woman of
the highest ideals and also had the keenness of intellect and strength of character
to realize her ideals and the memory of Lettice J. Reynolds will long be held in
honor in Walla Walla.
William S. Clark received his education in the public schools and Whitman
Academy, his parents realizing the value of liberal training and giving their
children the best advantages possible. After leaving school he went to work
in the drug store of Dr. J. H. Day of Walla Walla, and there studied pharmacy.
Later he was for two years clerk in a drug store in Portland and then returned to
Walla Walla and continued to engage in the drtig business here until 1877. He
was then employed for some time on the railroad from Walla Walla to Wallula,
owned by Dr. Baker. The latter recognized that with the settling up of the
country land would rapidly increase in value and advised Mr. Clark to invest
his savings in land. Accordingly he began buying farm lands, to the operation
of which he gave close personal supervision for many years. He now, how-
ever, leaves all the actual work of cultivation to others, confining his attention
to the business management of his properties.
On the 6th of June, 1900, A/[r. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Ella
M. Seelye, a teacher for seventeen years in the Walla Walla public schools. She
was born in Minnesota and is a daughter of Stuart Seelye, who had the dis-
tinction of building the first lumber, shingle and flour mills in Little Falls,
Minnesota. The Seelye family have been prominent in educational circles
in the east, Julius Seelye being president of Amherst College and Clark Seelye
president of Sinith College. To Mr. and Mrs. Clark has been born a daughter,
Evelyn.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark are members of the Congregational church and its work
profits greatly by their material and moral support. Mr. Clark is a republican
in politics and has taken quite a prominent part in public affairs. He was
assistant secretary of the constitutional convention of Washington territory
which met in i87<S and has never ceased to be an earnest student of the questions
and issues of the day. For two years he was president of the Farmers Union
of Walla Walla and in 1873 he was a member of the party under the leadership
of Major Truax which surveyed the land around Colfax. He also saw military
service, serving in the Nez Perce Indian war in 1877 and in the Bannock war
in 1878. His record oroves that he is in all respects worthy of his ancestors.
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 91
among whom were numbered soldiers of the Revolutionary war, and he has
taken advantage of the privilege which his descent affords of joining the Sons
of the American Revolution. The first member of the family in America,
Lieutenant William Clark, who came to this country in 1630, also participated in
Indian fighting, taking part in a war which occurred in the year of his arrival.
Mr. Clark is a member of the different Masonic orders. He feels the greatest
loyalty toward his city and state and nothing gives him more pleasure than to
cooperate with movements for the public benefit.
JOHN SINGLETON.
John Singleton was one of the earliest of Walla Walla's pioneers, arriving
here in 1857, and to the time of his death he was prominently, actively and help-
fully associated with the work of development and progress in this section of
the state. He was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1824, and was educated under
private tutors. On the 22d of April, 1847, he was married in Queens county,
Ireland, to Miss Frances Jane Gowan and two years later they crossed the
Atlantic to the United States, settling in New York, where he at once enlisted
for service in the army. He was sent to Texas as quartermaster's clerk under
Major Bilger and the command was stationed in the Alamo at San Antonio,
Texas, his office being in the very room where Colonel Davy Crockett was killed.
He remained in Texas in the service of the government for six years and was
then honorably discharged, after which he returned to Washington, D. C. Sub-
sequently he occupied a clerical position for six months in the old arsenal. He
then went to Baltimore, Maryland. In 1856 Mr. Singleton again enlisted in the
army for service on the Pacific coast, believing that the change of climate would
benefit his failing health. He made his way westward by way of the Isthmus
of Panama and thence northward to Vancouver, Washington, where he was
stationed for ten months. His company afterward took part in the war with
the Yakima Indians, having several sharp engagements with them in the Cas-
cade mountains. His command was led by Captain Winder and the Indians
by Chief Camiachan. After subduing the red men Captain Winder's command
built a fort and remained in the Cascades for about a year, but later was trans-
ferred to The Dalles, Oregon, and in the spring of 1857 arrived at Fort Walla
Walla, where Mr. Singleton remained in the service until 1861, when he was
honorably discharged, his term having expired. While he was still engaged in
military duty here the Indians from several tribes joined in hostilities to prevent
Captain Mullen opening a military road across the Rocky and Coeur d'Alene
mountains to the Columbia river. Mr. Singleton was in Colonel Steptoe's com-
mand, which met the allied tribes in the memorable engagement of Steptoe
Butte, which was of several days' duration. The whites, being greatly outnum-
bered, suffered a disastrous defeat and were driven back to the Snake river in
great disorder. In this engagement Mr. Singleton had a very narrow escape
from death. He became separated from his comrades in the retreat and after
wandering around nearly all night came upon a band of friendly Nez Perce
Indians, who conducted him to the Clearwater river, ferried him across and
92 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
directed him to the camp of his company, who had reported to his wife that he
had died. Colonel Wright soon came up from The Dalles with a thousand
men, and being thus reenforced, the troops began an active campaign against
the Indians. In a short time the American army had scattered, captured or
killed the entire tribe. Some were hanged in the mountains but the most noted
leaders were brought to Walla Walla, where seven of them were hanged in the
public square in the rear of the garrison. During his service in Fort Walla
Walla, Mr. Singleton did most of the work of keeping the records of the post, in
the performance of which duty he was compelled to use an old-fashioned quill
pen.
Mrs. Singleton had purchased a squatter's right from Captain Pierce, and
on Mr. .Singleton's discharge he retired to the homestead, which has been the
place of residence of the family continuously since. It is said that the money
which Captain Pierce obtained for his squatter's right enabled him to open the
Orofino mining district, of which he was the first prospector.
Mr. Singleton died at the old home on December 28, 1893, and there his
widow and two daughters still reside. Mrs. Singleton is now in her ninetieth
year but for some time past has been an invalid. To Mr. and Mrs. Singleton
were born six children: Catherine, who is the widow of Thomas Tierney and
resides in San Francisco; Frank E. ; William H., who is deceased; Elizabeth and
Eudora M., who are at home; and Esther Belle, who gave her hand in marriage
to J. W. Brooks, a prominent attorney of Walla Walla.
Not only as one of the Indian fighters of the northwest but also as one of
the progressive farmers of Walla Walla county did John Singleton leave the
impress of his individuality upon the history of southeastern Washington. His
worth as a man and as a citizen was widely acknowledged by all who knew him.
There was no phase of pioneer life in this section of the country with which he
was not familiar and he rejoiced in all that was accomplished in the way of
introducing the evidences of modern civilization. His labors wrought good
results and his name should be inscribed high upon the roll of those who have
reclaimed this great region, making it a habitable and safe place in which civil-
ization may be still further advanced.
GARRIT ROMAINE.
Garrit Romaine was for many years engaged in farming on a tract of three
hundred and twenty acres of excellent land six miles north of Dayton, in Columbia
county, and it was recognized that the county had lost a valued citizen when he
was called to the home beyond. He was born in New York city, March 7, 182Q,
a son of Benjamin and Charity (Hopper) Romaine, also natives of the eastern
metropolis. Subsequently the family removed to New Jersey, and thence to
Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, where both parents passed away. All their
eight children are also now deceased.
Garrit Romaine was reared at home and obtained his education in the public
schools of New York city. When twenty years old he went west to Wisconsin,
where he remained for many years, or until 1877, when he removed to California.
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 95
After remaining there for a sliort time he took up his residence in Harrisburg,
Oregon, but in 1881 removed to Old Walla Walla county, Washington, locating
in what is now Columbia county, on a farm six miles from Dayton. He at once
began the improvement and development of his place, which he continued to
operate until called by death. It comprises three hundred and twenty acres of
good wheat land, and his industry and good management were rewarded by large
crops, from the sale of which he derived a good income.
Mr. Romaine was married in Wisconsin in 1852, to Miss Martha L. Har-
baugh, by whom he had seven children: William B., deceased; John H., a
farmer; Jerome W., now a resident of Bellingham, Washington; Franz Sigel, a
farmer; Charity, who is the wife of Newton James, and has three children, Louis
Homer, on the old farm, Lois, now Mrs. H. L. Gritman of Columbia county,
and Frida Ellen, now the wife of A. W. Munford of Ironwood, Michigan;
Freeman C, deceased; and Rachel, the wife of Henry James, of Dayton.
Mr. Romaine gave his political allegiance to the republican party, and while
not an office seeker was always keenly interested in everything affecting the
general welfare. No project looking toward the advancement of his community
failed to receive his heartiest support and cooperation, and he was particularly
interested in the upbuilding of the local schools. Fraternally we was connected
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and took an active part in the work
of the lodge. He passed away October 23, 1900, and was laid to rest in the
Dayton cemetery, leaving to mourn his loss, besides his family, many warm
friends. Mrs. Romaine resides with her daughter, Mrs. Newton James, and holds
title to the homestead. She belongs to the Christian church and has exemplified
its teachings in her daily life.
CHARLES F. KIBLER.
Charles F. Kibler, one of the prominent farmers and stockmen of Walla
Walla township, is with his brothers operating forty-four hundred acres of
fine land. He is a native son of Walla Walla county and has resided here
throughout his entire life. He was born September 24, 1874, of the marriage
of Jacob and Louise (Buroker) Kibler, natives respectively of Virginia and
Iowa. The father removed to Missouri when a young man and in the early
'50s made the long journey overland to California, where he resided for five
years. In 1858 he came to Walla Walla, Washington, and for some time worked
as a farm hand. He then took up land on Mill creek but for several years gave
the greater part of his time and attention to freighting by ox team. Subse-
quently, when the country became more thickly settled and there was not so
much need for freighting supplies from a distant market town, he began the
cultivation of his land. His farming operations yielded him a good profit and
he acquired additional land, being at the time of his death the owner of fifteen
hundred acres. He made excellent improvements upon his place and was one of
the substantial men of the county. He passed away in igo8 and is survived
by his wife, who has reached the age of sixty-six years. Five of the six chil-
dren born to their union survive.
96 OLD \\"ALLA WALLA COUNTY
Charles F. Kibler passed the days of his boyhood and youth in Iiis native
county and attended the district schools in the acquirement of his education.
Through working for his father he received thorough training in the best meth-
ods of farming and stock raising and on attaining his majority he began farm-
ing on his own account. He and his brothers have added to their holdings
from time to time and now own forty-four hundred acres of good land finely
improved. They have systematized their work and conduct their ranch in the
same careful manner that a business man manages his interests. Their progres-
siveness and good judgment are manifested in the excellent return which they
receive from their land and they have never had occasion to regret their choice
of an occupation.
Charles F. Kibler w-as married in 1898 to ]\Iiss Marie Clodius, a native of
Illinois and a daughter of H. F. and Catherine Clodius, who removed to Walla
Walla county in 1881 and are now residents of Waitsburg. Mr. and Mrs.
Kibler have a son, Albert F., who was born October 21, 1900, and is still at
home.
Mr. Kibler casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the dem-
ocratic party but has never sought office as a reward for his loyalty. He is
thoroughly imbued with the characteristic western spirit of enterprise and opti-
mism, and any project for the benefit of his county or state receives his hearti-
est approval and most energetic support.
ALLEN H. REYNOLDS.
.Allen H. Reynolds occupies an enviable position in professional and financial
circles as a leading lawyer of Walla Walla and as the president of the Farmers
.Savings Bank. He was born January 24, 1869, in the city where he still makes
his home, his parents being Almos H. and Lettice J. (Clark) Reynolds, who are
mentioned at length on another page of this work. He has spent his entire life in
Walla Walla, acquiring his early education in a private school conducted by the
Rev. P. B, Chamberlain. He afterward matriculated in Whitman College and
thus laid broad and deep the foundation upon which to build the superstructure
of professional learning. When his collegiate course was completed he decided
upon the practice of law as a life work and then entered the law department of
the Boston University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1893.
Soon afterward he returned to his native city, where he opened an office and
entered upon the practice of law, becoming associated with W. H. Kirkman.
Some time later that partnership was dissolved and he joined his brother under
the firm style of Reynolds Brothers, but in the spring of 1900 he entered into
partnership with Andrew J. Gillis in a relationship that continued for some
time. He is now a partner of Grant S. Bond, with offices at No. 6J/4 Main
street. His success in a professional way affords the best evidence of his capabil-
ities in this line. He is a strong advocate with the jury and concise in his
appeals before the court. Much of the success which has attended him in his
professional career is undoubtedly due to the fact that he prepares his cases
with great thoroughness and must be convinced of the absolute justice of his
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 97
client's cause. Aside from his activities in the profession of law, Mr. Reynolds
is well known in banking circles, having served as vice president of the First
National Bank of Walla Walla until November, 1913. At the present time he
is president of the Farmers Savings Bank, having succeeded the late W. P.
Winans, who had been president for twenty-eight years.
On the 7th of November, 1894, Mr. Reynolds was married to Miss Fanny
Kirkman, a daughter of William H. and Isabella Kirkman, well known resi-
dents of this city, where Mrs. Reynolds was born. They have become parents of
three children : William Allen, born November 19, 1895 ; Almos, born May 19,
1898; and Ruth Sarah, born February 3, 1901.
Mr. Reynolds is treasurer and one of the trustees of Whitman College and
has been the president of the Young Alen's Christian Association since its organ-
ization. There is no plan or movement for the benefit and upbuilding of the
city in which he is not helpfully concerned, standing at all times for progress
and improvement in municipal as well as in private affairs.
HENRY OSTERMAN.
Henry Osterman, a member of the firm of Osterman & Siebert, leading
architects of Walla Walla, and one whose efforts along professional lines have
found expression in the erection of some of the finest buildings not only in this
city but elsewhere in the state, was born in Germany, about three miles from
Essen, on the 20th of January, 1862, a son of William and Mary (Wusthoff)
Osterman, both of whom spent their entire lives in Germany, where the father
followed the occupations of farming and milling.
Their son, Henry Osterman, was reared under the parental roof and acquired
a college education in Essen, Germany. He served three years in the German
army and after reaching his majority took up the study of architecture in Dussel-
dorf, Germany. In May, 1889, he decided to try his fortune in the new world,
hoping here to find excellent professional opportunities. He accordingly came
to the United States and on the isth of June of that year he arrived in Walla
^^'alla, Washington, where he has since made his home and practiced his pro-
fession. Having little knowledge of the English language and of building con-
ditions in this country, which he found somewhat different from those in his
native land, he did not immediately apply himself to architectural work but be-
came associated with building operations and for a time worked as a carpenter.
Shortly afterward, however, he took up contracting and building on his own
account and was prominently identified with building operations for eight years.
In 1899 he began the practice of his profession, opening an architect's office in
the old Baker-Boyer building. He associated with him in this undertaking Victor
E. Siebert, who was a former employe of Mr. Osterman and had later gone to
the east, where he was graduated from the Boston School of Technology in 1912.
The following year he was admitted to a partnership, forming the present firm
of Osterman & Siebert. Among the many buildings for which Mr. Osterman has
drawn the plans and also superintended the erection are the courthouse, the city
hall, the Young Men's Christian Association building, the high school building.
98 OLD \VALLA WALLA COUNTY
the Jefferson, the Green Park and the Sharpstein schools, the city hbrary and
practically all the important business and office buildings in the city, together
with many of the finer residences. All these stand as monuments to the enter-
prise, the skill and the professional ability of Mr. Osterman, whose thorough
preparatory training and subsequent study and experience have placed him in
the front ranks among the architects of the northwest.
In 1902 Mr. Osterman was united in marriage to Aliss Geneva Cooney, of
Coon Rapids, Iowa, and to this marriage have been born five children, Bernard-
ina, Henrietta, Hugo, Ruth and Betty.
Mr. Osterman gives his political endorsement to the republican party. Frater-
nally he is connected with Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M. ; Walla
Walla Chapter, No. i, R. A. M.; Washington Commandery, No. i, K. T.; the
Consistory of Spokane; and El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., also of Spo-
kane, while both he and his wife are connected with the Order of the Eastern
Star. He is also identified with Trinity Lodge, I. O. O. F., and both he and his
wife are consistent members of the Congregational church, guiding their lives
according to its teachings. Mr. Osterman has never had occasion to regret
his determination to come to the new world, for here he has found the business
opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has made steady progress.
Not only does he rank with the, leading architects" of Washington, but is also a
prominent figure in financial and. Gommetcial circles; He was one of the organ-
izers of the Third National Bank, of which he is now a director, and he is also
one of the organizers and a member tj^ihe board iof: directors of the Gardner
Company, which owns and controls. Wa-Ha Wailla's largest mercantile establish-
ment. His identification with these interests is the expression of his well di-
rected energy and thrift, his close application and his persistency of purpose,
ever guided by a laudable ambition. Step by step he has worked his way up-
ward and his course should serve to inspire others who must start out in life
empty-handed. The wise use which he has made of his time, his talents and
his opportunities has placed him in the creditable position which he fills today
in business and professional circles of Walla Walla.
ALMOS H. REYNOLDS.
LETTICE J. REYNOLDS.
Almos H. Reynolds was for many years one of the prominent financiers of
the northwest, becoming a factor in the establishment of the first banking busi-
ness in Walla Walla and figuring for many years as one of the principal stock-
holders of the First National Bank. He was born in Madrid, St. Lawrence
county. New York, October 21, 1808, and in early life learned the millwright's
trade. In 1838, when a man of thirty years, he removed westward to Illinois and
subsequently became a resident of Iowa, where he remained until 1850. He
then crossed the plains to California, attracted by the gold discoveries on the
Pacific coast, and in May, 1859, he came to Walla Walla, where he resided until
his demise, which occurred thirty years later, or on the 21st of April, 1889. He
10720
AI.MOS H. REYNOLDS
MRS. LETTICE J. REYNOLDS
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 103
was prominently identified with milling interests in this section, erecting many
mills throughout the territory of Washington, two of them being in the imme-
diate vicinity of Walla Walla. He also built and for several years owned a
woolen mill at Dayton. He was associated with Dr. J. H. Day in establishing
the first banking business in Walla Walla, opening a private banking institution,
which they carried on under the firm style of Reynolds & Day. He was alert
and energetic, constantly watchful of opportunities pointing to success. Even-
tually be became one of the principal stockholders in the First National Bank and
was largely instrumental in its organization. Mr. Reynolds was a man of keen
insight which enabled him to readily recognize a favorable business situation and
his laudable ambition prompted its immediate use. Whatever he undertook he
carried forward to successful completion and the integrity of his business methods
was above question.
On the 23d of May, 1861, Mr. Reynolds was united in marriage to Mrs.
Lettice J. (Millican) Clark, the widow of Ransom Clark, who first crossed the
plains to Oregon with Dr. Whitman in 1843. She was born in Canehill, Arkansas,
October 3, 1830, and received her education in her native town. In 1843 t^he
family joined the Whitman train and after a journey of weary months reached
Oregon. The following year the Millican family settled near the town of
Lafayette, Yamhill county, and there in 1845 Lettice J. Millican became the wife
of Ransom Clark. Following the death of her husband in 1859, she made the
journey to Walla Walla in order to make arrangements for subsequently taking
up her home upon the farm which Mr. Clark had taken up and which was known
for many years as the Ransom Clark donation claim. She was given a place in
the government wagon from Wallula to Walla Walla arid her first night in the
latter place was spent in the fort. The following morning she was driven out
to her claim and remained there for two weeks. She then returned to Portland
and, after the birth of her daughter the following summer, she took up her per-
manent home on the claim in Walla Walla county. Soon after doing so she
received a letter from her Portland lawyer advising her to sell her claim for
two hundred and seventy-five dollars and abandon the idea of developing it.
However, she disregarded this advice and continued to reside upon the farm
with her children. On the 23d of May, 1861, she married Almos H. Reynolds.
She was the earliest pioneer woman residing in Walla Walla county and the fact
that she had been privileged to witness more of the growth of the northwest
than others seemed to give her an added interest in everything pertaining to the
public welfare. She contributed much to the upbuilding of the various institu-
tions of the city and by reason of her force of character and her many liberal
and well advised benefactions she was recognized as a most prominent citizen
of Walla Walla. The erection of the Young Men's Christian Association build-
ing was made possible by a twenty thousand dollar donation from her and after
its completion she was one of the chief contributors toward its upkeep. At the
rally and jubilee held when the association had raised the forty-five thousand
dollars necessary to pay oflf its debt, the speech that she made expressing her
great joy in the knowledge that the association was free of all debt will long
be remembered by all who heard her. She was also a loyal friend and patron
of Whitman College, contributing generously at various times to the support of
the institution and paying off a debt of six thousand dollars on the girls' dor-
voi. n — 5
104 Or,D WALLA WALLA COUNTY
mitory, which is named in her honor Reynolds HalL She was a woman of the
highest ideals and also had the keenness of intellect and strength of character to
realize her ideals, and the memory of Lettice J. Reynolds will long be held in
honor in Walla Walla.
To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Almos H. Reynolds were born two sons:
Harry A., who was born October 14, 1863; and Allen H., who was born January
24. 1869.
JOHN R. GOSE, M. D.
It is believed that few men possess the ability to attain success along both
professional and agricultural hues, but Dr. John R. Gose, living on section 33.
township 8 north, range 37 east, in Walla Walla county, has made a creditable
name in both connections. He was born in Missouri, November 16, 1861, and is a
son of John M. and Hannah J. (McQuown) Gose, the former a native of Ken-
tucky, while the latter was born in Virginia. In 1864 they removed westward,
settling at Boise, Idaho, where they spent the winter, and in the following spring
they arrived in Walla Walla county, Washington, taking up their abode upon a
ranch, where they are still living. They are one of the most venerable couples
of the county, the fatiier having attained the age of ninety-one years, while his
wife is eighty-five years of age. In their family were seven children, of whom
three are living.
Dr. Gose was not yet four years of age when his parents crossed the plains,
so that he was reared upon the western frontier. He pursued his education in
the schools of Walla Walla county and after having completed his preliminan,'
course he detemiined to enter upon the practice of medicine and with that end
in view returned to the east, matriculating in Jefferson Medical College of Phila-
delphia, from which in due course of time he was graduated. He then returned
to Washington to engage in the practive of his profession, which he followed
in Pomeroy, Garfield county, for fourteen years and also in the city of Walla
Walla for three years. Lie then withdrew from the active practice of his pro-
fession, in which he had won substantial success and made for himself a most
creditable name. Removing to a ranch near Dixie, he has since devoted his time
and energies to general agricultural pursuits and has proved most capable in the
management and conduct of his farming interests.
In 1889 Dr. Gose was united in marriage to Miss Minnie S. Aldrich, a repre-
sentative of one of the old pioneer families of this section of the state. She was
l)orn ii])on the farm where she now resides and is a daughter of Newton and Anna
M. (Shoemaker) Aldrich. Her father was a native of the state of New ^'ork,
while her mother was born in Iowa. ATr, Aldrich came to Washington in 1861
;ind was here married to Miss Shoemaker, who had crossed the plains in 1864.
They took up their abode upon the farm which is now occupied by Dr. and Mrs.
Gose and upon that place they spent their remaining days. At the lime of his
death Mr. Aldrich owned seven hundred and twenty acres of land, of which Mrs.
Gose inherited three hundred and sixty acres. He had gained a most substantial
place among the agriculturists of this section of the state and his genuine per-
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 105
sonal worth had endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. To him and
his wife were born three children: Mrs. Gose; Ida, who has departed this life;
and Clara E., who is the wife of G. L. Bailey.
To Dr. and Mrs. Gose have been born five children : Roberta L., who is a
college graduate; Kenneth A., who is living upon the home ranch; Carl, who has
passed away; Anna M., who is a high school graduate; and John Newton, who is
now attending high school. Dr. Gose belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp in
Dixie. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and while he was
a resident of Pomeroy he served for two terms as mayor of that city. Mrs. Gose
belongs to the Congregational church, in the work of which she takes an active and
helpful part. They are very prominent people in this section of the state and
the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them. They have a circle
of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance and they
are both representatives of worthy pioneer families of the northwest, having re-
sided in this section of the country for more than half a century. They have
therefore witnessed the greater part of the growth and development of Walla
Walla county, have seen tiny hamlets grow into prosperous cities, wild land con-
verted into productive farms and all the natural resources of the country utilized
for the benefit of man. Their aid and influence are always given on the side of
progress and improvement and they advocate as well all those high standards
which work for civic betterment.
CHARLES E. NYE.
Charles E. Nye, who is engaged in the harness and saddlery business in Walla
Walla, winning for himself a creditable position in commercial circles, was born
in Germany on the 3d of June, 1848, his parents being John N. and Elizabeth
(Baker) Nye. They came to the United States in 1853, when he was a little lad
of but five years, the family home being established in Marietta, Ohio, where the
parents resided until they were called to their final rest, the father following
the occupation of farming as a life work.
Charles E. Nye was reared to manhood on the old homestead farm and early
became familiar with the work of the fields, to which he directed his attention dur-
ing the summer months, while in the winter seasons he attended the common
schools of the neighborhood. When his textbooks were put aside he found
employment in a harness and saddlery shop at Marietta, Ohio, where he served a
regular apprenticeship, and at the age of twenty-one years he started for the
west, following the advice of Horace Greeley. He worked as a journeyman at
his trade in Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, California and Oregon, thus
working his way westward by successive stages until he reached the Pacific coast.
In Oregon he was for a time engaged in business on his own account, conducting
a harness and saddlery establishment at The Dalles. In 1878 he was in Walla
Walla but did not locate permanently until 1883, at which time he engaged in
business independently here and for the past thirty-five years he has been a dom-
inant factor in the trade circles of the city. In all of his commercial relations
106 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
he has been actuated by a progressive spirit and the excellence of the goods which
he handles and the work he turns out has insured him a liberal patronage.
In 1S90 Mr. Nye was married to Miss Tennie Brown, of Walla Walla. Air.
Nye is well known and popular in fraternal circles, holding membership in Blue
Mountain Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M.; Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E. ;
and Columbia Lodge, No. 90, K. P. He is also a member of the Walla Walla
Commercial Club and cooperates in all of its plans and measures for the upbuild-
ing of the city and the extension of its trade relations. His political allegiance
is given the republican party, which he has supported since reaching adult age.
His long residence in Walla Walla has made him largely familiar with its history
and with its commercial development he has been closely and prominently asso-
ciated. Those who know him, and he has a wide acquaintance, speak of him in
terms of high regard, for he has been found thoroughly reliable in business ;
loyal and patriotic in citizenship and faithful in friendship. His life work has
been intelligently directed and he has always continued in the line in which he
embarked as a young tradesman, never dissipating his energies over a broad field
but so concentrating his efforts and attention that substantial results have accrued.
W. D. LYMAN.
W. D. Lyman, author of this history, is a "native son of the Golden West,"
having been born at Portland, Oregon, on December i, 1852. His father and
mother, Horace Lyman and Mary Denison Lyman, came to California around
Cape Horn, in a sailing ship from New York, in 1848-9. After a few months
in California in the midst of the excitements of the gold discoveries they re-
moved to Portland, then a straggling village on the edge of the dense forest
which bordered the Willamette river. It is recalled by the children of the family
that their mother told them about how in those early days she had heard the
cries of the wolves and cougars in about the location of the present Portland
Hotel and other stately structures of the present city.
As a boy Professor Lyman went with his parents to Dallas in Polk county,
Oregon, and then to Forest Grove, Oregon, where his father was for a number
of years a professor of mathematics, and later of history and rhetoric, in Pacific
University, a pioneer college of those early days. Brought up in those pioneer
surroundings, in the midst of the unconventional life and the sublime scenery
of his native state, he received a permanent impress which has led him through-
out his life to find his greatest interest in travel, mountain-climbing, investigation
of the native and pioneer life of Old Oregon, and in writing and lecturing upon
themes drawn from those early experiences. The old Oregon of Professor
Lyman's boyhood was typically American — free, unconventional and sincere,
and the wilderness about and the stimulus to adventure and enterprise implanted
in the minds and spirits of the boys and girls of that pioneer region, as it has
throughout the great west, is a certain union of the romantic and imaginative
with the practical which has resulted in placing the Pacific states in the forefront
of American communities.
Having completed a short college course at Pacific University in 1873, the
VV.T^ . <^'vwa/yx , cA . JiLj ^ t, /).
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 109
young man, after a few months spent in teaching, went east and in 1877 gradu-
ated at Williams College, Massachusetts. While there he was known for his
interest in debating, oratory and literature, as well as for his informal and inde-
pendent western way of considering political, social and religious topics. Upon
returning to Oregon in the fall of 1877, he entered upon what proved to be his
life work, that of a college teacher, writer and public speaker. He became pro-
fessor of history, oratory, and English literature at Paciiic University, where he
continued until 1886. During that period he laid the foundations of his subse-
quent literary career by spending his summer vacations in mountain journeys
and explorations of the rivers and wildernesses of the northwest and in embody-
ing the results of his adventures in articles which appeared in various news-
papers and magazines, east and west. During this time he became a skillful
amateur photographer and has acquired a large collection of views, many of
which were the first to be taken of some of the wild scenes which he might be
considered the first to make known to the world.
During that period of his life the very important event of marriage occurred.
Li 1882 Professor Lyman was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Clark of Van-
couver, Washington. Mrs. Lyman has become known in Walla Walla and
throughout the region about as one of the leaders in social, intellectual and
philanthropic life. Four children have been born to Professor and Mrs. Lyman,
two sons and two daughters. The oldest, Hubert, bora' in-iSS^^ js now engaged
in business in the Philippine islands. The second, Marjoriej' bonii -in jSS^, ig the
wife of Ridgway Gillis, a state highway engineer in charge'dJ^.arJ i.trjport^nt: sec-
tion of the Pacific highway, with present residence at Kalaijo^,.. Washington. ; The
third, Willena, born in 1889, is living with her parent£,ll^_ ■-•
The fourth, Harold, is now engaged with the Walla Walla"Blrttetin,-..
Professor Lyman severed his connection with Pacific University in 1886, and
for nearly three years was engaged mainly in literary work. During that period
he spent some time at Fresno, California, endeavoring to start a raisin ranch.
He was for a time at Santa Fe, New Mexico. In 1889 he became head of the
department of history at Whitman College, Walla Walla. He has been thus
engaged continuously to the present, with the exception of the year 1891, when
he was in Spokane. During these twenty-nine years he has seen Whitman Col-
lege grow from a struggling frontier institution, largely of a preparatory grade,
to a well equipped college supported by a good endowment and by a loyal body
of enthusiastic alumni, among whom may be reckoned some of the foremost
men and women of the northwest.
During his long residence in Walla Walla, Professor Lyman has been in
frequent demand as a speaker and lecturer on many pulpits and platforms
throughout the three northwest states, and has thus come to have a very exten-
sive acquaintance. He has been active in political life and has been a candidate,
though an unsuccessful one, as a democrat, for the national congress. Brought
up as a republican during the Civil war and reconstruction periods, he became a
liberal in political views and finally a democrat. As an ardent supporter of
Woodrow Wilson for both of his terms, he labored with voice atid pen for the
election of that statesman whom he regards as in the same class with Washing-
ton, Jefl^erson and Lincoln.
During all his active life a member of the Congregational church. Professor
110 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Lyman has become known among his students and friends as very hberal in
rehgious views and has associates among all faiths. He has been active in all
forms of municipal betterment, in the prohibition and woman suffrage causes,
and since the opening of the great war has made many addresses and written
articles of a patriotic character. He firmly believes that it is the God-given
mission of the United States to "make the world safe for democracy.''
While living in Walla Walla, Professor Lyman has continued his practice of
mountaineering. He has been a member of both the Mazama and Mountaineers'
Clubs, and in the course of his life has made nine ascensions of the great snow-
capped volcanoes of the Cascade range and four of the Olympics, besides many
lesser peaks. He has traveled almost the entire length of the Columbia river and
many miles of the Snake and other tributaries. The results of these journeys he
embodied in what he regards as the most highly literary and artistic of his
various books. The Columbia River, published in 1909 by G. P. Putnam's Sons
and now entering upon its third edition.
Professor Lyman has become something of a specialist in local history. He
was one of the principal writers of The History of the Pacific Northwest in 1889.
In 1901 his history of Walla Walla county appeared. In 1906 he wrote the
narrative part of a history of Skagit and Snohomish counties. Having witnessed
with his own eyes most of the remarkable development of this section and hav-
ing partaken of the social, industrial and political life of the section in which
he lives, he has been able to write sympathetically of the struggles and the
triumphs of the pioneers. As a side issue in his life. Professor Lyman has been
much interested in waterway transportation. He has been for many years
director of the Rivers and Harbors Congress for the state of Washington and
has seen many improvements in waterways as a result of the labors of that or-
ganization. Opposed on principle to monopoly and special privilege, he has
deemed waterways and water power as among the great agencies for preserving
the freedom of the people.
HOWARD E. BARR.
That Lloward E. Barr enjoys in unusual measure the confidence and respect
of his fellow townsmen is indicated in the fact that he is now serving as mayor of
Dayton, a position to which he was called by popular vote and in which he is
discharging his duties with marked capability and fidelity. He was bom in
Tennessee, March 18, 1876, a son of Hugh and Emeline (Parker) Barr, who were
also natives of Tennessee, in which state the death of the mother occurred. The
father afterward removed to Texas, where he is still li\ ing. In their family were
four children, all of whom survive.
Howard E. Barr was but seven years of age at the time of the removal of the
family to the Lone Star state and there he was reared and educated, supplementing
his public school training by a course in a college. He was a man of thirty-one
years when in 1907 he arrived in Dayton, Washington, where he has since made
his home, covering a period of a decade. He here established a barber .shop and
is still engaged in the business. In community affairs he has taken a helpful inter-
est and on the citizens' ticket he was elected in 1916 to the office of mayor of
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 111
Dayton, in which capacity he is now serving. He has closely studied the needs of
the city, its opportunities and the possibilities for improvement and is giving to
tiic city a businesslike and progressive administration.
In 1909 Mr. Barr was united in marriage to Miss Maud Babb, a native of
Te.xas, and to them has been bom a daughter, Geneva R., whose birth occurred
July 4, 1912. The family occupies an attractive home in Dayton, where Mr. Barr
owns two residences. Mrs. Barr is a member of the Christian church and in
his fraternal relations Mr. Barr is an Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias, in
both of which lodges he has filled all the chairs, showing his high standing
among his brethren of the two fraternities. He is a man of genuine worth,
alert, energetic and progressive not only in his business connections but also
as a public official. He stands for whatever he believes to be best for the com-
munity and Dayton has benefited by his administration of her affairs.
ARTHUR H. HALLE.
Arthur H. Halle is prominently connected with hotel ownership and man-
agement in the northwest. He is well known as a progressive business man
of Walla Walla and before coming to this city was closely associated with hotel
interests in various sections of the country. He is, however, a native of Ger-
many, his birth having occurred in Leipzig on the 19th of April, 1877. His
father, Paul Halle, lived and died in that country, where he was engaged during
his active business career as a traveling salesman. His wife, who bore the maiden
name of Laura Muenzner, still resides in Germany.
Arthur H. Halle is one of a family of four children and is the only one resid-
ing in America. He pursued his education in the schools of Germany and came
to the United States in 1897, when a young man of twenty years. He first made
his way to New York and afterward to Chicago, where he was employed in the
Grand Pacific Hotel for ten years. Later he removed to Lewiston, Montana,
and was afterward located at different periods in Miles City, Billings and Mis-
soula, Montana. He then came to the "garden spot of the northwest," arriving
in Walla Walla in 191 1. Here he established the Grand Hotel, after which he
returned to Missoula to look after his hotel interests in that city. Three years
later he again came to Walla Walla to take up his permanent abode. He is
associated with Charles Mullemer and J. S. Rick in the ownership of the hotel
at Missoula and of the Grand in Walla Walla, the latter being one of the finest
hostleries of this city. The Palace at Missoula is of equal rank and both are
liberally patronized because of the excellent service rendered to the public. Mr.
Halle and his associates maintain the highest standards in hotel management
and conduct and displayed something of the spirit of the pioneer in that they have
initiated new methods which add to the success of their business and to the
comfort of their guests.
In Chicago, in 1901, Mr. Halle was united in marriage to Miss Alice Rick,
who was born in that city, a daughter of J. S. Rick, who is yet living, while her
mother has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Halle have become the parents of two
children, Laura and Dorothy. In the social circles of Walla Walla Mr. and
112 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Mrs. Halle are widely and favorably known, the hospitality of the best homes
being freely accorded them.
Mr. Halle has made steady progress since coming to the United States,
advancing step by step in the business world, and his enterprise and persever-
ance have made him one of the successful hotel men of the northwest. His
membership relations include connection with the Lutheran church, the Elks
and the Commercial Club.
WILLIAM CHARLES PAINTER.
The days of chivalry and knighthood in Europe cannot furnish more inter-
esting or romantic tales than our own western history. Into the wild mountain
fastnesses of the unexplored west went brave men whose courage was often called
forth in encounters with hostile savages. The land was rich in all natural re-
sources, in metals, in agricultural and commercial possibilities, and awaited the
demands of man to yield up its treasures. But its mountain heights were hard to
climb, its forests difficult to penetrate and the magnificent trees, the dense bushes
or jagged rocks often sheltered the skulking foe, who resented the encroachment
of the pale faces upon these "hunting grounds-." The establishment of homes in
this beautiful region therefore meant sacrifices, hardships and ofttimes death, but
there were some men, however, brave enough to meet the red man in his own
familiar haunts and undertake the task of reclaiming the district for purposes of
civilization. The rich mineral stores of the northwest were thus added to the
wealth of the nation, its magnificent forests contributed to the lumber industry
and its fertile valleys added to the opportunities of the farmer and stock raiser; and
today the northwest is one of the most productive sections of the entire country.
That this is so is due to such men as William Charles Painter, whose name is in-
separably interwoven with the history of the region. No story of fiction contains
more exciting chapters than may be found in his life record. He was one of the
most prominent of those who engaged in Indian warfare and for many years he
was also a leading figure in the agricultural development of this section of the
state. Walla Walla numbered him among her most honored and valued citizens
and his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret.
William C. Painter was born in St. Genevieve, Missouri, April i8, 1830,
and there the earliest years of his life were passed. His paternal ancestors came
from Mercer county, Pennsylvania. Llis mother, who bore the maiden name of
Jean Moore, was a daughter of Major Robert Moore, a veteran of the War of
1812 and well known in connection with the early history of Oregon. In 1850
the father with his family started for Oregon, but when the Little r.Iue river
was reached the father and two of the sons died of cholera. The mother and the
surviving children continued the journey westward with sore hearts but with un-
daunted courage and finally reached Washington county, Oregon, where donation
land claims were .secured.
There William C. Painter resided until 1863 and was prominently identified
with the early development of that section. At the time of the Indian war of
1855 he was one of the first to enlist, becoming a member of Company D, First
WILLIAM C. PAINTER
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 115
Oregon Mounted Volunteers, which command fought the Indians for four
days near Walla Walla, finally routing the red men, who retreated to the Palouse
country. In this and many other engagements of the Indian war Mr. Painter dis-
tinguished himself for bravery. He remained with his company until the close 'of
hostilities. In 1855 certain young ladies of the Forest Grove Academy, now the
Tualitin Academy and the Pacific University, presented the company with a flag.
Mr. Painter's comrades in arms voted that he should become its bearer and
the starry banner finally came into his exclusive possession and is still carefully
preserved in the Painter household as a priceless relic. Upon its field there are
but twenty-one stars and on the flag, inscribed in large letters, are the words,
"Co. D, First Oregon Vol., 1855-6." In the war against the Bannock and Piute
Indians in 1878, Mr. Painter again engaged in fighting the red men. He was
appointed by Governor Ferry captain of a company of forty-two men and was
assigned to duty on the gunboat Spokane under command of Major Cress of
the regular army. The first engagement in which he participated was at Long
Island in the Columbia river below Umatilla, in which the whites were successful.
Major Cress, in a letter to Mr. Painter written from Jeft'erson Barracks, Missouri,
under date of April 15, 1897, speaks very highly of the assistance which the latter
rendered. After this engagement, in recognition of his valuable service, he was
made aid-de-camp on the stafl^ of Governor Ferry, with the rank of lieutenant colo-
nel, and was placed in command of forty-two men. He was then sent to eastern
Oregon to assist in defending the people against the Indians who had recently
been defeated by General O. O. Howard. He passed south of the retreating
bands to Camas Prairie with a view of intercepting the retreat.' The hostile sav-
ages, learning of his position, by a circuitous route passed around: him and es-
caped, but he captured enough horses to pay the entire expenses of his com-
mand. Although no battle was fought in that campaigOj^ it was considered so
hazardous that an ofi^er of ten dollars per day for guides was not sufficient to cause
anyone to accept and run the risk. In his official report. General O. O. Howard,
quoting Captain John A. Cress, said: "Captain William C. Painter and the forty-
two volunteers from Walla Walla deserve praise for good conduct and bravery,
not excepting my Vancouver regiment and Captain Gray, with officers and crew
of the steamer Spokane, who stood firmly at their posts under fire."
When the country no longer needed his military aid Captain Painter became
a clerk for Flanders & Felton of Wallula, and when the senior member was elected
to congress in 1867, Captain Painter took charge of the business. He also became
postmaster of Wallula and the agent for the Wells Fargo Express Company.
Returning to Walla Walla, he was appointed deputy collector of internal revenue
for eastern Washington and in November, 1870, he resigned that position, al-
though his resignation was not accepted until the following May. After retiring
from office he made some unfortunate mill investments, in which he lost every-
thing that he had saved. With courageous spirit, however, he again became a
wage earner and was thus employed until 1876, when he was appointed receiver
of the United States land office and occupied that position in most satisfactory
manner until 1878, when he was elected county auditor. He served for four con-
secutive terms in that position and the Waitsburg Times of March 11, 1887, in
speaking of him at his retirement from office, designated him as "the best auditor
Walla Walla county ever had." He ever regarded a public office as a public
116 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
trust and it is well known that no trust reposed in Captain Painter was ever
betrayed in the slightest degree. LTpon his retirement from the position of county
auditor he concentrated his attention on farming, having fifteen hundred acres in
the Eureka flats. While thus engaged he still occupied the old home on South
Third street in Walla Walla, where the family still reside. He was thus extensivly
engaged in general agricultural pursuits and continued his farming operations
until about two years prior to his death.
On the 7th of January, 1864, Captain Painter was married to Miss Caroline
Mitchell, the only daughter of Judge L Mitchell, of Multnomah county, Oregon,
and their children are: T^hilii) M., a resident of Walla Walla county; Charles S.,
of Montana; Maude M., the wife of Garrett D'Ablaing of EUensburg; Harry M.,
a Congregational minister of Seattle; Bonnie Jean, the wife of R. F. MacLane of
Walla Walla ; Marguerite M., the wife of Herbert Gall of Sascatoon, Canada ;
Roy R., deceased; Rex M., of Walla Walla county; Caroline M., the wife of H.
J. Wolff of Seattle; and Bruce L, of San Francisco. The family circle was
broken by the hand of death when on the 4th of December, 1900, Captain Painter
died of paralysis. For some time he was a vestrj'man of the Episcopal church
which the family attend. His political allegiance had always been given to the
republican party from the time of its organization and he was a most faithful
follower of its principles. It is said that at every demonstration of a patriotic
nature Captain Painter was called upon to take his place among the leaders,
with his battle-scarred Indian war flag. His ])atriotic sentiments led him to
take a prominent part in the Pioneer Association of Oregon and he always made
a special effort to be present at its meetings. He was also active among the
Indian War Veterans and was the first grand commander of the organization.
For years he belonged to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He gave
devoted loyalty to every cause which he espoused and his is a most notable and
honorable record of a pioneer, a valiant soldier and one of nature's noblemen.
WILLIS E. L. FORD.
No history of the pioneer development of Walla Walla county and of the
vast west would be complete without extendetl reference to the Ford family, for
Willis E. L. I'ord and his father have been particularly active in advancing develop-
ment along those lines which have meant much to the upbuilding and progress of
this section. He was born near Oregon City, Oregon, November 29, 1855, ^ son of
Nineveh and Martha Jane (Simpson) Ford. The father was a native of North
Carolina, while the mother's birth occurred in Missouri. He crossed the plains
in 1843 with Marcus Whitman, making the journey with ox teams, and he built
the first tannery in Oregon City and in fact in that entire section of the country.
He continued its oi)eration for several years and also conducted a shoe store
there. In 1848 he was one of the volunteers who enlisted for service against the
Indians and traveled all over this section of the country in pursuit of the red men.
It was at this time that the massacre of the white people at W^alla Walla occurred.
All that the soldiers had to eat for thirty days was the meat of a cayuse pony with-
out salt. His travels over this section of the ciiuntrv brought to Nineveh Ford a
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 117
good knowledge of the land and its possibilities and in 1859 he removed with his
family to the Walla Walla valley, settling upon a farm upon which he resided to the
time of his death. It was a wild tract of land when it came into his possession
but with characteristic energy he began to break the sod and till the fields.
His wife was the first white woman in the valley outside of the garrison. Mr.
Ford built a log cabin with puncheon floor and doors and stick chimney and in
true pioneer style began his life in Oregon territory. The latchstring of his cabin
always hung out, assuring the traveler of a hearty welcome, and the stranger
was always free to partake of whatever the table afforded. He worked diligently
and persistently in the cultivation of his land and, in the course of time his fields
brought forth abundant harvests and his once wild tract was converted into a
valuable farm. Moreover, he was one of the recognized leaders of the democratic
party in this section of the state. He gave to that party his stalwart support, never
faltering in his allegiance thereto, and twice he was called upon to represent his
district in the state legislature while a resident of Oregon. Fraternally he was
connected with the Masons and in his life exemplified the beneficent spirit of the
craft, for he was continually extending a helping hand where aid was needed.
Willis E. L. Ford was one of a family of eleven children, seven of whom are
now living. He shared with the family in all of the hardships and privations inci-
dent to frontier life. Such a life develops a self-reliance and force of character
which count for much in the later struggle for existence and business suprem-
acy. He supplemented his early education by study in the seminary in Walla
Walla and afterward settled upon a farm in Whitman county, taking up his
abode there in 1877. For thirty-five years he lived upon that place, ranking with
the leading and representative agriculturists of that section of the state. When
more than a third of a century had been passed there he sold his property and
in a considerable measure retired from active business life. He purchased a
farm of twenty-four acres in College Place and has since lived there, giving his
attention to the raising of fruit and also to the conduct of a dairy business. His
interests are carefully managed and are bringing to him a substantial measure of
success.
In 1886 Mr. Ford was united in marriage to Miss Rhoda A. Andross, who was
born in Minnesota, a daughter of William H. and Sophronia (Winigar) Andross,
the former a native of England, while the latter was born in the state of New
York. They removed westward on leaving Minnesota and became residents of
the Walla Walla valley, where both the father and mother passed away. Mr. and
Mrs. Ford have become the parents of six children: Grace, who is now a nurse
in Los Angeles, California; Frank, also living in California; Edna, who was a
college graduate and taught school for one week, after which she was killed by
an electric car in Spokane, Washington ; Orley, who is a missionary in South
America; and John and Orpha, both of whom are at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Ford hold membership with the Seventh Day Adventist church
and take an active part in its work, doing all in their power to advance its growth
and extend its influence. In politics Mr. Ford maintains a liberal course, not car-
ing to bind himself by party lines. He served on the school board for several
years and has ever been a champion of the cause of public education. There are
few residents of Walla Walla county more familiar with the story of pioneer life
and conditions in this section of the state than he. He was only four years of age
118 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
when brought to Walla A\'alla county. In 1877 he served as a volunteer in the
Indian war and had his horse killed by his side. He thoroughly understands the
red man, his nature and his problems. He has lived to see this section of the
country no longer under the dominion of the savage and has witnessed its
transformation as the work of modern day progress and improvement has been
carried forward, whereby the natural resources of the country have been utilized
and its wealth and progress thus greatly enhanced. The name of Ford figures
prominently in connection with the history of the Inland Empire and Willis E. L.
I'ord indeed deserves mention among the honored pioneers.
CHARLES PLUCKER.
Charles Plucker was one of the honored citizens of the Walla Walla valley.
Lie attained the age of eighty-two years but at the time of his death was still
giving personal direction to his extensive and important farming interests. His
life experiences were varied and promirfently connected him with the upbuilding
and development of this section of the country. He was born in Germany,
November 9, 1835, and was a son of Carl and Mary Plucker, who were also
natives of that country, where they spent their entire lives. They had a family
of eight children, four of whom are now living.
Charles Plucker, whose name introduces this review, was reared and educated
in Germany, spending the first seventeen years of his life in that country. He then
determined to try his fortune in the new world and become a resident of .\merica.
In 1854, therefore, he made the voyage across the Atlantic and for two years
remained a resident of New York. In 1856 he enlisted at the age of nineteen
years in the army of his adopted land and was located on Governors island. In
1857 he went to Fort .Sinicoe as a soldier and was on active military duty there for
five years. He was later sent to Fort Colwell and in 1861 he received an
honorable discharge, having for five years rendered active aid to the United
States government in its efforts to protect American interests and the lives and
property of the people upon the northwestern frontier.
Mr. Plucker was then honorably discharged and came to Walla Walla, where
he opened a paint shop. He continued in active business in that city for fourteen
years and in 1875 he turned his attention to general agricultural interests, pur-
chasing a farm on the Touchet river on section 14, township 8 north, range 33
east. He continued to reside upon that jsroperty until his death, being the owner
of ten hundred and eighty acres of rich and valuable land which he greatly im-
proved, adding thereto many commodious and substantial modern buildings and
all the accessories and conveniences of the highly improved farm of the present
day. Few men of his years remain in such active connection with business
affairs as did Mr. Plucker. He was, however, a well preserved man physically
and mentally and seemed much younger than the record indicated.
On the /th of October, 1868, Mr. Plucker was united in marriage to Miss
Katherine A. Hauer, also a native of Germany, who came to the United States
in 1868. She is a daughter of Christian and Augusta (Liider) Hauer, who were
born, reared and married in Schleswisr-Holstein. The father, who was a hatter bv
IvIR.AND MRS _ OH/VRLES PUUCKER
f-L- Mt'W ^O'^'^ ^
PUBLIC LIBRARY
„ 1 5r>)Cy«.
,T11.P
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 121
trade, died there August 6, 1866. In 1880 the mother came to America with a
nephew and her daughter, Mrs. Frederika Roehl Behl, who located in San
Francisco. After spending a few months in that city Mrs. Hauer came to
Washington to make her home with another daughter, Mrs. Charles Plucker,
and here she passed away April 29, 1881, at the age of eighty years. She was
the mother of six children, all of whom are now deceased with the exception of
Mrs. Plucker. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Plucker, namely:
Frederick and Charles, now deceased ; W. H., who died at the age of forty-five
years ; Magdalena, the wife of Peter Conrad ; and F. C, at home with his mother.
After a useful and well spent life Mr. Plucker passed away on the 30th of
October, 1917. In his political views he was a democrat, supporting the party
from the time he became a naturalized American citizen. He served on the
school board but did not seek office, preferring to concentrate his efforts and
attention upon his business affairs. He especially deserves mention among the
self-made men of the state, for he started out in life empty-handed and all that
he possessed was acquired through his persistent, earnest and honorable effort.
The family is one of prominence here and has been widely and favorably known
in the valley since early days.
A. F. ANDERSON.
A. F. Anderson is a retired farmer living in. F'r.escptt. He has been closely
identified with agricultural interests and is stJU the ow.jaer'oT' yalttable farming
property, from which he derives a gratifying mcOvAe; "but at the present time he
is largely leaving the management and operation of his land to othfers, for he is
enjoying a rest which he has truly earned arid richly deserves. He was bom
in Sweden, September 23, 1844, and was there reafed •'sn4 edUeated, spending
the period of his boyhood and youth in that country. He was also married in
his native land and in 1869, when a young man of twenty-five years, he crossed
the Atlantic to the new world, making his way first to Kansas, where he resided
for about twelve years, or until 1881. He then came to the northwest with
Washington as his destination and was section foreman in this state for fifteen
years. He also took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres and later
he purchased one hundred and sixty acres more. His half section is all wheat
land and has been brought under a high state of cultivation, large crops being
annually gathered. Excellent improvements have been placed upon his farm
and there is no accessory or convenience of the model farm property that is not
found there. He owns a fine residence in Prescott and his surroundings are
indicative of his life of well directed energy and thrift.
In 1869 Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Carlson, a
native of Sweden, and they have become parents of eight children: Hilma;
Augusta ; Charles, who is now deputy sheriff at Wallula ; Wilhelmina ; Ada ;
Edith ; Harry ; and Genevieve.
Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are well known residents of Prescott. His political
allegiance is given to the republican party and he has served as justice of the
peace and as school director, while at the present time he is one of the aldermen
122 OLD WAU.A WALLA COUNTY
of the city. His political activity has always been characterized by the utmost
devotion to the general good and he has been most true and faithful in his official
positions, discharging his duties with marked capability and promptness. More-
over, he is a self-made man and one who deserves great credit for what he
has accomplished in a business way. He came to the new world empty-handed
when a young man of twenty-five, but he possessed the substantial qualities of
courage, determination and industry and has utilized these qualities as the basis
of his growing success. Undeterred by the obstacles and difficulties in his path,
he has steadily worked his way upward and is now one of the prosperous resi-
dents of Prescott.
JOHN A. ROSS.
In the death of John A. Ross, Walla Walla county lost a representative agricul-
turist, a loyal citizen and a man whose worth in every relation was widely ac-
knowledged. He was bom in Pennsylvania, July i6, i860, and was reared and
educated in that state. He there remained until 1879, when, at the age of nineteen
years, he bade adieu to friends in the east and started for the Pacific coast. On
reaching Walla Walla county he here took up his abode and remained a resident
of this section until life's labors were ended in death.
It was in the year 1882 that Mr. Ross secured a faithful companion and help-
mate for life's journey in his marriage to Miss Florence Cauvel who was also
born in Pennsylvania and was a daughter of John and Matilda (Ketner) Cauvel,
who always remained residents of the Keystone state. In their family were fifteen
children, of whom eleven are yet living.
Following his marriage Mr. Ross purchased a farm near Pendleton, Oregon,
and the family resided upon that place for some time. Eventually, how^ever, he
sold that property and removed to Camas prairie, where he again purchased land
and followed farming for two years. On the expiration of that period he sold
the property and invested in a farm at Sunnyside, where he made his home for five
years. Once more he disposed of his property and this time bought a farm
near Walla Walla comprising fifty acres, to the further development of which he
at once bent his energies, his labors being attended with excellent results. He
added many improvements to the place, erected fine buildings thereon and his
labors wrought a marked transformation in the property. He was progressive
in all that he did, was an energetic farmer and his labors were at all times intelli-
gently directed and characterized by sound business judgment.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Ross numbered five children : Winifred, who is
the wife of George Calhoun ; Mabel, the wife of Dale Babcock ; Carl, who is now
in Idaho; Royal, who is with his mother; and Pauline, the youngest of the family.
The family circle was broken by the hand of death when in July, 1912, Mr.
Ross passed away, his remains being interred in the cemetery in Walla Walla.
His death was the occasion of sincere and widespread regret of the many who
knew him and of deep sorrow to his immediate family, for he possessed attractive
social qualities, a genial disposition and a kindly manner that endeared him to
those with whom he was brought in contact. He belonged to the Modern W^ood-
mcn of America and he gave his political allegiance to the democratic party. He
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 123
was also a consistent member of the Congregational church, with which his wife
is connected, and in the work of the church they ever took a most active and
helpful part. Mr. Ross was a man whom to know was to esteem and honor for
his life was ever upright and straightforward in its purposes and in its dealings
and he was a worthy representative of high standards of manhood and citizenship.
P. B. HAWLEY.
P. B. Hawley is engaged in farming on section 27, township 7 north, range ^2
east, and is regarded as one of the representative agriculturists of Walla Walla
county. He has been in former years a leading factor in political circles and has
been called upon to fill various offices, the duties of which he has discharged
with promptness and fidelity. Throughout his entire life he has been a resident
of the northwest.
Mr. Hawley was born in Umatilla county, Oregon, on the 30th of June, 1862,
a son of Philip L. and Sarah J. (Roberts ) Hawley, both of whom were natives of
Illinois. They were married, however, in Ohio and in 1861 they crossed the
plains to Walla Walla, Washington, attracted by the opportunities of the grow-
ing northwest. Subsequently the father removed with his family to Umatilla
county, Oregon, where he took up a homestead near Pilot Rock, and thereon
resided for two or three years. He then turned his attention to the lumber busi-
ness, in which he engaged in connection with George H. Reed, forming the Reed
& Hawley Lumber Company. They operated mills in Umatilla county and had
lumberyards in Walla Walla. The father was identified with this business
throughout the remainder of his active life but his labors were terminated in
death in 1878. His widow survived him for only a brief period, passing away in
1879-
P. B. Hawley after attending the public schools continued his education in the
Whitman College and thus became well qualified for life's practical and re-
sponsible duties. In partnership with his brothers, L. R. and W. B. Hawley, he
purchased extensive farm lands in Walla Walla county, built irrigation ditches and
for seven years the three brothers were most closely associated in the conduct of
their farming enterprises. In recent years, however, their holdings have been
divided and P. B. Hawley now owns in his home place two hundred and fifty acres
of rich and valuable land which he has carefully and persistently cultivated, bring-
ing his fields under a very high state of development, so that he annually gathers
good crops. He displays keen sagacity and business discernment in the manage-
ment of his interests and success in large measure has attended his labors.
In 1905 Mr. Hawley was united in marriage to Miss Lillie Hunziker, of
Walla Walla, and to them has been born a daughter, Alida F. He belongs to
Trinity Lodge, No. 121, I. O. O. F., of which he became a charter member, and
he also has connection with the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his wife
are members of the Community church of Touchet and their aid and influence
are always given on the side of progress and improvement. He is a well known
and representative citizen of Walla Walla county and there are various chapters
in his life history well worthy of emulation. He is genial in manner, social in
124 i)U) WALLA WALLA COUNTY
disposition and is cordial but never to the point of familiarity. These qualities
have won him personal popularity, while his enterprise antl diligence have gained
him prominence in business circles.
WILLIAM KIRKMAN.
William Kirkman, deceased, one of the honored pioneers of Walla Walla
county, was prominently identified with stock raising interests for a considerable
period and previous to that time vk'as engaged in prospecting for a time. His
activities were of a character that contributed to the progress and prosperity
of the district in which he resided and Walla Walla numbered him among her
most honored and valued residents. He was born near Manchester, in Lan-
cashire, England, December 7, 1832, and received his education and grew to
manhood in his native country. When about twenty years of age he came to
the United States. He had been identified with the firm of Grant Brothers, pro-
prietors of woolen mills in Lancashire, England. It is supposed that these
brothers were the originals of Dickens' characters of the Cherable brothers. They
had designed a fancy Marseilles vesting and Mr. Kirkman came to America to
introduce the goods. For two years he resided in Boston, Massachusetts, after
which he made his way westward by the Isthmus' of Panama route. He spent
some time in the gold mines of California and thea pro(:eeded by sailing vessel to
Australia and to the Sandwich Islands, but returned to the American continent
when the news was received of the^discovery of gold in paying quantities on the
Eraser river in British Columbia. He, .proceeded to the gold fields there and for
a number of years divided his time- between the mines in that region and in
California. After making and losing what in those days amounted to several
small fortunes he determined to engage in a more stable business and, accord-
ingly, in 1862, he returned to San Erancisco and the next year purchased cattle
in Oregon, which he drove to the market at Boise, Idaho. He there established
himself in the stock business. In 1866 he took an eighty-mule team pack from
Walla Walla to Montana, where he disposed of all of his goods. He then became
interested in a milk ranch and dairy business, but in 1870 he disposed of his
ranch and stock and returned to San Erancisco with the intention of making that
city his permanent home. However, he afterward came to Walla Walla and
entered into partnership with John Dooley for the conduct of a cattle business.
Their cattle range extended from Pasco to Spokane and from Sprague to the
Snake river and was known as the Figure 3 Ranch. This firm was the first to
ship cattle out of the territory to Montana and elsewhere. At a subsequent
period Mr. Kirkman became heavily interested in the sheep industry and for
many years he was an extensive raiser of both cattle and sheep. During all this
time he maintained his partnership relation with Mr. Dooley, their connection
continuing for about twenty years. He also invested in farm lands, becoming
in time the owner of twelve hundred acres. In 1891 he retired from active life
and the year 1892 was spent by him in travel in Europe. He had hoped that
freedom from business cares and the pleasure of travel would enable him to
regain his health, which had become quite seriously impaired, but this expecta-
\^ /^/-u^ot^^ .A:^ y?-Yr^^^^^.^i-^c^
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 129
tion proved futile, as he died at Stevens Point, Wisconsin, April 25, 1893, when
on his way home. Mr. Kirkman was a man alive to all public interests and op-
portunities. He was one of the early contributors to Whitman College and paid
the tuition of various students there in order to help them and the institution.
When the receipts of the college were too small Mr. Kirkman joined with John
F. Boyer to make up the deficit. He was a man of many substantial qualities
and thereby gained many friends. He contributed much to the development
of the northwest along material, social, intellectual and moral lines, his influence
always being on the side of progress and improvement for the individual and
for the community.
On the 4th of February, 1867, in San Francisco, Mr. Kirkman was united
in marriage to Miss Isabella Potts, a native of Ireland and a daughter of Robert
and Agnes (Evans) Potts, who passed their entire lives on the Emerald isle. Mrs.
Kirkman came to the United States in her girlhood, going to San Francisco to
join her two sisters who were already residing there. The four surviving chil-
dren of Mr. and Mrs. Kirkman are : William H., Fannie A., Myrtle B. and
Leslie G. The eldest son was born in Idaho in May, 1868, and pursued his edu-
cation in Whitman College and in the Boston University, from which he was
graduated on the completion of a law course in the class of 1893 and then located
for practice in Walla Walla, where he followed his profession for two years. He
wedded Maud Ashley, who passed away in 1905, leaving one son, William Leslie,
wfto was born in 1901. William H. Kirkman resided in Walla Walla and filled
the office of clerk of the federal court for a year. He was also a member of the
city council and a member of the school board. Fraternally he was connected
with the Masons as a member of the York Rite and of the Mystic Shrine, and
he also held membership with the Elks, in which he filled all of the chairs of the
local lodge. Fannie A. is the wife of A. H. Reynolds, a prominent attorney and
president of the Farmers Savings Bank of Walla Walla. The youngest son,
Leslie G., was born in Walla Walla in June, 1881, and pursued his education
in the schools of his native city. He married Mabelle E. Hawman and they have
one child, Leslie Gilmore, who was born in 1916. Leslie G. Kirkman is an Elk
and a Mason. He resides in Walla Walla and he and his brother are engaged
in farming, the latter having retired from law practice, and they are now devot-
ing their attention to the cultivation, development and further improvement of
the old homestead property which was left by their father. Myrtle B. Kirkman
resides with her mother in Walla Walla.
William Kirkman was very prominent in civic affairs and exerted great influ-
ence on many interests that had to do with the upbuilding and progress of Walla
Walla. Llis political allegiance was given to the republican party and he was a
delegate to the national republican convention which was held in Minneapolis
in 1892 and nominated Benjamin Harrison. He was appointed on the committee
with William McKinley to notify Mr. Harrison of his nomination. Mr. Kirk-
man served on the first board of directors of the penitentiary upon its establish-
ment and was a member of the board of education in Walla Walla, contributing
much to the development of its school system. As previously stated, he was
closely associated with the welfare and progress of Whitman College and was
still a member of its board of directors at the time of his demise. He was a man
of sterling qualities, possessing a kindly, genial disposition that endeared him
Vol. II 6
130 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
to those who came in contact with him, and was charitable to a fault. Although
not a member of any church, he was a liberal contributor to the support of various
religious bodies of the city and no worthy cause appealed to him in vain. His
interests were broad and embraced all that was worth while in life, yet his great-
est care and his fullest devotion were always given to his home and family.
CLEMENT O. BERGEVIN.
Clement O. Bergevin, who is actively engaged in farming on section 35,
township 7 north, range 34 east, was bom on the old Bergevin homestead in this
part of Walla Walla county, his natal day being March 16, 1891. He is a son of
Damase and Mary P. (Allard) Bergevin, the former a native of Canada and of
French extraction. He is mentioned elsewhere in this work.
Clement O. Bergevin spent his youthful days in his father's home and acquired
his education in the old French town school. In 1912 he began farming on his
own account. He had been reared to that occupation and early became familiar
with the best methods of tilling the soil and cultivating the crops. He thus
brought broad experience to his work when he started out independently. He is
now cultivating three hundred and twenty acres of land, upon which he now
resides and which is a part of his father's estate. He also owns a third equity in
a farm of three hundred and twenty acres elsewhere in the same township and a
third equity in a five hundred acre tract. His farming interests are thus extensive
and important and in all of his business affairs he displays marked energy and
determination. His industry has enabled him to overcome obstacles and diffi-
culties in his path and capable management has brought him substantial reward.
On the I2th of May, 1915, Mr. Bergevin was united in marriage to Miss
Hazel Johnson, of Walla Walla, a daughter of Edward Johnson, one of the prom-
inent coal dealers of that city. Mr. Bergevin is a member of the Catholic church
and is identified with the Knights of Columbus. He has comparatively few
outside interests, however, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention
upon his business affairs. He is yet a young man who has only passed the
twenty-sixth milestone on life's journey, but already he has made for himself a
place in business circles that many a man of twice his years might well envy. He
displays good judgment in all that he does and his careful management of his
property and his progressive methods of farming are bringing to him merited
success.
NELSON McSHERRY.
Nelson McSherry made for himself a creditable position in the business
and political circles of Prescott, so that his death was the occasion of deep and
widespread regret when on the 27th of July, 19 16, he passed away. He was
then but sixty-one years of age, his birth having occurred on the 31st of July,
1855. He was a native of Pennsylvania and a son of J. J. and Margaret
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 131
(Mitchner) McSherry, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. At
an early day they removed with their family to Missouri, settling near Warrens-
burg, where they spent their remaining days, and there Nelson McSherry was
reared and educated. He was a young man of twenty-five years when in 1880
he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Harvey, of Warrensburg, and to
them were born five children: Lulu, who is the wife of J. D. Walter; Robert,
who is living in Nevada ; Joseph C, whose home is in Prescott ; Urie D. ; and
Hester.
Mr. and Mrs. McSherry began their domestic life in Missouri and there
resided until 1888, when they came with their family to the northwest, estab-
lishing their home in Prescott, where Mr. McSherry embarked in business as
proprietor of a small mercantile establishment. He adapted himself and his
affairs to this part of the country and the conditions here existing and in the
course of years he built up a growing and gratifying business. He closely
studied the needs of the people in relation to the line of goods which he carried
and by reason of his carefully selected stock, his reasonable prices and his
straightforward dealing he won a very liberal and well deserved patronage, so
that his business became one of the profitable enterprises of the town.
In public affairs Mr. McSherry also took a deep and helpful interest. His
fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, elected him the first mayor
of Prescott. He was always ready to advance the interests of the town in every
possible way and stood at all times for progress and improvement. Fraternally
he was connected with the Woodmen of the World and the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. He was reared a Methodist, but Mrs. McSherry is a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian church. In 1913, because of faiHng health, he retired
from active business and turned the management of his store over to his sons.
Death called him in 1916 and at his passing deep regret was felt for he was a
progressive business man, a loyal and patriotic citizen, a faithful friend and a
devoted husband and father. He counted it his greatest happiness to provide
for the welfare and comfort of his wife and children and in every relation of
life he manifested those sterling qualities which command respect, confidence
and honor in every land and clime.
GEORGE E. LAMBDIN.
George E. Lambdin has been actively and prominently identified with farm-
ing and stock raising interests in the northwest and is now carrying on gen-
eral agricultural pursuits on section 22, township 7 north, range 32 east, in Walla
Walla county. He was born on the 27th of September, 1870, in Montana, his
parents being Samuel and Mary E. (Spade) Lambdin. The father was a native
of Delaware, while the mother's birth occurred in Ohio. They were married in
Iowa and at the time of the opening up of the gold fields in Montana, in 1865,
they crossed the plains with ox teams to that state. The father worked in the
mines in Deer Lodge valley and also in the Butte mines for six years and the
family went through the usual experiences of the mining camp in the west. In
1872 they removed to Walla Walla county, Washington, where Mr. Lambdin
132 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
preempted a quarter section of land just across the line in Oregon, on the present
site of Freewater. Ten years later he crossed the border into Washington and
took up a homestead on section 30, township 7 north, range 32 east, in Walla
Walla county. He then lived in this immediate vicinity until the time of his
death and during the later years of his life made his home with his son, George
E., whose name introduces this review. He passed away April 20, 1908.
George E. Lambdin spent his youthful days upon the home farm and ac-
quired a district school education. As early as his seventeenth year he began
his career as a sheepman, starting with twenty-five head. While working for
H. C. Adams as a sheep herder he accumulated a small number of sheep and his
herd multiplied rapidly, so that about 1900 he was in a position to operate for
himself on a larger scale and began independent activities. In the intervening
years he has acquired from three to four thousand acres of grazing land and
while he has recently sold off his own flock, he is associated with C. W. Stevelan
in operating sheep interests under lease. In this connection he is among the
most prominent sheepmen of the county. His business affairs are wisely and
carefully directed. His long experience in connection with the sheep industry
has taught him exactly how to care for his flock so that the best results will be
achieved. There is no feature of sheep raising with which he is not familiar
and his intelligently directed interests have brought very substantial results.
In 1903 Mr. Lambdin was married to Miss Catherine A. Bradley, of Walla
Walla county, and they have become the parents of three children: Samuel
Allen, Mary Isabelle and Margaret Elizabeth. In politics Mr. Lambdin main-
tains an independent course, although he is inclined to give his support to the
republican party. He belongs to Attalia Lodge, No. 294, I. O. O. P., of Attalia,
Washington, and he also has membership with the Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica and with the Royal Neighbors. He is true and loyal to the teachings of
these organizations and exemplifies in his life the beneficent spirit which under-
lies the different societies. As a business man his position is one of prominence
and his capability is widely recognized. He deserves much credit for what he
has accomplished, for from an early age he has been dependent upon his own
resources. As the years have gone by his labors have brought substantial results
and he is today accounted one of the foremost sheepmen of the northwest.
HON. ELGIN V. KUYKENDALL.
Hon. Elgin V. Kuykendall is a member of the state senate of Washington and
is one of Pomeroy's foremost attorneys. His record reflects credit and honor
upon the district which has honored him. He has done splendid work both as
lawyer and lawmaker and has become prominently connected with a profession
which has ever been regarded as having much to do with the stability, pros])erity
and upbuilding of every district, standing as the stern conservator of the rights,
privileges and liberties of the individual. His entire life has been spent in the
west with its boundless opportunities and limitless resources, and with him
opportunity has ever been the clarion call to action. He was born in Oakland,
Oregon, October 8, 1870, a son of Dr. G. B. Kuykendall, a foremost citizen and
^AJ^^dwl^
THE NEW YOHK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 135
leading pioneer physician of Pomeroy, who is mentioned at length on another
page of this work.
Elgin V. Kuykendall was educated in the public schools of Garfield county and
has learned many valuable lessons in the school of experience, for he has ever
been a close and attentive observer of men and of measures. Determining upon
a professional career, he took up the study of law in 1892, pursuing his reading
under the preceptorship of Samuel G. Cosgrove of Pomeroy, who was afterward
governor of Washington. In 1894 Mr. Kuykendall was admitted to the bar but
did not immediately take up the active practice of the profession but continued
to give his attention to educational work, in which for some time he had been
engaged. He had proven a capable teacher, imparting readily and clearly to others
the knowledge that he had acquired, and in 1894 he was elected county superin-
tendent of schools, in which office he served for one term. During the last year
of his incumbency in that position he was appointed to fill out an unexpired term
of six months as principal of the Pomeroy high school. In 1897, however, he
concentrated his efforts and attention upon the practice of law and in 1898 was
elected prosecuting attorney of Garfield county, in which position he served for
one term. In 1900 he was elected mayor of Pomeroy and occupied that position
for one term, giving to the city a businesslike and progressive administration
characterized by needed reforms and measures of public improvement. At the
same time he continued in the practice of law independently until February, 1898,
when he entered into partnership with Judge Ma-ek-Fi-Gosey .under. the firm name
of Gose & Kuykendall, a relationship that existed until' the appointment of the
senior partner to the supreme bench in 190^. Mr/ KuykendalL then practiced
alone for two years and in 191 1 the present law firm.of .Kuykendill & McCabe
was formed, C. Alexander McCabe being admitted to a jjdrtnefship that still
maintains, the firm occupying now a very prominent position in the legal circles
of the state. Their practice is extensive and of an important character and in
the conduct thereof Mr. Kuykendall has displayed talent, learning, tact, patience
and industry. His legal learning, his analytical mind, the readiness with which
he grasps the points in an argument all combine to make him a strong advocate
and a wise counselor. In connection with his brothers he has fourteen hundred
acres of land held in equity.
In 1896 Mr. Kuykendall was joined in wedlock to Miss Marguerite Scully, a
daughter of Matthew Scully, who was one of the pioneer farmers of Asotin
county, Washington, and now resides near Twin Falls, Idaho. Mr. and Mrs.
Kuykendall have become the parents of four children, as follows : Matthew
Lorraine, a student in the Washington State College ; Ruth Lenore, who attended
the State Normal School at Cheney, Washington, and is now engaged in teaching
in Garfield county ; Berdina Claire, a high school student at Pomeroy ; and Jerome
Kenneth, who is attending the graded schools.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Kuykendall are members of the Methodist church and she
is president of the Ladies' Aid Society of that church and also president of the
Civic Improvement Club of Pomeroy. She is likewise a member of the Red
Cross Society.
In his political connection Mr. Kuykendall has always been a stalwart repub-
lican and in November, 1916, he was chosen to represent his district in the
state senate, where he was made a member of a sub-committee for framing a
136 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
new probate code. He has been a conspicuous figure in the legislative halls and
has served repeatedly as chairman of the state central committee of the republican
party, thus taking active part in guiding the destinies of his party in the north-
west. While serving as mayor of Pomeroy he was instrumental in establishing
the present city park, which the city purchased from Governor Cosgrove.
Fraternally he is connected with Garfield Lodge, No. 25, K. P., and has been
quite active in the affairs of that organization. He has been a member of the
grand judiciary committee of the state for sixteen years, a longer period than that
of any other incumbent in the position. He is also identified with the Woodmen
of the World. His interests are broad and varied and in relation to the great
sociological, economic and political problems of the country he keeps abreast with
the best thinking men of the age. He is forceful and his ability and initiative
have made him a dynamic power in the public life of southeastern Washington.
J. U. STRAHM.
At a period when the government owned most of the land in Washington and
the work of progress and development seemed scarcely begun, J. U. Strahm and
his wife came to Walla Walla county and cast in their lot with its pioneer settlers.
They here underwent many of the hardships and privations incident to establishing
a home on the frontier, but with resolute spirit they met all these and in the
course of years came to enjoy the comforts of modem day civilization. Mr.
Strahm was born in Switzerland, July 30, 1827, and was but six years of age when
brought to America by his parents, the family home being established in Ohio.
They afterward removed to Iowa and in 1849 J. U. Strahm removed to California,
attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast. There he remained for
three years, after which he returned to Missouri, where in 1864 he was united
in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Farley, a daughter of Harvey and Elizabeth
(Bruett) Farley, the former a native of Ohio, while the latter was bom in
Indiana. The father was killed while serving as a soldier in the Civil war and
the mother afterward passed away in Tennessee.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Strahm resolved to try their fortune
in the far west and made their way across the country to Walla Walla county,
where he took up a homestead near Dixie. There was little to indicate the won-
derful changes which were still to occur as the white settlers penetrated into this
region and reclaimed its rich resources for the purposes of civilization. The
greater part of the land was still unclaimed and uncultivated and the most far-
sighted could scarcely have dreamed of what the future held in store for this rich
district. Mr. Strahm became actively identified with its farming interests and
bent his energies to the development of his place, bringing his fields under a high
state of cultivation and therefore annually gathering rich harvests.
To Mr. and Mrs. Strahm were born fourteen children, eleven of whom are
now living: Ann J-, the widow of John Byrd ; William H., who is deceased;
FJizabeth, the wife of John Glynn; Rosa D., the wife of Tom Hastings; Mary
E., the wife of Eldon Buroker ; Nora J., the wife of Joel Chitwood ; John E. ;
Nannie V., who is the wife of Alfred Brown; Lucretia R., the wife of Alvin
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY- 137
McElvain; Viola, the wife of Fred Wells; Edna, at home; Alma B., the wife
of Jene Green ; and two who are deceased.
The death of Mr. Strahm occurred February ii, 1895, at which time his re-
mains were interred in the Dixie cemetery. He had been a devoted husband and
father and had put forth every possible effort to aid in promoting the welfare
and happiness of his family. His widow still occupies the old homestead, having
eighty acres in her farm near Dixie, and the careful development and improve-
ment of the property insures to her a substantial annual income.
CHARLES C. LONEY.
Prominent among the real estate men of Walla Walla is Charles C. Loney of
the finn of Loney, Ginn & Kerrick. He was born in Toronto, Canada, on the 7th of
June, 1876, a son of Charles and Charlotte (Cole) Loney, both of whom were
natives of Belfast, Ireland. They came to Canada in childhood with their
respective parents and were there reared to manhood and womanhood. In 1883
they came to the United States, arriving in Walla Walla on the 19th of August
of that year. Here the father engaged in farming and became one of the lead-
ing agriculturists of Walla Walla county, having extensive interests. He ac-
quired some two thousand acres of valuable land near the city and for a long
period gave personal supervision to the further development and improvement of
his farm. For several years prior to his death, however, he lived retired from
active work, turning his farms over to his sons. He then took up his abode in the
city and throughout his remaining days enjoyed a well earned rest. He died in
1907, having for a considerable period survived his wife, who passed away in
1902. Both were consistent members of the Baptist church and were earnest
Christian people whose well spent lives are worthy of emulation.
Charles C. Loney was educated in the Walla Walla high school, from which
he was graduated with the class of 1896. Following the completion of his studies
he cooperated with his father in the management and operation of his extensive
farming interests until the father's retirement in 1901, at which time Charles C.
Loney took charge of the farm, continuing its further cultivation and improve-
ment until 191 1. In the meantime he had purchased the property of his father and
in the year designated he sold the home place and became a resident of Walla
Walla, where he opened a real estate and loan office. He has since been promi-
nently identified with that business and places many loans, while at the same
time he negotiates many important realty transfers. Since 191 1 he has purchased
one hundred acres of land in Umatilla county, Oregon, and eight hundred acres
in Columbia county, Washington. This property he still owns and rents. He
also has three hundred and thirty acres on Dry creek, near Walla Walla, on
which he is engaged in breeding and raising thoroughbred Percheron horses. He
thus ranks with the leading agriculturists and stock raisers of this section of the
state, while at the same time he has won for himself a most creditable position as
a real estate dealer.
On the I2th of January, 1917, Mr. Loney was united in marriage to Miss
Hazel Velma Wright, of Walla Walla, a daughter of Robert Wright, who is a
138 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
native of Umatilla county, Oregon, and for many years has been a prominent
farmer of Walla Walla county.
Mr. Loney holds membership in Enterprise Lodge, No. 2, L O. O. F., and also
in Walla Walla Encampment, No. 3. He votes with the republican party and is
interested in all matters of progressive citizenship, cooperating in every plan and
measure which he deems of value and benefit to the community. The greater
part of his life has been spent in this section of the state and he has become imbued
with the spirit of western enterprise that has led to the rapid and substantial up-
building of this section of the state. This spirit has been the dominant factor in
the attainment of his own success, a success that now places him with the men of
afiiuence in his adopted county..
HON. OLIVER T. CORNWELL.
Hon. Oliver T. Cornwell is a dominant factor in the agricultural, commercial
and financial circles of Walla Walla and the Inland Empire and has also exerted
a marked influence over public thought and action as a member of the state
senate, in which he is now representing. the eleventh senatorial district. It was
Mr. Cornwell who in large measure .Introduce'd. the commission form of govern-
ment here and in all his public wqrl<4i6hJis -been actuated by a spirit of progress,
improvement and of marked devotion to ,t,b.§ genexal good. He is indeed prominent
as a man whose constantly expi^nfjing ^powers have, taken him from humble
surroundings to the field of large enterprises and continually broadening oppor-
tunities. Bringing to bear a clear understanding that readily solves complex
problems, he has been able to unite diverse interests into a harmonious whole
with results that indicate his keen sagacity and unfaltering enterprise.
Air. Cornwell is a native son of Walla Walla county, his birth having occurred
upon a farm six miles north of the city of Walla Walla on the 22d of March.
1863. His father, James Madison Cornwell, became one of the Walla Walla
pioneers of 1861 and is mentioned elsewhere in this work. The son was reared
on the old homestead with the usual experiences of the farm bred boy and acquired
his early education in the district schools, after which he became a student in
Whitman College. When nineteen years of age he assumed the operation of
the home place and continued to cultivate its fields for three years as a renter.
After reaching his majority he went up into the Palouse country, in Whitman
county, and there engaged in the raising of cattle and horses. He remained in
Whitman county for eight years, after which he returned to Walla Walla and
in company with H. -S. Stott founded the drug house of Stott &■ Cornwell, with
which he was identified for three years. He then resumed active connection
with farming and stock raising interests and also began buying and shipping
cattle, with which business he has since been closely associated, being one of the
most prominent representatives of agricultural interests in this section of the
state. He now owns fourteen hundred acres of wheat land in \\'alla Walla
county and he also has heavy holdings in .Mlierta, Canada. Mr. Cornwell is a
man of forcefulness and resourcefulness and has by no means limited his
activities and energies to a single line. In fact, as extensive as are his agricultural
OLIVKR T. CORNWELL
MR8. OLIVER T. CORNWELL
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 143
activities, he has also made for himself a notable place in commercial and financial
circles. About 1903 he was one of the dominant factors in the organization of
the Walla Walla County Lumber Company, of which he became president, and in
that capacity he has since continued, his intelligent direction of the afitairs of the
company being one of the most potent elements in his growing and continued
success. He was also one of the organizers of the Peoples State Bank of Walla
Walla and was made a member of its board of directors, which position he has
since filled. He has also been identified with interests of a public and semi-public
character that have had much to do with promoting general progress. He served
for a number of years as president of the Farmers Union and while acting in
that capacity the Walla Walla Farmers' Agency was organized, of which Mr.
Cornwell was elected president, and reelection has continued him in that position
to the present time.
On the 19th of August, 1888, occurred the marriage of Mr. Cornwell and
Miss Ella Crowell, of Walla Walla, a daughter of Henry A. and Mary A.
