Blakeley,
George
GEORGE CLARENCE BLAKELEY
George Clarence Blakeley, a pharmacist of state-wide repute,
enjoys the distinction of being the oldest established
druggist in The Dalles, which for more than forty years has
numbered him among its useful and influential citizens. His
talents have been exerted as readily for the public welfare
as for his own aggrandizement and his record reflects credit
upon an honored family name. A native of Oregon, he was born
in Brownsville, Linn County, August 29, 1855, and represents
one of the oldest and most prominent families of the state.
His great-grandfather, Charles Blakeley, was a native of
Ireland and when a small boy came to the new world with his
parents, who were among the colonial settlers of Virginia.
As a soldier in the Revolutionary war Charles Blakeley aided
in winning American independence and afterward went to
Tennessee. The remainder of his life was spent in that state
and when eighty years of age he was called to his final
rest. He was the father of Joseph Blakeley, who was also a
patriotic citizen and fought in the War of 1812. In 1838 he
migrated to Platte county, Missouri, where he engaged in
farming and stock raising until his demise, and for
twenty-six years served as a circuit judge.
His son, James Blakeley, father of George Clarence Blakeley,
was born November 26, 1812, in Knox county, Tennessee, and
received his education in the district schools of that
state. He remained at home until he was twenty-two years of
age and in 1834 married Miss Sarah Dick, who was born
November 24, 1815, in Knox county, Tennessee. Mr. Blakeley
followed agricultural pursuits in his native state until
1838, when he went to Missouri and filed on a homestead. He
cleared and developed the tract, on which he resided until
1846, when he disposed of the property and started for
Oregon, joining a large wagon train, of which he was chosen
captain. In the fall of 1846 he arrived in Linn county and
entered a donation claim of six hundred and forty acres,
settling where the town of Brownsville is now located. Here
he built a small log house and zealously applied himself to
the arduous task of clearing the land and preparing it for
the growing of crops. In order to obtain a plow he had to go
to Oregon City, a distance of seventy-five miles, and made
the trip with a team of oxen. There were no bridges or roads
and two weeks were required to complete the journey. In 1847
he produced his first crop of grain and this was probably
the first yield in Linn county. A successful stockman, he
raised marry head of cattle, horses and hogs and took large
herds of cattle to the ranges in eastern Oregon. He fattened
cattle for the market and drove them to California,
disposing of them to the miners. Mr. Blakeley built the
first flour mill in Oregon and in 1848 erected the first
store in Brownsville. His trade was largely with the
Indians, as there were few white settlers in the locality at
that time. For several years he successfully conducted the
store and then sold the business to George C. Cooley, his
son-in-law. He enlisted in Company D, of the Second Oregon
Regiment, and as a captain served throughout the Rogue River
Indian war of 1855-56. After retiring from the field of
merchandising Captain Blakeley resumed the occupations of
farming and stock raising which he followed during the
remainder of his active career. He represented Lina county
in the state legislature and filled other public offices of
importance, faithfully discharging every trust reposed in
him. Captain Blakeley long survived his wife, who died June
14, 1888. On November 26, 1912, he celebrated the one
hundredth anniversary of his birth and in commemoration of
the event a medal was made, which is now in the custody of
the State Historical Society. During the latter part of his
life Captain Blakeley resided in the home of his son Henry
in Brownsville and there passed away January 19, 1913. He
was a man of exceptional worth and his death was mourned
throughout the state. To Captain Blakeley and his wife were
born eleven children: Mrs. Ellen Montgomery and Mrs.
Catherine Lewis, who are deceased; William Blakeley, whose
home is in Pendleton, Oregon; Mrs. George C. Cooley, who has
passed away; Mrs. Margaret Smith, who lives in Montana;
Caroline, deceased; Henry, a resident of Brownsville; James,
of Baker, Oregon; George Clarence; Joseph, who makes his
home in Pendleton; and Mrs. Sarah McFarlane, of Brownsville.
In 1926 a splendid granite shaft fourteen feet tall was
erected by Captain Blakeley's surviving children te the
memory of their father at Main and Blakeley avenues, the
original site of his claim. When the shaft was dedicated
"Peggy" Chessman, the thirteen-year-old daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Merle Chessman of Astoria, delivered the following
address of presentation:
"Mr. Mayor and friends: I have come here as the
great-great-granddaughter of Captain and Mrs. James
Blakeley, in whose memory this monument has been erected. It
was placed here by their children to stand as a lasting
tribute of love and honor to their parents, who settled on
this spot when Oregon was almost a virgin wilderness and who
made it their home for more than half a century.
"It is the wish of those who caused the monument to be
raised that it become the property of the people of
Brownsville, that they may ever remember the founders of
their city. In a broader sense, it is dedicated to all these
early-day pioneers, of whom Captain and Mrs. Blakeley were
typical; those pathfnders who blazed the trail to Oregon,
enduring the hazards and hardships of frontier life while
they builded the foundations of the state, and the fruits of
whose labors we of later generations enjoy.
"Acting for the Blakeley family, I am happy to p resent at
this time to you, Mr. Mayor, as a representative of the city
of Brownsville, a deed to the monument and the plot of
ground upon which it stands, that the people of this
historic town may have and hold it as theirs forever."
Following is a copy of Mayor Snyder's speech: 'In accepting,
on behalf of the city of Brownsville, this document,
conveying title to the property upon which we stand, I do so
with the greatest appreciation and admiration, not for the
intrinsic value represented, but rather for the motive that
influenced the donors of the offering.
represented, but rather for the motive that influenced the
donors of the offering. "The stately shaft before you,
erected to the memory of a man and woman who represented a
high type of American citizenship, speaks to you in a
language more forcible and delivers the message in a more
beautiful and impressive manner than can be conveyed by
mortal tongue. It represents an expression of one of the
fundamental principles of American citizenship. The great
nations of the past have risen in prominence and influence,
flourished for a period and passed into a decline. The
beginning of this decline may invariably be traced to the
loss of the patriotic spirit that predominated during the
period of the nation's ascendancy.
"Reverence for an ancestor is a trait very closely allied
and akin to patriotism. Just as long as expressions of this
nature are in evidence we may rest assured that the spark of
patriotism that in times of national peril has been the
impelling force to call to the defense of the native land
the flower of our sturdy manhood, needs but the call of
necessity to fan to the flame that has assembled the mighty
armies that have decisively repelled the invader,
overwhelmingly put down internal opposition and emerged in
triumph from an effort to end a struggle in which
civilization itself was threatened.
"A mighty oak stood on the brow of the hill. During the
course of years it had grown and developed, attaining the
fullness of its sturdiness and splendor. In the strength of
its fiber it withstood the storms of the succeeding seasons.
In its allotted time strength declined; this, the peer of
the forest, bowed before the grim reaper, and the spot upon
which it had stood gave no evidence of a former greatness.
During the period of its strength and vigor, in accordance
with nature's plan, acorns had fallen from its branches, and
in passing, the sturdy oak left behind a young and vigorous
forest that gave mute testimony that a predecessor had
fulfilled its destiny.
"Captain James Blakeley settled on a homestead, on a part of
which we are now standing, at a time when the state of
Oregon occupied a very meager position in the national
government, when the settler faced the problems of existence
under conditions most primitive.
"As a nation we are prone to worship at the shrine of
heroes, individuals who have reached an eminence through
achievements in political, industrial, military or other
channels. The power of this republic does not lie in the
accomplishment of a few supermen, but rather in the
steadfastness, loyalty and, patriotism of the men and women
who take up the every-day tasks of existence.
"This splendid column, beautiful in its simplicity,
impressive in the significance of its purpose, of which the
citizens of this community and county are justly proud, will
stand as an inspiration for coming generations in
perpetuating the memory of a man and woman who cheerfully
assumed the obligation of taking a part in the subduing of
the western wilderness, building a home amidst conditions
which were at times most discouraging, giving to their
country stalwart sons and comely daughters who have earned
their rightful place in the affairs of this great state and
whose influence and achievements are a living tribute to the
memory of the man and woman whom we are her assembled to
honor."
In the rural schools of Linn county George C. Blakeley
obtained his rudimentary instruction and was next a pupil in
the public schools of Brownsville. He attended Albany
College for a year and for three years was a student at the
Oregon Agricultural College in Corvallis. Entering the
educational field, he became a teaeher in the public schools
of Brownsville and was made principal, filling the position
for three years. He completed a pharmaceutical course and in
1876 went to Detroit, Michigan, becoming a traveling
salesman for Frederick Stearns & Company, manufacturing
chemists. For six years he represented the firm in that
capacity and then went to Canada, spending a year in
Victoria, British Columbia. In 1886 he returned to Oregon,
locating at The Dalles, and in May of that year entered the
employ of R. B. Hood, a local druggist. In January, 1887,
Mr. Blakeley purchased the business, of which he has since
been the owner. He carries a full line of drugs and medical
supplies and the filling of prescriptions is one of the
chief features of his establishment, which is not a
cafeteria and soda fountain pharmacy. It is known as the
Rexall Drug Store, whose trade exceeds the boundaries of the
city, extending into the surrounding country. Enterprising,
efficient and thoroughly reliable, Mr. Blakeley has won and
retained a position of leadership in local drug circles and
is also an astute financier. In 1919 he aided in organizing
the Wasco County Bank and was elected president of the
institution, which is capitalized at one hundred thousand
dollars and occupies an imposing building on East Second
street. Mr. Blakeley is likewise a successful fruit grower
and has a valuable cherry orchard of thirty acres. The ranch
is located near The Dalles and irrigated with water from the
city.
Mr. Blakeley was married January 29, 1887, to Miss Mary T.
Gorman, a native of New York state and a daughter of John
and Margaret Gorman. The family went to San Francisco,
California, by the water route, making bhe voyage around
Cape Horn, and in 1860 came to Oregon. For an extended
period Mr. Gorman was engaged in the transfer business in
Portland and his demise occurred in the Rose City in 1926,
when he had reached the advanced age of ninety-seven years.
Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Gorman, two are now
living: Mrs. Blakeley, and Mrs. Margaret Ordahl, a resident
of Portland.
for the municipality needed reforms and improvements and is
always ready to serve his community to the extent of his
ability. When he became county judge of Wasco and Hood River
counties the public funds were depleted and there was an
indebtedness of two hundred thousand dollars. For eight
years he was the incumbent of the office and during that
period removed this burden of debt from the counties without
increasing the taxation. During the World war he was
chairman for four years of the committee in charge of the
Red Cross activities in Wasco, Sherman, Wheeler and Gilliam
counties and succeeded in raising a large amount of money
for the organization.
Mr. Blakeley joined the Masonic order, with which, his
father was also affiliated, and has attained the
thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite Consistory. He is
a past master of the blue lodge, past high priest of the
chapter and past eminent commander of the commandery. Mr.
Blakeley is one of the Nobles of Al Kader Temple of the
Mystic Shrine at Portland and a life member of The Dalles
Lodge of Elks, of which he is a past exalted ruler. Mr. and
Mrs. Blakeley are charter members of Columbia Chapter of the
Eastern Star and also belong to the Country Club. For a year
Mr. Blakeley was the executive head of the Rexall Club, an
international association, which draws its members from the
United States, Canada and Great Britain. He was the first
president of the club elected west of the Rockies and on his
retirement from the office in 1916 was presented with a
handsome watch, suitably inscribed, as a testimonial of
appreciation of his services. Mr. Blakeley was the second
president of the Oregon Pharmaceutical Association and
served for fifteen years on the state board of pharmacy. In
addition to his attractive residence in The Dalles, he has a
fine home at Seaside, where he spends a portion of each
summer, and is one of the disciples of Izaak Walton. He is
also a devotee of golf and an expert player. Worthy motives
and high principles have actuated Mr. Blakeley at all points
in his career and throughout eastern Oregon he is admired
and respected.
History of the Columbia River Valley - From The
Dalles to the Sea
Volume II - Chicago
The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company - 1928
|
Calavan,
Joel
JOEL EUGENE CALAVAN
In the field of professional service Joel Eugene Calavan
achieved the full measure of success and for more than
thirty years was prominently identified with educational
work in Oregon. His life was one of great usefulness and
fr-reaching influence. A native of California, he was born
in Napa county on the 4th of October, 1872, and was one of
the four children of James Madison and Amanda (Goin)
Calavan. In 1877 his parents came to Oregon and settled on a
farm in Linn county.
Joel E. Calavan was reared on the home ranch and attended
the high school of Scio, afterward taking summer course at
the University of Oregon. In 1892, when a young man of
twenty, he began 'teaching near Scio, in the Shelton
district, and. in 1896 went to Crook county, Oregon. There
he engaged in his chosen line of work for nine years and in
1905 took charge of a school at Maple Lane, four miles east
of Oregon City, but in the spring returned to Scio, where he
spent two years. In 1908 he again became an instructor at
Maple Lane and in 1910 was appointed a supervisor of the
Clackamas county schools. For three years he acted in that
capacity and in November, 1913, was appointed superintendent
of the schools of Clackamas county to complete the unexpired
term of T. J. Gary. Mr. Calavan met every requirement of the
office, to which he was elected in 1916 for the full term of
four years, but resigned soon afterward, having been
appointed superintendent of the Boys and Girls Clubs in
Oregon, a state office, in which he made a notable record. A
great lover of children, he displayed a special talent for
the work, and his achievements elicited strong commendation.
His duties took him to every part of the state and his
popularity steadily increased. He cooperated closely with
the Oregon Agricultural College in projects for farm
betterment through the young and stimulated the progress of
the state along this line to a marked extent. Mr. Calavan
located in Portland in 1920 and in April, 1924, became a
candidate on the republican ticket for school superintendent
of Multnomah county. He was a tireless worker and kept in
close touch with the most advanced ideas in regard to
education.
Mr. Calavan was married April 6, 1897, to Miss Aver Spear, a
daughter of Isaac W. and Martha Ann (Zevely) Spear. Mrs.
Calavan's father left Illinois in 1863 and cast in his lot
with the early settlers of Union county, Oregon, developing
a farm on Biggie creek. He figured prominently in military
affairs and during the Indian troubles of 1878-79 was
lieutenant commander of the forces in the field. To Mr. and
Mrs. Calavan was born a daughter, Erma, who is the wife of
F. E. Cantrill, of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Mr. Calavan's
career was abruptly terminated February 9, 1928, when he was
fifty-six years of age and at the height of his usefulness.
In addition to his widow and daughter, he is survived by a
sister, Mrs. J. F. Mitts, of Portland; and three brothers,
V. L. Calavan, of Albany, Oregon; J. M. Calavan, a resident
of Jefferson; and R. E. Calavan, of Stayton.
Joel E. Calavan was a Mason, having joined the order in
Oregon City. In religious faith he was a Baptist and in
Oregon City was a Sunday school superintendent for a number
of years. His life was a serviceable factor in the cause of
human progress and the many admirable traits in his
character made him greatly beloved.
History of the Columbia River Valley - From The
Dalles to the Sea
Volume II - Chicago
The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company - 1928
|
Sox,
Edward
EDWARD F. SOX
In that section of the Oregon Journal devoted to the
impressions and observations of Fred Lockley, one of its
able writers, the following interesting article appeared
under date of May 3, 1926:
"'Fifty-five years ago, when I was a teacher in Albany
College, M. C. George, later congressman from Oregon and
also circuit judge, was principal of the public schools of
Albany,' said Edward F. Sox when I visited him recently at
his home at No. 281 Hazelfern place. 'At that time George E.
Chamberlain, later governor of Oregon and United States
senator, was teaching in a country schoolhouse near Albany.
"'My father attended Heidelberg University and came to this
country in 1835, just before his twenty-first birthday. He
left Germany because he did not want to serve in the army as
all young men were compelled to do at that time. My mother's
maiden name was Margaret Owens. Father and mother met and
were married near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in 1839. When
my father came to the United States he worked on the
railroad. He went to St. Louis in 1840, and after spending a
year or so there he moved to Palmyra, Illinois, where he
bought a tract of land, for which he paid a dollar and a
quarter an acre.
"'I was born on the banks of old Rock river, near Palmyra,
in Lee county, Illinois, January 25, 1846. My earliest
recollection is of men stopping at our house when on their
way to California. In 1850 two of these men who had returned
from the Golden state bought a farm from father, paying him
seven thousand dollars for it. I remember this very
distinctly, for they paid him in fifty dollar gold slugs,
stacking up fourteen piles with ten slugs in each pile.
These coins were not round; my impression is they were
octagonal. I can't be positive whether they were six-sided
or eight-sided. In any event, they were not round. The men
said they had turned in their gold dust in San Francisco in
exchange for these fifty dollar slugs.
"'When I was eighteen years old I enlisted in the One
Hundred and Fortieth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry
for a term of one hundred days. Our regiment campaigned
through Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky and
Missouri. I received my discharge on October 29, 1864. In
the fall of 1865 I entered Wheaton College, which I attended
for a year, and was afterward a student at the University of
Michigan in Ann Arbor. I taught school near Sterling,
Illinois, for three years. I wanted to go to the Pacific
coast and thought there would be a better chance to grow up
with the country if I located in a comparatively small town.
I chose Portland in preference to San Francisco because
Portland had a population of less than ten thousand. I
secured a position as teacher in the school in the Holladay
addition. Mr. McMillan, whose daughter, June
McMillan-Ordway, lives here in Portland, was one of the
directors and Mr. Shaver was also a member of the board. S.
W. King, later a prominent merchant of Portland, was a
teacher in its public schools at that time and R. K. Warren
was also engaged in teaching here then. He and I went to
Albany, Oregon, he to become president of the college, while
I took charge of the department of mathematics and was
connected with the institution from 1870 to 1874. Dr. E. R.
Geary was also a member of the faculty and his son, Ed
Geary, now a well known physician, was one of my pupils. Ed
L. Thompson, banker, broker and woolen mill man here in
Portland, was also one of my pupils, as were his sister,
Hettie Thompson, and her future husband, Dr. Templeton. Jane
Connor, now Mrs. James Failing, and Clara Price, now Mrs.
