Lyman's History of old Walla Walla County, Vol. 2
by William Denison Lyman · English · Gutenberg #46808 · 1,516,484 chars · public domain (US)
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Title: Lyman's History of old Walla Walla County, Vol. 2
Author: William Denison Lyman
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Language: English
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LYMAN'S HISTORY OF OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY, VOL. 2 ***
LYMAN'S HISTORY
_of_
Old Walla Walla County
_Embracing_
Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield
and Asotin Counties
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME II
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1918
[Illustration: NELSON G. BLALOCK]
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 11th 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 employment 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 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 development of Walla Walla and the northwest. He organized the
firm of Blalock, Son & Company for the purpose of building a mill
and flume to engage in the manufacture and shipment of lumber, wood,
etc., from what is known as the Blalock Mountain. 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, however. 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 World's Columbian Exposition
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 harvesting
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, covering 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 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 Carolina, 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 unprecedented 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 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 Dr. Nelson G. Blalock,
during one of our sessions, invited to take his place with our
speaker 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 Walla district at the constitutional
convention and we revere and honor that man, soldier, physician,
statesman who in the economic 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, M. D.
No history of Walla Walla and the Inland Empire would be complete
without extended reference to Dr. Dorsey S. Baker, now deceased, who
for many 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 Washington,
leading to its substantial development, progress and upbuilding. He was
particularly active in the growth of Walla Walla, where he continued
to make his home for many years. He recognized and utilized the
resources of the country and by establishing many business enterprises
contributed in marked measure to its development and progress. Widely
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 constituted 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 immediately opened an office and began the
practice of his chosen profession in Portland, 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 partnership with L. B. Hastings in the conduct of a mercantile
enterprise. The following spring he again went to the mines, this time
his objective point being Yreka, which was then a newly developed
mining camp. In May of the same year, however, he once more returned
to Oregon and established his home in the 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.
[Illustration: D. S. BAKER]
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 associated 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
constituted a most important element in the development and upbuilding
of the northwest. These steamship lines were sold the following year
to the Oregon Steam Navigation Company. Dr. Baker's recognition of the
possibilities and opportunities of the northwest constituted a most
important factor in the development 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 Walla Walla valley and adjacent country.
It was a matter of pride to Dr. Baker that during 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 in 1878 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
Caroline 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 president 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 section of the country but was an active participant in all the
changes that brought about modern-day civilization. His greatest
effort in pioneer days was the building of the Walla Walla & Columbia
River Railroad, which was the 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. He gave
the original site for Whitman Seminary, donating land which became the
nucleus of the present property of what is now Whitman 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 hardships 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 progress 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 born 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 established 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 born 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, Washington, in 1903 and there remained for a year,
after which he removed to Dayton, where he established a furniture and
undertaking business, in which he has now been engaged for thirteen
years, building up a trade of large and gratifying proportions. He
has a well appointed furniture store, carrying a large and carefully
selected stock, and his reasonable prices, progressive business methods
and earnest desire to please his customers have brought to him a very
gratifying patronage.
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 Caroline Bernice. 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.
Robinson 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 born in Blandinsville, Illinois, 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, Washington. 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 Lincoln 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 surgery, entering
Rush Medical College of Chicago in the fall of 1898. He was graduated
from that institution on the completion of the four years' course as
valedictorian of the class of 1902 and immediately afterward served
an interneship of a year and a half in the Presbyterian Hospital of
Chicago, thus gaining broad and valuable practical experience along
professional lines. He was afterward appointed superintendent of the
Monroe Street Hospital in Chicago, in which capacity he served for
a year. Desirous of further advancing in his profession, he went
abroad in August, 1905, for post-graduate work in Europe, pursuing his
studies and his research work in Vienna, 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 profession 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, Washington. 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, 1917, fellowship was conferred upon Dr.
Robinson. He makes his practice his chief interest, allowing nothing
to interfere with the faithful and conscientious performance of his
professional duties, and his comprehensive knowledge of the science of
medicine, accurately applied, has gained him place with the eminent
representatives of the profession 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 farmer 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 county, Washington, and took up a claim. As soon as possible
he erected a rude home of the type known as a box house and in order
to fence his land he hauled poles from the mountains twenty-five miles
distant. In time he brought his place to a high state of development
and erected excellent buildings thereon, being actively engaged 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 living 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 comprises eight hundred and seventy acres. He has erected
excellent modern buildings 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)
Trosper, 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 advancement 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 boyhood was passed in a frontier community, but he has learned
many valuable lessons in the school of experience. He accompanied his
parents on their removal to Walla Walla county and remained with the
colony until it was disbanded, 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 diversified 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. 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 Ankeny, of
Walla Walla, 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 representation 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 1st of August,
1844, a son of John and Charity (Geer) Ankeny, the former 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 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.