(Thurman) Crowell, who came to Walla Walla from Iowa in 1874. The mother
was a niece of Allen G. Thurman, the great democratic leader, who was long
known as "the Old Roman." To Mr. and Mrs. Cornwell have been born three
children, Lessie L., Ethel L. and Olive E.
Mr. Cornwell holds membership with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to
Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 7, F. & A. M.; to Walla Walla Chapter, No. i, R. A.
M.; to Walla Walla Commandery, No. 2, K. T. ; to Oriental Consistory, No. i.
A. & A. S. R., of Spokane; and to El Katif Temple, A.'A.' O. N. M..S., also of
Spokane. He likewise has membership with Washington Lodge, No. 19, L O. O.
F., and with the Walla Walla Encampment of tliat order. :r.
His chief activity aside from business has beeii as a supporter of the republi-
can party and a recognized leader in its ranks. The first position to which he was
called was that of city councilman of Walla Walla in 1897. In 1900 he was
chosen to represent his district in the Washington state senate, where he served
for four years with honor and ability. In the November election of 191 5 he was
again chosen a member of the state senate and during his present term has been
called upon for much important committee service. He is now a member of the
committees on municipal corporations, on education, on industrial insurance, on
irrigation and arid lands, public utilities, roads and bridges, rules and joint rules,
banks and banking. He has done much to shape the policy of his party and for
eight years was chairman of the republican county central committee and has
been a member of the state central committee. It was Mr. Cornwell who
organized and successfully carried through the campaign establishing the com-
mission form of government in Walla Walla. His career has at all times reflected
credit and honor upon the people that have honored him. The universality of
his friendships interprets for us his intellectual hospitality and the breadth of his
sympathy, for nothing is foreign to him that concerns his fellows. Anyone
meeting Mr. Cornwell face to face would know at once that he is an individual
embodying all the elements of what in this country we term a "square" man —
one in whom to have confidence, a dependable man in any relation and any
emergency. His quietude of deportment, his easy dignity, his frankness and
cordiality of address, with the total absence of anything sinister or anything to
conceal, foretoken a man who is ready to meet any obligation of life with the
144 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
confidence and coura.m- that (.-(inK' of conscious jicrsonal ability, the right con-
ception of things and an habitual regard for what is best in the exercise of human
activities.
SAMUEL LOVE GILBREATH.
Samuel Love Gilbreath, an honored pioneer of Columbia county, Washing-
ton, became a resident of Old Walla Walla county when there were few white
settlers within its limits, and took up a homestead three miles from the city
of Dayton, although it was a number of years later that the town was laid out.
He was a successful farmer, loyal friend and a public-spirited citizen, and his
demise was the occasion of sincere regret. He was born in McMinn county,
Tennessee, March 25, 1825, and was of Scotch descent. He was a representa-
tive of one of the old families of the south, being a grandson of Archibald
Rowan, the third governor of Tennessee. His education was that aflforded by
the common schools and he remained in his native state until he became of
age. He then determined to try his fortune in the far west and, crossing the
plains, settled in Yamhill county, Oregon. For a number of years he farmed
there and then went into the cattle business, which occupied his attention until
1855, when the Cayuse Indian war broke out. He enlisted for six months'
service in the First Oregon Mounted Cavalry Regiment, which did good work in
putting down the uprising both in Oregon and Washington. He was later for
six months assistant wagon master and one of his duties was the gruesome task
of hauling the bodies of the dead back to The Dalles, from which point they
were shipped to relatives in the Willamette valley.
Following his marriage in 1859 Mr. Gilbreath drove a herd of cattle to Old
Walla Walla county. Washington. At that time the city of Walla Walla com-
prised but a very few buildings and the settlers in the county were few and
far between. He took up a homestead three miles southwest of the present
city of Dayton and built a log cabin with puncheon floors, which remained the
family home for a number of years. There were inany hardships to be endured
in those early days but the lot of the pioneer was lightened by the spirit of hos-
pitality and cooperation which prevailed. Travelers were welcomed at every log
cabin and the service of each settler was at the disposal of the others. Mr.
Gilbreath worked hard and gave careful attention to his business affairs and
as time passed his resources increased. The first crude buildings upon his farm
were at length replaced by substantial and commodious structures and the place
was brought to a high state of development. At the time of his death he owned
two hundred acres of fine orchard and alfalfa land, of which his widow has
since sold one hundred and twenty acres, still owning eighty acres, which is
valued at a high price per acre.
Mr. Gilbreath was married in 1859, in Oregon, to Miss Margaret H. Fan-
ning, of Albany, and they became the parents of thirteen children, ten of whom
survive, namely: Nancy E., a teacher; Mary, the wife of J. O. Mattoon; Lee,
a resident of Columbia county; Joseph, a resident of Seattle; Susie, the wife
of E. E. Martin ; Rose, who is teaching in Seattle ; Charles, a resident of Walla
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 145
Walla; Grace, the wife of T. O. Morrison; James, an instructor in the Uni-
versity of Washington; and Fred, a graduate of West Point and a captain in
the United States army, now with the American embassy in London.
Mr. Gilbreath was a prominent factor in public affairs in the early days and
was chosen the first county commissioner of Old Walla Walla county and
the first sheriff of Columbia county. He was a firm believer in the value of
higher education and sent several of his children to college. In many ways his
influence was felt in the advancement of his community, and personally he was
held in the highest esteem because of his unswerving integrity and his great
capacity for friendship. His wife had the distinction of being the first white
woman to take up her residence in the four counties comprised within Old
Walla Walla county, and she, too, proved her courage and perseverance in per-
forming cheerfully and efficiently the many and arduous duties that fell to the
lot of the pioneer wife and mother.
CHRIS H. ROMMEL.
Chris H. Rommel is residing on section 35, township 14 north, range 41 east,
Garfield county, and is operating one thousand acres of land, being therefore
entitled to rank among the extensive farmers of Garfield county. He grew to
manhood in Manchester, Michigan, and is indebted for his education to its pub-
lic schools. When nineteen years of age he started out in life for himself and
in 1893 came to Garfield county, Washington. For some years he rented a
farm, during which time he carefully saved his money with the purpose of
buying land as soon as possible. At length he purchased his present home farm
and has extended its boundaries until he now owns one thousand acres.
Mr. Rommel was married in 1893 to Miss Anna Smith, a native of _Cali-
fornia, and they have three children: Fred C, a high school graduate; Mar}'
P., who is also a high school graduate and is now teaching; and Ena M.
THOMAS A. RUSSEL.
Thomas A. Russel, deceased, was for a number of years actively engaged in
farming on section 3, township 6 north, range 35 east, Walla Walla county, and
met with gratifying success. He was born in Ohio, September 26, 1831, and there
grew to manhood and received his education. In 1849 he accompanied his
father John Russel, to California, crossing the great unsettled plains of the west
by team, a long, tedious and dangerous joumey, and again in 1852 he came to
the coast by the overland route, but each time he returned to Ohio, where he
maintained his residence until 1864. In that year he went with his bride by
horse team to the Sacramento valley of California, where he lived for three years,
during which time he taught school. They then removed to Bowling Green,
Missouri, and for twenty-one years he was a resident of that state. During
that time he engaged in the practice of law, successfully appearing in most of
the more important trials of his district. In 1888, however, he removed with
146 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
his family to Walla Walla county, Washington and the remainder of his life
was devoted to agricultural pursuits.
Mr. Russel was married in 1864 in Ohio to Miss Mary C. Willman, also
a native of that state. To their union were born ten children: John B. and
William, both of whom are deceased; Frank; Thomas and Anna, who have
passed away ; I'hoebe L. ; Lincoln and Grant, twins, and Leslie, the two latter
being deceased ; and Joseph, who resides in Canada.
Many interesting experiences came to Mr. Russel in his long life, and from
the time he accompanied his father to the west in 1849 until his death he was
much interested in this section of the country, even while still residing in the
east or middle west. He found great pleasure in watching the process of devel-
opment that has made the west a rival of the east in all that pertains to the
highest civilization, and his influence was invariably cast on the side of progress.
He passed away in January, 1901, and was laid to rest in the Mountain View
cemetery.
HON. F. M. WEATHERFORD.
Hon. F. M. Weatherford is now living practically retired in Dayton but for
many years was actively and extensively connected with farming interests and is
still the owner of much valuable wheat land in this section of the state. More-
over, he has been prominently connected with public affairs and has been called
upon to represent his district in the general assembly. He was born in Missouri,
November 12, 1855, and is a son of Alfred H. and Sophia (Smith) Weatherford,
both of whom were natives of Virginia and at an early day removed westward
to Missouri, where their remaining days were passed. They had a family of nine
children but only three are now living.
While born in the middle west, Hon. F. M. Weatherford has spent the greater
part of his life in the Pacific coast country. He crossed the plains in 1864, when
a lad of but nine years, and became a resident of Linn county, Oregon. The
trip was made with ox teams and wagon and he was six months en route, expe-
riencing many hardships and privations as the party traveled over the barren
plains, the hot sandy desert and across the mountain ranges. He took up his
abode with a brother in Oregon and there remained until 1872, when he made
his way northward to Walla Walla county, Washington. The following year,
when a youth of eighteen, he rented a farm nine miles southwest of Dayton in
the section known as Bundy Hollow. Later he bought land east of Dayton and
occupied that farm for twenty years, his labors bringing about a marked trans-
formation in the appearance of the place, for when the land came into his pos-
session it was wild and undeveloped. With characteristic energy he began to
cultivate it, breaking the furrows, planting the seed and in due time gathering
rich harvests. Year by year the work of operating the farm was carried on and
as his financial resources increased he made other investments in property, adding
to his holdings from time to time until he is now the owner of sixteen hundred
acres of fine wheat land in Columbia county. He was also at one time vice
president of the Farmers Exchange at Waitsburg, which he aided in organizing.
HOX. F. M. WKATHKRFORD
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 149
lie has now put aside the more active worl: of the fields, leaving that to others,
while he is enjoying a well earned rest, having taken up his abode in Dayton.
His farm property yields to him a most gratifying annual income and his energy
and sound business judgment have brought him success.
In 1878 Mr. Weatherford was united in marriage to Miss Harriet A. Turner
and they have become parents of five children: William M.; J. C, who is living
upon the home farm; Mary S., who is the wife of Elmer Dunlap; Clara L., the
wife of W. E. Bruce ; and Arthur M., who is also upon the home farm.
In his political affiliation Mr. Weatherford is a democrat and has taken an
active part in advancing the interests of the organization. His fellow townsmen,
appreciative of his worth and his devotion to the party, elected him to represent
them for one term in the state legislature. The cause of education finds in him a
stalwart champion and he has done effective work in behalf of the schools as a
member of the school board. Fraternally he is connected with Dayton Lodge,
No. 136, I. O. O. F., and both he and his wife are merribers of the Methodist
Episcopal church. South, and in its work take an active and helpful interest, doing
all in their power to extend its growth and promote its purpose. Mr. Weather-
ford deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. He started out in the
business world empty-handed, yet he has passed many another traveler on life's
journey whose start was perhaps more advantageous. His success is the direct
result of indefatigable industry intelligently directed, and, advancing year by
year, he has become one of the prominent and prosperous men of Columbia
county.
HON. DAVID H. COX." "
Hon. David H. Cox has back of him an ancestry honorable and distinguished.
Upon the family records appear the names of several who have been active in
connection with framing state or national legislation. His own career has been
cast in harmony with the family record and he is now a member of the state
senate of Washington. For many years he has figured conspicuously and hon-
orably in agricultural and commercial circles and is still actively identified with
farming, his attention now being given to the management of his farm property.
A native of eastern Tennessee, he was born December 28, 1865, a son of Elbert
S. and Mary Louise (Beyers) Cox, both of whom were natives of Tennessee,
where they spent their entire lives. The mother was a niece of John Severe,
who was the first governor of Tennessee and a brother of her mother. Elbert
S. Cox was for many years one of the leading merchants of Jonesboro, Ten-
nessee, and was also extensively engaged in farming, having near the town a
large tract of land which he successfully and wisely cultivated. He was also
prominent in public affairs of the community and served for one term as mem-
ber of congress from his district. He took a most active and helpful part in
public thought and action and all that he did was characterized by a spirit of
progressiveness that made him one of the most valued residents of Jonesboro.
He passed away July 3, 1881, the day on which President Garfield was shot, in
the Pennsylvania Railroad station at Washington, D. C.
150 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
David H. Cox supplemented his public school education by study in Milliken
College of eastern Tennessee and when nineteen years of age he started out
in the business world on his own account, going to Texas, where he remained
for a year. In 1885 he came to the northwest with Walla Walla as his desti-
nation. Here he arrived on the 6th of October of that year, possessed of courage
and determination but of no funds. His financial condition rendered it im-
perative that he obtain immediate employment and he soon secured a position
on a farm. He willingly accepted any employment that would yield him an
honest living. He proved so capable in his farm work that his employer, recog-
nizing his ability, offered to loan him the amount necessary to enable him to
engage in business for himself. He took up the occupation of farming and for
a considerable period rented land. Since that date he has never been without
farm land of his own and for many years has been a most prominent figure in
agricultural circles in this section of the state. In i88g, while still continuing
in his farming operations, he became identified with the Pacific Coast Elevator
Company and managed the business from 1889 until 1901. He then became
associated with Walter S. Barnett and established the mercantile house of Cox,
Barnett & Company, under which firm name they transacted an extensive
grocery and hardware business, their sales amounting in later years to between
twenty-five and thirty thousand dollars per month. They continued the busi-
ness in a very successful manner until 1910, when Mr. Cox, in company with
Hugh A. Martin, organized the Independent Grain Company, under which title
they carried on business successfully for four years. Since then Mr. Cox has
given his undivided attention to the management of his farming properties,
which represent judicious investments and are the expression of well directed
business ability.
In 1890 Mr. Cox was united in marriage to Miss Decima E. Yeend, of
Walla Walla county, a daughter of William Yeend, one of the pioneer farmers
of this section of the state, who came to Washington from England in i86g.
Mr. and Mrs. Cox have become the parents of two children : Arthur E., who is
farming his father's land ; and Dessie, at home.
The family occupies a very enviable position in social circles and the hos-
pitality of the best homes of Walla Walla is freely accorded them. Mr. Cox
is a stalwart republican in his political views and has done much to further the
interests and promote the success of the party. He served for several years as
member of the Walla Walla city council and in 1908 was elected to the state
senate, serving as a member of the upper house of the general assembly for
four years. In 1912 he was a candidate for state treasurer, and while he car-
ried thirty-four out of the thirty-eight counties, he was defeated by the Pierce
county vote. In 1916 he was again elected to the state senate, in which capacity
he is now serving. He is an earnest working member of the upper house, care-
fully -considering the vital questions which come up for settlement, and his
position in support or opposition of any measure is never an equivocal one. He
•Stands loyally for what he believes to be the best interests of the commonwealth
and in his political record he has ever been willing to subordinate personal inter-
ests to the general good. Mr. and Mrs. Cox are consistent and faithful members
of the Methodist church and he has had the honor of representing his church
at the general conference for three successive terms. He is chairman of the
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 151
board of trustees of the church and does everything in his power to advance
its cause and extend its influence. While he has won notable success he has
never made the attainment of wealth the sole ambition of his life. He has
recognized his duties and obligations in other connections and has stood at all
times for that which is most worth while in citizenship and in the moral develop-
ment of the people at large. His life record is characterized by many honor-
able phases and should well serve as a source of encouragement to others and
constitute an example which Others may profitably follow. Coming to the west
empty-handed, he has here intelligently directed his efforts with a result, that
has been most notable and gratifying, but winning prosperity has been but one
feature of his activities, for his course has been so directed that he has gained
not only material success but an honored name as well.
DAMASE BERGEVIN.
Damase Bergevin, whose success from the time that he made his initial
purchase of land in Walla Walla county was rapid and substantial, so that he
became one of the prosperous farmers of this section of the state and at his
death left his family in comfortable financial circumstances, was born near
Quebec, Canada, on the 31st of March, 1840. He came of French ancestry.
He was there reared with no educational advantages except those found in the
school of experience. In 1865 he came to W^alla Walla county, Washington,
after spending a year in St. Joseph, Missouri. On reaching the northwest he
located in what was then known as French Town, about nine miles west of
Walla Walla, on the Walla Walla river. Two brothers had preceded him here
and Mr. Bergevin worked for a time for one of them. Between the years 1875
and 1878 he was in the employ of Dr. Baker and built the narrow gauge rail-
road from Wallula to Walla Walla, this being the first railroad in the state of
Washington. Mr. Bergevin cut the ties for this road and drove them down the
Yakima river.
It was not until 1880 that Mr. Bergevin made his first purchase of land.
At that time he and his brother Clement bought an eighty acre farm and a year
later the brothers divided their interest and from, that time forward Mr. Ber-
gevin operated independently. His success from that time forward was rapid
and he proved not only a very enterprising and progressive farmer but a man
of excellent ability in managing his financial interests. As his resources increased
he kept adding to his holdings until he had acquired sixteen hundred and
twenty-one acres of land in the home farm and also owned six hundred
and forty acres five miles north of Walla Walla and a tract of one hundred and
sixty acres at Rulo Station on the Northern Pacific Railroad. His investments
were most judiciously made and his business affairs carefully managed. He
seemed to readily recognize the essential in all business transactions and his
sound judgment and indefatigable enterprise brought to him a very gratifying
measure of success. In 1892 he was stricken with total blindness, but though
thus incapacitated in a large measure for the management of his property inter-
ests he was surrounded by the loving care of his wife, while his four sons
152 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
assumed business duties and responsibilities and as the years have passed on
more has been added to the family holdings until the Befgevin interests in Walla
Walla county are most extensive.
It was at St. Rose's Catholic Mission church at Frenchtown, July 3, 1881,
that Mr. Bergevin was united in marriage to Miss Mary P. Allard, a native of
St. Paul, Minnesota, who came to Walla Walla county with her parents, OHver
and Leo Cadie (Forest) Allard, in 1862. They crossed the plains with o.x teams,
meeting the usual experiences of such a trip, and at length located in the little
hamlet of Walla Walla. The father was a carpenter by trade and assisted in
large measure in the upbuilding of the town in the early days, erecting many of
the first buildings in the city. Mrs. Bergevin is now residing in Walla Walla.
To Mr. and Mrs. Bergevin were born six children: Leona P., now the wife of
Philip Remillard, a farmer of Walla Walla county ; Joseph Damase, who resides
on the homestead farm; Arthur A., also engaged in farming; Clement A., who
lives on the old Bergevin home farm; Clarence C, who was married September
26, 1917, to Miss Lois Reavis, and is farming in Walla Walla county; and
.\ugustine A., the wife of Elmer Markham, a farmer of Walla Walla county.
There are also twelve grandchildren. At one time Arthur and Clarence Ber-
gevin were engaged in the cultivation of thirteen hundred and fifty acres of
land, owning five hundred and twenty acres of that amount, but have since
divided their interests. The former was married September 27, 1916, to Miss
Margaret Gohres. He is a •.member of the Loyal Order of Moose and, like the
others of the family, is an adherfent <>f the Catholic church. He has one of the
best improved farms in the county, pn which is a large, substantial and beauti-
ful residence with extensive farm buildings, all new, modern and thoroughly
equipped. In a word, the name Bergevin has come to stand for progress and
improvement in Walla Walla county.
In his political views Mr. Bergevin of this review was a democrat and while
he never took an active part in politics he was interested in the welfare and
progress of his community and gave his support to all measures which he deemed
of public benefit. He died on the 31st of July, 191 1, honored and respected by
all who knew him. His had been a most active and useful life and one which
was crowned with a very substantial measure of prosperity. In fact his record
should serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to others, showing
what may be accomplished through determined purpose, unfaltering industry
and sound judg^ient.
CHARLES MOORE.
Charles Moore was an early settler of Walla Walla county and for a num-
ber of years was prominently identified with agricultural, commercial and trans-
portation interests here, but in 1S82 removed to Moscow, Idaho, where he spent
much of the remainder of his life, but passed away in Walla Walla. His widow
in 1907 resumed her residence in Walla Walla and is now well known in the
city. The birth of Mr. Moore occurred in Ohio, October i, 1841, his parents
being Amos L. and Mary (Monroe) Moore, the latter's father being a cousin
CHARLES MOORE
MRS. JULIA A. MOORE
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 157
of President James Monroe. The father was born in Delaware and the mother in
Pennsylvania, but they removed to Ohio at an early day and later to Wisconsin,
whence in 1869 they came to Walla Walla county, Washington, where they
resided until called to the home beyond. To them were born five children, of
whom only one now survives, ex-Governor Miles C. Moore, of Walla Walla.
Charles Moore was reared in Wisconsin and his early education was that
afforded by the district schools, while later he attended an academy or seminary,
and subsequently became a college student. In 1861, when twenty years of age,
he enlisted in the Union army and went to the front in defense of the stars and
stripes. In 1862 he was wounded at the battle of Shiloh, or Pittsburg Landing,
and because of his injuries was honorably discharged. He then returned to the
north and entered the Wesleyan College of Delaware, Ohio, thus resuming his
interrupted education. Later he was drafted for service but because of the
wound he had previously sustained was discharged and went to Wisconsin. He
was married there in 1864 and in 1865 he and his wife crossed the plains to the
Pacific northwest by mule team and after reaching Walla Walla county both
engaged in teaching school. Several years were devoted to that profession, but
in 1870 Mr. Moore was appointed postmaster of Walla Walla under President
Grant and held the office for four years. In the meantime, in 1872, he pur-
chased the old Dr. Whitman Mission Farm and engaged in its operation until
1878, when he established a farm implement business in connection with his
brother. Miles C. Moore, at Almota, in Whitman county, to the conduct of which
he devoted the greater part of his time and attention. He was also agent for the
Oregon Steam Navigation Company of Portland, Oregon. Mrs.. Moore was the
active assistant and helper of her husband, doing clerical work in connection
with the conduct of the postoffice, and the business identified with freight navi-
gation. Soon he became interested in the building of a telegraph line from
Colfax to Ulmota, on Snake river, and went up the river and assisted in rafting
the poles down to be used in the construction of the line. Subsequently he with
others owned the telegraph line from Dayton to Walla Walla, which was con-
nected with government telegraph lines. In 1882 he removed to Moscow, Idaho,
where with his brother. Miles C, later governor of Washington territory, he
erected a grist mill. Mr. Moore of this review maintained his residence in
Moscow for a number of years. He became a heavy landowner, his holdings
including a large tract on the Snake river in Garfield county, Washington, five
hundred acres of which is still in possession of his widow, and two hundred
acres near Moscow, Idaho. He was a man of unusual soundness of judgment
in business affairs and his advice was often sought by others.
On the 13th of October, 1864, Mr. Moore was united in marriage in Wis-
consin to Miss Julia A. Kneen. a native of the state of New York and a daughter
of John and Margaret (Teare) Kneen, both of whom were natives of the Isle
.of Man. In young manhood and womanhood they emigrated to America and
settled in the state of New York, whence in 1846 they removed to Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, while subsequently they became residents of Kilbourn City, Wiscon-
sin. The mother's death occurred in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but the father
survived until 1878. To them were born four children, of whom Mrs. Moore
is the only one now living. By her marriage she became the mother of four
children: Harry K., a resident of Walla Walla; Flora P., at home; F. Gushing,
158 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
who is a mining engineer now in British Coknnbia ; and Edna L., the wife of
D. F. Baker, of Walla Walla.
Mr. Moore gave his political support to the republican party and carefully
studied the questions and issues of the day, but was not a narrow partisan.
Whatever he undertook he carried forward to successful completion and won
not only financial independence but also a high place in the esteem of his fellow-
men. In early manhood he was a member of the Masonic fraternity and ex-
emplified in his life its beneficent purpose.
Since her husband's death Mrs. Moore has successfully managed the estate
and general business interests connected therewith and in 1909 she erected her
present modern and attractive home on Alvarado terrace in Walla Walla. In
the meantime, however, following her husband's demise she removed to Cali-
fornia with her children in order that they might have the benefit of educational
instruction there and later she established her home in Evanston, Illinois, that
they might continue their studies in the Northwestern University. In 1896 she
returned to the old home in Moscow, Idaho, and in 1907 removed to Walla
Walla, where she has since resided, two years later building her present home.
She is a member of the Reading Club, one of the oldest clubs of Walla Walla,
and is active in connection with those interests which work for intellectual
progress and cultural value.
G. B. DAGUE.
G. B. Dague, one of the leading agriculturists of Walla Walla county, where
his holdings embrace fourteen hundred and seventy acres of valuable land,
resides on section 25, township 8 north, range 35 east. His birth occurred in Kan-
sas on the 31st of December, 1871, his parents being Henry H. and Mary Eliza-
beth (Poomian) Dague, the former a' native of Pennsylvania and the latter of
Ohio. Soon after their marriage, which was celebrated in the Buckeye state, they
removed to Jefferson county, Kansas, there residing until the spring of 1872,
when they took up their abode in western Kansas. There the mother passed away
in 1881, and the father's last years were spent with his children.
G. B. Dague was reared under the parental roof and attended the common
schools in the acquireinent of an education. In 1889, when a youth of eighteen
years, he made his way westward to the state of W'ashington and for a number
of years thereafter he worked for others. In 1898 he located permanently in
Walla Walla county and began farming on his own account, renting a farm near
Prescott. Five years later he bought his first land, coming into possession of two
hundred and forty acres near Hadley Station, while two or three years afterward
he purchased an adjoining tract of one hundred and sixty acres. In May, 1908.
he purchased what was known as the old Sergeant Smith place of six hundred
and fifty-three acres and in 191 1 he became the owner of what was known a.s
the Geaney place of four hundred and seventeen acres, which is his present home
farm. His holdings in Walla Walla coiuity embrace altogether about fourteen
hundred and seventy acres, all located in township 8 north, range 35 east, much
of this being of the very best and most valuable land in the county. Mr. Dague
OLD \\^\LLA WALLA COUNTY 159
also has heavy land holdings in Morrow county, Oregon, and in Benton county,
Washington. His record is indeed commendable and one that should serve to
inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished by industry,
perseverance and determination. Twenty-two years ago he was driving a header
wagon over the land which he now owns and was earning, but a dollar and a
quarter per day. His present financial condition clearly indicates the progress
he has made, for, actuated by laudable ambition, he has worked his way steadily
upward to a position among the most substantial agriculturists of the county.
On Christmas day of 1901 Mr. Dague was united in marriage to Mrs. Bertha
L. (Prather) Washburn, by whom he has two children, Georgia E. and George
Byron.
He is independent in politics and for thirteen years has ably served as clerk
of the school district. Fraternally he is identified with Washington Lodge, No.
19, L O. O. F., of Walla Walla, and he also belongs to the M. W. of P. His
life has been an active, useful and honorable one, winning for him the high
regard and esteem of all with whom he has been brought in contact, so that the
circle of his friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.
FRANK AHLLER.
Frank Miller, starting out in the business world as a farm hand when a
young lad in his teens, is now one of the prosperous citizens of Starbuck, where
he has extensive realty holdings. He is also the owner of much valuable prop-
erty and is otherwise connected with the business interests of southeastern
Washington in a most active and extensive way. He was born in Germany.
June 24, 1858, and is a son of John and Louisa Miller, who were also natives of
that country, whence they came to America in 1867. They established their
home upon a farm in Wisconsin, where they spent their remaining days, being
long identified with the agricultural interests of that locality. They had a family
of nine children, but Frank Miller and his sister Josephine are the only ones
now living.
Reared and educated in Wisconsin, he is indebted to the public school sys-
tem of that state for the opportunities which he had to prepare for life's prac-
tical and responsible duties through the work of the schoolroom. He went to
Illinois when a lad of fourteen years and there secured employment as a farm
hand, in which work he engaged until he reached the age of twenty-two. He
then left the Mississippi valley and made his way to the northwest, arriving in
Walla Walla county, after which he secured a situation in a brewery in Walla
Walla, where he remained for four years. He then took up the work of garden-
ing at Walla Walla, which he followed for a year, after which he rented a farm
and for six years was engaged in its cultivation. He took up a homestead two
miles and a half or three miles south of his present home. This he proved up
on and lived there eight years, after which he sold the place. He then bought
five hundred acres, mostly wheat land, much of which is irrigated, and he also
has thirty-five acres planted to alfalfa and to fruit, having one of the fine orch-
ards of his part of the state. He is likewise a stockholder in the bank at Star-
160 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
buck and he has made extensive and judicious investments in real estate, owning
very large property interests in the village. His business affairs have brought
him very substantial success, for his investments have been judiciously made
and his untiring industry has also brought splendid returns.
In 1882 Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Sack, a native
of Illinois, and they became the parents of nine children, namely: Louisa, the
wife of Charles Krause; Simon; Eva, the wife of H. H. Foster; George, who
married Hazel Schultz; Fred, now in Camp Lewis with the American army;
and Jesse, Ida, Frank and Grace, all yet at home. The wife and mother died
September 30, 191 7, and was laid to rest in Starbuck cemetery. She was loved
and respected by all who knew her.
In his political views Mr. Miller is a democrat and gives stanch support to
the party and its principles, although he does not seek or desire public office.
He is a self-made man, for he started out to provide for his own support
with no capital whatever and all that he has achieved and enjoyed is attributable
to his persistent purpose and well-directed energy. He has been both the archi-
tect and builder of his own fortunes and has builded wisely and well.
WILLIAM S. MALLOY. ■
William S. Malloy, a retired agriculturist residing in Walla Walla, where he
has the finest home on Washington street, is still the owner of twenty-four
hundred acres of wheat land which is now being cultivated by a renter. His
birth occurred in New Brunswick, Canada, on the 17th of June, 1844, his parents
being John and Catherine (Sutton) Malloy, the former a native of County Wex-
ford, Ireland, and the latter of New Brunswick. John Malloy was a young man
of eighteen years when he left the Emerald isle and took up his abode in New
Brvmswick, where he was married. In 1853 he and his wife crossed the border
into the United States, establishing their home in Stillwater, Minnesota, where
Mr. Mallov and two sons, Robert and James, were prominently identified with the
lumber industry for many years. It was there that his demise occurred in 1871,
and the mother passed away in 1884. In their family were the following children :
George, John, Robert, James and William S., of this review.
William S. Malloy, who was a lad of nine years when he accompanied his
parents on their removal to Minnesota, acquired his education in the common
schools of Stillwater, that state. In 1864, when a young man of twenty years,
he left the parental roof and made his way westward to Montana, and for
about six years he was employed in the mining fields of Virginia City and in
Deerlodge county. The year 1870 witnessed his arrival in Walla Walla county,
Washington, and here he embarked in the cattle business, in which he became
extensively interested, his large herds roaming the plains on the Columbia,
Palouse and Snake rivers. At the end of six years, cattle having gone so low
in price that the business was not promising, he disposed of his cattle and for
a period of twenty months gave his attention to mining in southern Utah. He
then returned to Washington, locating in Columbia county, where he became
engaged in farming and in the stock business, his undertakings in that connection
WILLIAM S. MALLOY
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 163
being attended with prosperity that enabled him to add to iiis iioldings from time
to time until they now embrace twenty-four hundred acres of valuable wheat
land. In the cultivation and development of this extensive tract he was actively
engaged until 1917, when he put aside further business cares and is now living
retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest. In the fall of 1894 he had established
the family home in the city of Walla Walla and there it has been maintained to
the present time. Realizing that the public do-main will soon be gone Mr. Malloy
went to Toole county, Montana, in 1917 and purchased in the northwe.st part of
that state, east of the Rocky Mountains, twenty-seven hundred acres of land in
one body, which he is now breaking and seeding and making other improvements
with the intention of converting it into a farm.
In 1874 Mr. Malloy was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary P. Lyons, a daughter
of Dan Lyons, of Lyons Ferry. The seven children of this marriage were as
follows : William Lee, Robert Ralph and Ernest Lyons, all of whom are deceased ;
Elizabeth, who is the wife of Oscar Drumlieller, of Walla ^^'alla; Minnie P., at
home; Thomas D., an agriculturist residing in Columbia county; and Angeline
M., at home. The wife and mother passed away in May, 1916, and her demise
was the occasion of deep and widespread regret.
Mr. Malloy is a democrat in his political views but has never sought nor
desired office as a reward for his party fealty and in fact has always refused
official preferment. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and with the
Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has now passed the seventy-third mile-
stone on life's journey and his career has ever been such that he can look back
over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear. His
memory compasses the period of pioneer development and later progress here,
and he has ever borne his share in the work of upbuilding and improvement.
O. Z. -SKINNER.
With the development of a district, town or city, real estate activity has much
to do and one of the most important factors in substantial growth and progress
is the real estate dealer who wisely directs purchases and sales and thus adds
much to the beauty and development of the city in which he operates. A notable
record of success is that of O. Z. Skinner, senior partner of the firm of O. Z.
Skinner & Company, real estate and insurance agents in Walla Walla. He was
born in Havana, Mason county, Illinois, December 12, 1853, a son of Orlando and
Martha (Reeder) Skinner, who were natives of the state of New York and of
Illinois respectively. They were married in the latter state, to which the father
had removed in early manhood. He was a well known minister of the Universalist
church and devoted his life to that cause. In 1910 he came to Walla Walla,
where he lived retired, making his home with his son, O. Z. Skinner, up to the time
of his demise, which occurred on the 8th of June, 1914. For a considerable
period he had survived his wife, who died in February, 1897.
O. Z. Skinner was educated in the district schools of his native state and
in the Jefferson Liberal Institute at Jefferson, Wisconsin. After completing
his education he was for some years engaged in merchandising in Durand, Wis-
164 OLD WATJ.A WALLA COUNTY
consin, and still later turned his attention to the dnig business, which he con-
ducted in Fairmont, Minnesota, for a number of years. He was afterward for
thirteen years identified with the lumber industry in northern Wisconsin, acquir-
ing extensive farming lands there also, which during these years he operated in
connection with the conduct of his lumber interests. The year 1898 witnessed
the arrival of Mr. Skinner in the northwest. In that year he became a resident of
Walla Walla and entered the manufacturing field, concentrating his efforts upon
the manufacture of mattresses and furniture. He continued active along that
line for five years and then turned his attention to the real estate and insurance
business, with which he has since been prominently identified. He owns extensive
timber land in Union county, Oregon, and in the summer of 1917 began cutting tim-
ber therefrom. He realizes what this state has to offer and has improved its
natural resources, thereby advancing his individual interests while promoting
general progress and prosperity.
On the 18th of September, 1881, Mr. Skinner was married to Miss Ella M.
Young, of Dunn county, Wisconsin, who was a teacher in the ])ublic schools of that
county for a number of years. To this marriage have been born three children,
Arthur, Leslie C. and Ethel V.
Mr. Skinner gives his political endorsement to the republican party and is
well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He stands for progress
along political lines and does everything in his power to advance the success of
the party, yet does not seek or desire office. He belongs to Blue Mountain Lodge,
No. 13, F. & A. M., and is a faithful follower of its teachings. Those who know
him in a business way speak of him as a dominant factor in the upbuilding of
Walla Walla and as one who has made for himself a notable place especially
in real estate circles.
ALFRED L. WICKERSHAM.
Alfred L. Wickersham, a leading farmer and stock raiser of Walla Walla
township, Walla Walla county, holds title to two valuable ranches and is meeting
with signal success in the management of his afifairs. He was bom in Walla
Walla county, February 7, 1871, a son of John and Christina (Albertson)
Wickersham, natives of Ohio, who removed to this county in 1862. For a
number of years the father devoted his time and attention to freighting, as there
were then no railroads in this entire section, hauling freight from Wallula to the
mines at Umatilla Landing, Boise and many other ])oints, also the fort at Boise,
to Fort Lapwai and Fort Colville. At length he purchased eighty acres of land,
including the site of the present race track at Walla Walla and followed farming
during the remainder of his active life. He passed away September 19, 1906.
The mother, however, is still living and makes her home with a son. Ten
children were born to their union but only five survive.
Alfred L. Wickersham grew to manhood in his native county and his educa-
tion was that afforded by the public schools. By the time that he reached man's
estate he was a good practical farmer, having received training in the cultivation
of the soil and the care of stock from his father. He purchased the farm on
2;
■■BM Bd^^H
Kg>-^y ; ya^ " ' ^ ^P
1 1
■_^^^B'
'"■-■•^ gl
•i^ JPP
J
4
j^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^B};
" ^^» '
' ^1,6^^
1 !
>^ -i^gj^^g^ , ^ fst^^^^tt ^^1
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 167
Mill creek in Walla Walla township, where he still makes his home and which
comprises three hundred and fifty-five acres. He also owns three hundred and
twenty acres of fine pasture land and in addition to growing wheat and other
crops suited to this section he raises stock on an extensive scale and has found
that business likewise profitable.
Mr. Wickersham is a stanch democrat, his political belief coinciding in large
measure with the principles of that party. Although he has never failed to do
his part in furthering the progress of his community, he has not taken a promi-
nent part in politics, having no desire to hold office. He is a man of unassuming
disposition and of genuine worth and his energy, his sound judgment and his
unquestioned integrity have gained for him the respect of his fellowmen.
JONATHAN PETTIJOHN.
Jonathan Pettijohn, who was an honored pioneer settler and valued citizen
of Walla Walla county, was born in Ohio, January 13, 1827, but when still a
boy emigrated with his parents to Edgar county, Illinois, where he remained
until he was twenty-three years of age. He assisted his widowed mother in
rearing the family of children, of whom he was the eldest. In the year 1850 the
lure of gold attracted him to the west. He^and three companions started for
California on horseback, and as some of their;fliprses. died en route they walked
much of the way. On reaching the Golden 54346-, J^r. PettijQhn at once went to
work in the mines, where he met with fair success, thiere remaining for two
years. He then removed to Oregon, settling in HarrisbttTg, Linn county, where
he was married to Miss Hannah Warner rn~t!!e'year -1853., , They took up their
abode on a claim and Mr. Pettijohn followed farming. In 1859 he came with
his family to Walla Walla county, Washington, and settled on a claim in the
beautiful Touchet valley. He spent the winter of 1859 and i860 here and early
in the spring went to the Willamette, after which he removed his family to this
valley. Their home was situated a few miles below the present town site of
PrescOtt. He erected a log cabin which still stands as a monument to the early
days. He brought with him to this county a band of fine horses and some cattle
and, like most of the early settlers, engaged in stock raising. Starting with one
hundred and sixty acres of land, during the course of years he kept gradually
acquiring more land until finally he owned about thirty-four hundred acres of
valuable farming and pasture land, on which he had large herds of fine horses
and cattle. Later in life, when the stock business began to wane on account
of the disappearance of the free range, he plowed up his holdings and became
a wheat farmer in earnest.
Mr. and Mrs. Pettijohn reared a large family of seven sons and two daugh-
ters, namely : Thomas, Amas, Eli and John H., all of whom were born in
Oregon; and Huldah, A. L., Sherman, Calvin and Mary, who were natives of
Washington. All are now living but two, Eli and Mrs. Huldah Richmond.
Of those surviving all are married except the youngest son, and are fairly pros-
perous, enjoying the possessions bequeathed them by their frugal parents. All
are still residents of Walla Walla county.
168 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Mr. Pettijohn assisted three territories over the threshold into statehood
by voting for the state constitutions of Cahfornia, Oregon and Washington, and
he was a delegate to the constitutional convention of Washington. In the way
of public education he was indeed a benefactor. Public money for school pur-
poses was often inadequate to meet the teacher's salary. He felt that the school
must be maintained at any cost so he often paid most of the amount of the
salary out of his own pocket. He believed in the employment of thoroughly
efificient and competent teachers and some of the best teachers that the country
afforded taught in that little country school near his home and received a salary
equal to any. Another work in which Mr. Pettijohn deserves creditable men-
tion was in connection with a scheme that was put forth to bond Walla Walla
county for three hundred thousand dollars to subsidize a railroad company. Mr.
Pettijohn with a number of others enjoined the county from making the appro-
priation, although many were in favor of the issue. There was a very wordy
war between the two factions and every inducement was brought to bear upon
Mr. Pettijohn, the leader, to change his course, but with characteristic determi-
nation he stood for what he conceived to be right and and won out. In after
years many thanked him for the stand he had taken, as time has justified the
wisdom and value of his position.
Mr. Pettijohn was of a very sturdy type of manhood and a splendid representa-
tive of the class of hardy pioneers, who helped to make this county what it is —
a land of fine schools and beautiful homes. Along in the early '60s mines were
discovered in Idaho, Montana and Oregon and supplies were necessary for the
miners in the various camps. So the settlers fitted out pack trains or freight
wagons and packed or hauled freight to all points where needed, the pay being
sufficient to make it very profitable. Mr. Pettijohn chose the ox team and freight
wagon for his and for a number of years spent much time on the road freighting.
His wife remained at home caring for her family amid the dangers and hardships
incident to pioneer life. She was a woman of rare courage, going calmly about
her duties with hordes of half-savage Indians camped at her very door. On
occasions they would creep up and peer in at the window as she sat at her work.
She pretended not to notice them, knowing that if she showed fear or concern
they would become insolent. Not one of these noble women but met with expe-
riences that would make the bravest heart quail, yet they never complained,
for it seemed a part of life's duties to endure without a murmur.
Mr. Pettijohn passed away in June, 1913, at a ripe old age, joining that large
number who have left very thin the ranks of the real pioneers remaining. His
memory, however, is enshrined in the hearts of many who knew him and long
years will pass before his work in the community will be forgotten.
ELLERY T. NELSON.
Ellery J. Nelson is engaged in general farming on section 30, township 8
north, range 36 east, Walla Walla county, and it was upon this farm that he
was bom on the 22d of August, 1871, a son of Hiram and Sarah (Mclnroe)
Nelson. He was educated in the Valley Grove district school and also in the
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 169
Walla Walla Business College, thus becoming well equipped for life's practi-
cal and responsible duties. His youth was also largely devoted to farm work
and he early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and
caring for the crops. After reaching young manhood he continued to assist
his father in his extensive farming operations and was thus engaged until
1900, when he began farming on his own account. He is now operating a
portion of his father's landed holdings and is ranked among the successful
and progressive agriculturists of the county. He pursues the most thoroughly
up-to-date methods in caring for his fields, and in the cultivation of his crops
is meeting with excellent success, annually gathering substantial harvests.
On the 1st of July, 1915, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Julia
Kane, of St. Louis, Missouri, and to them were bom two sons, Ellery J.,
Jr., deceased, and Joseph Vincent. In his political views Mr. Nelson has
always been a republican since attaining his majority, and while he does not
seek nor desire office he is always loyal to the best interests of the community
and gives active aid and cooperation to many measures for the benefit of town
and county. He concentrates his efforts and attention upon his farming inter-
ests, which are wisely and carefully directed, and as the years pass by he is
meeting with a gratifying measure of success.
WILLIAM E. GROSS.
William E. Gross, a resident farmer of Walla Walla township who is en-
gaged in dairying and stock raising, was born in Davis county, Iowa, on the 15th
of February, 1858, his parents being B. H. and Julia A. (Rice) Gross, the for-
mer a native of Illinois, while the latter was born in Ohio. They resided for
some time in Iowa and then determined to cross the plains, making the journey
with ox teams. This was in the year 1862. They first settled in Nevada, where
they resided for eight years, and then removed to northern California, where
they remained for a decade. On the expiration of that period, or in the fall of
1880, they came to Walla Walla county, Washington, where they took up their
abode upon a farm which continued to be their home until a few years before
they were called to their final rest. They moved to Walla Walla, where they
passed the last years of their lives. They had a family of nine children, of whom
six are now living.
William E. Gross was largely reared and educated in Nevada and in Califor-
nia, his opportunities being those offered by the common schools. He studied
through the winter months and in the summer seasons aided in the farm work.
When his textbooks were put aside he concentrated his entire attention upon
farming and became identified with the agricultural interests of Walla Walh
county, where he owned nine hundred and sixty acres of valuable land. He
afterward disposed of the more extensive tract and bought the farm upon which
he now resides, comprising one hundred and sixty-seven acres. This he has since
improved with fine buildings. He now makes a specialty of dairying and has an
excellent herd of Holstein cattle. His dairy is well equipped in every particular
and he has the most sanitary arrangements for the care of the milk and the
170 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
handling of his products. He also engaged in raising Duroc Jersey hogs and his
live stock interests as well as his dairying constitute important features of his
business.
On the nth of December, 1881, Mr. Gross was united in marriage to Miss
Mary E. Cusker, who was born in Walla Walla county and is a daughter of
James and Clementine (Hay worth) Cusker, the former a native of Washington,
D. C, while the latter was born in Indiana. The father made his way westward
to Oregon when a youth of but thirteen years and later he became a resident of
Walla Walla county. Over forty years ago he settled up>on the farm now occu-
pied by Mr. and Mrs. Gross and both he and his wife died upon this place.
To Mr. and Mrs. Gross have been bom six children: Elsie R., at home; Mabel
A., the wife of E. Fluke, who has now departed this life; James B., at home;
Orien W. ; ■Myron W. ; and Myrtle Irene. ,
Mr. Gross holds membership wnth the Ancient Order of United Workmen
and is a member of the Christian church, guiding his life by its teachings and
conforming his actions to its principles. He has been progressive in all that he
has undertaken and in his business affairs has shown sound judgment and keen
discrimination. He has never been afraid of hard work nor of close application
and is numbered among those who, taking advantage of the great natural re-
sources of the northwest, have won success, gaining a place among the most
substantial citizens of this part of the state.
HOX. CHESTER F. MILLER.
Hon. Chester F. Miller is judge of the superior court of the district which
embraces Columbia. Garfield and Asotin counties of Washington. He resides in
Dayton and is one of the honored and distinguished residents of the southeastern
part of the state. He has lived in the same voting precinct for fifty-seven years
and has thus been closely associated with the development and progress of his
section of the state from jjionecr times to the present. Nature endowed him with
keen intellect and he has constantly developed his powers until he is recognized
as the peer of the ablest jurists who have sat upon the bench of the superior court
in the northwest. He was born in Linn county, Oregon, Januarj' 6. i860, a son
of George W. and Sarah E. (Ping) Miller, both of whom were natives of In-
diana. The father was born in Crawfordsville, that state, on the 6th of April,
1S30, and was a son of John Miller, a native of Tennessee, who in turn was a
son of John Miller, a Revolutionary war soldier. George W. Miller crossed the
plains with his parents to Oregon in 1851, the journey being made with ox teams
and wagon. The family home was established on a donation claim in Linn
county and George W. Miller also took up a claim near Albany, where the parents
settled. He served in the Indian wars of 1855 and in i860 he came to Washing-
ton, taking up a homestead where the city of Dayton now stands. Later he
sold that property and removed to Garfield county. His wife, who bore the
maiden name of Sarah F. Ping, crossed the plains with her parents in 1852, the
Ping family settling in Linn county. Oregon.
Judge Chester Franklin Miller was an infant of but six months when his
CHESTER F. MILLER.
THE MF-.V YORK
PUBLIC L!£«N^ARY
AST if-
\ nun -ir.Nk
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 173
parents arrived at what is now Dayton. He acquired his early education in the
district school, heing a pupil in the little old schoolhouse on the hill, and he at-
tributes much of his later success in life to the thoroughness of his instruction
at that period, his teacher being the Hon. Oliver C. White, who was then a coun-
try school teacher. Subsequently Judge Miller attended a private school in Day-
ton for two years and there prepared for college under the preceptorship of the
Hon. J. E. Edmiston, who was at that time one of the instructors in the Dayton
College. Mr. Edmiston and Judge Miller were afterward law partners, their
association being maintained for nine years. In 1878 Judge Miller entered the
Willamette University at Salem, Oregon, where he continued his studies for a
year and still later became a student in the Oregon State University, from which
he was graduated with honors in the class of 1882. Three years later his alma
mater conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts. Following his gradu-
ation he returned to Dayton and while acting as deputy clerk of the district court
he read law under the direction of Colonel Wyatt A. George, the nestor of the
Columbia county bar, who was known as "Old Equity" by his fellow prac-
titioners.
In 1886 Judge Miller was admitted to the bar by Judge Langford on the
recommendation of T. J. Anders, D. J. Crowley and R. F. Sturdevant, his ex-
amining committee, and soon afterward entered the "office of M. A. Baker and
commenced the practice of law. In 1889 he formed a law partnership with the
Hon. J. E. Edmiston, which continued until the close of the year 1890, when Mr.
Edmiston was elected prosecuting attorney. Judge, Riiller and- his brother-in-law,
Charles R. Dorr, then became partners and in T895:„r;tii,pan the .death of Mr. Dorr,
Judge Miller again entered into partnershipi- relations with Mr. lidmiston, with
whom he continued to practice until the lattdr'j .death' in i90P- No dreary novi-
tiate awaited Judge Miller. Almost from the" xjntset he-was accorded a liberal
practice which constantly grew in volume and importance as the years went on.
He won for himself very favorable criticism for the careful and systematic
methods which he followed. He has remarkable powers of concentration and
application and his retentive mind has often excited the surprise of his profes-
sional colleagues. As an orator he ranks high, especially in the discussion of legal
matters before the court, where his comprehensive knowledge of the law is
manifest and his application of legal principles demonstrates the wide range of
his professional acquirements. It was but natural that the ability which he dis-
played in his profession should win for him the recognition that demanded his
service in public office. In 1893 he was elected mayor of Dayton and he served
at different periods as city attorney and clerk of the city of Dayton. In 1900
he was elected to the office of superior judge and was reelected to that position
in 1904 by a greatly increased majority. Reelection has since continued him
upon the bench of the superior court, where he has displayed a masterful grasp
of every problem presented for solution. Moreover, his decisions indicate strong
mentality, careful analysis, a thorough knowledge of the law and an unbiased
judgment.
On the 24th of May, 1888, Judge Miller was united in marriage to Miss Nettie
Dorr, a daughter of Dr. J. C. and Ellen R. Dorr, who were among the earliest
settlers of California, and in 1879 came to Columbia county, Washington. The
father was a member of the California Legislature of 1864 and later became recog-
174 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
nizecl as one of the prominent and distinguished citizens of this state. Judge
and Mrs. Miller are the parents of six daughters, namely: Haidee, Sarah, Hilda,
Conchita, Luneta and Alice.
There is an interesting military chapter in the life record of Judge Miller,
who was captain of Company F of the First Washington Volunteer Infantry
during the Spanish-American war, being mustered into the United States service
with his company on the nth of May, i8g8. He sailed with his regiment for
the Philippines in October of that year and there acquitted himself with credit
until incapacitated by illness, when he was sent home and on the 12th of May,
1899, was honorably discharged from the service. Judge Miller is a past com-
mander of Dayton Lodge, No. 3, K. P. ; a past master of Dayton Lodge, No. 53,
F. & A. M.; a past high priest of Dayton Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M. ; a past grand
of Patit Lodge, No. 10, L O. O. F. ; a past chief patriarch of Franklin Encamp-
ment, No. 13, L O. O. F. ; and past grand master of the grand lodge of Odd
Fellows of the state of Washington. He also has membership with the Wood-
men, the Workmen, the Ea.stern Star, the Rebekahs and the Rathbone Sisters.
• Such in brief is the record of Judge Miller, one of the oldest of the pioneer set-
tlers of Columbia county who can- claim to be a native son, one of the most pro-
gressive citizens and one of the most eminent jurists of southeastern Washing-
ton. His name is written high on the roll of honor in Columbia county and his
seventeen years' service on the bench indicates that he possesses the broad-
mindedness which not only comprehends the details of a situation quickly but
also which insures a complete self-control under even the most exasperating
conditions. He has made a splendid record in the discharge of his multitudinous,
often delicate, duties and is spoken of by his colleagues and contemporaries as a
man of well rounded character, finely balanced mind and of splendid intellectual
attainments.
CLARK WALTER.
In this day of international warfare one is apt to think back over the history
of the country to see what is the American record in times of strife. History
presents many tales of heroism, showing that the American character is one that
measures up to full standards of loyalty, of duty and of courage. Among those
who fought for the preservation of the Union during the dark days of the Civil
war was Clark Walter, who is now a retired farmer residing in W^alla W'alla.
Mr. Walter was born near South Bend, Indiana, on the 7th of April, 1841,
a son of Lucius and Adaline (Fellows) Walter, the former a native of the
state of New York, while the latter was probably born in Connecticut. They
were married in the Empire state and became parents of two children there
before they removed to Michigan about 1839 or 1840. The mother's people had
preceded them to that state but after a brief period passed in Michigan, Mr.
and Mrs. Walter went to Indiana, establishing their home near Notre Dame.
At a later period, however, they returned to Michigan, where the death of the
mother occurred in 1853. The father afterward married Miss Anna Dopp and
continued to reside in Michigan until called to th^home beyond.
MR. AND MRS. CLARK WALTER
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 177
Clark Walter was reared in that state and pursued a common school education
there. He was twenty years of age when in April, 1861, he responded to the
country's call for troops, enlisting for three months as a member of the Second
Michigan Infantry. It was soon seen, however, that the war was to be no
mere holiday affair and he offered his services for three years, joining the amiy
on the 30th of July, 1861, in response to the call for three years' men. He was
mustered in as a member of Company A, Sixth Michigan Volunteer Infantry,
and at Baltimore, Maryland, was assigned to General Dixie's command. The
army remained in Baltimore until February, 1862, when they were sent to
Fort Monroe and afterward to Ship Island in the Gulf of Mexico for the attack
on New Orleans. After General Farragut's capture of New Orleans they went
on transports up the river to Vicksburg and later returned to Baton Rouge.
Louisiana. On the 14th of October, 1862, Mr. Walter was honorably discharged
from the service on account of disability. He had participated in a number of
important engagements and at all times had proven his marked loyalty to the
cause which he espoused.
After receiving an honorable discharge Mr. Walter returned to Michigan
and in 1864 he crossed the plains to California, making the trip for the benefit
of his health, which was still impaired because of the rigors of his military serv-
ice. In the fall of 1865 he returned eastward as far as Minnesota, taking up
his abode in Dakota county. He afterward removed to Sibley county, that state.
He had married in Michigan in 1864, prior to crossing the plains, and with his
family he continued his residence in Minnesota until 1877, when he once more
crossed the plains, this time accompanied by his wife and three children. Arriving
in Oregon, he settled near Athena in Umatilla county, where he purchased a
quarter section of railroad land and began farming. He had used his homestead
right in Minnesota, but the grasshopper scourge which continued; ;for four years
in that state caused him to lose all that he had, -so that he came to Oregon with
but very little money. He acquired two hundred and forty acres in his home
place, on which he resided until 1898, when he removed to Walla Walla in order
to give his children the advantages offered by the city schools. He has here since
made his home and is one of the valued and respected residents.
On the 7th of March, 1864, Mr. Walter was united in marriage to Miss
Hannah B. Kinsey, and they became the parents of eight children, six of whom
still survive, namely: Mabel L., who is the wife of Dr. J. A. Moffitt, of Sacra-
mento, California; Charles A., who follows farming in Walla Walla county;.
Edith, who is a Sister of St. Francis in the convent at Pendleton and is a painter
and musician of ability, teaching both arts at the convent; John C, who operates a
farm of his own and also his father's place in Umatilla county, Oregon ; Francis
H., who is a resident of Pierce county, Washington ; and Gertrude, who is the wife
of Elmer T. Matheny, of Walla Walla.
Mrs. Walter is descended from Revolutionary stock, her maternal great-grand-
father having served for seven years in the war for independence. His sister,
Deborah Sampson, also served as a common soldier in that war. being disguised
as a man and known by the name of Robert Shurtliff. She carried a gun and
participated in numerous battles, being twice wounded, once through the arm
and later through the breast. She recovered and subsequently married. She was
received by General Washington, who conferred honors upon her, and she was
178 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
one of the few women given a life pension by our go\ernment. AL's. Walter's
grandfather Sampson was a soldier of the War of 1812.
In his political views Mr. Walter is a stalwart democrat, and while never an
aspirant for public office, he has repeatedly been honored in local affairs. lie was
elected to the board of county commissioners of Sibley county, Minnesota. He
served as justice of the peace, as town clerk and as assessor in Sibley county
and after his removal to the west was appointed to fill a vacancy on the board of
county commissioners of Umatilla county, Oregon, and was twice thereafter regu-
larly elected thereto, serving for six years. He was a member of the board and
one of the leading factors in the building of the new one hundred thousand dollar
courthouse of Umatilla county. He served continuously as a member of the
school board almost from the time of his arrival in Umatilla county until his
removal to Walla Walla. Fraternally Mr. Walter is connected with Blue Moun-
tain Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M., with A. Lincoln Post, No. 4, G. A. R., and is
most loyal to the teachings and purposes of these organizations. Through his
connection with the latter he maintains pleasant associations with his old army
comrades and proudly wears the little bronze button that proclaims him as one
of the "boys in blue." There is in his life record nothing spectacular but his
career' is one that places him with the substantial citizens of the northwest —
men who have consistently done their duty year by year and in the legitimate
advancement of their own fortunes have contributed to the upbuilding and pros-
perity of the district in which they live.
CHARLES COYLE.
Charles Coyle is a partner in the firm of Coyle Brothers, well known dairy
farmers of Walla Walla county. His home is on section 27, township 7 north,
range 35 east. He was born in Oregon, September 14, 1865, and is a son of
James Coyle, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work in connection with the
sketch of Byrd Coyle. He came to Walla Walla county when but a year old,
the parents removing with their family to this state. He has since lived upon the
farm which he now occupies and which is therefore endeared to him through
the associations of boyhood as well as those of later years. He acquired a com-
mon school education and when not busy with his textbooks his attention was
given to the work of the fields, for he was early trained to the tasks of plowing,
planting and harvesting. He remained at home until he attained his majority,
since which time he and his brothers have carried on farming together and have
long made a specialty of dairying. In this business they are very successful and
for that purpose they keep a large herd of fine cattle. Everything about their
dairy is in excellent condition. Their arrangements are of the most sanitary and
the products of their dairy find a ready sale on the market.
In 191 1 Mr. Coyle was married to Miss Lela Truitt, a native of Missouri,
who in 1909 became a resident of Walla Walla, where her parents are still living.
To Mr. and Mrs. Coyle have been born three children, Inez M., C. Bruce and
Maxine. The parents are members of the Christian church and in politics Mr.
Coyle is a democrat. He has served as school director and as school clerk in his
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 179
district and is interested in all that tends to promote educational progress. In
fact he stands for advancement and improvement along all lines and is acknowl-
edged a man of worth, highly esteemed wherever known and most of all where
he is best known.
CLYDE H. BROWN.
Farming interests of Walla Walla county find a worthy representative in
Clyde H. Brown, who is living on section 4, township 9 north, range 36 east.
He was born in Waitsburg, this county, on the i8th of June, 1877, a son of
Albert N. and Justina (Kent) Brown. The father was a native of Iowa and
the mother of Illinois, but they were married in Kansas, where they had lived
for some years, each removing to that state with their parents. In 1876 they
came to the Pacific coast, making their way westward by train to San Fran-
cisco and thence by boat to Portland. The following fall and winter were spent
in the Willamette valley and in the spring of 1877 they came by wagon and
team to Walla Walla county, Washington, taking up their abode upon a home-
stead claim two miles north of Waitsburg. The father proved up on this prop-
erty and there resided for five years. He afterward removed to a small place
one mile west of Waitsburg, upon which he also spent five years. At the expira-
tion of that period he sold the property and purchased the Bolles Junction ranch
of four hundred and twenty acres half way between Waitsburg and Prescott.
Upon that place he lived for thirteen years and then disposed of the property
and purchased the farm upon which his son Clyde H. now resides, adjoining
the city limits of Prescott. Here he owned nine hundred acres of land which he
continued to cultivate and improve up to the time of his death in January, 191 1.
His widow is still living and makes her home with her son Clyde.
A western man by birth, training and preference, Clyde H. Brown displays
in his life the spirit of enterprise and progress which have ever been a domi-
nant factor in the upbuilding of this section of the country. He was educated
in the Bolles Junction school and in the Waitsburg public schools and was early
trained to the work of the farm, assisting in the tasks of plowing, planting and
harvesting from early boyhood. On account of his father's ill health the man-
agement of the farm devolved upon him when he was yet a young man and he
has since continued in control, carefully and wisely directing the development
and further improvement of the place. He has brought the fields under a high
state of cultivation and upon the farm there are substantial buildings which
indicate the care and supervision of the owner. He seems to lose sight of noth-
ing that should be accomplished in the work of further developing his place
and his labors have brought substantial results.
On the 15th of September, 1899, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss
Ethel Miller, of Bolles Junction, and to them have been born two sons and a
daughter, Myrle, Duane and Iris.
In his political views Mr. Brown is a stalwart republican. He belongs to
Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M. ; Walla Walla Chapter. No. i, R. A. M. ;
Washington Commandery, K. T., of Walla Walla; and El Katif Temple, A. A.
180 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
O. N. M. S., of Spokane. He also has membership with Prescott Lodge, No.
46, L O. O. F., and he and his wife are members of Waitsburg Chapter of the
Order of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Brown is also connected with the Methodist
Episcopal church. They are widely and favorably known in their part of Walla
Walla county and have an extensive circle of warm friends who esteem them
highly. Their social qualities, their loyalty in citizenship and their devotion to
the best interests of the community insure for them an enviable position in the
public regard.
ANDY TAYLOR.
Andy Taylor, one of the extensive wheat growers of Walla Walla county,
within the borders of which he has resided for the past three decades, makes his
home in the city of Walla Walla. For some years he engaged in the cultivation
of seven hundred and ninety-seven acres of land nine miles north of Prescott
and also operates a tract of two thousand acres under lease. His birth occurred
in Greene county, Tennessee, on the 15th of July, 1857, his parents being William
and Susan (Carey) Taylor, who were also natives of that state. In 1889, one
year after the arrival of their son Andy, they made their way to the Pacific coast
countrj' and for a time resided in Oregon. Subsequently, however, they took
up their abode in Walla Walla and here spent the remainder of their lives.
Andy Taylor spent the first nineteen years of his life in the state of his
nativity and about 1876 removed to Petersburg, Illinois, where he was actively
engaged in general agricultural pursuits for more than a decade. It was in
1887 that he came to Walla Walla county, Washington, and here he was employed
as a ranch hand for a period of five years. At the end of that time, in 1893,
he took up a homestead ten miles north of Walla Walla, residing thereon for
five years or until he established the family home in the city of Walla Walla,
where it has since been maintained. In the fall of 1917 he disposed of his tract
north of Prescott. The prosperity which he now enjoys is indeed well merited,
for he has ever manifested industry, enterprise and keen discrimination and in
the management of his extensive interests has been notably practical, persistent
and progressive.
In 1884 Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Mollie C. Ragsdill, of
Menard county, Illinois, by whom he has two sons : Lowell Oakley, a successful
agriculturist of Walla Walla county ; and Brooks Andy, who engages in wheat
growing with his father. Although a grandmother Mrs. Taylor is now a student
at .St. Paul's School, where she expects to complete the school work begun in her
girlhood, having a great desire for a higher education than she could obtain at
that time. This is very unusual for a woman past fifty years of age but shows
her strength of character and perseverance. Mr. Taylor gives his political
allegiance to the republican party, which he has supported since age conferred
upon him the right of franchise. Fraternally he is identified with the following
organizations: Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M.; Walla Walla Chapter,
No. I, R. A. M.; Enterprise Lodge, No. 2, I. O. O. F. ; Walla Walla Encamp-
ment, No. 3, I. O. O. F. ; and Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E. Mr.
ANDY TAYLOR
/•# ¥^»K.
MRS. ANDY TAYLOR
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 185
Taylor and his two sons are all thirty-second degree Masons as well as members
of the Odd Fellows lodge and encampment, while his wife and sons are identified
with the Order of the Eastern Star, and Mrs. Taylor is a member of the Daugh-
ters of Rebekahs. Mr. Taylor is also a member of the Farmers Union and is
widely and favorably known in Walla Walla county, where he has won friends
and fortune.
ALBERT R. MATTOON.
Albert R. Mattoon is a representative farmer of Walla Walla county who de-
serves mention among the self-made men. He had no assistance when he started
out in the business world but early realized that energy and effort will bring
substantial results and by reason of his unfaltering diligence he has gained a place
among the leading farmers of his section of the county. He was born in Oregon,
July 12, 1853, and is the only child of Aruna and Eliza A. (TrulHnger) Mattoon.
The father was a native of the state of New York, while the mother was born
in Indiana. It was in 1847 that they crossed the plains, making the journey with
ox teams and taking up their abode near Oregon City, Oregon. Mr. Mattoon
secured a donation claim, upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an im-
provement made, and there he built a log cabin. The family lived in true pioneer
style, for the work of progress and development had scarcely been begun in that
region. The Indians far outnumbered the white settlers ; the forests stood in their
primeval strength ; the streams were unbridged and the land uncultivated. Only
here and there had some venturesome spirit penetrated into the wildernesses of
the west in order to found a home and engage in business. Mr. Mattoon began
the development of his farm and continued his residence in Oregon until his
demise, but his widow afterward removed to Washington and spent her last days
in Wala Walla county.
Albert R. Mattoon was reared and educated in Oregon and remained a resi-
dent of that state until 1878, when, at the age of twenty-five years he came to
Washington and has since made his home in Walla Walla county save for a
brief period. After taking up his abode in the city of Walla Walla he was
there engaged in the implement business for fifteen years, ranking with its leading
and representative merchants. He then sold his store and returned to Oregon,
going first to Riddle, where he engaged in merchandising for seven years. He
then disposed of his store at that place and removed to Portland, where he en-
gaged in the real estate business until 1913, when he returned to Walla Walla. He
then took up his abode upon the farm on which he now resides, having sixty
acres of land on which is raised corn, hay, wheat and garden produce. At the
present time, however, he rents most of his land and is now practically living
retired.
On the 7th of November. 1880, Mr. Mattoon was married to Mrs. Nancy Jane
Knight, a native of Missouri, and to them have been born two sons : Arthur R.,
who is now living in Portland, Oregon ; and Fred V., who is successfully engaged
in the hotel business at Wenatchee, Washington. By her first marriage Mrs.
Mattoon has one son, P. B. Knight, who resides in Walla Walla. She is a daughter
186 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
of William Bartlett and Mary (Weaver) Braden, natives of Kentucky and North
Carolina respectively. They were married, however, in Tennessee, and from that
state removed to Illinois about 1838. Ten years later they went to Missouri,
where Mr. Braden died in 1S66. In 1872 Mrs. Braden came with her daughter to
Walla Walla county, Washington, and here she passed away at the home of Mrs.
Mattoon in 1887. She was the mother of twelve children, but only three now
survive. In 1873 her daughter, Nancy Jane, became the wife of William C.
Knight, who died about a year later.
In his political views Mr. Mattoon has always been a stalwart republican
since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he represented Douglas
county, Oregon, for two years in the state legislature, during which period he
was instrumental by his vote in electing John H. Mitchell to the office of United
States senator. For some years he served on the school board and the cause of
education has ever found in him a stalwart supporter. He also belongs to the Odd
Fellows lodge at Roseburg, Oregon, and his life is an exemplification of its
teachings concerning the brotherhood of man and the obligations thereby im-
posed. In all of his business career he has shown ready adaptability and resource-
fulness, combined with energy and enterprise, and whatever he has undertaken he
has carried forward to successful completion. The record which he has made
is a very creditable one and his life history shows that success and an honored
name may be won simultaneously.
HORACE G. HART.
Horace G. Hart is spoken of by friends and neighbors as a man of high pur-
pose that has found expression in his daily conduct. He is now engaged in
general farming on section 3, township 9 north, range 36 east, in Walla Walla
county. He was bom in Macon county, Missouri, on the 7th of September, 1858,
a son of Horace and Margaret E. (Mercer) Hart. The father was a native of
Connecticut and the mother of Kentucky. The former first crossed the plains
in 1846, making his way to Spalding's mission at Lapwai, Idaho, Mr. Spalding's
first wife having been his sister. In the fall of 1848, when gold was first dis-
covered in California, he went to that state and subsequently he crossed the
continent four times, twice by way of the Isthmus route and once around the
Horn. He was married on the 22d of November, 1855, ^nd in 1864 he brought
his family across the plains, making his way to the Touchet valley, where he
established his home about twenty miles north of Walla Walla. There he became
actively identified with farming and stock raising and acquired two hundred and
forty acres of land, upon which he spent his remaining days, passing away
September i, 1892, when in his eightieth year. His experiences were broad and
varied, acquainting him with all phases of mining life and with all phases of pioneer
life in the far west. On the 2gth of May, 1893, his wife passed away when sixty-
nine years of age.
Horace G. Hart was reared under the parental roof upon the western frontier,
having been but six years of age when the family came to Washington. His edu-
cation was acquired in the district schools and as early as his eighteenth year he
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 187
began farming on his own account, operating his father's fann, which he continued
to manage until after his father's death. In the meantime, on attaining his major-
ity, he filed on a homestead adjoining his father's place and continued its cultiva-
tion in connection with the further development of the old homestead. Follow-
ing his father's demise he came into possession of the farm on which he still re-
sides, but has sold much of the land, retaining one hundred acres as a home. His
career has been that of a very busy man. He has closely applied himself to the
care and management of his property interests and he has long ranked with the
leading and representative agriculturists of his section of the state.
On the 28th of March, 1881, Mr. Hart was united in marriage to Miss Ollie
L. McKinzie, of Walla Walla, a daughter of Isaac McKinzie, one of the early
settlers of the county. To this union have been born ten children : Myrtle A.,
the wife of Daniel Callahan, a farmer of this county ; Carl E.. of Waitsburg, Wash-
ington; Ralph H., a farmer of Walla Walla county; Lulu P., the wife of Arthur
Coe, a farmer residing at Milton, Oregon; Mabel, the wife of Herbert E. Carr, of
Prescott ; Dorsey, a resident of Detroit, Michigan ; and Mary, Lester, Loveme and
Horace, Jr., all at home.
Since attaining his majority Mr. Hart has given stalwart allegiance to the
republican party but has never been an aspirant for public office. He, however,
allowed his name to be used on the prohibition ticket for the office of county com-
missioner. He has always been a stanch advocate of temperance and does every-
thing in his power to advance the cause. He belongs to Prescott Lodge, No. 46,
I. O. O. F., and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He and his wife are
members of the Federated church at Prescott and his aid can always be counted
upon to further any movement that tends to uplift the individual or advance the
best interests of the community. His standards of life are high and those who
know him have come to recognize the fact that his word is as good as his bond.
ALEXANDER PRICE.
Alexander Price was a most prominent and progressive farmer of Columbia
county for many years and in his death the community lost one of its valued
citizens. He was born in Missouri, November 3, 1847, ^ son of Joseph S. and
Sarah (Williams) Price, the former a native of Kentucky, while the latter was
born in Indiana.
Alexander Price was reared and educated in Missouri and was a youth of
seventeen years when he crossed the plains, traveling with ox team and wagon
after the primitive methods of the period. There were no railroads across the
country at that time and with the slow-plodding oxen only a few miles could be
covered every day. Thus the trip lengthened out over weeks and months but
eventually they reached their destination and Mr. Price became a resident of Yam-
hill county, Oregon. There he secured employment as a farm hand, remaining in
that state until the fall of 1870, when he came to Walla Walla county and took
up a homestead nine miles southwest of Dayton. Upon that farm he lived for
»even years and his labors wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of
188 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
the place. His widow still owns that property, which has now become very
vakiahle.
In 1873 Mr. Price was united in marriage to Miss Clarinda J. Anderson, a
native of Missouri and a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Power) Anderson,
who were natives of Indiana. They removed from that state to Missouri, where
the father died in the year 1850. The mother afterward crossed the plains with
her family in 1865, spending her last days in Washington. To Mr. and Mrs. Price
were born seven children: George F. ; Martha, at home; Celestia, the wife of
James J. Edwards ; Susan M. ; Alice L., who has passed away ; Homer E. ; and
Joseph W^.
The death of the husband and father occurred in 1906 and he was laid to rest
in Dayton cemetery, leaving a widow and six children to mourn his loss. He had
been devoted to their welfare and by reason of his capable business management
and wise investments, combined with indefatigable energy and industry, he was
able to leave his family in very comfortable financial' circumstances. Mrs. Price
and her children now own more than five thousand acres of valuable wheat land
in Columbia county, all of which is improved, and she also has an attractive resi-
dence in the city of Dayton, where she is able to enjoy all the comforts and many
of the luxuries of life. She belongs to the Congregational church and takes an
active interest in its work. In fact, she is ever ready to endorse those plans and
measures which tend to uplift the individual or uphold the betterment of the com-
munity at large. For many years the Price family has lived in this section of
the state, coming here long before Washington was admitted to the Union, and
they are prominent not only as pioneers but in those social circles where true
worth and intelligence are accepted as the passports into good .society.
HON. WILLIAM FARRISH.
In the front ranks of the columns which have advanced the civilization of
Washington, Hon. William Farrish has led the way to the substantial develop-
ment, progress and upbuilding of Asotin county, being particularly active in
the growth and progress of the district in which he still makes his home. His
memory goes back to the time when the entire Pacific coast was but sparsely
settled, when much of the land had not been reclaimed for purposes of civiliza-
tion but remained in the primitive condition in which it came from the hand of
nature. He has lived in the same house in three different counties owing to the
division of the old county necessitating change of name and installation of new
county governments. He has seen the forests cut, the streams bridged and the
work of development carried forward and at all times has borne his part in the
general advancement and improvement which has brought Asotin county to
its present condition. He was born in Richibucto, province of New Brunswick,
Nova Scotia, August 9, 1835, a son of William and Catherine (Smith) Far-
rish, who were natives of Scotland. The father was a lumberman and thus
provided for his family.
Hon. William Farrish was the second in order of birth in a family of three
sons and three daughters, of whom only three are now living. He acquired his
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 191
early education in the paid schools of New Brunswick, which he attended for
about three years. He left home in 1853, when eighteen years of age, and made
his way to Wisconsin, settling in Grand Rapids, that state, after which he worked
in the lumber camps, cutting logs and sawing hmiber, which was then rafted
down the Mississippi and sold. Part of the time he worked for others and
during a part of the time engaged in business there on his own account. He
continued a resident of Wisconsin until 1878, when he removed to the west,
traveling by rail to San Francisco and thence by boat up the coast and up the
Columbia river until he took up his abode in Columbia county, Washington,
establishing his home in that section which is now Asotin county. He made his
way by stage from Walla Walla to Dayton and on to Pomeroy and to Columbia
Center, where his wife's people lived. From that point he came to Asotin, where
he embarked in the lumber business in connection with his father-in-law, T. G.
Bean. They were thus associated in business for twenty years, on the expiration
of which period Mr. Farrish purchased his partner's interest and conducted the
business alone. He came to Washington territory in the spring of 1878, when
there were a number of Indian uprisings occurring in various sections. There
were only about twenty families living in the Anatone country at that time and
there was great fear among them because of the possibility of an outbreak of
Indian hostility at any time. Some of the men began to build a stockade in the
hills and Mr. Farrish sent two of his men to help them cut logs and build the
stockade, into which all of the families were taken. The Indians, however, did
not attack them although the people were expecting an attack daily. The asso-
ciation which existed between Mr. Bean and Mr.. Farrjsh. was ever most har-
monious and their business affairs were carefully, jvisely and- successfully con-
ducted. They would haul the lumber from the mountains by team and then
raft the lumber down the Snake river. They furnished the lumber for the
famous Truax interests, used for the building of the -big warehouses, and also
the lumber for the Columbia county plank road. They had a lumberyard at
Ilia, in Columbia county, now Garfield, as well as at Asotin, and sold lumber
throughout old Walla Walla county. They sold the lumber for the old grist mill
at Almota, the frame of which is still standing although it was erected in 1878.
After coming to Washington, Mr. Farrish lived in the timber for about five
years. Later he removed his home on the ranch, where he remained for about
fifteen years, when his residence was destroyed by fire. He then took up his
abode in the town, where he had another home that had been erected several
years before. He has always been actively identified with the lumber interests
during the period of his residence in Washington and has done much to develop
the lumber resources of this section of the country and has thus added mate-
rially to the wealth, development and progress of the state. He owns a ranch of
eight hundred acres, half of which is under cultivation and is now being managed
by his son, Harry H.
Mr. Farrish was united in marriage to Miss Content V. Bean, who was born
April 14, 1847, in Union county, Wisconsin, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. G.
Bean, who were pioneers of Washington. On removing westward from Wis-
consin they settled for a time on the Walla Walla river, where the father con-
ducted a shingle mill. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Farrish was celebrated in
Plover, Wisconsin, on the 31st of March, 1869, and to them were born seven
192 . OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
children: William Thomas, born in Port Edwards, Wisconsin, February 14,
1870, and now a resident of Walla Walla, married Georgia Bradley and to them
were born four children. Frank A., born in Port Edwards, Wisconsin, Decem-
ber 16, 1873, is now a resident of Anatone and operates the sawmill there. He
married Nellie Smelcer and to them were born three children who are living and
one who died in infancy. Harry H., born in Port Edwards, Wisconsin, April
16, 1876, and now ably conducting the home ranch, married Carrie Evans and
they have two children : Gervais, who died in infancy ; and Colin. The younger
children of this family were all born in the same house although in different
counties, owing to the various divisions which were made in the counties at that
period. Arthur, who was born in Columbia county July 7, 1878, is now con-
ducting his father's interests in the Imuber business and lives at home. Grace
was born in Columbia county June 25, 1880, and is the wife of George .N.
Ausman, a prominent rancher of Asotin county and a son of one of the early and
honored pioneer settlers mentioned elsewhere in this work. They have six chil-
dren. Robert Bruce was born July 14, 1883, and now occupies a homestead
ten miles from the town of Asotin, in Asotin county. He married Maud Trent
and they have become the parents of two daughters. Edith, born August 8, 1886,
in Asotin county, is the wife of E. R. Downen, who served two terms as county
treasurer and is now county assessor, and they have two sons. The wife and
mother passed away in Asotin, November 14, 1916, and her death was the
occasion of deep and widespread regret, for she had endeared herself to many
with whom she had been brought into contact. She was a consistent member of
the Methodist church, to which j\Ir. Farrish also belongs.
In politics he is a stanch republican and represented his district in the state
legislature in the first, second and third sessions after Washington was admitted
to the Union. He was made a Mason in Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, in 1852 and
holds membership in the Royal Arch Chapter in Lewiston. He is the only living
charter member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Anatone.
FREDERICK J. FLEISCHER.
Frederick J. Fleischer occupies a central place on the stage of business and
political activity in Prescott. Important public and private interests have been
controlled by him to the benefit of the public and he well deserves the position
of leadership which is accorded him. He is vice president and the cashier of
the First State Bank of Prescott and is now serving as mayor of the city. He was
born in Madison, Wisconsin, on the i6th of May, 1871, and is a son of John A.
and Elizabeth (Miller) Fleischer. His paternal grandfather, Knute J. Fleischer,
was of German descent on his father's side, although of Norwegian birth, and
he came to the United States as Norwegian consul.
John A. Fleischer, father of Frederick J. Fleischer, was bom in 1846 and
was but five years of age when brought by his parents to the new world, so that
he was reared in Madison, Wisconsin, where the family home was established.
He was a youth of seventeen when, in response to the call of the country for
troops to service in the Civil war, he enlisted in a Wisconsin regiment and through
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 193
the following two years rose to the rank of second lieutenant. The war having
ended, he was then honorably discharged and returned to Madison, Wisconsin,
where he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Miller, a native of that city,
the wedding being there celebrated in 1868. They began their domestic life in
Madison, where they continued to reside until 1872, and then removed to Pelican
Rapids, in Ottertail county, Minnesota, where the father secured a homestead
and engaged in fanning for thirty-four years, being thus ranked for more than
a third of a century with the representative and honored residents of that part
of that state. In 1906 he came west and settled first in Lewiston, Idaho, where
he remained for five years, and after a year or more spent in Seattle and in
Portland he came to Prescott, Washington, where he has since resided. He is
now living retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil, for his years of indefat-
igable industry and perseverance have brought to him a substantial competence
that enables him to rest from further labor.
Frederick J. Fleischer, whose name introduces this review, was reared upon
the home farm in Ottertail county, Minnesota, with the usual experiences of the
farmbred boy. He supplemented his public school training by a business course
received in Dixon, Ilhnois, and until his twenty-seventh year remained ujx)n the
home farm, assisting his father in its cultivation through the summer months,
while in the winter seasons he engaged in teaching. In 1898 he accepted a posi-
tion as bookkeeper in the J. P. Wallace State Bank of Pelican Rapids and three
years later he became one of the stockholders in the bank and was made a mem-
ber of its board of directors. He was also elected cashier of the bank, in which
position he continued to serve until 1906, when he sold his interest in that insti-
tution and came to the west with his father, making his way to Lewiston, Idaho.
On the 1st of January, 1907, he went to Moscow, Idaho, to accept the cashiership
of the Moscow State Bank. During the following year the bank changed hands
and in January, 1908, Mr. Fleischer went to Spokane, Washington, where he
resided until the ist of August of that year, when he came to Prescott. On the
1st of January following he purchased stock in the First State Bank and assumed
the cashiership. This bank had passed through some severe financial reverses
and the task of rebuilding it devolved upon Mr. Fleischer. How well this task
has been performed is told in the present condition of the bank's affairs. When
he took charge the deposits amounted to about thirty thousand dollars. Today
and for several years past the deposits have averaged about one hundred and
fifty thousand dollars and the affairs of the bank are in splendid condition in
every way, Mr. Fleischer brought to his work long experience, keen sagacity
and notably sound discrimination and his close application and careful manage-
ment have brought most satisfactory results.
On the 26th of June, 1901, Mr. Fleischer was united in marriage to Miss
Oiarlotte G. Hicks, of Milner, North Dakota, and to them have been four chil-
dren, of whom three are living, Ernestine Lois, Frederick J. and Hugh Warren.
Mr. Fleischer is a republican but not a narrow partisan. On the contrary he
is a man of broad and liberal views, but is unfaltering in his allegiance to a prin-
ciple in which he firmly believes. He has served as a delegate to the republican
state conventions of Minnesota on two different occasions and he was city treas-
urer of Pelican Rapids for a number of years. Since coming to Prescott he has
also been called upon to fill positions of public honor and trust by his fellow citi-
194 OLD WALLA WALLA COUXTY
zens, who recognized his splendid abihty as a business man and desired that the
city might benefit by that abihty. He was made a member of the city council, in
which he served for a number of years, and for two years he has been mayor
of Prescott. His adniiiiistration is businesslike and progressive. It has resulted
in bringing about various improvements and while he avoids all useless expend-
iture he also equally avoids that retrenchment which blocks public progress. In
a word his sound judgment discriminates between the essential and the non-
essential in regard to municipal affairs just as surely as it does in relation to the
interests of the bank, which has grown so steadily under his direction.