Judge Wolverton, were also members of my class. In 1874 I
embarked in the hardware business in Albany and sold out
three years later, locating in Seattle, which at that time
had a population of approximately seven thousand. I became a
partner of Martin Ballard and we changed the name of our
store to the Seattle Hardware Company. This is one cf the
oldest hardware firms in the city and is now capitalized for
over a million dollars. I was in business in Seattle from
1882 to 1886, when I sold out and returned to Albany,
reentering the hardware business. I ran this store for the
next twenty-seven years and retired in 1913. When I went to
Albany, Ben Holladay's road, the Oregon & California
Railroad, had got as far south as Halsey, where travelers
made connections by stage for California points.
"'On the 27th of January, 1874, I married Weltha M. Young, a
sister of S. E. Young, one of the prominent merchants of
Albany at that time. My son, Canton E. Sox, was born in
Albany on October 29, 1874, and completed a course in Albany
College. For two years he attended a college at Monmouth,
Illinois, later graduating from Stanford University of
California, and is now engaged in the practice of law at
Albany in partnership with Judge H. H. Hewitt. My son
married a sister of Dr. Ellis, of Albany, and they have four
sons. Three of them are already six-footers and the fourth
soon will be. My daughter, Emma Rebecca Newton, lives in
Boston, Massachusetts, also has a son, so that I am rich in
grandsons. My first wife passed away in 1921 and later I
returned to the east, where I married Mrs. Ella Gary-Ellis,
a widow with three children, all of whom were grown.
Sixty-one years ago we had been classmates at Wheaton
College, and since our marriage we have resided in Portland.
My wife is a native of Wheaton and one of four children who
lived to maturity. Her brother, Judge Elbert H. Gary, was
born in Warrenville, Illinois, and among my wife's treasured
possessions are some quaint pictures representing him as a
boy and as a young man. In one he 'was wearing a home-made
suit of checked cloth and you can see that he was very proud
of his first overcoat. As president of the United States
Steel Company he was nationally known and his demise
occurred in July, 1927. His brother, Olin Geary, is living
in St. Louis, Missouri. My wife's daughter, who married a
doctor, is an artist of rare ability and the paintings you
see on the walls of our home were painted by her.' "
In Seattle, Mr. Sox attended the services of a
Congregational church and while living in Albany he was
active in the work of the United Presbyterian church. He has
served as Sunday school superintendent and also as president
of the Young Men's Christian Association. Since age
conferred ipon him the right of franchise Mr. Sox has been a
strong republican but the honors and emoluments of political
office have never appealed to him. As a business man he
attained high standing, displaying keen sagacity in the
conduct of his affairs, and was also an able educator. He
has played well his part and enjoys the tranquility of
spirit and contentment of mind resulting from the knowledge
that he has accomplished, something 'worth while. Mr Sox has
a wide acquaintance and stands deservedly high in the esteem
of his fellowmen, for his life has been upright and useful.
History of the Columbia River Valley - From The
Dalles to the Sea
Volume II - Chicago
The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company - 1928
|
Keeney,
James
JAMES MAYNARD KEENEY
As a prosperous rancher and hotel owner James Maynard Keeney
was widely and favorably known throughout Oregon and during
the period of his residence in Portland he held a secure
place in the esteem of its citizens. Of resolute purpose and
marked strength of character, he surmounted obstacles and
difficulties which would have thoroughly discouraged the
average man and pressed steadily onward to the goal of
success. He was born in Brownsville, Oregon, October 15,
1865. His father, Elias Keeney, crossed the plains in an
early day and settled on a donation land claim near
Brownsville.
James M. Keeney was reared on the home farm where he
remained until he reached the age of eighteen, experiencing
many phases of pioneer life in western Oregon. For two years
he was a student at the State University and next attended a
business college in Portland. After the completion of his
course he returned home and when he attained his majority
was given one thousand dollars by his father. With this sum
he purchased a flock of sheep in Arlington, Oregon, but lost
most of them during the ensuing winter, which was unusually
severe. After this venture he opened a livery stable in
Arlington and also served as postmaster of the town. Later
he entered mercantile circles of Portland, conducting a
cigar store at First and Yamhill streets, but through his
partner lost the business. In addition he was burdened with
a debt of eight thousand dollars, incurred through no fault
of his, but by hard work and self-denial paid all of the
creditors of the firm and started life anew. From 1893 until
1895 Mr. Keeney was variously employed. Soon after the Maine
was sunk in Havana harbor he saw an opportunity to make
money and took advantage of it. Leasing a large ranch, he
became a breeder of horses, which he sold to the United
States government, and was thus engaged for four years.
During that time he was offered and accepted the management
of a hotel at Shaniko, Oregon, and was so successful that he
purchased the property soon afterward. For several years he
conducted the business, and then went to Vale, Oregon, where
he owned another hotel, which he operated successfully for
seven years. Meanwhile he had joined J. N. Burgess in
purchasing the Cunningham ranch at Pilot Rock and for
eighteen years he was active in the cultivation and
improvement of that tract. On disposing of his holdings in
eastern Oregon, Mr. Keeney located in Portland and bought a
cherry orchard of one hundred acres near Salem. In 1920 he
sold his interests in the ranch. His death occurred
September 19, 1923, when he was nearly fifty-eight years of
age. For years he fought a losing battle against disease but
maintained his courageous spirit until the end, being a man
of exceptional will power and determination.
Mr. Keeney was married July 20, 1904, to Miss Elizabeth
Matlock, a daughter of Tom J. and Mary E. Matlock. In 1853,
when a child of three, Mrs. Keeney's father crossed the
plains with his parents, who settled near Eugene, Oregon. In
1875 he removed to Heppner, Oregon, and embarked in the
sheep business. During the great flood at Heppner in June,
1903, he was seriously injured and his wife was drowned.
Their daughter Elizabeth fainted and thus narrowly escaped
death by drowning.
Mr. Keeney joined the Elks lodge of Pendleton but had few
outside interests, as he loved his home, finding therein hi
greatest happiness. In matters of citizenship he was loyal
and public-spirited, and his innate courtesy and kindness of
heart endeared him to all with whom he was associated. He
was a man of straightforward, honest character,
broad-minded, unselfish and helpful, winning his way on
earth and going out of the world worthy of that eternal life
beyond.
History of the Columbia River Valley - From The
Dalles to the Sea
Volume II - Chicago
The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company - 1928
|
Bishop,
Charles
CHARLES P. BISHOP
Charles P. Bishop was born in Contra Costa county,
California, September 23, 1854, and was the oldest of the
family of Rev. W. R. and Elizabeth Jane Bishop. His
ancestors were English and first appeared in North Carolina
and went from there to Tennessee. His great-grandfather was
killed in the war of 1812 and his grandfather first appears
in Tennessee. He went from there to Alabama, to Indiana and
from there to McLean county, Illinois, in 1836.
Mr. Bishop's father came to California in 1850 and his
mother in 1846. In 1856 they came to Oregon and first lived
east of Lebanon, and in 1861 went from there up on the
Calapooia river above Brownsville. Mr. Bishop's father was a
minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and was a
school teacher. During the early youth of Mr. Bishop his
father was compelled to be away from home much of the time
and, as he was the oldest of the family, naturally the
responsibilities of the family came to him quite early.
He stayed on the farm until he was twenty years old and up
to that time had had very scant opportunities for an
education. In his early childhood he had a vision that he
wanted to be a merchant, and at the age of twenty years took
a position as clerk in the store of Kirk & Hume in
Brownsville, at twenty-five dollars per month. This was in
October, 1874. On the expiration of two years he went into
the Brownsville Woolen Mills store in Brownsville as clerk
and salesman. At the expiration of two years, Robert Glass
and Mr. Bishop purchased a store in Crawfordsville, where
Mr. Bishop went and where the store was operated until 1884.
He sold his interest to Mr. Glass and went to McMinnville
and started a clothing store there. This was in 1884. In
1889 he sold his interest in the business and, with the late
Thomas Kay, organized and built the Thomas Kay Woolen Mills,
of Salem, Oregon. In 1890 this company started at Salem what
was known as the Salem Woolen Mills store, and in 1891 Mr.
Bishop acquired this business and operated it as sole
proprietor until 1924, at which time he incorporated it as
the Bishop Clothing & Woolen Mills Store and sold it to
his Sons and R. H. Cooley. The popularity and prestige of
the business has had a continual growth, until every few
years additional space has been required to handle the
increasing business, and it is now the leading clothing
store between Portland
and San Francisco.
Mr. Bishop has given of his time to public affairs, having
been elected mayor of Salem for three successive terms; he
also served as state senator from Marion county in the
sessions of the legislature in 1915 and 1917.
His early alliance with the Brownsville Woolen Mills
developed in him an interest in northwest manufacturing, and
he has always taken a special interest in assisting in every
way possible manufacturing projects, large or small, and
always had a warm heart for the small manufacturer, who is
trying to build up and establish a business.
Mr. Bishop has been a member of the board of trustees of the
Willamette University since 1897; likewise a member of the
board of trustees of the Young Men's Christian Association
of Salem since 1892, and has been a most liberal contributor
to their development, in both time and money.
On October 8, 1876, he was united in marriage with Fannie
Kay, the daughter of the late Thomas Kay. To them three sons
have been born, Clarence M. Bishop, Roy T. Bishop and Robert
Chauncey Bishop. These sons were seemingly natural born.
woolen manufacturers. They learned the rudiments or
beginning of the business under their grandfather, and they
were then sent to Philadelphia, where they took a course in
scientific woolen manufacturing, they having a large vision
of the building up of the woolen manufacturing industry in
the northwest. Mr. Bishop cooperated with them and
encouraged them in every way, the result of which has been
that they have built up the Pendleton Woolen Mills, of
Pendleton, Oregon, the Washougal Woolen Mills, of Washougal,
Washington, and acquired the Eureka Woolen Mills, of Eureka,
California. Roy T. Bishop has built up the Oregon Worsted
Company in the manufacture of worsted yarns, which are used
on this coast by sweater and bathing suit manufacturers,
approximating one million dollars annually. The Pendleton
Woolen Mills has a nation wide reputation in the manufacture
of what is known as the "Pendleton" Fancy Indian Blankets.
They are used in every sbate of the Union.
For the Washougal Mills, at the close of the World war, in
1919 Mr. Bishop developed a men's suiting line, and called
it the "Washougal" suiting line, and so far as Mr. Bishop
knows, this was the beginning of the manufacturing and
featuring of what has since become known as "virgin wool
fabrics"which means made of new wool, no shoddy or re-worked
wool in its construction. This fabric, within a year, had
attracted the attention of clothing manufacturers in. the
east, and one manufacturer has been taking the entire output
of the Washougal Mill of this suiting line, it finding a
ready market throughout the east, and especially in New
England, the cradle of the American woolen industry, which
was a great surprise to all, and this year of 1928 there has
been organized in Syracuse, New York, what is known as the
Washougal Clothing Company, of which Mr. Bishop is the
president. This organization will specialize in the
manufacture of clothing out of these suitings.
Mr. Bishop is by faith a Presbyterian and politically a
republican.
Mr. Bishop desires that special mention be made of four men
with whom he was allied, that left their impress upon him
and who he remembers with gratitude today, and who have long
since passed away.
First, was W. H. Baber, of Junction, who gave him the first
inspiration as a young man that, if he would keep up the
pace, he would make a merchant.
The next was W. R. Kirk, of Brownsville, who was kind to him
and overlooked his faults and imperfections and assured him
that he had the capabilities of a merchant.
Next was Robert Glass, of Crawfordsville, who from the year
1861 was a warm friend of the family, and whose high ethical
standards were as a beacon light to the boy, the youth and
the young man.
Lastly, Mr. Bishop's wife's father, the late Thomas Kay, who
died in 1900. His indefatigable industry, his more than
broad vision of what a young man could do gave Mr. Bishop an
inspiration that has had much to do with whatever success
may have attended him.
History of the Columbia River Valley - From The
Dalles to the Sea
Volume III - Chicago
The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company - 1928
|
Bruckman,
F. A.
F. A. BRUCKMAN
In the field of invention the name of F. A. Bruckman is well
known inasmuch as he was the inventor of the first automatic
machine for the successful manufacture of ice cream cones:
The story of his life is one of notable achievement in which
determined purpose overcame difficulties and obstacles and
desired results were at length obtained. Mr. Bruckman comes
to the northwest from Illinois, his birth having occurred in
Hancock county, that state, in 1873. He is a son of
Frederick and Eve (Kropp) Bruckman, both now deceased. The
father, who was born in Germany, came to the United States
at nineteen years of age in order to avoid compulsory
military service in his native land. He had learned the
cabinetmaker's trade in Germany but after taking up his
abode in Illinois followed the occupation of farming. In his
later years he removed to Albany, Oregon, where he owned
farm property but rented it.
In his youthful days F. A. Bruckman attended school in
Illinois and later became a student in Albany, Oregon, where
after leaving the public schools he spent two years in
Albany College. When his textbooks were put aside he turned
his attention to the creamery business in Albany and learned
the butter-making trade in its entirety. He afterward
operated several creameries and in 1900, associated with his
father, established a creamery at Brownsville, Oregon, where
they conducted business for six years. F. A. Bruckman then
purchased his father's interest and carried on alone until
1906, when he came to Portland and was here associated with
the Weatherly Ice Cream Company until 1908. In that year he
organized the Pacific Coast Cone Company, with Mr. Weatherly
as silent partner. In 1920 he sold his interest in the
business, which at that time was manufacturing forty-five
million cones annually. The same name is retained in the
management of the undertaking, but the business is now being
carried on by consolidation of manufacturers operating under
Mr. Bruckman's patent. Mr. Bruckman built the present plant,
having previously occupied an upstairs room in the building
of the Crystal Ice Company. In the meantime he developed a
plant for the manufacture of the ice cream cone. He realized
how great an expenditure of time and labor was required for
the manufacture of the cone by hand or by the crude
machinery then in use. For years he studied the problem. He
watched his wife in the efficiency of household management
and he looked at his children, who were his incentive for
success. He felt that he must make a cone that would be a
healthful one, that it would not only have an excellent
taste but have real food value, and that he must make it so
that it would be within reach of the child who had only an
occasional nickel to spend for sweets. The trouble with the
hand operated machines was that the cone could not be
loosened from the mold without a vast lot of breakage. This
was one of the things that made the cone then on the market
impracticable and without a great commercial value. He
studied the problem night and day. There were certain little
seemingly minor elements that entered into his success. He
watched his wife making little timbale cases and he compared
her process with his. Moreover, on one occasion he stood
near two engineers in charge of the building of a big bridge
and heard them say something about the big steel cross bars
adding strength to the complete structure. This gave him
another idea, resulting in his changing the raised markings
of mold, but even yet the cone did not come cleanly out of
the mold; and eventually there developed in his mind the
idea that if he could not take the cone from the mold, he
might take the mold from the cone, and with this came the
fulfillment of the dream that he had long entertained. Not
only, too, was his cone to be mechanically perfect but it
must taste good and have real food value, and this problem
was solved in the manufacture of Bruckman's Real Cake Cones.
The result was a perfected machine turning out hundreds of
cones, and later he met infringement suits which he
successfully prosecuted. The development of the business is
shown in the fact that in 1915 thirty-five million cones
were made and sold from the Portland plant, fifty million by
its machine in Dayton, Ohio, and ten million each by its
machines in Fort Worth, Texas, and Toronto, Canada. All
mixing and other methods of manufacturing the cones was by
machine until they were ready to be packed.
In Albany, Oregon, Mr. Bruckman was married to Miss Hettie
May Drais, who was born in Kansas, a daughter of T. Z.
Drais. Mrs. Bruckman was only an infant when taken to
California and when about fifteen years of age came to
Oregon. By her marriage she has become the mother of one
son, Merle D., who was born in Plainview, Oregon, in 1898.
When a boy in high school he showed a leaning toward
mechanics and he was graduated from the Benson Polytechnic
School as a mechanical draftsman. He then became associated
with his father in the manufacture of cones and when but
twenty years of age took charge of the manufacturing end of
his father's plant with thirty-five or forty people working
under him. He married Miss Helen Long, a native of Portland
and a daughter of John Long, and they now have one child,
Elizabeth Anne, commonly known as Betty.
With his retirement from the manufacture of ice cream cones
Mr. Bruckman concentrated his efforts in other directions
and is now interested in the development of the Breitenbush
Mineral Springs, located twelve miles from Detroit on the
North Santiam river and about fifteen miles due west of
Mount Jefferson. This is being transformed into a health
resort and the water of the springs, judged by the medicinal
qualities, ranks with the best in the country. His son Merle
is also associated with him in this enterprise, taking
active part in the development of the project. Fraternally
Mr. Bruckman is connected with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and
Multnomah Camp No. 77 of the Woodmen of the World. He also
belongs to the Portland Golf Club, which indicates something
of the nature of his interests and activities outside of
business. His has been a very active life and one of great
usefulness in contributing to the happiness and pleasure
particularly of the young through his inventive genius.
Success is now his - the success which persistent and
indefatigable labor merits.
History of the Columbia River Valley - From The
Dalles to the Sea
Volume III - Chicago
The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company - 1928
|
Stewart,
Claiborne
Judge Claiborne H. Stewart, who is now serving for the
second term as postmaster of Albany, having been reappointed
to that position by President Wilson in 1919, is discharging
the duties of that office in a prompt and capable manner. He
was born in Knoxville, Marion county, Iowa, December 29,
1852, and is a son of Dr. William Q. and Ann R. (Humphrey)
Stewart, natives of Ohio. The family is of Scotch-Irish
descent, representatives of the name emigrating to America
and becoming residents of Pennsylvania. As a child the
mother went with her parents to Illinois and then to Iowa at
a very early period in the development of that state. This
was prior to the Black Hawk war, at which time Burlington
was but a trading post, the country being sparsely settled.
The father was a merchant and physician and practiced his
profession at Knoxville and Albia until 1865, when he
crossed the plains to Oregon, spending his first winter in
this state near Mount Tabor, in the vicinity of Portland. In
1866 he removed to Albany, Linn county, and purchased
property which is now owned by Claiborne H. Stewart of this
review and on which he has reared his family. Owing to
impaired health the father did not engage in the practice of
medicine in Oregon but subsequently became connected with
the drug business, in which he was interested for several
years. He continued a resident of Albany until his demise,
which occurred on the 17th of March, 1882, when he was
sixty-seven years of age, for he was born on the 5th of May,
1815. The mother, surviving him for many years, passed away
in 1917 at the advanced age of ninety-six years, and both
were highly esteemed and respected in the community where
they resided.