[Illustration: HON. LEVI ANKENY]
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 upbuilding 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 hut 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 which confront the
country. He has served as president of the State Bankers' Association.
He is actuated in all that he does by a most progressive spirit and,
readily discriminating between the essential and the non-essential in
all business affairs, he has so directed his efforts that success in
notable measure has attended his endeavors 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 Oregon 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 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
individual interests but his activities have ever been of a character
which have advanced the public prosperity 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 merchandising. 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 December 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 common
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 representative 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 became 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 partnership 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 forcefulness of expression and a strong personality.
He possesses a keen, rapid, logical 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 ability to
accurately apply its principles, has made him a most effective advocate
and a wise counselor. While continuing in general law practice, he
has specialized 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
Miller, 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 Congregational 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 advancement 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
service, 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, Pleasant 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.
For seven years he was also court commissioner under Judge R. F.
Sturdevant, 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 himself 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 Fellows. His strength of
character and his unswerving adherence to high standards 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 married two generations of the same
family. He has the satisfaction of knowing that he has discharged in
full every duty devolving upon him, and that during a long life he has
at all times proven a man of genuine worth, an official devoted to the
public welfare.
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 Washington. 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 Sharpstein
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 development 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 army 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.
[Illustration: JUDGE BENJAMIN SHARPSTEIN]
[Illustration: MRS. BENJAMIN SHARPSTEIN]
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. Thereafter 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 in shaping the political history of his state.
At the bar he was forceful and resourceful. He had comprehensive
knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence 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 overwhelmingly 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 intermission, 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 instruction, and one of the fine
school buildings of Walla 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 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 Walla Walla. The only daughter,
Ada A., is now the widow of C. B. Upton and lives in Tacoma. Mrs.
Sharpstein is still living 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 established by the father, who
departed this life May 2, 1907, 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 Washington'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 born in Jefferson county, Kansas, August 17, 1858,
a son of Thomas and Mary A. (Messenger) Ruark, who were natives of
Illinois and of Ohio respectively. 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 Garfield county, establishing their
home near Deadman's Hollow, eighteen miles east of Pomeroy. There the
father engaged in farming until 1890 and, adding 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 Garfield
county. The father then continued in active connection with farming and
live stock interests in Whitman county until 1900, when he retired from
business 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 politics the father was a democrat and took active
interest in the work and success of the party. For a number of years he
served as postmaster of Deadman but otherwise refused public office.
He belonged to the United Brethren church and was one of the sterling
citizens of Garfield county.
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
connection 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 supervises
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 connected with the Woodmen of the World. He ranks
with the leading and representative men of Garfield county, for by his
enterprising efforts he has contributed 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 born 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 under his father and when twenty-one years of
age he became his father's partner 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 modern machinery and is highly
efficient in the management of the business aspect of his work. He
believes that the farmer should give to his work the same careful study
that the business man does to the conduct of his affairs and he is
always among the first to adopt improved methods and equipment.
On the 2nd 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 10th 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.
[Illustration: HARVEY McDONALD]
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
1, township 11 north, range 42 east, Garfield county, was born in
Germany, January 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, purchasing 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 phases of
farm work. On beginning his independent career he decided to devote
his life to the occupation to which he had been reared and is now
successfully operating five hundred acres belonging to his father. He
harvests a large amount of grain annually and also raises high grade
stock, from the sale of which he derives 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 communicants 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 personality 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 public 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 Walla Walla county, Washington, and for several years,
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 prospered 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 the management of his
affairs 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 progressive and up-to-date, and no invention
that will facilitate the work of the farm 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 management 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 born 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 improvements thereon are substantial and up-to-date, and
his labors are rewarded by good crops. He is also a director of the
Self-Oiling Wheel & Bearing Company of Walla Walla.
Mr. Sanders was married in May, 1907, to Miss Minnie Bliven, 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 member 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
member 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 the 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 favorable 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 increasingly 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. Edwards then
organized 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 intervening 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 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 Graham
in 1893 and they have one child living, Lloyd G. Edwards. Mrs. Edwards
died in 1899. Mr. 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
management of his extensive business interests. He has found in the
development 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 born
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.