Mr. Fleischer is well k-nown in Masonic circles, holding membership in
Waitsburg Lodge, No. i6, F. & A. M. ; Walla Walla Chapter, No. i, R. A. M. ;
and Washington Commandery, No. i, K. T. He is also identified with El Katif
Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane, and he belongs to Whetstone Lodge,
No. 157, K. P., of Prescott, in which latter he has held all the chairs. He and his
wife are members of the Order of the Eastern Star at Waitsburg and both
are actively identified with the Federated church of Prescott, taking an active
and helpful interest in all that pertains to the improvement and upbuilding of
their city along material, intellectual, social and moral lines. Without invidious
distinction Mr. Fleischer may well be termed one of the foremost men of Pres-
cott, loyal to every interest of general benefit, .while his course in private affairs
marks him as a man of high honfe*.''' ''•"■'...'■■.',■.• r
. ,, , , .-101 I •; ■,-• : , "
■ ■ •■,,1. •>*?. '•I ■ ■•
i *..'■", '. ■ ,'•>'' "■'■ ■
I ,..,■'■ . -i .• '• ■■" .•■■•■^-•' ' i
Jo'SEPHirSMT MOORE.
Josephus M. Moore came to Walla Walla county in 1870 and during the
many years of his residence here became widely and favorably known. He
was bom in Rock Island, Illinois, September 17, 183CS, a son of Amos L. and
Mary Moore, both of whom were natives of Ohio, whence they removed to
Illinois when the Prairie state was still but thinly settled. Still later they removed
to a new frontier, coming to Walla Walla county, Washington in 1868, and here
both passed away. To them were born five children.
Josephus M. Moore received his education in the public schools of Illinois
and remained with his parents during his boyhood and youth. He continued to
reside in the middle west until 1870, when he decided to try his fortune in the
Pacific coast country, concerning which he had heard excellent reports. He
arrived in Old Walla Walla county, Washington, in July, 1870, and turned his
attention to farming in what is now Garfield county. This occupation claimed his
time and energies throughout his remaining days. He was energetic and resolute
and overcame all obstacles that lay between him and success, gaining a substantial
competence.
]\Ir. Moore was married in Ohio to Miss Louisa Prescott. by whom he had
one daughter, Mary, now the wife of Walter Preston, of Portland, Oregon. On
coming to Washington Mr. Moore was accompanied by his wife and daughter,
and Mrs. Moore died here some years later. In 1894 Mr. ]\Ioore was again
married, his second union being with Miss Eva .'\bbott. a native of Ohio. Her
parents. S. J. and Chloe (Russell) Abbott, were born respectively in \'crmont
.JOSEPHUS M. MOORE
MBS. JOSEPHUS M. MOOEE
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 199
and Ohio, but in 1862 made the long journey across the great plains to California,
where they remained until 1880. Li that year they came to Walla Walla county,
Washington, and both are still living here, the father at the age of eighty-three
years and the mother at the age of eighty. Both are still keen of mind and active
of body and they are one of the most highly esteemed couples in the county.
Four of the seven children born to them survive. To Mr. and Mrs. Moore was
born a son, Amos A., who was graduated from the military academy at Staun-
ton, Virginia; later was a student in the State University of Washington, at
Seattle, and is now a student at Walla Walla Business College.
Mr. Moore was a stanch advocate of republican principles and served with
much satisfaction to his constituents in a number of local offices. The principles
of conduct which guided his life were found in the teachings of the Masonic
order, to which he belonged. His death occurred September 24, 1901, and he was
buried in Mountain View cemetery. He was a man of many admirable traits and
those who knew him well still cherish his memory. Mrs. Moore makes her
home in the city of Walla Walla, where she owns a fine residence situated on five
acres of ground.
ROBERT O. SANDERS.
Robert O. Sanders is living retired in Waitsburg, although for a long period
he was actively identified with farming interests in Walla Walla county, and his
capable management of his business affairs brougfit to him the measure of success
which he is now enjoying. He was born in Jefferson <;ountyj Illinois, October 8,
1852, and is a son of Jacob and ]\Iary (Breeze) Sanders. The father was a
native of Indiana, while the mother's birth occurred in Illinois, where for many
years they resided and where both passed away. In their family were seven
children, four of whom are yet living.
Robert O. Sanders spent the period of his boyhood and youth upon the home
farm in Illinois with the usual experiences that fall to the lot of the lad who
divides his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the play-
ground and the work of the fields. When he was sixteen years of age his father
died and he continued to assist his mother until he attained his majority, when
he began farming on his own account. In 1888 he removed to Walla Walla, since
which time he has resided in the northwest, his connection with this section of
the country now covering a period of almost thirty years. He began farming here
and first rented land and while thus engaged he carefully saved his earnings until
his industry and economy had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to
purchase a farm. That he has prospered as the years have gone by is indicated
in the fact that he now owns three hundred and twenty acres which he has
greatly improved. It is wheat land and is cultivated according to the most pro-
gressive and scientific methods of crop production. His work has always been
carefully performed and his industry and diligence have brought substantial
results. He continued personally to cultivate his place until 1902, when he
retired from active farm life and removed to Waitsburg, where he is now living.
On January 29, 1874, Mr. Sanders was married to Miss Eva Harned, a native
200 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
of Indiana, and they became the parents of seven children: Addie, the wife of
O. W. Abbey ; Maud, who married J. W. Cram ; Samuel C, living in Oregon ;
Alva H., who occupies his father's farm; and three who died in infancy.
Fraternally Mr. Sanders is connected with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, belonging to Touchet Lodge, No. 5, while both he and his wife are con-
nected with the Rebekahs. In politics he is a republican, having always been a
firm believer in the principles of the party. He has served as school director for
ten years and it is his earnest desire that excellent educational advantages shall
be given to the youth of this section of the state. He and his wife are consistent
members of the Christian church and have guided their lives according to its
teachings. They are influenced by high principles of conduct and their genuine
worth has commended them to the friendship and regard of all with whom they
have been associated. The record of Mr. Sanders should sene to inspire and
encourage others, showing what may be accomplished when one has the will to
dare and to do, for he started out in life empty-handed and whatever success he
has achieved or enjoyed has been won through his persistency of purpose, his
unremitting diligence and his business integrity.
EMERY FLATHERS.
Emery Flathers, who followed farming on section 31, township 10 north,
range 36 east, is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of Walla
Walla county. From an early period in the development in this section of the
state the family has taken an active part in the work of general progress and
improvement and is particularly well and favorably known in connection with the
agricultural development of this section. Emery Flathers was born on the old
homestead farm adjoining the town of Prescott, March 27, 1872, a son of Ben-
jamin F. and Melinda S. (McOuown) Flathers. The father was a native of
Louisville, Kentucky, while the mother was a native of Virginia.
Upon the old homestead Emery Flathers was reared and in the schools of
Prescott he pursued his education. In 1905 he entered into partnership with his
brothers, John and Charles, and for five years they were associated in farming
operations. In 1910, however, Emery Flathers withdrew from the finn and
since that time has rented his land and lived retired. He owns two hundred
acres, constituting a valuable property, and his rental returns to him a very
gratifying income.
On December 23, 1908, Mr. Flathers was married to Miss Rae E. Dunlap, a
daughter of John K. Dunlap, who has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Flathers became
the parents of two children, a son and a daughter, Howard and Frances. Mrs.
Flathers departed this life July 17, 191 5. and her death was deeply regretted not
only by her immediate family but by many friends.
Mr Flathers is independent in politics, voting for the men and measures he
considers of the best interest of all the people. He keeps well informed on the
questions and issues of the day but neither seeks nor desires office He is a
prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Waitsburg Lodge. No.
16 \ F Ik \ M • Walla Walla Chapter, No. i, R. A. M., of Walla Walla; and
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 201
Washington Conimandery, K. T., also of Walla Walla. He has likewise crossed
the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, being a member of
El Katif Temple of Spokane. He is a substantial citizen, widely and favorably
known by reason of his business ability, his loyalty in citizenship and his personal
worth. For forty-five years he has been a resident of Walla Walla county, wit-
nessing its growth and development. He has lived to see its pioneer cabins re-
placed by commodious and substantial residences, its wild lands converted into
productive fields, its hamlets developed into thriving cities, and as the years have
gone by he has .ever willingly cooperated in any plan or movement for the gen-
eral good.
ALFRED J. BOLTER.
Alfred J. Bolter is a retired farmer living in Dixie. For a long period he
was actively and prominently connected with agricultural interests and acquired
several hundred acres of valuable land, from which he derived a very gratifying
annual income as a result of the care and labor which he bestowed upon the
fields. Moreover, his life record shows what may be accomplished by determined
efifort and perseverance, for he started out empty-handed and is now the pos-
sessor of a very substantial competence which enables him to rest from further
labor. He was born in Northampton, Massachusettts, in September, 1853, a son
of Ziba and Christina Bolter, the former a native of Massachusetts, while the
latter was born in the state of New York. They spent their entire lives in the
east and there they reared their family of ten children, nine of whom are yet
living.
Alfred J. Bolter passed the days of his boyhood and youth in Massachusetts
and is indebted to the public school system of that state for the educational oppor-
tunities which he enjoyed. In 1875, when a young man of twenty-two years, he
came to the west and first settled in Dallas, Oregon, where he remained for
three years. In 1878 he removed to Walla Walla county and took up a home-
stead sixteen miles north of the city of Walla Walla. With characteristic energy
he began its development and improvement and occupied that place for ten years,
during which time his labors wrought a marked transformation in its appearance.
He then disposed of that property and invested in two hundred and eighty acres
near Dixie. From time to time he extended the boundaries of his farm until it
now comprises seven hundred acres, all of which is improved land and returns
to him a most substantial annual income. He continued actively to develop his
fields until 1902, when he retired, and since that time he has rented his land,
while he is enjoying a well earned rest.
Mr. Bolter was married in 1876 to Miss Elsie A. Crystal, a native of Iowa,
and they have become the parents of three children : Madie, the wife of S. M.
Jones, now a resident of Spokane ; Maud, who is the widow of Burt Roff ; and
Homer, who is engaged in merchandising in California.
Mr Bolter belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has filled all
of the chairs in Welcome Lodge, No. 117, in which he has membership. He has
also been called to all of the difiFerent offices in the Knights of Pythias lodge and
202 OLD \\'ALLA WALLA COUNTY
is true and loyal to the teaching of these societies. He and his wife are members
of the Christian church and endeavor to follow closely the Colden Rule. Their
lives have been well spent, fraught with good deeds and actuated by kindly pur-
poses. Many good things are sjxikcn of them by friends and neighbors, who
have enjoyed their coniiianionshii) and who recognize their sterling worth in all the
relations of life.
HON. JAMES EWEN EDMISTON.
High on the roll of Washington's distinguished citizens appears the name of
Plon. James Ewen Edmiston, deceased, who was for many years a resident of
Dayton. His ideals of life were very high and in early manhood he displayed
con.spicuously the traits of character that made his career brilliantly successful.
He performed all the duties that devolved upon him, however humble and how-
ever small the recompense might be, conscientiously and industriously. He gave
proof of his ability to cope with intricate problems of the law and his natural
industry prompted him to prepare his cases with great thoroughness and care,
so that he ever entered the courts well equipped to combat any attack or position
of the opposing counsel. He lives in the memory of his friends enshrined in the
halo of a gracious presence and of pronounced power in the legal profession.
Mr. Edmiston was born in Washington county, Arkansas, March 29, 1849,
a son of Alexander E. Edmiston, who was a native of \'irginia and removed to
Arkansas early in the nineteenth century. He was a veteran of the Mexican
war, serving as a lieutenant in his company under Colonel Yall. A forceful man
of unquestioned integrity, he won a substantial financial success and left a
valuable estate to his widow and four children, of whom James E. Edmiston
was the eldest. A few years prior to his death, becoming convinced that the
principle of slavery was wrong, he liberated all of his bondsmen. During the
Civil war the vicinity of his home was the scene of great atrocities by both
northern and southern renegades. He died in the year 1858.
James E. Edmiston, when a lad of fourteen years, enlisted in 1863 in the
Confederate army, in which he had five uncles fighting for the cause. After the
close of hostilities he returned to his home in Arkansas and remained long
enough to assist in putting the plantation again into shape. He then went to
Bentonville, Arkansas, where he attended the Bentonville College for two years,
and while a student there he also taught school. In 1870 he went to Omaha,
Nebraska, whence he made his way to the Pacific coast. He taught school for
a time in Oregon and also pursued a course in the Corvallis College, from which
he received his degree in 1873.
On the 13th of March of the same year Mr. Edmiston was united in marriage
to Miss Helen E. Lacey, a native of Clackamas county, Oregon, and a daughter
of Lewis A. Lacey, who was of French-Huguenot stock, his ancestors having
fled to the new world because of religious persecution early in the seventeenth
century. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Edmiston was an officer under Wash-
ington and Lafayette in the Revolutionary war and he lost two of his fingers in
the battle of Bunker Hill. His son, Lewis A. Lacey, came to the northwest in
JAMES E. EDiriSTON
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 205
1852, making his way to Oregon accompanied by his wife, Leonora (Herring)
Lacey, who was a naitve of Swansea, Wales, their marriage ceremony having
been pei formed at .Mount Morris, New York. The services were completed
about fifteen minutes before they started on their westward journey to Indiana
and from there they traveled with ox team and wagon to Oregon. Mr. Lacey's
brother, his brother's wife and child died of mountain fever while en route and
many other members of the party were buried by the side of the trail. They
suffered on account of hostile Indians and the journey was a most hazardous
and difficult one. On reaching the Willamette valley Mr. Lacey took up a dona-
tion claim and gave his attention to farming and stock raising, spending his
remaining days upon the old homestead at Springwater in Clackamas county,
where he passed away in 1899, at the notable old age of ninety-four years. His
widow died on the ist of March, igoo, at the age of seventy-one years.
Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Edmiston removed to Colfax, Wash-
ington, where for three years he was engaged in teaching school. In 1876 he
took up his abode in Dayton, where for some years following he devoted his
attention to teaching and then engaged in selling farm machinery. He also
operated a large sawmill and was identified with various other business interests
which have contributed to the material development and progress of this section
of the state. Mr. Edmiston had been educated with a view to entering the
ministry but subsequently turned his attention to law and pursued his reading
under the preceptorship of John Y. Ostrander. In i.885..he. was .admitted to the
bar and entered upon the practice of his profession, becoming one of the promi-
nent lawyers of Columbia county. He then contihtted -in- acHve practice until
a short time prior to his death, which occurj-ed on. the StK.of May, 1900. In his
la.w practice he was long associated with Judge.C- F- Miller and their friendship
relations were very close. Their practice was extensive and of an important
character. Mr. Edmiston was remarkable among lawyers for the wide research
and provident care with which he prepared his cases. At no time was his reading
ever confined to the limitations of the questions at issue. It went beyond and
compassed every contingency and provided not alone for the expected but also
for the unexpected, which happens in the courts quite as frequently as out of them.
His legal learning, his analytical mind, the readiness with which he grasped the
points in an argument all combined to make him one of the capable attorneys at
the bar of Columbia county and the public and the profession acknowledged him
the peer of the ablest regarding him as a jurist of exceptionally rare ability.
Aside from his professional connections Mr. Edmiston figured very promi-
nently in the public life of the community. At one time he served as superin-
tendent of schools of Columbia county. He first came prominently into public
notice when elected a member of the upper house of the Washington territorial
legislature and for many years he was a member of the state central committee
of the democratic party. In 1894 he was offered the nomination for governor
but refused to become a candidate. While undoubtedly not without that laudable
ambition which is so valuable as an incentive to public service, he nevertheless
regarded the pursuits of private life as in themselves abundantly worthy of his
best efforts and with remarkable fidelity he labored for the interests of his clients.
It is said that he never lost a case which he appealed to the supreme court.
In 1886 he was prosecuting attorney of Columbia county.
206 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Mr. Edmiston was considered the highest authority on IMasonic jurispru-
dence in the state and was chairman of that committee in the grand lodge for
ten years. He was past grand master of the state of Washington and past
grand patron of the Eastern Star. There was a close relationship between him
and Dr. Van Patten, who was his family physician from 1884 until his death and
has continued as such to Mrs. Edmiston. They were the best of friends and
while not associated together in business often consulted one another on busi-
ness matters. Mr. Edmiston was leader of the choir in the Presbyterian church
for many years and in this work was also associated with the Doctor and
together they often took vacation trips. It was the earnest desire of Mr.
Edmiston that Dr. Van Patten allow himself to be put in line for higher Masonic
honors, which eventually resulted in the latter becoming grand junior warden in
igoi and grand master in 1904.
For a long period Mr. Edmiston was collecting data for a history of souih-
castern Washington but died before the completion of the work. He was presi-
dent of the board of regents of the Washington State College at Pullman and
on the day of his burial the college was closed in respect to his memory. Every
business house and the .schools of Dayton were also closed and the day was
given over to sincere mourning by the entire community. He was buried with
Masonic honors and the Grand Lodge of Washington took charge of the funeral
services, the Hon. Levi Ankeny, past grand master of the state, officiating. The
bar of Dayton passed appropriate resolutions and every mark of respect that
could be shown, both in a public and a private way, was evidenced. He was a
lifelong member of the Presbyterian church and was a teacher in its Sunday
school for many years. Much more might be said in eulogy of this man, who
was loved by all who knew him and whose influence was always for the better-
ment and uplift of mankind. His memory is enshrined in the hearts of those
who knew him and remains as a blessed benediction to those who were his asso-
ciates while he was still an active factor in the world's work. Mrs. Edmiston still
lives in the old home in Dayton. She is a past grand matron of the Order of the
Eastern Star and is now in charge of the Dayton Branch of the Red Cross, in
which work she is very active, giving freely of her time and energies as well
as her means and efforts to improve the conditions under which the young men
of the country must serve in a military capacity. She was formerly president
of the Monday Reading Club and has long been foremost in social circles and
in welfare work in the northwest. Both Mr. and Mrs. Edmiston belong to that
class who shed around them much of the sunshine of life.
JULES De RUWE.
Jules De Ruwe is the owner of one of the best improved farms of his sec-
tion of the country, having an extensive acreage near Turner, Washington. He
was born in Belgium, July 17, 1885, and is a son of Peter and Julia De Ruwe,
who were natives of that land. Educated in Belgium, Jules De Ruwe acquired a
good education there and in 1905, when a young man of twenty years, crossed
the Atlantic to the new world, making his way direct to Washington, where he
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 207
became identified with the sheep industry, conducting business on a large scale
in connection with his brothers, prominently known as leading sheep men of this
section of the state. They finally dissolved partnership, however, and each is
now conducting his business interests individually. In the fall of 1917 Jules De
Ruwe purchased his present ranch, comprising eleven hundred acres of land
twelve miles north of Dayton on the Tucanon river. This is one of the best
improved ranches in his part of the county and Mr. De Ruwe is now equipping
it with a thoroughly modern set of buildings, in which he is installing electric
light and running water. In fact, he is adding every modern equipment and com-
fort and his farm work is being conducted along progressive and scientific lines.
His sheep are of the Rambouillet breed and are among the best to be found in
the state of Washington.
On the 17th of October, 1917, Mr. De Ruwe was united in marriage to Miss
Mabel Davidson, a daughter of Daniel and Ethel Davidson, of Starbuck, Wash-
ington, who were also ranch people. Mr. De Ruwe is a member of the Catholic
church, while his wife holds membership in the Christian church. While he has
been on this side the Atlantic for only a few years he is thoroughly American in
spirit and interests, having a strong attachment for the government and the in-
stitutions of the new world. It often seems that native bom citizens come by the
privileges of American life too easily to appreciate them in the fullest degree.
At least some of those who have sacrificed and suffered to obtain them value
their blessings more highly than those to whom they come as a matter of course.
Mr. De Ruwe is among the loyal residents of the northwest and in the utilization
of the opportunities which have come to him he has made for himself a very
creditable position among the successful business men of Washington.
F. E. MOJONNIER.
F. E. Mojonnier, a prominent and representative business man of Walla
Walla county, is conducting his interests under the name of the Walla Walla
Hothouse Vegetable Company. He is engaged in growing and wholesale ship-
ping of hothouse and garden vegetables. He established this business in 1909,
with no previous experience along this line to aid him, but he bent every energy-
tov/ard acquainting himself with every phase of the business, studying the
methods of the most successful houses of similar character in the east, and
through this method and through study he has developed an enterprise of exten-
sive and profitable proportions. He was born at Highland, Madison county,
Illinois, on the 4th of October, 1874, and is a son of Samuel and Clara (Robert)
Mojonnier, both of whom were natives of Switzerland and were of French
descent. They came to the United States in childhood with their respective
parent.s, the families establishing their homes in Madison county, Illinois. The
father was a carpenter by trade but gave his attention largely to agricultural
pursuits in Illinois. In 1886 he removed with his family to Los Angeles, Cali-
fornia, where he engaged in carpentering up to the time of his death, which
occurred about 1892. His widow is still living in that city.
F. E. Mojonnier was reared at home, acquiring his education in the public
208 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
and high schools of Los Angeles. He was a youth of but twelve years when the
family removed to California. After his textbooks were put aside he worked for
some time in a grocery store in Los .\ngeles and in April, 1895, came to Walla
Walla, Washington, where he entered the employ of the Walla Walla Produce
Company. In 1900 he became a stockholder of the company and was identified
with the conduct of the business until 1914, when he sold his interest in order to
give his sole attention to his present business, which he had established in 1909.
At that time he had no practical experience to assist him in its conduct, but he
closely applied himself to the work and visited the largest plants of similar
niiture throughout the east, and since then he has built up one of the most mod-
ern establishments of the kind in the country. He has three acres under glass
and he is producing high grade vegetables and, in fact, he is known as one of
the leading hothouse vegetable growers in the northwest. His business has been
thoroughly systematized, carefully managed and wisely conducted and his patron-
age has grown to extensive and gratifying proportions.
On the 1st of January, 1900, Mr. Mojonnier was united in marriage to Miss
Mathilde Delepine, of Walla Walla, who was a student in the State College
at Pullman at the time of her marriage. To them have been born three children.
Claire, Harold and Elaine.
Mr. Mojonnier gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and keeps
well informed on the questions and issues, of the day, but has never been an
aspirant for office. He is regarded as one of the' representative citizens of Walla
W\''lla county, actuated by a spirit of enterprise and progress in all that he does.
Well defined plans and purposes have carried him forward and each step in
his career has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities. He has
ever been actuated by a laudable ambition that has caused him to reach out
along still broader lines and his position in business circles is now a most credit-
able and enviable one.
HON. FREDERICK STINE.
Hon. Frederick Stine, who passed away in Walla Walla in 1909, had been a
resident of the city for more than four decades and was most widely and favor-
ably known. He was one of the early settlers of his section of the state and was
largely instrumental in promoting the development and upbuilding of his city.
He thus gained a wide acquaintance and was esteemed by all who knew him.
He was a recognized leader in many lines and his strength of character and ex-
cellent judgment were features that brought beneficial results. A man of action
rather than of theory, whenever opportunity called he made ready response.
Mr. Stine was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, November 24, 1825. His
father was a blacksmith by trade and in 1839 removed with his family from
the Keystone state to Greene county, Ohio, settling in Fairfield, where he en-
gaged in farming and also followed blacksmithing. With those pursuits Frederick
Stine became thoroughly familiar, as he assisted his father in the work of the
fields or of the smithy. In the s])ring of 1852, in company with his brothers,
John and William, he started for the Pacific coast. Their departure was a great
ilRS. FUKIIKRU'K STINE
FREDERICK STIXt:
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 213
event to the family, which numbered eight sons and six daughters. Travel at
that time to the western coast was by means of wagon or by way of water
route and many months elapsed ere the journey was completed. It was indeed
a serious undertaking, much more difficult than a trip around the world at the
present time. The three brothers left St. Louis, Missouri, on the ist of May, 1852,
and on the 2d of July arrived in Sacramento, California. This was a record
trip at the time. The train with which they traveled numbered twenty-six men,
of whom Frederick Stine was chosen captain. The three brothers went to Marys-
ville, California, where they began work, but after a few days Frederick Stine
was prostrated with typhoid fever and for sixty days had a great struggle for
his life. Eventually, however, the disease reached its crisis and it was said that
he would live. When he recovered he began business for himself, but in 1854
met with losses through fire and the following year he removed to Yreka, Cali-
fornia, where he concentrated his efforts and attention upon farming and black-
smithing, thus returning to the occupations to which he had been reared.
Selling his Yreka property on the 6th of February, 1862, Mr. Stine then
started for the north and on the 12th of May arrived in Walla Walla, where he
afterward made his home until called to his final rest. Within four days of his
arrival he had opened a place of business on Main street and as the years passed
he prospered. On the 3d of November, 1863, he went by way of Portland to San
Francisco, traveling by stage to the latter city and thpnce by boat and the Panama
route to Ohio on a visit to his family and his old home. 'Oh' 'the i8th of April,
1864, he started again for the Pacific coast and this time made the trip by stage to
Walla Walla, where he resumed blacksmithing and wagon making, maintaining
a first class shop of that kind until September i, 1873, ^t which date he re-
tired from business. He had spent about a third of a century at his trade and
was always industrious and conscientious in his work. In 1872 he erected the
Stine House, which was the first brick hotel in Walla Walla, and in 1880 he
purchased a farm of five hundred and sixty acres in Umatilla county, Oregon,
about six miles south of Walla Walla. This he extensively improved and culti-
vated and to his holdings he added from time to time as his financial resources in-
creased until he held in that vicinity over nineteen hundred acres of choice land.
In 1905 his wheat crop was thirty-seven thousand bushels, raised upon one-half
of his land, the other half being summer fallowed. His business affairs were
wisely and carefully controlled, his investments most judiciously made and his
enterprise brought to him a very substantial measure of success. The most envi-
ous could not grudge him his prosperity, so honorably was it gained, so worthily
used.
In 1870, in Walla Walla, Mr. Stine was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary
(Megrew) Silverthorn, a widow, and to them was born a daughter, Elizabeth, who
became the wife of John Casper, of Walla Walla. Mrs. Stine was born near
Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in 1836, a daughter of Archibald Megrew. In 1836,
when Mrs. Stine was three months old, the father removed with his family to
Ohio and when she was a little maiden of thirteen she lost her mother. In 1852
the father removed with the children to Iowa and there his last days were passed.
It was in Iowa that Mary Megrew became the wife of John Silverthorn and they,
with others, crossed the plains in 1864, making the trip with mules and horses
and spending three months en route. They settled in Walla Walla, where the
Vol. n — 9
214 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
death of Mr. Silverthorn later occurred. Mrg. Stine now resides in a fine home
on Catherine street, where for more than ten years she has lived.
Throughout the period of his residence in Walla Walla, Mr. Stine was an
active worker for the upbuilding and development of the city. In politics he was
an active democrat and in 1869 was chosen to represent his district in the lower
house of the territorial legislature, while in 1873 he was elected a member of the
senate. He made his presence felt there by his earnest support of all well devised
plans and measures for the im|^rovement of the commonwealth. His keen judg-
ment was of great benefit in many instances. In 1865 he was chosen one of the
members of the city council of Walla Walla and during the following year was
made chairman of the council and thereafter was reelected many times. He
exercised his official prerogatives in support of various plans and measures for
the general good and his work was of great worth to the city. Many important
measures for the benefit of Walla Walla originated with him and were
carried forward to successful completion because of his endorsement and labor. In
1868 he succeeded in having established a Masonic lodge at Walla Walla and for
ten years thereafter acted as its master. He was also a member of the chapter
and was always an earnest worker and he labored untiringly for the advancement
of Masonic interests in this locality. When death called him in 1909 he had been
a resident of Walla Walla for more than forty-five years. His personal qualities
were such as won for him the warm regard of many and there was sincere grief
felt throughout the city at his passing.
WTLLIAM THOMAS PETTI JOHN.
William Thomas Pettijohn has since 1905 resided upon his present farm on
section 2, township 9 north, range 35 east, in Walla Walla county, and here has
six hundred and fifty acres of valuable land, constituting one of the fine farms
of this section of the state. Long before, however, he had become a resident
of the county and in fact was one of the earliest settlers. He arrived here in
1859, when but five years of age, having been brought to Washington by his
parents.
Mr. Pettijohn was born in Linn county, Oregon, July 26, 1854, a son of
Jonathan and Hannah (Warner) Pettijohn. The father was a native of Ohio,
while the mother's birth occurred in Indiana. In 1850 Jonathan Pettijohn
crossed the plains to California and after spending a year or more in the gold
fields of that state he went to Oregon, settling in Linn county, where he was
employed for some time in the sawmills and also worked at barn building. He
became familiar with all of the hardships and privations incident to life on the
frontier. He had encountered also many difficulties while crossing the plains.
The cattle with which the party started on leaving the east died en route and
much of the distance during the latter part of the trip, their provisions having
run short, they lived for days upon flour and water. Mr. Pettijohn traveled much
of the distance on foot. After living for a number of years in Oregon he sold
liis interests there in 1859 and came to Walla Walla county. He first visited
the county in the summer of that year, bringing with him some cattle, after
OLD WALLAi WALLA COUNTY 215
\ which he returned for his family. He entered a homestead in townships 9 and
10, range 35 east, Walla Walla county, and thereon built a log cabin. His
remaining years were spent in that immediate neighborhood and he was very
successful. While he experienced many of the difficulties incident to the settle-
ment of the frontier prosperity attended him as the years went by and he ac-
quired three thousand acres of valuable land. From i860 until 1866 or 1867
he was engaged in freighting with ox teams to the Idaho mines and later he gave
his attention most successfully to the raising of cattle and horses. His business
affairs were most wisely and successfully managed and he became the possessor
of a very handsome competence, passing away June 13, 1913. His wife had
crossed the plains with her parents in 1852, at which time the family home was
established in Linn county, Oregon, where her marriage to Mr. Pettijohn after-
ward occurred. She passed away in January, 1893, and in the death of these
two worthy people Walla Walla county lost an honored pioneer couple. They
were respected and esteemed by all who knew them and most of all by those who
knew them best, a fact indicative of their well spent lives.
William T. Pettijohn spent his youthful days upon the old homestead and
acquired a district school education. In 1877 he went to Idaho, where he used
both his preemption and homestead rights in the Potlach country, filing the first
homestead right in that section. There he remained actively identified with
farming and stock raising until 1905, when he left Idaho and returned to Walla
Walla county, taking up his abode on his present home farm, which now com-
prises six hundred and fifty acres of rich and productive land. In addition he
owns five hundred and sixty acres in another township. His landed possessions
are thus extensive and he is actively and prominently identified with the farming
interests of Walla Walla county. His business affairs are carefully directed and
wisely managed. He utilizes the most modern methods carrying on the farm
work and upon his place"he has put many improvements which rank his farm
with one of the model farm properties of the twentieth century in this section
of the state.
On the I2th of December, 1883, Mr. Pettijohn was united in marriage to
Miss Ella Humphrey, of Idaho, and to them have been born five children, four of
whom are still living, namely: Ada, the wife of Frank Davis, who is operating
one of the farms belonging to his father-in-law; Jonathan N., who is now operat-
ing the home farm ; Ollie, the wife of Robert L. Temple, of Prescott, Wash-
ington ; and Harry Elbert, who is in the United States army. For some time
the two sons operated the home farm together and proved progressive young
business men by their capable direction of the interests which have come under
their charge.
In politics Mr. Pettijohn has always followed an independent course but
has never taken an active part in public affairs. He has always preferred to con-
centrate his time, efforts and attention upon his private business interests and
by reason of his diligence and determination, his perseverance and his honesty
he has won a very substantial measure of success. He is justly numbered among
the honored pioneers of the northwest, having for fifty-seven years lived in this
section of the country. Born in Oregon, reared in Washington and a resident
for a time of Idaho, there is no feature of the development of the northwest
with which he is not familiar and he has lived to witness a remarkable transfer-
216 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
mation, for the country has grown so rapidly that the story of its development
seems almost magical. The result, however, is due to the earnest labors, the
persistency of purpose and the indefatigable energy of such men as Mr. Petti-
john, who, unafraid of the hardships and privations of pioneer life, has utilized
the natural resources of the country and has thus placed the wealth upon a par
with the older east.
COLONEL WILLIAM HAVENS MILLER.
Colonel William Havens Miller, whose life was spent in the military service
of his country, was under all circumstances an officer and a gentleman. He was
born at Tuscaloosa, Alabama, January 31, 1849, ^"d on the 14th of June, 1872,
was graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and
was assigned to duty with the First Cavalry. While with that regiment he par-
ticipated in all the Indian wars in the Rocky mountains and on the Pacific coast
and won frequent promotion in recognition of his efficiency and gallantry.
Among the important campaigns in which he took part were : the Modoc war,
which lasted from November, 1872, until June, 1873; the Nez Perce war, from
June to October, 1877; the Bannock campaign, from June to September, 1878;
and a minor engagement at Meacham's, in the Blue mountains of Oregon, in
August, 1878. He was promoted to first lieutenant in the First Cavalry, March
4, 1879. From May, 1877, to March, 1887, he served as quartermaster in the
field and in garrison and during the greater part of that time, or from August
15, 1878, to March 31, 1887, he was regimental quartermaster. On the 28th of
Feliruary, 1890, he was brevetted first lieutenant for "gallant services in action
against Indians at the Lava Beds, California, April 17, 1873, and gallant and
meritorious conduct during the Modoc war." In 1896-7 he was employed in the
designing and building of Fort George Wright, a military post at Spokane, Wash-
ington, being in charge of the work until December, 1898, at which time the post
was ready for one battalion of infantry. During the greater part of 1899 and
1900 he was in Cuba and built the four company military post at Paso Caballos
at the mouth of the harbor of Cienfuegos, Cuba, and finished the cavalry post,
Hamilton barracks, at Matanzas, Cuba. Colonel Miller was in campaigns and
garrisons in the northwest until September, 1890, being stationed a part of the
time in northern California, Oregon. Washington, Nevada and Montana, and
was then appointed captain and assistant quartennaster in the United States
Army and was on duty as follows: Quartermaster at United States Military
Academy, West Point, New York, from October, 1890, to November, 1894;
quartermaster at Fort Riley, Kansas, from November, 1894, until July, 1896;
constructing quartermaster at Spokane, ^^'ashington, from July, 1896, to Decem-
ber, 1898; appointed major and chief quartermaster in United States Volun-
teers, August 15, 1898; division chief quartermaster at Southern Camp, An-
niston, Alabama, from December, 1898, to March, 1899; chief quartermaster.
Departments of Santa Clara and Matanzas at Cienfuegos and Matanzas, Cuba,
from March, 1899, to July, 1900; depot quartermaster, Boston, Massachusetts,
from October, 1900, to August, 1901 ; depot and chief quartermaster. Depart-
COLONEL WILLTAM H. :\IILLF.R
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 219
ment of the Lakes, Chicago, Ilhnois, from August, 1901, to August, 1905; in
charge of the general depot of the quartermaster's department, New York city,
from November 20, 1905, to May, 1907; chief quartermaster, PhiHppine
Division, Manila, from September 2, 1907, to June 14, 1909; quartermaster at
Seattle, Washington, and in charge of the United States transport service on
Puget Sound from July, 1909, until retired at the age of sixty-four years, Janu-
ary 31, 1913. He was promoted to major and quartermaster, United States
Army, August 12, 1900; to lieutenant colonel and deputy quartermaster general,
August 15, 1903; and colonel and assistant quartermaster general, October 31,
1909. The title was changed to colonel, Quartermaster Corps, United States
Army, by act of congress approved August 24, 1912. On the 5th of July, 1906,
he was especially commended to the secretary of war by the inspector general
of the army for efficiency. All work that was given to him to do was well
done, for, holding himself to the strictest standards, he refused to accept any-
thing less than the best work from those under him, but at the same time he was
scrupulously just and held the respect of his men. He upheld the high tradi-
tions of the American army, was a constant student of military science and kept
in close touch with the change in methods necessitated by new conditions of
warfare. To him the army was a profession that demands all a man has to
give but that makes abundant recompense in the knowledge of worthy service
rendered the nation. He had the capacity for deep' friendship characteristic of
men of unusual strength of character and tile, .place which he !la.6lq in the esteem
and affection of those who knew him intirha'tely is' 'indicated ini the following
tribute to his memory by his friend, G. P. Monell-: - ■ ••••• ?
"'He was my friend, faithful and just CQ.'jB.e*! ...Jlu^-SHatJss^earean saying
of Marcus Antonius over the body of dead Caesar, best describes the dominant
characteristic of Colonel Miller's life. Faithful and just, tender and true, might
well be inscribed upon the stone that marks the spot where he sleeps till the
final reveille. These qualities, covering all that is knightly, all that is noble,
went to make up the daily routine of the life he lived for the glory and honor
of his country. No promise that he ever made, however lightly, was too small
to be faithfully remembered and religiously fulfilled. No fault that he observed
was too great or too trivial to meet with less or more than exact justice. Of-
ficially he had no friends; those who gave best service were best rewarded, re-
gardless of his personal predilections. Looking back over the past four years
of close and intimate friendship, they seem to reflect back his past and sound
out his whole life as embodied living truth ; even in his lightest moods he scorned
exaggeration as beneath the dignity of his manhood. Deeply learned in all the
intricate business of army life and regulations, quick to see the right and wrong
of any question, recognizing no middle course, his decisions were instant and
final and his reasons unassailable. Officially he was a dignified, gallant and
knightly soldier. In private life he represented the highest type of American
gentleman. Hospitable, kindly, witty, he made those who visited his home feel
that they belonged 'right there' and his friends were part of himself. His
character, always straightforward and intensely honest, presented so many sides
and all so simple and unassuming that those who knew him best loved him
most."
Colonel Miller was married in Walla Walla, November 20, 1879, to Miss
220 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Anna Abbott, a daughter of John F. Abbott, who was a well known resident of
Walla Walla, and a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Colonel
Miller passed away at the General Memorial Hospital in Xew York, April 13,
1913. To him and his wife were born three children, of whom the eldest died
in infancy. Harlan Abbott, born at Fort Walla Walla, is now a rancher in
Umatilla county, Oregon. Margaret Isabelle is the wife of Julian Foster
Humphrey, chief officer of the Transport Crook, U. S. N.
HON. DENNIS COOLEY GUERNSEY.
Hon. Dennis Cooley Guernsey, whose history is closely interwoven with
the records of Columbia county, is now extensively engaged in the real estate,
insurance and loan business in Starbuck. He has at different periods figured
prominently as a bank official, as the incumbent in public office in the county
and as representative of his district in the territorial legislature of 1879, and
with many business interests he has been closely associated, so that his labors
have contributed in marked measure to the material development and to the
upbuilding of the state. He was born in Janesville, Wisconsin, on the 13th of
.\pril, 1845, a son of Orrin and Sarah (Cooley) Guernsey, who were natives
of Connecticut. They removed to New Hampshire in childhood days with their
respective parents and were there reared and married. In 1843 they migrated
westward, establishing their home in Janesville, Wisconsin, where they spent
their remaining days. In early life the father was engaged in merchandising
and in later years became identified with the insurance business.
Dennis C. Guernsey, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the
Janesville schools, completing a high school course. He was a youth of but
sixteen years when the Civil war broke out and in the fall of 1863, when but
eighteen years of age, he enlisted for service and was assigned to duty with
Company E of the Twenty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, which became
a part of the Second Brigade, Third Division, of the Twentieth Army Corps,
commanded by Colonel Joe Hooker. He was with Sherman on the celebrated
march to the sea and after returning to Washington, following the close of
hostilities, the members of Sherman's command were recruited and formed the
temporary division of the Fourteenth Army Corps, which was sent under Jeff
C. Davis to Louisville, Kentucky, Van Dorn of the Southwestern Department
having not yet surrendered. They were mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky,
on the 18th of July, 1865, and later Mr. Guernsey returned to Janesville, Wis-
consin, where he engaged in the insurance business. Three years afterward,
or in 1868, he went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he became a dealer in
wood and coal, continuing in that business until 1870. In January, 1871, he was
appointed an officer of the reform school at Waukesha, Wisconsin. In the
meantime, however, following his return to Janesville, he had done other mili-
tary service. Major General Starkweather, who had gone out with the First
Wisconsin as colonel and who rose to the rank of major general of volunteers,
took command of the Milwaukee Light Guards, of which he had been captain
at the outbreak of the war. Mr. Guernsey joined the Light Guards and was with
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 223
that command at the inauguration of Governor Fairchilds at Madison in January,
1869. After spending a few months as an officer in the reform school in
Waukesha, Wisconsin, he again went to Janesville, where he accepted a position
with a hardware firm as bookkeeper. The lure of the west, however, was upon
him and on the 14th of October, 1871, he turned his face toward the setting sun
and on the 9th of November reached Walla Walla, having traveled by rail as
far as Keton, Utah, and thence through Boise, Baker, LaGrande to Walla Walla
by stage. After spending ten days in that city he proceeded to Dayton, the town
having been platted only a few days before, and on Mr. Guernsey's arrival
there were but two buildings in the town, one being the residence of J. N. Day,
while the other was known as the "red store," the property of Kimball & Day.
On the 1st of Decerpber Mr. Guernsey succeeded Ralph Kimball in the store
and was employed by the firm until the fall of 1874, when he became a partner
in the business under the firm style of Day, Guernsey & Company. In the fall of
1875 he withdrew from that organization and formed a new company, entering
into partnership with F. G. Frary, superintendent of the Dayton Woolen Mills,
and A. H. Reynolds, of Walla Walla, who was the only banker this side of The
Dalles. The new firm was organized under the style of D. C. Guernsey & Com-
pany. In 1876 Mr. Frary and Mr. Reynolds withdrew and Mr. Guernsey was
joined by H. H. Wolfe under the firm name of Guernsey & Wolfe. He thus
continued active in merchandising in Dayton until 1880, when he sold out. From
the beginning of his residence there he took active part in the upbuilding and
progress of the new town.
In 1876 Mr. Guernsey was instructed by the commissioners of the new county
of Columbia — F. G. Frary, G. T. Pollard of Huntsville and E. Oliver of Pomeroy
— to call a special election for the purpose of choosing county officers. Mr.
Guernsey was elected county treasurer for one year and at the first biennial
election was chosen for a full term at a salary of three hundred dollars per year,
the officers being required to serve at a "moderate salary" inasmuch as this was
an infant county. In 1878 he was chosen to represent his district in the terri-
torial legislature and on the 31st of July, 1880, he succeeded L. F. A. Shaw in
the office of deputy collector of internal revenue under Major James R. Hayden.
He occupied that position for three years and then surrendered the office to
H. W. Fairweather. On the 4th of May, 1884, Mr. Guernsey entered the
Columbia National Bank of Dayton as cashier and had complete charge of the
bank's affairs through the following sixteen years, at which time his brother,
F. W. Guernsey, became cashier, while D. C. Guernsey was made vice president
and manager of the institution. He successfully carried the bank through the
panic of 1893, although he closed one Saturday night with but five hundred and
fifty dollars in the bank. However, he most carefully safeguarded the interests
of the institution and managed to weather the financial storm which swept over
the entire country in that year. He remained in his official capacity with the
bank until 1900, when he retired, the institution at that time having deposits of
three hundred and seventy-four thousand dollars. He then turned his attention
to the real estate, insurance and loan business in Dayton and in 1904 he took
charge of a mining camp on the Omnaha in Willowa county, Oregon, for the
Eureka Alining Company, his position being that of managing director. While
there he built the wagon road down Deer creek from Dobbins Cabin to Snake
224 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
river. He occupied the position of director of the mining camp for two years,
after which he returned to Dayton and through the succeeding two years gave
his attention to the real estate and insurance business. In 1908 he removed to
Starbucli to assist in straightening out the affairs of the Bank of Starbuck, of
which institution he was made casliier, occupying that position for a period of
two and a half years. He then resigned and established his present business,
with which he has since been prominently identified, being today one of the
foremost real estate, loan and insurance agents in this part of the state. One of
the local papers said : "D. C. Guernsey has been a most important factor in the
development of Columbia 'county and the moulding of civilized life in the
great state of Washington. During the early history of Columbia county, hardly
a business transaction was carried through or a public enterprise launched that
was not inspired by the brain or fostered by the public-spiritedness of Mr.
Guernsey." He helped to organize and was the first president of the Dayton
Electric Light Company and built many of the buildings in that city in the block
in which the Columbia National Bank is located. He organized the Dayton
Hotel Company, which built the hotel, and was its president for several years.
Mr. Guernsey has also left the impress of his individuality in marked manner
upon the political history of the state. In politics he has always been a stanch
republican and was a leader in the party from the time when there were but
twelve republicans who went from Walla Walla to Lewiston. In 1879, when he
became a member of the territorial legislature, he became a member of what
was known as the bunch grass delegation, which became the controlling factor
in the general assembly. He was made chairman of the ways and means com-
mittee and did important work in that connection. In 1890 he was appointed
a member of the state harbor line commission by Governor Ferry, the first state
governor, and was active in the work of the commission, which located all the
harbor lines in the state and submitted the plans to the United States war
department. Mr. Guernsey also became identified with the military interests
of the northwest. He assisted in organizing the Dayton Grays, which merged
into Company F of the First Washington Regiment for service in the Philip-
pines. He was also paymaster and battalion adjutant of the Second Washington
Regiment under Colonel Pike.
On the 23d of September, 1873, Mr. Guernsey was married to Miss Harriet
E. Day, a daughter of Dr. W. W. Day, who was the first physician in Dayton,
where his son and grandson are now practicing, so that the name of Dr. Day
has always been associated with that city. To Mr. and Mrs. Guernsey have been
born five children, four of Whom are yet living: William Day, a journalist
connected with a newspaper of Schenectady, New York; Frank Day, a mining
man of Jerome, Arizona ; Minerva G., the wife of George F. Price, of Dayton ;
and Helen G., the wife of Frank E. Girton, of Covello, Washington.
In fraternal relations Mr. Guernsey has occupied a very prominent position.
He was made a Mason in Independence Lodge, No. 80, F. & A. M., of Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, in November, 1869, and was made a Royal Arch Mason in Walla
Walla Chapter, No. i, in 1880. He became a charter member and is a past
master of Columbia Lodge, No. 26, F. & A. M., of Dayton, and on the formation
of Dayton Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M., he also became a charter member of that
organization and is a past higli priest. He is likewise a member and past emi-
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 225
nent commander of Washington Commandery, No. i, K. T., is a member of the
Lodge of Perfection and the Chapter of Rose Croix in Walla Walla and of the
Knights of Kodosh and of Spokane Consistory, A. A. S. R. He likewise has
membership with the Knights Commander Court of Honor. He was the first
chancellor commander in Organization Lodge, No. 3, K. P., and is the oldest
chancellor commander in the state. He also has connection with various other
fraternal organizations and has been very prominent in that connection for many
years. His has been a guiding hand in shaping the history of southeastern
Washington in its material, social and political progress and at all times he has
been actuated by high ideals, looking ever to the benefit and upbuilding of his
section of the state. Great indeed have been the changes which have occurred
since his arrival in Columbia county. The seeds of civilization had scarcely been
planted when he reached Dayton and from that time forward he has cooperated
in all movements which have been instituted for public benefit, and without
invidious distinction he may be termed the foremost resident of Starbuck.
DICK HARPER.
Dick Harper, who is filling the position of county atiditor in Columbia county,
Washington, and makes his home in Dayton, was born August 12, 1863, in
Washburn, Woodford county, Illinois. His father, James D. Harper, was a
native of Sullivan county, Indiana, born in 1838, and when quite young removed
to central Illinois, where his boyhood and youth were passed. He was a grad-
uate of Eureka College, Eureka, Illinois, and devoted his entire life to educa-
tional work. He married Marion A. Jenkins when twenty-five years of age and
passed away in Dayton, Washington, in February, 1901. His wife is a rep-
resentative of a pioneer family of New York and is now living in Dayton at the
age of eighty years and is splendidly preserved. She lived for a few months in
the same house with Abraham Lincoln during the famous Lincoln-Douglas cam-
paign. She has a brother living at the age of ninety years, who was an officer
in the Civil war, holding the rank of first lieutenant.
Dick Harper acquired a common school education in Missouri and also at-
tended the State Normal School at Warrensburg, Missouri. In 1885, when a
young man of twenty-two years, he took charge of a drug store for his brother-
in-lav/ at Rich Hill, Missouri, and successfully managed the business for a
period of seven years, after which he came to the Pacific coast, arriving in Port-
land, Oregon, in the spring of 1892. In the fall of that year he came to Day-
ton, where he was identified with farming and with the grain trade until the
spring of 1903, when he established a furniture store in Dayton and soon won
for himself a place among the active and representative merchants of the city.
In igo6 he purchased the Day drug store at Dayton, which he conducted suc-
cessfully for seven years.
On the 27th of October, 1886, in Butler, Bates county, Missouri, Mr. Har-
per was united in marriage to Miss Laura A. Floyd, a daughter of John H.
and Sarah A. Floyd. They have a daughter, Florence Marion, who is the wife
226 OLD WAI.I.A WALLA COUNTY
cf Lloyd R. Ter\villij,^cr, who is lixin.s,'' in Walla Walla and is eniploj-ed in the
First National Bank of that city.
Mr. Harper has long hcen an active and helpful member of the Christian
church and he has membership with the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias
and the ALisons. For a number of years he served as secretary of Dayton Chap-
ter, R. A. M., and in his life has always exemplified the beneficent spirit of the
craft. He belongs to the Dayton Commercial Club and is a member of its
governing board. In politics he is a democrat. In 1898 he was made county
auditor of Columbia county by popular vote and in 1910 and 191 1 served as
councilman at large. He was chairman of the street and public property com-
mittee and also of the light and water committee. In 1912 he was elected mayor
of the city and in 1916 was appointed police judge. He has thus long continued
in public office and those who read between the lines will recognize the important
part which he has played in public aflfairs in Dayton, winning for himself a most
creditable position in commercial and political circles. In a word, he has exer-
cised much influence over public thought and opinion and has done much to
advance public progress in his adopted city.
CAI.DER H. WHITEMAN.
No class of Walla W^alla's citizens is more highly esteemed than the many
retired farmers who here make their home and among them is numbered Calder
H. Whiteman, who was bom in Keokuk county, Iowa, April 29, 1851. His par-
ents, John B. and Eliza G. (Colville) Whiteman, were natives of West Vir-
ginia and Kentucky respectively but were married in Indiana. In 1850 they
became settlers of Iowa but later returned to Indiana, where the mother died.
The father was subsequently married twice. In 1874 he made the long journey
to Oregon and four years later took up his residence in Umatilla county, that
state. He died in Milton October 5, 1910.
Calder H. Whiteman, who is an only child by the first marriage, remained
with his father until he attained his majority and received his education in
the common schools. On beginning his independent career he rented a farm
near Salem, Oregon, having decided to devote his life to the occupation to
which he had been reared. After farming that place for three years he removed
to Umatilla county and took up a homestead, the operation of which occupied
his time and attention until his removal to Walla Walla in 1901. In the inter-
vening years he brought the place to a high state of cultivation and made many
improvements thereon, making it one of the most up-to-date and valuable farms
in that locality. In 191 1 he sold the Umatilla county property and bought a
farm in \Vhitman county, W'ashington, near Lacrosse, which he still retains.
He and his son now own fourteen hundred and forty acres, all fine wheat land,
well improved, and their holdings place them among the large landowners of
eastern W^ashington. Mr. Whiteman of this review makes his home in Walla
W^alla and his residence here is commodious, pleasing in design and thoroughly
modern in its appointments.
Mr. Whiteman was married in 1874 to Miss Ella M. Dorman and they became
ilK. AXU .MKS. LALDEK H. WHITKMAX
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 229
the parents of four children, of whom three survive: Jessie L., the wife of F.
E. Allison of Lind, Washington; Clarence C, a resident of Pendleton, Oregon;
and Calder Otis, who is his father's partner in his farming interests. The wife
and mother passed away in 1896 and in 1897 Mr. Whiteman was married to
Mrs. Mary M. (Jackson) Morton, a native of Canada. By her first marriage
she had two children, both of whom have passed away.
Mr. Whiteman endorses the principles of the republican party and gives
his loyal support to its candidates at the polls. For four years he was a mem-
ber of the city council of Walla Walla and liis record in that office is one of
unusually capable work in behalf of the welfare of the municipality. For
twenty-two years he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows and he also belongs to the Woodmen of the World and the women's branch
of that organization, known as the Women of Woodcraft. Both he and his wife
are active members of the Christian church, of which he is an elder, and he is
also president of the board of directors of the Northwest Christian Home of
Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington at Walla Walla. It is under the
supervision of the Benevolent Association of the Christian church, which organ-
ization is designed to erect homes and hospitals for the young, old and needy
of that church, and Air. Whiteman gives much of his time to looking after
the affairs of that institution. The prominence which he has gained establishes
beyond question his ability, for his advancement has at all times come as the
direct result of his own efforts and he is indeed a self-made man.
P. B. DOWLING;
The average farmer is apt to think of Washington as a great forest country,
and while there are wonderful tracts of timber land, making this one of the
leading centers of the lumber industry on the continent, there are also great
stretches which are most splendidly adapted to farming and particularly to wheat
raising, so that Washington has come to be known as one of the great wheat
producing states of the Union. Among those who in following farming have
devoted their attention to wheat culture in Walla Walla county is P. B. Dowling,
who in 1887 arrived in this section of the state and who is now the owner of one
hundred and forty acres of land, constituting one of the best farms in the Walla
Walla valley. He was born in Springfield, Illinois, March 14, i860, and is a
son of William and Margaret Dowling, who were natives of Ireland. They
came to America in early life and established their home in Illinois, but after-
ward both returned to Ireland and their last days were spent in that country.
P. B. Dowling was accordingly reared and educated in Ireland, where he
had good opportunities for developing his intellectual powers, being given a
college education. He was graduated from the London \'eterinary College and
engaged in the practice of his chosen profession with success for a number of
years. In 1886, however, he determined to return to his native land and crossed
the Atlantic to America, first establishing his home in De Kalb county, Illinois.
He came to the northwest with W. L. Elwood, a well known importer of horses,
and in 1887 brought the first carload of Percheron horses that was shipped into
230 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
the v.illey. He afterward purchased the farm whereon he now resides, com-
prising one hundred and forty acres of very rich and productive farm land,
upon which he has placed many modern improvements. Here he has lived con-
tinuously since and has long been numbered among the representative and suc-
cessful agriculturists of this part of the state.
Li 1890 Air. Dowling was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Rourke, who
was born and reared upon the farm where Mr. Dowling now resides. The wife
passed away, however, in 1903, and was laid to rest in Mountain View ceme-
tery. She left a husband, two brothers and three sisters to mourn her loss and
there were many friends who deeply regretted her passing.
Mr. Dowling gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is
thoroughly informed concerning the questions and issues of the day. He is a
self-made man who owes his business advancement entirely to his own efforts.
He is recognized as one of the prominent men of the valley, being forceful and
resourceful in his business connections, while in matters of citizenship he stands
with patriotic loyalty for all that tends to advance the welfare and progress of
this section of the state.
HENRY A. KAUSCHE.
Henry ,\. Kausche devoted his active life to fanning in Garfield county
but at the time of his death was living retired in Pomeroy. His birth occurred
in Germany, February 16, 1839, and he was a son of Christopherson and Hannah
Kausche, who were born in Germany and there remained for a number of years
after their marriage. In 185 1, however, they came to America and for a short
time lived in New York. They then removed to Michigan, which remained
their home for more than twenty years. At length they came to Washington
to make their home with their son, Henry A., and both passed away in Garfield
county. All of their three children are likewise deceased.
Henry A. Kausche received the greater part of his education in Germany,
as he was twelve years of age when brought by his parents to the United
States. He grew to manhood in Michigan and lived there for five years after
his marriage. At the end of that time he went to Johnson county, Missouri,
but after residing there for six years cast in his lot with the Pacific nortlnvest,
settling in Linn county, Oregon. Some time later, in 1878, he came to Garfield
county, Washington, and took up a claim. He resided upon that place continu-
ously until 1902 and as the years passed he brought his farm to a high state of
development. He extended its boundaries by purchase, becoming the owner of
eight hundred acres, from which he derived a gratifying income. In 1902, feel-
ing that he had earned a period of leisure, he retired and removed to Pomeroy,
where he passed away July 4, 1903.
Mr. Kausche was married June 8, 1865, to Miss Paulina Lohrbert, who was
bom in Ohio and is a daughter of Frederick and Katherine (Rock) Lohrbert.
The father was born in Gemiany but in young manhood came to the United
States and took up his residence in Ohio, of which state his wife was a native,
and there their marriage occurred. In 1860 they removed to Michigan, where
HKMRV A . KAU S CHE
■^uc NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 23;j
they lived until called by death. All of their five children still survive. To
Mr. and Mrs. Kausche were born eleven children, of whom five are living,
namely: Laura, the wife of Andrew J. Brown, of Spokane, Washington; Eve-
lyn, who married Leo McMullen and now resides in Canada; Ida A., the wife
of George McCarty; Alvina, the wife of Henry Freeborn; and Charles A., who
is operating the homestead.
Mr. Kausche was a democrat in politics and felt the concern of a good citi-
zen for the public welfare but was never an aspirant for office. His life was
a busy and useful one and his labors were felt as a factor in the agricultural
development of Garfield county. He had made many friends and his demise
was the occasion of deep regret.
ROBERT KENNEDY.
In the great wheat growing belt of eastern Washington lies the farm of
Robert Kennedy, his place being situated on section 15, township 7 north, range
36 east, Walla Walla county. It is a valuable tract of land of nine hundred and
twenty acres, all of which has been brought under a high state of cultivation
and annually the great wheat yield returns to him a most gratifying income.
Mr. Kennedy still gives supervision to the wqrk of the- place- although he has
now passed the eighty-seventh milestone on life^^s , journey. H"e vvas born in
Rush county, Indiana, June 20, 1830, a son fcf John and Margaret Kennedy,
both of whom were natives of Tennessee. Removing northward to Indiana,
they resided in that state for a time and later became, residents of Shelby county,
Illinois, where both passed away.
Robert Kennedy started out in life on his own account when a youth of but
fourteen years and in 185 1, when twenty-one years of age, he crossed the plains
to the Pacific coast, attracted by the opportunities of the great and growing
west. He made his way to Oregon, where he settled on a farm and continued a
resident of that place for eight years. In 1859 he arrived in Walla Walla
county and settled on Dry creek, where he has since made his home. As the
years have passed he has added to his possessions, his industry and determina-
tion bringing to him larger resources. His investments in farm property have
made him the owner of nine hundred and twenty acres of valuable wheat land
and upon his place are many substantial improvements. His farm presents a
very neat and thrifty appearance and is supplied with all modern conveniences.
Mr. Kennedy has been married twice. He first wedded Miss Anna Smith
and they became the parents of three children of whom only one is now living,
L. L. Kennedy, a resident farmer of Oregon. The wife and mother passed
away in 1876 and in 1879 Mr. Kennedy was again married, his second union
being with Mrs. Margaret (Jackson) Dennison. Mrs. Kennedy is a cousin
of William Dennison, who was governor of Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy
have been born seven children: Rebecca, the deceased wife of Professor R. E.
Staflford; Martha, the wife of John Connell ; Robert P.; Edna; William B. ;
B. H. ; and Edith May, who has passed away.
In his political views Mr. Kennedy is a republican, having suppcted the
234 ■ OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
party since its organization. He has served on the school board and the cause
of public education finds in him an earnest advocate. Fraternally he is con-
nected with the Masons, although of late years he has not been active in lodge
work. He and his wife are active and consistent members of the Christian
church and Mrs. Kennedy is now the oldest member of the church at Walla
Walla. Their lives have been guided by its teachings and their many excellent
traits of character have won for them the warm regard and high esteem of all
who know them. Mr. Kennedy is one of the venerable citizens of Walla Walla
county and can look back upon the past without regret and forward to the
future without fear, for his has ever been an honorable life. Fifty-six years
have come and gone since he arrived in the west and therefore he has been a
witness of the greater part of its growth and progress.
E. H. LEONARD.
E. H. Leonard, who has long been known as a ]>roininent representative of
milling interests in the northwest, is now the vice president of the Preston-
Shaffer Milling Company and active manager of its mill at Waitsburg. He was
bom in Walla Walla, May i6, 1873, and is a son of Thomas S. and Sarilda R.
(Herren) Leonard. The father was a native of the state of New York, and the
mother of Oregon having been one of the first white children born in that state.
The date of the father's birth was April 25, 1840. He acquired a good educa-
tion in the schools of that early period and in i860 removed westward to Illi-
nois, where for three years he engaged in teaching school, spending a part of
the time also in Iowa. In 1863 he enlisted in the government service, being
made a member of an organization for the purpose of rendering assistance and
guidance to emigrant trains crossing the plains. On reaching the Boise river
his train, feeling in comparative safety, disbanded and Mr. Leonard continued
his journey to the coast, arriving in Portland, Oregon, late in November, 1863.
when that now populous and progressive city was a town of but three thousand
inhabitants. He afterward drifted to various points in the northwest and sub-
sequently again took up educational work, teaching in the vicinity of Salem,
Oregon, where he remained until about 1S71. In the fall of that year he came
to Walla Walla and in the spring of 1872 he removed to Dayton, where he has
since resided. In the fall of that year he and his wife took charge of the Dayton
school and in the spring of 1873 removed to a government land claim. In 1876
Mr. Leonard assisted in the organization of Columbia county and was elected
the first county superintendent of schools. On the expiration of his term in
that office he returned to the homestead and has since been engaged in farming.
He has taken an active and important part in promoting the development of
county and state along material and intellectual lines and has left the impress of
his individuality for good upon the history of the community. In 186S Mr.
Leonard was united in marriage to Miss Sarilda R. Herren, a daughter of John
and Docia (Robbins) Herren, who crossed the plains from Kentucky to Ore-
gon in 1845. They settled near Salem, among the very early pioneers of that
section. On her mother's side Mrs. Leonard comes of a family represented in
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 235
the Revolutionary war, her great-grandfather, William Robbins, having been
a participant in that struggle which led to the attainment of American independ-
ence. T. S. Leonard is one of the prominent citizens of Dayton and has
for many years taken a prominent and helpful part in the development of
Columbia county.
E. H. Leonard was reared to farm life and his education has been practically
self acquired. He worked in his father's fields until his twenty-fifth year and
in 1898 he became connected with milling operations as an employe of the
North Pacific Flour Mills Company at Prescott. In March, 1900, he was made
foreman of the mills and in July of the same year, when the mills were acquired
by the Portland Flouring Mills Company, Mr. Leonard was made manager,
which position he continued to fill until 1904. In that year he was advanced to
the position of district manager with the Portland Flouring Mills Company
and in that connection had supervision over the mills of Dayton and Prescott
and later also of Walla Walla. He continued in that capacity until January i,
1916, at which time, having acquired an interest in the Preston-Shafifer Milling
Company at Waitsburg, he was made assistant manager and removed to Waits-
burg. This company also owns mills at Athena, Oregon. At the first meeting
of the directors after his removal to Waitsburg, Mr. Leonard was elected to
the vice presidency of the company in recognition of his marked ability and his
long experience in the milling business. There is no phase of flour manufacture
with which he is not familiar and in the operation of the plants of the Preston-
Shaff^er Company he utilizes the latest improved machinery and the most modern
processes, displaying marked enterprise in the control of the business. While
thus extensively engaged in milling for nineteen years he has also continued
his farming operations and now owns and operates two farms in Walla Walla
county, comprising twenty-five hundred acres. He has thus become one of the
prominent wheat growers of the Inland Empire. Either one of his business con-
nections are sufficiently extensive and important to rank him with the repre-
sentative business men of this section of the country. He is both forceful and
resourceful and readily recognizes and utilizes opportunities which others pass
heedlessly by. He is fortunate in that he possesses character and ability that
awaken confidence in others and the simple weight of his character and his
ability have carried him into important relations.
In November. 1900, occurred the marriage of Mr. Leonard and Miss Minnie
Belle Lieuallen, of Portland, Oregon, and they have become the parents of three
children : Mineta Belle, who is attending high school ; Edgar Hugh, a student in
the graded schools; and Joanna Jeanne.
Mr. Leonard is a republican in his political views and fraternally is connected
with Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, A. F. & A. M. ; Dayton Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M. ;
and Walla Walla Commandery, No. i, K. T. He also has membership with El
Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane, and belongs to Whetstone
Lodge, No. 157, K. of P., of Prescott. His record is an inspiring one, for out
of a struggle with small opportunities he has come into a field of broad and
active influence and usefulness. Quick discernment and the faculty of sep-
arating the important features of any subject from its incidental or accidental
circumstances have been strong phases in his career. His business has ever
balanced up with the principles of truth and honor. He has ever been possessed
236 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
of sufficient courage to venture where favoring opportunity is presented and his
judgment and even-paced energy have carried him forward to the goal of suc-
cess. His quietude of deportment, his frankness and cordiaHty of address, with
the total absence of anything sinister or anything to conceal, foretoken a man
who is ready to meet any obligation of life with the confidence and courage that
come of conscious personal ability, right conception of things and an habitual
regard for what is best in the exercise of human activity.
JOHN F. BREWER.
Twelve years have passed since John F. Brewer was called to his final rest,
but his memory is cherished by many who knew him, as he stood as a high type
of manhood and citizenship and was devoted to the welfare and progress not only
of his family but of the community in which he lived. He was born in Scotland
county, Missouri, November 9, 1842, a son of David and Susan (.Small) Brewer,
who crossed the plains with an ox team in 1853, reaching Salem, Oregon, where
they established their home. Their son, John F., was then a little lad of ten
years and he completed his public school training in Salem, while later he pur-
sued a course of study in Sublimity College, some fourteen miles from Salem.
He then took up the profession of , teaching,- which he followed in the public
schools for many years, imparting readily and clearly to others the knowledge
that he had acquired. In 1872 he removed to- the Walla Walla valley, where he
engaged in farming. His agricultural interests were carefully and successfully
conducted and for many years he concentrated his efforts and attention upon the
development of the fields. At length, however, he left the farm and removed to
Walla Walla, building a handsome home on Boyer avenue. In 1876 he purchased
a large tract of land east of the city and became one of the leading and extensive
farmers of Walla Walla county. In 1890 he removed to Seattle, where he platted
a tract of land which he called the Walla Walla addition but in this enterprise
he was not successful and returned to Walla Walla, where his investments were
judiciously made, his business affairs capably managed and his enterprise brought
to him a very gratifying and substantial measure of success.
In March, 1872, Mr. Brewer was united in marriage to Miss Adora D. Stan-
ton, a native of Oregon and a daughter of Benjamin and Matilda (Baldwin)
Stanton. Her parents were natives of Kentucky and crossed the plains by wagon
in 1852, settling near .Salem, Oregon. They had a family of eleven children, of
whom seven are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Brewer became the parents of nine
children, namely: John, who is manager of the Commercial Club at The Dalles,
Oregon, but is now in the government service at Portland Oregon ; Merton, a
practicing attorney at Auburn, Washington; Ada, who has passed away; Frank,
living in Walla Walla county; Maud, the wife of Charles Ulm, of Ritzville;
Bertha, who is the widow of Eugene Dunbar and now lives in Anchorage,
Alaska; Dora, who is the wife of Fred Snedecor, of Corona, California; Roy,
who is a sergeant in the United States army with the First Illinois Infantry; and
Luella, the wife of Frank Harlow, of Los Angeles, California.
Mrs. Brewer owns a fine residence on Boyer avenue in Walla Walla, where
.lOnX F. P.RKWKR
MRS. JOHN F. BREWER
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 241
she resides, and in addition she has five hundred and twenty acres of valuable
wheat land near the city and another tract of eight hundred acres in Franklin
county. She is an active and prominent member of the Sunshine Club and is
also connected with the Eastern Star and church organizations. Mr. Brewer left
his family in very comfortable financial circumstances when death called him on
the 2 1 St of February, 1905. He was one of the valued and respected citizens
of this section of the country. He took an active part in the development of
Walla Walla county and never withheld his support from any enterprise that he
believed would prove beneficial in any way. He was intensely patriotic and he
stood for all that was progressive in relation to public aflfairs. He served for
several terms as alderman of his city and at the time of his death was filling the
position of councilman for his ward. To him belongs the honor of being the
father of the paid fire department of Walla Walla, which has proven successful
and satisfactory even beyond his confident predictions. Fraternally he was
connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias,
the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Royal Arcanum, while his
religious faith was indicated by his membership in the First Presbyterian church.
His home paper, in writing of his death, said : "In the death of John Brewer,
Walla Walla loses one of her best and most progressive citizens. No citizen
of the town had more warm personal friends, and his demise has brought sadness
to many a home. As private citizen and public official he always strove to do his
full duty. He endeavored to be just to all men and he spoke ill of no one. He
was broad-minded and conservative, generous and public spirited. It would
be hard to find a man in the community with fewer faults and more virtues.
His home life was ideal and it is no wonder that those nearest and dearest to
him find it so hard to reconcile themselves to the loss of a kind and loving
husband and father."
"I cannot say and will not say
That he is dead, he is just away ;
He has wandered into an unknown land
With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand;
And left us dreaming how very fair
It needs must be, since he lingers there."
VICTOR E. SIEBERT.
Victor E. Siebert is a member of the firm of Osterman & Siebert, known as
Walla Walla's foremost architects, in which connection he has developed skill
of the highest degree, and his patronage is indicative of the high order of his work.
He is a native son of Walla Walla, born October 3, 1884, his parents being Chris
and Minnie (Nahen) Siebert, the former a native of Berlin, Germany, while the
latter was born in Red Bluff, California. The father was reared to manhood and
pursued his education in his native country and served throughout the Franco-
Prussian war. Following that conflict, in 1875, he came to the United States,
making his way to Oconto, Wisconsin, but after a brief period there passed he
removed westward to Washington, establishing his home in Asotin county, where
Vol. 11 — 10
242 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
he took up a homestead claim and lived for a few years. He lat r removed to
Walla Walla county and purchased a farm six or eight miles east of the city
of W^alla Walla, on which he resided for some time. He next removed to the
city, where he now makes his home. He is still active in farming in a small
way but in a measure has put aside the arduous duties of life.
Victor E. Siebert, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the
Baker school of Walla Walla and when eighteen years of age he be.gan the
study of architecture in the office of Henry Osterman, with whom he thus
remained for three years. He then went east to complete his education and
entered the Boston Technical School in the fall of 1906. There he pursued a
special course in architecture, attending the institution for four years. After
completing his studies he entered into partnership with Peter F. McLaughlin
and established business in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, under the firm style of
McLaughlin & Siebert. This relationship existed for two and a half years, at
the end of v^'hich time the partnership was dissolved and in the fall of 1912 Mr.
Siebert returned to Walla Walla and entered into partnership relations with Mr.
Osterman, his former preceptor. They are well known architects of this city,
the firm of Osterman & Siebert occupying a very creditable and enviable position
in professional circles. Many of the most important buildings of the northwest
have been designed and erected by them and stand as monuments of their skill,
their enterprise and business ability.
In 1910 Mr. Siebert was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hoelzel, of Adams,
Massachusetts, and they have become the parents of two children, Henry and
Gretchen. Mr. Siebert is a consistent member of Blue Mountain Lodge, No.
13, F. & A. M., and also belongs to Columbus Council of the Knights of Kadosh,
No. 6, of Walla Walla, and to Oriental Consistory, No. 2, A. & A. S. R. He is also
connected with El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane His political
allegiance is given to the republican party. He belongs to the W'alla Walla
Commercial Club and is one of the city's representative men, his aid and influence
being always given on the side of progress and advancement, reform and improve-
ment. He and his wife are members of the Christian Science church and their
genuine personal worth has gained for them a circle of friends almost coextensive
with the circle of their acquaintance. Thorough preliminary training has con-
stituted the basis of Mr. Siebert's success in a professional way and fidelity to
the highest standards of business has actuated him at every point in his career.
The northwest is fortunate in having his services in connection with its important
growth and development and Walla Walla is proud to number him among
her citizens.
WILLIAM T. LANE.
William T. Lane is a Civil war veteran and a retired fanner who is now
living in Starbuck. He was bom in Tennessee, December 27, 1841, and is a son
of Tidence and Rebecca (Huhn) Lane, who were natives of Tennessee. The
father was killed in that state by a falling tree. The mother afterward removed
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 243
to Missouri, yhere her last days were passed. They had a family of three
children but William T. is the only one now living.
Througl:.- the period of his boyhood and youth William T. Lane remained a
resident of Tennessee but in 1865, when twenty- four years of age, went to
Missouri and established his home in Johnson county. In 1880 he came to
Columbia county, where he rented a farm for two years and later he invested
his savings in land, becoming owner of a place four miles south of Starbuck,
comprising four hundred acres. He occupied that farm for twenty years, devoting
his time and energies to its further development and improvement with the result
that he converted it into a most valuable and productive agricultural property. At
length he sold the place and settled in Starbuck, where he now resides, and through
the intervening period he has lived retired, enjoying a well earned rest.
In 1870 Mr. Lane was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Oliphant, a native
of Missouri, and they became the parents of seven children : Nancy E., who is
the wife of C. A. Gregory; Hattie E., who is the wife of W. E. Phillips; and five
who have passed away. The wife and mother died in December, 1908, and was
laid to rest in the Starbuck cemetery. She left a husband and two daughters to
mourn her loss. She was devoted to the welfare of her family and had many
excellent traits of character which endeared her to all with whom she was brought
in contact.
Mr. Lane is a member of the Christian church. He is a veteran of the Civil
war, having enlisted in 1861 as a member of Company C, Sixty-first Tennessee
Regiment. He was paroled at Vicksburg and came out without a scratch
although he had taken part in several hotly contested battles. His life has been
a busy and useful one, largely devoted to farming interests, and by unfaUering
industry and determination he has advanced steadily on the highroad to success.
He is one of the leading men of the valley in which he resides and is enjoying
a prosperity which is the merited reward of his labors.
J. W. CLODIUS.
J. W. Clodius is a well known representative of farming interests in Walla
Walla county, where he is now engaged in the cultivation of thirteen hundred
acres of land. He makes his home on section 34, township 9 north, range 37 east,
and his well directed energy and careful management are bringing to him sub-
stantial success. He was born April 28, 1889, in the county where he yet resides,
his parents being Hans F. and Catherine (Rhode) Clodius, who came to Walla
Walla county in 1881. They were both natives of Germany, where they were
reared and married, and about 1870 they crossed the Atlantic to the United
States, settling in Illinois, where they remained until they came to Washington.
On removing to the northwest they established their home in Walla Walla county
and the father acquired land from time to time until he owned thirteen hundred
acres. He settled on Mill creek and about 1897 removed to the home farm, upon
which his son, J. W. Clodius, now resides. There he continued to live until 1913,
when he put aside the active work of the fields and removed to Waitsburg, where
he is now located. He is numbered among the honored and valued pioneer
244 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
settlers of his section of the state and made for himself a creditable record in
business circles, for through his individual effort, persistency of purpose and
honorable dealing he gained a most substantial competence.
J. W. Clodius acquired a public school education and through the period of
his boyhood and youth remained at home, assisting his father in the operation of
the farm. Upon the lattcr's removal to Waitsburg he then took charge of the
home property and is now engaged in cultivating thirteen hundred acres of rich
land. He is thus numbered among the leading agriculturists of the community.
The methods which he pursues are most practical and progressive. He is syste-
matic and methodical in all that he does, he employs the latest improved machinery
to facilitate the work of the fields and by energy and persistency of purpose is
winning success.
On the 8th of Novem!)er, 191 1, Mr. Clodius was united in marriage to Miss
Ina Mary Harkins, of W'aitsburg, a daughter of James Harkins, who is now
deceased. Her mother, who bore the maiden name of Anna Elizabeth Harris,
is now living on a farm in Bolles Junction. She was born, reared and married
in Illinois, though her husband was a native of Davenport, Iowa. Shortly after
their marriage they came west and located in Lane county, Oregon, where they
remained until 1898 and then removed to Waitsburg, Washington, where the death
of Mr. Harkins occurred. In their family were eight children, seven of whom
are still living. Both Mr. and Mrs. Harkins held membership in the Christian
church. Mr. and Mrs. Clodius have become the parents of two children, Emory
W. and Brenda M.
Fraternally Air. Clodius is connected with Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287,
B. P. O. E. In politics he maintains an independent course, voting according to
the dictates of his judgment. He is yet a comparatively young man but has made
for himself a most creditable position in agricultural circles and the extent and
importance of his farming interests are indicative of his business ability.
THEODORE GROTE.
Theodore Grote, one of the foremost farmers of Columbia county, Washing-
ton, owning ten thousand acres of fine wheat and pasture land, was born in
Germany, July 5, 1881, a son of John and Anna (Dryer) Grote, also natives of
that country. In 1882 they emigrated to America with their family and took up
their residence in Ohio, whence three years later they removed to Kansas. They
resided in that state for three years and then came to Washington, first locating
in Whitman county. In 1893, however, they removed to Walla Walla county,
and there the father passed away in 191 5, while the mother survives.
Theodore Grote, who is one of a family of five children, was brought to
Washington when a child and in the acquirement of his education attended the
common schools. In 1897 ^^ began farming in partnership with his father and
brothers, operating eighteen hundred acres of leased land. He devoted six years
to that work and then removed to Canada, where for a year he was in the sheep
business. He then returned to Walla Walla and purchased fifty-five hundred
acres of land and leased six thousand acres. Four years later he sold his property
THE. NE'''
PUBLIC LlbKA^l
HI 1
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 247
to his brother Ben, but after a period of two years he again purchased land,
becoming the owner of a valuable tract in Columbia County on section lo,
township II north, range 38 east. He has since added to his holdings and is now
the owner of ten thousand acres, of which forty-three hundred acres is wheat
land and the remainder pasture land. He has a herd of six hundred head of
cattle and his stock raising interests are very profitable. As a wheat grower he
met with unusual success, and he is always among the first to adopt a new method
or implement of value. He is systematic and businesslike in the management of
his affairs, realizing that the day of haphazard, unthinking farming has passed.
Mr. Grote was married in February, 191 1, to Miss Matie C. Baumann, who
was born in Washington. He is an advocate of the principles of the republican
party but confines his participation in public affairs to the exercise of his right
of franchise. He belongs to the Elks at Walla Walla and is a member of the
Masonic Lodge, No. 106 F. & A. M., at Starbuck and of the Royal Arch Chapter
at Dayton. His ability stands out as an unquestioned fact and it is generally
recognized that he is an important factor in the development of Columbia county
along agricultural and stock raising lines.
A. G. LLOYD.- J!^;;v W},r ;;?;/'.■ '
Fifty-eight years ago A. G. Lloyd became a Resident of Walla Willa county
and in a little log cabin began life in true pioneei>&tyi©., He. Iia3, howe.Ver, been a
resident of the west for a much longer periocf. 'fh-ffamiiyhome having been
established in Oregon in 1845. He was born in Missouri, July 25, 1836, his
parents being John and Nancy (Walker) Lloyd, both of whom were natives of
North Carolina. At a very early period they removed westward to Missouri
and in 1845 crossed the plains with ox teams, making the long wearisome journey
across the hot stretches of sand and over the mountains, three years before gold
had been discovered in California, at which later time the traik to the west were
more definitely marked and more easily followed. They located in Benton county,
Oregon, where the father took up a donation claim of six hundred acres. There
he built a log cabin covered with a clapboard roof and the chimney was built
on the outside of the primitive dwelling. Hardships and privations fell to their
lot but with stout hearts and undiminished courage they put forth every effort
to establish a home on the western frontier and were active with those who
were planting the seeds of civilization in Washington. The mother died while
the family resided upon the homestead farm and the father afterward removed
to Colfax, Washington, where he passed away in 1875. In their family were
nine children, but one of whom is now living.
A. G. Lloyd was reared and educated in Oregon, having been but a little lad
of nine summers at the time of the removal to the west. There was no phase of
pioneer Hfe with which he was not familiar. He served in the Tndian war on
the Walla Walla river and was in the Seven-Day fight. He became familiar
with all of the methods of treacherous warfare practiced by the savages and
he aided in reclaiming the region for the purposes of civilization. He was
mustered out in July, 1856, and returned to the work of the farm.
248 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
In 1858 he was united in marriage to Miss Lois Jasper, a native of Kentucky
and a daughter of John and Mary (Heath) Jasper, who were also natives of the
Blue Grass state, whence in 1842 they removed to St. Joseph, Missouri. The
father died in that state and the mother with her family of six children after-
ward, in 1854, crossed the plains and became a resident of Benton county, Oregon.
In the family were eight children, of whom three are now living.
Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd began their domestic life in Oregon, but in July, 1859,
removed to Walla Walla county, Washington, where he secured a homestead
claim of one hundred and sixty acres two and a half miles from Waitsburg on the
Touchet river. Upon his land he built a log cabin with puncheon floor and door.
The home was most primitive but it sheltered stout hearts and willing hands.
They bravely faced the conditions of pioneer life in order to secure a home for
themselves and for eight years they lived upon that place without change. At
the end of that time Mr. Lloyd was able to purchase more land and his widow
now owns two hundred acres, for some of which she has been offered three
hundred dollars per acre. The rapid settlement of this section of the country,
together with the improvements made upon the farm, have greatly enhanced the
value of the property, which returns to Mrs. Lloyd a very gratifying annual
income. In his business career Mr. Lloyd displayed marked diligence and
determination and his farming interests were wisely and carefully managed, so
that he became recognized as one of the foremost agriculturists of this section
of the state. As the years went on eleven children were added to the family, of
whom six are now living, namely: J. C, who is in California; G. M., a resident
of Waitsburg ; Wesley A., who is occupying the old homestead ; Gilla Ann, the
wife of C. C. Milinger, of Spokane, Washington; Ralph G., also lining in this
state; and Angeline, the wife of F. G. Aldridge.