Claiborne H. Stewart acquired his early education in the
schools of Albia, Iowa, and completed his studies at Albany,
Oregon. On the 5th of June, 1867, he entered the office of
the Democrat as printer's devil and there thoroughly
mastered the printer's trade, at which he worked for several
years, and then purchased that publication, which he
conducted until the spring of 1882, when he disposed of his
holdings therein, having a short time before sold an
interest in the paper to United States Senator George
Chamberlain. In 1882 he was called to public office, being
elected county clerk of Linn county, in which position he
served for two years. In 1884 he entered mercantile circles,
establishing a hardware business as a partner of E. F. Sox,
under the firm style of the Stewart & Sox Hardware
Company. They engaged in the sale of farm implements and
sawmill machinery and through their progressive business
methods and honorable dealing succeeded in building up a
business of extensive proportions, their trade covering all
of Benton and Linn counties and a portion of Lane, Marion
and Polk counties. They continued in business for
twenty-four years, during which period they gradually
extended the scope of their trade until theirs became a most
substantial and profitable enterprise. In 1904 Mr. Stewart
had been honored with election to the office of county
judge, in which position he proved most capable, rendering
decisions which were strictly fair and impartial. Upon
leaving the bench he became associated with his son-in-law
in the conduct of a store dealing in electrical appliances
and was thus engaged until 1915, when he was appointed by
President Wilson to the position of postmaster of Albany. He
rendered such satisfactory service in that connection that
he was reappointed in August, 1919, so that he is still
filling that office, discharging his duties in a most
capable and efficient manner. Always courteous and obliging
and prompt and faithful in the care of the mail, Mr. Stewart
has proved a most popular official.
On the 4th of January, 1877, Judge Stewart was united in
marriage to Miss Cora J. Irvine, a daughter of the Rev. S.
G. and Mary (Rainey) Irvine, the former a native of Wooster,
Ohio, while the latter was born near Belfast, in the north
of Ireland. Her parents emigrated to the United States when
she was but two years of age and settled at Cambridge, Ohio.
Rev. Mr. Irvine came to Oregon from Wooster, Ohio, as a
missionary and owing to the wild state of the country at
that time was obliged to travel on horseback from place to
place in the performance of his duties. He was a minister of
the United Presbyterian church and continued to preach the
gospel at Albany and Oakville, Oregon, the remainder of his
life, his work proving a potent force for good in the
communities which he served.
To Judge and Mrs. Stewart were born ten children, three of
whom died in infancy. Those who survive are: Stanley I.,
secretary and manager of the Lebanon Electric Light &
Water Power Company; William Edgar, a practicing physician
of Portland, maintaining offices in the Selling building. He
enlisted for service in the World war, in which he did most
important work for his country, being engaged in the task of
organizing hospitals in France. He served throughout the
period of the war, being discharged as major at the close of
the conflict; Charles H. was assistant deputy governor of
the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco until January 1st,
1921, at which time he was appointed one of the vice
presidents of the Northwestern Bank of Portland. He
organized the Salt Lake City branch of the bank, of which he
was manager until January 1, 1920, when he was called to San
Francisco to assume the duties of his present position. He
is very prominent in financial circles of the west, having
formerly acted as bank examiner of Oregon; Mary R. is the
wife of Joseph H. Ralston, who is engaged in the electrical
business at Albany, Oregon; Ralph is also a veteran of the
World war. He served with the artillery forces and was so
fortunate as to escape injury, although he participated in
many a hard-fought battle. He is now engaged in the work of
estimating lands for taxation purposes in Roosevelt county,
Montana; Kate, who is an employe of the First National Bank
of Albany, is residing at home; Robert L. also participated
as a soldier in the World war, serving throughout the period
of hostilities as a member of an artillery company. He is
now connected with the Mountain States Electric & Power
Company.
Judge Stewart gives his political allegiance to the
democratic party and he has taken a prominent part in public
affairs, serving for four terms as a member of the city
council, while tor about twelve years he was chief of the
fire department, thus rendering valuable service to the
city. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in
the United Presbyterian church and for over twenty years he
served as its secretary, and he has also been secretary of
the Albany Commercial Club. He is a man of strict integrity,
ever holding to high ideals of manhood and citizenship, and
no public trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed. His
life has been so varied in its activities, so honorable in
its purpose and so far-reaching and beneficial in its
effects that it has become an integral part of the history
of his section of the state and his sterling worth is
attested by all with whom he has come into contact.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Morgan,
M. D.
M. D. Morgan, editor and lessee of the Harrisburg Bulletin,
published at Harrisburg, Linn county, was born in Dubuque,
Iowa, May 16, 1876, a son of John and Bertha (Moan) Morgan,
the former a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, while the
latter was born in Norway. The father accompanied his
parents on their removal to Platteville, Wisconsin, and
there followed the wheelwright's trade. He was an honored
veteran of the Civil war, enlisting as a member of Company
I, Tenth Wisconsin Infantry, with which he served for two
years, when he was discharged on account of illness. On
regaining his health he reenlisted, becoming a member of
Company I, Twenty-seventh Wisconsin Infantry, and served
with that command until the close of the war. He received a
number of wounds and several times was taken prisoner but
succeeded in making his escape. At the close of hostilities
he returned to his Wisconsin home, but after a short time
went to Dubuque, Iowa, where his marriage occurred. In 1877
he went to Dows, Iowa, and opened a wagon shop, continuing
its conduct until ill health compelled him to retire. Coming
to the west in search of a brother, he reached the state of
Oregon, and finding the mild climate here to his liking, he
took up his abode in Salem in 1904, there residing until
1909, when he removed to Harrisburg, in which city he spent
his remaining days. He passed away April 30, 1915, and the
mother survived him but a year, her death occurring May 31,
1916.
M. D. Morgan was reared and educated in Dows, Iowa, and
there learned the printer's trade, which he followed in
different parts of the country. Subsequently he took up the
study of telegraphy and for two years worked at that
occupation, but not finding it to his liking, he resumed his
former trade of printer and on the 1st of January, 1899,
purchased the Renwick (Ia.) Times, which he operated for two
years and then sold. Purchasing the Butler County Tribune,
published at Allison, Iowa, he continued to conduct that
paper for a period of six years and, then decided to seek
other fields of operation and came to Oregon, becoming
connected with the Statesman, issued at Salem, where he
remained until July, 1908. His next venture was in
connection with the Harrisburg (Ore.) Bulletin, which he
operated until December 1, 1917, and then sold, purchasing a
farm near Harrisburg, in Linn county, but this investment
did not prove a profitable one. He carried on his farming
operations entirely by tractor, but owing to continued
drought his crops proved a failure and he was obliged to
abandon the project. He then went to Vancouver, Washington,
where he once more took up his former trade, becoming
connected with The Columbian, having charge of the job
department and doing editorial work. In June, 1919, he
returned to Harrisburg and leased his old paper, the
Bulletin, which he has since conducted. He is thoroughly at
home in this line of work, owing to his long connection with
newspaper interests, and he is making the Bulletin a very
readable and attractive journal, devoted to the interests of
the community which it serves and to the dissemination of
home news. He has introduced the most progressive methods in
management and publication and has added to the substantial
reputation which the Bulletin has always enjoyed. Mr. Morgan
is still the owner of his farm near Harrisburg. It comprises
one hundred and fourteen acres and from its rental he
derives a substantial addition to his income.
On the 20th of February, 1901, occurred the marriage of M.
D. Morgan and Miss Lola Irene Michael, and they have become
the parents of eight children: Leland, who assists his
father in the publication of the Bulletin; Wayne, who is
also connected with the work of the paper; Genevieve, who is
the second in order of birth; and Joseph, Carroll, Donald,
Irene and Edith.
Mr. Morgan gives his political allegiance to the republican
party and has taken an active interest in public affairs of
his community, serving as a member of the various town
councils in the communities in which he has resided.
Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order. He
stands at all times for improvement in everything relating
to the development and upbuilding of the county along
intellectual, political, material and moral lines, and in
his editorial capacity he is producing a newspaper of much
interest and value to the community in which he lives.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Kinzer,
Lewis
Lewis W. Kinzer was for over four decades one of the
progressive and enterprising agriculturists of Linn county
but since 1916 has lived retired, leaving the active
operation of the farm to the capable management of his son,
John W. Kinzer. Although he has passed the seventy-first
milestone on life's journey, he is remarkably well preserved
and appears to be a man of fifty. Mr. Kinzer was born in Des
Moines county, Iowa, in June. 1849. his parents being Lewis
and Louisa M. (Wolf) Kinzer. the former a native of Ohio,
while the latter was also born in Des Moines county. Iowa.
The father removed to Iowa at an early period in the
development of that state and for a short time resided in
Des Moines county. He had previously been a resident of
California, whither he had gone in quest of gold, but not
meeting with success in his venture he returned to the
interior of the country and for a time made his home in
Iowa. Once more he started for the west and with ox teams
crossed the plains to Oregon, settling in Linn county, where
he purchased land near the present site of the town of
Crabtree, becoming the owner of three hundred and twenty
acres. This he improved and developed and was active in its
management throughout the remainder of his life. He died
about 1870 at the comparatively early age of forty-nine
years, while the mother, surviving him for a quarter of a
century passed away about 1895, when sixty-seven years of
age.
Lewis W. Kinzer has passed practically his entire life
within the borders of this state, for he was but a year and
a half old when brought by his parents to Oregon. He pursued
his education in the district schools and remained at home
until he attained his majority, when he purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of the old home farm, devoting his
energies to its further development and improvement for many
years. His well directed labors and progressive methods were
rewarded by a substantial measure of success and he became
the owner of a most valuable property, continuing active in
its conduct until 1916, when he suffered a paralytic stroke,
since which time his son, John W. Kinzer, has capably
directed the work of the farm.
On the 6th of June, 1875, Mr. Kinzer was united in marriage
to Miss M. Ellen Arnold, who was born near Brownsville,
Oregon, April 2, 1857, and is a daughter of Isaac and
Priscilla (Hannah) Arnold, the former a native of Ohio and
the latter of Iowa. The father followed farming in the
Hawkeye state until 1852, when he started for Oregon,
becoming one of its early pioneers. Settling in Linn county,
he took up land two miles from the present site of the town
of Brownsville and this he cleared and developed for five
years, when he sold that ranch and purchased land four miles
east of Scio. This he continued to cultivate throughout the
remainder of his life, passing away May 3, 1883, when
seventy-three years of age. The mother survived him for
seven years, her death occurring May 12, 1890, when she had
attained the age of sixty-seven years. To Mr. and Mrs.
Kinzer were born three children: John Wesley, the eldest, is
now operating the home farm, upon which he resides. He
married Rose Belyeu and they have two children, Lyle K. and
Reta D.; Letha E. married Benjamin Franklin Carman and they
reside at Eugene, Oregon; Lizzie E. became the wife of W. O.
Wimmer and passed away in November, 1918, a victim of the
influenza epidemic.
In his political views Mr. Kinzer Is a republican and his
wife is a member of the Baptist church. He is not affiliated
with any fraternal organizations but through his membership
in the Grange he has ever kept in touch with the most
advanced and scientific methods of farming. His present
success is the result of his former years of indefatigable
effort, enterprise and thrift and in the section where his
life has been passed he is widely known and universally
honored.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Marks,
Willard
Willard L. Marks, attorney at law and member of the well
known law firm of Hill & Marks, with offices in the
Cusick Bank building at Albany, was born near Lebanon, in
Linn county, Oregon, June 25, 1883, a son of James M. and
Mary P. (Blain) Marks, natives of Indiana. The father
crossed the plains to Oregon in company with his parents in
1852 and took up a donation land claim near Lebanon. The
mother came to this state with her parents in 1848, being at
that time but four years of age. Her father was a minister
of the Presbyterian church and later became one of the
founders of the United Presbyterian church. Upon coming to
this state he first located in Oregon City, where he became
editor of the Oregon Spectator, which was the first
newspaper published west of the Rocky Mountains. Not long
afterward he removed to Linn county and established a church
and school at Union Point, in the vicinity of Brownsville.
He died at Albany many years ago. James M. Marks, the father
of Mr. Marks of this review, traded the donation land claim
near Lebanon, which he had acquired on first coming to this
state, for other land in that vicinity and this farm he
operated for many years. He was one of the leaders in
religious and educational affairs in his community and
became one of the founders of the First Presbyterian church
at Lebanon. He at length removed to Albany, where he resided
for some time, and subsequently went to California, where he
passed away in 1914, when nearly eighty years of age. The
mother, however, survives and is now residing in Napa,
California.
Willard L. Marks was reared and educated in Linn county.
Oregon. He attended the public schools at Lebanon and at
Albany and later entered Albany College, from which he was
graduated with the class of 1904. While a student there he
not only won scholastic honors and was a member of the
college debating team but was prominent as an athlete and
was a member of the track team which won the state
championship in 1903. He also served as president of the old
Collegiate Athletic League of Oregon. He met most of the
expenses of his academic education by doing newspaper work
and in addition to doing his school work served as city
editor of the Albany Daily Herald during most of his senior
year in college. After completing his college course he
engaged in newspaper work and was for a year a reporter on
the Portland Telegram. In 1906 he became chief deputy county
clerk of Linn county and four years later was elected county
clerk, being the first candidate for public office in Linn
county ever nominated on both the republican and democratic
tickets. He rendered such good service in that office that
he was reelected without opposition in 1912.
Shortly after his graduation from college Mr. Marks began
the study of law in connection with his other work and while
serving as county clerk was admitted to the bar. On the 1st
day of January, 1915, he retired from the clerk's office to
take up the practice of law, and on that date formed a
partnership with Gale S. Hill and since then has been
associated with the law firm of Hill & Marks at Albany.
Upon taking up the practice of law he was appointed deputy
district attorney for Linn county and filled that position
for six years.
On the 16th of April, 1907, occurred the marriage of Willard
L. Marks and Miss Beryl Turner, a daughter of John and
Fluella M. (Fisher) Turner, the former a native of Illinois
and the latter of Missouri. The father was a railroad agent
in this state for several years and followed that line of
work throughout his entire life. He passed away in 1903 but
the mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Marks have two
children, a son, Robert Leighton Marks, who was born August
4, 1914, and a daughter, Marian Elizabeth Marks, born
February 17, 1921.
In politics Mr. Marks is a republican and he has been an
active worker for the party. He served some time as
secretary of the republican central committee of Linn county
and has represented the county as a member of the state
central committee several years. He was a member of the
executive committee of the party in Oregon during the
presidential campaigns of 1916 and 1920. He has had
different opportunities to fill public office but prefers to
devote his attention to the conduct of his extensive law
business. Mr. Marks is prominent in fraternal circles. He
has filled various offices in the Grand Lodge of the Knights
of Pythias and served as grand chancellor of Oregon in 1915
and 1916. He is also a member of different bodies of the
Masonic order and other organizations. His religious faith
is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Marks is deserving of much credit for what he has
accomplished in life, for he worked his way through college
and through the exercise of determination, energy and native
ability has advanced steadily in his profession until he now
ranks with the leading attorneys of his section of the
state.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Speer,
Homer
For thirty years Homer Speer has been a resident of Oregon,
having come to this state when but twelve years old. Eight
years of this time he has lived in Tangent, where he is
successfully conducting a merchandise business, and he is
now serving Tangent as postmaster, in which position his
genial personality and business aptitude have won for him
many friends.
Homer Speer was born in Bushnell, Illinois, in June, 1878,
his parents being Marcus H. and Emma (Painter) Speer, both
of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father engaged in
farming and later removed to Illinois, where he rented a
fine piece of land which he operated until 1890. In that
year he came to Oregon, settled in Marion county and resumed
farming, purchasing some land which he immediately set about
to improve and on which he resided the remainder of his
life. He passed away, February 25, 1918, and had survived
his wife four years, her death having occurred in October,
1914.
The subject of this review, Homer Speer, was reared and
educated in the district schools of McDonough county,
Illinois, until he was twelve years of age, when he
accompanied his parents on their removal to Oregon. The
family settled in Marion county and here Mr. Speer resumed
his education to the age of nineteen years, when he removed
to California with the idea of completing his education. He
commenced the study of law, applying such close industry and
mental concentration upon this work that his health began to
fail and he was forced to give up his studies. He remained
two years longer in California, however, and having regained
his health, returned to Oregon and to his home county,
starting a general store at Mehama, Marion county, which
venture proved a success and in which he continued for four
years. At the expiration of this period he removed to Mill
City and there was employed at various occupations for a
while, later establishing another store, which he operated
for three and one-half years. For one year he had a grocery
store, but preferring to handle merchandise he removed to
Tangent, Linn county, and purchased a large general store,
which he has since operated. In the conduct of his store he
has employed only the highest standards and has endeavored
in every possible way to please his patrons, believing that
satisfied patrons are the best advertisement.
Mr. Speer was married March 2, 1902, to Miss Alice Pratt and
to them have been born four children: Opal F., whose birth
occurred in November, 1902; Marion A., born April 5, 1908;
and Merwin H., born August 18, 1914. The wife and mother
died February 25, 1919. after an illness of two years, her
death being deeply regretted by many friends who had learned
to esteem her highly.
Mr. Speer is well known in Masonic circles and also in the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically he is a
republican, giving support to the principles of the party,
yet never seeking nor desiring office. His religious faith
is manifested in his membership in the Christian church and
the sterling worth of his character has won for him the high
esteem of all with whom he has come into contact.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Shedd,
C. J.
A notably successful career is that of C. J. Shedd, manager
of the Davis-Shedd Company, dealers in general merchandise,
and president of the Bank of Shedd, in which connection he
is controlling important and extensive interests at Shedd,
Linn county. Mr. Shedd is a native son of Illinois, his
birth having occurred in June, 1857, and his parents were
Frank and Emily (Olin) Shedd, the former born in New
Hampshire and the latter in Ohio. In 1839 the father removed
to Illinois, where he engaged in farming until the outbreak
of the Civil war, when he enlisted as a member of the One
Hundred and Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, becoming
Captain of Company C. At the end of a year he was discharged
on account of illness and in 1864 he started across the
plains to Oregon as captain of a wagon train traveling with
ox teams. Settling in Linn county, he purchased land now
adjoining the town of Shedd, of which he became the founder
and which was named in his honor. He improved and developed
his farm, converting it into a valuable property and
continuing its cultivation throughout his remaining years.