[Illustration: LEWIS McMORRIS]
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 west 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, near Oregon
City. There the oxen and wagons were sold and horses were purchased
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. McMorris 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 and also
because it marked the beginning of a lasting peace between the Indians
and the white settlers in that vicinity. Mr. McMorris was one of the
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. McMorris
assisted in building the canton, as the old fort was called, which was
made from the various trees which grew along the banks of Mill creek.
Years later when this land was sold for building purposes in order to
extend the present city, it was desired to save intact some of the old
fort buildings, to place them in the city park as 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 1859 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. When 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 are engaged in merchandising in
Walla Walla; the Craig brothers, of Illinois; and Agnes Lillian Purdy,
of Portland, Oregon. Mr. McMorris 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. He 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, 1912, 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 country 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 born 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 returns 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 improved. 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 Catholic 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 born 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 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 advancing 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 manifested 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 country
has been transformed from a pioneer district into a highly developed
agricultural section.
J. W. SWEAZY.
J. W. Sweazy, a farmer of Columbia county, living on section 34,
township 10 north, range 37 east, was born 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 fourteen 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 Waitsburg, Washington.
About the same time Frank Sweazy made his way to Walla Walla county
and soon afterward they were married. He then purchased 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 removed 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.
J. W. Sweazy was educated in the public schools and also attended the
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 Huntsville. 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 systematic
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 valuable 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 bringing to
him substantial success.
JUDGE MACK F. GOSE.
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, and is a son of John M. and Hannah Gose,
natives of Virginia. 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.
[Illustration: JUDGE MACK F. GOSE]
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 profession in
Pomeroy, where he has since remained, becoming in the meantime one
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
necessities 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 born 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, and in addition he owns and supervises a large ranch,
taking considerable interest and pride in his agricultural labors. His
political endorsement has, since 1896, been given to the republican
party and upon that ticket he was elected to the office of mayor of
Pomeroy, the reins of city government being in most 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 between 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
agriculturists of Walla Walla county. He studies closely everything
bearing upon wheat culture and the production of other crops suited to
soil and climatic conditions 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, 1911, 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 by 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
education 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 extensive 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 Ellensburg, 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 University 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 Congregational 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 born 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 country. He outfitted with an ox team and wagon and started upon
the long journey 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 undeveloped, he
built a little log cabin with a clapboard roof and began life there in
true pioneer style, experiencing the hardships and privations incident
to the settlement 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 purchased more land in that locality. The years
were fraught not only with much hard labor but with other experiences
of pioneer life. In 1855 and 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 crowned 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 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 members of the Christian
church and have guided their lives by its teachings, being always
careful to conform their actions to high standards. In a word they have
ever endeavored to follow the golden rule doing unto others as they
would have others do unto them.
RAYMOND RINGOLD REES.
A man who has contributed to the upbuilding of a city in one line of
development 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. During 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 Advocate
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. With 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.
[Illustration: MAJOR RAYMOND R. REES]
[Illustration: MRS. RAYMOND R. REES]
Mr. Rees formed a partnership with Nemiah Northrop and established
the first newspaper in this section--the Washington Statesman. The
firm sent to 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 following announcement to the public: "We
send forth this morning with our congratulations 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, containing
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," and was a
factor of great importance in the early development of this region. 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
years were devoted to farming in connection with his father-in-law.
In 1870 he returned to Walla Walla and formed a partnership with H.
E. Johnson for the conduct of a mercantile business 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
meantime 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, 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 request
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 General 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 legislature; for several years served as county
treasurer, and his record as an official was highly creditable alike
to his ability and his public 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
occurred 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 valley and she is one of the very few of the number
now living.
JOHN H. ROMAINE.
John H. Romaine, who has been engaged in farming in Columbia county,
was born 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 education. 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, township 11 north, range 38 east. He
brought his land to a high state of development, 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 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 Walla 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 infancy; 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 attention. His wife belongs to the Congregational
church and takes much interest in its work. During the forty years of
his residence in Old Walla 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 progressive measures.
ZIBA DIMMICK.
For a quarter of a century Ziba Dimmick has been a resident of Walla
Walla county and is now numbered among its most prosperous farmers,
being extensively and successfully engaged in the growing of wheat. His
place is situated on section 27, township 8 north, range 34 east of W.
M. He is a western man by birth, by training and by preference, and the
spirit of western enterprise 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 remaining 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 children, 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, Washington,
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 particularly adapted. Success
has therefore attended his efforts, for in all of his methods 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, a 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 in the train with
Marcus Whitman. He engaged in merchandising 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 and 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 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.