The death of the husband and father occurred January 5, 191 5, since which
time Mrs. Lloyd has personally managed the farm. Mr. Lloyd not only figured
as one of the leading representatives of agricultural life in Walla Walla county
but was a most prominent and influential factor in other connections. He attained
the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Masonry and held all of the chairs
in the different Masonic branches with which he was affiliated. His political
allegiance was given the democratic party and he was one of its recognized
leaders. His opinions carried weight in its councils and his efforts were an
element in advancing its success. Five times he was elected to represent his
district in the general assembly of Washington and he left the impress of his in-
dividuality upon many important legislative measures which were enacted during
that period. He closely studied the questions and issues of the day and gave his
aid and support to any measure or movement which he believed would promote
the interests of the commonwealth and stood with equal firmness in opposition
to any cause which he believed would be detrimental to the welfare of the
community at large. His position was never an equivocal one and he loyally
supported every measure in which he believed. None questioned the integrity
of his opinions or of his actions. He served as a delegate to both county and
state conventions and did much to mold public thought and opinion. Mrs. Lloyd
is a member of the Eastern Star and also of the Rebekah lodge and in these
organizations has filled all of the chairs. She is a consistent member of the
Presbyterian church, while Mr. Lloyd was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 249
church. He was prominent as a man whose constantly expanding powers took
him from humble surroundings to the field of large enterprises and continually
broadening opportunities. He was reared upon the western frontier and the
effort required to live in those ungenerous surroundings, the necessity to make
■ every blow tell and to exercise every inventive faculty developed powers of mind
and habits which made him a forceful and resourceful business man and citizen.
The early rising, the daily tasks, the economical habits of the country boy
prepared him for the struggle that must precede ascendency and step by step
Mr. Lloyd gained success in business and prominence in public life.
W. M. TAYLOR.
W. M. Taylor resides in Waitsburg but is identified with farming on section
31, township 9 north, range 38 east, in Columbia county. He has resided in
this state since reaching the age of eighteen years. He was born in Johnson
county, Missouri, January 31, 1861, and is a son of Simon and Harriet (Bur-
gess) Taylor, who are mentioned in connection with the sketch of his brother,
Charles M. Taylor, on another page of this work. The public school system of
his native county afforded him his educational privileges, tie made good use
of his time and opportunities in that direction and when not busy with his text-
books he was assisting in the work of the home farm and thus learning valuable
lessons in the school of experience. He had reached the age of eighteen years
when he came to Washington, after which he remained at home, cooperating
with his father in the development and improvement of a new farm up to the
time of his marriage. In the meantime, however, he and his brothers, G. B.,
J. W. and J. F. Taylor, bought eight hundred acres of land, which they cultivated
in partnership, and they also operated one thousand acres belonging to Whit-
man College. This they leased and the four brothers continued their farming
interests together until about 1907, when a division of their holdings was made,
and W. M. Taylor acquired three hundred and sixty acres of the land that had
been held conjointly before. He has since purchased two hundred and forty
acres adjoining his other tract, so that his home farm now comprises six
hundred acres and constitutes one of the valuable wheat ranches of Columbia
county. The soil is particularly adapted to wheat raising and the crops pro-
duced are most extensive and gratifying, for the methods which Mr. Taylor
follows in the development of his fields are practical. All of the work on the
farm is systematically done and is guided by his sound judgment. He uses
the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and there is no
equipment of the model farm property of the twentieth century that is not
found upon his place.
On September 18, 1889, occurred the marriage of Mr. Taylor and Miss
Flora Kinyoun, of Johnson county, Missouri, who came to Washington to teach
music in 1887. By her marriage she became the mother of two children: Har-
riet E., the wife of R. B. McElroy, of Spokane, Washington ; and Laura E.,
the wife of Theodore Holsey, of Spokane, this state. The wife and mother
passed away in 1897 and on November 29, 1899, Mr. Taylor was again mar-
250 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
ried, his second union being witli Airs. Lillian Devall, nee Pinkley, who was a
teacher in the public schools of Walla Walla and Columbia counties. To this
marriage has been born a daughter, Florence G.
Fraternally Mr. Taylor is connected with Touchet Lodge, No. 5, L O. O. F.,
and he also belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His political
views are in accord with the principles of the democratic party. He and his
wife are members of the Methodist church and their lives are guided by its
teachings and its principles. Aside from his farming interests Mr. Taylor
became one of the incorporators of the Exchange Bank of Waitsburg, of which
he is still a stockholder. He has made for himself a very creditable position
as a substantial farmer and representative citizen of Columbia county. After
the harvests are gathered he takes up his abode in Waitsburg, where he has an
attractive city home and there spends the winters. The extent and importance
of his business interests have made him widely and favorably known and his
life record should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others,
indicating what may be accomplished through persistent and honorable effort.
He has aided in demonstrating the possibilities for grain farming in this sec-
tion of the state and the worth of his work, both as a source of individual suc-
cess and of general prosperity, is widely acknowledged.
CMRIS^IAN STURM, Sr.
Christian Sturm, who was pqe- oi the best' .known and most highly esteemed
pioneers of the Walla Walla vaHeyi "was bom in the kingdom of Wurttembcrg,
Germany, April 14, 1834. At the age of seventeen, accompanied by a brother, he
came to the United States, the ocean voyage taking forty-two days.
He enjoyed telling a good joke on himself which occurred when he landed
in New York with little of this world's goods. He met with a traveling Jew
who said to him : "Carry these bags and suit cases for me several blocks and
I'll pay you twenty-five cents." He accepted the offer and carried the luggage
blocks and blocks until, finally in the heart of the city, they entered a building
and climbed several flights of stairs. On one of the top floors the Jew took the
luggage and asked him to wait a few minutes and he would return and pay him.
He waited and waited patiently but the generous Jewish gentleman never re-
turned. It was some little time before it dawned on him that he was "stung."
It was a lesson, for the errand caused him to miss his boat and, also, his brother
whom he never saw again. That night he spent sight-seeing about New York,
and w'hile standing about admiring what was a most wonderful building to him
he was thrown into jail w'here he was compelled to remain until morning and he
often remarked, "his first and only time in jail was his first night in America."
After finishing his education in New York, he moved to Delaware and after
spending two years in that state he went to Philadelphia where he enlisted in the
service of the U. S. army in 1857. Shortly afterwards his company was moved
to Newport, Kentucky, and then to New York; then, by the isthmus of Panama
route to San Francisco and from the last named place to Astoria. Astoria at
that time had but few buildings. Soon after he was stationed at Y^ancouver and
OHKISTIAX STLK.M, Sr.
ilRS. CHRISTIAN STURM, Sr.
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 255
a little later at the Cascades. With his company he walked to the upper Cas-
cades and took the boat to The Dalles and from there he marched with his troop
to Fort Walla Walla. He was five years in the army and during his enlistment
he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. In the army he saw much real fight-
ing. In 1858 he was in the expedition to Colville, which was in command of
Colonel Wright. They encountered the Indians, nearly twelve thousand strong,
who opened fire on the troops, and the famous battle of Steptoe was fought.
During this battle Captain Taylor was killed. Captain Taylor was wearing a
silk sash which he took off and presented to Lieutenant Sturm of whom he was
very fond. The sash he always kept in memory of momentous hours of danger
and as a sacred memento of a true friendship, and it now hangs in its familiar
place in his widow's home. The Indians that fought at Steptoe consisted of the
Yakimas, Colvilles, Palouses, Spokanes and Coeur d'Alenes. In this famous
battle the troops fortified themselves on Steptoe Butte and how bravely they
fought history tells. During the battle many Indians were dispatched and as
many as one thousand Indian ponies were killed.
After retiring from the army as lieutenant, acting as assistant quartermaster.
First Cavalry United States of America, 1862, at Fort Walla Walla (the same
fort that President Wilson ordered used in 1917 for a training camp for the
Washington State Field Artillery, under command of Major Paul Weyrauch)
the wonderful opportunities of the Inland Empire country made a strong appeal
to Mr. Sturm. After spending a year mining at Orofino, Idaho, he returned
to Walla Walla and went into the livery business with Fred Kraft. After a
short time he disposed of his interest in the livery arid engaged in the general
merchandise business with O. B. Brechtel for a partner. Their store was one
of the first in Walla Walla ; it was a headquarters for miners returning from
the Orofino placer mines ; the miners would deposit their gold dust with Messrs.
Sturm and Brechtel for safe keeping, there being no banks at that time in Walla
Walla. After remaining in the mercantile business for five years Mr. Sturm
bought one hundred and sixty acres of land from H. M. Chase two and one-half
miles from Walla Walla and engaged in farming. He acquired another adjoin-
ing one hundred and sixty acres ; also homesteaded one hundred and sixty and
preempted one hundred and sixty ; then, in later years, he bought five hundred
acres more. He was one of the most successful wheat and stock raisers in the
valley.
Mr. Sturm was married in 1865 to Miss Marietta Roff. Four sons and two
daughters were born to this union, and two sons and two daughters survive.
Mrs. Sturm was born September 12, 1844, a daughter of Frederick Roff. Her
girlhood was spent in Illinois, but in 1864 she with her parents left Quincy,
that state, and they crossed the plains and mountains, using ox and horse teams,
the crossing requiring six months. Many were the hardships they endured.
Among others, their oxen got on a "poisoned meadow" and died. During the
last part of their journey they traveled with a government train and arrived in
Walla Walla, October 16, 1864. Mrs. Sturm's father, Frederick Roff, was
perhaps the first man to take up a homestead in the valley, filing on one hundred
and sixty acres about two and a half miles east of Walla Walla. He there
resided until his death, August 2, i8go. Mrs. Sturm survives her husband and
resides at the old Sturm home in Walla Walla. More extended mention in
256 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
regard to the family of Frederick Roti' is made in connection with the sketch of
Oliver DeWitt, whose wife is a sister of Mrs. Sturm.
Mr. Sturm, who died on January ii, 1909, was one of the foremost pioneers
of the western cotintry. Taking up his abode in the northwest when Walla
Walla boasted but a few log buildings and the tributary country was but a wilder-
ness, he was one of those sturdy, upright characters who did his full share to
help develop the country and make it the success it is today. At all times public
spirited and keenly alive and devoted to the interests of the community he
was one of the country's true builders. As one of the distinguished pioneers
of the country — as a man who performed many good deeds in his day — his name
will always be remembered and ever held in the highest respect.
WILLIAM M. SCOTT.
William AI. Scott belonged to that class of honored pioneers who have laid
broad and deep the foundation upon which has been built the present prosperity
and greatness of the state of Washington. He was a resident of Walla Walla
from 1905 until his death and for many years was prominently identified with
the wheat industry in Umatilla county, Oregon. He was born in McLean county.
Illinois, December 29, 1837, and was a son of John B. and Rena (Ilalsey)
Scott. During his infancy he was taken by his maternal grandparents, Mr. and
Mrs. Halsey, with whom he remained until his ninth year, when his uncle, Dr.
A. K. Scott, became his foster father, and with him William M. Scott remained
until 1855, when at the age of eighteen years he started out in life independently.
He went to Coffey county, Kansas, where he remained for one year and then
started to return to Illinois but stopped off in Daviess county, Missouri, and decid-
ed to remain. He there continued until 1859, when he again went to Kansas and
in i860 he started across the plains for the western country, his objective point
being the Walla Walla valley, of which he had heard much. The lure of the
California gold fields, however, drew him as a magnet and his course was
diverted. He was one of the party to which J. L. Stubblefield belonged. The
company subsequently divided but Mr. Scott and others proceeded to California.
After spending several months in that state he came, in 1861, northward and
located at McMinnville, Oregon, where he attended college for a time. In 1862
he engaged in freighting with ox teams from Wallula to Lewiston and subse-
quently from The Dalles to the Idaho mines. In the fall of 1863 he went to
Salem, Oregon, where he resided for seven years. He then crossed the moun-
tains, locating near Prineville, where he was engaged in the live stock business
for eight years. In 1878 he removed to Umatilla county, Oregon, where he took
up a homestead and a timber culture near Helix. One of these claims subse-
([uently sold for two hundred dollars, but later he bought it back for forty-two
lumdred dollars. He acquired a full section of six hundred and forty acres of
the best land in the wheat belt and engaged in farming eight hundred acres,
leasing a quarter section adjoining his place. One year he harvested sixty-six
bushels of wheat to the acre upon his farm and he averaged from year to year
from forty to forty-five bushels. He experienced all the hardships and priva-
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 257
tions of early pioneer life and twice in the year 1878 was forced to leave Helix
on account of the hostility of the Indians and seek refuge in Fort Walla Walla.
However, he persevered and his determination and energy overcame the obstacles
in the path of material advancement, while changing conditions, brought about
by the settlement of the country, soon obviated the necessity of protecting against
Indian attack. In 1905, after many years successfully devoted to farming, he
retired from active agricultural life and removed to Walla Walla, where he
remained until called to his final home, on January 18, 1915.
Mr. Scott was united in marriage to Miss Anna D. Caplinger, a daughter of
Jacob and Jane (Woodside) Caplinger, of Salem, Oregon. They crossed the
plains from Fulton county, Illinois, to Oregon in 1845 and settled in Oregon
City but after two years removed to Marion county, that state, taking up their
abode on the prairie four miles east of Salem, where they remained until called to
their final rest. The father died on the 20th of June, 1904, and the mother
survived only until the 26th of July of the same year. In 1845, on their journey
across the plains, which was made by way of the Mount Hood route, they were
there snowbound for more than three weeks with no food but coffee for several
days.
Mr. and Mrs. Scott became the parents of nine children, namely: Mary L.,
who is the wife of J. M. Richardson, of Rosalia; Ermna J., who gave her hand in
marriage to Dr. E. A. Mann, of Portland, Oregon ; John A., who resides in
Lacrosse, Washington; Ira C, who operates the home farm for his mother, now
residing in Walla Walla ; Ray W., who passed away in 1902, when sixteen years
of age ; and Alexander, Charles, Walter and Bertha, who are also deceased.
In his political views Mr. Scott was a stalwart democrat and in i8go he was
a candidate for county judge of Umatilla county. His life was that of a con-
sistent Christian and for more than twenty years he was an elder in the Church
of Christ at Helix. He was also a public-spirited citizen and a factor in the
advancement of the county's welfare and interests along many lines. Death
called him January 18, 1915. A modern philosopher has said: "Not the good
that comes to us, but the good that comes to the world through us, is the measure
of our success" ; and judged by that standard Mr. Scott was a most successful
man, for he went about doing good, extending a helping hand to the poor and
needy, assisting in the work of general improvement and shedding around him
much of life's sunshine. His widow now occupies a beautiful home on South
Division street in Walla Walla. She, too, is a member of the Church of Christ
and gives liberally to its support and in charitable work, her benevolences being
many.
CHESTER J. WOODS.
Chester J. Woods, a representative agriculturist of Walla Walla county, was
born April 23, 1883, on a farm adjoining the one on which he now resides, on
section 7, township 9 north, range 37 east. He is a son of Joel Woods, mentioned
elsewhere in this work. He pursued his education in the public schools, supple-
mented by study in the academy at Waitsburg, and through the period of his
258 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
boyhood and youth he aided largely in the work of the home farm, so that he was
well qualified by aetual experience to take up farming on his own account when
he attained his majority. At that time he purchased land on section 8, becoming
the owner of seven hundred acres, all of which is now improved. The fields are
carefully cultivated and the buildings upon the place indicate the progressive
spirit of the owner. He has always engaged in wheat raising and also in raising
stock and both branches of his business are proving profitable. He is also a
Stockholder in the Self-Oiling Wheel & Bearing Company of Walla Walla.
On the 30th of March, 1910, Mr. Woods was married to Miss Jennie Cap-
linger, who was born in Umatilla county, Oregon, a daughter of T. W. and Marie
Caplinger, who are also natives of that place. They are now residents of Walla
Walla. Both Mr. and Mrs. Woods hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal
church, of which he is one of the trustees, and they take an active part in its
work. Mrs. Woods is a graduate of the Waitsburg high school and Ellensburg
Normal School and for seven years successfully engaged in teaching prior to her
marriage.
In politics Mr. Woods is a democrat and has served as school director and
as clerk but has not been an active worker along political lines. He stands for
progress and improvement in public afTairs, however, and is willing to support
any measure that tends to uphold civic interest. Both he and his wife are held
in the highest esteem because of their genuine worth and the hospitality of the
best homes in the county is freely accorded them.
PETER McCLUNG.
Peter McClung, of Pomeroj', editor and publisher of the East Washingtonian,
was born in Clarke county, Washington, a son of Mathcw and Catherine (Wigle)
McClung. He was one of four children, the others being: Mrs. Susan Shoe-
maker, now living in Greshani, Oregon; Mrs. Jennie Buchanan, of Portland:
and Edward A., living in Bakersfield, California.
Peter McClung was the third in order of birth and was educated in Clarke
and Columbia counties of Washington, attending the schools of Dayton. He
learned the printer's trade and as a compositor became connected with the Wash-
ingtonian in 1885, his brother-in-law, E. T. Wilson, having founded the paper in
1881. Eight years later, or in 1889, Mr. McClung purchased an interest in the
paper and became associated in the business with E. M. Pomeroy, then publisher.
Three years afterward he bought out Mr. Pomeroy and has since been owner and
pulilisher thereof. In later years he has been assisted by his son, who pursued a
special course in journalism in the State University and who now practically
manages the paper.
In 1886 Mr. McClung was united in marriage to Miss Alva E. Pomeroy, a
daughter of Joseph M. Pomeroy, who was the founder of the town which bears
his name. Mr. and Mrs. McClung have become the parents of two sons : Ray,
who has charge at Washington, D. C, of the weekly newspaper publications
under the direction of the committee on public information; and Hugh, who is
with his father in business.
MR. AXD MRS. PETER McCLUXG
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 261
Fraternally Mr. McClung is an Odd Fellow, and he and his family are con-
nected with the Christian church. Li politics he has always maintained an
independent course and has the distinction of having published for more than a
quarter of a century an absolutely independent paper. His entire life has been
passed in the west and with the development and progress of his section of the
state he has been helpfully associated.
GEORGE E. KELLOUGH.
Characterized by a spirit of undaunted enterprise, George E. Kellough has
won a place among the most substantial and progressive business men of Walla
Walla, where he now figures in financial circles as the president of the Third
National Bank. He was born in Ontario, Canada, on the 9th of May, 1872, a
son of William H. and Ann Grace Kellough, both of whom were natives of
Canada. The former was of Irish extraction, while the latter was of French
lineage. They spent their entire lives in Canada, residing for many years in
Winnipeg, Manitoba, where they were among the pioneer settlers.
George E. Kellough, reared in Winnipeg, there pursued his education in the
public schools and at the age of nineteen years, attracted by the broader busi-
ness opportunities which he felt he might find across the boi-der,-he came to the
United States and made his way to the western part Cf the country, reaching
Walla Walla county, Washington, in July, 1891. .= He,^ar,ted in business life here
as a ranch hand, but ambition actuated him at ever_y point in liis career and con-
tinually lured him on to better things. Subsequently he took up a homestead and
in time acquired other land, for as his financial resources increased he made
judicious investment in property and for some six years was actively and suc-
cessfully engaged in farming. He then turned his attention to business interests
of the city and in 1899 took up his abode in Walla Walla, where he estabfished
a clothing and furnishing goods store. He was prominently identified with that
business for a decade and built up an extensive trade, ever endeavoring to please
his patrons, while his honorable business methods constituted one of the strong
features of his growing success. Then a still broader field seemed to open before
him and in February. 1910, he made his initial step in financial circles, becoming
connected with the Third National Bank as president of the institution, over
whose financial policy he has since presided. His plans are well formulated. The
business under his direction has been carefully systematized and he has ever
recognized the fact that the bank is most worthy of support which most care-
fully safeguards the interests of depositors. While extending every possible
courtesy of the bank to patrons, he has never erred on the side of ultra pro-
gressiveness, his actions at all times being tempered by a safe conservatism. His
name, therefore, has become a synonym for sound judgment and thorough relia-
bility and he today occupies a central place on the stage of banking activity in
Walla Walla county.
In 1893 Mr. Kellough was united in marriage to Miss Viola Purdy, a
daughter of Orlando Purdy, who was a Michigan farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Kellough
have become the parents of two children, Lance E. and Erma G. Since age con-
262 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
ferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Kellough has given consistent and
loyal support to the republican party and has been an earnest and active worker
in its ranks. His fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, have
called him to public office and for two terms, in 1906 and 1907, he served as
mayor of Walla Walla, giving to the city a businesslike and progressive admin-
istration. He is a member of the Commercial Club, in the work of which he has
taken a most active and helpful interest and for one term he served as its pres-
ident. In this connection he promoted many activities looking to the further
development of Walla Walla, the extension of its trade relations and the pro-
motion of its civic standards. He has been very prominent as an Odd Fellow,
holding membership in Trinity Lodge, No. 121, L O. O. F. He has passed
through all of the chairs in both the local lodge and in the state organization, and
few in Washington have equalled him in active and effective service for the up-
building of the organization. In fact he is one of the best known Odd Fellows
in all the northwestern country. He is likewise connected with the Woodmen
of the World, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Ancient Order of United
Workmen. He is actuated by a spirit of progressiveness in all that he does.
There are in his life few leisure hours. He is constantly busied with some in-
terest either for the benefit of his own fortunes or for the upbuilding of the
district with which he is connected, and his labors have been effective, beneficial
and resultant.
MARCUS ZUGER, Jr.
Prominent among the most alert and progressive farmers of Walla Walla
county is numbered Marcus Ziiger, Jr., who is the owner of extensive and
valuable holdings in Walla Walla and in Garfield counties. He was born Janu-
ary I, 1878, in the county where he still resides, being a son of Marcus Ziiger,
Sr., of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. His youthful days were
spent in the usual manner of farm bred boys and the habits of industry and close
application which he early developed have constituted the foundation of his
present success. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained
his majority and at the age of twenty-five years, at which time he was married,
he began farming for himself on the old homestead, comprising fourteen hundred
and sixty-eight acres of land. He has since been ]irominently and extensively
identified with agricultural interests in Walla Walla county and in addition to
the old homestead tract he is now the owner of eleven hundred and seventy
acres in Garfield county, which is highly improved and which brings to him a
gratifying annual rental. He follows the most progressive methods in all of
his farm work, utilizes the latest improved machinery and upon his place is found
every convenience and accessory of the model farm of the twentieth century.
He has closely studied scientific methods of wheat raising, whereby he has
greatly enhanced the productiveness of his fields. Aside from his farming
interests he is connected with the Exchange Bank at Waitsburg as one of its
directors.
In 1904 Mr. Ziiger was united in marriage to Miss Jennie L. Woodworth,
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 263
a native of New York, and they have become parents of four children, Margaret
D., Arthur Frederick, Kenneth and Erma. Mrs. Ziiger is a member of the
Christian church, while Mr. Ziiger fraternally is connected with the Masons and
with the Knights of Pythias and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit on
which these organizations are based. His political allegiance is given to the
republican party and he has served as county commissioner for two years. He
has also proved his friendship to the cause of public education by active service
as a member of the school board. He stands for progress and improvement in
all things relating to the public welfare and has never allowed personal ambitions
or interests to dwarf his public spirit or activities. His views have ever found
expression in prompt action rather than in theory and he is a man of stable pur-
pose, accomplishing what he undertakes.
ALFRED LARSON.
Alfred Larson, head miller of the mill of the Portland Flouring Mills Com-
pany at Dayton and thus prominently identified with the industrial activity and
development of southeastern Washington, was bom in Sweden, May 13, 1856, a
son of Edward and Margaret Larson, both of whom spent their entire lives in
Sweden, the father following the occupation of farming there.
Alfred Larson was reared in his native country and its public schools afforded
him his educational opportunities. In 1878, when a young man of twenty-two
years, he crossed the Atlantic and made his way to Minneapolis, Minnesota. He
had previously learned the miller's trade in Sweden, having entered upon an
apprenticeship to that work when a youth of but fifteen years. After coming
to the new world he secured employment in the flouring mills of Minneapolis and
during two different periods devoted seventeen years to that business in that
city, spending the entire time with two companies. In 1891 he first came to the
far northwest, making his way to Salem, Oregon, where he was employed as
head miller by the Portland Flouring Mills Company. He remained in that
position in Salem for four years and then returned to Minneapolis, where he
spent the succeeding seven years as second miller in one of the city's most impor-
tant milling plants. In 1902 he again came to the west, this time accepting the
position of head miller in the Creston Mills at Creston, Washington, where he
resided for three and a half years. He then went to Condon, Oregon, where he
took charge of the plant of the Portland Flouring Mills Company, which he
managed .for five years. He was transferred to the Albino Mills, owned by the
same company at Portland, Oregon, and a year later he resigned his position
there to engage in the real estate business in Portland. That, however, proved
an unsuccessful venture and he returned to the milling business, accepting th:
position of head miller of the plant of the Portland Flouring Mills Company at
Dayton. In this important position he has since continued and the success of
the business at this point is attributable to his skill, enterprise and close appli-
cation. He has won a substantial position among the foremost millers of the
northwest.
In 1882 Mr. Larson was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Corlstrom, who
264 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
was born in Sweden and emigrated to the United States with a sister when a
maiden of fourteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Larson have become the parents of
three children, two of whom are Hving, namely: Mabel, the wife of C. N. Lock-
ridge, who is serving as county clerk of Gilliam county, Oregon ; and Wallace, a
mechanical engineer and miller who is assisting his father in the mill.
Mr. Larson gives his political allegiance to the republican party and frater-
nally is identified with the Masons, Ijelonging to Creston Lodge, No. 123, F. &
A. M.; Davenport Chapter, No. 25, R. A. M. ; Zion Commandery, No. 2, K. T. ;
and Al Kader Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Portland, Oregon. Mr. Larson's
record is that of one who through orderly progression has reached a creditable
position in the business world. Coming to America when a young man of twenty-
two years without capital save energy, ambition and a knowledge of his trade,
he has steadily worked his way upward and among his marked characteristics
should be mentioned his fidelity and loyalty to the interests which he serves.
This is indicated by the fact that he continued for seventeen years in the employ
of but two companies in Minneapolis and that he has been gladly received back
into the ranks of the representatives of the Portland Flouring Mills Company,
with which company he has been associated for twenty-five years and with which
he now occupies a position of responsibility and. importance. There is no phase
of the milling business with which he. is not thorpughly familiar and he is thus
well qualified to discharge'-, tl>e .onerous .djities- that devolve upon him in his
present connection. Dayton numbers him amoUg her foremost citizens antl
accords him a high measure jof rB&f>€!tt.apd goodwill.
CANTREL R. FRAZIER.
Cantrel K. Frazier is a retired farmer residing at No. 305 Newell street in
Walla Walla. He has passed the eighty-sixth milestone on life's journey and
well deserves the rest which has come to him, for it is the reward of persistent,
earnest and intelligently directed efi'ort in former years. He was born in Barren
county, Kentucky, February 15, 1832, a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Mar-
shall) Frazier. The mother died in Kentucky, after which the father removed
to Missouri in 1846. There his remaining days were passed, his death occur-
ring in that state in the early '70s.
Cantrel R. Frazier in young manhood, or in 1853, when twenty-one years of
age, crossed the plains with a drove of cattle belonging to the firm of Packwood
& Lewis of San Jose, California. He was accompanied on the trip by his brother
William and five months were spent upon the road ere they reached their desti-
nation. After the cattle were delivered to their employers they took up a home-
stead in Tulare county, California, after which they paid ten cents per pound for
seed wheat. They planted fifteen acres and harvested six hundred bushels, for
which they received six cents per pound. For two years they remained in the
Golden state and then returned to Missouri.
In 1857 Cantrel R. Frazier was united in marriage to Miss Salitha Shubert
and in i8(')4 he again crossed the plains with Walla Walla as his destination. He
made the tri]) with one yoke of oxen and a small wagon and brought with him
CANTREL R. I'RAZIER
MRS. CANTBEL R. FRAZIER
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 269
his wife and two children, one of the children being born in Colorado while they
were en route to the Pacific coast.
After reaching Washington, Mr. Frazier homesteaded one hundred and sixty
acres of land on Dry creek, about nine miles east of the city of Walla Walla,
and upon that farm he resided imtil his removal to Walla Walla in 1907. He
had there lived for forty-three years and his labors had wrought a marked trans-
formation in the appearance of the place. He had planted a variety of fruit and
nut trees upon his farm as well as various kinds of grain. Chestnut trees planted
in 1884 are now seven feet seven inches in circumference. His fields were most
carefully cultivated and the results attained were very gratifying. On the com-
pletion of the Northern Pacific Railroad into this section of the state, Mr. Frazier
and his wife went back to the old Missouri home on a visit. When he again
came to the northwest he brought with him some shell bark and some bull hickory
nuts, also some butternut trees and black walnut trees. He likewise has persim-
mon trees upon his place and one of his apple trees is perhaps the largest apple
tree in the state. It measures more than seven feet and seven inches in circum-
ference around the base and has a spread of fifty-seven feet, while in height
it has reached forty-two feet. In 1907 it yielded a crop of one hundred and
twenty-six and a half boxes of fruit of Frazier's prolific variety. From this old
tree a number of gavels have been made by the Commercial Club and one was
presented to Mr. Frazier. He owns one hundred and seventy acres of land and
his place has been brought under a very high state of development and improve-
ment, so that it yields to him a most gratifying annual return.
Mr. and Mrs. Frazier reared a family of six childi-en, namely:': Florence, who
is the wife of Samuel Philips, formerly of Weston, Oregon, but now of Walla
Walla ; Benjamin, a cattle man living in northern Washington ; Jane, who is the
wife of Joseph Gwin, of Walla Walla county; Armeda, who gave her hand in
marriage to Samuel McHenry, of St. Francois county, Missouri ; John, who fol-
lows farming in Walla Walla township; and Dora, the wife of Daniel Neiswan-
ger, of Bend, Oregon. The wife and mother died in 1907 after a happy married
life of half a century.
Mr. Frazier was again married in 1907* to Mrs. Missouri Ann Wightman, a
native of Wayne county, ^Missouri, and a daughter of Thomas J. and Lucinda
Swezea, the former born in Tennessee and the latter in Missouri. In 1859 the
parents, accompanied by their six children, started across the plains with two
hundred head of cattle, which dwindled down to about one hundred head before
reaching Walla Walla. Mr. Swezea purchased a claim about eight miles from
the city on Cottonwood creek. On the 8th of July, i860, a son, Charles L., was
added to the family, he being the first white child born in Walla Walla. Mr.
Swezea died at the age of seventy-seven years and his wife at the age of seventy-
five. Of their nine children only four are now living, namely: Mrs. Nancy J.
Harer. of Walla Walla; Missouri Ann, now Mrs. Frazier; Smith W., a resident
of Harrison, Idaho ; and Charles L., of Walla Walla county. Mrs. Frazier was
a girl of fifteen years when she came to this state and on reaching womanhood
married William Wightman, by whom she had one child, Elizabeth, the wife of
William Wiseman, of Tacoma.
In his political views Mr. Frazier is a democrat, which party he has sup-
ported since reaching adult age. He belongs to the Christian church, while his
Vol. II — 11
270 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. They are people of genuine per-
sonal worth, enjoying in large measure the friendship and kindly .-egard of those
with whom thy have been brought in contact. Their own home is noted for its
warm-hearted hospitality and is the scene of many dehghtful soci^.. gatherings.
For fifty-three years Mr. Frazier has resided in this county and has been a wit-
ness of much of its development and improvement. His own labors have demon-
strated in large measure what can be accomplished in the way of raising fruits
and nuts in this section. He has ever been progressive in his work and the prac-
tical methods which he has followed have brought substantial results. He has
never had occasion to regret his determination to try his fortune in the north-
west. He here found conditions favorable to the man who is willing to work, for
the land is rich in its natural resources and Mr. Frazier accordingly brought his
diligence to play with the result that he is today the possessor of a handsome
competence which surrounds him with all of the necessities and comforts of life
and some of its luxuries.
HENRY S. COPELAND.
Henry S. Copeland, deceased, was one of the early pioneer settlers of Walla
Walla county, arriving here in 1862. He found a largely unsettled and undevel-
oped region in which the work of improvement had scarcely been begun. The
Indians in the state far outnumbered the white settlers and only here and there
had been founded a little town, showing that the seeds of civilization had been
planted on the western frontier which were later to bear fruit in the development
of one of the most progressive commonwealths of the Union.
Henry S. Copeland was bom in Vermont in 1824 and was a son of Thomas
Copeland, who came from Ireland to Canada in young manhood. Later he
crossed the border into the United States, establishing his home in Vermont,
where he resided up to the time of his death. Both he and his wife died when
their son Henry was a small boy. He was born upon a farm and continued to
work at farm labor through the period of his youth, dividing his time between
the tasks of the fields and attendance at the district schools through the winter
months. At an early age he began farming on his own account and 1857 found
him in Sacramento, California, while in 1859 he was in the Willamette val-
ley. In 1862 he crossed to Walla Walla, believing that the growing community
there would ofifer him the best opportunities. It was not long thereafter until
he had purchased a home and subsequently he took up a homestead claim, south-
east of Walla Walla. For many years he was prominently identified with the
agricultural interests of this county and from time to time purchased other land
until his holdings were very extensive. He utilized every chance for judicious
investment and never lost faith in the future of this district, for he readily appre-
ciated the fact that nature was kind to this region and had placed before man
many opportunities for successful business in this section.
Mr. Copeland was united in marriage, in the Willamette valley, to Miss
Mary Ann Morton, a daughter of William and Catherine Morton, of Illinois, and
they V)ecanie the parents of nine children, four of whom survive. The wife and
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 271
mother passed away in April, 1917, while the death of Mr. Copeland occurred
twelve years earlier in February, 1905. He was very prominent in Masonic cir-
cles as well ao in his business connections and in his life exemplified the benefi-
cent spirit oi the craft. He vv'as ever ready to extend a helping hand to a brother
of the fraternity or to aid any fellow traveler on life's journey. He was broad-
minded and liberal in his views and had many qualities which made him worthy
of the high regard in which he was uniformly held.
JOHN W. BROOKS.
For almost a quarter of a century John W. Brooks has been actively engaged
in the practice of law in Walla Walla and throughout that period has steadily
forged to the front until he has long since occupied an enviable position in the
foremost rank of the attorneys of Washington. He was born in Asheville, North
Carolina, September 9, 1870, a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Cagle) Brooks,
both of whom were natives of that state, where they spent their entire lives. The
father died in the same building in which he was bom, passing away in his
ninetieth year, after having devoted his entire life to general agricultural pur-
suits.
John W. Brooks was reared upon the home farm and the public schools
afforded him his early educational privileges. Being desirous of preparing for
the bar, he afterward entered the University of North Carolina, which con-
ferred upon him his degree as a lawyer upon his graduation with the class of
1892. He was admitted to the bar on the 24th of September of that year and
following his admission he opened an office in Asheville, North Carolina, where
he remained in practice until the 15th of February, 1893. Thinking that the
west offered still better business opportunities, he then left the Atlantic coast
to make his way to the Pacific seaboard and eventually arrived in Walla Walla,
where he has since practiced independently. He is an able lawyer, possessing
comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence and is seldom if
ever at fault in the application of such principles to the point in litigation. His
reasoning is sound, his deductions clear and his arguments convincing. For
twenty-four years he has now practiced in Walla Walla and has long been ac-
corded a position of leadership among the attorneys of this section of the state.
On the i8th of July, 1898, Mr. Brooks was united in marriage to Miss Esther
Belle Singleton, a daughter of John Singleton, a pioneer of 1857, who for many
years was closely identified with the development and progress of Walla Walla
county, where he passed away in 1893. His widow still survives at the notable
old age of ninety-one years. To Mr. and Mrs. Brooks has been bom one child,
Virginia, now deceased.
Fraternally Mr. Brooks is identified with Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B.
P. O. E., with Washington Lodge, No. 19, L O. O. F., and with the Modern
Woodmen of America. He has always been deeply interested in the welfare and
progress of the section of the state in which he lives and he has proven his
faith in Walla Walla county and its future by making extensive investments in
farm lands. The sterling traits of his character have gained him wide ac-
272 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
quaintance and he has an extensive circle of friends, who entertain for him the
warmest regard by reason of his personal qualities as well as for his professional
achievements.
GEORGE TOMPKINS POLLARD.
George Tompkins Pollard is a resident farmer of Columbia county, living
on section 6, township 9 north, range 38 east. He is the oldest settler in that
district and has been identified with the Inland Empire, its pioneer development
and its later progress, since 1855. He was born in Linn county, Missouri, June
15. 1835, a son of Roger B. and Sarah C. (Smith) Pollard. The father was a
native of Richmond, Virginia, while the mother's birth occurred in Rockingham
county, Virginia. They were married in Shelby county, Kentucky, to which
district they had removed in young manhood and womanhood. They began their
domestic life in Shelby county, where they remained for a number of years, and
about 1820 they established their home in Linn county, Missouri, where they
lived for two decades. They afterward moved to the Platte Purchase, settling
near St. Joseph, Missouri, where both passed away.
George T. Pollard acquired a district school education in his native state and
at sixteen years of age left the parental roof to start out in life on his own
account. In the spring of 1852 he crossed the plains with an ox team to Cahfornia
and for three years was engaged in mining on the Cosmos river in what is now
Amador county. In July, 1855, he made his way northward into Oregon to visit
a brother and while on that visit enlisted in the service to fight the Indians.
He took part in the Yakima Indian war and later for three years was engaged
in packing supplies for Colonel Rice and Colonel Steptoe and was in the latter's
employ when he was defeated by the Indians. Mr. Pollard was in Wallula on
the 20th of December, 1855, and on the 22d or 23d participated in the fight with
the Indians near Whitman Station. He is the oldest settler now living in this
part of the state and there is no one more familiar with even' phase of pioneer
life and experience than he. His militar}' service made him acquainted with
every phase of Indian warfare and later he met all of the hardships and privations
incident to the task of developing a new farm. On the 6th of August, 1859, he
filed on the homestead where lie now lives and upon that place has resided con-
tinuously since, covering a period of fifty-eight years. As his financial resources
increased he purchased more land from time to time and now owns four hundred
and ninety-five acres.
In i860 Mr. Pollard was united in marriage to Miss Harriet L. Wiseman.
of Walla Walla county, who crossed the plains with her father, John Wiseman,
in 1852, settling in Linn county, Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. Pollard became the
parents of the following children, namely: Melissa; Ann; John B., who is
deceased ; Mary ; Oliver ; Etta ; Bettie ; Ella and Cordelia, who have passed away ;
Frank; Robert; and Roy.
In politics Mr. Pollard is independent, never caring to bind himself by party
ties. He was appointed a member of the first board of county commissioners
after the organization of Columbia county and was a member of the school board
t;-:f. new york
P'iBUC LIBRARY
;'ll • • • n,T-
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 275
for more than thirty years. At different times he has been urged by his friends
to accept nomination for various important political offices but has always
refused, preferring to do his public duty as private citizen. He and his wife are
members of the Methodist church and their well spent lives have been guided by
its teachings. When the state of Washington was yet cut off from the advantages
and comforts of the east by the long stretches of sand and the high mountains,
he made his way across the plains, braving all the trials and hardships of pioneer
life in order to make a home in the Inland Empire, rich in its resources yet un-
claimed from the dominion of the red man. As the years have come and gone
he has borne his part in the work of general progress and improvement and has
been a prominent factor in promoting agricultural development. The days of
chivalry and knighthood in Europe cannot furnish more interesting or romantic
tales than our own western history.
CHARLES ALEXANDER McCABE.
Charles Alexander McCabe, a well known attorney at law of southeastern
Washington, practicing in Pomeroy as a member of the firm of Kuykendall &
McCabe, was born June i8, 1889, in the city where he still resides, his parents
being Charles A. and Mary (Bohan) McCabe. The father was a native of Ireland
and the mother of Pennsylvania. The former came' to the United: States in 1848,
as a boy of eleven years, in company with his parents, who' settled ih Pennsylvania,
where the son attained his majority. About 1864 he determined tct try his fortune
on the Pacific coast and made his way westward to Walla Walk, after which
he operated a pack train and also engaged in prospecting and mining, thus
becoming familiar with pioneer experiences and lines of business such as are
common in frontier districts. In 1865 he removed to Garfield county, where he
turned his attention to the sheep industry and through the following twenty years,
except for a few years in Montana, was prominently identified with sheep raising
in this section of the state. He subsequently became postmaster of Pomeroy,
which position he occupied for several years, discharging his duties with prompt-
ness, fidelity and capability. He was also engaged in the jewelry business and
for many years ranked with the prominent business men and progressive citizens
of Pomeroy, contributing much to its upbuilding and progress along material
and other lines. He was married in Pennsylvania in 18S8 and passed away in
191 3, Mrs. McCabe having preceded him in 1901.
Charles Alexander McCabe, whose name introduces this review, was educated
in the public schools of Pomeroy and in Gonzaga College at Spokane. In the
fall of 1909 he took up the study of law, reading in the office of Gose & Kuyken-
dall, and in the spring of 191 1 he was admitted to practice. Immediately following
his admission he entered into his present partnership relations with Mr. Kuyken-
dall, whose former partner. Alack F. Gose, had been elected to the bench. The
firm' of Kuykendall & McCabe has since been engaged in practice and their
clientage is extensive and of a very important character. Mr. McCabe carefully
qualified for the practice of law and in the conduct of his cases has shown notable
276 OLD ^^ ALI.A \\ALLA COUNTY
resourcefulness combined with marked ability to accurately apply the principles
of jurisprudence to the points in litigation.
In June, 191 1, Air. McCabe was united in marriage to Miss Anna Mock, of
Columbia county, \\'ashington, and to them have been born two sons and a
daughter: Charles Patrick, Kathleen and Robert Alexander. The parents are
communicants of the Catholic church and Mr. McCabe is identified with the
Knights of Columbus and also with the Woodmen of the World. Both Mr. and
Mrs. McCabe are well known socially in Pomeroy, occupying an enviable position
m those circles where true worth and intelligence are accepted as passports into
good society.
THOMAS COPELAND.
Thomas Copeland, whose extensive landed possessions aggregate more than
three thousand acres, makes his home on section 12, township 6 north, range 36
east, Walla Walla county, where he is extensively engaged in farming and stock
raising. He is one of the most progressive agriculturists of this part of the
state and his intelligently directed activities have brought him a gratifying meas-
ure of success. He is a native son of the west and possesses the spirit of western
enterprise. His birth occurred in McMinnville, Oregon, Xovember 26, 1861, his
parents being Henry S. and Mary .\nn (Morton) Copeland, the former a native
of Vermont, while the latter was born in Pennsylvania.
It was in 1849 that Henry S. Copeland crossed the plains to California,
attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast. He remained in that
state for a brief period and then made his way northward to Oregon, where he
afterward met and married Miss Mary Ann Morton. They took up their abode
upon a farm in that state and for a considerable period resided at McMinnville,
but in 1863 they came north to Washington and settled in Walla Walla county,
where the father secured a homestead, upon which he Iniilt a log cabin covered
with a clapboard roof. They occupied that primitive dwelling for several years
and experienced all the hardships and privations of pioneer life, but as time
passed their labors brought substantial reward and they were able to secure more
of the comforts of modern day civilization. The little log cabin was replaced by
a commodious and substantial residence and other good farm buildings were
added to the place, v\-hile the fields were brought under a high state of cultiva-
tion. In his later years Mr. Copeland retired from active farm work, having
become possessed of a comfortable competence that was sufficient to supply him
with all of the necessities and some of the luxuries of life through his remaining
days. Pie and his wife removed to Walla \\'alla and there continued to make
their home until called to their final rest. They had a family of ten children,
four of whom are yet living.
Their son Thomas Copeland was but two years of age when the family came
from Oregon to Washington, so that he was reared and educated in Walla Walla
county. He pursued his studies in one of the oldtime log schoolhouses of that
early period. The methods of instruction, too, were somewhat primitive and
thus his opportunities in that direction were restricted but his training in farm
>
o
>
(J3
2i
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 279
work was of an extensive character. He remained at home until he attained
his majority, after which he purchased the farm upon which he now resides, and
adding to his possessions at inten'als as his financial resources have increased,
he has become the owner of over three thousand acres of rich, arable and valu-
able land. He has made a specialty of raising wheat and also of raising stock.
He keeps full bred Hereford cattle and also Clydesdale and Percheron horses
upon his place. His stock raising interests have become an important feature
of his business and add materially to his annual income. Moreover, his farm is
situated in the rich wheat belt of the Inland Empire and his yearly grain crop is
a most satisfactory one. In addition to his other interests Mr. Copeland is a
stockholder in the Third National Bank of Walla Walla, of which he was one
of the organizers.
In March, 1887, Mr. Copeland wedded Miss Minnie Harman, who was born
in the state of New York, a daughter of William Harman, who came to Walla
Walla at a very early day and continued his residence here until called to the
home beyond. To Mr. and Mrs. Copeland have been born four children: Ralph
and Clara, at home ; Martha, who died at the age of nineteen years ; and Glenn,
who completes the family.
In politics Mr. Copeland is a stalwart republican and while not an office seeker
he has served for twenty-seven years on the school board, the cause of educa-
tion finding in him indeed a stalwart champion. He belongs to Washington
Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F., and in his life exemplifies the spirit of the organiza-
tion, which is based upon the recognition of man's obligations to his fellowmen.
His life has been well spent and has gained for him the^oodw-ill and honor of
his fellowmen. In business affairs he has always displayed sqt-jnd judgment and
keen discrimination and has readily discerned the essential eteiiienfs f in the suc-
cessful conduct of any business transaction. .His' plans have evef been well
defined and carefully executed and he never stops shorJ.. of. tjie accomplishment
of his purpose, for he recognizes the fact that when one avenue of opportunity
seems closed he can carve out other paths which will lead to the desired goal.
He has become connected with a number of important enterprises in this county
aside from his farming interests and his business activity makes him a valued
and substantial citizen of his district.
THE WALLA WALLA UNION.
One of the pioneers of Walla Walla, getting younger and more vigorous with
the passing of years, is the Walla Walla Union, established in 1869 and published
continuously ever since. A little four-page weekly, hand set. and with a small
circulation at that time, the Union has developed into a metropolitan daily,
carrying full, leased-wire Associated Press service and is equipped with modern
linotypes and fast rotary presses. The Union has been a part of the community
life of Walla Walla for nearly a half century and while in the struggles of early
pioneer life it suffered many hardships in common with many of the citizens
that it has served during a lifetime, it has grown in strength with the community
until today it is a part of the solid worth of the Inland Empire. The Union is
280 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
the only morning newspaper published within a radius of nearly one hundred
miles of Walla Walla. The Union is published by a corporation of which E. G.
Robb is president, D. W. Ifft business manager and B. E. La Due managing editor.
JOHN L. WALLACE.
For almost ten years John L. Wallace has been engaged in the abstract, real
estate, loan and insurance business in Dayton, where he conducts his interests as
a partner in the firm of the Weatherford- Wallace Company, ranking with the
leading business men and representative residents of the city. He was born in
Harvey county, Kansas, on the i6th of August, 1874, his parents being John T.
and Hannah J. (Frederick) Wallace, who came west to Washington in 1886,
settling in Whitman county. The father was engaged in educational work for
twenty-three years, teaching in Kansas and Missouri, and after coming to Wash-
ington he identified himself with mercantile interests and for a number of years
was engaged in business in Albion. Subsequently he resumed the profession of
teaching and became connected with the schools of Lincoln county, where he
was located at tlie time of his death, which occurred about 1906. For several
years he had survived his wife, who died on Christmas day of 1900.
John L. Wallace had the usual advantages of the public schools and in 1892
entered the Portland (Oregon) Business College, where he pursued a commercial
course. In the summer of 1893 he was ofifered and accepted the position of
manager of a grain warehouse in Albion and in 1894 and 1895 he was a student
in the Washington Agricultural College at Pullman, now the Washington State
College. Subsequently he went to Hailey, Idaho, where he was employed for two
and a half years in a grocery house. He then returned home but after a year
he went to Portland, Oregon, in 1898 and became one of the teachers in the
Portland Business College, there spending seven years. While thus engaged he
took up the study of law, attending night school, and in 190 1 he was admitted to
the bar in the state of Oregon. He continued teaching, however, in the business
college until 1904, when he returned to Whitman county, Washington, and
through the succeeding two years devoted his attention to merchandising in
Albion. In the fall of 1907 he was appointed deputy county prosecutor of Whit-
man county and on the ist of July, 1908, he came to Dayton, where he bought
a partnership in the Geo. B. Baker Company, an abstract, real estate, loan and
insurance business. He has since been engaged in this line and has won for him-
self a prominent position, having a very large clientage. He has negotiated many
important realty transfers, has placed many loans and has written a large amount
of insurance, so that his business has reached a most gratifying figure.
On the 4th of June, 1902, Mr. Wallace was united in marriage to Miss Sophia
A. Schmidt, of Portland, Oregon, by whom he has one child. Dean Leslie. Mr.
Wallace was a stalwart supporter of republican principles for many years but in
1912 left the ranks of the party and followed Roosevelt in the organization of
the progressive party. He has since been a stanch advocate of progressive
republicanism and is recognized as one of the political leaders of this section of
the state. Fraternally he is connected with Dayton Lodge, No. 26, F. & A. M. ;
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 281
Dayton Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M.; Alki Lodge, No. 136, L O. O. F.; and the
Dayton Lodge of the Knights of Pythias, while both he and his wife are mem-
bers of Rainbow Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.
For the past seven years Mr. Wallace has served as city clerk of Dayton
and has made a most excellent record as a public official, being careful and
systematic in the discharge of his duties and at all times prompt and faithful
to the trust reposed in him. He has many admirable traits of character, is loyal
to the public good, is thoroughly reliable in all business dealings, holds friendship
inviolable and is devoted to the welfare of his family. His pronounced character-
istics have gained for him a high position in public regard, while his enterprise
and indefatigable energy have placed him among the leading business men of his
adopted city.
LEON B. KENWORTHY.
Leon B. Kenworthy is actively engaged in the practice of law in Dayton and
in a profession where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit and
ability he has made for himself a creditable position. He was born in Salem,
Oregon, February 16, 1874, a son of James and Lydia A. (Williams) Ken-
worthy, both of whom were natives of Indiana. In the year 1872 they removed
westward to Oregon, settling upon a farm where they resided until 1879. In
that year they went to what was then Walla Walla county and took up their
abode in Huntsville, where the father secured a tract of land and again engaged
in farming, spending his remaining days upon that place, his death occurring
October 23, 191 1. The mother died October 23, 1917. In their family were
ten children, seven of whom are yet living.
Leon B. Kenworthy was reared and educated in Washington, having been
but five years of age at the time of the removal of his parents from Oregon to
this state. Liberal educational opportunities were accorded him. After com-
pleting his common school course he matriculated in Pacific College at Newberg,
where he won the Bachelor of Arts degree upon his graduation with the class
of 1900. He then pursued his law course, which he completed in 1902, grad-
uating from the law department of the University of Washington. He was
admitted to the bar and entered upon active practice in Dayton in 1904. Through
the intervening period he has steadily advanced until he now occupies a foremost
position in the front rank of leading attorneys in Dayton. He prepares his
cases with great thoroughness, is skillful in the presentation of his arguments,
is logical in his deductions and sound in his reasoning.
In 1909 Mr. Kenworthy was united in marriage to Miss Alice M. Spurgeon,
a native of Illinois, and to them have been born two sons : Jack Garry, deceased ;
and Max Spurgeon. The parents are members of the Congregational church and
in his fraternal relations Mr. Kenworthy is connected with the Knights of
Pythias and is a member of the D. O. K. K. in that order. Politically he is a
republican, giving stalwart support to the party, and for a number of years
he has acceptably filled the office of city attorney, most carefully safeguarding
the legal interests of the city in that position. He stands for progress and im-
282 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
provement in all public affairs and has ever displayed marked devotion to the
city's welfare and upbuilding. He owns a fine residence in Dayton and the family
occupies an influential position in social circles.
JOSEPH L ROSE.
Among those whom death has called and who were contributing factors to
the agricultural development and improvement of Columbia county was Joseph
J. Rose, who while still acti\e in the world's work made his home on section 5,
township 9 north, range 39 east, in Columbia county. He was born in Oregon,
on the present site of the town of Milton, June 12, i860, a son of Eli and Catherine
(Boldman) Rose, who crossed the plains from Iowa with ox teams in 1859. One
child was born to them on their journey. On their arri\al in Oregon they camped
on the present site of Alilton and it was there that the birth of Joseph J. Rose
occurred. Not long afterward the parents removed with their family to Wash-
ington, taking up their abode in what is now Walla Walla county, about three
miles from Dixie. There they lived for many years, giving their attention to
agricultural pursuits, but ultimately removed to Dayton, at which time Air. Rose
retired from active business life, having in the intervening years acquired a com-
fortable competence that was sufficient to supply him and his wife with all of the
necessities and some of the luxuries of life.
Joseph J. Rose assisted his father until he reached his twenty-third year
and for about two years thereafter operated his father's farm. His youthful
experiences were those of the famibred boy who divides his time between the
duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the
fields. No event of special importance occurred to var)' the routine of life for
him in that period. After culti\ating his father's land for two years he removed
to Columbia county in 1885 and purchased a portion of what is now his old
home place about a mile and a half south of Dayton. His first purchase made
him owner of two hundred and twenty acres and subsequently he bought other
land from time to time, thus adding to his holdings until he had fourteen hundred
acres at the time of his demise. The farm which he left is one of the most
productive and valuable farms of Columbia county. The soil is naturally rich
and careful culti\ation has added much to its value. Good buildings have been
put upon the farm and the place has been divided into fields of convenient size
by well kept fences.
Mr. Rose was married twice. In 1884 he wedded Miss Ida Williams, of
Walla Walla county, by whom he had three children, namely : Lena, w^ho is now
the wife of T. O. Webster, of Walla Walla: Zelma, who gave her hand in
marriage to Earl Harting, of Walla Walla county; and Zenobia, a resident of
Walla Walla. In July, 1900, Mr. Rose was again married, his second union
being with Miss Mary Brockman, a daughter of W. J. Brockman, who came to
Columbia county, Washington, in 1887 and has since passed away. By his second
wife Mr. Rose had two pairs of twins, the first of whom died in infancy, while
the surviving are Joseph Eli and Emma Catherine.
Mr. Rose gave his political allegiance to the democratic party and he served for
PUBLIC
'•V YORK
LI&RARYi
rii
.«ST^s. , rv,^j
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 285
several years as a member of the school board but was too busy to give much
attention to politics and never sought or desired political preferment. He belonged
to Columbia Lodge, F. & A. M., and was a faithful follower of the teachings of
the craft. He was also a consistent member of the Christian church and died
in that faith December 7, 1916, leaving to his family not only the fruits of earnest
toil but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name, which the wise man
of old said is more to be chosen than great riches. Mrs. Rose not only possesses
those qualities which are essentially womanly and which everywhere command
respect, but she is also a capable business woman. Upon the death of her husband
she immediately took up the heavy responsibilities in connection with the operation
of a farm of fourteen hundred acres and in her management of affairs has
proven herself one woman in a thousand. She is now operating the farm on an
extensive scale and is meeting with excellent success by reason of her careful
management, her systematic methods, her keen sagacity and her enterprise. She
occupies one of the prettiest country homes in the county and by reason of her
business management is enabled to enjoy not only all of the comforts but also
many of the luxuries of life. She belongs to Waitsburg Chapter, No. 9, of the
Order of the Eastern Star, and is a devoted member of the Christian church,
guiding her life according to its teachings.
T. A. DARBY,- M.D.
The northwest with its pulsing industrial a'c'fivi'ty, and its limitless resources
is constantly drawing to it men of enterprise -ai^d-abiKty-Wllo find here opportunity
for the expression of their dominant qualities. Among the number who have
come from the Mississippi valley is Dr. J. A. Darby, now successfully engaged in
the practice of medicine and surgery in Pomeroy.
J. A. Darby was born in Hunnewell, Shelby county, Missouri, on the i6th
of October, 1874, and is a son of James A. and Mattie B. (Cox) Darby. The
father came to Washington with his family in 1885, settling in Pomeroy, where
he established a hardware store, with which he was identified until about a year
prior to his death. He passed away in 1905 and is survived by Mrs. Darby, who
is yet living in Pomeroy.
Dr. Darby was a lad of eleven years when his parents came to Washington and
his education, begun in the public schools of Missouri, was continued in the
public schools of Pomeroy. After leaving the high school he became a student
in the Spokane Business College and still later, having determined upon the
practice of medicine as a life work, he matriculated in the LIniversity of Oregon
as a medical student and was graduated from that institution with the M. D.
degree as a member of the class of 1909. Following his graduation he opened an
office in Pomeroy and in the intervening eight years has built up an extensive and
lucrative practice.
On the i8th of February, 1916, Dr. Darby was united in marriage to Mrs.
Bessie McWilliams, of Walla Walla, and to them has been bom a son, James A.
Dr. Darby holds membership in Garfield Lodge, No. 25, K. P. ; also in Lewiston
Lodge, No. 896, B. P. O. E., and with the Woodmen of the World and the
286 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
United Artisans. In politics he maintains an independent course but believes in
republican principles. He does not seek nor desire office, preferring to con-
centrate his time and efforts upon his practice, the duties of which he discharges
in a most conscientious and able manner. He is interested in everything that
lends to bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life and by
further reading and study is continually broadening his knowledge and promoting
his efficiency. Colleagues and contemporaries acknowledge his ability and rank
him with the progressive physicians of this part of the state.
JOHN J. ASHBY.
John J. Ashby was a pioneer of Garfield county and a citizen of wortli whose
passing was deeply regretted by many friends. He was held in high regard by
those who knew him as a representative business man, as a progressive citizen
and one who was faithful to the ties of home and friendship. .\ native of
Illinois, he was born March 12, 1S47, and was a great-grandson of a distinguished
officer of the British army whose wife was a French lady. The ancestral line
of the Ashby family can be traced back for over two hundred years and upon
the records the names of many prominent men appear.
John J. Ashby was a son of Solomon and Jane (Ripley) Ashby, the former
a native of Montreal, Canada, while the latter was born in the state of New
York. They became residents of Stephenson county, Illinois, in the '40s and
there resided until 1865, when they crossed the plains with teams and wagons
and settled in the Williamette valley of Oregon. There they resided until 1873,
when they became residents of Old Walla Walla county, making their home
near the present site of the city of Pomeroy. The district w-as then largely wild
and undeveloped, but with characteristic energy Mr. Ashby began the cultivation
of his land, converting his place into a well improved farm, upon which he and
his wife spent their remaining days. They had a family of three children but
only one is now living.
John J. Ashby was a youth of eighteen years when he crossed the plains with
his parents. The trip was a long and arduous one, fraught with many difficul-
ties and hardships, but day after day they slowly proceeded on their way until
the western coast was reached. Lie remained with his parents in the Willamette
valley for a time and was married there in 1872 to Miss Mary Denny, a daughter
of John F. Denny, w'hose birth occurred in Indiana in 1819. He crossed the
])Liins in 1852 and settled in Marion county, Oregon, upon a donation claim.
There he built a typical log cabin with puncheon floor 'and door, through which
a string was inserted that was fastened to the latch in order that the traveler
might pull the string and open the door. Such was the hospitality of that period.
The little pioneer cabin also had a mud and stick chimney and its furnishings
were perhaps as primitive as the exterior. In that little home the Denny family
lived for several years. The father was a lifelong republican and was chosen
to represent his district in the territorial legislature. In i860 he was ordained
to the ministry of the IMcthodist Episcopal church by Bishop C. W. Clark and
thus he became actively identified with the moral development of the state as
JOHN D. ASHBY
MK. AND MRS. .1. J. A8HBY
JENNIE ASHBY
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 289
well as with its material and political progress. The grandfather of Mrs. Ashby
was also a prominent figure in the northwest. He served in the War of 1812
under Colonel M. Johnston and was appointed by President Lincoln as governor
of the territory of Washington in 1861, thus becoming prominently identified
with the development of the northwest. He had two sons who were prominent
citizens of the northwest. A. A. Denny was called "The father of Seattle," and
D. T. Denny was the first to erect a white man's home where that city now stands.
To Mr. and Mrs. Ashby were bom two children: Jennie, who died at the
age of twelve years; and John Denny, whose biographical sketch follows this.
It was in the year 1874 that Mr. and Mrs. Ashby took u{) their abode upon the
farm in Garfield county and from that time until his death, which occurred
November 10, 1914, he devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits,
becoming the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of fine wheat land. He
also owned a very attractive residence in the city of Pomeroy, which is still the
property of his widow. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, in the work of which he took an active and helpful part, and he was
always ready to lend a helping hand to the poor and needy, his assistance being
given in most generous manner. He was a great worker in behalf of the cause
of temperance and assisted all church activities both by his moral and financial
support.
JOHN DENNY ASHBY.
No death in Garfield county has been more deeply deplored than that of
John Denny Ashby, who was bom in this county, Febmary 8^, 1876. Spending
his youthful days in the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John J. Ashby, he
attended the public schools until graduated from the high school at Pomeroy in
1895. He was afterward graduated from the Montana \^'esleyan Lhiiversity
with the class of 1899, winning the degree of Bachelor of Arts. During his
student days there he was a member of the college debating club, was captain of
the military company and president of the Young Men's Christian Association,
thus showing his active connection with all the varied interests which constitute
the commendable phases of college life. In 1900 he was honored by an offer of
two positions, one as instructor of science and higher mathematics at his alma
mater, the other a government position in China. At the persuasion of his
parents he accepted the former. Speaking of his work in the schools, Professor
Tenny, president of the Montana University, said: "I have had the very best
men associated with me in the school work that I could hope for, but I have
never found a man who was so unselfishly loyal to me, loyal to himself, loyal
to God."
In 1901 Denny Ashby entered the New York Homeopathic College & Hospital
as a member of the class of 1905. During his freshman year he served as senator
for the class and he also won the freshman prize, while at the end of the junior
year he won the Fiske prize for the highest standing in three years' work, the
prize consisting of a valuable set of surgical instraments. On the 2d of August,
1904, while in bathing on the beach at Oak island, near Fire island, he was caught
290 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
by a big wave and drowned wbile attempting to go to the rescue of a trained
nurse. Llis death was deeply deplored by all who knew him for he was a young
man of unusual promise and ability. At the age of fourteen years he united
with the Methodist church and his life was dedicated to the work of a medical
missionary, bttt death intervened and his remains were sent home from New
York and laid to rest by the side of his sister in the Pomeroy cemetery, where
his grandparents are resting and also his father. Of him it may well be said
that he has joined "The choir invisible of those immortal dead who live again in
lives made better by their presence."
From all parts of the countr)- came letters and expressions of sympathy to
Mr. and Mrs. Ashby, showing profound regret at the loss of one so richly endowed
with God's best gifts to humanity. Clayton C. Fergtison, who had been his
classmate in the medical college wrote : "The first hard grind of the year is over.
As many grains growing luxuriously by the wayside owe their origin to seeds
blown or dropped from some passing wagon laden with the harvest, so in review-
ing this course I find that many of my present developed ideas have sprung from
seeds sown by Denny's fruitful pen along the margins of books once loved by
him, and which you kindly gave me. Some of these thoughtful seeds flowering
have lined the pathway with fragrance ; others have caused me at times to pause
and admire their beauty ; still others, bruised and broken by the rude blast, have
given me moments of pain as in the contemplation of their destruction my
thoughts reverted to a like condition of their creator. Among our family house-
hold seeds others than those sown on paper were sprinkled along life's pathway
by the same loving hands during those happy days of association." In another
letter the above writer saj's : "I have taken Denny's drugs and placed them in
my desk, praying with God's help to use them as my dear loved one would have,
always ready to help the suffering. Do accept my thanks for them and remember
that I am at your service at all times to do for you anything in my power. Call
tipon me if you want medicine for yourself or anybody else. * * * You will
never know the sorrow felt in our home, unless yoti had been in it when Denny
was a part of it. No one can fill his place at the table, nor will anyone ever be
allowed to sit there." One of his boy friends said: "If ever a soul reached
heaven Denny Ashby is there," and another said: "If ever anybody could
make a Christian of one by the good life he lived and the example he left, Denny
Ashby was that one." At the opening of the college the dean. Dr. King, paid a
glowing tribute to the memory of his former pupil, saying: "The class of 1905
has stift'ered a great loss through the death of John Denny Ashby," and made
especial mention of his modest, retiring nature, which to a large degree obscured
his "massive mental capacity." The class of 1905 passed the following resolu-
tion: "Realizing that by the death of your only son the class of 1905 of the
New York Medical College has lost not only a man who has distinguished him-
self as a student, but also by his daily life proved himself to be a young man of
most exemplary character. We, the class of 1905, do hereby extend to you in
this hour of your great afifliction our most heartfelt sympathy. We one and all
feel that we have lost a true friend and brother physician." A beautiful and
merited tribute was expressed by Dr. C. F. Sibly, who wrote: "His death
bound east and west in mourning. There is a bright side, however, which we
must not overlook. When his body was recovered at daybreak, August 3d, its
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 291
appearance was like that of a hero and conqueror; his hands were folded
defiantly across his breast, his characteristic peaceful smile was very manifest.
It was evident to the observer that as he had lived a conqueror's life, so he had
died a conqueror's death. For him death had no sting, the grave no victory.
There was no moaning of the bar or midnight darkness when he put out to sea,
but a glorious ushering in to the presence of that great company of just souls,
robed white, washed clean by the blood of the Lamb — an introduction to the
throng, arrayed with palms of victory and crowns of glory."
JAMES OTTO LONG.
James Otto Long, a well known grain dealer of Pomeroy, who was formerly
extensively engaged in farming and stock raising, is a typical citizen of the
golden west, alert, energetic, progressive and resourceful. He was born in Lane
county, Oregon, August 15, 1864, and is a son of Ransom and Rosetta (Clark)
Lous', the former a native of Virginia, while the latter was born in Indiana.
They were married in Fulton county, Illinois, having removed to that state with
their respective parents in childhood days. After their marriage they became
residents of Iowa and in 1852 crossed the plains with ox teams to the Willa-
mette valley of Oregon, where they remained for about twenty years. In 1872
they came to Washington and spent the first year on the Patit creek near Dayton,
after which they moved northward into what is now Garfield county and located
on the Pataha prairie, seven miles south of the present site of Pomeroy. Here
the father used his homestead and preemption rights and upon that place which
he secured continued to make his home until the death of his wife. He later
resided at the home of his children and passed away on the 5th of April, 1898,
having for twelve years survived his wife, who died on the 27th of June, 1886.
In politics he was a republican and was a progressive citizen, interested in all
that pertained to the public welfare.
James O. Long was educated in the district schools and when about twenty-
two years of age left the home farm, after which he devoted eight years to
prospecting and mining but failed to find the proverbial pot of gold at the foot
of the rainbow, as he desired. He then decided to return to agricultural life and
on the 1st of October, 1895, he was united in marriage to Miss Mettie Williams,
of Garfield county, a daughter of Nicholas Williams, who came to the county in
1873-
Following their marriage Mr. Long purchased a farm on the Pataha prairie
and occupied the place for ten years. On the expiration of that period he took
up his abode in Pomeroy in 1905 and for a decade gave his attention to the live
stock business, owning a stock ranch halfway between Pomeroy and Lewiston,
on the Alpowa, where he made a specialty of grazing sheep. His live stock
interests were profitably conducted but about two years ago he disposed of his
ranch and turned his attention to the grain business, establishing and operating
a grain warehouse in Pomeroy. He is now prominently known in connection with
the grain trade and has developed a business of extensive and gratifying pro-
292 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
portions. He is a man of determined purpose and resolute will and whatever
he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion.
Mr. and Mrs. Long have become the parents of eight children, seven of whom
survive, as follows : Lois, the wife of Ray Gimlin, who follows farming in
Garfield county, Washington; and Florence, Willena, Clark, Lewis, Marian and
Burton, all at home.
Mrs. Long and her daughters are members of the Congregational church and
the family is prominent socially in the community where they reside. In politics
Mr. Long is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues
of the day but does not seek public office. His life has been one of diligence and
his labors have been crowned with a substantial measure of success.
J. W. HARBERT.
J. W. Harbert, of Small township, whose residence in Walla Walla county
dates from 1859, is one of the earliest pioneers of this section now living. He
was born in Fountain county, Indiana, September 25, 1835, a son of Richard J.
and Mary (Zumwalt) Harbert, natives respectively of Havre de Grace, Mary-
land, and Cynthiana, Kentucky. Their Jiiarriage," however, was celebrated in
Indiana, where they resided until 1844, when they removed with their family to
Dubuque, Iowa. Three years later they Went to Moimt Vernon, a college town
in Linn county, Iowa, which remained tlieir. place of residence for many years.
The father came to Walla Walla, in 1878, but after spending over a year in this
locality returned to Iowa, where his "wife died in 1888. Immediately after her
death he again came to Washington and made his home with his son, J. W.
Harbert, until his death, which occurred about a year later, in 1889.
J. W. Harbert was reared at home and received his education in the common
schools. In 1859 he decided that the west offered the most favorable opportuni-
ties for an ambitious young man and accordingly made the long overland trip to
Walla Walla county, driving an ox team for another man in exchange for the
privilege of having his provisions transported. Following his arrival here he
worked for Charles Russell for two years and then devoted eight years to
freighting from Wallula and Umatilla Landing to the Idaho mines and to other
points in this part of the country. When the railroad was built through, the need
for freighting by team ceased and he turned his attention to farming. He
worked hard, gave careful attention to the management of his afTairs and in
time acquired fourteen hundred acres of the finest farm land in the county. He
was quick to recognize and take advantage of any unusual opportunity and one
of the chief factors in his success has been the close personal supervision which
he has given to his work. In 1863, while hauling a load of freight from Wallula
to Idaho City, he camped on the night of July 2d on the site of Fort Boise, the
officers choosing that site the following morning for a fort. In 1864 he hauled
one hundred and seventy-five thousand feet of lumber from the mountains to
Boise city and watched the loading and unloading of every board. His natural
vigor and strength have been conserved by wholesome outdoor life, and today,
at the age of eighty-two years, he superintends all his farm work and is as
^iJ^
/-^^^
1^
MRS _J _ Y/- HARBERT
T = :K new YORK
PUBLIC L[f?RA?;V
AST'^H. ■ ?"NOX
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY ^^^ .
active as most men twenty-five years his junior. When he arrived in Walla
Walla county he had but three dollars and the financial independence which is
now his is the direct result of his own labors.
On the 13th of July, 1866, Mr. Harbert was united in marriage to Miss Emma
Evans, a daughter of G. W. Evans, who came to Walla Walla county in 1861.
To this union were born six children, three of whom survive, namely : Ida H.,
the wife of Thomas Paine, of Richland, Washington; Floy, who married Frank
Holman, of Freewater, Oregon; and Liberty, the wife of Julius Jensen, of this
county. On the 8th of January, 1878, Mrs. Harbert passed away and on the
8th of April, 1884, Mr. Harbert married Miss Lizzie D. Groff, a native of Iowa.
They have two living children, Cliflford G. and Hazel, both at home.
Mr. Harbert supports the republican party at the polls and for twenty years
has served as school director, his continuance in the office indicating his ability
and trustworthiness. Although he does not hold membership in the church his
religious belief is in the main that of the Methodist Episcopal church and he
contributes liberally to its support and also to various charitable projects. His
many admirable qualities are generally recognized and there is no resident of the
county more highly esteemed than he.
FRED M. YOUNG.
Fred M. Young, who since starting out in life on his own account at the age
of sixteen has been continuously connected with the florist business, is now
senior partner of the firm of Young & Lester, prominent florists and nurserymen
of Walla Walla, where they conduct an extensive business. He was born in Cass
county, Iowa, April 26, 1879, a son of Salathiel and Martha M. (Caughey)
Young, both of whom were natives of Ohio. They were married in Iowa, how-
ever, having removed to that state in childhood with their respective parents.
At the time of the Civil war the father responded to the country's call to arms,
enlisting as a member of Company C, Eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with
which he served for more than four years, participating in many of the hotly
contested battles which finally resulted in the winning of victory for the Union.
With a most creditable military record he returned to his home in Iowa after the
war was closed and there he engaged in gardening and fruit growing at Grove
City. In 1900 he removed to Denver, Colorado, and in the fall of 1916 he sold
his Denver home and returned to Iowa, residing with a daughter in Council
Bluffs up to the time of his death, which occurred in February, 1917. His widow
survives and yet makes her home with the daughter in Council Bluffs.
Fred M. Young had the benefit of educational training in the public schools
until sixteen years of age, when he left the parental roof and went to Council
Bluffs, entering the employ of his brother-in-law, J. F. Wilcox, a florist of that
city. It was under his instruction that he acquainted himself with the florist
business, gaining comprehensive and accurate knowledge in every department
and in every connection. After three years he went to Chicago, where he was
identified with the firm of Bassett & Washburn, well known florists, with whom
he continued for a year. He next went to Denver, Colorado, where he was in
Vol. n — 12
298 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
the employ of the Colfax Floral Company for three years and on the expiration
of that period he went to Pueblo, Colorado, as manager of the George Fleischer
Floral Company, in which capacity he served for eighteen months. He was after-
ward in Salt Lake City, where he occupied the position of manager of the
Huddard Floral Company, with which he remained for three years. He then
spent a short time in San Francisco and still later went to Seattle, where he
became head gardener at the Bremerton navy yards, occupying that position for
about six months. .\t that time his sister, who was living in Walla Walla,
persuaded him to come to this city and he arrived here with the intention of
going into business but was disappointed in raising the necessary capital. He
went to work for James Wait, a florist with whom he continued for ten months,
and later removed to Portland, Oregon, where he was in the employ of Martin
& Forbes, with whom he remained for about a year and a half. In November,
1907, he resigned this position and returned to Walla Walla, opening a small
flower store at No. 7 East Main street known as Bedell's Bazaar. On the ist of
May following Hampton Huff, who had a small greenhouse property on the
present site of the Young & Lester greenhouses and who had become too old to
work proposed to Mr. Young to go into business with him. Their capital was
limited and Mr. Young gave Mr. Huff his note for seven thousand dollars for
a half interest in the business. Thus he started out independently. They made
enough money that spring to build another greenhouse and put in a new boiler.
The following year they were able to build three more greenhouses and in the
succeeding year Mr. Huff retired and Mr. Young secured a lease on the whole
property with an option to buy. In 191 3 he sold Clyde Lester an interest in the
business and the present firm of Young & Lester was thus formed. The business
has developed rapidly. Their plant is strictly modern and up-to-date. They
have eight and three-fourths acres of land under cultivation, with about twenty-
five thousand square feet under glass. Their city store is at 19 East Main
street and is one of the most modem and attractive florist establishments in
eastern Washington. There is no phase of the business with which Mr. Young
is not thoroughly familiar. He has made a close study of plant development and
propagation and everything in the line of growing plants and blooming flowers
that can be raised in this section of the countr}' is found in his establishment.
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
RESIDENCE OF J. W. HARBERT
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY ' 301
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 establish-
ment, 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 ii,
1855, a son of John JM. 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 over-
land 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 con-
tinued 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. Gose is devotedly attached to
his profession, is systematic and methodical in habit, sober and discreet in judg-
ment, 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.
302 ■ OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 inter-
ested in all that pertains to individual uplift and community betterment. Air.
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 com-
mittee and for years past has been a dominant factor in the aflfairs 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 ocupies an attractive home at 336 South Palouse
street in Walla \'\'alla, 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 tip to the
tinie 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
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY . 303
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, how-
ever, 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 enter-
prise 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, methodic-
ally and successfully managed as any mercantile estabhshment. The old home-
stead 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
304 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 i860 the family removed to
Missouri and later in the same year the father passed away. The mother con-
tinued 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 bom 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
MR. AND MRS. FRANK FITZGERALD
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 307
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 atten-
tion 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 1889 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 warin regard, the'COrtfidence and
the goodwill of those with wliom he has been brought iri contact,,.^; jC; •
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 19 1 3 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
308 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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, Flardin 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 ele-
mentary branches by his father until the latter's death, which occurred in 1S33
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. Sw^eeney started out to make his own
way in the world and was apprenticed- to; a "tainner, whose cruelty soon forced him
to leave and seek the protection di ai^ .oWfirbrdtK^r.'" During the autumn of 1839
while attending a camp meeting near Fayetteville, he joined the Cumberland
Presbyterian church and desirous; pf^'ecoming a minister, was received under the
care of the Arkansas Presbyter}' as- -a— pfobatToner 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 Ameri-
can 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
MRS. ALEXAXDKU \V. SWEENEY
REV. ALEXANDER W. SWEENEY
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 313
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 de-
partment 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, Daytonj Ponieroy and Colfax and
often held services in school houses and groves thi-oughout 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 devo-
tion 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 No-
vember 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
314 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
with the best methods of tilHng 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 ad-
vantage 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 suc-
cess 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 Alill creek. To this marriage were bom two chil-
dren 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. R, of Dixie, and to Walla Walla
Encampment, No. 3, and is also a member of the Uniformed Rank, Canton No.
I, 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 bom 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. Llis 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. Subse-
quently 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 h\frh
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 notori-
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 315
ous band o. 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 gradu-
ation 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 Wash-
ington and has been accorded a very liberal patronage.
In 1906 Dr. Allen was imited in marriage to Miss Zada Estelle Baldwin, of
Dayton, a daughter of Daniel Baldwin, now deceased, who was one of the pio-
neers 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 dem-
ocratic 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 mem-
ber 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 repre-
sentative 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 15. 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 Isere. 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 191 1 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. Fra-
316 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
ternally 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 aftairs 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 \'ictoria, British Columbia, w-here 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 ofif the entire indebtedness on the property, which was thus
free from all encumbrance. In the spring of i8go 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 IMiss 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
CL^Q^r^M.
Tito
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 319
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 lo, 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 OraTA. (Pe'lton) Woodward,
who were natives of Wisconsin, whence they .crossed the plain's to ■ Washington
in i860, settling in Old Walla Walla county, near Dayton. They became identi-
fied 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 in 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 bom 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 Wash-
ington and has therefore witnessed the greater part of the growth and develop-
ment of the commonwealth. Events which to others are matters of history are
to her matters of personal knowledge and she can relate many interesting inci-
:J2(» old walla walla COUNTY
dents of the early days when the great stretches of land were unclaimed and un-
cultivated, when forests were uncut, when rivers were unbridged and when
the work of progress seemed dim and distant in the future. The most far-
sighted 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 pro-
gressed 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, how-
ever, attracted him and he left New England, making his way to Nevada. Loca-
ting 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. Li 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 garden-
ing. Subsequently he organized the L. L. Hunt Fruit & Produce Shipping Com-
pany 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.
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 321
In 1888 Mr. Hunt returned to Boston for his bride and was there married
on the 2 1 St 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 up-
building 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 im-
provement 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 un-
bridged. 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 suc-
cessfully 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. Prict-
have two children, Dennis Alexander and Elizabeth Jane.
322 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 every-
thing 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 bom 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 coun-
try 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, wher.e 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
•icross 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
lie 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 .\ugusta 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
CONHAK II. KASKIii:H(i
MRS. CONRAD H. KASEBEKG
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 327
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 ofifered 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 agricul-
tural pursuits, cultivating eleven hundred acres of land,. makes his home on sec-
tion 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 bom 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 undi-
vided time and attention to his farming interests until death called him on the
loth 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
fanners 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
328 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
been bom 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 1S52. was
(luring 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 1 85 1. 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 l""^ became a resident of Oregon. There he joined the Oregon
X'olunteers 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 build-
ing the government posts at The Dalles, at Walla Walla, at Colville and at Siin-
coe. 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 north-
west. He also carried on stock raising with success and his diligence and de-
termination 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
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 329
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 member-
ship 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.
Qle 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 sur-
vives and yet makes her home in Norway.
Ole Hannas received a thorough common school education in his native
coimtry 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
rep)orts 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 efiforts 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 sub-
stantial citizens of the community.
On the 5th of April, 1905, Mr. Hannas was united in marriage to Miss Guri
330 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 allegi-
ance 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 identi-
fied 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 improve-
ment.
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 Mer-
cantile 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 chil-
dren 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
^
jy.f. NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
VSTOR. ' FN'-"^
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 333
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 unusu-
ally 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 (Corlajigs)' 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, iivhere the
father engaged in the shoe business until 1858, when he' refnoyed tO; Roanoke,
Indiana, where he again conducted business as aboot-a«d'S-bG€— 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 com-
pleting 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
334 OLD WALLA \\'ALLA COUNTY
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 stat«. He also displays good business ability in the con-
duct and management of the Poor Farm and his official service in this connec-
tion is characteristic of traits which he has ever displayed, for it has always
been his custom to carry forward to successful completion whatever he under-
takes. 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 Aliss 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. i, 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.
.\rthur 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 educa-
tional 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
a
>
a
c3
33
M
r
o
o
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 337
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, sup-
plemented 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 observa-
tion and experience and has become a substantial and well informed busines.s
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, Wash-
ington, where he was employed for wages for five years. He saved carefully,
and systematically until his industry and economy had brought him sufficient cap-
ital 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 hun-
dred and fifty-nine acres. LTpon 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 capi-
tal 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
338 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 Wash-
ington 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 start-
ing 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 j\I. 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 post-
master 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 leadinsf 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,
1 86 1, and is a .son of Casper and Lizzie (Braun) Weimer, who came to the
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 339
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
estabHshed their home in Garfield county, where the father filed on a home-
stead claim five miles northwest of Pomeroy. With characteristic energy he
began the development and improvement of that property and devoted his atten-
tion 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 Gar-
field 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 place js improved with substantial build-
ings, 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 abtmdant harvests in the autumn and the work of
the farm has been carried on in a most modern and eflfective 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 vras 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 home-
stead 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
340 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
lime 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 north-
west, 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 agricul-
tural 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 iii i860 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, 187S. 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
cliaracteristics.
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. Ouster, deceased, was one of the honored and highly esteemed
citizens of Pomeroy. His birth occurred in Indiana on the 8th of February, 183 1,
;ind his parents were Daniel and Margaret (Tumlin) Cluster, natives of Ken-
tucky 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
"WlLLlAl-yr F. CLUSTER,
*- ' ^ 0.> TIi..>,.,
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 343
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 huilt 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, 191 5, 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 countrjTj^^ .,,... .w >'-'—'..
nci-r
v>. x^-:^-
w. H. cJlLLfS?" " r:,?;!^.;;
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 Wash-
ington. 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 col-
leges 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 hus-
band 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 i6th 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
344 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 associ-
ated 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 abihty 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, 191 1, 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 acquaint-
ance 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 i, 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
O
X
>
O
I— I
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 347
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 remain-
ing 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 pur-
chased 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 Mc-
Avaney, a native of Illinois, and they have become the parents of fourteen chil-
dren, 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 mem-
ber 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 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 ol
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 respon-
sible duties. In early manhood he worked for a time in Colfax and was vari-
ously 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 Com-
pany for a year. On the expiration of that period he became the representa-
tive 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
348 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
and since that time has operated independently and successfully, heing today
one of the well known grain merchants of Columbia county, controlling a busi-
ness of large volume that brings to him a good financial return.
In 1900 'Sir. Actor was married to Miss Lucy May Buroker, a 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 K. 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 inter-
ests 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 191 6 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 farm-
ing 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** atten-
tion 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 in-
estimable work in claiming this region for the purposes of Christian civiliza-
tion, laying the cornerstone of the fotindation for the moral and materially
visible development of the entire region.