He was most highly respected and esteemed in his community
and for one term was a member of the state legislature. He
passed away in 1893, having for nine years survived the
mother, whose demise occurred in 1884.
C. J. Shedd was but seven years of age at the time of the
removal to Oregon and in the district schools of this state
he pursued his education. After completing his studies he
engaged in cultivating the home farm until 1895, when he was
appointed postmaster of Shedd and served in that capacity
for a period of four years. In 1900 he turned his attention
to general merchandising in association with J. R. Davis and
in 1912 the business was incorporated as the Davis-Shedd
Company, of which Mr. Shedd has since been the manager. They
carry a very large stock of merchandise and under the able
direction of Mr. Shedd the business has assumed extensive
and substantial proportions, the progressive methods and
reliability of the firm winning for them a large patronage.
Being a man of resourceful business ability, Mr. Shedd has
extended his efforts into various lines and in March, 1913,
in association with others he organized the Bank of Shedd,
of which he has since served as president, the other
officers being J. B. Bell of Eugene, vice president, and J.
C. Clay, cashier. The bank has a capital stock of fifteen
thousand dollars, its surplus amounts to five thousand
dollars and its deposits have reached the sum of one hundred
and seventy thousand dollars. Mr. Shedd has made a close
study of the banking business and has ever made it his
purpose to safeguard thoroughly the interests of depositors,
so that the institution of which he is the head has ever
enjoyed the full confidence of the public and has become
recognized as a sound and substantial moneyed institution.
He likewise is the owner of farm land which he leases and is
thus continually broadening the scope of his activities,
carrying forward to successful completion everything that he
undertakes
In December, 1893, Mr. Shedd was united in marriage to Miss
Anna Botsford and to them have been born three children:
Bertha Lucille, Frank Raymond and Harold L., all at home. In
his political views Mr. Shedd is a democrat and for one term
he represented his district in the state legislature, where
he rendered Important and valuable service, giving
thoughtful and earnest consideration to all the vital
problems which came up for settlement. For over twenty-five
years he has served as justice of the peace, rendering
decisions which have ever been characterized by fairness and
impartiality. Mrs. Shedd attends the Methodist church and
fraternally Mr. Shedd is identified with the Masons and the
Woodmen of the World. A man of keen business discernment and
sound judgment, Mr. Shedd has made for himself a creditable
place in financial and mercantile circles of Linn county and
his activities have always been of a character that have
contributed to public progress and prosperity as well as to
individual success. His life has ever been actuated by high
and honorable principles and he is loyal to all those
Interests which make for true manhood and progressive
citizenship.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Wheeler,
William
As editor and proprietor of the Brownsville Times, William
H. Wheeler is producing a newspaper of much interest and
value to the community in which he lives. He was born in
Vermont, November 10, 1850, a son of William Henry Harrison
and Ann (Standish) Wheeler, the former a native of the Green
Mountain state, while the latter was born in Canada. In the
east the father followed the trades of a carpenter and
tanner and also engaged in farming for many years, but in
1853 he crossed the border into Canada and remained a
resident of that country throughout the remainder of his
life. He passed away in 188l at the age of sixty-six years,
while the mother's death occurred in 1897, when she was
seventy-seven years of age.
Their son, William H. Wheeler, was reared and educated in
Canada, within fifty feet of the United States boundary
line, and there learned the printer's trade. Returning to
his native state, he became editor of the Vermont Farmer,
serving in that capacity in 1873 and 1874. Two years later
he went west to California and in 1877 he purchased a paper
at Watsonville, California, which he conducted for three
years and then went to San Francisco, where he became a
member of the editorial staff of the Chronicle. At the end
of four years he severed his connection with that
publication and turned his attention to farming. Coming to
Oregon, he took up a homestead in Lane county and this he
improved and developed, continuing its cultivation for a
period of seventeen years. He then sold the property and
turned his attention to other lines, conducting a hotel at
Seaside, Oregon, for two years. Reentering the field of
Journalism, he went to Eugene and while a resident of that
city was connected with the Register for seven years. In
June, 1919, he arrived In Brownsville and leased the
Brownsville Times, which he has since operated, but previous
to that time had acted as correspondent for city papers. The
Times is one of the best and most influential newspapers in
this section of the state. Its local columns are always full
of interest and the news of the world is clearly and
concisely set forth. Its information is accurate and
reliable and it has become popular' with the reading public,
enjoying a large circulation, and is therefore a good
advertising medium. Mr. Wheeler is familiar with every phase
of newspaper publication and in the management of the Times
is meeting with excellent results. While operating his
farm in Lane county he specialized in the raising of Jersey
cattle and he is still the owner of a residence in Eugene.
In September, 1919, Mr. Wheeler was united in marriage to
Mrs. Anna A. Harvey, and by a former marriage he has a son,
Marion P. Wheeler, who is postmaster at Greenleaf, Oregon,
and a daughter, Mabel, who is the wife of Alfred Steinhauer
and also resides at Greenleaf. Mr. Wheeler owes much of his
success to his wife, who ably assists him in his editorial
work. In politics he is independent and Mrs. Wheeler is a
member of the Christian church. He stands at all times for
improvement in everything relating to the upbuilding and
development of the county along intellectual, political,
material and moral lines and his many sterling traits of
character have won for him the high regard of all who know
him.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Dugger,
Thomas
Thomas L. Dugger, editor and proprietor of the Scio Tribune,
published at Scio, Linn county, has for a half century
resided within the borders of this state and is therefore
entitled to classification with its honored pioneers. He was
born in Macoupin county, Illinois, December 17, 1S46, a son
of Leonard W. and Sarah (Penn) Dugger, the former a native
of Tennessee and the latter of Illinois. Brought by his
parents to Illinois when but three years of age, the father
was reared and educated in Madison county, that state. After
completing his studies he took up farming and purchased land
in Macoupin county, which he improved and developed,
continuing its operation for a number of years. He then
disposed of his farm and started for the west, coming to
Oregon in 1876, but after remaining in the state for a year
he returned to Illinois and purchased his old farm in
Macoupin county, which he continued to operate during the
remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1882. His wife
survived him for three years, passing away in 1885.
Thomas L. Dugger was reared and educated in Macoupin county,
Illinois, and subsequently entered Blackburn University at
Carlinville, Illinois. Previous to pursuing his college
course, however, he had fought as a soldier in the Civil
war, enlisting in 1862 as a member of Company M, Eleventh
Missouri Cavalry, with which command he served for three
years, participating in many hard fought battles and
enduring many hardships and privations during that memorable
conflict. Upon leaving college, or in 1870, he came west to
Oregon and for one year engaged in teaching school in
Portland, after which he removed to Linn county, where he
followed that profession tor a period of eleven years. He
was very successful as a teacher, imparting clearly and
readily to others the knowledge he had acquired, and he
became known as one of the prominent educators of the state,
having charge of Santiam Academy at Lebanon, which has since
been discontinued. He then turned his attention to
agricultural pursuits on a farm six miles west of Lebanon,
which he cultivated and improved for three years, when he
was obliged to abandon his farming operations on account of
his wife's health. He was next engaged in canvassing the
county for subscribers to the Albany Herald, of which he
later became associate editor, gradually acquiring a
knowledge of the printer's trade in his own shop. In 1890 he
became a resident of Scio, purchasing the Scio Press, which
he conducted for a period of seven years and then sold,
retaining, however, his subscription list. His next removal
was to Albany, where he became connected with the
publication of the Peoples Press, but at the end of six
months he returned to his farm near Lebanon and was active
in its operation from 1900 until 1905. In the latter year he
returned to Scio and again purchased the Santiam News,
continuing its publication until 1912, when he sold out and
purchased a new plant, founding The Tribune In Lebanon,
where he conducted the paper for a year and then removed his
plant to Sweet Home, Oregon. At length the business men of
Scio induced him to establish his plant in Scio, where it
has been in operation since 1914. Two years later, or in
1916, he purchased once more his old paper, the Santiam
News, and consolidated the two publications under the name
of the Scio Tribune, which he now owns and edits. He has a
thoroughly modern newspaper plant, equipped with the latest
presses and machinery, and he has made The Scio Tribune a
most valuable and interesting journal, devoted to the
welfare and Interests of the community which it serves. Its
local columns are always full of interest and the general
news of the world is clearly and completely given, the aims
of the nation are well set forth and political questions are
treated Justly and without prejudice. The principal policy
of the paper has been to serve the public promptly and well
and that Mr. Dugger has succeeded is evident from the large
circulation which his publication enjoys. He is the only
Civil war veteran in the state who is actively engaged in
publishing a newspaper.
On the 13th of September, 1872, Mr. Dugger was united in
marriage to Mrs. G. A. Henderson, who passed away February
3, 1921. They became the parents of two children: Samuel W.,
the elder, was born in 1873. He became a member of the
regular army, serving for about ten years as a musician, and
he passed away at El Paso, Texas, in February, 1918, at the
age of forty-five years, while still in the service of the
government; Sarah E. was born in 1878 and her death occurred
in 1893.
In his political views Mr. Dugger is an independent democrat
and he is now serving as justice of the peace at Scio and as
notary public. In religious faith he is a Spiritualist and
fraternally he is identified with the Leonidas Lodge of the
Knights of Pythias at Scio, of which he is a charter member.
He renews associations with his comrades who wore the blue
by his connection with McPherson Post., G. A. R., of Albany,
of which he is also a charter member. Identified with this
section of the state from pioneer times, Mr. Dugger is most
widely known and his sterling traits of character have
gained for him an enviable position in public regard. He is
actuated by a most progressive spirit in all that he
undertakes and he has made the Scio Tribune the champion of
every measure and movement calculated to upbuild the town
and promote the growth of the surrounding district.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Hill,
Gale
Gale S. Hill, former district attorney of Linn county, is an
able member of the Oregon bar, holding to the highest
standards of the profession. He is likewise a member of the
law firm of Hill & Marks, leading attorneys of Albany,
whose clientele is extensive and of a representative
character. Mr. Hill is a native son of Oregon, his birth
having occurred in the city where he still makes his home on
the 11th of November, 1887. His parental grandfather. Dr. R.
C. Hill, was a Baptist minister who crossed the plains to
Oregon in 1852 and for a time resided in Benton county.
Subsequently he became a resident of Albany and here founded
the Baptist church, of which he continued as pastor
throughout the remainder of his active life, his work in
that connection proving of far-reaching and beneficial
effect. His son. Dr. J. L. Hill, was but four years of age
when his parents made the journey to Oregon from Tennessee.
For a time he worked on farms in the state and then learned
the printer's trade, after which he entered Willamette
University, and working his way through that institution of
learning and was graduated therefrom in 1871, at which time
the M. D. degree was bestowed upon him. He engaged in the
practice of medicine at Buena Vista, Polk county, tor a year
and then opened an office in Albany, where he continued in
practice to the time of his death. In addition to his
private practice, which was extensive and important, he was
surgeon general of the Oregon National Guards under Governor
Moody and his professional standing was of the highest. He
was careful in diagnosis, and wide reading and study kept
him abreast with the advancement continually being made in
the methods of medical and surgical practice. He also wrote
extensively for newspapers and was a man of broad learning,
who possessed one of the best libraries in the state and was
likewise said to have the finest museum on the Pacific
coast. He traveled extensively and at the opening of the
World war he was making a tour of. the world, being a
passenger on a German boat en route from Australia to Aden.
The steamer was pursued by war ships and at length was
obliged to put into a neutral port in East Africa, from
which point Dr. Hill made his way home as best he could,
being compelled to follow the African coast, but finally
reached his native land in safety. He had wedded Mary
Pennington, a native of Linn county, Oregon. Her father,
Stewart M. Pennington, came to this state in 1847 and took
up a donation claim in Linn county, which he improved and
developed, and subsequently went to Pendleton, Oregon, where
for some time he engaged in merchandising, in which he won
success, acquiring a substantial competence which enabled
him to live retired in his later years in the enjoyment of a
well earned rest. He represented Umatilla county in the
state senate for two terms and gave earnest and thoughtful
consideration to all vital questions which came up for
settlement. He passed away at Albany in 1913. Dr. Hill was
prominent in the Knights of Pythias, being grand chancellor
of his lodge for the state of Oregon. He was a man of high
intellectual attainments, who, working his way through
college, attained high rank in his profession and was
classed with the most skilled physicians of his section of
the state. He passed away in July, 1919. At the age of
seventy-four years, while the mother's death occurred in
December, 1896.
Their son. Gale S. Hill, attended the public schools of
Albany and later enrolled As a student in Albany College,
from which he was graduated with the class of 1897. He then
read law in the office of J. K. Weatherford and spent one
year in the office of his uncle, W. Lair Hill, at Oakland,
California, being admitted to the bar in 1900. He opened an
office in Albany and has continued in practice here. His
knowledge of the law is comprehensive and exact and he is
seldom, if ever, at fault in the application of a legal
principle. On the 1st of January, 1915, Mr. Hill formed a
partnership with W. L. Marks, and this association has
continued, the firm now being accorded a large and
representative clientage. Mr. Hill's ability in his
profession has won recognition by election to public office
and for eight and a half years he served as deputy district
attorney under John H. McNary of Salem. In 1912 he was
elected district attorney for the old third judicial
district, comprising Linn, Marion. Polk. Yamhill and
Tillamook counties, and held that office until the district
was divided, when he served for Linn and Marion counties.
When each county was made a district he was elected district
attorney for Linn county in 1916 and served in that office
until January 1. 1921.
Mr. Hill gives his political allegiance to the republican
party and his fraternal connections are with the Masons, the
Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, while along the
line of his profession he is identified with the American,
Oregon State and Linn County Bar Associations, and of the
last named has served as president. He is the owner of a
fine law library and is a man of high professional
attainments, whose standing at the bar is an enviable one.
He is deeply interested in all that pertains to public
progress and improvement, giving his aid and cooperation to
all plans and movements for the general good, and his
enterprise and public spirit have made him a valued citizen
of his community.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Wilhelm,
George
George J. Wilhelm is prominently operating in the field of
banking at Harrisburg as vice president and cashier of the
First National Bank and is also identified with other
important business enterprises which have won him a place
with the substantial and prosperous men of his community.
Mr. Wilhelm was born in St. Cloud, Wisconsin, October 24,
1880, a son of George and Agnes (Andreas) Wilhelm, natives
of Germany. When but a year old the father was brought by
his parents to America, the family locating near Kiel,
Wisconsin. There the grandfather of George J. Wilhelm took
up land, which he improved and developed, continuing its
cultivation for a number of years, when he sold it and in
1860 started on the long journey across the plains to
Oregon, making the trip with ox teams. Locating at Monroe,
in Benton county, he there purchased land, which he operated
for some time and also assisted his son in the conduct of a
general merchandise business. He passed away in 1890, when
eighty years of age, and his wife's death occurred in 1889.
The son, George Wilhelm, did not accompany his parents on
their removal to Oregon but remained in Wisconsin, where for
a time he followed farming, but ill health compelled him to
abandon the arduous task of developing his land and he
turned his attention to the hotel business, in which he
engaged at St. Cloud and later at Sheboygan, Wisconsin, thus
continuing until his demise. He was a man of prominence in
his community and at various times his fellow townsmen
sought to secure his services as a public official, but he
declined all nominations, preferring to give his undivided
attention to his business affairs. He passed away in April,
1900, and the mother's death occurred in August, 1898.
George J. Wilhelm attended the parochial schools of
Sheboygan, Wisconsin, from which he was graduated in 1894.
On starting out in the business world he secured a position
as clerk in a large hardware store at Sheboygan when but
fourteen years of age and remained with that firm for a
period of six years, during which time his capability and
faithful and conscientious service won him various
promotions until he became assistant manager, being at that
time a young man of twenty years. He next became connected
with the Aladdin Soap Company in the capacity of
secretary-treasurer and manager and under his direction the
business was established upon a paying basis. In 1902 he
severed his connection with that firm and became traveling
representative for the B. J. Johnson Soap Company of
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, remaining with that house for a year.
He then came west at the request of the firm of A. Wilhelm
& Sons, whose headquarters were at Monroe, Oregon, and
assumed charge of its entire grain and milling business.
This firm operated three flour mills and was the owner of
four warehouses and conducted an extensive business, turning
out three carloads of flour and feed per day. He remained
with this firm until 1907, when he turned his attention to
the banking business, conducting the Bank of Harrisburg, a
private financial institution, for a period of ten months,
or until June, 1908, when the bank was nationalized,
becoming the First National Bank of Harrisburg. This he
operated alone for a year. The capital stock of Mr.
Wilhelm's private bank was ten thousand dollars, which was
increased to twenty-five thousand dollars after its
nationalization. During the first year of its existence as a
national institution it paid a seven per cent dividend, a
nine per cent dividend the second year, a dividend of ten
per cent for the next three years, twelve per cent for the
succeeding four years, while in 1919 a sixteen per cent
dividend was paid, in addition to which it built up a
twenty-five thousand dollar surplus, its deposits reaching
the sum of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. It now
has a surplus of twenty-eight thousand one hundred and
fourteen dollars and deposits amounting to two hundred and
seventy-one thousand, two hundred and sixteen dollars. The
present officers of the bank are. R. K. Burton, president;
W. A. Lane, vice president; George J. Wilhelm, vice
president and cashier; and H. F. Halverson, assistant
cashier, all being thoroughly reliable and progressive
business men of their section of the state. Mr. Wilhelm
personally attends to practically all of the business
connected therewith and is proving most capable in the
conduct of its affairs, although he had had no previous
banking experience when he became connected with the
institution. He is a man of sound business principles and in
the management of the First National Bank has made it his
first consideration to see to it that the depositors and
stockholders are well protected. However, he has been
progressive enough to extend credits when they were sought
by responsible parties and has in that way promoted business
and agricultural enterprises. Being a man of resourceful
business ability he has extended his efforts into various
lines and is president of Hill & Company, which firm
carries a seventy thousand dollar stock of hardware,
harness, implements, furniture, carpets, rugs and general
house furnishings, and also has the agency for automobiles,
recently erecting a fine garage at a cost of fifteen
thousand dollars. At the time of its organization the
business of the firm amounted to eight thousand dollars per
year and the extent of Its growth is indicated in the fact
that in 1919 its business amounted to one hundred and fifty
thousand dollars, while its transactions for 1920 exceeded
that amount. Mr. Wilhelm was also the founder of the
Harrisburg Warehouse & Lumber Company, which he
established in 1912, and is now serving as its president.