[Illustration: FRANK S. DEMENT]
In Oregon City, Oregon, on the 1st 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. Fraternally
he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is a
prominent Mason, having taken the degrees of both the York and Scottish
Rites. He is a member of Oriental Consistory, A. & A. S. R., of Spokane
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 Commercial Club
of Walla Walla and is now one of its directors and the treasurer.
He stands for progressiveness in all public affairs and his efforts
in behalf of general progress and improvement have been practical,
far reaching 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 relationship with business affairs and in matters of citizenship.
JOSEPH LEDGERWOOD.
Joseph Ledgerwood, deceased, spent the last years of his life in
honorable 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 substantial 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 circumstances. 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 afterward became pioneer
settlers of Clay county, Missouri.
Joseph Ledgerwood acquired his education in the common schools of
Clay and Daviess counties of Missouri and on reaching manhood took up
the occupation of farming. 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, 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 Pomeroy, 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 purpose.
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 Washington 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 Clara 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 fraternity 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 born 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, Washington, where he at once turned his
attention to raising sheep. He has since continued in that occupation
on an extensive scale. He pastures his sheep on a ranch comprising
twelve hundred acres of land in Columbia county. The success which
he has gained in fifteen years is quite unusual, demonstrating his
ability to adapt himself to a new condition, his sound judgment and his
enterprise. 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 horticulturist. 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 northwest. 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
common 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 familiar 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 determined 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 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-fifty-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. 1, R. A. M.; Walla Walla Commandery, No. 1 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, I. 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 is 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. He began reading law at Maquoketa, Iowa, and
advanced sufficiently to try cases before a justice of the peace.
[Illustration: EDWARD H. NIXON]
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 offered 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 participated until the fall of Atlanta. At close of
the war he received an honorable discharge 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 16th of March of that year
and took up the profession of teaching. He also engaged in farm work
and in fact accepted any employment that would yield him an honest
dollar.
On the 2d of April, 1876, Mr. Nixon was united in marriage to Miss Kate
Stewart, a daughter of Daniel and Margaret Stewart, and to them 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
affairs of Walla Walla. He served as road overseer, 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
prerogatives 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 the 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.
Mr. Nixon has long been a faithful and prominent member of the Grand
Army of the Republic, in which he has filled all of the offices in the
local post. He has also been honored with the position of assistant
adjutant general and assistant quartermaster general of the Department
of Washington and Alaska. He has membership in Blue Mountain Lodge,
No. 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 affairs 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 individual
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 merchant and later as a real estate operator.
He was born in Victoria, British Columbia, 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 womanhood 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
educational 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-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 summers 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 furnishing
department and then engaged in business for himself, establishing a
clothing 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 attention 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
Dayton, 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 Wilson. During the intervening three years
he has held that position and has performed 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 William 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 indefatigable 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 farreaching work for the city. Fraternally he belongs
to Dayton 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 Pennsylvania, February 15, 1859, a son
of William and Susan (Redrick) Dice, who 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
education acquired in the public schools by attendance at Mercersburg
college in Mercersburg. 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 born 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 California;
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 11th of October, 1871, his parents being Henry and
Elizabeth (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. Barnhart
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,
1915, and is survived by his widow, who resides on a ranch near
Spokane.
[Illustration: W. H. BARNHART]
W. H. Barnhart, spending his youthful days under the parental roof,
completed 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 fraternity, 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 elsewhere in this work. He was
reared upon the home farm, and his boyhood and youth were spent in the
acquirement of a district school education 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 himself for his later
life.
After his marriage Mr. Brunton 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 remaining 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, 1897, 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
children: 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 democratic party and he supports its candidates at the polls. In
1908 he was his party's nominee for sheriff 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, Missouri. 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 Elijah 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.
Joseph Clark Fair was reared at home, and in the acquirement of his
education attended the common schools of Arkansas and the Elm Springs
Academy, in Washington county, that state. For two terms he engaged in
teaching in Benton 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 successful 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, 1860, 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. Mr. Clague has sold his homestead and
the land adjoining and has also disposed of the equity of the 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 independence 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 prosperity. His
individual labors have contributed much to the results achieved, and no
account of Walla Walla's development would be complete without extended
reference to him.
Mr. Paine was born August 31, 1839, in Mercer, Somerset county, Maine,
and has therefore passed the seventy-eighth milestone on life's
journey. His father, William Paine, was born in Hingham, Massachusetts,
September 5, 1801, and died December 4, 1883, while the mother,
who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Wentworth Pike, was born in
Somersworth, New Hampshire, December 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 representatives 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
farmer. 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 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. Moreover, 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.