Mr. Swegle is a western man by birth, training and preference and exem-
plifies in his life the spirit of enterprise and progress which has been the domi-
nant factor in the tipbtiilding of the west, leading to its wonderful develop-
ment. He was bom 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 rem.oved 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,
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 349
a part of which is inckided 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 com-
mon school education. From the time he attained his majority he began farm-
ing 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 ; Flor-
ence ; 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 favor-
able 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.
350 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 presi-
dent 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 flour-
ishing condition, manufacturing a double-disc weeder, which was awarded the
gold medal at the Lewis & Clark Exposition as the best weed killer and culti-
vator 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
bom 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 un-
divided 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 bom in
Marshall county, Iowa, April 29, 1855, a son of Anthony and Rosetta (Robbins)
Rockhill, ihe 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, estab-
lishing 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
HON. .JOHN F. KOCKlin.l.
MRS. JOHN F. ROCKHILL
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 355
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 culti-
vation 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 busi-
ness 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 figoire 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, de-
ceased; Luella, who is a graduate of a normal school and is now engaged in teach-
ing ; 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, 1. O. O. F. His political allegiance is given to the repubhcan party
and in 191 5 he was called upon to represent his district in the state legislature, of
which he proved an able member, carefully considering-tte'Vi'tal and significant
problems which came up for settlement and throwing tire. weight, of his influence
where he felt that the public good could best be.'cotis'felVed Or promoted. For sev-
eral 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 whos_e^,usiness- 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 develop-
ment 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 Star-
buck, where he is engaged in general merchandising and he also is president
of the Bank of Starbuck. He was born in Gnmdy county, Missouri, on the 31st
of January, 1861, a son of Francis M. and Sarah (Winters) Sprout, the for-
mer 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
356 OLD WALLA W^ALLA COUNTY
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 Mis-
souri until 1888, when he removed to Hutchinson, Kansas, where he was en-
gaged 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.
VV. 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 promi-
nently 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 com-
pany. 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 Day-
ton. 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 Hulcill, 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 bom 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 num-
ber of years as a member of the town council and ever exercised his oflncial
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
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 357
ever found in him a stalwart champion. Fraternally he is connected with Tu-
cannon Lodge, No. io6, F. & A. M., of Starbuck, and also with Starbuck Lodge,
No. 158, L 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 recogni-
tion 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 Day-
ton, 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 con-
struction gangs, which numbered about seven thousand Chinamen. Subsequent-
ly 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 re-
moved 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 Wash-
ington 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, Washing-
ton. 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. More-
358 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
over, 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 nth of September, 1907, Mr. Robison was united in marriage to
Miss Elsie Rififle, 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. i, 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 Wash-
ington 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 aft'airs.
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 oft'ered 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 sec-
tion 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 Aliss 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
xJA2s/[ES G.WOODEND
T':
PUBLIC LrBRARYJ
AST'^K, r K-v^X I
riLOf-. V ■■■. .i^.,^,J
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 361
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 under-
takes 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, 1S88, 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 Min-
nesota, 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, 191 7. Mr. and Mrs. Winchell were worthy pioneer people
of this section of the state and contributed much to its development and prog-
ress.
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, how-
ever, he was learning many valuable lessons through experience. He was em-
ployed during the summer months and he made every spare hour count. He
continued farm work and subsequently turned his attention to the grain busi-
ness, becoming manager of an elevator when a youth of but seventeen years.
This elevator was located at Alto, and he subsequently managed elevators at
362 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 knowl-
edge as well as to advance his material interests. In 1914 he entered the em-
ploy of the Allen Grocery Company in Waitsburg and there laid the founda-
tion 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 oppor-
tunity 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 member-
ship 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 im-
provement, 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 con-
nection 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
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 363
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 agri-
cultural 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 har-
vests 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 Chris-
tian 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 enter-
prising 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 es-
pouses, 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 Washing-
ton and through all the intervening years has been identified with its agricul-
tural 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. Rob-
ertson 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, Wash-
ington, 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
364 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 Lum-
ber 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 18S9 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 pur-
chased 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 Comjiany
with five lumberyards, but which has since grown until it now has forty-five
lumberyards in eastern Washington and central Oregon and is cajjitalized for
five hundred thousand dollars. Of this company Mr. Crawford is the presi-
dent and general manager. His business interests have thus assumed very ex-
tensive 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
J. M. CRAWFORn
MBS. J. M. CRAWFORD
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 369
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 Airs. Crawford have been born 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 Lvmiber Company,
which constructs elevators, furnishes plans for houses and promotes good build-
ings, 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 pronovmced 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 wor-
ship 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 enterpris-
ing, he seems to lose sight of no opportunity that will advance his legitimate
business interests or will promote the welfare and upbuilding of the com-
munity 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 representa-
tive men.
GRANT LOW.
Grant Low, a resident farmer of Columbia county, living on section 3, town-
ship 10 north, range 40 east, is numbered among the native sons of North Caro-
lina, his birth having occurred within the borders of the Old North state De-
cember 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 im-
perative that he secure immediate employment and soon afterward he began
working for wages at farm labor, spending three years in that way. He next
370 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 for-
ward 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 man-
aged and his investments most judiciously made. He employs progressive
methods in the care and cultivation of his land and he has added many improve-
ments to his farm, which is today valuable and which constitutes one of the
attractive features in the landsca;pe.
On December 3, 1891, Mr. Low was united in marriage to Miss Oral Mon-
nett, of Covello, Columbia county, Washington, a daughter of Wallace Mon-
nett and a sister of A. A. Monnett, one of the prominent business men of Day-
ton. 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 bom 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 to-
bacco 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 hun-
dred and twenty acres on Russell creek and he has since given his time and
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 371
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 what-
ever 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 at-
tended that venture gave him his start for bigger things. He was likewise suc-
cessful in the live stock business and later in farming operations, which he
has carried on extensively, being regarded today as one of the foremost repre-
sentatives 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 ist 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 mas-
tering 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 respon-
sible duties. In young manhood he turned his attention to the hardware busi-
ness, 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
372 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
county, where he owns sixteen hvmdred acres of rich and valuable land that
responds readily to the care and cultivation which he bestows upon it. In busi-
ness 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 : ?Iarold 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 gen-
erously 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 home-
stead 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 chil-
dren, of whom eight survive, namely: Andrew J., Jr.; Maria J., the wife of
James Woodward; Sarah E., who married William Newby; Cora .'\.. 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.
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 375
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 genera-
tion 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, town-
ship II 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 W'alla county, six
miles east of Walla Walla, where the father purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of land, for which he paid eighteen hftndfed ' dollars. Today the same
property is worth forty thousand dollars. He lived upon that farm for a num-
ber 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, giv-
ing 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 con-
sistent 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 reach-
ing 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.
37G OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 mod-
ern 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 care-
fully 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 stal-
wart champion since attaining his majority. He belongs to Touchet Lodge, L 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 splen-
did results that have been achieved in making southeastern Washington a nota-
ble 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 Com-
pany 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 enter-
prise he has been connected continuously to the present time, becoming thor-
oughly 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 ist 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 ist of May, 1917, was transferred to Pres-
cott 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
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 377
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 coimty, 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 Sth
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 way to Spokane, Wash-
ington. 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 atten-
tion continuously to the present time. It is a highly improved property, com-
prising 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 ''ntl 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 Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 117, and his wife is a
378 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 in-
dustry and sound business judgment.
JOHN HOFFMANN.
John Hoffmann is one of the honored pioneer settlers of Walla W alia 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 remark-
able changes that have brought this county to a foremost place fii the way of
improvement and development but he has also taken a most active part in bring-
ing 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 ^soiu.ething of the intense activity and enterprise
which has ever characterizedvhim is indicated in the fact that he came to be the
possessor of eight thousand acjesrof. the ifinest land in the wdieat belt of Wash-
ington, 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 cer-
tainly 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 cent? per bushel after hauling it eighteen miles to
)
ASTOR, CINOK
TJLDEN =■<><,' NDATIOW*
/S
J -fuCAX^ a /vV^t^^^>'?e^?<^'>2'^2'T.
y . 'itW YORK
P:;.>L1C LIBRARY
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 383
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 hun-
dred 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
mo-rning 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 agricul-
ture from the practical and from the scientific standpoints and, in fact, he recog-
nized 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 settle-
ment required it. For this he paid only severifyTfi-ve 'cents per- acre and after a
few years he sold it at a net profit of five dollars per acre, thus realizing a hand-
some sum on his investment. He made other similar purchases of land, which
in time he turned into ready money, continuing t6 fealtze a fair profit. His hold-
ings 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. Hofifmann 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. Hofifmann have become the
parents of ten children, seven of whom are yet living: John Edward, an agricul-
turist 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 me-
chanical 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 un-
faltering 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. i, 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 coex-
tensive with the circle of their acquaintance. The life record of Mr. Hoffmann
Vol. II 15
;{84 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 deter-
mination. These qualities are his in large measure and step by step he has pro-
gressed 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
vi'heat 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
ihey 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, demonstratmg
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 Wash-
ington 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 discourage-
ment 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
afifairs are systematically managed, while the results that are attained are most
desirable.
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 385
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
ofifice. 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 efifort, 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,
hut 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 Rail-
road 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 dif-
ferent capacities at Walla Walla until 1896, when he took up a homestead in the
Nez Perce 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
386 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
lias 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 Ken-
nedy, 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 contidence 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 friend-
ship 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 develop-
ment and progress in the state. There was no phase of pioneer life in Washing-
ton 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 Bufifalo, 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 resi-
dence 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 mem-
ber of Hope Lodge, No. 30, at Anatone. He regularly attended the lodge meet-
CHARLES ISECKE
TM€ NEW YORK
PUBLIC LftiRARY
J
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 389
ings, had filled all of the officers in the organization and was always in attend-
ance 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.
WILLIAAI H. LEONARR, •
William H. Leonard, one of the best knowu-stoc-k breeders in southeastern
Washington, where he took up his abode almost four decades ago, is the pro-
prietor 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 ist of March, i860, 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 Wash-
ington, 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 home-
stead. 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
390 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Garfield county. During the past fourteen years Mr. Leonard has speciaHzed
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 de-
served, 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 fol-
lows: Qara 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 edu-
cated in the State Normal School at Cheney, Washington, and is now engaged
in teaching; and Mildred T., at home.
HEZEKL\H N. BROWN.
Hezekiah N. Brown, a retired farmer, residing in Dayton. Columbia county,
was born in central Tennessee, August 28, 1845, ^ son of John and Perlina
I'Kincade) Brown, w^ho 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 resi-
dents 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. .A.lthough the build-
ings 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 ;
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 393
Elmer H., who is living in Seattle ; Walter S., a merchant of Spokane ; and Lu-
ella, deceased.
Mr. Brown has been a lifelong adherent to the democratic parly 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 mem-
bers 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 Wash-
ington 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 t,"/ east, and has been a lifelong resident of the north-
west, 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 twentyK)ne 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 ac-
quired 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, run-
ning 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 busi-
ness and upon the market. He is thus thoroughly acquainted with everything
that has to do with the successful conduct of his interests.
394 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 busi-
ness and is the maanger 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 Day-
ton 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 sup-
port. 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 success-
ful. 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 eff^ort 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 char-
acter 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 loth 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 atten-
tion 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 185 1 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
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 395
J. O. Windust, and four others are deceased. Those living are: J\Tary, the
wife of Andrew Gregg of Oakesdale, Washington ; Nancy, the wife of Wesley
Star; John M.; James S. ; Dollie, the wife of Fred Porter; Katharine, the wife
of W. F. Hawks ; and Wilber, who is now operating the homestead farm, com-
prising three hundred acres. The place is well improved with good and sub-
stantial 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 busi-
ness or social life. He passed away in 1904 and was laid to rest in the Waits-
burg 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 i8th 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 woman-
hood. It was there that William R. Cahill and Angeline C. Church were mar-
ried, 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
396 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 busi-
ness, also handling mortgage loans and acting as agent for various clients. He
has built up a business of extensive proportions and derives therefrom a grati-
fying 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 teach-
ings and purposes of those organizations and enjoys the high regard of his
brethren. Dayton numbers him among its foremost citizens and he is pro-
gressive 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 bank-
ing 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
C^'X ^ Q
O^ c—cn
5
■ Y
ASTOR.
'.KMCXX.
iU. Di-\ ^M
' NDaT!ON»
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 399
— 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 east-
ern 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 main-
tained 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 rail-
road 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 partner-
ship with his brother Charles and continued along that- -liite-u-nttl 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 Washing-ton^ 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 adminis-
trative direction has been characterized by a recognition of all the dift'erent
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
e.state 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 com-
monwealth 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
400 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
when the territory was merging into statehood. The duties which devolved upon
him in this connection were of a most dehcate 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
]irogress and improvement seeks his aid in vain. The public work that he has
clone 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. Oppor-
tunities 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 i, 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, \\'ashington.
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 home-
stead 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 i)roducts. In 1898,
feeling that he had accumulated a com])clence, he retired to Dayton, where he
is still living.
In 1864, in Oregon, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage to Miss Maria I.apham.
who in the spring of 1853, when seven years of age, accomjjanied 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 ofif 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 cofifin 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
>
73
I
.^l
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 403
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. Lapman 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 faith-
fully all the duties devolving upon him. Both he and his wife have hosts of
friends in Dayton and throughout Columbia cc)unty,'and the leisure which they
are enjoying is well merited.
LAWRENCE O. McINROE.
Lawrence O. Mclnroe 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 valu-
able 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) Mclnroe, 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 re-
turned 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. Mclnroe was reared and educated in the county where he
still resides, supplementing his public school course by study in a business col-
404 OLD WALLA \\'ALLA COUNTY
lege. 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 progres-
sive methods. He has added splendid buildings to his place and all modern
equijjments 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 Air. Alclnroe was united in marriage to Miss Zenna Buroker, a
native of Walla Walla county and a daughter of William and May (Gallaher)
Ruroker. Mr. Mclnroe belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
his wife is connected with the Rebekahs. He is also a member of the Benevo-
lent Protective Order of Elks. His political allegiance is given to the demo-
cratic 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 com-
munity where they reside. Since starting out in the business world he has made
steady progress. His industry and perseverance are among his salient charac-
teristics 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 Star-
buck, Washington, was bom 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, carrj-ing 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
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 405
a member of the Episcopal church, and Mr. Walters is identified with the Wood-
men of the World and the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in Lodge
No. io6, 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. Dur-
ing the following ten years or more he devoted his attention to mining and then
came northward to Washington, arriving in Dayton on the ist 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 pro-
gressive agriculture. About 1900 he removed to Dayton, turning over the opera-
tion 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 2ist 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 Congre-
■10(i OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
gational church and her aid and influence are always given on the side of re-
form and progress. She is a member of the Halpine Society and is also a mem-
ber 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 citi-
zens 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, whtre he lived for the same length of time. He
then returned to Iowa and in 1875 cam'e'to Washington, settling in Old Walla
Walla county. He took up a soldier's clajm 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'Tmprovements 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.
Lentil 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 100,^ Mr. Watrous married Miss Sadie Williams, a native of Missouri,
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC UBKARY
TJi,OF
AST^R. rrvr>.x
J{ J' (}P 0/^^,0^^
MP-S.-KEISIRT F_"Wv\TR.OUS
THE NEW YOPK
PUBLIC LIISP.A-
TIL'I
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 411
.ind 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. lo, of Day-
ton, 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 eilort 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 busi-
ness 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 Willa-
mette valley of Oregon, their respective parents having been among the earliest
settlers of that section of the country. Following their marriage they estab-
lished 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 repre-
sentative 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 Port-
land Flouring Mills Company at Prescott, Washington. His fidelity, ability and
trustworthiness led to promotion and he was afterward made assistant book-
keeper. 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 ist 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 manu-
facture are utilized here and the plant is splendidly equipped, while the standard
of excellence is ever fully maintained.
In 191 3 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 atti-
tude 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 Day-
voi. n — 16
412 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
ton'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 lo, 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 pros-
perous agriculturists of this part of the state. He had no assistance at the out-
set 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 jthe
mother was born and reared. They were there married and the father subse-
quently 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 enjoy-
ment 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. Ingalls place of seven hundred and four acres.
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 413
This property he purchased in December, 1917, and he therefore now owns
one thousand six hundred and fifty-seven acres, his interests being most exten-
sive, 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. Stone-
cipher 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 Ellens-
burg; 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,
191 7, a baby daughter was bom to Mr. and Mrs. Glen Conover, the first grand-
daughter 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 prin-
ciple 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, resid-
ing on section 27, Small township, where he owns and cultivates a valuable
tract of land embracing eighty acres. His birth occurred in Ohio on the 6th
of October, 1S60, 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 191 5 wit-
nessed his arrival in Walla Walla county, Washington, where he has since
414 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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. Heftron, of Walla Walla; R. B., who is a resident of Grandview, Wash-
ington; 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 promi-
nence 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 ist 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 1S82 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
Ew yorp:
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 417
raised on an average of thirty-four thousand one hundred boxes of apples in the
last ten years. In the fall of 191 7 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 Wash-
ington 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" move-
ment in this country and as a representative of the Washington State Country
Life Commission he has addressed thousands of interested people in the north-
west. 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 Pomologi-
cal Society; the Society for the Promotion of Horticultural Science; the National
Educational Association ; and the American Genetic Society. He has been super-
intendent of the Dayton schools and the public schools of Pullman and was the
honored president of the Washington State Educational Association. In 191 5 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 deser\'es 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, cross-
ing the plains with ox teams. They were en route for six months and at length
arrived in Walla Walla, Washington, about the ist 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.
il8 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 suc-
cessfully 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 W'alla 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 W^aitsburg, turning over the operations
of his farm to a son. He passed away about 1910, having for five years sur-
vived his wife. In their deaths the county lost two of its representative and
valued pioneer people.
R. A\'. 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 con-
tinued 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 agri-
cultural 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 w?as 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 njog he built a modern
veterinary hospital, which was the first private institution of this kind built in
the state. It proved a financal 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
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 419
and his wife hold membership in the Christian church and are loyal to its teach-
ings and its principles. His life has been an active and useful one and he has
made steady progress in the held 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 1 1 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, mak-
ing 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, how-
ever 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 re-
tracted 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 Waits-
burg, his daughter, Mrs. King, acting as cook for the few boarders who
420 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 agri-
cultural development of the county until his death, which occurred April 12,
iQii. His widow survived him for but a brief period, passing away on the
nth 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 L, who is the widow of R. A. Jackson and resides
in Dayton ; .Mice, 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 sup-
plemented 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 191 5, 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
liave 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 cen-
tury. 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
B. F. BREWER
MRS. B. F. BREWER
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 425
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 activi-
ties. 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 Air. and Mrs. Brewer have been bom 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 estab-
lished 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 there-
fore 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 nth of March, 1853, '" 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
426 OLD N\'ALLA WALLA COUNTY
Missouri, and having no children of their own they are now rearing a boy,
Richard ,H. W'ellman 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 tilled 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 under-
takings 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
eiTorts.
W. E. McKINNEY.
W. E. McKinney, the well known proprietor of the jNIcKinney Auto Com-
pany of Waitsburg, was born in Walla Walla county, about a mile from Waits-
burg, 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 asso-
ciated 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, how-
ever, that the country was not yet open for settlement and he therefore re-
turned 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
tiled 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 i8qo, 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 T- Paulson, who crossed the j^lains in 1864. They became the parents of
four children, as follows: Frank P., who is a banker residing in Olympia,
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 427
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, Wilham 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
himdred 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 Yelie and
Euick cars and is one of the leading automobile dealers of the county, having
Iniilt up a business of large and important proportions.
In 1S91 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 : ^Villiam
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 auto-
mobile 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 depart-
ment 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
428 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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. iSlarrow, 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 imtil 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 subse-
quently 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.
T. 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 bom in that town-
ship 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 edu-
cation 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
J. G. BRUNTON AND FAMILY
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 431
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 valu-
able 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 concen-
tration 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 stand-
ards have ever guided their lives. They have a wide acquaintance and are uni-
versally 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 edu-
cation 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 sur-
veying 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 re-
turned 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.
432 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 191 1, 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 mmibered among the leading and sub-
stantial citizens of that place.
In 1886 Mr. Hoover was united in marriage to Miss Eva L Loundagin, a
sister of Dr. R. W. Loundagin, of Waitsburg, and the daughter of G. W. Lounda-
gin, who came to Walla Walla county as a pioneer in 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover
became the parents of six children, three of whom sur\-ive, 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 imme-
diate 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 resi-
dence 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, 18S0, 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 grow-
ing, 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 moun-
tains 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 WALLA WALLA COUNTY 433
old when brought by his parents to the northwest. He became famihar with
every phase of pioneer hfe in this section of Washington and has hved 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 hold-
ings 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 con-
centrate his thought and attention upon his business affairs. He is a man of
strong purpose whose plans are well defined and he displays resourceful-
ness 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 ist of May, 1858. His parents are William and Ann E. (Yantis)
434 OLD \N'ALLA WALLA COUNTY
Martin, the former a native of Indiana, while the latter was born in Alissouri.
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 W'alla, where
they resided until 1901 and where Mr. Alartin 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 devel-
opment and improvement and the result of his labors is seen in highly culti-
vated fields, in well kept fences, in substantial buildings and in the latest im-
proved 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 W^oodmen 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 edu-
cational interests in this section. As a business man he is thoroughly alert and
progressive, watchful of every opportunity pointing to success, and his long ex-
perience 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 educa-
tion in Galway Academy. At the age of eighteen he went to live with an uncle,
Rev. A. W. Piatt, in Tom])kins county, New York, where he remained until going
to sea in 1852. The following two years were spent upon the water, during
^F^
^ >flte- 1^ 4
WILLIAM G-PRESTON
MRS-V/ILUIAM G.PRESTON
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 439
which time he visited New Brunswick, New Orleans, Liverpool and many other
ports in Great Britain and y\nierica, 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 vas in 1866 that Mr. Preston came to Waitsburg, Walla Walla county,
and identified himself with the Washington flouring mills and machinery lousiness,
which he and his brother, Piatt A. Preston, had bought. Under his management
these m lis became the foremost industry of Waitsburg and the high quality of
their pi,)duct 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 180 ; 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 i8f)2 came to Walla Walla county, Wash-
ington, 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 ir 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 inter, t^d in educational affairs, especially in his later years, and in 191 3
erected the beautiful auditorium known as Preston Hall at Waitsburg, it being
designed for -'ocational training and containing a swimming pool, gymnasium
and large ha^' for public meetings, etc. In all the relations of life he was loyal
to the teach : 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.
Vnl. ir 17
440 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
I'reston has also been a generous contributor to all worthy enterprises for the
public good and she now makes her home in W'alla 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 pre-
viously 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 busi-
ness 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 oflf 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 191 3, 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 com-
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 441
monwealths 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 com-
petence 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 oj>erating sixty-two hundred and eighty acres of
land in Columbia and Walla Walla counties, making his home on section 22,
township II 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 accom-
plished 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 dis-
trict schools near his father's farm and in the city schools of Walla Walla. After
reaching young manhood he contiiuied 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 partner-
ship between the two brothers was dissolved and Joseph Grote retained twenty-
three hundred acres of their holdings. In addition to this he operates four hun-
dred 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
442 OLD WALLA WAIXA COUNTY
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 recogni-
tion 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 develop-
ment and activity of southeastern Washington, acquiring extensive landed posses-
sions 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 Massa-
chusetts 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 invest-
ments. 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 appear-
ance 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. JOHN A. GROSS
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 445
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.
Lie 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 L 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, Wash-
ington, 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 physi-
cian'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 Ariji^ JlQSt,.- Jiius 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 h\gh 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 oT fier ranch property and
is a woman of excellent business ability, fully capable of meeting the require-
ments 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 Wash-
ington'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 him-
self he chose the occupation with which he was thoroughly familiar — that of
446 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 proi>erty 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 Good-
year; 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 lead-
ing citizens of his community, and takes a commendable interest in public aflfairs,
as every true American citizen should.
GUSTAV VOLLMER.
Among the pioneers of Walla Walla county who persevered in spite of hard-
ships 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, townshi]i g 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 Gennany,
May 7. 1S54, a son of John II. and Emelia (Flaskamp) \'ollmer, who passed
their entire lives in that countr\ . Of their seven children, five survive and all
but our subject are still residents of Gennany.
Gustav \"ollmer 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
o
CO
<
g
>
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 449
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 famihar 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 1 2th of June, 1881, Mr. VoUmer 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 endorsenie.nU-_Jie— finds-great pleasure in
contrasting the early days in this section, 5ivhe'n"-^Ke'-'-^ftlers; we e to a great
extent cut ofif from the outside world, withi t"he^ pr<^^nt (fe-y- With its excellent
means of communication with all parts of the country; . As AD iHusjtration of the
extent to which the pioneers were dependeat - upon their jre_sj>Llrcfes it may be
mentioned that Mr. Vollmer made the furniture "ifs'ecl 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 farm-
ing 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
450 OLfD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 cul-
tivated 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 verj' active part in political afifairs
but is now serving as a school director, in which connection he constantly works
for the advancement of the local schools. He is a selfmade man, having attained
prosperity solely through his own efiforts, and his energ>' 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, Wash-
ington, 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 ser\'ice 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, havesting 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 re-
spectively 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
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 451
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 sur-
rounding 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
•452 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
the republican party. He is a man of high personal worth and marked profes-
sional 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 joumey 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 produc-
tion 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 191 3 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 ]\Iarch 12, 191 5. He had for about three years survived
his wife, who died in June, 191 2. During the thirty-five years of his residence
in the county he witnessed great changes as the work of progress and of trans-
formation was carried steadily forward. His activity as an agriculturist consti-
tuted 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,
^
i^
BAILEY H. GROSS.
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC L!h:-;ARY
TJLDF •.
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 455
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 re-
sided 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 mar-
kets, 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 organi-
zation 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, Decem-
ber 27, 1881, his parents being Joseph Daniel and Kathrine (Harney) Hen-
nessey, who are natives of Ilhnois and of Irish parentage. In 1908 they re-
moved 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 ist
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 Uni-
versity 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 & Hen-
nessey. 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 ven.- liberal
456 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
and gratifying patronage and he is now regarded as one of the leading under-
takers 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 sen-ing as a tnistee. 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 move-
ments for the upbuilding of the city. In politics he is a republican and in 191 1
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 at-
tention 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 deatli of James E. Short, Walla Walla county lost one of its pioneer
settlers and ])rogressive farmers. He was born in (irant 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, jnirsuing 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 oi a practical and progressive owner.
To Mr. and Mrs. Short were born nine children, namely : .\delaide T., who
is a graduate nurse; James V.; Amie E., who is the wife of William F. Dolling;
\\'illiam l-".. ; John W. ; Oscar N. ; Susan Eva; Elma M. C. ; and Martha S.
The family 'dllend the Methodist Episcopal church, as did Mr. .Short, and his
MR. AND MRS. JAMES E. SHORT
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 459
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.
lames P. Neal was accorded liberal educational opportunities- After grad-
uating from the high school at Angola, Indiana, as a- member of the class of
igoi 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 Har-
vard LIniversity, where he remained until 1908. Having been admitted to prac-
tice 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 191 3 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 con-
nection enjoys a large and lucrative practice which is constantly growing m
volume and importance. He has filled various positions of a professional char-
acter. 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, 191 2, to Miss Louise
Root, a daughter of F. F. and Margaret Root. In politics Mr. Neal is a repub-
lican'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
com^'mittee 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
460 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
and tile 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, occupy-
ing 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 hor-
ticultural interests of the northwest. His efforts have demonstrated the possi-
bilities 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 mer-
cantile 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 li\ed 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 \Miitman 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 ven-
ture 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 pioneel- in the commercial
apple business of the Walla Walla valley. From his boj'hood days he was a
lo\er 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 north-
west. In 1905 :\lr. Taggard and his very close friend, Rev. B. Z. Riggs, rented
a twenty acre orchard of W. R. Anion and in the following year they pur-
chased that tract together with sixteen acres adjoining, which had formerly been
nlaiited to trees, but the trees had been pulled out. Mr. Taggard and Mr. Riggs
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 461
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. Li 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. Tag-
gard 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 Roose-
velt 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 oppor-
timities on this side the Atlantic. He crossed the continent afer reaching Ameri-
can 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
462 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 inde-
fatigable 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 becom-
ing 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 Wash-
ington, prominently identified with the commercial and financial interests and with
the community life of Walla Walla, was horn in New Hampton, Iowa, December
i8, 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. lie served for three years and was mustered out at Camp
I'utler, Illinois August 17, 1865. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Hester
M. Robinson, is also a native of Illinois.
TKE NSW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR. ' rxoi
rjl.Of. - ' ~ r ,-^/( >. ,
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 465
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 estate 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
afifairs 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-.pr.esent-tim€--be;is one of the
joint owners and managers of the Baker-Laiigdon Orch&.fd '■Company of Walla
Walla, owners of a six hundred acre apple orchard- ■'ddjoinihg 'the city of Walla
Walla, which is recognized as one of the finest cou;injercial orchard', properties in
the United States; is also vice president and -nmna^er of tlie Gre^n 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 i6th 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
Vol. n — 18
466 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 Chib 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 tlie 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 Washing-
ton, 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 Asociation, 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 com-
mittee 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 con-
servation appointed by Herbert Hoover, chairman of food conservation. Mr.
Langdon is interested in art, and has done some exceedingly creditable photo-
graphic 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 vrarm 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 sup-
ported 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. Bach-
told 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
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 467
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 busi-
ness interests, in which he was engaged for several years. At length he took
over the management of the Dacres Hotel, which is an excellent hostlery, 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 in-
tense 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 cul-
tivated 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 en-
titles 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, Ire-
land, 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.
468 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
after which he drifted to Walla Walla. There he engaged in the restaurant busi-
ness 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 there-
from a gratifying profit which enabled him to retire. Having disposed of his
private interests, he was then ofifered 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 im-
portant 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 icpo, however, he returned to the service
and in April, 1904, was appointed captain. In January, 19 12, he was appointed
assistant chief and on the ist 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 efi'ectively 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. Air. 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 tlie 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, resid-
ing 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
^-y-
f:
V
D. C. EATON
MRS. D. C. EATON
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 473
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, Ilhnois, 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 Agricultural ; College at Pullman.
Politically Mr. Eaton is a stanch republican and/in _iSc)S 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. . . FraternaUy 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 Gay lord 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
tlie 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 perma-
nent 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 con-
tributing to its upbuilding.
474 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 191 6 he returned to Walla Walla
and he has met with gratifying success here. His acquaintance among the busi-
ness men of the city and his excellent business and official record were important
factors in his obtaining the appointment of city clerk. He understands thor-
oughly the principles of finance and accounting, and his work gives uniform
satisfaction.
Mr. Wills was appointed city clerk on the 20th of January, 191 7, and his
prompt and capable performance of his duties has won for him the commenda-
tion 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 calcu-
lated 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 i6th of June, 1917, Mr. Wills was married in Walla Walla to Aliss
Dorothy Frances Drum, who was graduated from the University of Washington
with the A. B. degree and who from 1914 to 191 7 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 191 2 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 15, 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 farm-
ing 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-finst 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
WILLIAM LAMBIE
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 477
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, Wash-
ington. 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. Dur-
ing 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 hun-
dred dollars. He then went to Lower Crab creek and bought mares with his
money and began the breeding of horses/' l^'^tht J^,' (iiriSjj he took up his
abode upon what has since been his home farm and; in jthe. 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 saine time took up
a timber claim, while three years later he purchased -one- Iwndr^d and sixty acres
of railroad land. This constituted the nucleus of his present extensive posses-
sions 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 breed-
ers and one of the most reliable judges of good horses in Washington. In con-
nection with his extensive operations as a breeder Mr. Lambie farms eight hun-
dred 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 pro-
gressive.
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 Long-
beach, California, where she spends much of her time, and Air. Lambie there
478 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 agricuUurist and develop the farming possibihties
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 citizen-
ship 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 num-
bered 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 Wash-
ington and was one of the organizers of the Veterinary Hospital Company,
which erected the fine City Veterinary Hospital of Walla Walla. His birth oc-
curred in Peru, Indiana, July 6, i8Si, 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, how-
ever 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 profes-
sional career as a veterinarian. In 1904 he entered the Washington State Col-
lege 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 awiting the action of the government on his appli-
cation 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. Bad-
dely, organized the Veterinary Hospital Company, which later built the city Vet-
erinary Hospital, an institution which is one of the best of its kind in the north-
west. 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
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 479
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 upbuild-
ing 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 for-
tune 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, Wash-
ington. 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 Wash-
ington, 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: JVIiss Florence, a resident of
Walla Walla ; George D., of Portland, Oregon ; Jennie, the widow of iVIillard
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
480 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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, ^L 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, Illi-
nois, 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 J^acific 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 medi-
cine 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 ac-
cepted 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 perfonnance of his professional duties, recognizing how grave arc the respon-
sibilities 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 i8go 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. i, R. A. M., of which he
j^:Cf2jta-A^c^^
THE Ntv'
PUBLIC l:
rii n
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 483
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 com-
mandery. 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 liie.has been passed,
he has a circle of friends almost equal to the circle of his acqua,-intance.
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 i860, 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 mariage to Mrs. Eliza (Sickles) Mc-
4S4 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Whirk and they have had five cliildren, of whom three are hving, namely: Harry,
Thomas J. and Dewitt A.
Mr. Gilkerson has supported the democraic party since gaining the right of
franchise and has taken the interest of a good citizen in pubHc 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, ^'id
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 manage-
ment, he has extended the boundaries of his place by purchase until it now
embraces three hundred and thirty-three acres. The properly yields him a grati-
fying 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 Aliss 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 a 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
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 487
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. Hamil-
ton'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 oppor-
tunities he was promised, and came west. He made the trip by the way of the
Isthmus of Panama and landed in San Fra«cisco in April, 1857. Shortly after
arriving in San Francisco, he entered the employ of the government in the quar-
termaster'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 war re-
ceived 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 ofTered
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'-
488 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Donnell, who died in 1876. The two children born lo 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 grand-
children, 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 Wood
row 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 Wash-
ington, 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 commodi-
ous 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 wealthy
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 contsantly 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 mile-
stone in life's journey, but is still hale and hearty and boasts an endurance equal
to that of his sons.
MARCUS ZUGER.
Few men control farming interests of such extent in Walla Walla county as
does Marcus Ziiger, who is the owner of forty-two hundred acres of land. More-
over, 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)
Zuger, 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 wliom are now
living.
Marcus Ziiger 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
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 489
Boston, Massachusetts, but in 1877 'leard 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. Ziiger 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. Ziiger is connected with the Ancient Order of United Work-
men. 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 com-
forts 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 merchandis-
ing. Both he and his wife remained residents of Contra Costa county, California,
until called to their final rest.
490 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 coun-
ties. 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 Day-
ton, Washington, by whom he has three children, two daughters and a son, name-
ly : Vyvien B., Sylvan M. and Edwinna M. Dr. Woods gives his political alle-
giance 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 phe-
nomenal 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 experi-
ences. 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 tliat leads to great accomplish-
ments. What a man does and what he attains depend largely upon his opportuni-
ties, but the well balanced man mentally and physically is possessed of sufficient
courage to venture where favoring opportunity is ])resenled 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. Washing-
ton, and formerly to Milton. Oregon. In a word he is one of the foremost mer-
chants and business men of the northwest, constantly alert to o]ij)ortunities which
he uses wisely and well.
Mr. Smith was born in Casco. Wisconsin, on the 16th of June, 1863, a son
^
X
JIRS. JOHN SillTII
•TOHX SillTH
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 495
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 resour-
ces. 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 apprentice-
ship 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 i\Ir. 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. "'hen 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 Waits-
burg, 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 con-
nection with the hardware and implement business are thus extensive and im-
portant, his ramifying trade interests covering a broad territor>\ He carefully and
wisely selects his stock, is reasonable in his prices, straightforward in his deal-
ings and has ever recognized the fact that satisfied patrons are the best adver-
tisement. He also has extensive land holdings in southeastern Washington and
Vol. n — 19
496 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 Inter-
••^tate 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 at-
tention 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 thou-
sand dollars worth of his property. The most disastrous of these occurred in
1902, when his bam 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
])rovide 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 Hard-
ware & Implement Association and has the unusual distinction of having never
missed a meetmg 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
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 497
labor. Li 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 re-
spectively 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 en-
gaged 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 manage-
ment 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 iden-
tified 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
bom in North Carolina, June 18, 1877, ^ son of Sidney Butler and Mary Ann
(Cooper) Harris, both natives of North Carolina, where they lived and died.
To them were bom 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.
498 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 pur-
suits, 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 dis-
posed 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 recog-
nized as an authority upon conditions and prices in his line of work. He owns
prsonally 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 in-
crease 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, Ten-
nessee, 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-grand-
father, Samuel Greer, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, serving as a private
in Cajitain 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,
7780. and otherwise actively sharing in all the experiences which went to make
u]5 the record of the Continental soldier in the Revolutionary war. His great-
CHARLES T. MAXWELL
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 501
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
C 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, Ten-
nessee, and was a youth of eighteen years when in April, 1883, he came to Wash-
in'3-ton, 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 191 5. Thomas Max-
well 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 ift 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 with the most advanced and
progressive methods and employs the latest scientific processes in photographic
production.
On the 3d of July, 191 1, in Walla Walla, Washington, Mr. Maxwell was
united in marriage to Miss May Bradlee, who was bom at San Francisco, Cali-
fornia, December 12, 1882. The birth of her father, Frank Kimball Bradlee.
occurred in California in 1849. Mr. and Airs. Maxwell have one son, Charles
Thomas (called Thomas), who was born on the i6th 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 Benev-
olent 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 i, 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
502 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 Amer-
ica, 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 atten-
tion 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 aft'airs is that of a
public-spirited citizen and not that of "4' 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 mon«y 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.
I. 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, Janpary 31, 186S, 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 natixe
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
iraS. J. C. MELGER
J. C. MELGER
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 507
coast country. It was in that year that he arrived in Walla Walla county, Wash-
ington, 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, com-
prising 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, L O. O. F., of Dixie, and to Mountain Gem Lodge,
No. 136, K. r. 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 re-
sponsibilities. 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
508 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 capac-
ity he continued for six years. He then resigned on the organization of the In-
land Transfer Company, which he formed as a partner of R. H. Johnson. That
business was subseuqently sold to good advantage and Mr. Martin continued
with Mr. Johnson as office manager of the Electric Feed Mill. During his con-
nection 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 insur-
ance 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 efiforts 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 fra-
ternally 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. i,
R. A. M. ; Washington Commandery, No. i, 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 quali-
ties and feel that his word is as good as his bond, for that fact has been demon-
strated 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 industrj' and enterprise — his dominant
qualities.
FRANK ZUGER.
Xo 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 Ziiger 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 Ziiger is now extensi\ely engaged in
farming on section 2. township 9 north, range ■}{/ east. It was in this township
of Walla Walla county that he was born August 4, 1888, his parents being Marcus
and Martha (Jacober) Ziiger, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work.
He pursued a district school education, suj^plemented 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 ]>ractical and responsible duties. In 1908, at the age of
tw°nly years, he began farming on his own account, operating a portion of his
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 509
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 I5ih of September, 1908, Mr. Ziiger was united in marriage to Miss
Lulu Edith Corkrum, a daughter of Jasper Corkrum, who was one of the early
]iioneers of \\'alla \\'a\h county but is now residing in Alberta, Canada. To
this union have been bom four children, Martha Magdalene, Wanda Belle,
Walter Elroy and Frances Elizabeth.
In his political views Mr. Ziiger is an earnest republican. Fraternally he is
connected with Delta Lodge, Xo. 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 oppor-
tunities 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 direc-
tion 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
510 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 identilicd 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 oiifers 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 judg-
ment, 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
32 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 posses-
sions 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, owMiing 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, sup-
plemented 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
A. G. WEARY AND FAMILY
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 513
righteousness, truth and reform. Mr. Weary is a man of marked force, abiHty
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 vvitli 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 largiely unsettled. In 1863 he once
more moved westward, going to Iowa, and tWo yfears later he was again num-
bered with the pioneers, crossing the plains in that yeat to Oregon. He engaged
in farming for some time in Marion county,!, tha^.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 countfy'treea-me .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 hun-
dred 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 suc-
cessful 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 bet-
ter educate his children. He continued, however, to give personal supervision to
the cultivation of his farm in Umatilla county, Oregon. In 191 5 he purchased
the homestead and now owns about eight hundred acres of land, which he is rent-
ing, 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.
514 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 191 7; 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, L 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 man\'
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 i, 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 con-
veniences 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, pur-
chasing 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. Tie later purchased more land and
Mrs. Coffin is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres left to
DELOS H. COFTIN
Old walla walla county 517
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 Hkewise has four acres where she now
hves, 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. SWEEInTEY.
Samuel B. Sweeney, who is a well known landowner residmg in Walla Walla,
is a native of the northwest, his birth having Otcurred 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 ad-
vanced 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 Collage. 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 circum-
stances.
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.
518 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Mr. Sweeney was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church, and his wife
is a Christian Scientist. Lie is a stanch republican and has taken the interest of
a good citizen in pubHc affairs but has not held office with the exception of serv-
ing as a member of the school board. He belongs to the Masonic blue lodge of
Walla Walla and in his daily life has exeniplitied 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 bom 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 atten-
tion 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 mem-
ber of the board of directors of the Farmers Union Warehouse Company.
On November 8, 1891, Mr. Danielson was married to Miss Louisa J. Holder-
man, 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
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 519
of the board of education in Waitsburg. He has never sought political ofl^ce.
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 conununity. He and his wife are members of the Aletho-
dist 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. IVIoreover, .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 loth 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 par-
ents 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 em-
ployed 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 for-
mer 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 Bickle-
ton on Alder creek, hauling the lumber for floors some sixty miles. There he en-
gaged 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, Massachu-
setts, 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 south-
west of Dixie and thereon resided to the time of his death, which occurred in li
He was very successful and acquired large land holdings.
520 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 pro-
duction 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 re-
sources.
Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have become the parents of the following children, Mil-
dred E., Dorothy A., Helen A., Gladys L, 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 sterHng traits of character which have
gained for them warm regard and as a business man Mr. Bailey has long occu-
pied a creditable position in this section of the state. Notwithstanding the ob-
stacles 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 agri-
culturists 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 vvliom he afterward made his wife, her parents having removed
from Pennsylvania to Indiana and subsequently to Iowa, where they were resid-
ing 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
\\'alla Walla and the Idaho mines. The district into which he came bore little
ilKS. I'llH.lP YEXNEY
PHILIP YEXXEV
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 525
resemblance to the highly developed section that one sees here today. After
freigliting 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 pur-
chase 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 industi'y, determination and
laudable ambition.
In early manhood Philip Yenney was united in marriage to Miss Rachael
^Vinnett, 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 Wash-
ington in i860 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 famdy, married James McKee,
of Walla Walla, and they made their home at Pomeroy-. . She died, leaving a
husband and si.x 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. Wil-
liam 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 con-
nection 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
526 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
and was educated in the district schools and in Whitman College, which he at-
tended 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 Associatipn and the Young Men's Chn.stian
Association. Mrs. Yenney is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and,
like her husband, enjoys the warrii 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 resid-
ing 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
■\V1LLIA1I H. VKNXEV
r
^9^
$
F
\
>\
■m.
-^
wami
"■'"■""'"''*■'
MRS. WIl.l.IAM H. YKXXKY
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 531
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 culti-
vated, 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 i6th of July, i860, a son of Peter and Jean (Mitchell) Green-
ville. The father followed the occupation of farming in Rice county, Minne-
sota, 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 at-
tended 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 Washingon 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 tooTv 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 cul-
tivates 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 qimrter 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
afifairs 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.
532 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 Inde-
pendent 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 busi-
ness career and his ambition and energy, which are among liis most marked char-
acteristics, constitute an example well worthy of emulation.
H. A. REYNOLDS.
H. A. Reynolds is largely concentrating his time and efTorts upon general
agricultural pursuits, being located on the Ransom Clark donation claim adjoin-
ing 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 acquaired 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 con-
nected 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 Farm-
ers 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 invest-
ments 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
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 533
public good. In his political views Mr. Reynolds is a stalwart republican, and
wliile 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 advance-
ment 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, town-
ship 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 i8th 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 dol-
lars. He has also bought eighty acres of irrigated land in Montana. Taking up
his abode upon the home farm, he concentrated his efiforts 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 repre-
534 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
sentative men of his township and deserves much credit for what he has accom-
plished. 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 ac-
complished 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 suc-
cess that now enables him to rest from further labors. He was born in Columbus,
Ohio, January i, 1856, his parents being Benjamin and Charlotte (Smith) Stim-
mel, 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 pro-
viding for their support fell upon his shoulders and as a consequence his educa-
tion 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 cul-
tivation. 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 Perce country and
engaged in hauling posts and doing other work for the Indians, in which circum-
stances 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
ME. AND MBS. D. B. STIMMEL
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 537
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 busi-
ness, 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 hand-
some city residence.
In 1879, in Reno county, Kansas, Mr. Stimmel was united in inarriage to
Miss Hattie E. Kirby, by whom he had ten children, eight of whom are yet liv-
ing: Minnie, who is the wife of Lorenzo Ely, 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 Ralpli Lukenbihl, of Waitsburg; Millie,
who makes her home with her sister Minriifi 4n' Alberta, Canada; and Albert, also
a resident of Alberta, Canada. The wife and .ijipther passed fiway in December,
1908, and in 1909 Mr. Stimmel was agajn marriedj.xbis-wniDn being with Mrs.
Mary J. Lynch nee Lewis, of Ontario, Ca"na3a.
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, per-
severance 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 con-
stituted 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 bom 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 hav-
ing 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
538 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 resi-
dences 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. CH.-\RLES BESSERER..
lion. Charles Besserer was the builder of the third house in Walla Walla
and was prominently identified with the city for many years, especially in con-
nection with newspaper publication. He became recognized as one of the fore-
most 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 Mon-
tana, 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 be-
came 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 re-
moved 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 Fran-
cisco and other papers subsequent to the establishment of his home in California.
CHARLES BESSERER
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 541
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. .li 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 expres-
sion in her work. Her father, George Franklin Thomas, was born in Norfolk,
Virginia, in the year 181 5 and when very young left home, going to the state of
542 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 Com-
pany, 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 candi-
date on the democratic ticket for the ofiiice 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 W'alla, 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 pro-
fessional 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 physcian. 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, bom in the
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 543
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 Fannington 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 comple-
tion. Following his graduation he returned to Walla Walla and in the interven-
ing 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
54-t OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
medical profession in Walla Walla but as one of its most distinguished rej)resenta-
tives 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 develop-
ment and improvement has been carried steadily forward. His aid and inikience
have ever been on the side of progress and improvement and his work has had
farreaching and beneficial results. His political allegiance is given to the demo-
cratic 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 pro-
fessional 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, W'ash-
ington. 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 ap-
pointed 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
EDWARD W. CLARK
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 547
one of those who were most earnest and effective in securing the estabhshment
of the county seat at Pendleton. Indeed he was recognized as a very prominent
and mfluential 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 tiie case, and that he enjoyed the full confidence of the public is indi-
cated 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 1S86 he took up the study of law, read-
ing 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 fi\-e 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 wdiose 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 agriciilturists 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 grad-
uated from Whitman College with the class of ..i.9.I5-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 informa-
tion 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 pro-
fession, 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 par-
ticulars which make for advancement in his chosen profession. His liberal pre-
paratory 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
548 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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, becom-
ing identified with agricultural interests in this county. Here he spent his re-
maining days, covering a period of more than a quarter of a century, his death
occurring in 1896. His wife, who Iwre 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 through-
out the intervening years he has maintained a place in the front ranks of the pro-
fession. 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 em-
ployed 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
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 551
made several reiiio\als, 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, ^^^- 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 alle-
giance to the principles of his party. He served for some years as road super-
visor and made an excellent official in that connection. In fact he was a progres-
sive 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 coimty and, Hke 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 gen-
eral 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 Com-
pany, which then bought out the Skiles Dry Goods Company, which had been estab-
lished in 1905 on a very small scale. The fioor 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
552 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 Com-
mercial Club and served for one year as its president. He is always anxious and
willing to help wherever iiecessary for the good of the city, state or country and
acted as chairman and member of several important Liberty Loan and Food Con-
servation sub-committees.
JOHN H. EDWARDS.
One of the well improved farm properties of Walla ^^'alla 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 185S 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 farm-bred 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 fann 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 arc 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 inembership 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 northw-est gave him the opportunities which he sought and in their
utilization he has w-orked his way steadily upward. Ilis handclasp, however, is
as warm for his friend in a threadbare coat as for the prosperous business friend
.lUHN 11. EDWAHDS
MRS. JOHN H. p:r)WARI)S
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 557
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 charac-
terized 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. BufTaloes were so plentiful
there was often trouble keeping them out of camp. As they traveled along im-
mense herds would come bearing down on the train, when riders would be sent
out and g^ns 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
Vol. n — 21
558 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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, cross-
ing 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 iind, 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 rmd then purchased of the Indians. Dr.
McLoughlin caine 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 hajipy existence. In the fall of 1847 t''^ news of the Whitman massacre
reached that country. The peo[)le 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 countrv, where the
treacherous Indian lurked at every turn. Mr. Walter had some thrilling ad-
ventures with the Indians. At one time he and a companion rode all one day
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY , 559
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, i860, 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 bom in Walla Walla county, October 31, 1866,
and John Doddridge Walter is also a native of W^alla Walla county, born December
8, i86g.
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 break-
fast 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 sing-
560 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
ing 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 ver/ 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 de-
manded 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 re-
ceived their first lessons in this little log schoolhouse. Later a district was or-
ganized 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 1 861 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 perservance 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 con-
tinent 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 school-
house, hoisted and unfurled it there, took oflF 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
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 561
more the direful news was flashed over the country that Lincohi had been as-
sassinated. 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 pro-
ceeded 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 of-
fences 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, so;ne of w^honi 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
562 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
the phases of a frontier town, with gambhng 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
\\'alter, 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. ]. D. Walter, the only son, also occu-
pies a part of the old homestead and is mentioned elsewhere in this work. The
other daughter, who in 1890 became the wife of John II. Pettijohn, is living on a
homestead which was taken up in 1880 and they occupy an attractive little resi-
dence 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 sec-
tion of the country from the early days and the name is written high on the roll
of Iionored 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 neighbor-
hood 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 splend-
idly 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 farm-
ing. His crop is largely wheat and owing to his indefatigable energy and in-
telligently directed labor his efiforts 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 Aliss Lula R. McSherry, a
daughter of Nelson McSherry, mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mr. and
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 563
Mrs. Walter have become the parents of four children, Ernestine O., Helen
and Leila, twins, and Caniille.
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 agri-
culture.
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. How-
ever, 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 Aug-
ust 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 con-
tracting 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, 191 4, 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 at-
tractiveness of the place.
564 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
On the 9th of May, 191 1, Mr. Semrow was married to Miss Frances Wise-
man, 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 oc-
curred 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 slave-
holder 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 terri-
tory 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, timlDer
and sawmill properties, together with valuable mining interests in Idaho, lie
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
LOGAN P. :\[rLKi: Y
jmS. LOGAN P. ilULKEY
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY ' 569
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 dis-
covered 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 build-
ings 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 rais-
ing 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 pros-
perity 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 pur-
chaser 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 bom 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 accom-
panied 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 pro-
visions 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 home-
stead 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 new-
comers of this region.
570 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 volun-
teered June I, 191 7, and is now a member of Battery D, Twentieth Field Artil-
lery, 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 upbuiding of Walla Walla receive her hearty sup-
port. 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 de-
voted 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, i(Si]2. 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 ad-
vice to go west and in 1865 arrived in Walla Walla. Soon after his arrival he
secured employment in the general merchandise store of Baker & Beyer, 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 confine-
ment 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 develop-
JOHN G. PAINE
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 573
ment 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, lUinois, 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, Cali-
fornia, 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 fa-
miliar and his long experience and capability constitute an important element in
the growing success of their trade.
Mr. Bnmton 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. Brun-
ton 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 (CaHf.) high school.
In his political views Mr. Brunton is a stalwart republican, having been a
574 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
stanch 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 rela-
tions and for the upholding of its high civic standards. He ranks with its fore-
most business men and representative residents, enjoying the goodwill and con-
fidence 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. Eld-
ridge, who is living on section i, township 7 north, range 37 east, Walla W'alla
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 in-
dicates the care and supervision of a jiractical and progressive owner. But while
Mr. Eldridge is a representative and prosperous agriculturist, he is also a citizen
wideawake 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, tak-
ing 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 ])ublic 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 under-
took for his own benefit. In April. 1880, when a young man of twenty-two years,
he arrived in Walla \\'alla 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, town-
ship 7 north, range yj east. He has since improved the property with fine btiild-
ings, 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 slock 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 liusiness 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
MRS. IIAKLAX 1). KI.DRIDGE
HON. HARLAN D. ELDRIDGE
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 579
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 bom 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 posi-
tion 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 repub-
lican 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 efifective 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. GUI CHARD.
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 Alassachusetts, after which he went to
West Virginia and subsequently to Newport, Kentucky, where he enlisted in the
United States army. On the loth 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, rec-
ognized 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 chil-
580 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
dren : Ralph E., Albert and Alary. The father passed away on the 3d of April,
i8g8.
Ralph E. Guichard spent his entire life in Walla Walla. He pursued his educa-
tion 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 becajiie a regis-
tered 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-Mac,
and Robert A.
Mr. Guichard passed away August 10, 191 3, 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 like-
wise held membership in the Commercial Club. His entire life, with the exception
of a few years sf)ent 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 profes-
sion 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 bom 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 Mis-
souri 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 i8go 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
ELMER E. HAL8EY
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 5»3
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 Wash-
ington 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 ;conneGtion therewith and
none has been more faultless in honor, fearless in conduct or stainless in reputa-
tion.
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 185 1, 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, Cahfornia, 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 fight-
584 OLD WALLA WALLA COUiMTY
ing the red men, being in liie 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 expedi-
tion in 1858 and in 1859 he was transferred to Vancouver, where he remained
until honorably discharged in i860.
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 event-
ually 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 com-
petence 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. 1
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 resi-
dent 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 prog-
ress and improvement th-ough 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
HON. JAMES M. LAilB
MRS. JAMES M. LAMB
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 589
county, Kentucky, where they resided until the '70s, when they came to Wash-
ington territory, estabhshing 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
Aliss 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 subse-
quently been perfected until today it is the standard machine of the kind used
in this locality. i. ,. .,, ■
Mr. Lamb homesteaded eighty acres of land- oij 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 commimity. 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
Vol. II — 22
590 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
E., who married A. H. Johnson, of Taconia, 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 mem-
bers 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 busi-
ness affairs they are progressive and enterprising, wisely managing their im-
portant 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 north-
eastern 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 ofTered, 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 oc-
curred 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 consti-
tuted 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 opporttmities in the new western country.
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 591
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, Wash-
ing, 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 eflforts
into various fields, his labors at all times proving profitable by reason of the intel-
ligent 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 im-
portance those of any other man engaged in the milling business. His knowledge
concerning the best methods of manufacturing and handling flour became a mat-
ter of general comment and he was recognized as authority upon all matters per-
taining 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 veg-
etables grown in the north temperate zone. He was an enthusiast in all that per-
tained 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 ses-
sion he introduced the bill establishing the state penitentiary at Walla Walla. He
was constantly watchful of opportunities pointing not only to his individual suc-
cess 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 Wash-
ington & 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 construc-
tion of the road. But few men in all Washington became so thoroughly con-
versant 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.
592 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 es-
teemed 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, Wash-
ington, 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 hun-
dred 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 opera-
tion of his holdings, which include three hundred and twenty acres near Low-
den, 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 V^incouver, 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 Wil-
lamette valley, to Miss Elizabeth Hoskins, a daughter of Dillon and Rachel (Em-
cry) Iloskins, who had removed to the west with their family from Iowa, cross-
ing the plains with ox teams in 185 1 and reaching their destination after six
months spent en route. They settled at Scio, in the Willamette valley, where
Ml!. AND MRS. ( II K ISI'I.W .1, IKIWERS
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 595
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 re-
turned 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. Wil-
liam C. Gallaher, and in 1871 they were married. Mr. Gallaher was bom in
Putnam county, Illinois, in 1835, and died on a farm which he owned near Mil-
ton, Oregon, December 22, 1915, his widow passing away upon the farm in Feb-
ruary, 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 Ignited Brethren church in the state. He remained active in the
work of the ministry mitil 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 dem-
ocratic 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 pres-
ident of the Woman's Educational Club of Walla Walla. He is a man of im-
portance in his community and is also popular personally.
J. W. ROGERS.
J. W. Rogers, who for eight years has been sucessfully and extensively en-
gaged 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
596 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 afifairs 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 stanch 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. Fv BOURGEOIS.
.,/:o:T= ■■>■■ ■':',X'''
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 sec-
tion 13, Dixie township. His birth occurred in Paris, France, on the loth of
October, 1847, ^^'s parents being Franquell and Felicia Bourgeois, who emigrated
to the United States in 1852 and took up their abode in Bond county, Illinois,
v.'here they spent the remainder of their lives. They had a family of eleven chil-
dren, 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 2ist 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 fur-
EUGENE V. BOrRGEOTS
MRS. EUGENE F. BOURGEOIS
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 601
thered the interests of education as a member of the school board. His rehgious
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, Sep-
tember lo, 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 en-
tire 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 re-
moval during his childhood days. He was therefore reared on the western fron-
tier. 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 tha University of Oregon at
Portland and there won his professional degree as a member of the class of
191 1. He afterward served for a year as interne in the Good Samaritan Hos-
pital 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 San-
itarium, 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 move-
ments 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
602 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 chil-
dren 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 Artil-
lery 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 Bar-
racks 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
MAJOR PAUL H. WEYEAUCH
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 605
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 boaVd. Major
Weyrauich was commissioned a second lieutenant of cavalry to date from
February 2, 1901, and was assigned to duty with the Fourteenth Cavalry Regi-
ment, with which he served at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and also in the Phil-
ippine 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 as-
signed 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 ist of March, 1907, at which time he again entered civil life.
On the nth 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 assist-
ant engineer of the city of Walla Walla for a short time and on the nth 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, 191 3, 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, 191(1.
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, 19 17, 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.
606 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 i, 191 1, when he was appointed quartermaster of
the Second Infantry and thus served until July, 191 2, when it became necessary
to resign owing to his increasing business interests, which were making con-
stantly 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 Octo-
ber 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 bom 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 arc 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
MR. AND MRS. OSCAR E. GRANT
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 609
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 improve-
ment 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 in-
herent strength of character that the position of leader was accorded him by his
fellows without his seeking prominence. The determination which tliroughout
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. Corn-
well 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 em-
ployer for one month after reaching the coast. This train was made up of pro-
fessional 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.
610 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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
star\ed oxen and hosjjitably 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 Ja,mes 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 uj) 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 fam-
ily 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 re-
sume 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 Cornw'ell 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 im-
possible 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 t86i. 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
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 611
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 aflfairs 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, becom-
ing 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. Cornwall 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 Ta-
coma ; 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, Washing-
ton ; 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 stanch advocate of republican principles and served in
the territorial legislature as a joint representative from Walla Walla and Whit-
man 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
nonessential 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 man-
ifest 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
612 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 sur-
rounded 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 chvtrch, to which
Mr. Anderson also belongs, and in politics he is a stanch republican 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 princi{)ally
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 I'entonville. The war having ended he was mustered out at Little
ALOXZO L. SANB^ORD
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 615
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 north-
east 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 stanch 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 founda-
tion 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, 191 5. 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 efifort promoted his advance-
ment 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 pub-
lic schools of Waitsburg, supplemented by a course in the Waitsburg Academy
616 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 ex-
tensive wheat growers of this section of the state and his business affairs are
carefully and successfully conducted. His energy knows no bounds and his in-
defatigable efifort 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 2ist 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, Wash-
ington, in 1851 and in 1867 she married Henry Houghton, who followed farm-
ing in Clarke county, on the Lewis river, where he still maintains his home. Mrs.
Houghton passed away October <), 1908. The Gardners were among the earliest
settlers of Clarke county, crossing the.plaips and enduring all the hardships of
pioneer life. h ■: : '
In politics Mr. Gross maiiitams 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 farm-
ing 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 representa-
tive of one of the oldest pioneer families of the northwest. He was born in Port-
land, 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 Rens-
selaer 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
loth 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 i8th
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
.IKUOMK I.. KKISKi;
MBS. WILLIAM M. KEISER
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 621
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 Hfe'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 hus-
band's death. In 185 1 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 bom 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 edu-
cated 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
Vol. n 2 3
622 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
his nalure 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 suc-
cess, 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 educ-it'on has found in him a stalwart champion. He is a member
of Touchet Lodge, No. 5, L 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, L 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 e\er 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 en-
gaged 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. lie 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. .Mthough 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, compris-
ing 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.
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 623
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 farniliar 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. Petty-
john have been born two children: Hester S., who is the wife of Howard Holli-
day, 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
624 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
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 resi-
dence, 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. Re-
moving westward, they became residents of Ohio at an early period in the devel-
opment 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 re-
turned 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 farm-
ing properties of the valley, having here eight hundred and twenty acres of rich
and productive land from which he annually gathers very substantial and grati-
fying 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 Mclnroe, 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.
In politics Mr. Nelson has long been an earnest republican, voting with the
party since casting his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln. He has
.served as county commissioner in Idaho and for one term was representative
of his district in the Idaho state legislature. His public record, like his private
life, is free from blame. His has been a useful, active and honorable career,
guided by high principles. He has long been numbered among the honored resi-
dents of the northwest, where he has made his home for fifty-six years. There is
C. T. NELSON
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 627
no phase of the development of the northwest in its mining and agricultural
interests with which he is not familiar and his broad experiences have caused him
to look at life from a liberal standpoint, with sympathy for the frailties of men
and respect for their sterling virtues.
LUTHER J. CAMPBELL.
Luther J. Campbell, superintendent of the Stubblefield Home at Walla Walla,
has proved very efficient in that difficult position, displaying the rare combination
of executive ability and marked kindness and patience. He was born in Monti-
cello, Piatt county, Illinois, October 9, 1870, a son of George W. and Margaret
R. (Gibson) Campbell, the former a native of Salina, Ohio, and the latter of
Sangamon county, Illinois. They were married in Sangamon county as the
father had located there in young manhood, and there he engaged in farming for
many years. His death occurred in August, 1907, but the mother is still living
and makes her home with a daughter in Springfield, Illinois.
Luther J. Campbell passed his boyhood and youth under the parental roof
and after completing the course offered in the public schools became a student
in the Central Normal College. In acquiring an education he displayed unusual
persistency of purpose and great energy, for he worked his way through college,
completing the four years' course on a capital of one hundred and eighty dollars
which he earned. He boarded himself, living chiefly on graham mush sweetened
with syrup, and in order to further decrease his expenses he did his own laundry
work at night. Most young men would never consider for a moment undergoing
such privations, but he realized the benefit of an education and determined to fit
himself for something worth while. After his graduation with the class of 1892
with the degree of B. A., he took up the work of teaching and for sixteen years
followed that profession. He then turned his attention to the land business and
was also for some time advertising manager of the Farm Home. On resigning
that position he and L. E. Frost founded the Berkshire World, a stock paper which
is now published in Chicago. His residence in the northwest dates from 1910, when
he removed to Hermiston, Oregon, where for fifteen months he devoted his time
to the study of orchards and irrigation. In 191 1 he removed to Walla Walla and
during that winter was the principal of Bernie school. In 1911 he was appointed
probation officer and served for fifteen months in that capacity and on the 1st
of January, 1913, took charge of the Stubblefield Home, which was founded in
pursuance of the terms of the will of the late Joseph L. Stubblefield, who left one
hundred and fifteen thousand dollars for its establishment and maintenance. The
institution is a home for aged and dependent widows and dependent children
and since its establishment in 1902 has admirably served its purpose. It is un-
der the direction of three trustees appointed by Mr. Stubblefield, namely C. M.
Rader, E. A. Reser and F. M. Stubblefield. Mr. Campbell's knowledge of human
nature and administrative skill gained through his years of teaching and in
his work as probation officer admirably fit him for the discharge of his duties in
the important position of superintendent of the home, and the friction so often
found in such institutions is happily lacking.
628 OLD A\ALLA WALLA COUNTY
On the 23d of May, 1893, Mr. Campbell was married to Miss Margaret J
Wallace, of Brazil, Indiana, and they have a daughter. Beryl C, the wife of V. O.
McWhorter, who is in the government service at Dubois, Idaho.
Mr. Campbell is a stanch democrat and is commendably interested in pub-
lic affairs, although not an aspirant for office. He belongs to Columbia Lodge,
No. 8, K. P., and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church. In all the communities in which he has resided he has made a highly
creditable place for himself, and all who have come in close contact with him
hold him in warm regard.
JAMES EMANUEL BERRYMAN.
James Emanuel Berryman, deceased, was well known as an early settler and
])rosperous farmer of Walla Walla county His birth occurred in England, May
18. 1834, and he was a son of Richard and Martha Berryman, who were also natives
of England. In 1841 they came with their family to America and established
their home in Wisconsin, where both passed away. In that state our subject
received a limited education and there he remained until 1854. Desiring to seek
for gold, he then went to the sea coast and took passage on a ship bound for
California by way of the Horn. On the voyage the ship was wrecked and he
had the misfortune to lose all of his possessions. For some years he remained
in California, following mining, and then went to Australia, but after two years
spent in the search for gold in that country he returned to California.
In 1861 Mr. Berryman came to Walla Walla county, Washington, which
at that time was unsettled save for the fort, a saloon and a blacksmith shop ; but
the lure of the mines was still upon him and he went into the mountains of
Idaho, making his way first to the Elk City mines and then to Florence, where he
was one of the party that discovered the mines there. In 1862 he went back to
Wisconsin for a visit and subsequently returned to England, where he was mar-
ried. Not long afterward, in 1863, he brought his bride to America and located
in Wisconsin, working in lead mines. The following year he made his way to
Montana, in which state he was engaged in mining for some years. In 1869 he
came again to Walla Walla county and this time took up his permanent residence
here. He made his home in the city of Walla Walla for ten years and served
as a member of the police force. He became the first street commissioner, moved
houses, built bridges and did other such work. During this period, however,
he again started out in search of gold, spending some time in the Powder River
country, at Butte, Montana, and near Florence, Idaho. In 1878 he filed on a
homestead and a timber claim in Walla Walla county and also bought railroad
land. There were the usual hardships of the pioneer community to contend with,
but he knew that such fertile soil and salubrious climate could not fail to attract
settlers, and that in time land here would become highly valuable and the country
the equal of the older east in all that pertains to civilization. He raised wheat
and herds of cattle and horses, and from time to time he gave evidence of his
faith in the country by investing in land. His widow now owns fifteen hundred
and sixty acres of improved land, a quarter section of which is located on Dry
>
o
a;
td
M
S)
k!
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 631
creek. He built the first schoolhouse in his neighborhood and this is still known
as the Berryman school.
Mr. Berryman was married in England, on the i6th of April, 1863, to Miss
Mary Berryman, who although of the same name was not a relative. To them
were born twelve children: Richard J., who is a property owner of Walla
Walla county but lives in Portland, Oregon; Lilly, deceased; Desdemona, the
wife of C. Hartman, of Thompson Falls, Montana; Mattie, the wife of William
Falkner, of Walla Walla county ; George W., Joe and William, all three of whom
have passed away; Charles M., Ulrich A. and Paul S., who are operating the
ranch; Amyitis; and one son who died in infancy. There are also fifteen grand-
children and five great-grandchildren.
Mr. Berryman was a stanch republican and was quite prominent in politics.
He held membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church, to which his widow
also belongs, and contributed liberally to its support. He passed away in April,
191 1, and was laid to rest in the Mountain View cemetery. He was one of the
leading men of his community, honored and respected both for his ability and his
uncompromising integrity. Mrs. Berryman still resides in Walla Walla and
the family is widely known and highly esteemed throughout the city and county.
HENRY G. MAUZEY, M-, D.-
For many years Dr. Henry G. Mauzey devoted his time and energies to the
practice of medicine and surgery but is now living retired in the suburbs of Walla
Walla. He was born in Missouri, June 14, 1848, the son of Judge Stark and
Martha Penning Mauzey, who were natives of Virginia and Indiana, respectively.
About the year 1842 they removed to Missouri, and both the father and mother
spent their remaining days in that state. They had a family of four children, of
whom two are now living.
Dr. Henry G. Mauzey spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the state
of Missouri and St. Louis and there acquired his public school education. He
began the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. Isaac P. Vaughan, who
was a Virginian and a surgeon in the United States army in the Mexican war.
Later Henry G. Mauzey entered the McDowell Medical College of St. Louis
and after one term became a student at the Bellevue Medical College of New
York city and was graduated from that institution with the class of 1870. He
obtained a commission in the Cuban army but instead went before the examin-
ing board of the United States army and was given a commission as acting
assistant surgeon and ordered to the Pacific coast. He arrived in San Francisco
in June, 1870, and after a short time was ordered to Fort Vancouver, Washington.
He was on duty a short time at army headquarters in the city of Portland
and from there was ordered to Alaska as a surgeon traveling with recruits.
On February 19, 1873, he arrived in Walla Walla under orders to report and
await the coming of the United States troops, who had been fighting Indians in
northern California. He opened an office in the city of Walla Walla, where he
remained as an active representative of the profession until 1890. In that year
he removed to Spokane, where he continued in special work — eye and ear — for
632 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
twenty-five years. Throughout the intervening years he kept in close touch with
the advance thought and work of the profession. Broad reading kept him in-
formed concerning the latest scientific researches and discoveries. In 1909 he
again took up his abode in Walla Walla county, where he is now living retired,
his home being situated about one and a half miles southeast of the city. In early
days and for some years he was associated in practice with Dr. John E. Bingham
of this city.
In April, 1875, Dr. Mauzey was united in marriage to Miss Frances I. Abbott,
a native of Oregon and a daughter of John F. and Susan (Snyder) Abbott, the
former a native of the state of New York and the latter of Ohio. The mother
crossed the plains in 1845 with an uncle, the journey being made with ox teams
after the primitive manner of travel in those days. She was married in Port-
land, Oregon, to Mr. Abbott and after a number of years' residence in Oregon,
removal was made to Walla Walla, where Mr. Abbott passed away in 1896.
Mrs. Abbott is still alive at the notable age of ninety-three years and is enjoying
good health. Dr. and Mrs. Mauzey are the parents of two children, of whom
one died in infancy. The younger, a daughter, Linda, became the wife of Major
Andrew W. Smith, who is an officer in the United States army and now stationed
at Camp Meade, Maryland.
Dr. Mauzey has a wide acquaintance in the northwest and all who know
him speak of him in terms of high regard. For many years his position was that
of family physician in many a household of Walla Walla, and regret was felt
on the part of his patients when he determined to retire from practice. He is
also numbered among the pioneer settlers in the northwest, his residence in this
section of the country covering almost a half century, so that he is largely familiar
with its history. When he arrived at Portland in August, 1870, it had a pop-
ulation of ten thousand and the territory of Washington had a population of
sixty-five thousand.
WOODSON CUMMINS.
Woodson Cummins, of Touchet, is a retired farmer who was long actively
identified with farming interests, but while still owning valuable farm property,
is leaving its care and development to others. He is now vice president of the
Touchet State Bank and his business record has at all times been such as has
won for him the 'confidence and goodwill of his contemporaries.
A native son of Iowa, Mr. Cummins was born on the 6th of July, 1855, and
is a son of Robert and Lucretia (Myers) Cummins, both of whom were natives
of Virginia. They were married, however, in Indiana, to which state they had
removed with their respective parents in childhood days. Soon after their mar-
riage they left the Hoosier state to become residents of Iowa, and in 1862 they
again started upon a westward journey, with Walla Walla county, Washington,
as their destination. They crossed the plains with ox teams and a mule team,
leaving their Iowa home on the ist of April and reaching Walla Walla county
about the i6th of September. It was a long and arduous trip across the stretches
of hot sand and over the mountain passes. There were some dangers to be
WOonSOX CUMMINS
MKS. WOODSON CUMMINS
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 637
faced and many hardships to be undergone, but day after day and week after
week the journey was continued with resolute spirit and courage until they
arrived in Washington. Soon afterward Mr. Cummins took up a homestead
about five miles southeast of Walla Walla and in 1869 he removed to the farm
which his son Woodson now owns, situated two miles west of Touchet. ' There
he acquired three hundred and twenty acres of land and for several years he
was engaged thereon in stock raising, becoming a prominent representative of
the livestock business in this section. He also engaged in freighting in the early
days, continuing in that business until the building of the railroad. There was no
feature of pioneer life with which he was not familiar and his efforts were an
important element in promoting the early development and the later progress
of this section of the state. He labored diligently and the intelligent direction
of his efiforts brought good results. He died in the year 1916, having long sur-
vived his wife, who passed away in 1875. In fact he was three times married
after the death of the mother of Woodson Cummins, and each of his wives pre-
ceded him to the grave.
Woodson Cummins was a little lad of but seven summers when the family
came to the northwest. He was reared under the parental roof and acquired his
education in the public schools of Touchet. In the spring of 1880 he went to
Elgin, Oregon, and for three years was engaged in the. livestock business, after
which he returned to Walla Walla county. In 1882 he purchased the old home
farm and continued to engage in the livestock business. He also cultivated his
fields and became recognized as one of the energetic and representative farmers
of the community. He took up a homestead claim adjoining his father's old
farm and in subsequent years he has purchased other land and now owns six
hundred and forty acres. Year by year his farming and livestock interests were
carefully conducted and his business affairs grew in volume and importance. He
displayed sound judgment in the management of his interests and utilized the
most progressive methods in conducting his work. Prosperity therefore came to
him and at length, having become the possessor of a very substantial competence,
he removed to Touchet about 1908 and a year later gave up active farming, since
which time he has lived practically retired. He was, however, one of the organ-
izers of the Touchet State Bank, has been a member of its board of directors
from the beginning and also has filled the office of vice president from the organ-
ization.
On the 1 2th of September, 1880, Mr. Cummins was united in marriage to
Miss Jemima J. Weaver, of Elgin, Oregon, by whom he has five children, as
follows: Clarence E., who is yard manager of the Touchet yards of the Tum-a-
Lum Lumber Company; Walter R., who cultivates a farm of his own and also
some of his father's land; Hettie, who is the wife of W. E. Burnap, an agricul-
turist of township 7 north; Leila M., the wife of K. W. Parsons, who is engaged
in farming near Lowden, Walla Walla county; and Elmer J., the proprietor of
a garage in Touchet. Mr. and Mrs. Cummins also have an adopted daughter,
Eva Pearl, now the wife of A. Hanson, residing near Touchet.
In his political views Mr. Cummins has long been a republican, giving stal-
wart support to the party and doing all in his power to promote its successes, yet
never seeking nor desiring office for himself. He holds membership in Trinity
Lodge, No. 121, I. O. O. F., and he and his wife are consistent and faithful mem-
638 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
IxTS of the Primitive Baptist church. His rehgious faith has guided him in all
of his relations and has made his business career one of unquestioned integrity
and honor. He has combined high purpose with laudable ambition and his career
proves that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously.
JOHN SPREITZER.
.'\mong the retired farmers residing in Walla Walla is numbered John Spreit-
zer, who was born in Austria in i860, of the marriage of Stephen and Gertrude
Spreitzer, also natives of that country. There the mother passed away and there
the father still maintains his home. To them were bom nine children, of whom
three are deceased.
John Spreitzer was reared at home and in the acquirement of his education
attended the public schools of Austria. When twenty-three years of age, or in
1883, he crossed the Atlantic to America, having determined to seek his fortune
in this comparatively new country. For six years he lived in Chicago and then
went to Colorado, where he spent one year. At the end of that time, in 1890,
he came to Walla Walla county, Washington, and for five years operated rented
land. He then bought six hundred and forty acres and devoted his time to the
cultivation of that tract until 191 1, when, feeling that he had accumulated a com-
petence, he retired and removed to Walla Walla, where he purchased an attractive
residence on East Chestnut street. The value of his property is enhanced by the
fact that there are many fruit trees upon the farm which bear abundantly.
In 1897 occurred the marriage of Mr. Spreitzer and Mrs. Katie Hendricks,
a native of Germany. Mr. Spreitzer is a republican in politics but has confined
his participation in public affairs to the exercise of his right of franchise. Frater-
nally he belongs to the Woodmen of the World and has .many friends within
and without that organization. He came to America empty-handed, but being
quick to recognize and take advantage of the opportunities here offered, has by
his own efforts gained the prosperity which he now enjoys.
GEORGE A. EVANS.
Among the men who played well their part in the pioneer days of Walla
Walla county, when conditions of life were such as to test to the utmost a man's
mettle, was numbered George A. Evans, who came to the west by wagon train.
He turned his attention to farming, but his last days were passed in well earned
leisure. He was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, December 6. 1835, and remained
there until he reached mature years. In the meantime he had received but three
months of common school education and had acquired habits of industry and of
perseverance that were to stand him in good stead in the new northwest. In
1854 he removed to Sidney, Iowa, and two years later, in 1856, he joined a wagon
train of forty ox teams and accompanied by his family, his parents and brothers
and sisters, made the long journey across the continent to Walla Walla, arriv-
KE.SUlENrE OF WUODSUX rl'MMIXS
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 641
jng here in August. At that time the Indians were quite restive and had at-
tacked several wagon trains and massacred a number of the emigrants, but the
train with which Mr. Evans journeyed was not molested. For some time he
drove a team engaged in freighting in this state and Idaho, principally between
Walla Walla, Boise and Silver City, and thus became thoroughly familiar with
this section of the northwest and gained a wide acquaintance among the early
settlers. His first winter in Walla Walla, that of 1861, was one of the worst
ever known in this country and it was a serious problem among the pioneers to
make a living. Mr. Evans succeeded in finding employment as a mule herder
for the government on what is now known as Eureka Flats. After the coming
of the railroad he turned his attention to farming and became the owner of
large and valuable holdings. At length, feeling that he was entitled to a period
of rest, he retired and removed to Walla Walla, where his death occurred April
2, igi6.
Mr. Evans first married Bethsidia Williams, who died, and in 1886 he mar-
ried Miss Bessie Bambrick, a native of Nova Scotia, and they became the parents
of two children, one of whom survives, Mrs. W. R. McDermott, of San Fran-
cisco. Mrs. Bessie Evans passed away September 3, 1905, and on December 18,
1907, Mr. Evans married Miss Anna Bower, who survives him and resides at No.
549 South Division street. She holds membership in the Presbyterian church
and is a woman of many admirable qualities, . , , ;
Mr. Evans was a loyal member of the Masonic fraternity and was laid to his
last rest with Masonic honors. For ten years he held membership in St. Paul's
Episcopal church and in his daily life he w-as-a consistent Christian, thoroughly
upright in all his dealings, kindly in spirit and considerate of others. In his home
life he was ever a loving husband and father and his large capacity for friend-
ship gained him the warm regard of all who knew him intimately. He had a
keen interest in educational affairs and for sixteen years served as a trustee of
St. Paul's school. With his passing Walla Walla lost one of her prominent cit-
izens and his demise was the occasion of widespread regret.
SETH W. HESTER.
Since starting out in life for himself Seth W. Hester has followed agricultural
pursuits and is today one of the prosperous farmers of Columbia county, Wash-
ington. He has always been a resident of the Pacific northwest, being born in
Linn county, Oregon, January 2, 1872, and during his infancy he was brought to
Walla Walla county, now Columbia county, by his parents, William M. and Sarah
K. (Combs) Hester, who were natives of Kentucky and Iowa respectively. It
was in 1852 that his father came to the Pacific coast and after spending four years
in California, removed to Oregon in 1856 and in 1872 came to Walla Walla county,
Washington, where he settled on a farm. Here he and his wife both died. To
them were born nine children and five of the number are now living.
Seth W. Hester passed his boyhood and youth in Walla Walla county and is
indebted to its public schools for the early educational advantages he enjoyed.
He was only thirteen years of age when his father died and he took charge of the
642 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
home farm, which he carried on for a few years. Being a wide-awake, up-to-date
farmer, he has steadily prospered as the years have gone by and is today the
owner of valuable land in Columbia and Garfield counties. He has become inter-
ested in other enterprises and is now a stockholder in different businesses in
Walla Walla, Garfield and Columbia counties.
In 1893 Mr. Hester was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Loundagin, and
they have two daughters : Lucile M., who is a graduate of the Walla Walla high
school and is now a student at Mills College, Oakland, California; and La Nor C,
now attending high school.
Mr. Hester takes a commendable interest in educational affairs and has effi-
ciently served on the school board. His political support is given the democratic
party and he never withholds his aid from any enterprise which he believes will
prove of public benefit.
W. H. RICHARDSON.
W. H. Richardson is now living retired in Dayton, but for many years was
actively identified with fanning interests and owned and cultivated an excellent
tract of land. He was born on St. Joseph's island in Lake Huron, in the province
of Ontario, Canada, February i, 1864, his parents being W. T. and Jane (Hol-
land) Richardson, the former a native of Ontario, Canada, while the latter was
born in Ireland. During her girlhood days the mother crossed the Atlantic
with her parents, who established their home in Ontario. Soon after their mar-
riage Mr. and Mrs. Richardson took up their abode on St. Joseph's island, where
they resided until 1869 and then removed to Minnesota, where they lived for
about seven years. In 1876 they came to Washington, taking up their abode upon
a farm about six miles west of Dayton, in Columbia county, where the father
was actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits until the time of his death,
becoming one of the big wheat raisers of the county. .\t the time of his demise
he owned six thousand acres of farm land, the greater ]iart of which was devoted
to wheat, and his efforts were resultant in producing splendid crops. He closely
studied conditions of soil and climate and his methods were at all times pro-
gressive, so that he gathered abundant harvests. He died in 1900, at the age of
sixty-six years, while his widow, surviving until 1907, passed away at the age
of seventy-two.
W. H. Richardson was educated in the Thorn Hollow public school and in
the Huntsville Academy. In early manhood he began farming in cooperation
with his father and gradually as their operations extended to a larger scale, W.
II. Richardson more and more assumed the burden of managing the business and
cultivating the land. Following the death of his father he purchased the entire
holdings, which he continued to develop and improve further until 1909, when
he disposed of the last of his farm property and has since lived retired. His
business affairs were wisely and carefully controlled and he became one of the
representative agriculturists and wheat growers of the valley. The industry
which he disjjlayed in all of his business undertakings brought to him a very
M/ \%'. fWtJLa<JU^
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 645
substantial measure of prosperity, so that he is now enabled to enjoy his remain-
ing days in leisure and comfort.