The company is engaged in the conduct of a wholesale grain
and hay business of extensive proportions. He is likewise
the founder of the Harrisburg Lumber & Manufacturing
Company, which was organized in April, 1920, and is now
serving as secretary and treasurer of the company, which
owns some of the finest and largest tracts of hardwood
timber in the state, including maple, ash, oak, fir and balm
lumber. The firm has established a new market for balm
lumber with manufacturers, who heretofore had not made use
of this product, and their shipments are made principally to
Wisconsin. Mr. Wilhelm also has extensive farming interests
in the vicinity, being the owner of six farms which he
engaged in operating until the past year, but now rents his
holdings. He was formerly extensively engaged in stock
raising. Mr. Wilhelm is a man of large affairs who is
continually broadening the scope of his activities with good
results and carries forward to successful completion
everything that he undertakes, for in his vocabulary there
is no such word as fail. In all business affairs he readily
discriminates between the essential and the non-essential
and, discarding the latter, utilizes the former to the best
possible advantage.
On the 17th of April, 1907, Mr. Wilhelm was united in
marriage to Miss Cecil Rampy, a daughter of Robert A. and
Sarah (Johnson) Rampy, who were pioneers of this state,
emigrating to Oregon from Missouri in 1860. They became
residents of Harrisburg, where for many years Mr. Rampy
successfully conducted a drug store, while later he operated
a bank, gaining a prominent position among the substantial
business men of this section of the state. He continued to
make his home in Harrisburg until his demise, which occurred
in 1908, while the mother passed away in 1907. Mr. and Mrs.
Wilhelm have become the parents of five children: George R.,
Agnes E., Marjorie C, Millard F. and Gretta C.
In his political views Mr. Wilhelm is independent and has
taken an active interest in public affairs of his community,
serving for several terms as city treasurer. His interest in
the welfare and upbuilding of his city is indicated by his
membership in the Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce, and during
the influenza epidemic of 1918 he was instrumental in
curbing the disease by caring for the patients in the public
schools, which were used as hospitals, many cases being
treated in this manner. In religious faith he is a Catholic
and his fraternal connections are with the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks, the Woodmen of the World, the
Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Columbus and the
United Artisans. He is a most patriotic and public-spirited
citizen and during the World war rendered valuable aid to
the government as chairman of Liberty Loan and Red Cross
drives and also as chairman of the Harrisburg Council of
Defense. Mr. Wilhelm is a man of keen discrimination and
clear vision, possessing executive ability of an unusually
high order, and his achievements in a business way entitle
him to classification with America's captains of industry.
He is wide-awake and alert and in his life exemplifies the
spirit of progress which has been the dominant factor in the
upbuilding of this section of the country.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Wesely,
Joseph
A man of keen business discernment and sound judgment, Jos.
P. Wesely has made for himself a creditable place in
business circles of Scio as the proprietor of a well
appointed mercantile establishment, and for the past five
years he has also acted as local express agent. He was born
in New York City, New York, June 20, 1873, a son of John and
Frances (Young) Wesely, natives of Bohemia. The father was a
marble cutter by trade and in 1870 he emigrated to the
United States, thinking to find better business
opportunities in this country. For three years he resided in
the eastern metropolis and then removed to the middle west,
establishing his home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the end of
three years he left that state and in 1877 went to Kansas,
where he took up a timber claim of one hundred and sixty
acres. He cleared and developed his land, continuing its
operation for many years, and it was there that he passed
away in 1904 at the age of fifty-three years. The mother,
however, survives and now resides in Scio. She reared a
family of fifteen children, of whom five sons and five
daughters are living.
Jos. F. Wesely pursued his early education in the district
schools of Kansas, his first lessons being received in a sod
house, while subsequently he was graduated from the
Ellsworth schools. In order to secure the money for his
academic course he clerked for two years in a grocery store
and then entered the normal school at Salina, Kansas, where
he pursued a preparatory course in business and a course in
teaching. He also entered upon the work of the scientific
course, which, however, he was obliged to discontinue, owing
to ill health. Subsequently he engaged in teaching in the
district where he had attended school, remaining a teacher
in that locality for a period of seven years. Mr. Wesely is
a well educated man of marked linguistic ability, conversing
fluently in the Bohemian, German and English languages, and
as an educator he was very successful, imparting clearly and
readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. In the
year 1898, in company with his uncles, he came to Oregon and
for a year was in their employ. He then became connected
with the flax industry at Scio, remaining for a year, after
which he went to Salem, where he also followed that line of
work for a year. Returning to Scio, he engaged in general
merchandising in partnership with his brother, John Wesely,
an association that was maintained for four years, when the
business was divided, Mr. Wesely's brother becoming the
owner of the stock of dry goods, while Mr. Wesely took over
the grocery establishment, which he has since conducted. He
is very careful in the selection of his goods and his known
reliability, enterprising methods, reasonable prices and
courteous treatment of patrons have secured for him a large
patronage. For the past five years he has also acted as
local express agent and he likewise has farming interests,
owning and operating a tract of fourteen acres just outside
the city limits. The land is rich and productive and from
its cultivation he is deriving a substantial addition to his
income. He is an energetic and farsighted business man and
in the conduct of his varied interests he is meeting with
most gratifying success.
On the 30th of June, 190S, Mr. Wesely was united in marriage
to Miss Rose L. Sticha and they have become the parents of
four children, namely: Maximilian, aged eleven years:
Frances R., who is nine years of age; Angeline, aged two;
and Stanley, who died in April, 1913, at the age of seven
months.
In his political views Mr. Wesely is independent, voting for
the candidate whom he deems best fitted for office without
regard to party affiliation. He has taken a prominent part
in the public affairs of his community and for five years
has served as city treasurer, while for thirteen years he
acted as school clerk, the cause of public education ever
receiving his stalwart support. His fraternal connections
are with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of
Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Wesely
has led a busy, active and useful life, employing every
opportunity to advance, and he deserves much credit for what
he has accomplished, for he started out in life empty-handed
and his present prosperity is the direct outcome of
persistency of purpose and undaunted energy. He is a
public-spirited and progressive citizen, whose sterling
worth has won for him the high regard of all who know him.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Weatherford,
James
Hon. James Knox Weatherford, a distinguished member of the
Oregon bar practicing at Albany, was born in Putnam county,
Missouri, in March, 1850, his parents being Alfred H. and
Sophia (Smith) Weatherford, the former a native of Virginia
and the latter of Ohio. In an early day the father removed
to Illinois, in which state his marriage occurred, and
shortly afterward he went with his bride to Missouri,
purchasing land in Putnam county. This he improved and
developed and he was later called to public office when
Putnam county was organized as a separate county. He was
appointed by the governor as the first county judge and at
the next general election was elected clerk of the county,
which position he held until his death in 1856. He was a man
highly respected in this community. The mother's death
occurred in 1862.
James K. Weatherford was reared and educated in his native
county to the age of thirteen years and in 1864 started for
Oregon in company with a Mr. Morgan, a friend of his father.
For a time Mr. Weatherford engaged in driving ox teams in
eastern Oregon and then secured employment in a woolen mill
at Brownsville, in Linn county, where he remained until the
mill was destroyed by fire in 1865. He then returned to the
eastern part of the state and resumed his former occupation
of driving oxen, being thus engaged until the fall of 1865,
when he again became an employe in the woolen mills, working
under Tom Kay. He continued to work in the mills for three
years and in 1868 went to Corvallis, Oregon, where he
enrolled as a student in the Oregon Agricultural College,
from which he won his A. B. degree upon graduation with the
class of 1872. While attending college he resided in a small
dwelling which he had erected at a cost of seventy-five
dollars and in order to defray the expenses of his tuition
he worked in the harvest fields during vacation periods, but
was still eight hundred dollars in debt at the time of his
graduation. For six months he engaged in teaching school and
in 1874 he was elected county school superintendent,
occupying that position for two years, during which time he
bestowed certificates upon many who later were numbered with
Oregon's most prominent men. among whom were United States
Senators George E. Chamberlain and C. W. Fulton. In the
meantime Mr. Weatherford had engaged in the study of law and
in September, 1876, he was admitted to the bar. He opened an
office in Albany and during the intervening period of
forty-five years has here continued in practice, having
associated with him as partners at various times such
distinguished members of the profession as Judge W. C.
Piper, D. R. Blackburn, ex-attorney general of Oregon;
United States Senator George E. Chamberlain, Ex-Senator O.
P. Coshow of Roseburg, J. Fred Abates, county judge of
Benton county, Oregon; Gale S. Hill, ex-district attorney of
Linn county; R. C. Cooley of Enterprise and A. K. McMahan of
Albany, and J. R. Wyatt, who is his present partner and Mark
V. Weatherford, also a member of the firm. Mr. Weatherford
of this review has specialized in the practice of criminal
law, in which he has been very successful, having won a
state-wide reputation. He is an adept trial lawyer and has
probably defended more men held for murder than any other
attorney in the state. He is the possessor of the largest
private law library in the Willamette valley, if not in the
state, which is of invaluable assistance to him in his legal
work. Mr. Weatherford is also the owner of extensive realty
holdings. He owns the store and office building in which his
office is located, also his fine residence at No. 505
Montgomery street, and several of the large business blocks
of the city, including the Rolfe Theater building. He
likewise has large farming interests in Linn county and
timber holdings in Lincoln county and for a number of years
has been associated with the woolen mills at Salem, his
activities thus covering a broad scope.
Mr. Weatherford gives his political allegiance to the
democratic party and in 1876 he was elected to represent his
district in the state legislature, where he served for two
years and was then made speaker of the house. He likewise
served for three terms as state senator, was the nominee for
secretary of state and twice ran for congress but was
defeated. In 1885 Mr. Weatherford was appointed a member of
the board of regents of the Oregon Agricultural College and
for the past twenty years has been its president. At the
time of his graduation the college consisted of but one
small wooden building, but as a member of the building
committee he has been influential in securing the erection
of a number of fine buildings. He has ever been much
interested in the cause of public education and for over
forty years has served on the Albany school board, doing
everything in his power to advance the standards of the
schools. For one term he also was mayor of Albany, giving to
the city a businesslike and progressive administration. He
is prominent in fraternal circles, being a member of the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is a past grand master. He
is likewise identified with the Masonic order, holding
membership in the lodge, chapter, commandery and shrine, and
he also is connected with the Eastern Star. During the war
with Germany he gave indisputable proof of his patriotism
and devotion to his country.
In February, 1877, Mr. Weatherford was united in marriage to
Annette Cottle, at that time a resident of San Jose,
California, but a native of Linn county, Oregon. They have
two children: Realto L., who resides at Corvallis and is
operating his father's farm at Harrisburg; and Alfred B.,
who is connected with the internal revenue office at
Portland.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Bond,
Balf
Balf. M. Bond, cashier of the Halsey State Bank of Halsey,
Linn county, is making a creditable record in the office by
the prompt and faithful manner in which he is discharging
his duties, looking after the welfare of depositors and
safeguarding the interests of the institution. He has here
passed his entire life, for he was born in Halsey on the
15th of February, 1891, a son of Owen and Mary C. (Keeney)
Bond, also natives of this state. The father, who was born
in Linn county, engaged in farming and stock raising on a
ranch six miles west of Halsey where he continued to reside
until his demise on the 1st of February, 1913. The mother,
however, survives.
In the public schools of Halsey, Balf. M. Bond pursued his
education and on entering the business world became an
employe of S. E. Young & Son of Albany, with whom he was
connected for some time. In 1912 he entered the Halsey State
Bank as assistant cashier and in the following year
purchased stock in the institution, becoming cashier, in
which position he has since served most conscientiously and
efficiently, the growth of the bank being due in large
measure to his initiative and ability. The institution was
organized in 1910, at which time a modern bank building was
erected. Its present officers are: C. H. Koontz, president;
D. Taylor, vice president; and B. M. Bond, cashier, all of
whom are reliable and progressive business men of this
section of the state. The bank is capitalized for twenty
thousand dollars and has a surplus of twelve thousand
dollars. Its deposits will average one hundred and eighty
thousand dollars and its total resources are two hundred and
fifty-two thousand dollars. Mr. Bond is also connected with
farming interests, being the owner of the home farm of three
hundred and ten acres, which he purchased from the other
heirs. This property he rents and thereby derives an
additional source of revenue.
On the 20th of August, 1919, Mr. Bond was united in marriage
to Miss Esther Marie Frisbee and they have many friends in
their community. Mr. Bond is a republican in his political
views and has taken a prominent and active part In public
affairs of his city, serving as city treasurer for three
years, while for six years he has been clerk of the school
board. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church and in its
work he is actively and helpfully interested, having served
as a teacher in the Sunday school for the past four years.
His fraternal connections are with the Odd Fellows, the
Rebekahs, the Masons and the Eastern Star. Mr. Bond is a
young man of excellent business qualifications who has
already advanced well toward the goal of success and the
sterling worth of his character is indicated In the fact
that in the community where he has spent his entire life he
is held in the highest esteem.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Cooley,
John
John P. Cooley, postmaster of Brownsville, to which office
he was appointed in 1914, is one of the native sons of
Oregon, for he was born near Woodburn, in Marion county,
December 29, 1852, his parents being Jackson and Harriet L.
(Dimmick) Cooley the former born in Missouri and the latter
in Illinois. In 1845 the father crossed the plains from Clay
county, Missouri, to Oregon, the journey being made with ox
teams. He was accompanied by two brothers and a sister and
upon reaching this state he settled in Marion county, taking
up a government claim, and upon this land a portion of the
town of Woodburn is now located. He cleared and developed
his claim and continued its operation until 1870, when he
sold out and removed to Salem, where he lived retired
throughout the remainder of his life. He passed away August
16, 1884, at the age of sixty-seven years and the mother's
demise occurred in March, 1892, when she was fifty-seven
years of age. They were honored pioneers of the state and
were greatly esteemed and respected in their community.
Their son, John P. Cooley, pursued his education in the
district schools of Marion county and in the high school of
Belle Passi. After completing his school work he was
employed in the woolen mills at Salem, Oregon City and
Brownsville, Oregon, from the time he was eighteen years of
age until about 1913, and during that period he also engaged
in farming to some extent. On the 12th of September, 1879,
he removed to Brownsville and has since resided in this
vicinity. In 1914 he was appointed postmaster of Brownsville
and is now serving in that capacity, discharging the duties
of that office with promptness and efficiency. He still has
farming interests, owning twenty-seven and a half acres of
land within the city limits of Brownsville, and this he
leases to good advantage. He is alert, energetic and capable
in the management of his business affairs and is known as a
man of thorough reliability and integrity.
On the 28th of November, 1875, Mr. Cooley was united in
marriage to Miss Sarah E. Cole, and they became the parents
of three children, namely: Oleti P., who for the past ten
years has been engaged in teaching school in Portland,
Oregon; Albert Sidney, a prominent attorney of Enterprise,
Oregon; and Florence M., who became the wife of R. H. Jonas
and resides at Forest Grove, Oregon. The wife and mother
passed away August 1, 1910, after an illness of eighteen
years and her loss was deeply felt by the members of her
household.
In his political views Mr. Cooley is a democrat and he has
taken an active and prominent part in public affairs of his
community, serving as mayor, councilman and school director,
in which connections he rendered important and valuable
service to his city. Fraternally he is identified with the
United Artisans and the Masons and in religious faith he is
a Baptist. He has always been loyal to any public trust
reposed In him and puts forth every effort for the benefit
and upbuilding of the city in which he makes his home. From
pioneer times he has resided within the borders of Oregon
and his career has ever been such as has reflected credit
and honor upon the state.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Bach,
Stephen
Stephen P. Bach, president of the First National Bank of
Lebanon and also connected with mercantile interests as
president of the firm of Bach-Buhl & Company, engaged in
general merchandising in Lebanon, is a native of Germany,
his birth having occurred at Hoch Hansen, June 27, 1860. His
parents Joseph and Rosalia (Bartlemay) Bach, were likewise
natives of Germany, where the father engaged in
merchandising during the greater part of his life. He passed
away in March, 1892, and the mother survived him for but a
month her death occurring in April of that year.
Stephen P. Bach was reared and educated in Germany and
after his testbooks were put aside he was employed for two
years as clerk in a lumber-yard. In 1880, when twenty years
of age, he crossed the ocean to the United States, becoming
a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained for one and
a half years. He then came to Oregon and for two years
worked on a farm near Salem after which he was for four
years employed in a grocery store conducted by John Hughes.
In 1890 he came to Lebanon and engaged in general
merchandising, in which he has continued, admitting George
H. Buhl as a partner in 1904. Mr. Bach later became
connected with and was one of the organizers of the First
National Bank of Lebanon in 1907, at which time he was made
vice president of the institution. In 1912 the bank was
reorganized and Mr. Bach became its president, in which
capacity he has since served, most capably directing its
affairs. He is a man of sound judgment and keen
discrimination and under his management the business of the
bank has steadily grown along substantial lines until it is
today recognized as one of the sound financial institutions
of this part of the state. It is capitalized for fifty
thousand, its surplus and undivided profits amount to
sixteen thousand five hundred and four dollars and its
deposits have reached the sum of seven hundred and
thirty-nine thousand, four hundred and seventy-two dollars.
The officers of the bank are: S. P. Bach, president, J. C.
Mayer, vice president, and Alex Power, cashier, and all are
thoroughly reliable business men of this section of the
state. Mr. Bach is also a stockholder in the Lebanon Light
& Water Company and the Pacific States Fire Insurance
Company and in addition he owns considerable city property
and from these various lines of activity is deriving a most
gratifying Income. In all that he does he manifests a
progressive spirit. He does not fear to venture where
favoring opportunity leads the way and opportunity is ever
to him a call to action.