[Illustration: FRANK W. PAINE]
[Illustration: RESIDENCE OF F. W. PAINE]
As school teaching and farming seemed to offer 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 on by
way of Walla Walla, but at Jacksonville they were advised to cross the
Cascade mountains 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 1862, and there met the returning tide of miners from
Salmon river and Florence, which discouraged 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
remaining 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 accepted the proffer of a
partnership made by William Stephens, a merchant conducting 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. After about two year 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 established
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
building, which was then the finest business block in the northwest
outside of Portland. 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 unsought. 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. 1, 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 incumbency, 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 regulations 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
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 transferred 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 complimentary 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 measure 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 convict 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
Building Loan & Trust Association, which he was largely instrumental
in organizing in February, 1890. It was called the International
Building Loan & Trust Association of Walla Walla and soon built up a
prosperous business. It has continuously 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 Chamber of
Commerce and eventually the Commercial Club, and it fell to the lot
of 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 commercial 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 discussion 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 gentlemen 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 expressed 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 toward 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 Elizabeth 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 born 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 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 possession of their three
daughters, their generous, manly husbands and their promising 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
return 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,
although 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
communities 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 implement whose value had been reasonably well proven.
He gave careful study to the problems of increased production, the
conservation of soil fertility and advantageous marketing, and it was
recognized that he was an authority on everything 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 Independent 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 cemetery. 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
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 she 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 receiving 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 1911 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 possesses in marked measure the enterprise
and self-reliance characteristic 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 begun in all this section of the
country. The Indians were more numerous than the white settlers and
only here and there had some venturesome spirit penetrated into the
western wilderness to plant the seeds of civilization. Frank Singleton,
who is now extensively interested in mining and is engaged in the
real estate business in Walla Walla, was but six years of age at the
time of his arrival in Washington. He was born in San Antonio, Texas,
November 7, 1850, and after the removal of the family to the northwest
pursued his education in the public and parochial schools of Walla
Walla. On reaching manhood he engaged in the 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 prominently
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 surrounding 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 county, 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 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 Mountain 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 faithful 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
management of his extensive farming interests, has passed his entire
life in the northwest 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 Northampton
is situated upon land that was a part of his homestead.
[Illustration: RANSOM CLARK]
Ransom Clark received his education in Vermont and remained there
for a considerable period after reaching mature years. At length,
however, he manifested 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, corn, white beans,
peas and 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 1888, 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 accompanied 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 Oregon 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 prominent in civic
affairs, served as a member of one of the early legislatures and in
1844 was one of three commissioners to view out and survey a road from
the Willamette falls to the falls of the Yamhill river. He realized
that a great future was in store for this section and was among the men
who laid broad and deep the foundation for its future development.
Ransom Clark was married in 1845 to Miss Lettice Jane, the eldest
daughter of Elijah and Lucinda (Crisp) Millican. She was born in
Canehill, Arkansas, October 3, 1830. In 1843 the 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 Lattice 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 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, 1861, 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 than others seemed to give her an added
interest in everything pertaining to public welfare. She contributed
much to the upbuilding of the various institutions 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 building
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 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' dormitory, 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 drug 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, however, 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, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Ella
H. 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 distinction 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 Smith 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 1878 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 Percé Indian war in 1877 and in the Bannock war in 1878.
His record proves that he is in all respects worthy of his ancestors.
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 helpfully 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. Subsequently 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 Cascade 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 transferred 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 command,
which met the allied tribes in the memorable engagement of Steptoe
Butte, which was of several days' duration. The whites, being greatly
outnumbered, 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 Percé Indians, who conducted him to the Clearwater
river, ferried him across and 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 civilization 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, 1829, 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.
[Illustration: MR. AND MRS. GARRIT ROMAINE]
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. After remaining there for a short 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.
Harbaugh, 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 he 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. Subsequently, 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 1908 and is survived by his wife, who has reached the age of
sixty-six years. Five of the six children born to their union survive.
Charles F. Kibler passed the days of his boyhood and youth in his
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 methods of farming and stock raising and on
attaining his majority he began farming 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 progressiveness
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 was married in 1898 to Miss 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 democratic party but has never sought office as a reward for his
loyalty. He is thoroughly imbued with the characteristic western spirit
of enterprise and optimism, and any project for the benefit of his
county or state receives his heartiest 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. 6½ Main street. His success in a professional way affords
the best evidence of his capabilities 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
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
residents of this city, w
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