In 1903 Mr. Richardson was united in marriage to Miss Loretta M. Frazer,
of Ashland, Illinois, who was principal of the Dayton high school. They became
the parents of one son, who died in infancy. In politics Mr. Richardson is a
democrat and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but
has never consented to become a candidate for office. Since his retirement from
business in 1909 he and his wife have spent much of their time in travel, having
visited many European countries, also South America and Japan, thus gaining
that broad knowledge and liberal culture which only travel can bring. The life
record of Mr. Richardson should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing
what may be accomplished through individual effort guided by sound judgment.
ARTHUR G. CORNWELL.
Among those whose extensive farming operations have made Walla Walla
county famous as a wheat producing region is Arthur G. Cornwell, who is residing
in the city of Walla Walla but is personally directing the operation of about one
thousand acres of fine land. He is a native of the county, born April 11, 1869,
and is a son of James M. and Mary A. (Stott) Cornwell. He was reared at
home and as a boy and youth attended the country schools, thus laying the foun-
dation of his education, and later he was a student at Whitman College. Fol-
lowing his marriage he began farming on his own account and from the beginning
proved successful, his early training in agricultural work vmder his father proving
of the greatest value to him. For about ten years he operated rented land and then
purchased a farm. His holdings now comprise three hundred and twenty acres of
farming land, one hundred and sixty acres of timber and grazing land, and in
addition to cultivating his own half section he operates leased land, farming in all
about one thousand acres, devoted to the raising of wheat. He keeps his business
well in hand and studies carefully the problems of lowering the cost of production,
of increasing the yield and of marketing to advantage. He is a stockholder in the
Farmers Savings Bank of Walla Walla and in the Farmers Grain Agency and
belongs to the Farmers Union, believing thoroughly in the importance of cooper-
ation.
Mr. Cornwell was married on the 15th of July. 1891, to Miss Carrie E. Ingram,
who was born in Georgetown, Colorado, a daughter of James H. and Mary J.
(Williams) Ingram. In 1847 the family removed to Walla Walla and the father
bought a small tract of land on the outskirts of the city of Walla Walla. He
planted fruit and devoted the remainder of his life to horticulture. His wife was
a writer of ability and after reaching her seventieth year wrote a book of poems.
Mr. and Mrs. Cornwell have three children: Artemisia May, who was graduated
from Whitman College in 1916 and also in that year completed the course offered
in the Whitman Conservatory of Music, receiving the degree of B. M. ; Edna
Genevieve, who was also a student at Whitman College and is now the wife of
Carl Gensel, of Walla Walla ; and Elmer Grant, who is now fanning on the home
ranch. He was married in September. 191 7, to Miss Ethel Heath.
G4G OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Mr. Corinvell is a repiihlicaii in politics and served for several years as deputy
assessor. He and his family belong to the Presbyterian church and for about ten
years he has served on its financial board. He is one of the most influential citizens
and most successful farmers of Walla Walla county and wherever known is held in
the highest esteem.
WILLL^M BOWE.
The life record of William Bowe indicates the opportunities which the north-
west ofifers, for he arrived in this section of the cotmtry empty-handed and
started out in the business world as a common laborer. Today he is the pos-
sessor of a handsome competence and is actively and prominently identified with
agricultural and financial interests, owning thirteen hundred acres of land in
Walla Walla county. He makes his home in the city of Walla ^^'alla, from
which point he directs his farming interests. He was born in Ireland, March i8,
1861, and is a son of John and Katherine Bowe, both of whom were natives
of Ireland, where they spent their entire lives, there rearing their family of
eight children, of whom six survive.
William Bowe was reared and educated in Ireland and was a young man
of twenty-five years when he determined to try his fortune in the new world.
Accordingly in 1886 he bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the
United States. He did not tarry on the Atlantic coast but made his way across
the country to Iowa, where he lived for two years. Still he heard the call of the
west and in 1888 he came to Walla Walla. He arrived here in very limited
financial circumstances and his financial condition rendered it imperative that
he find immediate employment. He began work as a farm hand and spent three
years in that way. He was ambitious, however, to engage in business on his
own account, and at the end of that period rented land which he cultivated for
three years. He still continued to save his earnings and after cultivating a
rented farm for three years he purchased land, to which he has added from time
to time until he is now the owner of about thirteen hundred acres, all of which
has been greatly improved. His life throughout his entire residence in the
northwest has been devoted to general agricultural pursuits and his large farm
presents a most neat and thrifty appearance, indicating his practical methods
and careful supervision. He also owns a fine residence in Walla Walla and he
is one of the directors of the Farmers Bank of that city.
On the 8th of January, 1896, Mr. Bowe was united in marriage to Miss
Elizabeth Davis, a native of Ireland, and they have become the parents of two
children, but John C. has passed away. William E. married Miss Alice C. Ennis
and in 1917 leased his father's ranch about fourteen miles from Walla Walla.
where he now resides. Mr. Bowe of this review was nearly killed in 1909 while
riding a young horse. The horse became frightened and fell from a bridge
about nine feet with Mr. Bowe under him. He was so severely injured that he
was picked up for dead.
Mr. and Mrs. Bowe are communicants of the Catholic church and in politics
Mr Bowe is a democrat, while fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent
(T}
MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM BOWE
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 649
Protective Order of Elks and also with the Knights of Columbus. His life
record should serve to encourage and inspire others, showing what may be
accomplished when there is the will to dare and to do. He has never been
afraid of hard work, and persistency and diligence have brought to him the
measure of prosperity which is now his.
W. H. H. BRUNTON.
W. H. H. Brunton, a pioneer of Walla Walla county, was engaged in farm-
ing for many years and won gratifying success in that connection. He was born
in Schuyler county, lUinois, January 27, 1841, a son of Cyrus and Martha (Restine)
Brunton, who removed with their family to Missouri during the childhood of their
son, W. H. H. Brunton. There he was reared and received his education. In 1862
he made the journey across the country to Walla Walla county, Washington, with
ox teams and during the following winter resided on the Walla Walla river. The
next year he removed to Columbia county and for four years engaged in teaming.
In 1866 he was married and then took up a homestead adjoining his father-in-law's
farm. He devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits until 1899 and
then, feeling that he had earned a rest, retired and removed to Walla Walla. From
time to time he added to his holdings until he 'became the owner of almost seven
hundred acres of land, which is still in possession of the estate. He passed away
September 7, 1901, and his demise was the occasion^ot cJ.eep and widespread re-
great, for he was a man of sterling worth.
Mr. Brunton was married in 1866 to Miss Sarah A. Lewis, a daughter of
Reese Lewis, who removed to Oregon with his family from Wayne county, Iowa,
in 1863. After spending two years on the Touchet he took up a homestead claim
three miles east of Dixie.
Mr. Brunton was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to
which Mrs. Bnmton also belongs. He was known as a man strictly honest in all
his dealings and his uncompromising integrity gained for him the respect of all
with whom he came in contact. He had many personal friends and found his
greatest pleasure in their companionship and in that of his wife. She resides in
a comfortable home at No. 716 Catherine street and is well and favorably known
in Walla Walla.
WILLIAM THOMAS DOVELL.
William Thomas Dovell was a native of Walla Walla, his birth occurring Sep-
tember 21, i86g, and his parents were John and Margaret (Ford) Dovell, na-
tives respectively of the Azore islands and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In early
boyhood the father emigrated to the LTnited States and at an early date became a
resident of Walla Walla, where both he and the mother passed away. To them
were born four children, of whom two survive.
William Thomas Dovell grew to manhood in Walla Walla and attended the
650 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY"
public schools and Whitman College in the acquirement of his education. He pre-
pared for the practice of law under the direction of the firm of Allen & Crowley,
and in 1890 he was admitted to the bar. He opened an office and for thirteen
years was numbered among the capable attorneys of the city. In 1903, however,
he removed to Seattle, where he was active in the practice of his profession until
called by death in February, 1916. One of the factors in his success was his
habit of careful preparation of his cases, this practice making it difficult for his
opponents to gain an advantage over him.
In 1901 Mr. Dovell was united in marriage to Miss Ruth H. Allen, a daughter
of the Hon. John B. and M. C. (Bateman) Allen, the former born in Indiana and
the latter in Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Dovell became the parents of four children,
Ruth C. ; Allen Thomas, deceased ; William Thomas, Jr. ; and Mary D.
Mr. Dovell was a careful student of public affairs and his views on political
issues were in accord with the principles of the republican party. He was chosen
attorney for Walla Walla county when but twenty-one years of age and although
extremely young to fill such an important position he discharged his duties with
marked ability. Fraternally he belonged to the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks, and his attractive social qualities gained him many friends vifithin and with-
out that organization. Those who had been associated with him during his resi-
dence in Walla Walla felt deep regret on receiving the news of his death in
Seattle. He was buried in that city.
ADOIL.PH-HOLM.
Adolph Holm, deceased, belonged to that clasg .of substantial citizens that
Norway furnished to the new world. He was a man of business ability and
enterprise and possessed marked skill as a wood worker. Laudable ambition
actuated him at every point in his career and an orderly progression brought him
to a prominent position among the successful business men of Walla Walla
county. Each forward step in his career gave him larger opportunities which
he readily recognized and promptly utilized.
Mr. Holm was born in Norway, August 20, 1847, a son of Peter Holm, who
was a wood worker and contractor of that country. At the age of nineteen
years Adolph Holm bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the new
world, having heard favorable reports concerning its opportunities, so that he
was thus induced to seek a home on this side of the Atlantic. He had pre-
viously learned the trade of a wood carver under the direction of his father
in Norway and he had also enjoyed liberal educational training. He had at-
tended a Latin school there and was master of four or five languages. Thus
well equipped he reached the new world, without capital but possessed of marked
intellectual force and ability in the line of his trade. Making his way westward
to Chicago, he there worked as a wood carver for a time and was also employed
at various points in Michigan. Still later he went to Sioux City, Iowa, where he
took up the business of contracting and building.
It was while a resident of Sioux City that Mr. Holm was united in marriage,
in August. 1870, to Miss Charlotte Peterson, a native of Sweden, who had come
ADOLPH HOLM
MK8. ADOLPH HOLM
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 655
to the United States when seventeen years of age. In the year 1872 Mr. Holm
came to the west with Oregon as his destination. He located first in Salem and
was employed on the building of the state capitol in that city, remaining there
for six years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Walla Walla and
after two years took up his abode in Asotin county, Washington, where he resided
for twenty-one years. During that period he was engaged in farming and in
May, 1902, he purchased land and removed to the home farm upon which his
widow now resides. There he continued to carry on general agricultural pur-
suits until his demise, which occurred February 3, 1904. He was a very skilled
wood turner and he did much of the interior finishing of the Washington build-
ing for the Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893. He proved equally
efficient along other lines, both industrial and agricultural. In a word he possessed
marked adaptability and accomplished whatever he undertook by reason of his
unfaltering diligence and perseverance. His persistency of purpose, his laudable
ambition and his splendidly directed efforts constituted an example that is well
worthy of emulation.
To Mr. and Mrs. Holm were bom eight children, seven of whom still sur-
vive, as follows : Anna, at home ; Oscar, who is a member of the police force
in Seattle; Harry, a resident of Roswell, New Mexico; Edgar, who is engaged
in merchandising at Yuma Pine, Oregon; Emma, the wife of Professor W. M,
Davis, who is principal of the College Place schools ; Maurice, who formerly lived
in Boston, Massachusetts but is now with the United States troops somewhere in
France; and Roy, who operates the home farfri.
Mr. Holm gave his political allegiance to the democratic party, and while he
always kept well informed concerning the political conditions and questions of
the country, he never had aspiration for office. He belonged to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows for many years and was a loyal representative of that
society. He never regretted his determination to come to the new world, for
he here found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization made
for himself a most creditable position in business circles. He won success
by honorable effort and his record is one which reflects credit upon the land
of his birth and the land of his adoption. That his life was well spent is indi-
cated by the fact that those who knew him longest were his stanchest friends, for
throughout his entire career he displayed characteristics that were worthy of the
highest regard of his fellowmen.
E. J. CANTONWINE.
E. J. Cantonwine, a prosperous farmer of Walla Walla county, has passed his
entire life in the county, as he is a native of the city of Walla Walla. His birth
occurred November 12, 1887, and he is a son of W. J. and Clara E. (Cram) Can-
tonwine, natives of Iowa and Oregon respectively. In 1863 the father made the
long overland journey with ox teams to Washington and located on Dry creek,
where he engaged in farming for many years. He died in California, having gone
there in the hope of benefiting his health. The mother survived for some time,
passing away in April, 1917. Two of their three children are still living.
Vol. II 2 4
656 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
E J. Cantonwine attended the schools of Dixie in the acquirement of his gen-
eral education and prepared himself to manage his affairs in a businesslike manner
by taking a course in a commercial college at Walla Wall. He remained at home,
assisting his father with the farm work, until he attained his majority and then took
charge of the operation of the homestead, which he managed for ten years. In
the meantime he had acquired title to personal property which he sold at the end
of that period. He then engaged in the undertaking business for five years, after
which he disposed of his interests in that line and again turned his attention to agri-
cultural pursuits. He owns four hundred and seventy-five acres of well improved
land north of Dixie, Washington, and keeps its operation well in hand, realizing
that farming is as much a business as manufacturing or merchandising and that
to succeed the farmer must study both the problems of production and of market-
ing.
In 1900 Mr. Cantonwine was married to Miss Bessie Kershaw, a daughter of
J. S. Kershaw, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Both belong
to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Cantonwine is a trustee, ar 1 he
is also now a member of the building committee which has in charge the erection
of the new house of worship. He belongs to Enterprise Lodge, No. 2, I. O. O. P.,
in which he has filled all the chairs, and he is Hkewise a member of the Modem
Woodmen of America and of the Loyal Order of Moose, in which he is also an
officer. He is a typical western man, alert, confident of the future, self-reliant
and resourceful, and he has been a factor in the advancement of the agricultural
interests of Walla Walla county.
HENRIK P. PETERSEN.
Henrik P. Petersen is one of the progressive business men of Waitsburg.
where he is prominently associated with banking interests. He was born at
Lukomkloster, Nord Slesvig, Germany, on the 12th of January, 1878, and was
brought to America in 1881. when but three years of age. He is a son of Martin
C. and Magdalene Petersen, both of whom are now living at Dannebrog, Nebraska.
The family home was established in Dannebrog when the parents came to the
new world and in the schools of that place Henrik P. Petersen pursued his
education, passing through consecutive grades to his graduation from the Dan-
nebrog high school. When his textbooks were put aside he turned his attention
to banking and became familiar with that business in Dannebrog, so that he was
well qualified by experience to enter upon a similar field when he came to Waits-
burg, Washington. Here he has resided for the past thirteen years and is now
occupying the responsible position of cashier in the Exchange Bank at Waits-
burg, of which he is also a director. He has made a creditable record in this
connection and is now bending his energies to administrative direction and
executive control. He has a thorough knowledge of the banking business and his
ability has been manifest in the continued growth and success of the institution
with which he is identified.
Mr. Petersen is also well known as an exemplary representative of the
Masonic fraternity and he has been honored with the position of worshipful
HENRIK P. PETERSEN
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 659
master of Waitsburg Lodge, No. i6, A. F. & A. M. He has a wide acquaintance
in Waitsburg and his many substantial quahties have gained for him the high
regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact. In all matters of
citizenship he stands for progressiveness and improvement and gives his aid and
cooperation most liberally and earnestly to those measures and movements which
are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride.
HERMAN C. ACTOR.
A most interesting and eventful career was that of Herman C. Actor, who
passed the last years of his life in the restfulness and the quietude of the farm.
He was familiar with every phase of frontier life in the northwest and four times
he was wounded by the Indians in the early struggles for supremacy between the
white race and the redskins. He came to this section of the country when the work
of progress and improvement seemed scarcely begun and when the red men were
yet more numerous than the white settlers. Only here and there some venturesome
spirit had penetrated into the wilderness of the Pacific northwest to establish a
home and if possible utilize the resources of the GOiintry in the attainment of a
competence or a fortune. - '». ■ •
Mr. Actor was born in Ohio, September i8, 1S32, and had passed the Psalm-
ist's allotted span of three score years and ten at the time of his demise. In fact,
he had reached the eighty-fifth milestone on life's journey and was the only sur-
vivor of a family of nine children when he passed to the Great Beyond. His par-
ents were Herman and Margaret (Daterman) Actor, both natives of Germany,
who had crossed the Atlantic to the new world in 1828 and established their home
in Ohio, where they continued to reside until their deaths.
It was in that state that Herman C. Actor spent the days of his boyhood and
youth and acquired an education in such schools as were available in that early day.
He went to Missouri in 1852, when a young man of twenty years, and there re-
mained for a year. He then entered the employ of the American Fur Company
and purchased furs for that concern at their fort for two years. It was in the fall
of 1855 that he came to Walla Walla, Washington, in company with Governor
Stevens, and for one year he acted as one of the governor's guard. Later he was in
the employ of the government for some time and while thus engaged was four
times shot by the Indians, sustaining three wounds in the leg and one in the
shoulder. Wild as was the life of the northwest and undeveloped as was the
country, he felt the spell upon him and determined to remain, eager to take active
part in the improvement and progress of this section. He purchased a farm where
Dixie now stands and cultivated his land there for some time, but afterward dis-
posed of that property and purchased the farm on which he died, on section 23,
township 8 north, range ^-J east, comprising four hundred acres. With character-
istic energy he bent his efiforts to the cultivation and improvement of the property
and in the course of years his labors wrought a marked transformation in the
appearance of the place. He carefully and wisely utilized his fields and as the
years passed his crops multiplied and brought him a substantial competence, per-
mitting him the well earned enjoyment of the comforts of life.
660 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
In 1858 Mr. Actor was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Davis, a native of
Iowa, and they became the parents of six children: Margaret, who is the wife of
George La Rue; Mary, the wife of Lincoln Kenwine; Louisa, the wife of P.
Colhnwood; Frank; George; and Arthur. The wife and mother died in 1908
and was laid to rest in the Dixie cemetery, her death being the cause of deep regret
to her many friends and great sorrow to her family. Only recently Mr. Actor
was also gathered to his fathers and with him there passed away one of those
sturdy pioneers who had carried the banner of the white man's civilization into
the wilds of the west and who planted well for the coming generations to reap.
Mr. Actor belonged to the Masonic lodge at Dixie and gave his political
allegiance to the republican party. He never sought office but was public spirited
and served as a member of the school board to good purpose. He was a self-made
man who owed his success to his industry and perseverance alone. He met many
hardships and difficulties incident to pioneer life and encountered many obstacles
such as always are factors in a business career, but he did not allow himself to be-
come discouraged and with resolute will pushed forward and in the span of his
life he won for himself an honored place as one of the substantial men of the
county. He was one of its venerable citizens, respected by all, and his worth to
the community was widely acknowledged. While he has gone to the Beyond, his
work lives and his memor>' is enshrined in the hearts of all who become cognizant
of his sterling character.
H. F. CLODIUS.
Since the winter of 1882-3, H. F. Clodius has resided upon the Pacific coast
and through more than a third of a centurj' has been identified with farming in-
terests in Waila Walla county. He is now living retired in Waitsburg, although
he still owns valuable property holdings, constituting some of the best farm land in
this section of the state. He was born in Germany on the loth of November,
1847, and is a son of Claus H. and Catherine M. (Biemstein) Clodius, both of
whom spent their entire lives in Germany. His paternal great-grandfather, Chris-
topher Clodius, removed to that country from Denmark. The father was one of
the prominent farmers of his section and was a man in affluent circumstances.
His son, H. F. Clodius, was given liberal educational opportunities and in his
later years has been a broad reader, so that he is said to be one of the best in-
formed men on general subjects in Walla Walla county. In his wide scope of
reading he has twice read the Bible through from cover to cover. When he was
a lad of but fifteen years of age the life on the seas attracted him and for three
years he sailed, during this time visiting the countries of France, England,
Belgium, Sweden, Norway and Russia. In 1865 his father died and H. F.
Clodius then left the sea and returned home. He was the eldest in a family of
four sons and he practically became the head of the family, assuming the
responsibility of managing the valuable estate which his father left. He proved
adequate to the duties that devolved upon him, for he has ever been a man of
enterprise and adajjlability who has readily and capably undertaken the tasks
which have come to him.
II. F. CLODirS
MRS. H. F. CLODIUS
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 665
In 1868 Mr. Clodius was united in marriage to Miss Catherine M. Rohde.
Following his marriage he continued to cultivate his father's farm until 1875,
when he determined to try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic and with his
wife and one son sailed for the United States. On reaching American shores he
penetrated into the interior of the country and established his home in Woodford
county, Illinois, where he resided for eight years. It was in the winter of 1882-3
that he came to the Pacific coast, making his way by train to San Francisco and
thence northward by boat to Portland, Oregon. From that point he traveled by
train to Walla Walla county, Washington, arriving in the city of Walla Walla
on the 1st of February, 1883. He remained in the town for a couple of months
and then purchased a fann on Mill creek, ten miles from Walla Walla. He
continued to reside upon that place for fifteen years, at the end of which time
he sold the property and purchased a portion of his present farm in Spring Valley,
about four miles southwest of Waitsburg. His holdings he has since increased
by additional purchase until he now has thirteen hundred acres, and upon this
property he continued to reside until 1914, when he removed to Waitsburg, where
he has since lived retired. His business afifairs were most carefully and wisely
managed and his well directed interests brought to him a very gratifying and
substantial measure of success, so that, possessing a very desirable competence,
he is able to rest from further labor and yet enjoy all of the comforts and some
of the luxuries of life.
Mr. and Mrs. Clodius became the parents of nine children, seven of whom
are yet living, as follows: H. F., who is a farmer residing in Garfield county,
Washington; Catherine M., the wife of David Kibler, of Mill Creek, Walla
Walla county; Marie C, the wife of Charles Kibler, who is an agriculturist
living on Spring creek, Walla Walla county; Rosa, who gave her hand in
marriage to William Weller, of Columbia county; Augusta, who is the wife of
Emory McCown, a fanner of Walla Walla county ; Ella, the wife of Henry Zviger,
who also follows farming in Walla Walla county; and John W., who operates
the home farm. Two of the children, H. F. and Claus. deceased, were born in
Germany.
Mr. Clodius votes with the democratic party and he has twice been a candidate
for the ofiice of county commissioner but failed of election. He belongs to
Walla Walla Lodge, K. P. He is one of the wealthy farmers of Walla Walla
county, is one of its broad gauged men and enjoys the friendship and regard of
a great majority of those with whom he has come in contact. He is forceful
and resourceful, has ever accomplished what he has undertaken and in the attain-
ment of his success has followed well defined plans and purposes.
LEWIS SCHMUCK.
Lewis Schmuck, now living retired, was for many years a prominent figure
in the business circles of Walla Walla, where he operated extensively in con-
nection with the lumber industry as a member of the firm that established the busi-
ness now conducted under the name of Whitehouse-Crawford Company. His
start in business life was most humble. He began earning his living by selling
666 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
newspapers and shining shoes. His educational advantages were naturally lim-
ited but he made such good use of his time and opportunities for securing in-
tellectual advancement that in young manhood he was able to secure a teacher's
certificate and for a time engaged in teaching school. Each point in his career
has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities and his life has been
characterized by a most splendid and steady progression.
Mr. Schmuck was born in Peoria, Illinois, June 2, 1852, a son of Xavier and
Mary Schmuck. The father was born in Alsace, and as a member of the French
army fought against the Germans. The mother died when Lewis Schmuck was
but a young child and at the early age of ten years he left home and began to
shift for himself. He sold newspapers on the streets of Peoria during war times,
when many extras were being published, and he also shined shoes, thus picking up
many a stray nickel wherever possible. Later he drifted into the country, where
he worked as a farm hand, and immediately following the close of the Civil war
he went to Nebraska, where he engaged in farm work. Still later he was em-
ployed in a stone quarry and worked on the building of the state prison. He con-
tinued in Nebraska for almost seven years and by reason of his continuous em-
ployment that he might provide for his own support he had little chance to obtain
an education. However, he was desirous of progressing along the line of intel-
lectual culture and when possible attended a few months' school. He had pur-
sued his studies to a limited extent before he left home in his tenth year and he
did not again attend school until after he had attained his majority, when he de-
voted three months each winter for three years to improving his education in
Nebraska. In the school of experience, however, he had learned many valuable
lessons and, possessing an observing eye and retentive memory, was continually
adding to his knowledge. After his nine months' school training in Nebraska he
was able to secure two third grade certificates and later a second grade certificate.
He taught one sunmier term in Nebraska, after which he resolved to try his for-
tune in the northwest, having heard favorable reports concerning this section of
the country.
Arriving in Walla Walla on the 24th of December, 1877, Mr. Schmuck spent
the following winter as an employe in the sawmill of Dr. Blalock and thus he ob-
tained his initial experience in connection with the lumber industry. In the sum-
mer of 1878 he carried the hod in connection with the erection of the Schwabacher
store building on the present site of the Gardner building. In the fall of that year
he was employed in a wheat warehouse, loading grain on the Dr. Baker Railroad.
Late in the fall of that year, in company with Charles Cooper, he established a
small chop mill adjoining the Glass ford planing mill, securing power from the
latter plant. Subsequently they built a factory on the present site of the White-
house-Crawford Company and engaged in the manufacture of the cheaper kinds
of household furniture. This business was conducted successfully for several
years and was finally developed into the lumber business. In the meantime Mr.
Schmuck and his partner acquired a ranch of nine hundred and sixty acres in
Whitman county and stocked the ranch, after which Mr. Schmuck located thereon
in order to look after their cattle business, while his partner attended to their
lumber interests in Walla Walla. This business was subsequently purchased bv
the firm of Whitehouse & Crimmins and later became the Whitehouse-Crawford
Company. Mr. Schmuck remained upon the ranch for twelve years and then estab-
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 667
lished his home in Colfax, where he engaged in the farm implement business for
five years. On the expiration of that period, or in 191 1, he sold out and returned
to Walla Walla, where he has since lived retired. He is still, however, the owner
of twenty-two hundred and seventy acres of wheat land in Umatilla county, Ore-
gon, and a tract of four hundred and twenty-seven acres in Dixie, Walla Walla
county. His investments have been most judiciously made and from his realty
holdings he derives a very gratifying annual income.
On the 30th of July, 1883, Mr. Schmuck was united in marriage to Miss
Bettie Wade, a niece of T. T. Burgess, by whom she was reared. They became
parents of a daughter, Sarah E., who is now the wife of Frank Vollendorfif, state
clerk of the penitentiary. The wife and mother passed away July 6, 1906, and
Mr. Schmuck was again married on the 26th of September, 1907, when Mrs. J. B.
Chamberlain became his wife. They had become acquainted in early life while
he was boarding with her parents in Nebraska. In her maidenhood she was Miss
Martha Gerking and was a native of Missouri. By her former marriage she had
a daughter, Blanche, who is the wife of C. A. Sprague, owner and editor of the
Journal-Times of Ritzville, Washington.
Mr. Schmuck has always given his political allegiance to the republican party
and has served for one term as justice of the peace of Whitman county but has
never been an aspirant for public office. He and his wife are members of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church and Mrs. Schmuck belongs to the Order of the Eastern
Star and to the United Artisans. Mr. Schmuck js one of the well known and
highly esteemed citizens of Walla Walla. He has always been a liberal con-
tributor to church and charitable work and has been foremost in all movements
for the advancement of the community and its substantial upbuilding. He gave to
the city of Colfax what is known as Schmuck Park and many other evidences
of his public spirit could be cited. In business affairs he has always displayed
sound judgment that has enabled him readily to discriminate between the essen-
tial and the nonessential. The methods which he has employed in the attain-
ment of success awaken approval and admiration, for his course has been char-
acterized by enterprise, by indefatigable energy and clear judgment which has
won advancement in the business world without infringing on the rights of others.
He is a man of well balanced capacities and powers and has long occupied a central
place on the stage of action, being accorded leadership almost from the time when
he made his initial effort in the field of business in the northwest.
HERBERT McARTHUR.
Herbert McArthur, deceased, was one of the representative residents of Walla
Walla county and a self-made man who in his business career steadily progressed.
He started out to earn his living when a httle lad of but nine years and from
that time forward depended entirely upon his own resources. He was born in
the state of New York, November 11, 1868, and was a son of Albert and Grace
(Scoville) McArthur, both of whom are natives of the Empire state and are
still living there. In their family were four children, two of whom survive.
Herbert McArthur pursued his education in the schools of his native state
668 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
but his opportunities in that direction were quite Hmited, for he left home when
only nine years of age and began to earn his living. He came in time to be one
of the most successful men of the Walla Walla valley. In 1S90 he arrived in
the city of Walla Walla without a cent. He was then a young man of twenty-
two years, and though he lacked capital, he possessed ambition, determination and
energy. He utilized every opportunity that promised advancement and he was
not afraid of hard work. After a time he embarked in merchandising in Walla
Walla and so continued for eight years, after which he sold his business and took
charge of the interests of the Blalock Fruit Company, of which he became a large
stockholder. This company owned seventeen hundred acres of valuable land
devoted to fruit cultivation and Mr. McArthur remained in charge until his death.
He closely studied every phase of fruit culture in the northwest, knew where
to secure the best nursery stock and also knew just what soil conditions were
required for the best production. He studied scientific methods for the care of
his trees and the fertilization of the soil, the spraying of the trees, and in fact
every branch of work that could facilitate the interests of the company was
carefully looked after by him. Following his death Mrs. McArthur purchased
two hundred and twenty-five acres of raw prairie land which she has since im-
proved, erecting thereon fine buildings and bringing the fields under a high state
of cultivation. She now has one of the finest farms in the state of Washington.
All of the trees upon the place have been, planted since it came into possession
of Mrs. McArthur, who is a .most -capable business w^oman, readily recognizing
and utilizing opportunities and discriminating quickly between the essential and
the non-essential in all business affairs.
It was in 1886 that Mr. McArthur was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Abel
Gee, who was born in Cuba, New York, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Aaron G.
Gee, who were also natives of the Empire state, where her father passed away,
as did the mother, whose death occurred in Cuba. Both were laid to rest in
New York. In their family were three children, two of whom are now living.
The death of Mr. McArthur occurred in June, 1908, and he was laid to rest
in Walla Walla cemetery. His demise was deeply regretted by many friends, for
he had won for himself a creditable position not only in business circles but in
the regard of those with whom he was associated. Mrs. McArthur is also widely
and favorably known in Walla Walla county and ranks with the most representa-
tive business women, controlling an estate valued at over three hundred thousand
dollars. She possesses notable energy and sound judgment and carries forward
to successful completion whatever she begms.
HENRY A. JOHNSON.
Henry A. Johnson, a well known stock raiser of Columbia county, has been
a resident of Washington for forty years and has therefore been a witness of
much of the growth and development of this section of the state. A native of
Ontario, Canada, he was born in Lincoln county, August 18, 1844, a son of W.
G. D. and Catherine (Miller) Johnson, who were also natives of Canada, where
HENRY A. JOUNSOX
MRS. HENRY A. JOHNSON
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 673
they spent their entire lives. They had a family of ten children, eight of whom
are now living.
Henry A. Johnson spent his youthful days in Canada and acquired his educa-
tion as a public school pupil there. In 1865 he removed to the middle west, set-
tling in Champaign county, Illinois, where he resided for a decade. In 1875 he
made his way to the Pacific coast and located in California, where he spent two
and a half years upon a farm. In 1877 he arrived in Walla Walla and in May,
1878, he purchased a herd of cattle and came to Starbuck. He rented a farm
for several years but during that period carefully saved his earnings until his
industry and economy had brought to him a capital sufficient to enable him to
purchase land. He then invested in property which he owned for a time but
afterward sold that farm. His wife, however, owns eleven hundred and twenty
acres near Starbuck, which is excellent valley land, devoted to the cultivation of
hay, fruit and vegetables.
In August, 1909, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Mrs. Nancy A.
Pearson, a native of Restigouche county. New Brunswick, and a daughter of
Robert and Mary Ann (Reid) Watson. Her father was born in Scotland, but
her mother was a native of New Brunswick, where they were married. To
them were born eight children in New Brunswick and two others were added to
the family after their removal to California, Mrs. Johnson being the oldest. It
was in 1868 that they came to the Pacific coast and settled in Rio Vista, Cali-
fornia, where Mr. Watson owned and operated a ranch and where both he and
his wife died. They have three sons .still Jivjjig: William, of San Jose, Cali-
fornia; and R. W. and Alex M., both of Great Falls, Montana. Their daughter,
Nancy A., was married in Rio Vista to J. S. Pearson and in 1878 they came to
Dayton, Washington, being among the pioneers of that locality. Two years
later they became residents of Starbuck. Mr. Pearson died at Spokane in igo8.
The children born of that union were : Charles W., now an extensive wheat
farmer of Eureka flats, Walla Walla county; Margaret J., deceased; Sadie M.,
the wife of a prominent physician of Sacramento, California; Marian E., whose
husband is a prominent railroad man of Spokane; Florence P., the wife of an
eminent physician of Sacramento; Robert G., also a prominent physician of that
city; and Joseph N., a rancher of Marysville, California. All of the children
were given excellent educational advantages, attending colleges in this state and
finishing their course at the University of Washington. Charles was one of the
first children to attend public school in Starbuck, Mr. and Mrs. Pearson with
one or two others having organized the first school district in 1880, before the
village of Starbuck had been started. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson now spend their
winters in California but during the summer months occupy the ranch at Star-
buck, where they have a beautiful and attractive home located on a knoll over-
looking the Tucanon river which is modern in every respect, being lighted by
electricity and supplied with all conveniences.
Mr. Johnson is prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to Starbuck Lodge,
No. 106, F. & A. M., in which he has filled all of the chairs, and both he and his
wife are connected with the Order of the Eastern Star. In politics he is a stal-
wart republican and has served as justice of the peace and as mayor of Starbuck,
while for several years he has been a member of the school board. His public
duties have been discharged with promptness and fidelity and he has mani-
674 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
fested marked capability in the performance of every task that has devolved
upon him. During the long years of his residence in Washington he has con-
tributed much to the upbuilding and progress of his section of the state and has
always stood for advancement, reform and improvement.
JOHN HUNTINGTON, M. D.
Dr. John Huntington, enjoying a lucrative practice at Starbuck, was born
April 14, i860, at the old home at Monticello, Washington, being the third son
of Harry D. and Rebecca J. Huntington, who were early pioneers of western
Washington. They had crossed the plains with ox teams in the year 1848 and
on the journey met Joseph Meek conveying the news of the Whitman massacre
to Washington. Mr. Huntington with his family spent the first winter at Oregon
City and in the following spring removed to his donation claim, situated at the
mouth of the Cowlitz river, on which was located a warehouse of the Hudson's
Ray Company. There the pioneer town of Monticello grew up and was made
memorable by the fact that the first convention was held there to organize the
territory of Washington. It is a pleasing memory to Dr. Huntington to know
that he as well as others of his brothers and sisters were born in the same house
in which that convention was held. His father was a member of the first ter-
ritorial legislature and his brother. Chandler Huntington, was a member of the
first state legislature. Dr. Huntington attended the Territorial University, from
which institution he won his Bachelor of Science degree upon graduation with the
class of 1885. He was there a classmate of Professor Aleany of the State Uni-
versity and of Charles V. Piper, who taught for many years in the Washington
State College and for the past decade has been connected with the agricultural
department of the United States government at Washington, D. C.
Dr. Huntington pursued his course in medicine in the medical department
of the University of Oregon at Portland and was there graduated on the ist of
April, 1891. He located for practice near his old home in Cowlitz county, where
he rem.ained until the fall of 1898, when he entered the employ of the Oregon &
Washington Railroad & Navigation Company as local surgeon at Starbuck.
There he has since remained and, in addition to his work with the railroad com-
pany, he has enjoyed a lucrative practice. He is very conscientious in the per-
formance of all professional work and by broad reading and study keeps in touch
with tlic latest scientific researches and discoveries so that he is familiar with the
most progressive methods.
For many years Dr. Huntington has been an active member and worker in
the Masonic lodge and derives much pleasure therefrom, while in his life he ex-
emplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft that is based upon a recognition of the
brotherhood of mankind and the obligations thereby imposed. While a student
at the university he became a member of the Presbyterian church, of which Dr.
Matthews is now pastor, and is a member of that church at Walla Walla. He
represents one of the old and honored pioneer families of the northwest, his
parents having come here at a very early day. while in the same party was
Captain Miller, who is well known in Walla Walla and alcjpg the Columbia and
^--7^>^ c^^i^^-^^^^^-
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 677
Snake rivers. His father was acquainted with Dr. McLoughlin, Rev. Eells and
other notable pioneers. The work which the father began in the early days has
been continued by the sons and the name of Huntington has ever stood as a
synonym for progressiveness and loyaUy in citizenship and for the support of all
interests looking toward the upbuilding and betterment of the state.
FRANCIS M. CORKRUM.
Francis M. Corkrum is extensively engaged in farming in Walla Walla county,
having supervision over fourteen hundred acres of land. He resides on section
19, township 8 north, range 37 east. It was in this township that he was born,
April II, 1892, a son of Uriah F. and Ida May (Chew) Corkrum, both of whom
were natives of Walla Walla county. The paternal grandfather, Francis M.
Corkrum, was one of the earhest pioneer settlers of this section of the state,
arriving here in the late '50s. He figured most prominently in connection with
the pioneer development of the county and is classed with those who aided in
reclaiming this region for the purposes of civilization. At the time of his arrival
the red men far outnumbered the white settlers in the state, the great forests
were uncut, the streams uiibridged and the lands uncultivated. In fact the work
of progress and improvement seemed scarcely begun, yet here- and there a few
venturesome spirits had planted the seeds of civilization iijHthe northwest. Mr.
Corkrum bore a most active part in the work of general progress and improve-
ment in that early period and this work has been carried o'n by his descendants
to the present time. Uriah F. Corkrum is now living, in. -Walla Walla and is
the owner of seven hundred acres of land in this county.
Francis M. Corkrum, whose name' introduces this review, spent his youthful
days under the parental roof and acquired a district school education, supple-
mented by a course in the Empire Business College in Walla Walla. He was
early trained to the work of the farm and at the age of twenty years began farm-
ing on his own account, renting land. He secured seven hundred acres owned
by the Kibler brothers in the township where he now makes his home. This
farm he is still cultivating and on the ist of September, 1916, he took over the
management of his father's farm and is now operating fourteen hundred acres
of land, which places him among the most extensive farmers of his section of
the county. He follows the most progressive methods and his enterprise and
industry are producing splendid results. He is familiar with every phase of
modern farming and he has secured the latest improved machinery to promote
the work of the fields. Annually he harvests good crops and the neat and thrifty
appearance of the places which he cultivates indicates his practical and progressive
spirit.
On the i6th of October, 1913, Mr. Corkrrnri was united in marriage to Miss
Edith Gwin, a daughter of J. A. Gwin, one of the substantial farmers of
Walla Walla county. They are now the parents of two children, Mary Jane and
Uriah F., Jr.
Fraternally Mr. Corkrum is identified with Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287,
B. P. O. E. Mrs. Corkrum is a member of the Christian church. Mr. Corkrum
G78 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, which he has supported
since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, but he does not seek nor
desire office as a reward for party fealty. He prefers to concentrate his time
and energies upon his business affairs, which, wisely directed, are bringing "to
him substantial success.
FREEMAN C. ROMAINE.
I'Veeman C. Komaine, deceased, was one of the representative farmers of
Columbia county, carrying on operations six miles north of Dayton. He was
born on the 15th of July, 1867, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, which state was
also the birthplace of his parents, Garrit and Martha Romaine, and he was
only five years of age when the family crossed the plains and settled in Oregon,
where the following three years were passed. In 1875 he came to Walla Walla
county, Washington, and throughout the remainder, of his life was actively identi-
fied with its agricultural interests. He took up a farm of three hundred and
twenty acres six miles north of Dayton, which is still owned by his widow, and
as time passed he became one of the most extensive farmers of his community,
operating about twelve hundred acres. He not only raised grain but also devoted
considerable attention to the raising of stock.
In 1898 Mr. Romaine was united in marriage to Miss Mary Bosqui, a native
of California and a daughter of K. J. and Elizabeth (Wilson) Bosqui, who were
also born in that state and removed to Washington about forty years ago. Here
the mother died but the father is still living. The children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Romaine are as follows : Helen E. and Doris E., now attending high school ;
and Donald Kenneth. *
Mr. Romaine passed away on May 10, 1914, and was laid to rest in the
Dayton cemetery. He was a very public-spirited and enterprising citizen who
did much to promote the interests of his community, and he served as president
of the Fair Association. He was a member of the Commercial Club and was
a republican in politics. In his death the county realized that it had lost a valued
and useful citizen and wherever known he was held in the highest regard. Mrs.
Romaine still owns the farm of three hundred and twenty acres and also has a
nice residence in Dayton, where the family now live. They are members of the
Congregational church and have a host of warm friends in the city and surround-
ing country.
EDWARD A. LYONS.
Edward A. Lyons, a representative citizen and progressive farmer living on
section 22, Russell Creek township, in Walla Walla county, was born on the old
Lyons homestead in this township July 9, 1882, his parents being Patrick and
Frances Lyons. The father became a very prominent and successful man, actively
and extensively connected with agricultural interests. His business affairs were
FREEMAN C. ROMAINE
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 681
the result of carefully directed effort, indefatigable energy and perseverance,
and as the years passed on he kept adding to his holdings until he was one of the
wealthy men of this section of the state. He belonged to the Catholic church
and his life was guided by high and honorable principles, while the circle of his
friends constantly increased as the circle of his acquaintance broadened.
Liberal educational opportunities were accorded Edward A. Lyons, who at-
tended St. Vincent's parochial school in Walla Walla, also the Lincoln public
school and the Binkey-Walker Commercial College in Portland, Oregon, from
which institution he was graduated with the class of 1903. After his return
home he began the management of his father's farming interests, of which he had
charge during the following fourteen years, this bringing him broad experience
and wide knowledge concerning the most effective and progressive methods of
farming. In 1914 he began business on his own account, taking up his abode
on his present farm in Russell Creek township. His place comprises three hun-
dred and sixty acres of good land which he purchased in 1909. He has brought
his fields under a high state of cultivation and the enterprise and energy with which
he has directed his efforts have gained for him a very substantial measure of
success.
On the 24th of January, 1912, Mr. Lyons was united in marriage to Mis.s
Gladys Edna Field, a daughter of Simon Field, one of the early pioneer settlers
of Walla Walla county. To Mr. and Mrs. Lyons have been born three children,
two of whom are living, Andrew Edward and Dbfothy Jane.
Politically Mr. Lyons is a democrat, exercising his right of franchise in sup-
port of the men and measures of that party,. Both he and his wife are members
of the Catholic church and he is identified with the Krilghts of Columbus. He also
belongs to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E. He has made for himself
a very creditable position among the successful farmers and substantial men of
Walla Walla county and is a well known representative of one of the honored
pioneer families long connected with the development and progress of this sec-
tion of the state.
PASQUALE SOTURNO.
It was a man of Italian birth who discovered America and thus brought to
the world the knowledge of the resources of a new continent. Since that time
many men who have had their nativity in the sunny land of Italy have crossed the
Atlantic and have become valuable residents of America, their enterprise and
business activity contributing to the upbuilding and progress of the districts in
which they have resided. Pasquale Sotumo is among those who have become
identified with the development of the northwest. He makes his home in College
Place, where he is now most pleasantly situated, occupying one of the beutiful
residences m that town, while "his attention is given to the conduct of an extensive
gardening business. He was born in Italy, March 3, 1850, and was there reared
and educated. He came to America in 1875, when a young man of twenty-tive
years, and for a brief period was a resident of the state of New York. The
opportunities of the west attracted him and he made his way across the country
682 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
to Walla Walla county, Washington, where he settled in 1876, becoming the
fust commercial gardener of the valley. He is today the owner of forty-six acres
of very rich and productive land upon which he is now extensively engaged in
gardening. He has followed this business for forty-one years and he has ever
held to the highest standards in his work. He produces vegetables of most ex-
cellent quality, size and flavor, and by reason of this he has been assured of a
very liberal patronage. His business has grown year by year and today he has a
splendidly improved farm, having secured all of the improvements that facilitate
work of that character.
Mr. Soturno was married in Italy before he left his native land. His wife
died in 1916. In their family were three children: Carmen, who is at home with
her father; Josephine, also at home; and Nicholas, who died at the age of twenty-
eight years.
Mr. Soturno and his family arc communicants of the Catholic church. Tie
has long since become a naturalized American citizen and has always given his
political allegiance to the republican party. He has never had occasion to regret
his determination to seek a home in the new world, for here he found the busi-
ness opportunities which he sought and in their utilization he has won a handsome
fortune, being now numbered among the substantial citizens not only of College
Place but of the county at large. Moreover, he was a pioneer in his field of labor
and demonstrated the possibilities for successful gardening as a commercial
venture in this section of the state.
LARS NILSSON.
Lars Nilsson is a hardware and implement dealer of Dayton, who for many
years has ranked with the foremost business men of the city. The secret of
success is not a difficult one to find. Careful analyzation of the careers of those
men who have prospered indicates the fact that industry has constituted the foun-
dation of their progress and close application and enterprise have enabled them to
overcome all difficulties and obstacles and in time reach the goal of prosperity.
Such is the record of Mr. Nilsson, who came as a young man to the new world,
well qualified to meet business demands in America by reason of the thorough
training which he had received as a wagon maker in his native country.
Mr. Nilsson was born in Sweden, September 19, 1859, a son of Nils and Elna
(Knudson) Larson. The father died in Sweden when his son was a lad of but
ten years and the mother passed away when he was a youth of only twelve, so
that he was early left an orphan. Following his mother's demise he was thrown
upon his own resources and from that time forward has been dependent entirely
upon individual labor for advancement. Ha was employed at farm work until
his eighteenth year, at which time he apprenticed himself to the wagon maker's
trade. He finished his apprenticeship in Sweden, where thoroughness is the
watchword in every factory. After becoming a master builder of wagons he
determined to try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic and in the spring of
1880 sailed for the United States, where his brother, Andrew Nilsson, had located
ten years before. The brother had become a resident of Dayton, Washington,
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 685
in 1877, and in the fall of 1879 he returned to Sweden on a visit. The following
spring he again came to the United States and brought with him his younger
brother, Lars, and a sister, Sophia, who is now the wife of John Ruply, of Portland,
Oregon. Andrew Nilsson had previously established himself in the blacksmithing
business in Dayton and on his return, Lars Nilsson enter the brother's shop, adding
the wagon making industry to the blacksmithing business. He continued to work
for his brother for eleven years and in 1892 they entered into partnership rela-
tions, conducting their business under the finn style of Nilsson Brothers for
fourteen years. During that period they extended the scope of their interests
and added new departments, opening a farm implement store. In 1905 Lars
Nilsson purchased his brother's interest in the business and as his trade grew
he was forced to give up the blacksmithing shop in order to concentrate his
efforts and attention upon the mercantile branch. He also disposed of the
machine shop, devoting his entire time to looking after the implement and vehicle
business, which was removed to a handsome new brick building erected at the
comer of Main and Third streets by Andrew Nilsson. In 1913 Arthur Nilsson
became associated with his father in the business and displays marked enterprise
in carrying on their interests. Mr. Nilsson has always maintained the highest
standards in the line which he handles. For years he has sold the Studebaker
vehicles, the Canton plows, Superior drills and the Holt combine and in more
recent years he has handled the Studebaker motor car. He also. handles engines
and pumping outfits and in fact almost everything ^necessary to the complete
equipment of a farm, including a line of power machinery. A local paper said
of him : "He is known throughout the county as -a conscientious, progressive,
accommodating and capable business man and some of bis. customers have been
doing business with him for many years with complete satisfaction to them-
selves." His brother Andrew died October 22, 1916, in Dayton, at the age of
seventy-two years, leaving no family and, according to the terms of his will,
our subject is sole executor of the estate and is acting as such without bar or any
court proceedings.
On the loth of May, 1890, Mr. Nilsson was united in marriage to Miss
Johanna Stahlberg, a native of Sweden. He went to Sweden in the fall of 1889
and brought his prospective bride to this country with him in the spring of 1890,
for having been naturalized in the United States, the laws of Sweden would not
permit of his marriage there. To them were bom two children: Esther J.,
who died in 1913, at the age of twenty-two years; and Arthur N., who is con-
nected with his father in business. The wife and mother passed away March 16,
1894, and on Christmas day of 1895 Mr. Nilsson was married to Miss Lydia
Stahlberg, a sister of his former wife. There have been two children of this
marriage: Andrew L., who is taking a course in electrical engineering in the
Washington State College; and Albert E., a lad of ten years, at home.
Mr. Nilsson is prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to Dayton Lodge, No.
26, F. & A. M. ; Dayton Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M. ; and Washington Commandery.
No. I, K. T., of Walla Walla. He is also a member of Dayton Lodge, No. 3, K. P.,
which he joined in 1886, and he belongs to Patit Lodge, No. 10, I. O. O. F. He
has passed through all of the chairs in these different organizations save the
commandery and is a most faithful follower of Masonic teachings, exemplifying
in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. He and his wife are consistent
686 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
members of the Congregational church and they enjoy the high regard of all
with whom they have been associated because of the many sterling traits which
they display. Mr. Nilsson is a self-made man. He borrowed the money from
his brother with which to pay his passage to this country and as the years have
gone on he has steadily progressed in a business way until he is today one of the
hiost substantial citizens of Dayton. He has ever been watchful of indica-
tions pointing to success and has never feared to venture where favoring oppor-
tunity has led the way. He has closely studied the market and the public de-
mand in his line and has ever carried a stock that has been able to meet the
needs of the most i)articular. In all his dealings he is thoroughly reliable as
well as progressive and his word is considered as good as any bond solemnized by
signature or seal.
OLIVER DeWITT.
On the 4th of July, 1864, Oliver DeWitt arrived in Walla Walla, a young
man of twenty years, with twenty-three cents in his pocket, representing his
entire capital. Today he is the owner of valuable farming property, from which
he derives a gratifying annual rental that supplies him with all of the comforts
and many of the luxuries of life. The intervening period was at the outset a
struggle for existence but since then, step by step, he has steadily progressed and
his record indicates clearly what may be accomplished when there is a will to
dare and to do. Never afraid of hard work, he has also displayed sound business
judgment in the management of his interests.
Mr. DeWitt was born in Knox county, Ohio, on the 7th of January, 1844, ^
son of David H. and Rachel (Starner) DeWitt, who removed from Ohio to
Iowa in 1850, settling in Mahaska county near Oskaloosa, where they remained
until called to their final rest.
Oliver DeWitt had very limited educational opportunities. In fact he is a
self-educated as well as self-made man and many of his most valuable lessons
have been gleaned from the school of experience. On reaching his twentieth
year, in 1864, he decided to leave home and seek his fortune in the far west.
Accordingly he bade adieu to friends and family and crossed the plains with an
ox team to Boise City, Idaho, and from there made the journey to Walla Walla
on foot, arriving as previously stated on the 4th of July, with twenty-three
cents as his entire capital. The following day he secured employment with a
farmer to pull onions. He worked for wages that fall and winter and in 1865 he
engaged in teaming and packing, which business he followed for about- ten years.
He then became actively engaged in the live stock business, settling four miles
northeast of Walla Walla. In 1877 •he purchased two hundred and forty acres
of land on Dry creek, nine miles northeast of Walla Walla, and taking up his
abode upon that place, turned his attention to general farming. He subsequently
increased his holdings to four hundred and fifty acres, which he still owns. For
the past twenty years or more he has spent the winter seasons in Walla Walla
in order to give his children the advantages of the city schools. The summer
months were largely spent upon the home farm but for three years he has
OLivKi; i)K w ri-1'
MRS. OLIVER DE WITT
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 691
remained steadily in Walla Walla, renting his farm to others. He belongs to
the Farmers Union and is one of the directors of the Farmers Union Warehouse
Company.
In May, 1874, Mr. DeWitt was united in marriage to Miss America A. Roff,
a daughter of Frederick and Rachael (White) Roff, who crossed the plains with
ox teams from Missouri to Washington in 1864, settling in what is now Walla
Walla. They made the trip with nine children and were six months and one day
en route. On reaching his destination Mr. Roff had but fifty cents in his pocket.
However, some of his Masonic brethren came to his assistance and after a short
time he had made a good start. Four of his nine children were old enough to work
and wages were good, the girls receiving nine dollars per week. The father
engaged in farming and with the exception of a year and a half spent in Oregon
he made his home continuously in the vicinity of Walla Walla up to the time of
his death, which occurred in 1902. He was one of the well known and valued
pioneer settlers of this section of the state. His widow survived him for six
years, passing away in 1908. Mr. and Mrs. DeWitt are the parents of four
children, as follows: Ella, who is the wife of Edward Bradbury, of Waitsburg;
Harry L., who owns and operates a large ranch near Starbuck in Columbia
county ; Arthur Clyde, who is engaged in the grain business in Waitsburg ; and
Elsie D., who gave her hand in marriage to William L. Estes, a farmer of
Walla Walla county. Mr. and Mrs. DeWitt have also reared a nephew, Charles
F. Myers, whose parents died when he was seven years of age and he is now
living on the farm.
In politics Mr. DeWitt is a stanch republican, exercising his right of franchise
in support of the men and measures of that party. Fraternally he is identified
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Washington Lodge,
No. 19, and also to the encampment, while both he and his wife are identified
with the Rebekahs. Narcissa Lodge, No. 2, presented Mrs. DeWitt with the
veteran's jewel, given for long and faithful service in the order. Mr. DeWitt
belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, while his wife holds membership in
the Christian church. They are people of genuine personal worth and Mr.
DeWitt is ever ready to extend a helping hand to those who need assistance.
He comprehends what difficulties mean, having had his own hard knocks. He
sympathizes with those whose lot has not been as fortunate as his and yet he
does not condone the shirker nor have patience with the shiftless, because his
life has been organized along lines that call for a full dole of labor within each
turn of the wheel. Because of his industry and perseverance, obstacles and
difficulties have vanished before him like mist before the morning sun and step
by step he has advanced until he has reached the heights of prosperity.
JOSEPH W. LYONS.
The name of Lyons has long been associated with the agricultural develop-
ment of Walla Walla county and has always been a synonym for progressiveness
and advancement in that field of activity. Joseph W. Lyons, who now follows
farming on section 16, Russell Creek township, was born upon the place where
Vol. TI 2 5
692 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
lie still lives on the 6th of November, 1879, his parents being Patrick and Frances
Lyons, who were well known and worthy pioneer people of this district. He
was educated in the district schools, also attended Whitman College in Walla
Walla and Gonzaga College at Spokane, now the University of Gonzaga. Fol-
lowing the completion of his school days he worked for his father for a time and
subsequently w-as in the employ of the Great Northern Railroad Company for
about five years. The major part of that period was spent in the general oflTices
of the company at Spokane. At length he resigned his railroad position and
returned to Walla Walla county, where he took up the occupation of farming,
to which he had been reared, and with this pursuit he has since been identified.
He has charge of his father's estate, operating two thousand acres of land, and
is thus one of the extensive and representative farmers of the valley. His busi-
ness afifairs are most carefully managed. He is systematic in all that he does, is
progressive and employs the most modern methods in carrying on his farm work,
so that excellent results accrue.
On the 28th of September, 1910, Mr. Lyons was united in marriage to Miss
Hattie Dcnzel, of Spokane. Following the completion of a course in the Holy
Name Academy at Spokane, Mrs. Lyons attended the State Normal School at
Cheney, Washington. By her marriage she has become the mother of four chil-
dren, namely: Helen F., Joseph D., Louise E. and William R.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Lyons are consistent members of the Catholic church and
he is identified with Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287. B. P. O. E. In politics he
maintains an independent course, voting for men and measures rather than for
party. He has a wide acquaintance in his native county and enjoys the friend-
ship and high regard of many with whom he has been brought in contact. He
is a typical western man, alert, energetic and progressive, and as the years have
gone on he has made for himself a creditable position among the agriculturists
of southeastern Washington.
TUDSON A. CORBETT.
Judson A. CorbctI, a ]>romincnt representative of the milling industry, has
conducted a feed mill at Dayton since KjOj and was also the jjroprietor of the
Touchet Flouring Mills at Huntsville, Washington, for a quarter of a century
but has recently disposed of his interests in the latter connection. His birth
occm-red in Ontario, ("anada, on the loth of October. 1857. his ]3arents being
John and Jane (Lewis) Corliett, both .of whom were natives of Ireland. They
emigrated to Canada in childhood with their resi)ecti\e ])arents, who settled near
Ottawa, and it was there that they were reared and married, cnnlinuing residents
of the province of Ontario throughout the remainder of their li\es. John Corbett
was a mill operator, conducting both a grist and sawniill.
Judson A. Corbett, whose name introduces this review, learned the milling
business under the direction of his father, with whom he was identified in
operations of that character until \9<)0. At that time, when a young man of
thirty-three years, he made his way to Victoria, British Columbia, and two years
later came to Huntsville, Washington. Here, in association with his brother.
JUDSON A. CORBETT
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 695
Albert E., he purchased the Touchet Flouring Mills, of which he continuously
remained co-proprietor for a quarter of a century or until August, 1917, when
he disposed of his interest therein to E. S. Isaacs. The widow of Albert E.
Corbett, who passed away in 1906, still retains his late brother's interest. It
was in 1907 that J. A. Corbett bought the feed mill in Dayton and this he has
successfully operated to the present time. He owns an equity in a farm north of
Dayton and is likewise the owner of a farm in Ontario, Canada, and of a section
of land in Alberta, Canada.
In October, 1887, Mr. Corbett was united in marriage to Miss Jane Baker, of
Ontario, Canada, by whom he had seven children, five of whom survive, namely :
Fern W., the wife of Wilbur Bateman, who follows farming near Huntsville;
Evelyn, who gave her hand in marriage to Lawrence Johnson of Huntsville, for
many years a teacher in the public schools ; and Gladys, Kenneth and Phyllis, all at
home. Fraternally Mr. Corbett is identified with the Woodmen of the World,
while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Episcopal church,
to which his wife also belongs. The prosperity which has come to him in
business is the merited reward of his enterprise and ability, while the regard
and esteem which lie enjoys in social circles has come in recognition of his high
standards of conduct in every relation of life.
RALPH F. COFFIN.
Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to lose.
It was with deep regret that the friends of Ralph F. Coffin learned of his demise,
for he was a worthy and substantial citizen, loyal to his associates and devoted
to his family. He was born in Oregon, March 7, 1876, and his life record covered
the intervening years to the 28th of December, 191 5. His parents were George
D. and Lucinda (Haynes) Coffin, the latter a native of Iowa. The father was
a native of England and at an early day crossed the plains to the Pacific coast
and later removed ,to the Walla Walla valley. Both he and his wife spent their
remaining days in this section of the state and were numbered among its worthy
pioneer settlers. They had a family of seven children, of whom but two sons
are now living.
Ralph F. Coffin, although born in Oregon, was reared and educated in Walla
Walla county, having been brought to this section of the state by his parents
when very young. When not busy with his textbooks his attention was given
to the home farm and he was thus well qualified to undertake any branch of
farm work. After putting aside his textbooks he accordingly began farming on
his own account and devoted his attention to that business until his death. He
became the owner of forty-one acres of valuable farm property on section 31,
township 7 north, range 35 east, and his labors made it a splendidly improved
tract of land, equipped with all modern conveniences and all of the accessories
of the model farm and his careful cultivation of the tract brought to him and
his family a substantial annual income.
In igoo Mr. Coffin was united in marriage to Miss EllaKroU, who was born
in Wisconsin, a daughter of Lawrence and Tressa Kroll, both of whom were natives
696 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
of Germany. They came to America in early life and established their home
in Wisconsin, where they continued to reside until called to their final rest. They
had a family of nine children, of whom seven are yet living. It was in the year
1908 that Mrs. Coffin crossed the country to Washington, becoming a resident
of Walla Walla county, where in the following year she was married. To Mr.
and Mrs. Coffin was bom a daughter, Mary Estella. Mrs. Coffin and her daughter
are favorably known and have many friends in the section of the county in which
they reside.
THOMAS H. CROCKER.
Thomas H. Crocker, a retired agriculturist residing in Walla Walla, was
long and successfully identified with farming interests in Walla Walla county.
His birth occurred in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada, on the 30th of
August, 1854, his parents being John R. and Clarissa (Hill) Crocker, who spent
their entire lives in that province. He was reared under the parental roof and
attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education. At fifteen years
of age he became a sailor on an American vessel, sailing "before the mast" and
for five years sailed on different ships along the Atlantic coast. On one trip he
acted as "sailing mate." This experience led him to the decision to go to
the United States. Accordingly, soon after attaining his majority he left his
native country and went to Reno, Nevada, where he spent one year. On the
expiration of that period he made his way to California, in which state he, was
engaged in placer mining for three years and then spent a year on a ranch. Sub-
sequently he resided for one year in Lakeview, Oregon, and at the end of that
time returned to Wyoming, where he spent about twelve years in the stock busi-
ness and in railroading. In 1888 in New Brunswick Mr. Crocker was united in
marriage with Miss Edith Diffin, daughter of Thomas and Susan Diffin of that
j)Iace. In 1895 they came to Walla Walla county, Washington, and have remamed
within its borders throughout the intervening twenty-three years. They took
up their abode on a rented farm near Prescott and continued its cultivation for
about ten years but in the meantime had purchased a farm of three hundred and
twenty acres sixteen miles northwest of Walla Walla and later bought an
adjoining half section, to which they removed in 1905. Thereon they continued
to reside until 19 14, when they took up their abode in the city of Walla Walla
and have since lived retired. The property, which has been operated by a tenant
during the past three years, now embraces eight hundred and eighty-seven acres
of rich and productive land, all in one body. ^Ir. Crocker was long numbered
among the active, enterprising, industrious and progressive farmers of the
community and the rest which he now enjoys is the merited reward of his
intelligeiUly directed labors.
Mr. and Mrs. Crocker have their home at 628 Pleasant street and they occupy
an enviable position in social circles of Walla Walla. Mr. Crocker gives his
political allegiance to the republican party, believing firmly in its principles.
Fraternally he is identified with the Foresters of America, while his religious faith
is indicated in his membership in the Congregational church, to which his wife
THOMAS H. CROC KI:K
MRS. THOMAS H. CRCCKKR
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 701
also belongs. His record is indeed commendable and he well deserves representa-
tion in this volume as one of the leading agriculturists and respected citizens of
Walla Walla county.
L. P. BERRYMAN.
L. P. Berryman is one of the younger representatives of successful farming
operations in Walla Walla county. He was born April 8, 1887, on the farm on
which he yet resides, on section 35, township 9 north, range 35 east. His place
comprises three hundred and twenty acres of rich and valuable land which was
originally the old family homestead. His parents were J. E. and Mary Berryman,
both of whom were natives of England. They came to America in early life and
established their home in Walla Walla county, where the' father passed away, but
the mother is still living.
L. P. Berryman acquired a public school education in Walla Walla county and
was reared to the occupation of farming, which he has successfully followed as a
life work. He continued to assist his father in the development of the fields until
he attained his majority, when he began farming on the old homestead, which he
afterward purchased. He has here a half section of land which he has brought
under a high state of cultivation and to which he has added many improvements,
making it a valuable and attractive farm which constitutes one of the pleasing fea-
tures of the landscape. He also owns and operates the warehouse at Berryman
Station and his business affairs are wisely, carefully and successfully conducted.
In 1907 Mr. Berryman was united in marriage to Miss Grace Mallory, who was
born in Ohio and is a daughter of Charles Mallory, now a resident of Tennessee.
To Mr. and Mrs. Berryman have been born three children, Joseph L., Jacqueline
A. and Margaret. The parents attend the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr.
Berryman gives his political allegiance to the republican party but the honors and
emoluments of office have never had any attraction for him. He has served, how-
ever, as school director and has been interested in having good schools in the
district, for he regards public education as one of the nation's strongest bulwarks.
His thought, purpose and energy have been concentrated upon his agricultural
pursuits and the careful management of his interests has brought to him a sub-
stantial measure of success.
HARRY LASATER.
Harry Lasater, one of the large landowners of Walla Walla county, is a rep-
resentative of a prominent pioneer family of this section and is a native of the
county, his birth occurring May 18, 1865. His parents, James H. and Emily
(Moore) Lasater, were born respectively in McMinn county, Tennessee, and in
Illinois.
Harry Lasater attended the Walla Walla city schools and completed his edu-
cation in Whitman .Academy and in Whitman College. When about eighteen years
702 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
old he began farming in partnership with his father and so continued for about
six years. Since then he has been alone in his agricultural operations, and as the
years have passed he has acquired additional holdings, until he is now one of the
leading farmers of the Walla Walla valley. Following the death of his father
he acquired by inheritance and purchase the old home farm of three hundred and
sixty acres, and to this he added adjoining land until the place comprised five
hundred and forty-three and a half acres. He has since sold four hundred and
fifteen acres of that property, so that his home farm now includes but one hundred
and twenty-seven acres. He also owns, however, five hundred and thirty-three
acres of excellent wheat land on Birch creek, in Umatilla county, Oregon, ten
miles southeast of Walla Walla, three hundred and twenty acres of timber land
in Umatilla county and one thousand acres of wheat land near Prescott, in Walla
Walla county. The fact that he gives close personal supervision to his extensive
farming operations indicates that he manages his affairs in a systematic manner
and that he possesses ma'rked business ability. He is a director of the Farmers
Savings Bank of Walla Walla and is a member of its finance board, and he is
likewise a stockholder in the Whitehouse & Drumheller Company.
In 1897 occurred the marriage of Mr. Lasater and Miss Jessie Crawford, who
was born in Walla Walla county but later was a resident of Umatilla county,
Oregon. To this union have been born three children : Thelma May, who is a stu-
dent in Whitman College ; Wythel Mary, who is a student in the Walla Walla high
school ; and Jessie Orena, who is in the grade school.
Mr. Lasater has followed in his father's political footsteps and is a stanch
adherent of the democratic party. At one time he was a candidate on its ticket for
treasurer, and in his early manhood he filled the office of county road super-
visor for three terms. Fraternally he belongs to Enterprise Lodge, No. 2, L O. O.
F.. and Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M. Both he and his wife hold
membership in the Central Christian church and they give hearty support to the
various phases of its activities. Both have passed their entire lives in the Pacific
northwest and they are at all times loyal to its best interests.
WILLIAM RESER.
William Reser. a substantial farmer and representative citizen of Walla Walla
county, living on section 4, township 6 north, range 35 east, came to the north-
west from Davis county, Iowa, where he was born on the i8th of April, 1859,
his parents being George and Mary (Waterman) Reser, who were reared and
married in Iowa and in 1863 crossed the plains with horse teams to Washington.
On reaching Walla Walla county the father homesteaded, securing one hundred
and sixty acres of land in the valley near where is now seen the Whitman monu-
ment, and upon that place he and his wife lived until called to their final rest.
William Reser was a little lad of four years when the parents came to Wash-
ington. He acquired his education in one of the old-time log schoolhouses com-
mon at that frontier period. During his youth he rode the plains as a cowboy
and he experienced all of the hardships and privations of frontier life. He has
lived to witness marked transformation in all that pertains to agiicultural progress
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 703
and development in this section. An important event in his Hfe occurred on
Christmas day of 1883, at which date he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah
T. Kirkland, a daughter of Andrew J. Kirkland, who crossed the plains from
Arkansas to Oregon in 1852 and became a resident of Walla Walla county,
Washington, in 1864. Here he took up a homestead claim in the township where
his daughter still resides, and upon that place he spent his remaining days.
Following his marriage Mr. Reser purchased land in Umatilla county, Oregon,
and there carried on farming for seven years. On the expiration of that period
he purchased a farm in township 6 north, Walla Walla county, and to his prop-
erty has since added from time to time as his financial resources have increased
until he and his wife today own three hundred and sixty-five acres, constituting
one of the valuable farm properties of this section of the state. He has carefully
tilled his fields and developed his farm and as the years have gone by his labors
have brought good results. To the household were added two sons : Byron E.,
who is now engaged in the automobile business in Kennewick, Washington ; and
Raymond K., who is operating the home farm for his father.
In his political views Mr. Reser has long been a stalwart democrat and, while
not an office seeker, he has served as a member of the school board. He is inter-
ested in the cause of public education and in all that pertains to progress and
improvement along any desired line. He ranks with the leading and representa-
tive citizens of Walla Walla. There have been no spectacular phases in his
career. Almost his entire life has been devoted to the quiet pursuit of farming
and through energy and persistency of purpose he has won success. His busi-
ness affairs are always carefully managed and directed and the integrity of his
business methods in trade transactions is questioned by none. Those who know
him, and he has a wide acquaintance, acknowledge his sterling worth.
HON. H. H. HANSON.
Hon. H. H. Hanson is a wide-awake and progressive business man who figures
prominently in connection with the agricultural and financial interests of Walla
Walla county. He is the president of the Touchet State Bank and since 1900
he has been actively identified with farming, giving his attention largely to fruit
growing and to dairying. He is a representative of one of the old pioneer fam-
ilies of this section of the state. His birth occurred in New Hampshire, February
24, 1865, his parents being John and Frances Hanson. The father was a native
of Maine, while the mother was born in the old Granite state and there she spent
her entire life. In 1876 the father left New England and made his way west-
ward to California, where he remained until 1879, when he came to Walla Walla
county and entered the employ of Mr. Baker. Here he continued to reside until
called to his final rest. In the family were but two children : H. H., of this re-
view ; and Ena, now deceased.
H. H. Hanson was reared and educated in the east, continuing his residence
in that section of the countiy until 1883, when owing to the fact that his father
was living in Washington, he made his way to this state. Here he entered the
employ of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company, which he represented
704 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
as an operator until 1900. He preferred, however, to engage in business on his
own account and in that year turned his attention to farming on the place on
which he now resides on section 34, Hill township. Here he owns two hundred
acres of alfalfa land and he is also engaged quite extensively in dairying and
in fruit raising. He is thoroughly familiar with progressive methods of horrticul-
ture and his orchards indicate the most thorough and scientific care. His dairy
interests, too, are characterized by the most capable management and the sanitary
conditions that prevail make the products of his dairy a very much desired article.
His business interests are wisely and carefully managed and he pursues with
thoroughness anything that he undertakes, so that successful accomplishment
crowns his labors.
In 1888 Mr. Hanson was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Hall, a native
of Pennsylvania, by whom he has twelve children, namely: Hayden, Fred,
Preston, Ollie, Helen, Oliver, Francis, Allen, Ena May, Harry, Lawrence and
Georgie.
Mr. Hanson is a member of the Grange and is interested in everything that
has to do with advancing agricultural progress and welfare in the state. He
thus cooperates in the organized movements to promote the interests of farmers
and to promulgate knowledge that will render their labors of greatest effect in
crop production and in stock raising. Moreover, Mr. Hanson is a recognized
leader in the ranks of the republican party in Walla Walla county. For one
term he filled the office of county commissioner and in 1908-9 he represented his
district in the general assembly, where he gave careful consideration to all the
vital questions that came up for settlement. His position upon any important
subject is never an equivocal one. He does not hesitate to express his honest
convictions and in fact he puts forth every effort to support his views and secure
their adoption. In all matters of citizenship he is very progressive and has dis-
played as well the spirit of enterprise in all of his business undertakings, so that
he now ranks with the leading bankers and farmers of his part of the state.
ORLANDO DEMARIS.
Orlando Demaris, who throughout his active business life followed farming
but is now living retired in the city of Walla Walla, was bom in Iowa on the
7th of January, 1851. and is a son of James and Eliza J. (White) Demaris. the
former a native of Ohio and the latter of Kentucky. They came to Washington
in 1863 and located on a farm in Walla Walla county on Dry creek, where the
father built a log cabin with a clapboard roof, board floor and stick chimney,
which was the home of the family for several years. Later the parents removed
to Walla Walla, where both died. In their family were twelve children, of
whom nine still survive.
Orlando Demaris was twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents
on their removal to Walla Walla county, where he grew to manhood and attended
school. After completing his education he remained under the parental roof
until he attained his majority, giving his father the benefit of his labors. He
then purchased a farm and engaged in its operation until his retirement, since
ORLANDO DEMARIS
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 707
which time he has made his home in the city of Walla Walla. He is still the
owner, however, of seven hundred acres of land, well improved and under cul-
tivation.
In 1875 Mr. Demaris married Miss Mary M. Lewis, a native of Iowa, which
state was also the birthplace of her parents, Reese and Mary (Jackson) Lewis,
who brought their family to Walla Walla county in 1863 and settled on a farm,
where they continued to make their home throughout the remainder of their
lives. They had four children and three of the number are still living. The
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Demaris are as follows: Laura and Frankie, both
deceased ; David, Fred, Guy, Alva and Edwin. Guy and Alva are now in the
government service at Fort Riley, Kansas. The three other sons now operate
their father's farm.
By his ballot Mr. Demaris supports the men and measures of the democratic
party and he has served as school director. He is a member of the Odd Fellows
lodge at Dixie and his wife belongs to the Rebekahs, taking a very active and
prominent part in its work. She is now past noble grand. They attend the
Methodist Episcopal church and are held in the highest esteem by all who know
them.
R. C. McCAW.
When one views the great and growing cities of the northwest it seems hardly
credible that any living man should have witnessed the entire development of this
section of the country. Yet personal knowledge of the wonderful progress of
the northwest enables R. C. McCaw to speak with authority concerning the events
which have shaped its history. He was bom in Linn county, Oregon, on the
nth of February, 1856, at which time Washington was still a part of the territory
of Oregon and all of this vast region was practically undeveloped. Its coal de-
posits were untouched, its forests uncut and its wealth and natural resources
awaited the demands of the white men who were yet to penetrate within its
borders. The Indians far outnumbered the white settlers and the most farsighted
could not have dreamed of the marvelous transformation which would take place
within a few decades until today the west is not only abreast with the east in all
of its advantages and its opportunities but has taken a position of leadership
along many lines. The parents of Mr. McCaw were William and Sarah (Findley)
McCaw, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Illinois. They were
married in Illinois and in 1847 started across the plains with ox teams for Oregon,
reaching Oregon City on the day of the Whitman massacre. During the latter
part of the journey Mr. McCaw had suffered with fever and his attack was so
severe that it burst one of his eyeballs and he was carried into Oregon City on
a stretcher. Finally, however, he recovered and continued his residence in Linn
county, Oregon, up to the time of his demise
There R. C. McCaw was reared and educated, experiencing many of the
hardships and privations incident to frontier life and the development of a farm
under pioneer conditions. He attended the district schools but his opportunities
for the acquirement of an education were very limited, as the school system had
708 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
not then been developed. On his twenty-first birthday he was united in marriage
to Miss Emma Gorsline, of Linn county, Oregon, who had come to the north-
west with her parents in 1875, the family removing from Kansas. Following his
marriage Mr. McCaw brought his bride to Walla Walla county and here they
began their domestic life. For two years after his arrival he was employed as
a farm hand and in 1879 he went to the Big Bend country and filed on the second
homestead that was taken up in that section. There he lived for eighteen years,
performing the arduous task of developing and cultivating a new farm. The
work of improvement was caried on, however, year by year and he brought his
land under a high state of cultivation and derived a good profit from his labors.
In 1897 he sold his interests there and in February following he returned to
Walla Walla county, where he purchased four hundred and thirty-six acres of
land, constituting his present home farm, situated on section i, township 9 north,
range 36 east. Upon this place he has since resided and in the intervening period
he has purchased more land from time to time as his financial resources have
permitted and is now the owner of between eleven and twelve hundred acres,
constituting one of the most valuable farm properties in the Touchet valley.
He has placed splendid improvements upon his land and his farm presents a most
attractive appearance with its highly cultivated fields, its well kept fences, its
substantial buildings and all the accessories of a model farm of the twentieth
century.
To Mr. and Mrs. MoCaw have been born ten children, nine of whom are yet
living, namely. William O., a farmer of Walla Walla county; Samuel E., also
engaged in farming in this county; Edith M., the wife of Robert McSherry, of
Toronto, Nevada; Fred L., Benjamin" H. and Edward Guy, all of whom are en-
gaged in farming in this county; Jay M., who is assisting in the operation of the
home farm; and Sarah E. and Robert Glenn, both at home.
Politically Mr. McCaw is a republican, having given stalwart support to the
party since age gave to him the voting privilege. He is a member of Waitsburg
Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., and exemplifies in his life the beneficent spirit of the
craft. He and his wife are also consistent members of the Presbyterian church.
The story of his life if written in detail would present a clear and interesting
picture of the entire development of the northwest, for within his memory there
has occurred a change so great as to seem almost magical. He can relate most
interesting incidents of the early days and his name should be placed high on
the record of honored pioneer settlers of this section of the country.
MARTIN MARBACH.
Martin Marbach, a farmer living on section 2, township 8 north, range 34
east, has been a resident of Walla Walla county for almost three decades and as
the years have passed has prospered in his undertakings until he is now the
owner of over two sections of wheat land. His birth occurred in Alsace-Lor-
raine on the 8th of February, 1863, and there he was reared to manhood, acquir-
ing his education in the common schools of his native country.
In 1884, on attaining his majority, Mr. Marbach determined to try his for-
MARTIN MARBACH
MRS. MAKTIN MARBACH
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 713
tune in the new world and crossed the Atlantic to the United States, landing in
New York city. From the eastern metropolis he made his way westward to
Missouri and for four years worked as a farm hand in Lafayette county, that
state. The year 1888 witnessed his arrival in Walla Walla county, Washington,
and here he secured employment, working for wages for a period of six years
or until 1894. In that year, having carefully saved his earnings, he started out
as an agriculturist on his own account, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres
of his present home farm. From that period forward he prospered and kept
adding to his holdings by additional purchase from time to time until he now
owns two sections of wheat land and has won an enviable reputation as one of
the substantial and enterprising agriculturists of the county. Close application
and indefatigable energy have characterized him at all times, and the prosperity
which he now enjoys is the merited reward of his intelligently directed activity.
On the 23d of October, 1894, Mr. Marbach was united in marriage to Miss
Lizzie M. Rondema, of Walla Walla, by whom he has eight children, namely :
Theodore, Margaret, Lizzie, Ludwine, Martin, Gertrude, Philip and George.
Mrs. Marbach is a daughter of Andrew and Anna (Brower) Rondema, who
were born, reared and married in Amsterdam, Holland, and came to America in
1870, locating first in Chicago, where Mr. Rondema engaged in business as a
contractor and builder. In 1887 he came to Walla Walla and while residing in
this state turned his attention to fanning. Here he died in June, 1889, and his
wife passed away in 1906. Of their ten children only two are now living, these
being Mrs. Marbach and Theodore, a resident of Walla Walla. They were mem-
bers of the Catholic church.
Mr. Marbach exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and
measures of the democratic party, believing firmly in its principles. The religious
faith of his family is that of the Catholic church and they attend church in Walla
Walla. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home
in the new world, for here he has found the opportunities which he sought and
in their utilization has won a most creditable measure of success.
JAMES H. LASATER.
James H. Lasater became one of the pioneer residents and early attorneys of
Walla Walla and for many years was closely associated with public events of im-
portance which left their impress upon the growth, development and progress of
city and state. He arrived in the northwest in April, 1863, and from that date
until his death, or for a third of a century, was closely connected with interests
which have had important bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of
Washington.
The birth of James H. Lasater occurred in McMinn county, Tennessee, on the
19th of October, 1823. He was reared in his native county, where he spent the
period of his boyhood and youth and in fact there remained for a few years after
reaching adult age. In 1850 he crossed the plains to California, where the gold
fields were attracting thousands of fortune seekers, but in 1851 he returned to
Tennessee, again making his way over the plains until he reached Illinois. Through
714 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
the two following years he devoted his attention to the study of law under the
direction of Judge William Kellogg in Canton and in Bloomington, Illinois, but
in the fall of 1852 he again made his way westward, this time settling in Oregon
City, Oregon, where he arrived in October. In 1855 he was admitted to the bar
at Salem, Oregon, and became one of the well known attorneys of that section of
the Sunset state.
There Mr. Lasater continued until April, 1863, when he removed to Walla
Walla, where he opened a law office and entered upon the active practice of
his profession. He was connected with much of the principal litigation
heard in the courts of the district and was also prominent in public affairs.
He was one of the leaders of the democratic party and was for years chairman of
the county central committee. In 1864 he was elected district attorney but re-
fused to qualify, and in 1869 he became a member of the legislature. He proved
one of the ablest men in that body and contributed largely toward shaping the laws
enacted in that session. In early manhood he had taken a medical course and re-
ceived his degree and for a short time practiced, but disliking many features of
the work, he abandoned that profession and turned his attention to law, in which
he found a congenial field. He was quick to recognize the opportunity for be-
coming the owner of valuable lands open to the early settler and in the course of
time acquired title to nineteen hundred acres in Walla Walla county and in Ore-
gon. Much of his land is located in the richest part of Walla Walla valley and is
now very valuable. He also owned city properties and was one of the men of
affluence of Walla Walla county.
James H. Lasater was united in marriage to Miss Emily Moore, a native of
Illinois, and for many years they traveled life's journey happily together, sharing
with each other in the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity which
checker the careers of all. Mr. Lasater passed away on the 20th of August, 1896,
and thus was brought to a close a life that had been instrumental in the upbuilding
of his county along many lines. He was familiar with every phase of pioneer
experience in the west and his spirit of enterprise and progress wrought results
the benefits of which have been most lasting.
EDWARD BYRNES.
Edward Byrnes was a very substantial citizen of Walla Walla county whose
death in 1916 was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. He belonged to
that class who proudly wear the American title of a self-made man. He owed
his progress and his prosperity entirely to his individual efforts, for he started
out in life when very young and had no assistance from others as the years
went on.
Mr. Byrnes was born in Ireland, February 2, 1833, and was a youth of but
fifteen years when he bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the
new world. For a time he was a resident of Pennsylvania, where he worked as
a farm hand. While still a resident of that state he was united in marriage, in
1854. to Miss Elizabeth Estell, who is a native of Pennsylvania, and they traveled
life's journey together for sixty-three years and six months, lacking ten days.