In January 1891, Mr. Bach was united in marriage to Miss
Theresa Sheridan, a daughter of John and Kate (Michaelburg)
Sheridan, the former a native of Canada and the latter of
Wisconsin. Her father became one of the pioneers of Oregon,
having come to this state fifty years ago, and here he spent
the remainder of his life, engaging in the occupation of
farming in Linn county. He passed away in 1916 but the
mother survives. Mr. and Mrs. Bach have become the parents
of a daughter, Bessie Louise, who was born in November,
1893, and is yet at home.
Mr. Bach is a democrat in his political views and has taken
a prominent part in public affairs of his locality, serving
as mayor of Lebanon, as a member of the city council and
also on the school board and in each of these connections
has rendered important and valuable services to the city.
Fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent Protective
Order of Elks and in religious faith he is a Catholic. In
the conduct of his business affairs he has displayed sound
judgment and his energy and enterprise have gained him
recognition as one of the substantial and valued citizens of
his part of the state. Untiring in his activity for the
public good and ever actuated by high and honorable purposes
in all relations of life, his labors have been far-reaching
and resultant.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Crabtree,
Newton
Newton Crabtree, an honored pioneer of Oregon and a
representative of one of its oldest families, his parents
having arrived in this state in 1845, is now engaged in
cultivating a tract of fifty acres of rich and arable land
three miles south of Scio. He was born near The Dalles,
Oregon, October 22, 1845, and is a son of John J. and
Melinda (Yeary) Crabtree, the former a native of Virginia
and the latter of Kentucky. At an early day the father went
to Missouri, where he resided for about five years, and in
1845 he started from Independence, that state, for Oregon,
traveling with ox teams and wagons. The party set out on
their journey in May and it was not until November that they
arrived in Vancouver, Washington. Upon their arrival at The
Dalles they constructed a raft, upon which they placed their
seven wagons, and in that manner proceeded down the Columbia
river to Vancouver. They spent the winter in Yamhill county,
Oregon, and in the following spring made their way to Linn
county, where the father took up a donation land claim. He
at once set about the arduous task of clearing and
developing his land and after many years of persistent and
unremitting labor he succeeded in bringing his farm to a
high state of productivity, becoming the owner of a most
valuable property. He was one of the real builders of the
west, who bravely endured all the hardships and privations
of frontier life and aided in laying broad and deep the
foundation upon which has been built the present progress
and prosperity of the country. He became a man of prominence
in his community and it was in his honor that the town of
Crabtree was subsequently named. He reared a family of
fifteen children, five of whom were born in Virginia, five
in Missouri and five in Oregon, and six of his sons
participated in the Washington and Rogue River Indian wars.
The twin brother of the subject of this review was Jasper
Crabtree, who died about 1890. The father passed away on the
28th of March, 1892, at the venerable age of ninety-two
years, while the mother survived him for six years, her
demise occurring in 1898, when she had reached the advanced
age of ninety years. They were truly cast in heroic mold.
Braving the dangers of the unknown west they courageously
faced the hardships and privations of that long and arduous
journey, devoting their lives to the redemption of the
Pacific coast region and counting no sacrifice too great
that was made for the benefit of their home locality.
Newton Crabtree was reared and educated in Linn county and
has here spent his life. He attended district school, the
schoolhouse being a log cabin, for the country was then wild
and undeveloped and the Indians far outnumbered the white
settlers. On reaching mature years he took up the occupation
of farming, cultivating a tract of land which his father had
given him. This he further improved and developed and
subsequently purchased additional land, but later disposed
of the greater portion of his holdings, retaining fifty
acres, which he is now operating. He has ever followed the
most progressive methods in the cultivation of the soil and
his unabating energy and well directed efforts have won for
him a substantial measure of success. His land is rich and
productive and its value is much enhanced by a small stream
which runs through the farm and which was named Crabtree
creek in honor of his father.
In October, 1871, Mr. Crabtree was united in marriage to
Miss Frances Wilson and they became the parents of five
children: Fred, who died November 26, 1894; Nellie, whose
demise occurred on the 4th of March, 1906; Maggie, who is
the wife of Frank Sommer, a farmer of Linn county; Flo, who
married C. C. Smith and resides in Portland, Oregon; and
May, the wife of Arthur Lettenmaier of Oregon City. The wife
and mother died November 16, 1915, after an illness of six
months, and on the 9th of February, 1920, Mr. Crabtree was
married to Emma Bann.
In his political views Mr. Crabtree is a democrat and he has
taken an active part in public affairs of his community,
serving for many years as a member of the school board,
while for a quarter of a century he acted as clerk of that
body. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, which order he joined on the 3d of
November. 1880, and his religious faith is indicated by his
membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member
of the Oregon Pioneers Society and is one of the oldest
residents of the state, having spent the entire period of
his life, covering seventy-five years, within its borders.
He remembers when the country was wild and undeveloped, with
only a few scattered dwellings to show that the seeds of
civilization had been planted. The passing years have
brought their influx of settlers, and with interest he has
watched changing events and in considerable measure has
contributed to the development of the community, his aid and
influence being ever on the side of progress and
improvement. He has led a busy, active and useful life and
is widely known and universally honored.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Anderson,
Jason
Jason T. Anderson, a veteran of the World war, who rendered
valuable service to the country during the most critical
period in its history, is now serving as postmaster of
Harrisburg. discharging the duties of this position most
capably and efficiently. He was born in this city July 3,
1891, a son of Thomas J. and Emma (Thomas) Anderson, the
former a native of Missouri and the latter of Iowa. In 1872
the father went to Nevada and remained a resident of that
state until 1880, when he came to Oregon, securing
employment in a store in Harrisburg, with which he was
connected for a period of fifteen years. He was then elected
to the office of county assessor, in which he served for one
term and then returned to Harrisburg, where he engaged in
the real estate and insurance business from 1902 until 1916,
when he was appointed postmaster, which office he continued
to fill until his death on the 19th of May, 1919, when he
was sixty-one years of age. He was prominent in the public
affairs of his community and for fifteen years was city
recorder of Harrisburg. The mother survives and is now a
resident of Portland, Oregon.
Jason T. Anderson was reared and educated in his native
city, attending the public and high schools. On completing
his studies he was variously employed until 1916, when he
was made assistant postmaster of Harrisburg. In April, 1918,
he enlisted for service in the World war and was sent to
Camp Lewis, Washington. He was assigned to the Twenty-second
Engineers and was transferred to Montgomery, Alabama,
becoming member of Company C. From there he was sent to Camp
Merritt and on the 30th of June sailed for France. He
participated in some of the heaviest fighting of the war but
fortunately escaped without injury, and at the battle of St.
Mihiel was placed in charge of a working party which for
thirty-two days was subjected to the most intensive and
continuous shell fire. During this most trying ordeal he
handled his men with great coolness and good judgment,
winning high commendation from his superior officer, First
Lieutenant Ridgley of Bremerton, Washington. Mr. Anderson
was made first-class sergeant and was discharged May 12,
1919, because of his father's dangerous illness, arriving
home twenty-four hours before the latter's demise. The son
was then appointed acting postmaster and after successfully
passing the required examination received a permanent
appointment as postmaster in February, 1920. He is a most
courteous and obliging official and the duties of the office
are promptly and efficiently discharged.
On the 12th of October, 1919, Mr. Anderson was united in
marriage to Miss Velma Purkerson and they have many friends
in Harrisburg. He is a democrat in his political views and
fraternally he is a member of the Rebekahs and the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to both the
lodge and encampment. Mrs. Anderson's religious affiliation
is with the Christian church. Mr. Anderson is always loyal
to any cause which he espouses and faithful to every duty
and he is a patriotic, public-spirited citizen, interested
in all that has to do with public progress in the community,
his aid and influence being always on the side of
advancement and improvement.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
White,
Elliott
Elliott E. White, engaged in the hardware and implement
business at Brownsville and also serving as mayor of his
city, is a man of enterprise and progressive business
methods whose efforts are bringing to him substantial and
well deserved success. He was born in the southern portion
of Pennsylvania, near the city of Emmitsburg, Maryland, in
October, 1862, a son of Elliott and Clarissa Jane
(Waybright) White, both of whom were natives of the Keystone
state. The father engaged in farming in Pennsylvania and
during the Civil war he enlisted for service in the northern
army, becoming a member of the Pennsylvania Infantry, with
which command he remained for ninety days. On the expiration
of his term of enlistment he was honorably discharged and
returned to the pursuits of civil life, his health being
much impaired by the hardships and privations he had endured
while in the service of his country. Going to Illinois, he
resided for about six years in that state and in 1877 went
to Kansas, where he purchased land, which he improved and
developed, continuing its operation until his demise in
1900, when he was fifty-six years of age. The mother
survives and is yet a resident of the Sunflower state.
Elliott E. White attended school in Illinois, Kansas and
Nebraska and remained at home until he attained his
majority, when he engaged in the cultivation of rented land.
Having carefully saved his earnings he was subsequently able
to purchase land in the vicinity of Hutchinson, Kansas, and
this he continued to operate until 1906, when he came to
Oregon. Turning his attention to mercantile pursuits, he
engaged in the hardware and farm implement business at
Brownsville and has since been active along that line. He
carries a large stock of shelf and heavy hardware and also
deals in farm implements, handling the Case tractors, and he
is likewise agent for the Willys Overland cars. He has a
well appointed establishment and his thorough reliability,
progressive methods and reasonable prices have secured tor
him an extensive patronage. He is watchful of every detail
of his business and of every indication pointing to success,
and his close application and unfaltering energy have been
the dominant features in his advancement.
In July, 1889, Mr. White was united in marriage to Miss
Clara Macklin of Kansas, and they have become the parents of
three children, namely: Ina, who married V. E. Weber and
resides in Portland, Oregon: Ethel B., who is a teacher of
music at Tillamook, Oregon; and Blanche M., a teacher in the
public schools of Portland.
In his political views Mr. White is a republican and he
takes an active and prominent part in the affairs of his
community, being a most progressive and public-spirited
citizen. In the fall of 1918 he was elected mayor of
Brownsville and in 1919 he assumed the duties of his office,
which he is now capably discharging. His administration is
proving most beneficial, for he has been instrumental in
securing many needed municipal improvements, including the
grading, graveling and paving of streets, which work he
finally succeeded in putting through after much opposition.
He also served as a member of the city council for some
time, in which connection he also rendered valuable and
important service to the municipality. Fraternally he is
identified with the Masonic order and in religious faith he
is a Presbyterian, actively and helpfully interested in the
work of the church, in which he is now serving as one of the
elders. His genuine worth, his fidelity in office, his
reliability in business and his progressiveness in
citizenship have made him highly respected, and his worth is
acknowledged by all who know him.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Prill,
Albert
Dr. Albert G. Prill, who for almost a quarter of a century
has engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Scio,
has won an enviable position among the prominent
representatives of the medical profession in Linn county. He
was born in Springville, New York, May 5, 1869, a son of
John and Mary (Tardell) Prill, natives of Germany, who
emigrated to America in 1842. They settled in Erie county.
New York, where the father purchased land thirty miles south
of the city of Buffalo, and to its cultivation and
improvement he devoted the remainder of his active life. At
length, however, he retired and took up his residence in
Springville, New York, where his death occurred in 1917,
when he was more than ninety years of age. The mother
survived him for but two years, passing away in 1919, at the
venerable age of eighty-six years, and both were highly
respected in the community where they made their home.
Their son, Albert G. Prill, attended the public and high
schools of Springville, New York, later becoming a student
at the Griffith Institute. Deciding upon the practice of
medicine as a life work, in 1886 he entered the medical
school of the University of Buffalo, from which he was
graduated with the class of 1890. Soon thereafter he came
west to Oregon and opened an office in Salem, but after six
months removed to Lebanon, Oregon, where he continued in
practice until 1896. That year witnessed his arrival in
Scio, Linn county, and he has remained a resident of this
city, his professional skill and ability winning for him a
liberal patronage. In addition to his private practice he
has conducted a hospital containing six beds for the past
four years, two trained nurses being in attendance at the
institution. He is a skilled physician and surgeon, whose
professional experience has been broad and varied and whose
ability has been constantly promoted, not only by experience
but by wide reading and study, which have kept him abreast
with the advancement that is being continually made in the
methods of medical and surgical practice.
In June, 1889, Dr. Prill was united in marriage to Anna C.
Satterly Bates and they became the parents of two children,
both of whom died in infancy, Ariel V., passing away in
August, 1891, when a year old.
In his political views the Doctor is a republican and an
active worker in behalf of the party. For the past twelve
years he has served as city health officer and he was also
mayor of Scio for three terms of one year each and is now
filling that office for the second two-year term. His
administration has proved most beneficial to the interests
of the city and when first elected to the office of mayor he
was instrumental in securing the installation of municipal
lighting and water systems and during his present tenure of
office he is improving the power plant by putting in sixty
thousand dollars' worth of new equipment. He also was a
member of the town council for a number of years and his
interest in the cause of public education is indicated in
the fact that for eighteen years he served as a director of
the local school board. In fact, he is interested in
everything that tends to promote the welfare and advancement
of his community and was one of the organizers of the Linn
County Fair Association, of which he was president for
eleven years. For the past twelve years the fair has been
held at Scio, but in future the meetings of the association
will take place at Albany. Dr. Prill is much interested in
the study of ornithology and is a recognized authority in
that science. He has made some very fine collections and has
donated valuable specimens to the State University at
Eugene, to the Smithsonian Institution at Washington, D. C,
and to the museum at Golden Gate Park, San Francisco,
constantly adding new specimens in the way of mounted birds,
eggs and Indian relics to the museum of the State
University. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian, and
fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to
the chapter, commandery and shrine. He is also a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of
Pythias, while his professional connections are with the
American Medical Association and the Oregon State and
Central Willamette Medical Societies, and of the latter
organization he served for one year as president, thus
indicating his high standing among his colleagues and
contemporaries in the profession. The activity of Dr. Prill
in relation to the public welfare has been of wide scope and
no man has done more to further the interests and upbuilding
of the town. His life has at all times measured up to the
highest standards and he has ever stood as a man among men,
honored and respected for his sterling worth as well as for
his pronounced professional ability.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Lewelling,
L. Guy
L. Guy Lewelling, attorney at law who is filling the office
of city recorder of Albany, is a native of Nebraska, his
birth having occurred at Kearney, September 8, 1882. He is a
son of Asa and Amanda V. (Hord) Lewelling, the former a
native of Illinois and the latter of Virginia. For a
considerable period the father was an instructor in the
Illinois Reform School, but owing to ill health was obliged
to resign that position and went to Nebraska, taking up a
homestead near Kearney. This he improved and developed and
while there residing was elected county clerk of Phelps
county, in which office he served for one term. In 1892 he
crossed the plains to Oregon, hoping that the milder climate
of this state would prove beneficial to his wife's health.
He settled in Linn county, where he rented land, but
following his wife's death in 1895 he removed to Albany and
while here residing was appointed deputy sheriff, serving in
that capacity for four years or two terms. During his second
term in the office he married Mary E. Blevins, a daughter of
Andrew J. and Alvilda Blevins, who were pioneers of Oregon,
coming to this state in the early '50s. Following the
completion of his service as sheriff Asa Lewelling resumed
his farming operations, in which he has continued, being now
seventy-five years of age. He is an honored veteran of the
Civil war, having served as a member of an Iowa regiment.
While in Texas he was captured and in company with three
others managed to escape from prison and make his way to
safety. His uncle, Alfred Lewelling, established the first
nurseries in this state at Milwaukie, and in the museum of
the Oregon Historical Society is to be seen the first cherry
tree planted in the state by Mr. Lewelling. These trees were
hauled across the plains from Iowa with ox teams and were
then transplanted in the soil of Oregon.
L. Guy Lewelling was but ten years of age when he
accompanied his parents on their removal to Oregon and his
early education was acquired in the schools of Nebraska and
of Albany, Oregon. Subsequently he became a student in the
Albany College and was graduated therefrom in 1899, when
seventeen years of age. He then taught school in Benton and
Linn counties for two years, after which he went to Salem
and there attended night school for one year, pursuing the
study of law, for it was his desire to become a member of
the bar. That his education was obtained under difficulties
is shown in the fact that in order to meet the expenses of
his schooling he secured employment at the state prison,
which was then under the supervision of Governor
Chamberlain, who later became United States senator from
Oregon. Entering Willamette University, he there pursued a
law course, still continuing his work at the prison, and was
graduated from Willamette University in June, 1911, at which
time the LL. B. degree was conferred upon him. In the same
month he was admitted to the bar and coming to Albany he
opened an office and has continued in practice here. In 1915
he was elected city recorder and municipal judge and his
efficient service in that connection won him reelection in
1917 and in 1920 he was elected district attorney taking
office January 1, 1921, in which position he is discharging
his duties most capably and efficiently. His knowledge of
the law is comprehensive and exact and he is regarded as a
most able jurist.