MRS. EDWARD BYRNES
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 717
They began their domestic Hfe there and remained residents of the east until
1857, when they removed westward to Minnesota, establishing their home upon
a farm. For five years they continued in that state and then crossed the plains
in 1862 with team and covered wagon. Their destination was Baker county,
Oregon, but after living there for about a year they made their way northward
to the Walla Walla valley, where Mr. Byrnes engaged in the live stock' busi-
ness. Later he purchased land and to his widow he left a tract of five hundred
and forty acres, constituting one of the well improved properties in Hill town-
ship, the place being located on section 34. He was a very energetic man, was
never afraid of hard work and his persistency of purpose and intelligently directed
effort brought to him a substantial measure of success.
Mr. and Mrs. Byrnes became the parents of the following children, four of
whom still survive: John E., a resident of Gardena, Washington; Ellen,
the wife of G. E. Crow of Richland, Washington; Addie E., the deceaised wife of
James Cummins ; Albert, a stock farmer and administrator of the estate residing
in Hill township, Walla Walla county; Caroline, the wife of George Accuntius
of Starbuck; Allen, who was deputy under Sheriff Painter and was accidently
killed ; and Winfield, deceased.
The family circle was again broken by the hand of death when on the 10th
of November, 1916, Mr. Byrnes was called to the home beyond. As the archi-
tect of his own fortunes he builded wisely and well. In early life it was neces-
sary that he practice the strictest economy in order to gain a start, but difficulties
and obstacles did not discourage him and with persistent energy he worked his
way upward, becoming one of the prosperous residents of Walla Walla county.
His personal worth was widely attested by his many friends and he possessed a
genial disposition and kindly spirit that gained for him the warm regard of all
with whom he was brought in contact. His family attends the Congregational
church and the hospitality of the best homes of the community is freely accorded
them. For more than a half century the family has been represented in this
county, the parents arriving in 1863, so that Mrs. Byrnes has long been a witness
of the growth and development of this section of the state, while her memory
forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present.
She now has twenty-six grandchildren and forty-four great-grandchildren.
CHARLES SEELIGER.
Charles Seeliger is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and twenty
acres on section 2, township 7 north, range 35 east, and during the period in which
this place has been in his possession he has made many excellent improvements
thereon, converting it into one of the model farm properties of the county. He
was born on Long Island, New York, March i, 1864, a son of August and Cath-
erine (Tauber) Seeliger, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to
America in 1861 and settled in the state of New York, where they resided for
fifteen years, and in 1876 they removed to Butler county, Iowa. Subsequently
they became residents of Walla Walla county, Washington, and both passed away
here.
718 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Charles Seeliger was largely reared in Iowa, the public schools aft'ording him
his educational ])rivileges. , It was in 1888 that he came to the northwest, then a
young man of twenty-four years, thinking to find good business opportunities in
this section of the country. He first made his way to the city of Walla Walla
and after a considerable period determined to engage in farming on his own ac-
count and in igo2 purchased the land upon which he now resides. He acquired
one hundred and twenty acres, which is highly cultivated and splendidly improved.
Most of the improvements have been put upon the place by Mr. Seeliger, who is
a most progressive farmer and enterprising business man. His place presents a
very neat and attractive appearance and constitutes one of the pleasing features
of the landscape. His work is carefully performed and the results are certain
by reason of the fact that his industry is guided by sound judgment.
In 1886, in Iowa, Mr. Seeliger was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ide, a
native of that state, and they have become the parents of ten children, Paul, Frank.
Esther, Hilda, William B., Mary, Charles, Lena, Louis and Margaret.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Seeliger is connected with the Benevolent Pro-
tective Order of Elks. Politically he is a republican and strongly endorses the
principles of the party, for he believes that its platform contains the best elements
of good government. He served on the school board for several years and he
has ever been a faithful friend of the cause of public education. Mr. Seeliger
came to the northwest empty-handed, but he possessed energy and perseverance
and his persistency of purpose has enabled him to overcome all the obstacles
and difficulties with which one is continually confronted in the business world.
His worth as a citizen and as a business man is widely acknowledged by all who
know him. His character is one which will bear the closest investigation and
scrutiny and Walla Walla county has reason to be congratulated on the fact that
he became one of its citizens. The opportunities of this section of the country
he realized and he has done much to further public progress in the Inland Em-
pire.
CASSIUS S. ROBINSON.
In the death of Cassius S. Robinson Walla Walla county lost one of its honored
pioneer settlers — one who participated in the early Indian wars and took part in
many of the events which shaped the pioneer history of this section of the state.
He was born in Sidney Center, Maine, in 1847, a son of Seth and Harriett (Frost)
Robinson. The family is of Scotch and English descent. The parents spent their
entire lives in Maine, where they reared their family of five children.
Cassius S. Robinson left his native state when a youth of eighteen years and
made his way westward to Chicago, where he resided for a number of years.
He afterward remained in various cities of the middle west until 1876, when
attracted by the opportunities of the growing west, he came to Washington, settling
in Walla Walla county, where he remained until his death. He always took
an active part in community affairs and his aid and influence were always on the
side of progress and im])rovemcnt. He joined the volunteers at the time of the
Nez Perce Indian war and rendered distinguished aid in subduing the Indians
ME. AND ]MRS. CASSIUS S. ROBINSON
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 721
and reclaiming the region for the purposes of civilization. Mr. Robinson was
a painter and glazier by trade and in Walla Walla engaged in business along that
line until about fifteen years before his death when he retired. His activities were
carefully directed and the success which he achieved and enjoyed was attributable
entirely to his capability and skill in his chosen trade. Mr. Robinson was one
of the directors of the Third National Bank of Walla Walla and was such at
the time of his death.
In 1886 Mr. Robinson was united in marriage to Miss Laura Cornwell, who
was a daughter of James M. and Mary Ann (Stott) Cornwell. She survives
her husband and is widely and favorably known in Walla Walla, where she has
an extensive circle of warm friends. On the 4th of December, 191 5, she was
called upon to mourn the loss of her husband, who on that day was called to
his final rest. He was a member of the Foresters an^ of the Masonic fraternity
and exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit o^ the craft which is based upon a
recognition of the brotherhood of man. He was ever ready to extend a helping
hand where aid was needed and he possessed many sterling traits of character
which won for him the high regard, confidence and goodwill of all with whom he
was associated.
Since her husband's death Mrs. Robinson has resided in Walla Walla, where
she is well known. She is a member of the Sunshine Club ; the Shakespeare Club ;
the Eastern Star; and the Presbyterian church. She is also an active worker
for the Red Cross. During the latter years of his life Mr. and Mrs. Robinson
spent much time in travel, making a trip lo Europe in 1910 during the Ober-
ammergau sacred festival which they saw. They also visited Alaska and spent
much time on the Sound and several winters in California.
BEN M. TURNER.
Ben M. Turner is a self-made man of Columbia county who from pioneer
times has been identified with the agricultural development and with kindred in-
terests in southeastern Washington. Starting out empty-handed, he possessed
energy and determination, together with a keen sagacity that has enabled him to
recognize and utilize opportunities which others have passed heedlessly by. He
now resides on section 19, township 11 north, range 40 east, in Columbia county,
and has become well known as a farmer, as a breeder of Belgian horses and as a
grain dealer and warehouse man. He was born in Scotland county, Missouri,
March 15, 1854, a son of John and Mary (Powers) Turner, the former a native of
Virginia, while the latter was born in Indiana. They were married, however, in
Missouri, having removed with their respective parents to that state in early life.
In 1865 they crossed the plains with ox teams to Oregon, being six months in
making the journey. On their arrival they located in Yamhill county, that state,
where they lived for about six years and in March, 1871, came to Washington.
They took up their abode on Whiskey creek, in what is now Columbia county
but was then a part of Walla Walla county, and the father preempted a quarter
section of land, upon which he continued to reside until called to his final home.
Ben M. Turner was educated in the district schools but his opportunities in that
722 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
iiirtctioii were quite limited. He was a youth of eleven years at the time of the
emigration to the northwest and he became an active factor in assisting his father
in the arduous task of developing and improving a new farm. Day after day saw
him in the fields w-orking to break the sod and cultivate crops, and on reaching
his twenty-first year he began farming for himself. He purchased a quit claim
to a preemption of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he proved up, and with
that tract as a beginning he had extended his farm holdings until he was one
of the largest landowners of this section of the state. Of recent years, how-
ever, he has disposed of all but two sections of land, which is now being op-
erated by tenants. He retired from active farming, although for many years
he was extensively and successfully engaged in the tilling of the soil. He not
only brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and demonstrated the
possibility of producing fine crops in this section of the state but he also engaged
in the breeding of Belgian horses. He secured two of the best mares in the north-
west and his horses afterward received awards at the Washington State Fair
at North Yakima, the Walla Walla fair and the Cascade Stock Show at North
Yakima. In fact he has won premiums on his stock at many fairs in the north-
west. Since retiring from active farm work he has given his attention to the grain
business and owns and operates an elevator at Turner and is also in charge of the
warehouses of the Portland Milling Company at Turner, handling about two
hundred and fifty thousand iDushels of grain in 1916. He is thus connected with
extensive and important business interests, which are carefully directed, for he is
a man of sound judgment, keen discrimination and of unfaltering industry.
In January, 1905, Mr. Turner was married to Miss Anna Brofsky, of Dayton.
He belongs to Columbia Lodge, No. 26, F. & A. M., and Dayton Chapter, No. 5,
R. A. M., and is a most worthy follower of the craft, exempHfying in his life its
beneficent teachings concerning the brotherhood of mankind and the obligations
thereby imposed. In politics he has always been a democrat but never has he
sought public office, preferring to concentrate his energies and attention upon
his business interests, which have gained him place among the most substantial
citizens of southeastern Washington.
CHARLES M. TAYLOR.
Charles M. Taylor, who in former years was prominently and actively
associated with the agricultural development of Walla Walla county, is now
living retired in Waitsburg, having put aside the more active work of the fields
in order to enjoy a rest which he has truly earned and richly merits. His former
activities brought to him a comfortable competence, so that he is now enabled to
meet all of the necessities of life and also to enjoy many of its luxuries.
Mr. Taylor was born in Johnson county, Missouri, January 10, 1859, a son
of Simon and Harriet (Burgess) Taylor, both of whom w^ere natives of West
Virginia. In young manhood, or about the time he attained his majority, the
father removed westward to Missouri. The mother accompanied her parents
to that state when she was but two years of age. There she was reared and
CHARLES M. TAVI-DK
MBS. CHARLES M. TAYLOR
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 727
eventually they were married in Missouri, where they resided until 1880, when
they started for the west, accompanied by their five sons and daughter-in-law,
Mrs. C. M. Taylor. Besides the five sons there was one daughter born to them
in Missouri but she remained in that state. The family continued their journey
to the Sunset state, arriving in Walla Walla on the 20th of March, 1880. The
father brought with him some capital and here he purchased a farm of one
hundred and sixty acres in Wilson Hollow, about six miles southeast of Waits-
burg. With the assistance of his sons he at once began the development and
improvement of that place and not long afterward he bought a half section of
land, which he and his sons continued to cultivate for a number of years. The
father then had the misfortune to lose a leg which was cut off in a horse power
machine. His sons then persuaded him to leave the farm and remove to Waits-
burg that he might be free of all care and responsibility, and there the last seven
or eight years of his life were passed. He died in 1899, while his widow survived
him for a considerable period, passing away on the 1st of August, 191 1. They
were worthy pioneer people of this section of the country, enjoyed the respect
and goodwill of all who knew them and Mr. Taylor contributed in no small
degree to the agricultural progress in pioneer times.
Charles M. Taylor was reared to manhood in Missouri, being about twenty-one
years of age when the family started for the west. He pursued a public school
education in his native state and on the 4th of February, 1880, he was united in
marriage to Miss Nannie White, a native daught;er of Johnson county, Missouri.
Within less than a month he and his bride started on their weddjng journey to
Washington, accompanying his father and brothers, and after reaching this state
Charles M. Taylor worked for two years on the Baker Railroad. He was also
employed on the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company's line, after which
he concentrated his attention upon farming.
In 1890 Mr. Taylor made his first purchase of land, becoming owner of two
hundred acres, which he bought at thirty dollars per acre. This was situated two
and a half miles from Waitsburg and is located in Wilson Hollow, the Walla
Walla and Columbia county division line passing through his property. Subse-
C|uently he bought one hundred and eight acres adjoining, making his home place
a valuable tract of three hundred and eight acres. For the the second purchase
he paid ninety-five dollars per acre, but today he would refuse one hundred and
fifty dollars per acre for the entire farm. In addition to his interests in Walla
Walla county he owns six hundred and forty acres in Dawson county, Montana,
and an equity in one hundred and sixty acres in the mountains. His farming
interests have always been wisely and carefully conducted. He has brought his
fields under a high state of cultivation and well kept fences divide his place
into tracts of convenient size for development. He practices the rotation of
crops and the latest improved methods of fanning and understands the scientific
principles which underlie his work. His efforts are of a most practical character
and it seems that he makes the wisest possible use of his time and opportunities.
In addition to his farming interests he became one of the incorporators of the
Exchange Bank of Waitsburg and was elected a member of the board of directors,
in which capacity he has since served.
To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor was born a daughter, Estella, who is now the wife of
Milan Smith, a merchant of Waitsburg. They also have a foster daughter whom
Vol. II 2 6
728 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Ihey have reared from a child of four years — Isabelle Taylor, who is a graduate
of the Waitshurg high school and is now at home.
Mr. Taylor belongs to Waitsburg Lodge, No. i6, A. F. & A. M., also to
Touchet Lodge, No. 5, L O. O. F., while his wife is connected with the Order
of the Eastern Star and also with the Rebekah degree of Odd Fellows. Mr.
Taylor left the farm and removed to Waitsburg in 1900, after which he con-
tinued to operate his land from that point until 191 7. He is now living retired,
however, leaving the care and management of the property to others. He is one
of Waitsburg's foremost citizens. He has one of the handsome homes of the
town, with all modern improvements, and he is enjoying in the fullest degree
the comforts of life. His success is indeed well merited, for it has been
honorably won and his life record proves what may be accoinplished when there
is a will to dare and to do. He had no assistance when he started out for hiin-
self, but he early learned to place his dependence upon industry and indomitable
energy and his progressive farming methods enabled him year by year to add
to his capital until he is now the possessor of a substantial competence that classes
him with the more successful men of Walla Walla countv.
FRANCIS M. LOWDEN.
A notably successful career is that of Francis M. Lowden, who is engaged in
farming and stock raising and still remains an active factor in business, although
he has passed the eighty-sixth milestone on Hfe's journey. He was born in Boone
county, Kentucky, February 7, 1832, but much of his youth was passed in Brown
county, Illinois, where he resided until 1849. when at the age of seventeen years he
crossed the plains with a party of four. The young men traveled on horseback,
bringing with them a light wagon pulled by four horses to carry their effects.
They first went to Sacramento and from that point Mr. Lowden proceeded to
Downieville, where he followed placer mining for a season. Later he went to
Nevada City and in 1851 he returned to Sacramento, where he invested the pro-
ceeds of his successful mining ventures in mules and engaged in packing, a busi-
ness which he followed profitably for twenty-one years. His train conveyed
freight into various parts of California, Nevada, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and
Montana and thus he became familiar with all of the west and its developinent.
Hostile bands of Indians who were on marauding expeditions throughout the
country were a menace to him, but by continued watchfulness he managed to avoid
loss, standing guard himself and never trusting hired help to this duty. He
allowed no fires to be built near his herd and his constant care was rewarded by
success. In 1878 he sold his packing business and established his home between
Walla Walla and Wallula, Washington, where he engaged in raising and dealing
in cattle, but in 1880 he lost about ninety per cent of his herds. He did not allow
himself to become discouraged but with resolute purpose sought to retrieve his
losses and purchased about five thousand acres of land in Walla Walla valley
with the view of again engaging in the business on an extensive scale. By means
of ditches he brought water into every field of this vast tract and soon developed
a most excellent stock ranch. This land is still in possession of the family, being
MR. AND MBS. SIMON TAYLOR
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 731
owned by the Lowden Company, which was incorporated for the purpose of rais-
ing horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. They have imported many costly thorough-
bred animals, never sparing expense to secure the best stock, and they have done
much to promote the standards of stock raising in Washington. They have high
grade horses, cattle, hogs and sheep upon their place and theirs is one of the lead-
ing stock ranches in southeastern Washington. Mr. Lowden has ever been a very
active and enterprising man, possessed of courage, fortitude and resourcefulness
— the characteristics of the true pioneer. Moreover, he is a very efficient business
man, alert and enterprising and watchful of every opportunity pointing to suc-
cess. His interests have ever been most wisely and carefully controlled and his
sound judgment has ever stood as an important feature in his progress.
Notwithstanding his large private interests, Mr. Lowden has always found
time to perform well the duties of a citizen and member of society. He served as
county commissioner for seven years and was a member of the state penitentiary
board which built the third wing and the outbuildings, the stables, etc., of the pen-
itentiary. In spite of opposition, he succeeded with the help of others in building
a jute mill at the penitentiary in order to give employment to the prisoners and in
placing the mill in successful operation. He was also a member of the school
board for ten years and has ever been a faithful and loyal friend of public
education.
In May, 1868, Mr. Lowden was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary E. Noon, who
was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, but was reared in California. They have
become the parents of three children, namely : Marshall J., Francis M., Jr., and
Hettie Irene. Mr. Lowden is a stanch adherent of the Masonic fraternity and
exemplifies in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. He is still very active,
although he has now reached the age of eighty-six years. Old age need not nec-
essarily suggest idleness nor want of occupation. There is an old age which grows
stronger mentally and morally as the years go on and gives out of its rich store
of wisdom and experience for the benefit of others. Such is the record of Mr.
Lowden. He keeps in touch with the trend of modern thought and progress and
in spirit and interests seems yet in his prime. His life should serve to inspire and
encourage many others who at a much younger age grow weary and endeavor to
shift to other shoulders the burdens that they should bear.
J. A. M.\cLACHLAN, M. D.
Dr. J. A. MacLachlan, for many years actively and successfully engaged in the
practice of medicine and surgery in Dayton, was born near Springfield, in the
province of Ontario, Canada, in i860. After acquiring a public school educa-
tion in his native country he became a student in the University of Michigan,
where he pursued his professional course, winning the degree of M. D. upon
graduation with the class of 1889. He had studied the homeopathic meth-
ods and following his graduation at once began a search for a suitable lo-
cation. Making his way westward, he decided to establish his home in
Columbia county and has since been identified with the medical profession
in southeastern Washington. Through the long years of his residence in
732 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Dayton he has occupied a foremost place among the medical practitioners. He
is extremely modest and free from ostentation but public opinion establishes his
position and colleagues and contemporaries acknowledge him the peer of the
ablest physicians and surgeons of the Inland Empire. He was elected to the posi-
tion of vice president of the state board of medical examiners and he belongs to
the Washington State Medical Society, thus keeping in touch with the trend of
modern professional thought, research and investigation.
Dr. MacLachlan was united in marriage to" Miss Daisy Ping, a daughter of
Robert Ping, one of the well known pioneer settlers of Columbia county, and with
his family he occupies an attractive home in Dayton. He belongs to the Dayton
Club and has been identified with many movements looking to the welfare and
betterment of his community. He stands at all times for progress and improve-
ment and his aid and influence are given on the side of those activities which are
a matter of civic virtue and of civic pride. He served in 1890 and 1891 as health
officer of Columbia county. He is well known as a leading member of the Knights
of Pythias and of the Odd Fellows lodges, having been identified with those or-
ganizations for many years.
jOHN-'- McFfeELY.
John McFeely, of Walla Waflla, h.as. for .years been one of the city's promi-
nent business men, and he is also xomiected with ;fhe agricultural interests of
the county, being the owner of a large farm devoted to the raising of wheat.
He has resided in the city for many years and has an unusually wide acquaint-
ance here and throughout the county as well. His birth occurred in Fairfield,
Ohio, near Dayton, March 3, 1868, and he is a son of John and Ann (Miller)
McFeely. He received his public school education in the Buckeye state and in
youth learned the blacksmith trade. He then started west to seek his fortune,
being convinced that there were better opportunities for advancement in the
country west of the Mississippi river than in the east. For a time he lived in
Kansas and then returned to Ohio, but could not be content there and removed
to Portland, Oregon, whence he came to Walla Walla, Washington, in the spring
of 1891. Here he found employment as a horseshoer, but in the fall of 1891 he
went to Milton, Oregon, where he worked in the same line.
Subsequently Mr. McFeely returned to Walla Walla and bought an interest
in the horseshoeing shop of D. Sloan, now known as the Wigwam, and then
located at the corner of Second and Alder streets, where the Drumheller four-
story brick block now stands. The horseshoeing business was booming and
returned good profit to its owner. At length Mr. McFeely purchased the lots
on the comer of Fourth and Alder streets, then known as the old Baldwin prop-
erty, at that time covered with a growth of locust trees. He cleared the timber
and there erected a shoeing shop, where he engaged in business for a consider-
able period. Later he built a one-story brick building which he used as a shoeing
shop until he erected the McFeely Hotel, which is a three-story building with
basement. It is thoroughly modern in its appointments and is well patronized.
He also owns eight hundred acres of excellent wheat land in Dry Hollow, near
JOHN McFEELY
ifflS. JOHX McFEELV
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 737
Prescott, all under cultivation and well improved. He resides in one of the
attractive homes at the edge of the city of Walla Walla, and takes a justifiable
pride therein. The grounds comprise two acres and contain several cold water
springs and a trout lake. The many large shade trees add much to the com-
fort and beauty of the place.
Mr. McFeely was married December 9, 1899, to Miss Martha Besserer, a
daughter of the Hon. Charles and Ida (Sanderson) Besserer, who are men-
tioned on another page of this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Besserer were born
seven children, of whom three survive, namely: Charles, a resident of Cali-
fornia; Lucile, the wife of A. McAIaster, also of California; and Mrs. Mc-
Feely. The latter is the mother of two children: Martha Yvonne, who was
born August 5, 1903, and is now in high school; and John Miller, born Septem-
ber 9, 1907.
Mr. McFeely possesses the qualities that command respect and win regard,
and he has been honored by election to the office of president of the National
Association of Master Horseshoers. Fraternally he belongs to the Elks, and
he and his wife both hold membership in the Protestant Episcopal church. He
has been quick to recognize opportunities, prompt and energetic in taking advan-
tage thereof, and as the result of his sound judgment and enterprise he is now
financially independent.
C. A. HOLLENBECK.
C. A. Hollenbeck is now living retired in Asotin but for a long period was
actively identified with ranching in Washington. In 1912, however, he put aside
the work of the farm and has since spent his days in the enjoyment of a well
earned rest. A native of New York, he was born in Cortland county, December
18, 1845, a son of Casper C. and Henrietta (Egbertson) Hollenbeck, who were
also natives of Cortland county, New York. The great-grandfather in the Egbert-
son line was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and also of the War of 1812.
He passed away in Cortland county, New York, at the advanced age of ninety
years. The grandfather of C. A. Hollenbeck in the paternal line was a native of
Holland, and on coming to the new world settled in Cortland county, New York,
where he followed the occupation of farming until his death. His son, Casper
C, was also a farmer and with his family removed westward to Sedalia, Mis-
souri, where he and his wife lived retired. There he passed away in the spring
of 1881.
C. A. Hollenbeck acquired a public school education in New York and assisted
in the work of the farm from early boyhood, taking his place behind the plow
almost as soon as old enough to reach the plow handles. He left home in 1868 and
made his way to Linn county, Iowa, where he resided for two years, devoting his
attention to general agricultural pursuits there. In 1870 he removed to Ness
county, Kansas, where he hunted bufifaloes and antelope while working with the
Texas cattle. He devoted eleven years to herding on the plains of Kansas and in
1881 he arrived in Washington, taking up his abode in what was then Columbia
but is now Asotin county. He took up a preemption claim in the Montgomery
738 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Ridge district and during his active identification with agricultural pursuits he
accumulated thirteen hundred and sixty acres of land in Asotin county, of which
he has since sold all but three hundred and twenty acres, now being cultivated and
managed by his son. In 1912 Mr. Hollenbeck retired from active business life and
took up his abode in the city of Asotin, where he now occupies an attractive mod-
ern residence and is living retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in a well
earned rest.
Mr. Hollenbeck was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Story, a native of
Onondaga county, New York, who passed away November i, 1917, her death
being deeply regretted not only by her immediate family but also by many friends,
for she was a lady of excellent traits of heart and mind, kindly in manner and gen-
erous in spirit and most devoted to the members of her own household. She
found her greatest happiness in providing for the comfort of her husband and chil-
dren and her memory is enshrined in the hearts of all who knew her.
"I cannot say and I will not say
That she is dead. She is just away!
With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand
She has wandered into an unknown land,
And left us dreaming how very fair
It needs must be since she lingers there."
Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hollenbeck: Carrie, the wife of
Henry Talbott, a rancher living in Asotin county ; Martha, the wife of William Mc-
Mullan, who has a ranch near Spokane; Ettie, the wife of Jake Blyen, who is a
ranch owner at Crabtree, Oregon ; Casper J., who married Rose Miller and follows
ranching in Asotin county ; Frank, who married Maggie Venette and lives in
Asotin county, managing the old home ranch, in addition to which he owns nine
hundred acres ; George H., who married Ethel M. Cannon and resides in Can-
ada ; and Mary, the wife of H. L. McMillan, of Asotin county.
In politics Mr. Hollenbeck has been a republican from the days of Abraham
Lincoln, whom he saw at Syracuse, New York, on his way to take the presidential
chair in Washington in 1861. His has been an active and useful life in which his
business afifairs have been wisely directed, his efforts proving an element in the
growth and progress of the section of the state in which he lives, and among its
valued and representative citizens he is numbered.
JAMES P. WATSON.
Among the valued citizens of Garfield county who have been called to their
final rest was numbered James P. Watson, who lived on section 33, township
13 north, range 43 east, and was closely associated with the agricultural develop-
ment and improvement of this section of the state. He was born in England
on the 31st of December, 1854, and was a son of Porter and Susan (Talbot)
Watson, both of whom were natives of England, where they spent their entire
lives. James P. Watson was educated in the public schools of his native country
JAMES P. WATSON
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 741
and in 1871, when a youth of seventeen years, bade adieu to friends and country
in order to come to the United States. He first made his way to Kansas, where
he remained for four years, and in 1875 he came west to the Pacific coast country.
He did not at once make a final settlement, however, but cast around for a
desirable location and in the meantime worked for wages, thus becoming a factor
in the business life of the community.
In 1877 Mr. Watson took up his abode in what is now Garfield county and
the following spring filed on a homestead, which he continued to own through-
out his remaining days and on which his widow still lives. He was a man of
energy and was ambitious to succeed. Indolence and idleness were utterly
foreign to his nature. Every hour was utilized to the best advantage and as the
years passed he prospered, so that from time to time he was able to add to his
homestead by additional purchase until prior to his death he had become the
owner of about a thousand acres of valuable pasture and wheat land in Garfield
county. Mr. Watson had come to this country as a youth without money and
without friends, but he employed every moment of his time to good advantage,
realizing the eternal principle that industry wins. He also carefully saved his
earnings and invested the money thus gained wisely and well, so that in the
course of years he acquired a snug little fortune. Moreover, he was a broad
reader and deep thinker and became well informed on public afifairs. When he
crossed the Atlantic it was to become an American citizen, not to remain a sub-
ject of Great Britain, although he never lost his love for his native land. He ever
felt that his allegiance should be given to the land of his adoption, under whose
laws he lived and found protection, and he ever . stood for those plans and
measures which sought to upbuild the community in which he resided, to advance
the welfare of the commonwealth and of the country.
In 1880 Mr. Watson was united in marriage to Miss Emma I. Perkins, a
native of Oregon and a daughter of John N. Perkins, who was a physician and
philanthropist. Her father was a native of Ohio and crossed the plains in 185 1,
settling in Oregon. In 1878 he came to what is now Garfield county, establish-
ing his home on the present site of Pomeroy. His grandfather, Thomas Perkins,
was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. The mother of Mrs. Watson bore the
maiden name of Derisa A. Matsler and was a native of Ohio, where her mar-
riage to Mr. Perkins occurred. She afterward made the journey across the
plains with her husband to the northwest. She had three brothers — George,
David and John, who served throughout the Civil war in defense of the Union.
To Mr. and Mrs. Watson were bom thirteen children, of whom two died in
infancy, and Inez D., who married J. C. Kimble died leaving two sons, Vergel
L. and Cecyl L. Those still living are as follows: Charles E., Alva N., Elsie
I., James A., William C, Edna E., John P., Joseph F., Iva N. and Alma M.
Most of the children are married and with their families they are all residing
in Garfield county, with the exception of James A., who is now a resident of
Whitman county. Mrs. Watson now has seventeen grandchildren. She is a
woman of pronounced ability who has capably managed her property interests
since the death of her husband, which occurred on the 5th of September, 191 5.
Mr. Watson was a man of sterling character, was a devoted husband and
kind and loving father. He was also an obliging and charitable neighbor and
his many sterling traits of character gained for him the esteem and confidence
742 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
of all with whom he came in contact. In politics he was a democrat until the
free silver plank was inserted in the party platform, after which he became a
supporter of republican principles. He never failed to earnestly espouse any
cause in which he believed and his position was never an equivocal one. He
expressed his opinions honestly and fearlessly and men came to know that his
word was thoroughly reliable. He never had occasion to regret his determination
to come to the new world, for on this side of the Atlantic he found the oppor-
tunities which he sought and in their utilization won a substantial measure of
success. Moreover, America gained a valued citizen and southeastern Washing-
ton profited much by his efforts.
JOHN M. ROBINSON.
Among the representative business men of Garfield county is John M. Rob-
inson, a well known farmer and grain dealer of Pomeroy. He comes from the
middle west, being born in Missouri, September 6, 1859, and is a son of Thomas
W. and Pauline (Forshey) Robinson, the former also a native of Missouri and
the latter of Ohio. It was in 1874 that the family came to the Pacific coast
and after spending three years and a half in California became residents of Walla
Walla county, Washington, in 1877. About a year later the father took up a
homestead in what was then Columbia county but is now Garfield county, locat-
ing on a farm fifteen miles southeast of Pomeroy. There the mother passed
away in 1878 and he died in Pomeroy in February, 1892. Of their nine children
four have also departed this life.
John M. Robinson was fifteen years of age when the family located in Cali-
fornia and in the schools of that state he began his education, continuing his
studies ill Walla Walla county after their removal to this state. He remained
under the parental roof until twenty-two years of age and then in 1881 took up
a preemption claim, which is now within the city limits of Pomeroy and he still
owns eighty acres of that. He engaged in farming until 1885, at which time he
took twenty head of work horses to California and spent one year in that state.
He then returned to Washington and purchased another farm, living thereon
until 1892. Since then he has made his home in Pomeroy, where he bought a
warehouse and has engaged in buying grain. He is now the owner of four
thousand and ninety-five acres of land, all improved and under cultivation.
Mr. Robinson was married in 1881 to Miss Melinda F. McKey, a native of
Kansas and a daughter of Rev. W. P. and Jane (Wilkinson) McKey, and to
this union have been born seven children, namely : Walter J. ; Josie May, now
the wife of D. A. Taylor; Clare Marie, the wife of P. C. Clark of Walla Walla;
Dora Bell, the wife of G. Z. Ickes, Jr.; Ruth, the wife of J. D. Lyon, Jr.;
Vernon H. and Florestine, at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are active and consistent members of the Christian
church of Pomeroy and he is serving as one of its elders. He is also prominently
identified with the Independent" Order of Odd Fellows, having filled all of the
chairs in Pomeroy Lodge, No. 16. In business affairs he has steadily prospered
until he is now the possessor of a handsome fortune and the success that has
o
2;
o
a
o
2;
d
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 745
come to him is but the just reward of his own industry, fair dealing and good
management, for he is a man of good business and executive ability and sound
judgment.
RICHARD D. ROBERTS.
More than a century ago Washington said that agriculture is the most useful
as well as the most honorable occupation of man, while Thomas Jefferson said,
"The hope of the nation lies in the tillers of the soil." It is a well known fact
that agriculture is the basis of all advancement and prosperity and no country
reaches the highest point of its attainment if its farm lands are not properly and
carefully cultivated. Among those progressive men who are now concentrating
their efforts and attention upon the further development of the soil in Walla
Walla county is Richard D. Roberts, who has extensive farming interests on
section 13, township 9 north, range 37 east. He was born upon this farm January
6, 1875, and is a son of David and Jane (Anderson) Roberts. The father was
a native of Wales and came to the United States in young manhood. He made
his way westward to Illinois, where he took up his abode and there he formed
the acquaintance of Jane Anderson, who was a native of that state. They were
married and about 1870 they left Illinois for Oregon. After spending one year
in Forest Grove of the latter state they carpe north to Washington and for a
year were residents of Waitsburg. At the end of that time David Roberts pur-
chased one hundred and sixty acres of the home farm upon which his son Richard
now resides. Not long afterward he preempted an eighty-acre tract adjoining
the original purchase and then bought another eighty acres, continuing to give
his time, attention and energy to his farming interests until his death, which
occurred in December, 1898. For several years he had survived his wife, who
passed away in 1892.
At the usual age Richard D. Roberts became a pupil in the district schools
and there mastered the elementary branches of learning. He afterward attended
the public schools of Waitsburg and also spent one term as a student in the
Waitsburg Academy. In the spring of 1898, prior to his father's death, he took
over the management and development of the home farm, which he has since
operated. He owns a five-sevenths interest in the home place, together with a
half interest in another farm of five hundred and twenty acres in Columbia
county. He also has two hundred and forty acres in the Imperial valley of
California. He cultivates the home place of three hundred and thirty-five acres,
the Columbia county farm of five hundred and twenty acres, of which he owns
a half interest, and he leases five hundred and eighty acres, thus farming in all
fourteen hundred and thirty-five acres of land in the Inland Empire. His exten-
sive operations are most carefully and wisely conducted. Scientific methods
underlie his work. He early realized the fact that farm interests should be as
carefully systematized as a commercial undertaking and in all of his work he is
methodical and progressive. His farm machinery is of the latest improved kind
and there is no accessory of a model farm property of the twentieth century
that is not to be found upon his place.
746 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
In 1900 Mr. Roberts was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Bateman, a
daugliter of Henry Bateman, who was one of the earliest of Walla Walla county's
pioneers, first coming here in 1849 and the following year settling on a claim on
Coppei creek. He was an Indian war veteran and one of the conspicuous figures
in the early pioneer life of Walla Walla county. His demise occurred in Waits-
burg in December, 19 15. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts now have two sons, Harold and
Henry.
In politics Mr. Roberts maintains an independent course, not caring to bind
himself by party ties. He belongs to Waitsburg Lodge, F. & A. M.; to Touchet
Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F. ; and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen; and
his wife holds membership in the Methodist church. Their lives are guided by
high and honorable principles and in all business affairs Mr. Roberts is regarded
as thoroughly reliable as well as energetic. His life record is as an open book.
He has always lived in this section of the state, has always carried on general
agricultural pursuits, and although there are no spectacular phases in his career,
he has ever been regarded as a substantial and valued citizen because of his
loyalty to the best interests of the community and his cooperation in plans and
measures which are calculated to advance and uphold civic standards.
JAMES H. BOWLES.
The consensus of public opinion names James H. Bowles among the leading
citizens of Walla Walla county. He is the owner of a valuable farming prop-
erty and also of a fine residence in Prescott, where he makes his home. He was
born in Warren county, Missouri, November 11, 1854, and is a son of Thomas
H. and Lucinda (Gibson) Bowles, the former a native of Virginia, while the
latter was born in Missouri. They became the parents of eight children, six of
whom survive, but both the father and mother died in Missouri.
James H. Bowles was reared and educated in the state of his nativity and
had reached the age of thirty-five years when in the spring of 1889 he came to
Walla Walla county, Washington. He established his home in Prescott and
later he bought a farm of one hundred and eighty acres, which he has carefully
and persistently cultivated, bringing the entire place under a high state of
development. Upon the farm are excellent improvements and everything about
the place indicates the careful supervision of a practical and progressive owner.
He makes his home, however, in Prescott, where he owns an attractive residence.
His business affairs have been carefully managed and his thorough reliability
has gained for him the respect and confidence of all, while unfaltering energy
has furthered his prosperity.
On the 14th of November, 1880, Mr. Bowles was united in marriage to
Miss Elizabeth Reavis, a native of Missouri and a daughter of Woodson Reavis.
They have become the parents of the following children : Thomas Woodson,
who died at the age of seven months: Mary Almeda, the wife of J. T. Janes,
who is living near Prescott ; James William, residing near Prescott, who married
Lillian N. Coble and has one child, James Eugene; Sarah Ann, who is the wife
of F E. Cirubh. also living near Prescott, and tlu-v have two children. Ora Vale
JAMES H. BOW].ES
MRS. JAMES H. BOWLES
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 7ol
and James Roy; Virginia Frances, who is the wife of Vergil N. Harris, of Pres-
cott, and has two children, Genevra Elizabeth and Virginia Ann ; one child who
died at the age of nine months; Pearl Margaret, who is the wife of C. L. Jones,
living near Prescott, and they have five children, William Lawrence, Dale Walter,
Ernest Monroe, Alma Elizabeth and James Dewey ; Archie Eugene, who married
Elizabeth Helms and resides in Prescott; Walter Jennings, who married Fay
Hazel Nail; and Elizabeth.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Bowles are faithful members of the Christian church
and take an active interest in its work, while contributing generously to its sup-
port. In politics Mr. Bowles is a democrat and has been called upon to fill
public office. He has served as a member of the city council of Prescott; has also
been a member of the school board; and was deputy assessor for two years.
Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the World. He has never
had occasion to regret his determination to establish his home in the northwest,
for here he found the opportunities which he sought and in the business condi-
tions of this section of the country he has so directed his eflforts that a most
substantial competence has been acquired.
BERT LOGAN JONES, B. S., M. D., C. M.
The alumni of McGill University are found in all sections of the American
continetjt. The thorough training of that school well qualifies its students for
the various lines of work which they may undertake and in the main the graduates
of that institution have been most successful. Dr. Bert Logan Jones is among
the number who are actively engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery
in Walla Walla. Pennsylvania numbers him among her native sons, his birth
having occurred in Allegheny on the nth of May, 1882, his parents being Reuben
Reynolds and Maggie Elizabeth Jones. With the removal of the family to the
west he became a pupil in the public schools and was graduated from the Baker
school in 1898. He then continued his education in the Washington State College
and won the Bachelor of Science degree in 1907. He afterward entered McGill
University as a medical student and was graduated from the Montreal institution
with the degree of M. D., C. M. He has since practiced his profession in Walla
Walla and in 1914 he was appointed surgeon in the state penitentiary. In general
practice he has made for himself a creditable position. He is thoroughly con-
versant with the latest discoveries and scientific researches that have to bear
upon medical and surgical practice, is most careful in the diagnosis of his cases
and seldom if ever at fault in matters of judgment regarding the outcome of
disease. Moreover, he holds to the highest professional standards and his course
has been an expression of the most advanced ethics of the profession.
On the 23th of December, 1916, in Pullman, Washington, Dr. Jones was
united in marriage to Miss Jessie Elliott Hays, a daughter of the Rev. W. G. M.
Hays, D. D. Dr. Hays was the founder of the United Presbyterian church and
the academy at Waitsburg, Washington, in 1886 and was the organizer of the
United Presbyterian church at Olympia in 1895. He also founded the United
Presbyterian church at Pullman, Washington, in 1898 and remained as pastor
752 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
there for eighteen years. He has thus had much to do with the moral progress
and development of this section and in his labors has not been denied the full
harvest nor the aftermath of his efforts. Mrs. Jones was graduated from the
Washington State College in 1906, from the State Normal School at Cheney,
Washington, in 1912, and from 1906 until 1916 taught in the graded and high
schools of this state.
Dr. and Mrs. Jones hold membership in the First Presbyterian church of
Walla Walla and he belongs to the Walla Walla Commercial Club and to the
Masonic fraternity, associations which indicate much of the nature of his interests
and the rules which govern his conduct. He is a man of genuine personal worth,
esteemed by all who know him and most of all where he is best known. While
he holds to high professional standards and gives the greater part of his attention
to his profession, he also recognizes and meets the duties and obligations of
citizenship and in many ways has cooperated in bringing about public welfare and
improvement.
JOHN P. KENT.
While for many years Mr. Kent was one of the best known and most promi-
nent business men of Walla Walla, he always found time to cooperate in public
interests and the waterworks and the park systems of the city were largely due
to his initiative and to his untiring effort. His determined purpose and in-
defatigable energy enabled him to accomplish whatever he undertook and his
worth in matters of citizenship as well as in business circles was widely acknowl-
edged.
Mr. Kent was born in Boston, Massachusetts, June 29, 1858, and when about
fifteen years of age removed to the Sunset state, arriving in Walla Walla, where
for forty-four years he occupied a prominent position in connection with the
commercial activity of the community. In 1880 he became engaged in the meat
business and later was associated with William Kirkman, Chris Ennis and A.
Beard in organizing the Walla Walla Meat Company. He retained the active
management of the business until November, 1898, when he retired from that
field in order to turn his attention to insurance. From that time forward until
his demise he maintained an insurance ofiice in the Dooly building and gained a
very prominent position in insurance circles. Mr. Kent was one of the organizers
of the firm of Gardner & Company and served as its second vice president until
his death. He did with thoroughness everything that he undertook and therefore
he mastered every phase of the insurance business.
On the I2th of November, 1890, Mr. Kent was united in marriage to Miss
Delia A. Lyons, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. Lyons, and to them were born
four children: Ruth, the wife of Harry Paxton, Jr.; John Paul, Mildred Agnes
and Omer James, all of whom are living in Walla Walla.
Besides his activity in business circles Air. Kent took a prominent part in
politics and in lodge, social and church affairs. He was a member of the city
council for two terms, beginning in 1896, and he was a most aggressive advocate
of the rights of the people It was through his instrumentality that Walla Walla
JOHN r. KENT
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 755
secured its waterworks. He was also particularly interested in public park de-
velopment and did much toward securing Walla Walla's present chain of city
parks. He served as a member of the first park board and lost no opportunity
to further the interests which he espoused, making the park system one which
is most attractive and creditable. He was one of the most trusted leaders of
the democratic party in the state of Washington and served as a delegate to nearly
every state and county convention of his party.
In religious faith Mr. Kent was an earnest and loyal Catholic and was twice
representative of the state of Washington in the supreme council of the Catholic
Knights of America. He was also an earnest and effective worker in behalf
of the United Relief Society and was filling the office of vice president at the
time of his demise. For many years he was a director of the Walla Walla County
Fair Association and in that connection did much to further public progress.
He was also a trustee of the local lodge of Elks and was a past grand knight
of the Knights of Columbus in Walla Walla. Death called him on the 8th of
May, 1917, when he passed away at his home on Poplar street. He had been in
failing health for about a year but was confined to his home for only the last
week. One who knew him well paid to him the following justly merited tribute:
"In the death of John P. Kent, Walla Walla has lost one of her best citizens.
He was always active in every progressive enterprise and a factor in everything
that had for its object the benefit of his home city. He was eloquent of speech,
which, combined with his recognized probity and force of character, gave him
great influence in the council of his fellows. He was no trimmer but expressed
his opinions on all questions openly and frankly and even those who disagreed
with him acknowledged and admitted his sincerity of purpose. He was one of
the kindest of husbands, the most living of fathers and a true and loyal friend."
GEORGE F. MOTTET.
George F. Mottet is a retired stock man of Walla Walla who at the age of
twenty-seven years came to the new world and established his home in this section
of the state. Throughout the intervening period he has been connected with the
sheep industry but has now largely put aside the active cares of business life to
enjoy in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. He was born in France,
February 17, 1859, and is a son of Francis and Virginia Mottet, who were also
natives of France, where they spent their entire lives. They had a family of
seven children, but George F. is the only one now living. He was reared and
educated in France, enjoying liberal opportunities. He completed a high school
course and afterward served for four years in the French army. He then de-
termined to try his fortune in the new world and in 1886 he came to America,
making his way at once to Walla Walla. He has since been identified with the
interests of the northwest. He was engaged in the sheep industry for twenty-
four years and his affairs were wisely and successfully managed, so that he
derived therefrom a handsome competence. After almost a quarter of a century
he sold out and retired from active business life, making his home at the present
time at No. 440 Chase avenue in Walla Walla, where he occupies a fine residence.
756 ULU WALLA WALLA COUNTY
In 1895 Mr. MoUet was united in marriage to Miss Leonie \'incent, a native
of France, and they have become parents of three children: George, who died
at the age of eleven years; Anna, who is a high school graduate of Walla Walla;
and one who died in infancy.
In his political views Mr. Mottet has always been a stanch republican since
becoming a naturalized American citizen but has never been an aspirant for office.
Me and his wife belong to the Catholic church. He is a self-made man — one
who deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. He has never had
occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he found
the opportunities which he sought and in their improvement has acquired a hand-
some fortune. In addition to the home which he occupies in Walla Walla he
has seven other residence properties there, from which he derives a gratifying
annual income. His business interests have been carefully managed, his methods
have been characterized by the utmost integrity and the results which have ac-
crued are most satisfactory and creditable.
JOSEPH UTTER.
Joseph Utter, residing in Prescott, is identified with several important business
enterprises of the town and is also actively and successfully engaged in farming
in Walla Walla county. He was born in the state of New York, February 22,
1855, a son of Alex M. and Alida (Putman) Letter, both of whom were natives
of the Empire state. They removed to Wisconsin in 1859 and there resided until
1861, when they became residents of Alinnesota, establishing their home upon a
farm. In 1862 the father enlisted for service in the Civil war, his patriotic
spirit prompting his ready response to the country's call for aid. He joined
Company G of the Third Minnesota Infantry and served until the close of the
hostilities, after which he returned to Minnesota, where both he and his wife
passed away. In their family were nine children, eight of whom are yet living.
Joseph Utter was reared and educated in Minnesota and in 1882 arrived in
Walla Walla county, W'ashington, taking up his abode on a farm near Prescott
which he still owns. His place comprises eight hundred and five acres of rich
and productive land, all of which is improved. It is largely devoted to the
cultivation of wheat, for his farm is situated in the midst of the rich wheat belt
of W^ashington, famous throughout the entire country. The methods which he
employs in his farm work are productive of excellent results. In addition to
the growing of wheat he is also engaged in stock raising and both branches of
his business are proving profitable. He is likewise a stockholder and manager
of the Prescott Warehouse Company and is the president of the Prescott Tele-
phone Company. In all business affairs he displays keen discernment and un-
faltering industry and his carefully directed labors are bringing to him substan-
tial returns.
In 1878 Mr. Utter was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Pettijohn, a daughter
of Thomas and Charity (Wisby) Pettijohn, both of whom were natives of Ohio
but spent their last years in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Utter became the parents
of eleven children : .Arabellc, who is the wife of W. H. Tames, now of California ;
JOSEPH UTTER
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 759
Thomas H., who is living on the home farm; Carrie May, the wife of A. W.
Reser ; Richard, who is married and follows farming; Mildred, the wife of
Henry Goe ; Juliette, the wife of John Reid ; Ralph, who is married and resides
in Prescott ; Lilian and Walter Wayne, who are living at home and two have
passed away. The wife and mother died in July, 19 16, and was laid to rest
in the Odd Fellows cemetery. She was a consistent member of the Congregational
church and was most devoted to the welfare of her family. Her loss was also
deeply regretted by her many friends.
Mr. Utter holds membership in Prescott Lodge, No. 46, L O, O. F., in which
he has filled all of the chairs, and he also belongs to the Woodmen of the World.
In politics he is a republican but not an office seeker. He has through individual
effort and determination become one of the prosperous farmers of Walla Walla
county and one of its representative business men. His worth is widely
acknowledged by all with whom he has come in contact and his business career
is characterized by a forcefulness and resourcefulness that is most resultant.
DAVID W. MILLER.
David W. Miller, one of the representative and prosperous agriculturists of
Walla Walla county, within the borders of which he has spent almost his entire
life, makes his home in the city of Walla Walla. He owns six hundred and
twenty acres of productive land in Spring Valley and operates altogether about
fifteen hundred acres. His birth occurred in Wyoming on the 22d of August,
1874, his parents being David and Isabelle (King) Miller, who were born, reared
and married in Scotland. About 1870 they crossed the Atlantic to the new world
and in subsequent years resided in Pennsylvania, Utah and other states but eventu-
ally came to Washington and about 1877 took up their abode in Walla Walla
county. Here David Miller gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits,
locating in Spring Valley, where he acquired a section of land and in his under-
takings won gratifying prosperity. He was chosen to represent his district in
the state senate for eight years, being first elected in 1893 and making a splendid
record that gained the approval and continued support of his constituents. He
was one of the dominant factors in the organization of the Farmers Alliance and
was always foremost in any movement instituted to promote the interests and
welfare of the community. Fraternally he was identified with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. His demise, which occurred on the 6th of October, 1902,
was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for in his passing the community
lost one of its most valued and esteemed citizens. His widow, surviving him
for a number of years, was called to her final rest in November, igii.
David W. Miller, whose name introduces this review, was reared under the
parental roof and in the acquirement of an education attended the district schools
and also spent one year in study in Whitman College. He then devoted about
six years to farming and on the expiration of that period embarked in the furni-
ture and undertaking business at Waitsburg, conducting an enterprise of that
character for two years. At the end of that time he engaged in the coal and
wood business at Walla Walla, being thus occupied until 1910, when he again
760 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which have since claimed his time
and energies. He owns six hundred and twenty acres of valuable land in Spring
\'alley and operates altogether about fifteen hundred acres, his interests being
thus extensive and important. Success has attended his efforts in this connec-
tion by reason of the fact that he utilizes the most modern and progressive methods
of agriculture and has ever manifested industry, enterprise and unremitting energy.
On the i2th of August, 1903, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Ida
Breeze, a daughter of R. M. Ureeze, of Waitsburg. They now have three chil-
dren, namely : James T., Earl W. and Ella Isabelle. In his political views Mr.
Miller is a democrat and fraternally he is identified with Trinity Lodge, I. O. O. F.,
and with Columbia Lodge No. 70, K. P. His life has been upright and honorable
in every relation and he well merits the warm regard and high esteem in which
he is uniformly held.
SILAS W. SMITH.
For almost sixty years Silas W. Smith made his home upon the Pacific coast
and was long identified with its mercantile interests, conducting a store in Walla
Walla during the last years of his business career. He ,was bom in Monmouth,
Illinois, August 16, 1844, a son of Isaac and Margaret (Butler) Smith, who were
also natives of that state. In 1853 the family crossed the plains and located on
a farm near Dallas, Oregon. They traveled in covered wagons drawn by horses
and experienced the usual hardships of such a journey. Upon a claim of three
hundred and twenty acres the father built the first log cabin in that locality and he
became one of the prominent and influential men of the valley where he and his
wife continued to make their home until called to their final rest. He always
took a very active part in politics and for two terms was an honored member of
the legislature. In his family were nine children, only four of whom are now
living.
Silas W. Smith was about nine years of age when he came with the family
to the far west and he was reared and educated at Dallas, Oregon, graduating
from the academy at that place. After leaving school he was engaged in mer-
cantile business at Independence, Oregon, for several years, but in 1888 removed
to Waitsburg, Washington, where he conducted a store for some time, and later
engaged in the same business in Walla Walla in partnership with John Fitzgerald.
He finally sold out and lived retired until his death in 1912.
On the 5th of November, 1867, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss
Esther M. Barney, a native of Keokuk, Iowa, and a daughter of Harlow and
Mary A. (Curtis) Barney. Her father was born in Pennsylvania and her mother
in Vermont. They were among the pioneers who crossed the plains with ox
teams in 1853 and settled near Dallas, Oregon, where Mr. Barney took up six
hundred and forty acres of land, making his home thereon until his death. His
wife also died there. Two of their three children are still living. To Mr. and
Mrs. Smith were born five children, namely: Mary Ellen, the deceased wife of
W. W. Maxwell; E. H., also deceased; O. B., a resident of Waitsburg, Wash-
>
SILAS W. S^riTH
JIRS. SILAS W. SMITH
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 765
ington; Lenna, the wife of Laverne Bartlett of Walla Walla; and Milan W., a
merchant of Waitsburg.
Mrs. Smith owns a valuable ranch of five hundred and forty acres, all in a
high state of cultivation. She is a faithful member of the Christian church, to
which her husband also belonged, and he took quite an active part in all church
work. He also held membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
was a stanch republican in poHtics, exerting considerable influence in local affairs
and serving for two terms as mayor of the city with credit to himself and to the
entire satisfaction of his constitutents. In his death the community realized that
it had lost a valued and useful citizen — one devoted to the best interests of the
community. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Rebekah Lodge at Waitsburg and
has filled all the chairs in the same. Like her husband, she makes friends where-
ever she goes and is held in the highest esteem by all who know her.
F. J. ALDRICH.
F. J. Aldrich is a representative farmer of Columbia county who utilizes the
most progressive methods in tilling the soil and caring for his crops. Western
enterprise finds expression in his life. He is a western man by birth, by training
and by preference. He was bom in Walla Walla county, Washington, July i,
1872, and is a son of Milton and Sarah (Stanfield). Aldrich, the farmer a native
of Michigan, while the latter was born in Iowa. In 1850 the -father crossed the
plains to California, where he engaged in prospecting and mining, continuing his
operations from California clear into Canada. In i860 he made his way to Walla
Walla county, Washington, where he took up a homestead on Dry creek, seven
miles east of the city of Walla Walla. Later he acquired other lands until he
became owner of eight hundred and fifteen acres in the home place and nine
hundred and twenty acres on Coppei creek, five miles from Waitsburg. He de-
voted many years to the development and improvement of his farm land and
about five years prior to his death removed to Walla Walla, where he passed
away about 1912. His widow is still living and yet occupies the home ranch.
Mr. Aldrich was a republican in his political views and was twice elected county
commissioner of Walla Walla county. He took an active and helpful interest in
community affairs and was actuated by a public-spirited devotion to duty. His
wife is a member of the Methodist church and a lady of many admirable qualities
which have gained for her the high esteem and goodwill of all with whom she
has been brought in contact.
F. J. Aldrich was reared upon the home farm and acquired his education in
the common schools and in Whitman College, where he won his academic degree,
although he lacked three months of graduation. On attaining his twenty-first
year he began farming for himself and has since been prominently identified
with agricultural interests in Walla Walla and Columbia coimties. In igo2 he
removed to his present farm in Columbia county, where he owns one thousand
acres of land and in addition to that tract he also operates another thousand acres
under lease. He is thus one of the extensive farmers of his section of the state,
his great, broad fields annually producing excellent harvests, while the methods
Vol. II 2 7
766 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
that he employs are of the most progressive character. In fact his farm work
is an indication of the last word in modern scientific agrijulture.
In 1895 Mr. Aldrich was united in marriage to Miss Vngeline Lloyd, a daugh-
ter of Albert G. Lloyd, now deceased, of whom extended mention is made else-
where in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich have become parents of two children,
Elmo and Erick.
In his political views Mr. Aldrich is a stalwart republican, always supporting
the party at the polls yet never seeking office as a reward for party fealty. He
belongs to Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., and also to Walla Walla Lodge,
No. 287, B. P. O. E. He ranks with the foremost citizens of Columbia county
and is honored and respected by all, not alone by reason of the success which
he has achieved but also owing to the straightforward business methods which
he has ever followed. He has never been known to take advantage of the neces-
sities of another in any business transaction and through legitimate channels has
won his prosperity.
WALLACE R. COPELAND.
Wallace R. Copeland, residing in Walla Walla, is actively identified with the
agricultural development of this section of the state. He is a western man by
birth, training and preference and in his life exemplifies the spirit of enterprise
which has ever been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of this section of the
country. He was born in Yamhill county, Oregon, March 26, i860, a son of
Henry S. and Mary Ann (Morton) Copeland, who are mentioned elsewhere in
this work. He was but two years of age when his parents removed from Yam-
hill county to Walla Walla county, Washington, and here he was reared to man-
hood upon the old homestead farm, early becoming familiar with the best
methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. In 1882 his parents left the
farm and removed to Walla Walla, where both died.
Wallace R. Copeland pursued his education in the district schools and be^an
his studies in one of the old-time log schoolhouses with a puncheon floor, slab
benches and sod roof. The methods of instruction were also scii.v,>vhat primitive,
but he has lived to see marked development in the educational system of the
state until Washington stands foremost in many respects in regard to its public
school work. He remained at home through the perir ' of his youth and continued
to assist his father in the farm work until he reached tne age of twenty-two years.
He then started out independently as a farmer and as time has passed on has
made for himself a most creditable and enviable position among the leading
agriculturists of the state. He at first rented land from his father, cultivating
four hundred and fifteen acres on the Cottonwood creek. This was in 1882.
For ten years he farmed that place successfully as a renter and during the
financial panic of 1S92-3 he bought the farm of his father and has since extended
his farming interests by the purchase of one hundred and seventy acres, so that
he has in all five hundred and eighty-five acres. This is very valuable wheat
land and upon it are produced some of the finest wheat crops that are grown in
this section of the state, .'\bout 191 1 he jnirchased five hundred and eighty-four
WALLACE R. COPELAXD
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 769
acres of wheat land on Mill creek, for which he paid one hundred dollars per
acre. He also owns a section of grazing land in the foothills. In the year 1916
he planted five hundred and sixty acres to wheat and there was an excellent
yield. He is most progressive in his methods and has closely studied every phase
of wheat cultivation, so that sound judgment directs his efforts and produces
splendid results.
On the 9th of March, 1884, Mr. Copeland was united in marriage to Miss
Augusta Kaseberg, of Walla Walla, a daughter of John and Henrietta Kase-
berg, natives of Germany, who came to this country when children and were
married here. For a time they made their home in Illinois, but in 1882 came
west and settled in Walla Walla county, Washington. By trade the father was a
wagon maker but his last years were devoted to farming. He died in 1905 and
the mother passed away about three years later. In their family were eight chil-
dren, of whom six are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Copeland have been born
five children: Henry, who is engaged in farming in Walla Walla county; Laura,
the wife of Chester Offner, of Walla Walla; Elizabeth, the wife of Mathew
Ennis, a farmer of this county ; Ella, at home ; and Edwin, who attended school
at Pullman and later engaged in farming in Walla Walla county, but in Decem-
ber, 1917, he enlisted as machinist mate in the aviation service of the United
States navy and went to San Diego, California. ', ' i'--^. '■'-■
Mrs. Copeland is an active member of the Presbyterian church and its aux-
iliary societies and is also an earnest worker in the Red. Cross service. In his
political views Mr. Copeland is a republican giad :gives stalwart support to the
party, but is not an office seeker. He belongs to 'th'e"T"armers Union of Walla
Walla and there is no resident of this section of the state who is more able to
speak with authority upon agricultural questions, especially those relating to the
cultivation of wheat. His career has been notably successful. He had no assist-
ance at the outset but has steadily worked his way upward and his persistent
energy has brought him to a most enviable position. He has extensive holdings
and his labors have been the foundation of his present prosperity.
J. R. AULT.
J. R. Ault, residing on section 26, township 11 north, range 37 east, is well
known as one of the leading farmers and representative citizens of Columbia
county. His birth occurred in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, on the 7th of May,
1884, his parents being John N. and Rebecca (Kinnear) Ault, who were born,
reared and married in that province. The father was for a number of years
engaged in wool buying at Cornwall, where he is now living retired. The mother,
however, is deceased, having been called to her final rest in 1898.
J. R. Ault was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in
the city schools of Cornwall. In 1904, when a young man of twenty years, he
came to the state of Washington and took up his abode in the vicinity of his
present home, here beginning farming as a renter. In 1909 he came into posses-
sion of his first property, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in
association with his brother, S. C. Ault, in partnership Avith whom he operated
770 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
the place until the fall of 1916, since which time he has carried on his agricultural
interests independently. He now owns three hundred and sixty acres of land
and leases one hundred and sixty more, and in the conduct of his farming opera-
tions he has won a well deserved and gratifying measure of success by reason
of his enterprise, close application and progressiveness.
In the exercise of his right of franchise Mr. Ault supports the men and
measures of the democratic party and fraternally he is a prominent Mason, be-
longing to Tucanon Lodge, No. 106, F. & A. M., of Starbuck; Dayton Chapter,
No. 5, R. A. M.; Washington Commandery, No. 5, K. T., of Walla Walla; and
El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane. He has already w-on a most
creditable position as an agriculturist of Columbia county, and all with whom
he comes in contact recognize him as a young man of sterling personal worth and
many commendable qualities.
JAMES P. SEITZ.
James P. Seitz, who from the age of sixteen years has been a resident of
Walla Walla county, is now actively engaged in farming, his land being situated
on section 9, township 6 north, range 36 east. He is a progressive man, alert and
energetic, and his well defined plans have been carried forward to successful
completion. He was born in Missouri, April 13, 1870, and is a son of John P.
and Lydia J. (Chambers) Seitz, whose family numbered eight children, five of
whom are yet living. The father was a native of Germany and when a young
boy came to America, the family home being established in Illinois, and for a
time they also lived in Indiana. Subsequently a removal was made to Missouri
and there John P. Seitz met and married Miss Chambers, who was a native of
Ohio and was of English descent. For tw-enty-five years he continued his resi-
dence in Missouri and in 1886 came to the northwest with Walla Walla county
as his destination. After reaching this section of the country he invested in farm
land, which his son James now owns. Here he continued to devote his time and
energies to general agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death
in 1911. His wife had passed away in 1910. In early life Mr. Seitz had learned
the trades of millwright and blacksmith, possessing much natural mechanical skill
and ability. He was a soldier of the Civil war, responding to the call of his
adopted country for aid to crush out the rebellion in the south, and upon the
field of battle he proved his loyalty to his adopted land. He was also greatly
interested in the cause of education and insisted that English should be more
thoroughly taught in our schools even if it was necessary to exclude foreign
languages.
James P. Seitz spent the first fifteen years of his life in the state of his
nativity and then came with his parents to Washington. He supplemented his
public school training by a high school education and also attended Whitman
College. He thus became well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties.
He was reared to farm work and has never sought to change his occupation, for
he finds farming congenial and has made it profitable as a result of his indefatig-
able energy and close application. He first rented the old homestead and later
JAMES P. SEITZ
MRS. JAMES P. SEITZ
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 775
he purchased the property, which is situated on sections 9 and 10, township 6
north, range 36 east. His farm comprises three hundred and twenty acres in
the valley between the foothills and constitutes a desirable, beautiful and valuable
property, for it has been highly improved. In fact it is one of the finest farms in
this section of the state. Substantial buildings furnish ample shelter for grain
and stock. Mr. Seitz has erected a large, modern, circular bam, for which he
made the plans, and he also did much of the work of construction himself. He
even cut and sawed the timber and in this and other ways did much toward com-
pleting the structure. He has also erected other buildings upon his farm, in-
cluding one containing the large engine which is the motive power for his ma-
chinery, drill forge, electric dynamo, etc. His residence is as complete and
modern as a city home and is a monument to the enterprise and progressive spirit
of the owner. Everything about his place is kept in good repair and fences divide
the farm into fields of convenient size, so that the work is carried on more ad-
vantageously. He utilizes the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work
of plowing, planting and harvesting, and in wheat production he displays the
most progressive methods in handling the crop, which is a very large one, as the
soil is excellently adapted for the production of that cereal. He is also success-
fully engaged in stock raising. He is a man of pronounced business ability in
his chosen line of endeavor and is constantly seeking out new methods which
will promote his interests and augment the productiveness and the general value
of his farm. ".";.";"■"'
On the 8th of April, 1903, Mr. Seitz was united ili marriage to Miss Adina
Chambers, a native of Washington and a daughter of Joseph and Mollie (Bulen)
Chambers, the former a native of Missouri, while- the^ latter was born in Dayton,
Washington. They had a family of two childrerij ..Mr.sl ':Seitz and Richard
Chambers, who is now a soldier in the United States army. To Mr. and Mrs.
Seitz have been born seven children: Lydia V., Helen, John P., May, Ina, Ara
and Earl.
Mr. and Mrs. Seitz attend the Presbyterian church and are people of genuine
worth, enjoying the confidence and goodwill of all with whom they have been
associated. Mr. Seitz belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, his
membership being in Lodge No. 121. In politics he maintains an independent
course, voting for the candidate whom he regards as best qualified for the office
without considering party ties. He is actuated by a patriotic desire to stand for
all that tends to promote the best interests of the community and of the common-
wealth and his cooperation can always be counted upon to further various move-
ments and measures for the public good.
SMITH F. HENDERSON.
Smith F. Henderson, a prominent brick and cement contractor of Walla
Walla, was born in Pennsylvania, January 28, 1849, a son of R. S. and Margaret
(Keys) Henderson, who were born in the Keystone state, of Irish descent. Both
passed away in Pennsylvania and three of their ten children are also deceased.
Smith F. Henderson spent the days of his boyhood and youth under the
776 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
parental roof and received the usual educational advantages, attending the public
schools. In 1875, in early manhood, he went to California but three years later
came to Walla Walla, where he has since remained. He has always followed
the brick and cement contracting business and his thorough knowledge of the
principles of construction in those materials and his scrupulous fulfillment of
every detail of his contracts have enabled him to build up a large patronage. He
has erected many of the better buildings in the city and ranks as one of its lead-
ing contractors. He holds title to an excellent building, from the rental of which
he derives a gratifying profit.
Mr. Henderson was married in 1880 to Miss Katherine Root, who was bom
in Tennessee, but who has resided in Walla Walla since the early '60s. To them
have been born four children, of whom three have passed away, one son, Arthur
G., surviving.
Mr. Henderson gives his political allegiance to the republican party and his
religious faith is that of the Alethodist church, to which his wife also belongs,
and of which he has served as chairman of the board of trustees. Fraternally
he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in which local lodge
he has filled all the chairs, and with the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
His integrity, his public spirit and his business ability are generally recognized
and his personal friends are many.
O. M. RICHMOND.
O. M Richmond, a well known resident of Walla Walla, owns twelve hun-
dred acres of fine land in Walla Walla county and derives a gratifying profit
from its rental. He was born in Illinois, July 12, i860, a son of Andrew J. and
Mary J. (Lane) Richmond. The father was born in Ohio but for a number of
years resided in Illinois. In 1880 he came to the Pacific northwest and took up
his home in Oregon, where both he and his wife passed away. All of their six
children survive.
O. M. Richmond was a student in the public schools of his native state and
thus obtained his education. He was nineteen years of age when he accom-
panied his parents on the long journey across the plains and he assisted his
father in developing the homestead. He continued to farm in that state until
191 3, when he came to Walla Walla, where he has since resided. He purchased
land in Walla Walla county and now owns twelve hundred acres but rents it to
others, preferring to live retired. He has gained the success which is his
through industry and sound judgment and the rest which he is now enjoying
is well deserved.
Mr. Richmond was married in 1889 to Miss Nellie Preston, who was born
in Illinois and is a daughter of William and Margaret (Hatch) Preston, natives
of Illinois. In 1879 the Preston family removed to Oregon and for a number
of years resided on a farm in that state. The father died in Oregon and the
mother subsequently came to Walla Walla and is now living with Mr. and Mrs.
Richmond. The latter have two daughters : Gladys, the wife of O. Taylor, of
MB. AND MRS. O. M. RICHMOND
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 779
\\'alla Walla county ; and N. Bernice, who is a graduate of Whitman College
and is teaching music.
Mr. Richmond belongs to the Baptist church and seeks to further its work
in every way possible. In politics he is a democrat and has served capably
on the school board. Fraternally he belongs to the Artisans. Although he has
resided in Walla Walla for only a few years he has already won the sincere
friendship of many, his salient characteristics being such as invariably com-
mand respect and regard.
ALVIN G. BAUMEISTER.
Formerly as a clothing merchant and later in the real estate and insurance
field Alvin G. Baumeister has made for himself a most creditable position in the
business circles of Walla Walla, where he has been conducting his interests as a
member of the firm of Shaw & Baumeister. He is a native son of the city in
which he resides and the course which he has pursued throughout his entire life
has been such as to commend him to the confidence, goodwill and high respect
of all with whom he has been associated. He was born in this city January 23,
1883, and is a representative of one of its oldest and most honored pioneer fam-
ilies, his parents being Max and Alvine (Schweiker) Baumeister, of whom more
extended mention is made on another page of this work.
Alvin G. Baumeister began his education in the schools of Walla Walla,
passing through consecutive grades to the high school. On the ist of February,
1905, when he was a young man of about twenty-two years, he was united in
marriage to Miss Myrtle E. Wilson, a daughter of P. H. Wilson, one of the
prominent farmers of Walla Walla county and one of its well known pioneer
citizens. With a good education and now with a home for which to provide,
Mr. Baumeister seriously took up the duties of life and in the year of his mar-
riage became identified with the commercial interests of Walla Walla, establish-
ing and conducting a clothing and furnishing goods store. He carried on the
business with growing success for about three years or until igo8, when he dis-
posed of his store and removed to Seattle. He remained for nine months in
that city and was employed in a clothing store, but upon his father's death in
1909 he returned to Walla Walla and became his successor in the real estate and
insurance business, in which he has been engaged until recently. He had one of
the large agencies of this character and negotiated many important realty trans-
fers. He thoroughly understands property values and has handled business inter-
ests of importance in this line. He also had a well organized insurance department,
representing a number of the most reliable companies, and he wrote a large amount
of insurance. Thus his interests were profitably managed and his course illus-
trates what may be accomplished by serious endeavor. Recently he has sold his
insurance business in Walla Walla and has now identified himself with a new
organization, established in St. Louis, Missouri. This new company is to be
known as The Liberty Insurance Corporation of which all capital is to be invested
in liberty bonds.
Mr. Baumeister also figures prominently in fraternal circles. He has mem-
780 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
bership in Walla Walla Lodge, No. 7, A. F. & A. M. ; in Walla Walla Chapter,
No. I, R. A. M.; in Washington Commandery, No. i, K. T. ; in Oriental Con-
sistory, A. & A. S. R., of Spokane; and in El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.,
also of Spokane. His name is likewise on the membership rolls of Trinity Lodge,
No. 19, L O. O. F., and of the encampment, and he belongs to Walla Walla
Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E. He likewise belongs to the Commercial Club and
is a member of the Walla Walla Golf Club — associations that further indicate
the nature of his interests. In politics he is a republican, well versed on the
questions and issues of the day and believing firmly in the principles of his party,
yet he does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies and
attention upon his business affairs. He ranks with the leading and representative
business men of Walla Walla, where his entire life has been passed. His record
is a commendable one, for at all times his course has displayed no esoteric phase.
In all things he is open and aboveboard and an analyzation of his career shows
that it is close application and indefatigable energy which have placed him in
his present enviable position in real estate and insurance circles.
EDWARD BAUMEISTER.
In Saxe-Weimar, Germany, on June 24, 1848, was born the subject of this
sketch. His father, Ernest Baumeister, was a native of Erfurt, Germany, and
came to the United States in 1854, bringing his family. Settlement was made in
New York state and so thoroughly did the elder Baumeister identify himself
with the interests of the country of his adoption, that upon the breaking out of
the rebellion, he promptly enlisted in a New York regiment of volunteer cavalry
and served with distinction and valor until the last conflict at Fredericksburg
when he was wounded and soon gave his life for his country. He had married
Miss Charlotte Schroeder, also a native of Germany.
Our subject was but a lad when his father died and the same spirit that
pervaded the breast of the ancestor, was found well planted in the heart of his
son. He, too, has taken up the cause of his country in a determined and loyal
way, championing those measures and principles which are for the upbuilding of
our free institutions. After attending the common schools of New York until
he was twelve years old, he accompanied his brother, Max, to California. For
two years he served an apprenticeship there as a barber and in April, 1863, he
and his brother moved to Washington and settled in Walla Walla where for
nineteen years they followed the barber trade. Then selling out they engaged
for two years in the real estate and insurance business.
In 1885 Edward Baumeister moved to Lewiston and accepted a position in
the general store of John P. Vollmer & Company. For seven months he served
faithfully there and in the fall of 1885, came to the town of Asotin, then located
farther up the river than at present. Mr. Baumeister selected the place where
Asotin now stands and opened a fine general merchandise establishment. This
general store was, for many years, the commercial center of the county. The
upper rooms of the building were used for lodge and court room purposes.
During the panic of 1893-5, the firm practically financed the county. Much of
EDWARD BAUMEISTER
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 783
the grain and live stock of the county was bought by the company and shipped
away. At one time, several hundred horses were driven by the firm back to
Missouri and Illinois. During these years, the store acted as the bank and
financial clearinghouse of the county and in 1900, the first bank in the county
was opened in connection with the business. In 1908, the general store was sold
but the bank was retained, and is still doing a leading business in the county.
In addition to the property already mentioned, Mr. Baumeister has extensive
holdings in real estate in Asotin county as well as in other places in Washington
and Idaho and is considered one of the wealthy and substantial men of the
state.
In political matters, Mr. Baumeister has been a life long republican and it
can be said that throughout his public career he has shown the same care and
painstaking efl^ort in public matters as that which brought him success in his
own business. Fraternally, he is an Odd Fellow, having joined that order in
Walla Walla, in 1869. At the present time, January, 1918, he is the only man
living who was a member at the time of his initiation in Enterprise Lodge, No. 2.
He was the first representative from the Grand Encampment of the then territory
of Washington, to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, which met that year at Minne-
apolis. He is also a charter member of Riverside Lodge, No. 41, of Asotin, and
a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, at Lewiston, Idaho.
Edward Baumeister is practically the father of Asotin county and has been
for many years one of the leading men of the state. For two terms, he repre-
sented Asotin, Garfield and Columbia counties in the state senate and for fifty-
four years he has been associated with every financial, political and social move-
ment in southeastern Washington. He has been personally acquainted with
every governor of the territory, and the state, up to the present time except the
first four. For thirty-two years, he has lived and labored in Asotin and been
intimately associated with every step in the growth of the county and city.
Throughout all these years, Mr. Baumeister has borne an unblemished reputa-
tion for hone,sty, kindness and genuine goodness. At the time of this writing
he is undoubtedly the best known and best loved man in Asotin county. He is
a striking example of what can be accomplished by courage, optimism and per-
sistency in spite of the handicap of lack of scholastic training and financial
resources. He is, in fact, a self made man who has done a good job. His life
is thus an example worthy of imitation by every young man, and this, in the
opinion of the writer, is about the highest praise anyone can be given.
Although now seventy years of age, he is still an active and progressive
citizen. At the present time, he is president of the local commercial club,
chairman of the Red Cross war fund and the thrift stamp and war saving certifi-
cate fund of the county. All these public interests he carries in addition to his
regular duties as president of his bank.
At College Point, New York, May 3, 1870, Mr. Baumeister married Miss
Elizabeth Miller. They will soon celebrate their golden wedding and it may
be truthfully said of Mrs. Baumeister that her interests in the development
of the Inland Empire, have been as great as those of her husband. She is widely
known, interested in every good movement and many a cause has been aided by
her during her life as a pioneer woman.
To Mr. and Mrs. Baumeister were born two children : Anna C, wife of
784 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Dr. Stephen D. Brazeau of Spokane; and AUetta W., wife of W. L. Thompson,
president of the American National Bank, of Pendleton, Oregon. Mrs.
Baumeister has been, for many years, a member of the Protestant Episcopal
church and a liberal supporter of all benefactions. Though not directly allied
with the church, Mr. Baumeister exemplified in his life, many of the virtues of
the Christian, and really tries to carry out, in his life, the principles of
righteousness.
MORDO McDonald.
Mordo McDonald, one of the prominent men of Walla Walla county, is not
only successfully operating large tracts of land but is also active in public affairs,
his energy and capability enabling him to accomplish much. He was born in
Stark county, Illinois, February i8, 1863, the son of John and Jane (Grant)
McDonald, both natives of Scotland, the former being born in the village of
Sheldaig, Apple Cross parish, in the northern part of Scotland, July 10, 1823.
The parents were reared and married in their native country and the father fol-
lowed the career of a sea captain. In 1857 they came to the United States and,
continuing their journey, traversed the continent as far as Stark county, Illinois,
where they located. The father farmed there until 1863, when he removed with
his family to the far west, crossing the seemingly illimitable plains with one yoke
of oxen and one yoke of cows, which they milked every day on the journey.
Under the most favorable conditions the long trip overland to the coast was
fraught with many hardships, but the difiSculties of the journey were increased
by the fact that the father broke his leg on the second day out. However, he was
confined to his bed but eighteen days, and then he was able to walk on crutches.
At length Oregon was reached and he took up a homestead not far from the town
of La Grande. He brought the place under cultivation and met with gratifying
success in his farming operations, continuing to reside upon the homestead.
He passed away November 17, 1903, and his wife died two years later, Novem-
ber 16, 1905.
Mordo McDonald was but an infant when brought by his parents to Oregon
and was reared at home with the usual experiences of the boy brought up in
pioneer surroundings. His education was that aiTorded in the district schools
but he received thorough training in farming through assisting his father. In
early manhood he was associated with his brothers and his father in the opera-
tion of the home place. When he was twenty-five years old he and his five
brothers bought a tract of land, which they cultivated in addition to operating
the homestead. This partnership was maintained until 1895, when Mr. Mc-
Donald of this review removed to Walla Walla county, Washington. For a
year he conducted a butcher business in partnership with Chris Ennis, and then,
with three other men, went into the horse business, furnishing eight thousand
horses to the government for service'in the Philippine islands. He became inter-
ested in raising horses and for a number of years devoted his time to that work,
becoming well known as a horse dealer and breeder and confined his business en-
tirely to handling government horses. In igo8, however, he gave up that work
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 785
and began cultivating his present home farm of one hundred and sixty acres on
section 8, township 6 north, range 36 east. He raises the crops best suited to
the soil and climate of this section and receives a good profit from his labors.
On December 24, 1889, Mr. McDonald was united in marriage to Miss Belle
Cameron, a daughter of Alex Cameron, who came to Oregon on the same emi-
grant train of which the McDonald family were a part. To this union were born
two children : Jessie, the wife of W. C. Marsh, a resident of Los Angeles, Cali-
fornia; and Hector, at home. The wife and mother died in 1906 and on June
2, 1909, Mr. McDonald was united in marriage to Miss Florence Halvor, of The
Dalles, Oregon.
Mr. McDonald is well known as an active worker in the republican party and
in the fall of 1906 he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature,
in which connection he made a record creditable alike to his ability and public
spirit. For several years he served as chairman of the republican central com-
mittee and at one election in that period every man on the ticket was successful
with the exception of the candidate for constable, who was sick in the hospital
and was, therefore, unable to canvass the county. Mr. McDonald was a member
of the board that had charge of the Walla Walla county exhibit, held in Portland,
and the fact that the exhibit won many prizes is proof of the energy and efficiency
which the board brought to their task. The other members were. Dr. N. G. Bla-
lock and C. L. Whitney. Mr. McDonald's fraternal connections are with Blue
Mountain Lodge, No. 13, A. F. & A. M. ; Walla Walla Chapter No. i, R. A. M. ;
Washington Commandery, No. i, K. T. ; and El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.,
of Spokane. He is thoroughly western in spirit and interests and has full confi-
dence in the prosperous future in store for Washington.
JOHN B. DUNHAAL
No matter in how much fantastic theorizing one may indulge as to the cause of
success, he must eventually reach the conclusion that prosperity is the outcome of
persistent effort and indefatigable industry combined with close application. This
statement finds verification in the life record of John B. Dunham, a prosperous
stock dealer now residing in Walla Walla. He was born in Logansport, Indiana,
November 13, 1842, a son of John and Matilda (Griffin) Dunham, both of whom
were natives of the Hoosier state, where they were reared and married. The
father,- attracted by the discovery of gold in California, was among those who
made their way to the Pacific coast over the Isthmus route in 1849. ^^ was
reasonably successful in his search for the precious metal and in 1850 he returned
to Indiana with the rewards of his labor. Soon afterward he removed to Cham-
paign county, Illinois, where he was engaged in farming up to the time of his
death.
John B. Dunham spent his youthful days under the parental roof and ac-
quired a district school education. When not busy with his textbooks his attention
was given to the work of the farm and he assisted in the tasks of plowing, plant-
ing and harvesting. In June, 1864, when in the early twenties, he responded to
the country's call for military aid, enlisting as a member of Company A, One
786 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Hundred and Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry, with which he served until the close
of the war, being mustered out in September, 1865. When the country no longer
needed his aid he engaged in farming in Champaign county, Illinois, there re-
maining until 1888, when he came to the coast, settling first at Roseburg, Ore-
gon. There he engaged in the feed business for three years and afterward re-
moved to Eugene, Oregon, where he was engaged in merchandising for five years.
In 1896 he came to Walla Walla, where he has since made his home and during
the period of his residence here, covering twenty-one years, he has been success-
fully engaged in the livestock business. Persistency of purpose has ever been one
of his marked characteristics and, guided by sound judgment, has brought him a
very substantial measure of prosperity.
On the 19th of December, 1883, Mr. Dunham was united in marriage to Miss
Eliza J. Hull, a daughter of John Hull, of Champaign county, Illinois. They
have become the parents of four children, as follows: Lena E., who is the widow
of W. G. Osborne and resides in Los Angeles, California ; Charley, who makes his
home in Baker, Oregon; Fannie M., the wife of John Shaddick, who is proprietor
of an automobile garage in Walla Walla; and Victor B., a resident of Montana.
In his political views Mr. Dunham is a stalwart republican but has never been
an office seeker. For the past three years he and his wife have spent the winter
seasons in southern California but return to Walla Walla for the summer months.
They have gained many friends- duriiig. i:he period of their residence in this city
and the hospitality of their home is greatly enjoyed by their associates. In
business afifairs Mr. Dunham sustains an unassailable reputation for integrity as
well as enterprise and in matters of citizenship he has always been as true and
loyal to his country as when he followed the nation's starry banner on the battle-
fields of the south.
MATTHEW LYONS.
Matthew Lyons, who is successfully engaged in farming in Walla Walla
county, was born in Ireland, March 22, 1869, and is a son of Thomas and Anne
(Touey) Lyons, also natives of that country. When about twenty-one years of
age the father went to Australia, where he engaged in mining for some time,
and while there he met Miss Anne Touey and they were married. After spend-
ing twelve years in that country, during which time four children were bom to
them, they returned to Ireland, where the following two years were passed. In
1871, however, they again left the Emerald isle and this time came to the United
States, bringing with them their family of six children. The father having a
brother, Patrick Lyons, residing in Washington, the family proceeded to this
state and here Thomas Lyons homesteaded a tract near Dixie, in Walla Walla
county. As time passed he steadily prospered in his farming operations and
became the owner of two thousand acres of land in one body. He also acquired
a large tract of fourteen hundred acres on Russell creek. He continued the
operation of his land for many years, but in 1902 purchased a home at No. 204
Newell street, Walla Walla, and there spent the remainder of his life, dying on
the 1st of Febrviary, 1914, at the age of eighty years. His wife survived him
THOMAS LYONS
MRS. THOMAS LYONS
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 791
only one week and passed away at the age of seventy-eight. Their three youngest
children were born in Washington and of the nine, eight are yet living: John,
now a resident of Valdez, Alaska; Frank P., a physician of Kansas City,
Missouri; Delia C, who is living at the old home in Walla Walla; Thomas R.,
an ex-judge of Juneau, Alaska, and now an attorney of Seattle, Washington;
Matthew, of this review ; Annie, deceased ; James C, who is engaged in farming
on Russell creek; Eleanor B., a resident of Walla Walla; and Margaret E., the
wife of Frank Shaw, of Seward, Alaska.
Matthew Lyons was a mere infant when brought by his parents to this state
and here he grew to manhood. He attended the district schools and completed
his education at the Empire Business College of Walla Walla, from which he was
graduated. During his boyhood and youth he assisted his father in the farm
work and on attaining his majority took charge of a portion of the homestead, of
which he now owns four hundred and eighty acres. He also rents a large tract
of land and is today operating two thousand acres devoted to wheat. Although
his attention is principally given to the raising of grain, he raises stock to some
extent and has steadily prospered in his business undertakings.
In 1903 Mr. Lyons was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Chandler, a native
of Detroit, Michigan, and a daughter of Joseph and Matilda (Smith) Chandler.
To Mr. and Mrs. Lyons have been born five children, as follows, Margaret G.,
Eleanor M., Mary B., Matthew J. and Gerard, of whom the last named is de-
ceased. In 1916 Mr. Lyons erected a commodious modem residence on South
Third street, Walla Walla, and here the family. now reside.
He has never been an office seeker but has nevertheless, manifested a com-
mendable interest in public afifairs and has stanchly supported the candidates and
measures of the democratic party. He holds membership in the Benevolent Pro-
tective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus and the Maccabees and is de-
servedly popular in those organizations. Both he and his wife are communicants
of the Catholic church. He is enthusiastic concerning Walla Walla county and
its opportunities and finds pleasure in cooperating in movements calculated to
advance its interests.
JAMES McGREEVY.
James McGreevy, a prosperous retired farmer residing on section 8, township
13 north, range 43 east, Garfield county, was born in Ireland, March 22. 1867, a
son of Hugh and Rose (Flynn) McGreevy, both of whom passed their entire lives
in Ireland. They had two children, of whom the daughter, Jennie, is still a resi-
dent of the Emerald isle.
The son, James McGreevy came to the United States when only eleven years
of age and joined an uncle livinsj in Pittsburgh. After remaining there for five
years he went to Iowa, where he hved for one year. It was in 1889 that he settled
in Columbia county, Washington, and for one year he engaged in the stock
business, after which he purchased his present farm in Garfield county. It com-
prises four hundred and eighty acres, all of which is under cultivation, and the
792 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
improvements thereon are excellent and add much to its value. He operated the
place until 1914, when he retired, but he still retains his residence thereon.
Mr. McGreevy was married in 1898, in Washington, to Miss Rose Glennon,
who was bom in Clayton county, Iowa. He casts his ballot in support of the dem-
ocratic party and has served acceptably as a member of the local school board. He
holds membership in the Woodmen of the World and in the Farmers' Union and is
deservedly popular in those organizations. He was thrown upon his own re-
sources at an early age and his educational opportunities were limited, but his
native soundness of judgment, combined with industry and the determination to
succeed, has enabled him to distance many who started with greater advantages.
CHARLES E. BERG.
Charles E. Berg, the proprietor of the Lily mills in Walla Walla, has been
engaged in that line of business for thirty-five years and is one of the pioneer
mill men of eastern Washington. He was born in Polk county, Oregon, March
28, 1854, a son of John and Margaret (Donnelly) Berg, the former a native
of Germany and the latter of Ireland. They came to America in young manhood
and young womanhood and were married in San Francisco, California, whence
they removed to Polk county, Oregon, in 1853. They took up their residence
on a small ranch there and the father built a log cabin with a clapboard roof and
stick chimney, which was the family home during the year they remained in
Oregon. At the end of that time they returned to California, where the father
engaged in mining for four years. In 1862, however, he removed to Walla
Walla county, Washington, and remained here until his death. There were nine
sons in his family, but only three are now living.
Charles E. Berg was a child when his parents removed to Walla Walla
county and here he received his education, attending the pioneer schools. His
first school stood at the corner of Fifth and Main streets, in Walla Walla, and
in those early days each scholar had to pay fifty cents each week as the teacher's
compensation. During his youth he learned the miller's trade and for thirty-five
years has engaged in the milling business, being now the proprietor of the Lily
mills of Walla Walla. He himself erected the plant in 1917 and he takes the
greatest care in the manufacture of his ilour, which is of the highest grade and
for which he finds a ready sale. On investigation he found that about twenty-
five thousand dollars per year was going out of the city for pancake flour, self-
rising flour, corn meal and graham flour and that no mill here was manufac-
turing these products. Accordingly he erected his mill to supply the demand,
believing he could do a good business and supply the people of his home vicinity
at a considerable saving on these articles. His mill was completed and put in
operation in January, 19 18. Besides this plant he also owns forty acres of land
and has a nice residence in Walla Walla.
Mr. Berg was married in 1901 to Miss Matilda Gear and for his second wife
chose Mrs. Etta Jones. The democratic party has a stanch supporter in Mr.
Berg and for two terms he served efficiently as street commissioner of Walla
Walla, while for twenty years he supervised the work of the prisoners at the
CHARLKS E. BERG
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 795
state penitentiary. The competence which is now his is evidence of his industry
and good management, for all that he has he has made by his own labors. He
is highly esteemed by all who know him and has many warm personal friends.
He was a member of the old Walla Walla Volunteer Fire Department until the
paid department was created. While a lad in his teens he was "torch boy," whose
duty it was to carry the light by which the firemen found their way to fires and
for working about their apparatus, for at that time there were no street lights
in Walla Walla. At the age of twenty-one years he became a full fledged fire-
man, his company being "Tiger" Engine Company No. 2. The machines were
then pulled by hand and the water likewise pumped. Later they secured a
steam engine. When the paid department was formed Mr. Berg retired from
the service. He remembers the first fire in Walla Walla, which was the burning
of the Robinson Theater at Seventh and Main streets, and the soldiers from
the garrison helped in fighting the fire with a "bucket brigade." He also has
vivid recollections of the early days when the Vigilantes were the law enforcers
and often the law breakers. There was a secret society known as the U. F. F. Us,
whose purpose was a mystery, which used to parade with torches and did mys-
terious things. On one occasion the Vigilantes had warned a negro called Slim
Jim to leave the town. He was accused of making keys and releasing prisoners
from the old jail. He was given a certain time to leave and warned that if he
was not then gone he must hang. He failed to go, so one night they forced his
room at the old City Hotel, took him in a wagon to South Second street and
hanged him on a tree which now stands in the yard of Frank Singleton. His
body was informally buried on a ridge not far frorn the place of execution,
where was an old burying ground.
HENRY F. ZUGER.
Henry F. Ziiger, a prosperous and up-to-date farmer of Walla Walla county
engaged in the raising of both wheat and stock, has spent his entire life in this
county, as his birth here occurred August 20, 1883. An account of the life of
his father, Marcus Ziiger, Sr., appears elsewhere in this work.
Henry F. Ziiger was reared at home and received a good education in the
public schools and in high school. On attaining his majority he entered into
partnership with his brother, Marcus, and for five years they operated the home-
stead. At the end of that time Mr. Ziiger of this review took up his residence
on his present farm on section 12, township 9 north, range 36 east. He holds
title to six hundred acres and rents other land, operating in all twenty-one hun-
dred acres. Although the land is all excellently adapted to wheat raising, he
has found it more profitable to raise stock as well as wheat, and he has gained
gratifying success along both lines. He realizes that while hard work is neces-
sary in farming, industry alone is not enough; that the farmer as well as the
business man must plan his work carefully and give attention to the proper mar-
keting of his products.
Mr. Ziiger was married in 1908 to Miss Ella Clodius, a native of Mill Creek,
796 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Washington. They are the parents of a son and daughter, Charles V., and
Helen M.
Mr. Ziiger is an advocate of the principles of the republican party and casts
his ballot in support of its candidates. He has served as school clerk and has
been instrumental in furthering the interests of the local educational system. He
is well known as a member of the Elks and of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, and the principles of fraternity underlying these organizations find
exemplification in his daily life. Both he and his wife are communicants of the
Roman Catholic church and manifest a praiseworthy interest in its varied
activities.
NATHANIEL WEBB.
Nathaniel Webb, who for many years was actively engaged in sheep raising
and farming, is now living retired in Walla Walla at the advanced age of eighty-
four years. He was born in Stamford, Connecticut, December 17, 1833, and
is a son of John Webb, who was aho born in Stamford and who devoted his life
to farming. He removed to the middle west and his death occurred in Minnesota.
The mother bore the maiden name of Sallie Davenport and was also a native of
Connecticut.
Nathaniel Webb, who is one of two sons, went to California by the Nicaragua
route in 1854 and ten years later removed to' Oregon, whence in 1876 he came to
Walla Walla county. For eight years he engaged in mining in California and
Idaho and after removing to Oregon taught school for two or three terms at
Roseburg, that state. In 1868 he purchased sheep and turned his attention to
sheep ranching, in which he continued to engage for a number of years after
taking up his home in Washington. He was one of the earliest and most suc-
cessful sheep ranchers, owning large numbers of sheep on the range in Oregon
and Idaho, as well as in Washington. In 1882 he bought about three sections of
land, one-half of which was railroad land and sold at two dollars and siicty cents
an acre, and he also took up a homestead claim, a timber claim and a preemption
right, acquiring in all about five hundred acres from the government. Later as
this region became more thickly settled he to a great extent gave up sheep raising
and turned his attention to farming, in which he likewise met with a signal degree
of success. He owns about three thousand acres of land, from which he
derives a handsome income, but leaves the management of his affairs to others
and is enjoying well deserved leisure. He resides in Walla Walla and is sur-
rounded with all of the comforts of life.
Mr. Webb was married November 17, 1875, to Mrs. Eliza J. Smith, who was
born in Hannibal, Missouri. December 28, 1843, a daughter of James and Almeda
(Barney) Boggs, who in 1853 went to Oregon by ox team. The father took up
a donation claim of three hundred and sixty acres near Dallas, in Polk county,
and engaged in operating that place until i8fio, when he removed to Roseburg.
He, too, was chiefly engaged in the raising of sheep, which business many of the
early settlers followed. Mrs. Webb was the eldest of a family of ten children,
of whom only four now survive. In 1857 she was married to F. W. Smith, by
MRS. NATHANIEL WEBB
NATHANIEL WEBB
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 801
wiiom she had four children, namely: J. Cy, who died, leaving a wife and six
children, Orville, Jessie, Nate, Melvin, Helen and Mollie; George W., at home;
Mary E., who became the wife of J. Valaer and died, leaving one son; and one
who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Webb have become the parents of three
children: Nat, who is a graduate of Whitman College and is now farming; Paul,
who is married and resides at Heppner, Oregon; and Kate, who died in infancy.
Mr. Webb is a stanch republican in politics and has supported the candidates
of that party ever since it came into existence. His wife holds membership in
the Methodist church and both can be counted upon to use their influence on the
side of right and justice. For more than six decades Mr. Webb has been con-
nected with the Pacific coast and for more than forty years has been a resident of
Washington and has seen the open ranges where thousands of sheep fed give
way to finely improved and highly cultivated wheat fields and has witnessed many
other changes as the development of eastern Washington has progressed. He has
thoroughly identified his interests with those of his county and state and has al-
ways placed the public welfare above his private interests.
HON. JAMES M. DEWAR.
One of the prominent figures in the early history of Walla Walla county was
the Hon. James M. Dewar, stockman, farmer and member of the territorial
legislature. He was born in Scotland, in the county of Perth, near the ancient
castle of Doune, February 12, 1824. His father was a farmer and he grew up
on the northern slope of the Grampian hills, becoming familiar with the scenes
of Scottish legend. He received his education in his native country and remained
at home until 1853, when he decided to try his fortune in America. For five years
after his arrival in this country he traveled over the northern states and in 1858
he came to the Pacific coast country. While making his home at Champoeg, on
the Willamette river, he met a relative, Archibald Mackinley, who was known to
practically all the pioneers of the northwest as one of the most daring trappers
in the employ of the Hudson's Bay Company. Mr. Mackinley advised Mr. Dewar
to settle in the Walla Walla valley, describing in detail its many advantages, but
also pointing out the fact that there existed considerable danger from Indians.
Taking everything into consideration, Mr. Dewar decided to act on the advice
of the trapper and on the 4th of January, 1859, arrived within the limits of the
present Walla Walla county. His first home was a log cabin on Cottonwood
creek and, liking the surroundings, he bought it and the claim on which it was
built, paying the owner fifty dollars for the whole. At first it was not his inten-
tion to make this his permanent home but rather to make it a base for his stock
raising activities, as he saw in the fine grazing land of the Walla Walla valley
a fine opportunity to raise stock for the Pacific market. However, the more he
learned about this section the more confident he became that it ofifered opportuni-
ties which could not be surpassed elsewhere and accordingly when the country
became settled and his range began to narrow he sold off his surplus stock and
turned his attention to farming. His first purchase of land consisted of three
hundred and twenty acres, to which he later added one hundred and seventy-four
Vol. 11 2 8
802 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
acres, and his well directed labors resulted in transforming the entire tract into
a highly improved farm in a high state of cultivation. He fenced his holdings,
erected good buildings, including a beautiful modern home which took the place
of the pioneer log cabin, and he also planted an orchard, the oldest in the county
with one exception.
On the 27th of January, 1864, Mr. Dewar was married in Walla Walla to
Miss Margaret McRae, who survives. To them were born seven children, of
whom three are living, Alexander, Alida and Gordon M. The others, John,
James M., Elizabeth and David are deceased, the last two dying of diphtheria
on the same day.
Mr. Dewar was a stanch advocate of republican principles and was recognized
as a leader in party circles. In 1878 he was chosen as a member of the territorial
legislature and while serving in that body was the author of the celebrated rail-
way freight bill which bore his name. In 1882 he was again elected to the leg-
islature and a third time was chosen to represent his district in 1888, but before
that legislature convened the territory had become a state. He was also a dele-
gate to the convention which nominated candidates for membership in the body
to which the drafting of the state constitution was entrusted. To him a public
office was a sacred trust and his course was dictated solely by considerations of
the general welfare. Through the honest and capable discharge of his duties
he won the right to rank among the builders of the state. The guiding principle
of his life was his religious belief and the Presbyterian church found in him
a loyal and active member. His widow is still identified with that denomination
and likewise takes a hearty interest in its activities. The death of Mr. Dewar
occurred March 27, 1892.
ELI BOLICK.
Eli Bolick is now practically living retired in Asotin but still has extensive
investments in farm lands and mercantile interests. He was born in North Caro-
lina in 1854 and there spent the period of his boyhood and youth, during which
time he acquired a common school education. The period of his minority was
passed in the home of his parents, Abner and Nancy Bolick, who were farming
people of the Old North state. On his way westward Mr. Bolick stopped for one
year in Missouri in order to earn money with which to continue the trip. He then
came on to Washington, where he arrived in 1878, and settled on a homestead on
the flat above Asotin. From time to time he added to his property until he now
has eighteen hundred acres of rich and valuable land, which his sons are now
cultivating. For many years, however, he personally gave his time and attention
to his farm work and his life has ever been one of untiring energy and thrift.
However, about two or three years ago he retired from the farm. While busily
engaged in tilling the soil he made wheat his principal crop. It was in the latter
'gos when the people began to realize that their land was valuable and it has
since steadily advanced in price until it is now selling on an average of from fifty
to sixty dollars per acre. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Bolick has
a large hardware and implement store in Asotin which is supervised by Robert
ELI BOLICK
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 805
Anderson, who is half owner of the business. This is the only store of the kind
in the town and the trade has steadily grown.
In 1886 Mr. Bolick was united in marriage to Miss Elvinia Forgey, who was
born in the Willamette valley, Oregon, and was a daughter of Elias and Calistine
Forgey, pioneers of that section. In 1882, however, her parents removed to
Asotin county, Washington, and took up a homestead, where Mr. Forgey engaged
in the raising of grain and stock. Mrs. Bolick passed away July 7, 1916. By
her marriage she had become the mother of nine children : Maude, who died at
the age of seventeen years ; Wallace and Alice, twins, the former a large rancher
of Alberta, Canada, while the latter is the wife of Ray Adams, of Cheney, Wash-
ington; Mollie, the wife of B. Hughes of the Willamette valley; Grace and Nettie,
who are engaged in teaching; Dell, who married Ruby Sargent and is upon his
father's farm; and Russell and Fern, both at home.
In politics Mr. Bolick has always been a republican but not an active party
worker. He served for six years as county commissioner although he was never
ambitious to hold office. He has ever been a friend of education and the public
schools have found in him a stalwart champion. He stands for progress and
advancement along many lines and in his own business career has illustrated the
force of unfaltering industry and close application guided by sound judgment.
HON. GEORGE: C.GI3MN.:,:.1>- US l
Hon. George C. Ginn, of Walla Wa'lla, is pVorniri^iit bofh in agricultural
circles of this section and in public affairs, having served as" a member of the
state legislature. He was born in Umatilla county, Oregon, November 27, 1875,
a son of Richard and Catherine (Kinnear) Ginn, the former a native of Scot-
land, whence he emigrated to Canada in 1840. He was married there and in i860
removed with his family to Minnesota, where he resided for a decade. He then
came to the Pacific northwest and settled on a farm in Umatilla county, to the
operation of which he gave his entire time and attention until 1898, when he
retired and removed to Walla Walla. Here he passed away in 1899 ^"d his wife
died five years later.
Hon. George C. Ginn, who is one of six living children of a family of ten,
received his education in the common schools and in the State Normal School
in Oregon. During his boyhood and youth he also received thorough training
in agricultural work which proved very valuable when he began farming on his
own account. On beginning his independent career he purchased land in Uma-
tilla county and still owns five hundred acres there, the operation of which he
supervises, although he makes his home in Walla Walla. In the management of
his farming interests he has displayed sound judgment, a progressive spirit and
excellent business ability and is one of the substantial residents of Walla Walla.
He is also a stockholder and a director in the Third National Bank of this city.
In 1903 occurred the marriage of Mr. Ginn and Miss Rowena Evans. Fol-
lowing her death in 1910 he was married in 1912 to Miss Linnie P. Riggs, a
native of Oregon. Mr. Ginn is prominent in the councils of the republican party,
which he has supported since becoming of age, and in 1914 he was elected a
806 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
member of the state legislature. His thorough grasp of public questions, his
ability to differentiate between the essential and the nonessential and his consistent
regard for the public welfare soon attracted favorable notice in that body and his
work as a legislator reflected credit upon himself and upon the district which
he represented. Fraternally he belongs to Lodge No. 121, L O. O. F., to the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, in which he has held a number of offices,
and to the Woodmen of the World. He is in hearty sympathy with the work
of the Commercial Club, of which he is an active member, and every project
calculated to promote the interests of Walla Walla depends upon and receives
his moral and material support. He possesses the physical and mental vigor that
enables him to accomplish much with seeming ease and although his has been
a busy life he has always been characterized by a hearty good nature that has
endeared him to his many friends. Both he and his wife belong to the Presby-
terian church and his generous spirit has found expression in a liberal support
of its various activities.
FRED L. MILLER.
Among the native sons of Washington who have elected to continue resi-
dents of the state is Fred L. Miller, a prominent farmer and stock raiser of Gar-
field county. He was bom on the site of Dayton, Columbia county, February
12, 1866, and is a son of George W. and Sarah E. (Ping) Miller, an account
of whose lives appears in the sketch of Judge Chester F. Miller, elsewhere in
this work.
Fred L. Miller grew to manhood in his native county and as a boy attended
the Dayton public schools and continued his studies in the high school, from
which he was graduated in 1888. On beginning his independent career he took
up his residence upon the farm where he still resides, which is located on the
Snake river. He divides his time between grain farming and breeding cattle for
the market. He owns forty-two hundred acres and in addition to this operates
six hundred acres of state land under lease. He is recognized as an authority
upon the different problems relative to the production of grain and on the various
phases of cattle raising and each branch of his business returns to him a good
profit. He specializes in registered white faced Hereford cattle and feeds from
three hundred to four hundred each winter.
On the i6th of October, 1888, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss
Laura A. McMorris, a daughter of J. E. McMorris, who in 1879 removed to
Columbia county, Washington, from California. Ten children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Miller, namely: George E., at home; F. Albert, who is in the
United States Army; Harry B. and Nell B., at home; Jessie R., the wife of Jack
Phillips, of Garfield county ; and Otis D., Sarah E., Merritt and Merrell, twins,
and John, all at home.
Mr. Miller is a republican and his advice is often sought in local party coun-
cils. In November, 1908, he was elected to the board of county commissioners
for the short term and in 1910 was elected to the office for the long term, serving
in all for six years as a member of the board, and in that connection he did
OLD WALLxA. WALLA COUNTY 807
valuable work for the county, giving the same careful attention to the manage-
ment of its afifairs that he gives to the direction of his private interests. He is
identified with the Woodmen of the World and has many friends within and
without that organization. Among his salient characteristics are the ability to
discriminate between the essential and the non-essential, resourcefulness in adapt-
ing himself to new conditions and sound judgment and these qualities have proved
as valuable in his work as a farmer as in any other field of activity.
JOHN R. LYONS.
That John R. Lyons possesses good business ability is evident from the fact
that he is successfully operating a fine ranch of nine hundred acres devoted to
the raising of wheat and of stock. He was born in Ireland, April 28, 1867, and
is a son of Patrick and Frances Lyons, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere
in this work. Our subject was brought to Walla Walla county, Washington, in
childhood and here received a good common school education. He remained
under the parental roof until he attained his majority, during which time he
aided his father in farming, and then began cultivating land on his own account.
He took up his residence upon the ranch which he now owns and which com-
prises nine hundred acres of fertile land in Walla Walla township. The place
is well improved and his work is facilitated by the most modem and up-to-date
equipment. He raises stock extensively and also grows a large quantity of wheat
annually. He is energetic and progressive and the success which he has gained
is the direct result of his good management and industry.
Mr. Lyons was married in 1903 to Miss Frances O'Brien, who was born in
Nebraska and is a daughter of George and Katherine O'Brien, both now de-
ceased. Mrs. Lyons has also passed away, her death occurring March 8, 1906.
She was buried in the Catholic cemetery in Walla Walla. Her two daughters,
Mary L. and Anna M., are both now students in St. Vincent's Academy.
Mr. Lyons gives his political support to the democratic party but has never
had time to take an active part in public affairs. His fraternal relations are
with the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, in
both of which organizations he is popular. He has not only gained financial inde-
pendence but he has also contributed in considerable measure to the development
of Walla Walla county along the lines of scientific agriculture and stock raising
and is recognized as a prominent citizen.
FRANK McCOWN.
Frank McCown, who is living retired after many years devoted to agricul-
tural pursuits, was bom in Clakamas county, Oregon, November 15, 1855, a son
of William and Sarah (Best) McCown, both natives of West Virginia. In 1846
they removed to Kansas and six years later crossed the great plains by ox team
to Orcon. The father took up a donation claim of four hundred and eighty
808 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
acres in Clakamas county and erected a large cabin, which remained the family
home for a number of years. In 1878 removal was made to Walla Walla county,
Washington, and later the father purchased land which he operated until his
death. To him and his wife were born seven children, but only two are living,
the brother of our subject being J. L., now a resident of Portland, Oregon.
Frank McCown was reared and educated in Oregon, and during his boy-
hood and youth received valuable training in farm work. When he was twenty-
three years old he came to Washington, and has since resided in Walla Walla
county. He devoted his active life to farming and from time to time added to
his holdings until he now owns fifteen hundred acres of land which he leases,
having retired in 1902. He maintains his home in Waitsburg but spends his
winters in California. The success which he has gained has proved that he is
quick to recognize and take advantage of business opportunities, and in the de-
velopment of his farm he was always willing to profit by the work of investi-
gators along agricultural lines.
Mr. McCown was married in 1881 to Miss Laura Walker, and they have be-
come the parents of five children, namely: Emory D. ; Malcolm W. ; Annie N.,
the wife of Walter Minnick; Hazel B. ; and Frank J. R.
Mr. McCown supports the democratic party at the polls but has not taken an
active part in public affairs although he has taken the interest of a good citizen
in matters of government. He belongs to Lodge No. 5, I. O. O. F., in which he
has filled all of the chairs. The standards by which he has governed his life are
further indicated in his membership in the Christian church, to which his wife
also belongs. His friends are numerous and his qualities are such that all who
come in contact with him hold him in high esteem.
JOE MARTIN.
Among the men who have aided in the development of Walla Walla county
as a leading wheat producing section is Joe Martin, who is engaged in wheat
raising on an extensive scale on section 36, township 8 north, range 35 east. He
was bom in County Roscommon, Ireland, April 26, 1869, a son of John and
Bridget (Feely) Martin, who passed their entire lives in that country.
Joe Martin was reared at home and received his education in the common
schools of Ireland. About the time he became of age he emigrated to America
and took up his residence in Fremont, Iowa, where he spent six or seven years.
At the end of that time he decided to identify his interests with those of the
Pacific northwest and came to Walla Walla county, Washington. After work-
ing as a farm hand for several years he was able to rent his present farm, which
he has since purchased. He owns nine hundred acres and specializes in wheat
raising. His practical knowledge of the methods best adapted to conditions in
this locality, combined with his energy and good judgment, has enabled him
to gain financial independence. His farm is excellently improved and is equipped
with the most up-to-date machinery.
At Walla Walla, January 27. 1903, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to
Miss Mary Martin, who although of the same name is not a relative. .An
JOE MARTIN
MRS. JOE MARTIN
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY , 813
account of the life of her father, John Martin, appears elsewhere in this work.
Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin: Alicia S., Michael,
James F., Mary T., Catherine B., Esther R., Helen M., and Rose Anna.
The parents hold membership in the Catholic church of Walla Walla and
give their influence and support to movements whose object is the promotion
of the moral welfare of the community. Mr. Martin supports the democratic
party at the polls and is now serving efficiently as clerk of the school board.
He has not been otherwise active in public affairs, the management of his farm-
ing interests leaving him little time for other activities. The success which he
has gained is due to his own efforts and he is fully entitled to the credit given
a self-made man.
JAMES C. ROBERTS.
James C. Roberts, a well known and prosperous farmer residing on section
4, township 7 north, range 35 east, was born in Lee county, Virginia, July 17,
1866, a son of Robert and Mary Roberts, also natives of that state, where the
mother is still living.
There James C. Roberts was reared and received his education, but when
twenty-one years of age he crossed the continent, locating in Walla Walla county,
Washington. For some time he was employed as a. farm hand but in 1888 he
took up a homestead on Dry creek and remained there until 1905, when he pur-
chased his present farm, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres and is
improved with excellent buildings. The place is all fine alfalfa land, valued
at three hundred dollars per acre, and it produces such excellent crops that it
yields a good profit on the capital invested.
Mr. Roberts was married in 1889 to Mrs. A-Iartha Kelley, also a native of
Virginia. In 1886 she came west and has since resided in this part of the country.
By her first union she had five children, all of whom survive, and by her mar-
riage to Mr. Roberts she has become the mother of twins: Elnora, deceased;
and James Austin.
Mr. Roberts is a republican and for three terms served on the school board,
during which time he did effective work for the local schools. His wife is a
member of the Congregational church. Both are well known in the county and
the prosperity which they have gained is the result of their own industry and
good management.
W. L. TAYLOR.
W. L. Taylor, a successful farmer of Garfield county, Washington, residing
on section 19, township 13 north, range 43 east, was born in Adams county,
Illinois, in 1840, a son of Adam and Barbara (Grimes) Taylor, both natives of
Kentucky, who removed to Illinois at an early day and there passed away upon
the homestead. Five of their seven children are still living.
814 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
W. L. Taylor was reared in his native state and is indebted to its public
schools for his education. He remained there for a number of years after attain-
ing his majority but in 1878 removed to Walla Walla county and settled on land
on section 19, township 13 north, range 43 east, where he has ever since resided.
He has added to his original homestead and now owns three hundred and twenty-
live acres of as tine wheat land as can be found in Washington. He has never
regretted his choice of farming as an occupation, for he has found the work
congenial and has gained a competence. He supervises the operation of the
place but leaves the greater part of the actual work of its cultivation to others.
In 1866 Mr. Taylor was married to Miss Lucretia Vannest, who was born
in Illinois, and to them were born three children: Willard; Edward, who is
farming the home place; and James, now a resident of Idaho. The wife and
mother passed away in 191 5 and was buried in the May View cemetery.
Mr. Taylor supports the democratic party at the polls but he has never held
office, with the exception of serving on the school board. He belongs to the
Grange and to the Farmers' Union and believes that much can be accomplished
for the advancement of country life through cooperation on the part of the
farmers. He is an honored pioneer of the county and his accounts of early day
conditions are of great interest to the younger generation.
GODFRED HANSON.
Godfred Hanson, who has been actively and successfully identified with the
farming interests of Walla Walla county for the past three decades, is the owner
of sixty-one acres of productive land on section i, Ritz township. His birth oc-
curred in Denmark on the 17th of March, 1856, his parents being Hans and Cecil
(Rasmussen) Hanson, who were also natives of that country. In the '70s they
crossed the Atlantic to the United States and here spent the remainder of their
lives. They became the parents of nine children, but only two are now living,
the surviving brother of our subject being Fred, who makes his home in Wis-
consin.
Godfred Hanson was reared and educated in the land of his nativity, there
spending the first seventeen years of his life. In 1873, attracted by the greater
opportunities of the new world, he emigrated to the United States and took up
his abode in Wisconsin, where he remained for fourteen years. On the ex-
piration of that period, in 1887. he made his way westward to Washington,
settling in Walla Walla county and purchasing a farm of sixty-one acres in
Ritz township which he has operated continuously to the present time, covering
a period of three decades. He erected substantial and commodious buildings
on the property and now has a well improved farm on which he makes a specialty
of the raising of alfalfa. His undertakings as an agriculturist have been at-
tended with well merited success, so that he has long been numbered among
the prosperous and representative citizens of his community.
In 1888 Mr. Hanson was united in marriage to Miss Anna Jensen, a native
of Denmark, by whom he had four children, namely : Cecelia, Howard and
Mildred, all at home ; and Fred, who is deceased.
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 815
In politics Mr. Hanson is a stalwart democrat and at present he is ably
serving as school director and clerk. He was reared in the Lutheran faith and
still adheres to the teachings of that church. He is indeed a self-made man and
deserves all the praise that term implies, for the success which he now enjoys
is attributable entirely to his industry, energy and perseverance.
WILLIAM E. BRUCE.
William E. Bruce, who is devoting his time to farming on section 25, town-
ship 9 north, range 37 east, is a native son of Washington as his birth occurred
in Columbia county, September 18, 1880. His father was James W. Bruce, and
his mother, who bore the maiden name of Addie Harmon, was a native of Ore-
gon, but in 1857 came to Walla Walla county. James W. Bruce engaged in
farming in this county for many years and met with gratifying success in that
connection.
William E. Bruce, who is one of a family of four children, all of whom sur-
vive, wa.s reared in Walla Walla county and began his education in the public
schools, continuing his studies in Pullman College. He remained at home, giving
his father the benefit of his labor until he attained his majority, when he began
operating three hundred and twenty acres of wheat land and three hundred and
seventy acres of pasture land. He is still farming those tracts and derives a
gratifying income from both his wheat raising and his stock raising.
In 1914 Mr. Bruce was married to Miss Clarabel Weatherford, of Dayton,
a daughter of Hon. F. M. Weatherford, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere
in this work. Mr. Bruce has never been active in public or political affairs. He
holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally is identified
with Lodge No. 16, A. F. & A. M., at Waitsburg and with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, at Waitsburg. These connections indicate the high standards
which have governed his life and have gained him the respect of all who know
him. As a farmer he is progressive and businesslike, as a citizen he manifests
a commendable public spirit and in the private relations of life he is scrupulous
in his recognition of the rights of others.
JOHN E. WEBB.
Having gained financial independence John E. Webb is now living retired
in Walla Walla, save for the supervision which he gives to his extensive landed
interests. He was born in Illinois, August 13, 1870, and was reared in that
state. He received a public school education and was also trained to agricul-
tural pursuits during his boyhood and youth. In early manhood he went to
Nebraska, whence, several years later, he came to Walla Walla county, Wash-
ington. He readily adapted himself to the crude conditions here, and as the
years passed he purchased additional land and now owns about nine thousand
816 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
acres. His property affords him double pleasure in that it is the direct result of
his own business insight, resourcefulness and enterprise. He is one of the largest
land holders in the county and he has always been among the first to adopt new
methods or improved equipment.
In 1906 Mr. Webb was united in marriage to Mrs. Annie Pickard, the widow
of Charles F. Pickard. By her first marriage she had six children, namely:
Clara, who married O. L. Compton ; Thetford; Anita; Russell; Olive, the wife
of C. W. Cornelius ; and Beatrice. To Mr. and Mrs. Webb has been born a
son, Harry E.
Mr. and Mrs. Webb spend their winters in California and all the comforts
of life are theirs. Mr. Webb has never been ambitious to hold public office,
preferring to concentrate his attention upon his individual interests. However,
in developing his large farm holdings, he has played an important part in the
upbuilding of Walla Walla county along agricultural lines. He has a number of
fraternal connections, belonging to the Masonic lodge, the Knights of Pythias
lodge and the Elks. Few men are more widely known or more highly esteemed
in Walla Walla county than he, and it is largely recognized that his integrity,
as well as his ability, is above question.
JOHN CHANDLER.
John Chandler, for many years a resident of Whitman county, where he still
owns twenty-five hundred acres of fine land, is now living retired in Walla Walla,
enjoying well deserved leisure. His birth occurred in Gloucestershire, England,
January 14, 1854, and he is a son of Joseph and Eliza (Surman) Chandler, also
natives of that country, where the father passed away. In 1882 the mother and
her family of eight children came to America and proceeded at once to Wash-
ington, as at that time our subject's uncle, William Yend, was living six miles
north of Walla Walla. Mrs. Chandler continued to make her home with her
children in that region until her death, which occurred in 1904. Of the eight
children five still survive.
John Chandler received his education in his native land and there grew to
manhood. In 1882 he accompanied the family on their emigration to the United
-States and on reaching Washington took up a homestead in Whitman county.
As soon as possible he placed his land under cultivation and was so successful in
his farming operations that from time to time he was able to purchase more
land until he now owns twenty-five hundred acres. For a few years after locat-
ing here he engaged in the cattle business to quite an extent but since then has
given his attention principally to the raising of wheat. His holdings consist of
some of the finest wheat land in the county and he now derives a good income
from the rental of his property. In 1909 he retired from active labor and re-
moved to Walla Walla, where he erected a fine residence on Roosevelt street,
and here he has gained a high place in the esteem of his fellow citizens.
Mr. Chandler v^'as married in 1901 to Miss Ada Fowler, also a native of
England, and they have five children, namely : John F. and Ruth, both of whom
are high school students ; Dorothy ; Theodore W. ; and Elizabeth.
JOHN CHANDLER
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 819
Mr. Chandler has supported the republican party since acquiring the right
of franchise and for a considerable period served on the school board in Whit-
man county. Both he and his wife are communicants of the Protestant Epis-
copal church and its work receives their hearty support. Their residence is one
of the attractive homes of Walla Walla and it is known for its cordial hos-
pitality.
JOSEPH W. TONER.
Joseph W. Toner, who is successfully farming in Walla Walla county, was
born in Vermont, April 22, 1875, a son of Daniel and Bridget (Ferrell) Toner.
The father was born in Vermont and the mother was a native of Ireland, but
they were married in the Green Mountain state, where they resided until called
by death. To them were born seven children, of whom five survive.
Joseph W. Toner was reared at home and as a boy and youth attended the
public schools. In 1892, when seventeen years, he came to Walla Walla, Wash-
ington, and for some years engaged in dairying. He now, however, gives his
attention to general farming. He owns thirty-seven and a half acres of finely
improved land within the city limits of Walla Walla and has refused nine hun-
dred dollars an acre for tiie place.
Mr. Toner was married in 1895 to Mis§ Permelia, C. Hammond, a native of
Walla Walla and a daughter of Williatjr R. and Permelia Hammond. To this
marriage have been born seven children: Helen, the wife of Milton Carter; Mil-
dred, Edward and Mary, all high school students ;. Daniel, Jeanie and Ferrell.
The family attend the Presbyterian church and, .contribute to its support.
Mr. Toner holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of
Walla Walla and is popular in that organization. In political belief he is a dem-
ocrat and he is now capably serving as a member of the school board.
JOHN A. BAILEY.
For thirty years John A. Bailey has resided upon the Pacific coast and since
1898 has made his home in Walla Walla, where he is now actively engaged in
business as the president of the Lumber & Fuel Company. He was born in Col-
chester county, Nova Scotia, January 10, 1862, a son of Alexander and Jane (Fer-
guson) Bailey, both of whom were natives of that country, where the father passed
away, while the mother is still living there. They had a family of four children,
all of whom are still residents of Canada with the exception of John A.
The last named was reared and educated in his native country, pursuing a
public school course, and in 1883, having attained his majority, he left home
and crossed the border into the United States, taking up his abode in Boston,
Massachusetts, where he remained for a brief period. The west attracted him,
however, for he believed that its opportunities were limitless and in 1887 he
crossed the country to California. There he remained for about two and one-
S20 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
half years, after which he went to Portland, Oregon, and there resided until
his removal to Grays Harbor. He came to Walla Walla, Washington, about
1898, and here took up the business of contracting and building, which he fol-
lowed successfully until 1916. He then became connected with the Lumber &
Fuel Company, of which he is now the head, and in this connection he is con-
ducting a business of extensive and gratifying proportions.
In Los Angeles, California, in 1887, Mr. Bailey was united in marriage to
Miss Christina M. Bailey, who, though of the same name, was not a relative. She,
too, was born in Canada, where her mother, one sister and two brothers still re-
side, and by her marriage has become the mother of a daughter, Edith M., who
is now the wife of Clarence G. Ludwigs. She is a graduate of the high school of
Walla Walla and also of the Washington State University. Mrs. Bailey and her
daughter hold membership in the Presbyterian church and are prominent in tlie
social circles of the city. Mr. Bailey is identified with the Masonic fraternity
and has taken all of the degrees of the York and Scottish rites and has crossed
the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He likewise be-
longs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political endorsement is
given to the republican party, which he has supported since becoming a natural-
ized American citizen. Opportunity has ever been to him the call to action and in
his business career he has so wisely utilized his opportunities that success in sub-
stantial measure has come to him. With him every day must mark off a full-
faithed attempt to know more and to grow more. He early recognized that where
there is no advancement there has been no effort, and putting forth earnest and
persistent effort, he has passed many others who perhaps started out ahead of
him on life's journey. He is stable in purpose, quick in perception, swift in de-
cision, energetic and persistent in action; and thus he has made for himself a
most creditable position on the stage of business activity in Walla Walla.
J. H. COYLE.
The business upbuilding of a city is attributable not to one individual but to
the combined efforts of many. However, there are some who occupy positions
of leadership in their respective lines — men well trained in a given field and
whose intelligently directed efforts produce substantial results that work not only
for their own benefit but constitute a most important force in general business
progress and prosperity. Such a man is J. H. Coyle, the president and man-
ager of the Walla Walla Mill Company, and thus prominently identified with
the milling interests of Walla Walla. He was born in Crawford county, Wis-
consin, December 5, 1859, a son of J. B. and S. A. (Lemons) Coyle. The father
was a native of Ohio, while the mother was born in Wisconsin, and they became
the parents of four children, two of whom are now living.
J. H. Coyle of this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the
state of his nativity and is indebted to its public school system for the educa-
tional opportunities which he enjoyed. He early began learning the miller's
trade, which he followed in Minnesota, leaving his native state when eighteen
J. JI. (.'OYLK
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 823
years of age. Me continued a resident of Minnesota until 1897, when he came
to Walla Walla county, Washington, and purchased what was known as the
old McKennan mill. Since that time he has been identified with the milling
interests of Walla Walla and is today at the head of an important enterprise
of this character. After some years he admitted his son, J. D. Coyle, to a part-
nership in the business, which has been incorporated with J. H. Coyle as the
president and manager and J. D. Coyle as the secretary. Their mill has a
capacity of seventy barrels. The plant is splendidly equipped with the latest
improved machinery and the most modern processes of flour manufacturing are
utilized, so that the output is of excellent quality, insuring a ready sale on the
market.
In Minnesota, in 1887, Mr. Coyle was united in marriage to Miss Emma
Buehler, a native of Wisconsin, and they have become the parents of eight
children: John D., who is associated with his father in business; Velma, the
wife of A. W. Hancock; W. F. ; Vida; Clarence, who has passed away; Victor;
Emma ; and Erma. The parents attend the Methodist Episcopal church.
In his political views Mr. Coyle is a republican and has served on the school
board for a number of years but has never sought strictly political office. Frater-
nally he is connected with the Masons and the Odd Fellows and exemplifies in
his life the beneficent spirit of these organizations. His has been an active and
useful life fraught with good results. His business affairs have been success-
fully and wisely managed and he is now the owner of six acres of land, upon
which is a fine property. His milling business has become one of the important
productive industries of Walla Walla and his colleagues and contemporaries in
business circles speak of him in terms of high regard, not only by reason of
the success which he has achieved but also owing to the straightforward busi-
ness policy which he has ever followed.
EMERSON E. WOODS.
Emerson E. Woods, who resides on the old Woods homestead on section 9,
township 9 north, range 37 east, is one of the alert and enterprising young farmers
who have chosen agriculture as a life work because of their recogfnition of its many
possibilities. He was born in the township in which he still resides on the 12th
of February, 1893, and is a son of Joel and Viola M. ( Hull) Woods, a sketch of
whom appears elsewhere in this work. He received a good education in the
Waitsburg public schools and also received thorough training in farm work under
the guidance of his father. When he was twenty-two years old he began his in-
dependent career, renting six hundred and sixty acres of land, which he has
since operated. In December, 1916, he also took charge of the Woods home-
stead of five hundred and fifty acres on which he now resides, and although
he has only reached the middle twenties he has proved his capability as an
executive, ably managing the operation of the twelve hundred and ten acres.
It is needless to say that he utilizes the most improved methods and the latest
implements in his work, and that he gives careful study to the markets.
On the 22d of December, 191 5, Mr. Woods was married to Miss Estella H.
S24 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Hazelton, of Waitsburg, a daughter of Thomas and Leona (Parker) Hazelton,
pioneer settlers of Walla Walla county, both now deceased. Mr. Woods votes
the republican ticket but has not otherwise been active in public affairs, pre-
ferring to concentrate his energies uf>on his farming interests. He belongs to
the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and his religious faith is that of the Chris-
tian church. He is a typical western man, self reliant, enterprising and confident
of the future, and he has thoroughly identified his interests with those of his
county and state.
BYRD COYLE.
Byrd Coyle, a well known dairyman and substantial farmer of Walla Walla
county, was born in Lebanon, Oregon, February 7, i860, and is a representative
of a very old and prominent family of that state. His father, James B. Coyle,
was born in Peoria, Illinois, March 4, 1832, and throughout life followed farm-
ing. In 1852 he crossed the plains with ox teams and located in Oregon, where
he made his home until coming to Walla Walla county, Washington, in 1866.
Here he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land, to which the family
have since added from time to time until now the home place comprises five
hundred and sixty acres. The father died on the 29th of April, 1901, but the
mother of our subject is still living and continues to reside on the home farm.
She bore the maiden name of Jane Summers and was born in Iowa, August 23,
1 84 1. She was only five years of age when she crossed the plains with her
parents in 1846, her father being captain of a large company traveling with
ox teams. They reached the Whitman Mission in Oregon so late in the fall
that they resolved to spend the winter of 1846-7 at that place and there Mrs.
Coyle attended the school conducted by Dr. Whitman, who was killed in the
Whitman massacre the following fall. In the spring of 1847 Captain Summers
proceeded with his family to Lebanon, Oregon, where Mrs. Coyle grew to
womanhood and was married. She is today one of the oldest settlers of the
Pacific northwest and is thoroughly familiar with the entire development of
this region.
Byrd Coyle is one of a family of ten children, nine of whom are still living.
Two sons are now residents of Canada and a daughter lives in Kennewick,
Washington, but the remainder are all living in Walla Walla county. Here
Byrd Coyle attended the district schools and his early education was supple-
mented by a course at Whitman College and later at the Oregon State University,
where he was a student for two years. After putting aside his textbooks he
engaged in railroad work for several years and then spent three years and a
half in Alaska, but in November, 1900, he returned to Walla Walla county.
His father died soon afterward and he and his brother Charles have since had
charge of the home farm, which they have operated with most gratifying suc-
cess. In connection with general farming they give considerable attention to the
dairy business, having a creamery upon his place and selling both milk and
butter, and they furnish employment to from twenty-five to forty men.
On the 27th of June, 1916, Byrd Coyle was united in marriage to Miss
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 825
Lenora Stewart, a native of Virginia and a daughter of Moore Stewart. They
are earnest and consistent members of the Congregational church, and Mr. Coyle
is also identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In politics he
is a democrat and takes a deep and commendable interest in public afifairs.
H. D. CONOVER.
H. D. Conover, who is farming extensively in Columbia county, Washing-
ton, is now financially independent, although he began his career empty-handed.
He is a western man by birth as well as preference, as he was born in Linn county,
Oregon, March 28, 1859, a son of W. S. and Margaret (Crawford) Conover,
both of whom were born in Indiana. In 1852 both came to Oregon as members
of a train of emigrants journeying by ox team. They were married in Oregon
and remained residents of that state until called by death. To them were born
two sons, the brother of our subject being O. M. Conover, of Waitsburg.
H. D. Conover attended the district schools in his early boyhood, but in 1872.
when but thirteen years, came to Washington and found work on a stock farm.
He was so employed until he was thirty-five years old, since which time he has
followed agricultural pursuits independently. He now operates fourteen hundred
acres of land, growing large crops of grain annually and also raising some stock.
His long experience and his keen powers of observation have taught him the
most efifective methods of carrying on his work and he manages the business
phase of farming excellently and as a result receives a good return on the cap-
ital invested in his holdings.
Mr. Conover was married on the 6th of December, 1885, to Miss Rachel
McKinney, a native of Washington county, Oregon, and they have three chil-
dren: Lettie A., the widow of J. W. Roberts; Henry M., a prosperous farmer;
and Louise, the wife of F. P. Kinder, of Waitsburg, Washington.
Mr. Conover belongs to Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 70, to Occidental
Lodge, No. II, A. O. U. W., and to the Woodmen of the World. His political
belief is that of the republican party and its candidates receive his support at the
polls. He is respected wherever known for his strength of character, his enter-
prise and his unquestioned integrity, and his personal friends are many.
WILLIAM M. WEATHERFORD.
William M. Weatherford, president of the Weatherford-Wallace Company.
of Dayton, conducting a loan, real estate, insurance and abstract business, was born
in Columbia county, the 4th of October. 1879, ^ son of Francis M. and Harriett A.
Weatherford, who were pioneer residents of Oregon and Washington, having
crossed the plains with ox teams at a period when that was practically the only
method of travel between the east and the west. The father is now the owner
of an extensive farm in Columbia county and is one of the leading citizens of
826 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
the district. He has served as a representative of the county in the state legis-
lature and has otherwise been prominently connected with public affairs.
In the public schools of his native county William M. Weatherford pursued
his early education and afterward became a student in the Portland Business
College of Portland, Oregon, from which in due course of time he was grad-
uated. He was reared to the occupation of farming and after his textbooks
were put aside devoted his attention for a time to general agricultural pursuits,
but thinking to find other business activities more congenial and perhaps more
profitable, he concentrated his efforts upon the banking business for a period.
Later he became identified with the insurance, mortgage loan and real estate
business and his eff'orts have since been directed along those lines. At the pres-
ent time he is at the head of the Weatherford- Wallace Company, of Dayton, as
its president and is thus conducting a profitable loan, real estate, insurance and
abstract business.
On the 2d of June, 1906, Mr. Weatherford was united in marriage in Walla
Walla, Washington, to Miss Roselle M. Carpenter, a daughter of G. W. and
Mary A. Carpenter, the former a druggist of Waitsburg, Washington. Mrs.
Weatherford was born in Olympia, Washington, and acquired her education in
the public schools of this state and in the Washington State College at Pullman.
Her mother is one of the descendants of John Quincy Adams. To Mr. and
Mrs. Weatherford has been born a daughter, Marybelle. Mr. Weatherford sup-
ports the Congregational church and he gives his political allegiance to the dem-
ocratic party. He has membership with the Knights of Pythias and with the
Masons and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit upon which these organ-
izations are founded. He is likewise connected with the Dayton Commercial Club
and he stands for progress and improvement, advocating all those interests which
have to do with the welfare and upbuilding of the city in which he makes his
home. He has always lived in Washington and the spirit of western enterprise
has found expression in his life. There has been nothing spectacular in his
career but his course has been marked by that steady advancement which follows
persistent and earnest effort, and his substantial traits of character have won
for him the kindly regard and goodwill of his associates in both business and
social life.
MARTIN CAMPBELL.
No history can surpass in picturesque detail the life record of Martin Camp-
bell, who as prospector and miner is familiar with the development of the Fraser
river country and who as farmer and miller has been closely associated with the
progress and upbuilding of Walla Walla county. He is now living retired, en-
joying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He has passed the
eighty-fourth milestone on life's journey, his birth having occurred in Flemington,
New Jersey, February 13, 1833, his parents being Daniel and Charlotte Campbell,
who were also natives of New Jersey, the town of Campbellsville in that state
being named after the paternal grandfather, Martin Campbell. His father was
miller by trade and for several years operated a mill on the Riarton river. Both
he and his wife spent their entire lives in New Jersey.
MARTIN CAMPBELL
y :>-
r
MRS. MARTIN CAMPBELL
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 831
Martin Campbell was reared under the parental roof and pursued his educa-
tion in one of the old-time subscription schools of that early period. When but
seventeen years of age he went to sea and on the vessel on which he shipped was
the captain's wife and little daughter. Shortly after they sailed away the little
girl fell overboard and Mr. Campbell jumped in and rescued her. He was then
taken out of the forecastle and given a birth in the cabin, while the captain's
wife made it her duty and pleasure to look after his education and to her he
owes much of his early intellectual development. In 1856, after sailing round
Cape Horn, he landed at San Francisco and made his way up through the Puget
Sound country. He began work in the mills of the Fort Gamble Lumber Com-
pany and in 1858 was attacked by the mining fever, which it is said some time or
other gets everyone who resides in the vicinity of a developing mining district.
Accordingly he went to Victoria, British Columbia, where he fell in with
some of the clerks of the Hudson's Bay Company and through them he learned
of the gold dust that was being brought down from the Fraser river. The Indians
had scratched the gold out with sticks and brought it to the Hudson's Bay Com-
pany. Although forbidden by Governor Douglas of British Columbia, Mr. Camp-
bell raised a company and began prospecting for gold up the river, returning
that fall. In the spring of i860 he made an overland trip to the Similikameen
country in British Columbia and while crossing the rnountains lived on rice and
sugar. There is scarcely an experience which comes to the prospector and the
miner with which he is not familiar. He met all of the hardships and privations
incident to such a life and, like many another, he did not gain the fortune for
which he was striving in that way, although in later years he made for himself
a most substantial place in business circles.' In the fall of i860 he crossed the
border into Washmgton and spent the winter at Fort Colville. In the following
spring he engaged in prospecting on the Pend Oreille river and later engaged in
prospecting and mining on the Columbia river, thus spending his time until 1863.
In that year Mr. Campbell came to Walla Walla county and through the fol-
lowing two years was variously employed. In 1S65 he turned his attention to
farming, making a specialty of the raising of wheat, which he hauled to Wallula,
selling it for from thirty-five to fifty-five cents per bushel. He was afterward
a member of the firm of Coyle & Campbell, millers, and for several years, engaged
successfully in the milling business in Walla Walla. In recent years he has
disposed of his farm holdings but still owns various city properties, from which
he derives a very gratifying annual income. His investments have been judiciously
made and his sound judgment is manifest therein.
In 1869 Mr. Campbell was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Ernest, who
came to Walla Walla county from Iowa in 1862. They are well known as a
most honored pioneer couple of the northwest. The experiences which have fallen
to the lot of Mr. Campbell would rival any tale of fiction and he can speak with
authority concerning the phases of development and progress in this entire
section of the country. He came here when the red man largely held dominion
over the northwest, regarding its great forests as his hunting ground and its
streams as his especial place for fishing. But the country, rich in its natural re-
sources, beckoned the progressive man of the east — the man who is not afraid to
face danger, hardships and privations in order to aid in reclaiming this great
region for the purposes of civilization. To this class belongs Mr. Campbell and
Vol. II 2 9
832 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
the work which he has done in the development and upbuilding of the west en-
titles him to more than passing notice. He has left his impress upon the work of
progress and improvement and his reminiscences concerning the early history
of the country are most interesting.
JOHN D. JONES.
John D. Jones is an important factor in the industrial circles of southeastern
Washington as he is president of the Self-Oiling Wheel & Bearing Company of
Walla Walla, many of whose products are manufactured under patents which
he has taken out. He was born in Wales, November 15, 1863, a son of Richard
N. and Ellen Jones, who in 1881 emigrated to Canada. For a year they resided
in Montreal and then removed to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where they have since
made their home.
John D. Jones was educated in the public schools of his native country and
in the night schools of Minneapolis. When he accompanied his parents to the
United States at the age of nineteen years he entered the shops of the Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. When fifteen years old he had apprenticed
himself to the machinist's trade in Wales and during his residence in Montreal
he worked in the shops of the Grand Trunk Railway. While there he assisted
in putting the first air pump on an engine on the Grand Trunk system. For
several years he was connected with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul and the
Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie railways and was the first machinist
to be employed by the latter road in Minneapolis. In the fall of 1888 he came
to the Pacific northwest, entering the shops of the Oregon- Washington Railway
& Navigation Company at The Dalles, and later he worked at various points
along their system. On severing his connection with that road he engaged in
the butchering and restaurant business in La Grande, Oregon, after which he
went as far east as Marshalltown, Iowa, where he was employed by the Iowa
Central Railway. However, after his life in the west he found the east too
restricted and unenterprising and again came west. He entered the shops of the
Oregon-Washington Railway & Navigation Company at Portland and was later
transferred to the Umatilla shops. In 1895 he left there and came to Walla
Walla, where he entered the employ of Gilbert Hunt. Subsequently he was
appointed master mechanic of the Washington & Columbia River Railroad under
Joseph McCabe and about that time was also appointed chief engineer of the state
penitentiary by Governor Meade, which appointment, however, he refused to
accept. He became superintendent of the Mill Creek Railway and held that
position during the time that its track was changed from narrow gauge to stand-
ard gauge. In addition to his other railroad experience he has at times served
as an engineer and ran one of the first narrow gauge engines that entered Walla
Walla, it running on the old Dr. Baker railway.
In 1905 Mr. Jones went into business for himself, opening a machine shop
on South Second street, Walla Walla. He built up a large business and also
took out a number of patents and in 1914 he organized the Self-Oiling Wheel
& Bearing Company, which manufactures goods under his patents. Up to the
HOME OF MARTIX CAMPBELL
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 835
present time he holds about twenty-eight patents on automobile parts and har-
vesting machiner>^ The plant of the company is one of the best equipped in
Washington and the employes are skilled mechanics. The goods manufactured
include farm machinery of all kinds, gas engine pistons and ring stocks, self-
oiling devices for pulleys, hay blocks and warehouse truck wheels. The com-
pany's most important product is without doubt one of the most successful com-
bined harvesters ever built. This machine, which is manufactured under patents
owned by Mr. Jones, is capable of harvesting and sacking grain under four cents
per bushel and is so simple in its design that it can be operated with only a third
of the usual horse power. The great wheat country of eastern Washington,
of which Walla Walla is the center, affords an unsurpassed market for improved
farm implements and it is but natural that the Self-Oiling Wheel & Bearing
Company should have built up a large trade, even within the few years of its
existence. From the organization of the concern Mr. Jones has served as its
president and has given his entire time and attention to looking after its interests.
To his thorough and practical knowledge of mechanics he adds executive ability
and keen business insight and is generally recognized as an industrial leader.
In 1887 Mr. Jones was married to Aliss Catherine L. Morris, of Langollen,
North Wales, and to them have been born three sons : Griffith, who is athletic
instructor in the high school at Pendleton, Oregon ; Wynne, superintendent of
the foundry of his father's plant; and Richard L., a student at Whitman College.
Mr. Jones belongs to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 7, F. & A. M., and to Oriental
Consistory, A. & A. S. R., of Spokane. He is also connected with the Woodmen
of the World and has many friends in fraternal circles. Both he and his wife
hold membership in the Christian Science church and give their support to all
good works. His career from the time that he apprenticed himself to the ma-
chinists's trade has been one of continual advancement, gained through his in-
dustry, determination and sound judgement.
HENRY C. BAKER.
Prominent and important business interests have come under the direction
of Henry C. Baker, who is a leading figure in real estate circles of Walla Walla
and one of the best known orchardists of the Pacific northwest. The spirit of
western enterprise and progress has ever found expression in his life. He was
born in Portland, Oregon, November 17, 1858, a son of Dr. Dorsey S. Baker, of
whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this work. He acquired his early
education in the schools of Walla Walla and in the Whitman Seminar)- and
afterward attended the high school at Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he spent two
years as a student. He then entered his father's bank and devoted two years to
that business, after which he went to Moscow, Idaho, where he again engaged
in the banking business. He is now president of the firm of Baker & Baker,
dealers in farm loans, and is also one of the owners of the Baker-Langdon or-
chards, the greatest orchards on the coast. He is likewise one of the stock-
holders of the Baker-Boyer Bank. In a word, his business connections are of
836 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
a most extensive and important character and have been most wisely managed,
so that splendid results have accrued.
In 1887 Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Clara E. Young, of Oak-
land, Oregon, a daughter of E. G. and Martha (Barnett) Young, who crossed
the plains in an early day, settling in the Umpqua valley. The father is still a
resident of Oakland, Oregon, but the mother has passed away. Mr. and Mrs.
Baker have become the parents of one daughter, Henrietta Lucile, who is a
graduate of Whitman College and is at home with her parents.
In his political views Mr. Baker is a stalwart republican, and while never
an office seeker, he has done everything in his power to advance public interests
both along the lines of political activity and otherwise. In his business life he
has been a persistent, resolute and energetic worker, possessing strong executive
powers and keeping his hand steadily upon the helm of his business. He is
strictly conscientious in his dealings with debtor and creditor alike. Keenly
alive to the possibilities of every new avenue opened in the natural ramifications
of trade, he has passed over the pitfalls into which unrestricted progressiveness
is so frequently led and has been enabled to focus his energies in directions where
fruition is certain. If a pen picture could accurately delineate his business
characteristics, it might be given in these words: a progressive spirit ruled by
more than ordinary intelligence and good judgment; a deep earnestness impelled
and fostered by indomitable perseverance; a native justice expressing itself in
correct principle and practice.
JOSEPH DAVIN.
Joseph Davin, of Walla Walla, is one of the foremost citizens of Walla
Walla county, owning in addition to a ten thousand acre sheep ranch large
tracts of excellent farming land, and the success which he has gained seems
doubly remarkable when contrasted with his financial circumstances when he
arrived in the United States a young man of eighteen years. He was then
empty-handed, but he believed that opportunities were open to all in this coun-
try and was energetic and determined to gain prosperity. He was born in
France, March i, 1856, a son of Joseph Davin, an account of whose life ap-
pears in the sketch of his son, S. V.
Joseph Davin of this review grew to manhood in his native country and was
indebted for his education to its public schools. In 1874 he came to the United
States and for eight years remained in California, whence he came to Walla
Walla county, Washington. For two years he was employed as a sheep herder
but at the end of that time was able to buy a small flock of sheep, and has since
engaged in ranching on his own account. He now owns ten thousand acres
devoted to the raising of sheep and is one of the largest operators in that line
of activity in this part of Washington. He also owns another ranch of fifteen
hundred acres, eight hundred acres of wheat land and a stock ranch of six hun-
dred and forty acres, and likewise holds title to a number of valuable properties
in the city of Walla Walla. His business interests include as well, a large block
of stock in the mercantile business conducted by Gardner & Company. He
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 837
still gives careful personal supervision to his extensive interests and ranks as
one of the capitalists of Walla Walla county.
Mr. Davin was married in 1892 to Miss Mary Ayraud, also a native of
France. To them have been born eight children: Alix, the wife of Captain
August Sterner, U. S. A.; Mary, at home; Sarah, the wife of Peter Reno;
Bertha, who is a graduate of the Walla Walla high school and is at home; Anna;
Ida ; Joseph, Jr. ; and Margaret.
Mr. Davin, although faithful in the discharge of the duties devolving upon
him as a citizen, has never had the time nor inclination to seek office. His
political views accord in the main with the principles of the democratic party,
and its candidates receive his support. He and his wife both belong to the
Catholic church and take a considerable interest in the furtherance of its work.
There are few men in Walla Walla with a wider acquaintance than he, and his
genuine worth is indicated by the fact that those who have been most closely
connected with him hold him in the highest esteem.
CHARLES J. BROUGHTON.
Charles J. Broughton, a capitalist of Dayton, was born in Maryland, Sep-
tember 7, 1854, a son of Elijah S. and Harriett A. (Buck) Broughton, the former
a native of Maryland, while the latter was born in Vermont. Both passed away,
however, in the state of Maryland. In their family were four children, of whom
three are yet living.
Charles J. Broughton was reared and educated in the state of his nativity
and started out in life on his own account when a youth of seventeen years.
He made his way westward to the Pacific coast and acted as cook for a pack
train for six months, working at a salary of forty dollars per month. He after-
ward became clerk in a store and was thus engaged for three years. In 1877
he purchased a pony and thus came to Walla Walla. After reaching his des-
tination he obtained a position at Dayton in the employ of Alexander McDonald,
who was proprietor of a general store and with whom he remained for ten years.
On the expiration of that period he purchased a half interest in the business,
which he continued to carry on and develop for thirteen years, the firm being
known during that period as Fallbacher & Broughton. At the end of that time
he purchased the interest of his partner in the business and thus became sole
owner. He carried on the store for five years longer and then sold the stock
but is still owner of the store building. As the years have passed and he has
prospered in his undertakings he has added to his holdings from time to time
and he now owns over eight thousand acres of wheat land in the northwest.
He is also the president of the Broughton Bank of Dayton, which was organized
in 1909.
In 1890 Mr. Broughton was united in marriage to Miss Ina McCleary and to
them have been born eleven children : Mary, who is a graduate of Smith Col-
lege of Massachusetts ; Charles ; Hattie, who is now in college in Massachusetts ;
E. Van, a high school pupil; Helen, also attending high school; Francis; Ruth;
James; Elizabeth; and two who have passed away. Mrs. Broughton is a mem-
838 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
ber of the Congregational church. Mr. Broughton is a republican in his political
views and for one term served as county treasurer but has never been ambitious
to hold office, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his busi-
ness affairs, which have been wisely conducted and have brought to him a sub-
stantial measure of success. His plans have always been carefully formulated
and promptly executed, and his sound judgment has been manifest in his judicious
investments, which have made him one of the capitalists of his section of the
state. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to the blue lodge
and also to the commandery at Walla Walla, in which he has filled some of the
chairs.
MAX BAUMEISTER.
Max Baumeister was for many years a prominent figure in real estate, insur-
ance and loan circles in Walla Walla and belonged to that class of men whose
business enterprise and ability won them prominence and success. His indefatig-
able energy, his marked strength of character and his persistency of purpose
featured largely in the attainment of the handsome competence which he ulti-
mately won. A native of Germany, he was born on the 13th of March, 1840, a
son of Dr. Ernest Baumeister, who crossed the Atlantic to the new world with
his family when his son Max was a youth of fourteen years. At the time of the
Civil war he responded to the call of his adopted country for military aid and was
killed on the field of battle, his remains being laid to rest in the National cemetery
at Arlington.
Max Baumeister spent the first fourteen years of his life in his native country
and during that period attended the public schools after reaching the age of six
years. He then left Germany for the United States in company with his parents,
the family home being established in New York city, where he remained until
after he had attained his majority. It was in 1859 that he came to the Pacific
northwest by way of the Panama route to California, and afer residing in that
state for two years he returned to New York and thence made his way to Europe,
where he traveled extensively. At a later period, however, he once more went to
San Francisco and in 1862 established his home at Portland, Oregon, where he
remained for a brief period and then removed to Walla Walla, coming up the
river by boat to Wallula and thence walking across the country with Henry
Ankeny. At that early day there was but little employment to be had and in
order to provide for his own support he opened a barber shop after he had
worked for a time in other connections. He had but fifteen dollars when he
reached Walla Walla. He was of a saving disposition and was a hard worker.
He understood but little English at the time of his arrival and thus encountered
some difficulties owing to lack of knowledge of the language. However, he was
quick to learn and he made the best possible use of his opportunities. He often
worked from three o'clock in the morning until nine o'clock at night and on Sat-
urdays until midnight. At 3:00 A. M. he would rise to heat water for the miners'
baths. For a time he acted as hired man but after three months he bought out
his employer and thus began laying the foundation of his later success. He con-
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 839
ducted his barber shop until about 1882, after which he engaged for a little time
in merchandising and later estabHshed himself in the real estate, loan and insur-
ance business. He also engaged in farming quite extensively. He readily recog-
nized and utilized opportunities and such were ever to him the call to action, to
which he made immediate response. He was prominently identified with real
estate, loan and insurance interests up to the time of his demise, which occurred
February 3, 1909, and through all these years he occupied a prominent position
in business circles because of the enterprise which he displayed, by reason of his
initiative and also owing to his thorough reliability.
In Walla Walla, in 1864, Mr. Baumeister was united in marriage to Miss
Anna Hauer, who passed away in 1879. The following year Mr. Baumeister was
again married, his second union being celebrated on Long Island, Miss Alvine
Schweiker becoming his wife. They had been acquainted during the period of
Mr. Baumeister's residence in New York, when his wife was but a little girl, and
after returning to New York he renewed his acquaintance with his former friend
and they were married, after which he brought his bride to Walla Walla. They
became the parents of six children: Charlotte Anna, the wife of B. F. Thompson,
of Walla Walla ; Alvin Garfield, living in Walla Walla ; Max E., who is engaged
in trout growing at Stevenson, Washington; Olga S., the wife of Clifton N.
Draper, of Schenectady, New York; Werner W., who is a student in Whitman
College ; and Karl Edward, who is attending high school.
The old home of the family was on Alder street. As the years passed on
Mr. Baumeister made extensive investments in property and acquired between
five and six thousand acres of wheat land in Garfield county. He afterward dis-
posed of that and purchased a farm of several hundred acres now just outside
the city limits of Walla Walla. In 1900 he erected thereon the present beautiful
home of Mrs. Baumeister, which has since been occupied by the family. The
house, spacious, modern and attractive in style of architecture, is surrounded by
thirteen acres of ground laid out in beautiful lawns shaded by fine trees and with
well planned drives.
Mr. Baumeister was a charter member of Enterprise Lodge, I. O. O. F., but
in later years was not an active worker in the organization. He also became a
member of Walla Walla Lodge, No. 7, F. & A. M., and in his life exemplified
the beneficent spirit of the craft, which is based upon a recognition of the brother-
hood of man and the obligations thereby imposed. He was also one of the char-
ter members of the Pioneer Society of Walla Walla and maintained most pleasant
relationships with those who became early residents of this section of the state
and aided in advancing the work of general progress and improvement. He
became an American citizen after crossing the Atlantic and long gave loyal sup-
port to the republican party. During the early period of his residence in Walla
Walla he was a dominant factor in civic afifairs but in later years took no active
part in politics beyond assisting and promoting any movement for the advance-
ment of the interests of the town. There was no movement, however, which
looked to the benefit and further upbuilding of the community that sought his
aid in vain. He stood for progress and improvement at all times and Walla Walla
numbered him for many years as one of its foremost citizens, and his death was
the occasion of profound and wide-spread regret throughout eastern Washing-
ton. Mrs. Baumeister and her family are members of the Christian Science
840 OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
church and she is deeply interested in all those things which have cultural value
or which promote benevolent interests. She has been president of the Walla
Walla Symphony Club, is a member of the Parent Teachers' Association, is an
active worker in the Young Women's Christian Association and is the secretary
of the Red Cross. She has much influence in these connections and her work
is of the greatest benefit.
JOHN GRANT KELLY.
John Grant Kelly, manager of the Daily Bulletin, published at Walla Walla,
has made this one of the most influential dailies of the northwest outside of the
large cities and he has ever been recognized as a fearless defender of what he
believes to be for the best interests of the state. He was born in Peoria, Illinois,
July i6, 1872, a son of William and Sarah Ann (Roberts) Kelly, the former a
native of New York city, of Irish parentage, while the latter was born in Clay
county, Missouri, and is of Scotch descent. The father was a veteran of the
Civil war, having served with Company I of the Ninety-first Illinois Infantry.
He died in the year 1914 and is still survived by his widow.
John Grant Kelly acquired a public school education in Kansas City, Missouri,
being graduated from the Central high school there with the class of 1892. After
his textbooks were put aside he became connected with the Kansas City Journal,
with which he was identified for seven years. Later he was advertising and
business manager of the Drovers Journal-Stockman of Omaha, Nebraska, for a
decade and on the ist of February, 1910, he purchased the Walla Walla (Wash.)
Daily Bulletin, which he has since published and which is owned by himself and
Mrs. Kelly. As editor and publisher of 'this paper he has made the Bulletin
thoroughly independent in its espousal of issues strictly on a merit basis. He
was the leader in the movement that brought the commission form of government
to Walla Walla in 191 1, and the Bulletin was the only daily newspaper in the
state of Washington that supported state-wide prohibition in 1914. It has ever
been an advocate of measures of reform and improvement and is regarded as
one of the most influential dailies in the Pacific northwest outside of those pub-
lished in the larger cities. It has ever stood consistently for clean and efficient
government and has disregarded party lines.
On the 22d of June, 1900, in Kansas City, Missouri, Mr. Kelly was united
in marriage to Miss Martha Violet Miller, a daughter of Jacob J. and Laura
E. Miller, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The father, a native of Switzerland,
engaged in jewelry manufacturing in both Milwaukee and in Kansas City.
To Mr. and Mrs. Kelly have been born three children : Norman Miller,
Eugene Armand and Virginia. The parents are members of the First Congrega-
tional church of Walla Walla and Mr. Kelly is also identified with the Young
Men's Christian Association. Fraternally he is connected with several Masonic
bodies and also with the Knights of Pythias and he belongs to the Shrine Club
and to the Walla Walla Commercial Club. In his political views he is independent
and has favored non-partisan government of city, county and state affairs. His
military record covers ten years' connection with the Third Regiment of the
OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY 841
National Guard of Missouri at Kansas City, during which time he rose from
private to first lieutenant and served as first lieutenant of Company G of the
Third Regiment of the Missouri National Guard during the Spanish-American
war. He has never aspired to public office but has ever given his aid and influence
on the side of reform and progress and he is now serving on the State Council of
Defense in the state of Washington.
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
Abel, A. J 372
Aetor, C. ¥ 347
Actor, H. C 659
Aldrich, F. J 765
Aldrieh, P. S 509
Alexander, G. 0 533
Allen, J. T 314
Anderson, A. F 131
Anderson, J. P 611
Ankeny, Levi 16
Arnold, W. L 377
Ashby, J. D 289
Ashby, J. J 286
Atwood, S. F 46
Ault, J. R 769
Bachtold, John 466
Bailey, G. L 519
Bailey, J. A 819
Baker, D. S 8
Baker, H. C 835
Barnes, Lee 304
BanihRrt, W. H 68
Barr, K. K 110
Bateman, H. B 394
Baumeister, A. G 779
Baumeister, Max 838
Baumeister, Edward 780
Berg, C. E 793
Bergevin, C. 0 130
Bergevin, Damase 151
Berryman, J. E 638
Berryman, L. P 701
Besserer, Charles 538
Blalock, N. G 5
Blalock, Y. C 480
Blessinger, John 405
Bloomfield, A. P 334
Boliek, Eli 802
Bolter, A. J 201
Bourgeois, E. F 596
Bowe, William 646
Bowers, C. J 593
Bowles, J. H 746
Brewer, B. F 430
Brewer, J. F 236
Brooks, J. W 371
Broughton, C. J 837
Brown, C. H 179
Brown, H. N 390
Bruce, W. E 815
Brunton, I. D 71
Brunton, J. G 428
Brunton, 0. W 573
Brunton, W. H. H 649
Bvrnes, Edward 714
Cahill, R. R 307
Cahill, W. E 395
Campbell, L, J 627
Campbell, Martin 826
Canton wine, E. J 655
Chandler, John 816
Christensen, James 449
Clague, Charles 73
Clark, E. W 544
Clark, W. S 86
Clodius, H. F 660
Clodius, J. W 243
Cluster, W. F 340
Coffin, R. F 695
Coffin, D. H 514
Coleman, W. G 344
Conover, H. 0 825
Copeland, H. S 270
Copeland, Thomas 376
Copeland, W. R 766
Corbett, A. E 316
Corbett, J. A 693
Corkrum, F. M 677
Corkrum, U. F 384
Cornwell, A. G 645
Cornwell, J. M 609
Cornwell. 0. T 138
Cox, D. H 149
Coyle. Byrd 834
Coyle, Ciiarles 178
Coyle, J. H 820
Crawford, J. M 364
Crocker, T. H 696
Cropp, J. F 542
C\immings, C. H 385
Cummins, Woodson 632
Dague, G. B 158
Danielson, J. A 518
Darby, J. A 385
Davin, Joseph 830
Davin, S. V 349
Davis, C. D 484
Delany, Berton 497
Demaris, G. S 313
Demaris, Orlando 704
Dement, F. S 56
De Ruwe, Jules 306
De Ruwe, Reme 60
Dewar, J. M 801
DeWitt, Oliver 686
Dice, T. F 67
Dimmick, Ziba 55
Dovell, W. T 649
Dowling, P. B 329
l^rumheller. Jesse 328
843
844
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
Dumas, J. L 414
Dunham, J. B 785
Ounlap, E. F 411
Durry, Thomas 623
Edmiston, J. E 202
Eaton, D. C 468
Edwards, J. H 552
Edwards, J. J 35
Eldridge, H. D 574
Evans, G. A 638
Fair, J. C 72
Fall, J. N 83
Farrish, William 188
Faure, Frank 315
Feider, Anthony 33
Ferrel. Brewster 302
Ferrel, D. B 29
Fisher, W. P 413
Fitzgerald, Frank 304
Flathers, C. F 45
Flatliers, Emery 200
Fleischer, F. J 192
Foley, J. W 371
Ford, W. E. L 116
Frazier, C. R 264
Gilbreath, S. L 144
Gilkerson, Thomas 483
Gillis, W. H 343
Ginn, G. C 805
Goodyear, William 425
Gose, J. R 104
Gose. M. F 42
Gose, T. P 301
Grant, 0. E 606
Greenville, Fred 531
Gross, B. H 452
Gross, J. A 442
Gross, W. E 169
Gross, W. H 615
Grote, Joseph 441
Grote, Theodore 244
Guernsey, D. C 220
Guichard. R. E 579
Guthridge, G. J 467
Gwinn, S. 0 375
Hales, C. A 393
Halle, A. H Ill
Halsey. E. E 580
Hannas, Ole 339
Hansen, Martin 337
Hanson, Godfred 814
Hanson, H. H 703
Harbert. J. W 292
Harer, J. H 339
Harper, Dick 225
Harris, P. N 497
Hart, H. G 186
Hawley, P. B 123
Hayes, Daniel 487
Henderson, S. F 775
Hennessey, E. S 455
Hester, S, W 641
Hoffmann. John 378
Hollenbcck. C. A 737
Holm, Adolph 650
Holnian, J. W 21
Hoover, H. M 431
Hull, Orley 479
Hunt, L. L 320
Huntington, John 674
Isaacs, H. P 590
Isecke, Charles 386
Jensen, A. M 551
Johnson, E. J 461
Johnson, H. A 668
Jones, B. L 751
Jones, J. D 832
Kaseberg, C. H 322
Kausche, C. A 14
Kausche, H. A 230
Keiser, J. L 616
Kellough, G. E 261
Kelly, J. G 840
Kennedy, Robert 233
Kent, J. P 752
Kenworthy, L. B 281
Kibler, C." F 95
Kibler, Frank 33
Kimmerly, Mary A 537
King, 0. E 419
Kirkman, William 124
Kuykendall, E. V 132
Lamb, J. M 584
Lambdin, G. E 131
Lambert, C. B 451
Lambie, William 474
Lane, J. A 337
Lane, W. T 242
Langdon, J. W 462
Larson, Alfred 263
Lasater, Harry 701
Lasater, J. H 713
Ledgerwood, Joseph 59
Leonard, E. H 234
Leonard. W. H 389
Lewis, .L C 400
Lloyd, A. G 247
Loney, C. C 137
Long, J. 0 291
Loundagin, R. W 417
Low, Grant 369
Lowden, F. M 728
Lvman, W. D 106
Lyons, E. A 678
Lyons, J. R 807
Lyons, J. W 691
Lyons, Matthew 786
McArthur. Herbert 667
McCabe, C. A 275
McCaw, R. C 707
MeClung. Peter 258
MeCown. Frank 807
McDonald, Harvey 30
McDonald, Mordo" 784
McFeely, John 733
McGreevy, James 791
Mclnroe, L. 0 403
McKay, Angus 370
McKinney, W, E 436
McMorris, Lewis 36
McSherrv, Nelson 130
MacLachlan, J. A 731
Malloy, W. S 160
Marbach, Martin 708
Martin, H. W 507
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
845
Martin, John 344
Martin, Joe 808
Martin, J. F 433
Martin, Michael 40
Martin, Ossie 445
Martin, William 47
Mattoon, A. R 185
Mauzey, H. G 631
Maxwell, C. T 498
Melger, J. C 503
Miller, C. F 170
Miller, Christian 15
Miller, D. W 759
Miller, F. L 806
Miller, Frank 159
Miller, W. H 216
Milne, Alexander 501
Mojonnier, F. E 207
Moore, Charles 152
Moore, J. M 194 .
Moore, M. C 396
Moritz, S. S 66
Mottet, G. F 755
Mulkey, L. P 564
Neace, J. C 427
Neal, J. P 459
Nelson, C. T 624
Nelson, E. J 168
Nichols, Mary C 319
Nilsson. Lars 682
Nixon, E. H 62
Nye, C. E 105
O'Connor, Patrick 548
(lids. A. R 333
Osterman, Henry 97
Paine, F. W 74
Paine, J. G 570
Painter, W. C 112
Paul, \V. D 85
Petersen, H. P 656
Petti John. Jonathan 167
Pottijohn, W. T 214
Pettyjohn. Shei oian 623
Plucker, Charles 118
Pollard, G. T 272
Preston, W. G 434
Price, Alexander 187
Price, G. F 321
Rader, C. M 20
Rees. R. R 48
Reith, John 601
Reser, William 702
Reynolds, Allen H 96
Reynolds, Almos H 98
Reynolds, H. A 532
Reynolds. Lettice J 98
Richardson, W. H 642
Richmond, O. M 776
Roberts, J. C 813
Roberts, R. D 745
Robertson, John 363
Robinson, C. S 718
Robinson, F. 0 13
Robinson, J. M 742
Robison, J. L 440
Robison, L. L 357
Rockhill, J. F 350
Rogers. J. W 595
Rogg, C. R 12
Rohn, J.J 583
Romaine, F. C 678
Romaine, Garrit 92
Romaine, J. H 54
Rommel, 0. H 145
Rose, J. J 282
Ross, J. A 122
Rothrock, A. B 513
Ruark, G. J 28
Russel, T. A 145
Sanders, F. M 34
Sanders, R. 0 199
Sanford, A. L 612
Schmitt, Henry 452
Schmuck, Lewis 665
Schneckloth. J. H 338
Scott, W. M 256
Seeliger, Charles 717
Seitz, J. P 770
Semrow, A. 0. 563
Sharpstein, B. L 22
Short, J. E 456
Siebert, V. E 241
Singleton, Frank 84
Spreitzer. John 638
Skinner, 0. Z 163
Smith, John 490
Smitli, S. W 760
Soturno, Pasquale 681
.Spreitzer, .John 638
Sprout, W. E 355
Stimmel. D. B 534
Stine, Frederick 208
Stoneeiplier. W. H 412
Strahm, J. U 136
Sturm, Christian, Sr 250
Sweazy , J. W 41
Sweeney, A. W 308
Sweeney, S. B 517
Swegle, M. W 348
Tachi, .J. F 40
Taggard. J. D 460
Taylor, Andy 180
Taylor, C. M 722
Taylor, W. L 813
Taylor, W. M 849
Thomas, Bert 547
Thomas, Mary J 541
Toner. J. W 819
Trippeer, H. A 478
Turner, B. M 721
Utter, Joseph 766
VoUmer, Gustav 446
Walla Walla Union 279
Wallace, J. L 280
Walter, Qark 174
Walter, J. D 562
Walter. W. W 557
Walters, Samuel 404
Warren, J. B 330
Wnfous. H. F 406
Watson, J. P 738
Wearv, A. G 610
Weatiierf ord, F. M 146
Weatherford, W. M 825
Webb. J. E 815
846
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
\Vebb, Nathaniel 796
Weimer, Joseph 338
We^rauch, P. H 602
Wh'iteman, C. H 220
Wliitney, C. L 61
VVickersham, A. L 164
Wills. B. 0 541
Wills. F. G 473
Winchell, M. B 361
Wood, W. H 432
Woodend, J. G 358
Woods, C. J 257
Woods, E. E 823
W^oods, E. L 84
Woods. J. W 489
Woodward, W. C 363
Wright, J. C 450
Yenney, L. 0 526
Yenney, Philip 520
Yenney, W. H 525
Young, F. M 297
Younger. W. H 376
Ziiger, Frank 508
Ziiger. H. F 795
Ziiger, Marcus, Sr 488
Ziiger, Marcus, Jr 262
r^
i
^vt
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11