On the 13th of October, 1912, Mr. Lewelling was united in
marriage to Miss Edna Blevins and they have become the
parents of two sons: Asa Lorenzo, who was born April 4,
1915, and Alfred Blevins, born July 11, 1920. Mr. Lewelling
gives his political allegiance to the republican party and
in 1912 he was elected to represent his district in the
state legislature, where he gave earnest and thoughtful
consideration to all the vital questions which came up tor
settlement and earnestly fought for the support of bills
which he believed to be of great benefit to the public at
large. His fraternal connections are with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, the Masons and the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks, and in the last named organization
he has attained high rank, having passed through all the
chairs in the lodge and also filled the office of exalted
ruler. He is patriotic and public-spirited and during the
World war rendered important and valuable service to the
government as a member of the executive board during the
Liberty Loan campaigns and also served on the Council of
Defense and the Legal Advisory Board, laying aside all
business interests and devoting his time and aid to the
support of his country at this most critical period of its
history. He is a splendid example of American manhood and
chivalry and his standing as lawyer and citizen is of the
highest.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Stanard,
C. Edwin
C. Edwin Stanard, a lifelong resident of this state, who for
over three decades has been continuously connected with
mercantile interests of Brownsville, is a man of most
enterprising and progressive spirit, constantly taking
forward steps along business lines. His entire life has been
passed in this vicinity, for he was born three and a half
miles northwest of Brownsville, February 22, 1860, a son of
A. W. and Elizabeth (Hill) Stanard, the former a native of
New Hampshire and the latter of Missouri. In 1852 the father
started across the plains from Missouri with ox teams,
Oregon being his destination. Settling in Linn county, he
took up land near Brownsville, which he cleared and
developed, adding thereto many improvements which greatly
enhanced its value. He also engaged in stock raising and was
very successful in all of his business enterprises, being
classed with the substantial men of his community. He
continued to reside upon his ranch until two years before
his demise, when he removed to Brownsville and there lived
retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. His position
was one of prominence in his section of the state and he
filled many important public offices, serving as county
clerk of Linn county for two terms and also as mayor of
Albany. He likewise represented Linn county in the state
legislature for two terms, giving careful and thoughtful
consideration to all the vital questions which came up for
settlement, his aid and influence being ever on the side of
advancement and improvement. He passed away in 1917, while
the mother's demise occurred in 1916. Coming to Oregon in
pioneer times, they shared in the hardships and privations
of frontier life and aided in laying broad and deep the
foundation upon which has been built the present progress
and prosperity of the state. Their confidence in the future
of Oregon was great and they lived to see it justified.
Their son, C. Edwin Stanard, was reared and educated in Linn
county, attending the public schools of Albany, and for one
year was a student in the State University at Eugene. He
then entered business life as clerk in a store in
Brownsville, where he remained from 1878 until 1880. Having
carefully saved his earnings until he had accumulated the
sum of four hundred dollars, he started a little notion
store in Brownsville, which he successfully conducted for
three years, when he was appointed postmaster of the town by
President Harrison and served in that capacity for a period
of five years, proving a courteous and capable official. In
1889 he engaged in general merchandising in partnership with
a Mr. Cable and this association was maintained for twenty
years, at the end of which time Mr. Stanard purchased the
interest of his partner and admitted his son, H. Wayne
Stanard, into the firm, which then became known as C. E.
Stanard & Son, under which style it is now operating.
They carry an extensive and carefully selected stock of
general merchandise and their courteous treatment of
patrons, reliable and progressive business methods and
reasonable prices have secured for them a liberal patronage.
Mr. Stanard is a man of keen business discernment and sound
judgment and in the conduct of his business affairs has met
with well deserved success. He has also become interested in
farm lands in Linn county, from which he derives a good
revenue, and whatever he undertakes he carries forward to
successful completion.
In October, 1881, Mr. Stanard was united in marriage to Miss
Olive Averill and they have become the parents of two
children: H. Wayne, born in October, 1884, is now a member
of the firm of C. E. Stanard & Son and is ably assisting
his father in the conduct of their extensive mercantile
business. He married Edna Hodson, by whom he has two
children, Boyce and James; Lela F. married W. F. Whealdon
and they reside at Portland, Oregon.
In his political views Mr. Stanard is a democrat and he has
been called to positions of public trust, having for several
terms served as mayor of Brownsville and has also filled the
offices of councilman and school director, his services in
these connections proving of great value to the city. His
fraternal relations are with the Woodmen of the World and
the Masons, his membership being in the Royal Arch Chapter,
and in religious faith he is a Baptist. As a business man
his course has been marked by steady advancement, for he has
closely studied trade conditions and the wants of the public
and in conducting his store has made it his purpose to be
always ready to meet public needs and demands. He is
everywhere spoken of as a citizen of worth, possessing many
sterling traits of character which have been of value in the
upbuilding and progress of the community and which have won
for him the high regard of all who know him.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Guthrie,
James
James Lawrence Guthrie, vice president of the firm of Hill
& Company, Inc., and manager of its automobile and
tractor department, is a prominent figure in business
circles of Harrisburg, where he is known as a man of
integrity and reliability. He was born in Jacksboro, Jack
county, Texas, October 16, 1884, a son of James P. and Eva
(Amos) Guthrie, the former a native of Kentucky and the
latter of Indiana. In 1883 the father went to Texas, where
for two years he engaged in farming, and then returned to
the Blue Grass state, there following agricultural pursuits
for several years. Subsequently he removed to Missouri and
purchased land in Newton county which he improved and
developed, continuing its cultivation for several years.
Eventually he went to Montana and there resided with his
sons until his death, which occurred in October, 1913. The
mother also passed away in that year, her demise having
occurred in January.
James L. Guthrie was reared and educated in Missouri and on
starting out in the business world secured employment as a
street car conductor in Carthage, Missouri, being thus
engaged for four years. Going to Salt Lake City, Utah, he
was similarly employed in that locality for three years and
then went to Montana, purchasing two sections of land in
that state, which he operated tor a period of five years. He
then traded that property for land in Lane county, Oregon,
in 1917, but after cultivating the tract for six months he
exchanged it for a stock of hardware in Harrisburg, Oregon.
This establishment he conducted for a short time, when he
consolidated his business with that of Hill & Company,
of which he is now vice president, and he is also manager of
the automobile department. They carry a seventy thousand
dollar stock of hardware, harness, implements, furniture,
carpets, rugs and general house furnishings. They also have
the agency for the Ford cars and Fordson tractors and have
recently erected a fine garage at a cost of fifteen thousand
dollars. Mr. Guthrie is a man of keen business acumen,
thoroughly reliable and enterprising, and as vice president
of Hill & Company he has contributed in substantial
measure to the growth and expansion of the business, which
is now one of large volume and importance, its annual sales
exceeding the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars
On the 10th of February, 1906, Mr. Guthrie was united in
marriage to Miss Alma Safer and they have become the parents
of two children: Pauline, who was born November 25, 1908;
and Marion James, born March 15, 1917. In his political
views Mr. Guthrie is a democrat and in religious faith he is
a Presbyterian, while his fraternal connections are with the
Masons, the Eastern Star, the Rebekahs and the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. Throughout his career he has closely
applied himself to the work in hand and has steadily
advanced, each forward step bringing him a broader outlook
and wider opportunities until he is now numbered with the
substantial business men of his part of the state. His
sterling traits of character are manifest in every relation
of life and his record is a most creditable one.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Davis,
Jacob
The entire business career of Jacob Randal Davis, who for
many years was prominently identified with mercantile and
financial interests of Shedd, was marked by steady
progression, resulting from close application and
indefatigable energy, prompted by laudable ambition. He was
born in Knox county, Illinois, February 20, 1849, a son of
Peter and Harriet (Cannon) Davis, natives of Kentucky. In
early life the father removed to Indiana and there followed
farming. Subsequently he went to Illinois, settling in Knox
county, where for many years he devoted his attention to the
cultivation of his land, but at length he removed to Wataga,
Illinois, and there lived retired throughout his remaining
years, his death occurring on the 15th of March, 1871. The
mother survived him for two decades, and passed away in
November, 1891.
Jacob R. Davis was reared and educated at Wataga, Illinois,
and also attended the district schools of Knox county. When
but fifteen years of age he responded to President Lincoln's
last call for troops in the Civil war and served for three
months, or until the close of the conflict. After receiving
his discharge from the service he engaged in railroad work
as a brakeman and thus continued until his foot was
accidentally crushed, when he was obliged to abandon that
line of activity. For several years thereafter he was
employed in drug stores and in dry goods establishments and
in 1878 he came to the west, settling in Linn county,
Oregon, where he operated rented land until 1889. In that
year he removed to Shedd, where for about two years he was
employed in a store, at the end of which period he purchased
a half interest in the establishment and engaged in general
merchandising under the firm style of Crume & Davis.
Subsequently Mr. Crume sold his interest to C. J. Shedd and
the firm then became known as Davis & Shedd. From 1908
until 1912 Mr. Davis' daughter Zella was a partner in the
business, which was then operated under the firm style of
Davis, Shedd & Davis. In 1912 the firm was incorporated
as the Davis-Shedd Company, and Mr. Davis continued active
in the management of the enterprise throughout his remaining
years. He was an energetic, farsighted and resourceful
business man whose life was marked by constant progress,
resulting from the attainment of his objective in the
business world, and through his efforts the business of the
company increased from year to year until it assumed
extensive proportions. They carry a large and carefully
assorted stock of general merchandise and their enterprising
methods, reasonable prices and courteous treatment of
patrons have secured for them a liberal patronage. Being a
man of resourceful business ability, Mr. Davis extended his
efforts into other lines and was one of the stockholders of
the Bank of Shedd from its inception.
On the 318t of August, 1876, Mr. Davis was united in
marriage to Miss Dora Botsford, a daughter of Josiah C. and
Azubah (McCloud) Botsford, the former a native of Canada,
while the latter was born in Ohio. The father was a
prominent and successful merchant of Wataga, Illinois, and
was also active in public affairs of that locality, serving
for many years as postmaster. In 1869 he removed to
Missouri, purchasing land in Carroll county which he
developed and improved, continuing its operation until his
demise on the 22d of April. 1903, while the mother passed
away August 18, 1897. Mr. and Mrs. Davis became the parents
of a daughter, Zella May, who was born August 5, 1883, and
is now a stockholder in the Davis-Shedd Company. She married
Charles W. Kennedy and they make their home in Shedd.
Mr. Davis was a republican in his political views, and his
religious faith was indicated by his membership in the
Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally he was identified
with the Masonic order and the Eastern Star, with which Mrs.
Davis is also connected, and through his membership in the
Grand Army post at Albany, Oregon, he maintained pleasant
associations with his old army comrades who bravely followed
the stars and stripes on the battle fields of the south. Mr.
Davis passed away on the 27th of April, 1913, at the age of
sixty-four years, and in his passing the community lost one
of its valued citizens, his associates a faithful friend and
his family a devoted husband and father. He was a successful
business man, diligent and determined in all that he
undertook, and his record proves that success and an honored
name may be won simultaneously. Mrs. Davis is a stockholder
in the Davis-Shedd Company and also in the Bank of Shedd and
is an excellent business woman, capably managing her
interests. She has long been a resident of Linn county,
where her fine womanly qualities have endeared her to a
large circle of friends.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Church,
Stephen
In a history of Oregon, its settlement, its business
development and its progress along various lines, the name
of Stephen T. Church figures prominently, for at various
periods he was closely associated with mercantile interests
and with the development of navigation. He was born at
Lackawanna, Pennsylvania, in 1831, a son of Stephen and
Harriet Church. He spent his early life in the Keystone
state and acquired his education in the schools there. He
was ambitious, however, to try his fortune elsewhere and
when twenty-one years of age, in company with other young
men. He outfitted with ox teams and wagons and started tor
the west. They traveled across the entire breadth of the
continent to Oregon, arriving in the fall of 1852 after many
weary months of travel across the hot stretches of sand and
over the high mountains until at length their vision was
gladdened by a sight of the green valleys of Oregon.
From that time until his death Mr. Church remained a
resident of this state and lived to witness its development
from a wild and unsettled region, largely inhabited by
Indians, into a populous and prosperous commonwealth having
all of the advantages known to the older east. With his
partner Mr. Church engaged in mining on Althouse creek in
southern Oregon and there they operated very successfully
and are still operating. Mr. Church also established a store
and purchased mules and conducted a pack train between
Oregon City and the mines, having twenty-eight pack mules.
At the time of the Indian war. however, the government took
over his mules and the mines. As it was no longer possible
for him to continue in the business he became associated
with Joseph Teal in a mercantile enterprise at Eugene. Later
he removed to Harrisburg, where he again engaged in
merchandising in association with Asa and David McCully.
While thus connected with the McCully brothers he likewise
engaged in the transportation business, which they conducted
under the name of the Peoples Transportation Company and Mr.
Church was thus identified with navigation interests to the
time of his death, their boats plying between Harrisburg and
Oregon City. In all that he undertook Mr. Church was
actuated by a most progressive spirit He was constantly
seeking to improve conditions and the company built a
breakwater at the falls at Oregon City, a part of which is
still standing. He readily recognized the opportunities that
lay before the new commonwealth and ever sought to
contribute to public advancement and improvement as well as
to promote his individual interests.
In 1857 Mr. Church was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth
C. Lister, a daughter of William and Catherine Lister who
were natives of England and came to the United States in
early life, afterward removing to Oregon where they settled
in pioneer times. The father of Mr. Lister had previously
come to the United States and purchased a ticket for
Kentucky but was never heard from again. It is supposed that
he died of cholera. William Lister afterward crossed the
Atlantic and took up his abode in Kentucky where he resided
until March, 1853, and then started by ox team for Oregon,
arriving there in the fall. He then secured a donation claim
of three hundred and twenty acres in the Mohawk valley.
Two daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Church: Harriet I.,
now the wife of Dr. A. J. Giesy of Portland; and Elizabeth
Luella, the wife of Lewis G. Clark of the firm of Woodruff
& Clark of Portland. They also had one son, Samuel W.,
who died in early life. The death of Mr. Church occurred in
1872 and thus passed away one who had been a valuable
contributor to the pioneer development of the state. The
navigation company with which he was connected did what no
other company ever accomplished, raising and lowering the
tariff according to its value at that time. Fraternally Mr.
Church was both a Mason and an Odd Fellow and was most loyal
to the teachings and high purposes of these organizations,
exemplifying in his life the beneficent principles upon
which they are founded.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Wadsworth,
Walter
Walter E. Wadsworth, secretary-treasurer and general manager
of Hill & Company, Inc., conducting one of the leading
mercantile establishments of Harrisburg, was born in Marion,
Indiana, December 21, 1865, a son of Ariel S. and Sarah
Wadsworth. the former a native of Massachusetts and the
latter of Kentucky. The father, who was a contractor and
builder, removed from Massachusetts to Indiana at an early
period in the development of that state, Indianapolis at
that time being but a village. In the vicinity of that town
the father purchased a tract of land which he operated in
addition to his work as a contractor and builder, and he
continued to reside in that locality the remainder of his
life, passing away in 1878. The mother survived him for
several years, her death occurring in 1892.
Their son, Walter E. Wadsworth, was reared and educated in
Indianapolis, attending the public schools and a business
college of that city. On starting out in the business world
he engaged in work as a bridge carpenter and later became a
contractor and builder. Going to Missouri, he constructed
practically all of the buildings in Thayer, Oregon county,
and continued in that line of work for a period of twelve
years. He then went to Arkansas and engaged in the conduct
of Hotel Wadsworth at Eureka Springs, of which he was
proprietor for three years. On the expiration of that period
he traded his hotel property for twenty-one hundred acres of
timber land in the southeastern part of Arkansas, which he
still owns. He next became traveling representative for the
Racine Sattler Company of St. Louis, which he represented on
the road for six years, his territory comprising
southeastern Missouri and Arkansas. In 1908 he came to
Portland, Oregon, as salesman for the Moline Plow Company,
with whom he continued for about nine years, or until 1917,
when he removed to Harrisburg, Oregon, and purchased an
interest in the firm of Hill & Company. Inc., which he
has since served as secretary-treasurer and general manager.
The company deals in house furnishings of all kinds,
implements, etc., and conducts one of the largest mercantile
establishments in this section of the state, their annual
business transactions now exceeding the sum of one hundred
and fifty thousand dollars. They have just completed a fine
modern garage one hundred by one hundred feet in dimensions,
at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars, tor which Mr.
Wadsworth drew the plans and also supervised the work of
erection. The company also has the agency for the Ford and
Fordson products and the business is very extensive and
profitable, conducted along the most modern and progressive
lines. Being a man of resourceful business ability, Mr.
Wadsworth has extended his efforts into various lines and
has become the owner of valuable oil holdings in Kansas. He
also has twenty-one hundred acres of timber land in
Arkansas, of which one thousand acres is virgin oak, and he
is likewise a stockholder in the Harrisburg Lumber Company.
He is a farsighted and sagacious business man, whose
interests have been most wisely and carefully conducted,
bringing to him a gratifying measure of success.
On the 10th of November, 1885, Mr. Wadsworth was united in
marriage to Miss Clara P. Yates and they have become the
parents of five children: Elmer L., Aileen, Fern, Dwight and
Jennie L. His political allegiance is given to the
democratic party and his religious faith is indicated by his
attendance upon the services of the Methodist Episcopal
church. He is prominent in fraternal circles, belonging to
the Masons, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in the last named
organization he has filled all the chairs and is one of the
grand officers of the Grand Encampment of Oregon. Mr.
Wadsworth has led a busy, active and useful life, employing
every opportunity to advance, and his success is the direct
result of his close application and laudable ambition, while
at all time his career has been such as would bear the
closest investigation and scrutiny. He is everywhere spoken
of as a citizen of worth, possessing many sterling traits of
character which have won for him the high regard of all who
know him.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Blevins,
Alfred
Hon. Alfred Blevins, a pioneer of Oregon and a veteran of
the Indian wars, for two terms represented his district in
the state legislature and is now one of the leading
agriculturists and influential citizens of Linn county,
operating a valuable ranch of one hundred and sixty acres
located one and a half miles west of Tangent. He was born in
Kentucky, October 24, 1837, of the marriage of Isaac and
Eliza (Maupin) Blevins, the former a native of Tennessee and
the latter of Kentucky. In early manhood the father followed
blacksmithing and in 1840 he removed to Missouri, purchasing
land in Henry county, which he continued to operate until
the 12th of May, 1850, when with ox teams he started across
the plains for Oregon, arriving in the Willamette valley in
the following October. While crossing the Cascade mountains
he was caught in a snowstorm and was obliged to abandon five
wagons there. He proceeded with the two remaining wagons and
it was not until the following summer that he was able to
recover those which he had left in the mountains. On
arriving in Oregon he took up land in Linn county and this
he cleared and developed, continuing its cultivation
throughout the remainder of his life. He died in 1885 at the
age of eighty-four years and the mother passed away in 1889,
when she had reached the venerable age of ninety years.
Their son, Alfred Blevins, was educated in the schools of
Missouri and Linn county, Oregon, being thirteen years of
age when he accompanied his parents to this state. When
eighteen years of age he volunteered for service in the
Indian war and after three months' service he was discharged
in 1856. Later he re-entered the service, going with a wagon
train engaged in hauling supplies to the soldiers who were
fighting the red men, and was thus connected with Indian
warfare tor about a year. After receiving his discharge he
returned home and for a time followed farming but
subsequently went to California and for seven years was
engaged in mining in that state and in southern Oregon,
Idaho and British Columbia. On the expiration of that period
he returned to Linn county and purchased his present ranch
of one hundred and sixty acres, situated one and one-half
miles west of Tangent. Of this he cleared about twenty
acres, which in its present highly developed state gives
little indication of its raw and unimproved condition when
he became its owner. He has made a close study of the needs
of the soil and climate in relation to the production of
crops here and everything about his place indicates that he
follows practical and progressive methods. He has since
operated his ranch with the exception of seven years spent
in the warehouse business in Tangent and two years at
Corvallis, where the family resided during the time the son
was pursuing his studies. All of the features of the model
farm of the twentieth century are found upon his place and
it is one of the attractive farms of Linn county.
On the 18th of September, 1870, Mr. Blevins was united in
marriage to Miss Louisiana Maxey, who was born in Monroe
county, Missouri, June 8, 1852, and is a daughter of John J.
and Laura (Morris) Maxey, the former a native of Kentucky
and the latter of Ohio. When but three years of age the
father was taken by his parents to Missouri and in 1860 he
started for the west with the intention of settling in
Oregon, but went instead to California. However, after
residing in the Golden state for four years he made his way
to Oregon and in Linn county he operated rented land for
some time, later purchasing a tract which he improved and
developed, continuing its cultivation for several years,
when he went to Idaho and there made his home with his
children, passing away in that state in March, 1899. He had
survived the mother for a decade, her demise having occurred
in 1889. To Mr. and Mrs. Blevins were born nine children, of
whom seven survive, namely: Wade H., Clara, Alfred,
Georgiana, Edna L.. Hattie and Glenn. Those deceased are:
Alice, who died in October, 1871, when but an infant; and
Laura, who was born in March, 1874, and died in 1891, at the
age of seventeen years.
In his political views Mr. Blevins is a democrat and in
public affairs he has taken an active and prominent part. In
1883 he was chosen to represent his district in the state
legislature and his creditable record in office won for him
reelection in 1892. In his public service he ever looked
beyond the exigencies of the moment to the opportunities and
possibilities of the future. He closely studied all the
vital questions which came up for settlement and was a
stalwart champion of many measures which found their way to
the statute books of the state and are proving of great
value to the commonwealth. He has likewise served as road
supervisor and in public office he always stood for
development and for constructive measures. He holds
membership in the local Grange, and fraternally he is
identified with the Masons. Coming to this state in 1850,
when a boy of thirteen, the various experiences of pioneer
life are familiar to Mr. Blevins, and through his industry
and enterprise he has contributed to the substantial
development and progress of the section in which he lives.
He can remember when many of the well cultivated farms were
covered with a dense growth of forest trees and when great
stretches of land that are now thickly populated presented
no indication of civilization. He has made good use of his
time and in the evening of life can look back over the past
without regret and forward to the future without fear.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Johnston,
Dan
Dan Johnston, a prominent attorney practicing at Albany, was
born near Virden, Macoupin county, Illinois, September 23,
1882, a son of Isaac N. and Emily F. (Chapman) Johnston,
natives of Macoupin county, Illinois. The maternal
grandfather of Mr. Johnston of this review was one of the
earliest settlers in Macoupin county, going to that section
of Illinois from Tennessee in 1830. He was a farmer by
occupation and followed that pursuit in Macoupin county
during the remainder of his life. He was familiar with
Indian warfare, having served as a soldier in the Black Hawk
war. And he was one of the worthy pioneers of his section of
the state. Isaac N. Johnston, the father of Mr. Johnston,
also followed farming in Macoupin county, Illinois, and
remained a resident of that section of the state until death
called him on the 14th of January, 1896, when he was
fifty-two years of age. He was an honored veteran of the
Civil war, in which he served for three years as a member of
Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-second Illinois Volunteer
Infantry. The mother has also passed away, her demise
occurring in June, 1912, when she had reached the age of
sixty-two.
Dan Johnston was reared and educated in the district schools
of Macoupin county, Illinois, and then entered Valparaiso
University of Valparaiso, Indiana, as a law student,
receiving his LL. B. degree from that institution upon his
graduation with the class of 1910. In June of that year he
was admitted to the bar of Indiana and in the following
month came to Oregon, where he was admitted to the bar.
Opening an office in Albany, he has here continued in
practice and in the interval that has elapsed has built up a
good clientele. In 1915 he was called to the office of city
attorney of Albany and so acceptable were his services in
that connection that in January, 1919, he was honored with
reelection and also acted as city attorney of Harrisburg,
Oregon, for several years. His knowledge of the law is
comprehensive and exact and he prepares his cases with great
thoroughness and care, readily recognizing the value of any
point as applicable to his cause. Mr. Johnston has not
confined his attention to his professional interests but has
also been active in commercial lines, being secretary of the
D. E. Nebergall Meat Company, which operates a packing plant
and retail market. He is also secretary of the Far West
Manufacturing Company, engaged in the manufacture of
ladders, cedar chests, wheelbarrows and wood specialties.
On the 27th of May, 1910, Mr. Johnston was united in
marriage to Miss Ada D. Douglas, a daughter of E. D. and
Rose (Haymon) Douglas, natives of West Virginia. Mr. and
Mrs. Johnston are the parents of two children: Prances Rose,
who was born in December, 1914; and Robert D., born in
January, 1916.
Mr. Johnston gives his political allegiance to the
republican party and his religious faith is indicated by his
membership in the Christian church. He is a Knights Templar
Mason and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge and
the B. P. 0. E., while along the line of his profession his
identification is with the Linn County Bar Association. Mr.
Johnston is patriotic, loyal and public-spirited and on
March 5, 1904, enlisted in the United States navy, from
which he was discharged March 4, 1908, as chief yeoman.
During the war with Germany he rendered important and
valuable service to the government in promoting the Liberty
Loan campaigns and other war measures, devoting a large part
of his time to that work, all personal interests and
considerations being laid aside. He is a representative of
America's best type of manhood and his colleagues and
contemporaries speak of him as an able lawyer and one whose
ability has brought him prominently to the front.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Swafford,
Harold
Harold A. Swafford is well known in mercantile circles of
Linn county as mill manager of the Crown Willamette Paper
Company at Lebanon. Mr. Swafford is one of the sons of
the state, his birth having occurred in Oregon City,
February 10, 1890. His parents were James L. and Temperance
(Rands) Swafford, the former born in Oregon and the latter
in Stacyville, Iowa. For many years the father engaged in
the real estate business in Oregon City, in which he won a
substantial measure of success. He was a man of prominence
in his section of the state and for several terms served as
county treasurer of Clackamas county, ably discharging the
duties of that office. He remained a resident of Oregon City
until his death in August, 1914, when he was sixty years of
age. The mother survives and still makes her home in Oregon
City. The paternal grandfather of Harold A. Swafford was one
of the early pioneers of this state. He crossed the plains
with ox teams to Oregon In 1852 and took up land in
Clackamas county which he improved and developed, continuing
Its cultivation until his demise In 1908.
Harold A. Swafford was reared and educated in his native
city and on starting out in the business world became
connected with the Crown Willamette Paper Company, which was
at that time known as the Willamette Pulp & Paper
Company. His energy, ability and faithful and conscientious
service won him promotion from time to time and in June,
1919, he was made manager of their Lebanon plant, in which
capacity he is now most ably serving. The company also
operates plants at Camas, Washington, at Oregon City and
Lebanon, Oregon, and at Floristan, California, its
headquarters being maintained at San Francisco, while a
printing plant is operated at Los Angeles. They are engaged
in the manufacture of paper from timber and their business
is a very extensive one. As manager of the Lebanon plant Mr.
Swafford's position is one of large importance and
responsibility, for which he is well qualified. During the
fourteen years of his connection with the company he has
become thoroughly familiar with every branch of the business
and is thus able to direct wisely the labors of those under
him. He Is a man of sound judgment, keen discrimination and
energy and is most capably directing the interests intrusted
to his care, his labors being entirely satisfactory to the
company.
On the 20th of July, 1917, Mr. Swafford was united in
marriage to Miss Ivy Ford, a daughter of Rev. T. B. and Mary
Ivy Ford, natives of Arkansas. Her father entered the
ministry of the Methodist church at the age of nineteen. He
became very prominent in church circles of Oregon,
continuing as a preacher of the gospel in this state for
about twenty years, his labors proving a potent force for
good in the localities which he served. He passed away on
the 14th of December, 1919, while the mother's death
occurred in August, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Swafford have become
the parents of a son, Thomas James, who was born March 10,
1920.
Mr. Swafford gives his political allegiance to the
republican party and his religious faith is indicated by his
membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally he
is identified with the Woodmen of the World and the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He also belongs to the
Order of the Eastern Star and is a prominent Mason, being a
past master of Multnomah Lodge, No. 1, at Oregon City. Mr.
Swafford is a veteran of the World war, having enlisted on
the 23d of May, 1917, with the Eighteenth Oregon Engineers,
a specially recruited outfit, and was among the first twenty
thousand to reach the other side. He was stationed in
England and France and was discharged at Camp Dix, New
Jersey, March 20, 1919, with the rank of second lieutenant,
having rendered most valuable service to the country in its
hour of need. Mr. Swafford has ever been actuated by high
and honorable purposes in all relations of life and his is a
most creditable record, characterized by devotion to duty,
by integrity and enterprise in business, and by loyalty in
citizenship.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Randall,
Albert
Albert E. Randall, a retired farmer residing at Scio, where
he is filling the position of assistant postmaster, has
spent his entire life in the section where he now resides,
for he was born three-quarters of a mile south of Scio, in
December, 1859, his parents being Elisha H. and Susanna
(Earl) Randall, natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a
cabinet-maker by trade and in his later years followed the
occupation of farming. In 1847 he started across the plains
with ox teams, Oregon being his destination, and four years
later purchased a claim near Scio, and it was upon this
property that the birth of his son, Albert E., occurred. To
the development and improvement of his ranch the father
devoted his energies for many years, his death there
occurring in January, 1883, when he was seventy-two years of
age. The mother long survived him, passing away March 8,
1899, at the advanced age of eighty-four years.
Albert E. Randall was reared in Scio and there attended the
public schools, residing with his parents until they passed
away. He assisted his father in the cultivation of the home
farm and when the latter retired he successfully continued
its operation until 1900, when he rented the property and
took up his abode in Scio, where he has since resided. In
1916 he was made assistant postmaster and is now serving in
that capacity, being most conscientious and efficient in the
discharge of his duties. He has also become interested in
financial affairs as vice president of the Scio State Bank
and in this connection has been largely instrumental in
promoting the growth and success of the institution. He is a
man of keen business discernment and sound Judgment, who in
the attainment of success has always followed the most
honorable methods, and he has therefore gained the
confidence of all who have had business dealings with him.
In January, 1908, Mr. Randall was united in marriage to Miss
Melvina Miller and they have a large circle of friends in
the community where they reside. Mr. Randall gives his
political allegiance to the republican party and his
religious faith is indicated by his membership in the
Methodist Episcopal church, while his fraternal connections
are with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. His entire
life, covering sixty-one years, has been passed in this
county, and in the locality where he makes his home he is
widely and favorably known, being recognized as a man of
sterling worth who in every relation of life exemplifies the
highest standards of manhood and citizenship.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Boetticher,
Charles
Prof. Charles W. Boetticher, superintendent of the city
schools at Albany, was born at Powhatan, Ohio, July 20,
1866, a son of George Frederick and Louise (Hoeltzla)
Boetticher, the former born near Powhatan and the latter a
native of Wheeling, West Virginia. During his earlier years
the father engaged in engineering work but the latter part
of his life was devoted to farming. He was an honored
veteran of the Civil war, enlisting at Powhatan, and serving
for three months toward the close of hostilities as a member
of a regiment of Ohio infantry. He passed away May 30, 1903,
at the age of sixty-eight years, while the mother's death
occurred in April, 1900, when she was fifty-eight years of
age.
Charles W. Boetticher attended the public and high schools
of Powhatan and later was a student in a normal school,
after which he engaged in teaching school in Ohio for a
period of five years. In 1889 he came west to Washington and
for one year followed the profession of teaching in the
vicinity of Spokane, after which he came to Oregon, becoming
identified with the school at Silverton, which he was
largely instrumental in organizing. At the end of a year,
however, he returned to the east and enrolled as a student
in Marietta College at Marietta, Ohio, from which he was
graduated with the class of 1895. He then resumed the work
of teaching and became principal of the high school at
Gallipolis, Ohio, filling that position for eight years. At
the end of that period he went to Parkersburg, West
Virginia, as principal of the high school of that city, and
in 1909 returned to Silverton. Oregon, where he remained for
two years. He then came to Albany and accepted the position
of superintendent of the city schools, in which capacity he
has since served, covering a period of ten years. His
thorough education and long experience as a teacher well fit
him for his duties in this connection and he is proving a
most capable educator, ever holding to the highest
professional standards. He has made a splendid record in
office and has done much to improve the curriculum of the
schools and the methods of instruction followed. In addition
to his professional duties Mr. Boetticher also has banking
interests at Clarington, Ohio, which are proving a
profitable investment.
On the 18t of January, 1889, Mr. Boetticher was married to
Miss Mary C. Dotta and they have become the parents of two
children: Robert F., aged twenty-two years, who is a student
in the State University of Oregon; and Marion L., who is
twenty years of age and is now attending the Oregon
Agricultural College.
Mr. Boetticher is a republican in his political views and
his religious faith is indicated by his attendance upon the
services of the Methodist Episcopal church. Upon all vital
questions he is well informed and he keeps abreast with the
best thinking men of the age concerning the political,
sociological and economic questions of the day. He has ever
been actuated by a spirit of progress and enterprise and in
his position as superintendent of schools has contributed in
marked measure to the educational advancement of the city.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Olliver,
Victor
Victor Olliver, a prominent attorney of Albany, now serving
as justice of the peace, in addition to his practice, was
born in Boonville, Indiana, October 18, 1886, of the
marriage of John and Elizabeth (Lockyear) Olliver, the
former a native of England and the latter of Indiana. When
about twenty-one years of age the father emigrated to
America, and going to southern Indiana, he purchased land in
the vicinity of Boonville, which he improved and developed,
continuing its cultivation throughout the remainder of his
life. He passed away in October, 1894, while the mother's
death occurred in February, 1901.
In the public schools of Warrick county, Indiana, Victor
Olliver acquired his education. After his graduation from
the high school he engaged in teaching school in different
parts of the state for a period of five years and then
pursued a course in the Oakland City College of Indiana,
while later he became a student at the University of
Indiana, from which he was graduated with the LL. B. degree
in 1912. He then practiced law at Marion, Indiana, for one
year and in 1913 came to Oregon, opening an office in Albany
in November of that year, and here he has continued in
practice, with offices in the First National Bank building.
His fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability,
called him to public office and in 1916 he was appointed
city attorney of Albany, so serving until 1919. He was
elected justice of the peace in November, 1918, and since
the 18t of January, 1919, has ably filled that office. His
standing in the community is indicated in the fact that he
was nominated by both parties, although not a candidate for
office. He is an able attorney, well informed in all
branches of the law and his ability is manifest in the logic
of his deductions and the clearness of his reasoning.
On the 25th of October, 1915, Mr. Olliver was united in
marriage to Miss Mildred Slomaker, a daughter of A. S. and
Nettie (Gray) Slomaker, natives of Indiana. The father is
engaged in farming in Randolph county, Indiana, and the
mother also survives. Mr. and Mrs. Olliver have become the
parents of a daughter, Mary Louise, whose birth occurred on
the 2d of September, 1916.
In his political views Mr. Olliver is a republican and his
fraternal connections are with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and the Masons. He is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church and is actively interested in its work,
being secretary of the official board. Along the line of his
profession he is identified with the Linn County Bar
Association. He stands high as a man and citizen and he
enjoys the respect, goodwill and confidence of his
associates at the bar.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Wight,
Harvey
Harvey A. Wight, member of the Oregon bar, practicing at
Lebanon, was born at East Wrightstown, Wisconsin, August 15,
1892, a son of Howard and Lillian (Jenkins) Wight, the
former a native of Minnesota and the latter of Wisconsin. In
an early day the father went to Wisconsin, where he worked
at the carpenter's trade, remaining a resident of that state
until 1905, when he came to Oregon, locating in the
foothills of Linn county. There he engaged in the stock
business until 1910, when he moved to the vicinity of
Lebanon and is now a resident of that locality, living
practically retired, although he supervises the operation of
a small prune orchard. The mother also survives.
Harvey A. Wight attended the country schools of Wisconsin to
the age of thirteen years, when he accompanied his parents
on their removal to Oregon, completing the work of the
eighth grade and also pursuing a high school course at
Lebanon. He then entered the Willamette University, where he
pursued a two years' course in the liberal arts department.
In 1917 he was graduated from the law department of that
university and on the 18th of July of that year was admitted
to the bar. He then opened an office in Lebanon and
continued in practice here until September, 1918, when he
enlisted for service in the World war, being sent to
Vancouver Barracks, Washington. He was later assigned to the
Local Board No. 4, at Portland, Oregon, where he assisted in
the legal work and was then transferred to Camp Lewis.
Washington, where he was mustered out in January, 1919. He
then returned to Lebanon, where he has remained, and is
building up a good clientage, which his diligence and solid
attainments well merit. He is thorough and painstaking in
the preparation of his cases, is clear and cogent in his
reasoning and logical in his deductions. He is an earnest
and discriminating student, thoroughly familiar with the
principles of jurisprudence, and is careful to conform his
practice to the highest ethics of the profession.
Mr. Wight gives his political allegiance to the republican
party and while attending the university served as chief
deputy circuit court clerk of Marion county in 1917. His
fraternal connections are with the Masonic order, the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Brotherhood of
American Yeomen, of which he is now serving as foreman. He
likewise belongs to the American Legion, his membership
being in Leo Sturdevant Post No. 51, of which he is
commander. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian. Mr.
Wight is always loyal to any cause which he espouses and
faithful to every duty and he is a public-spirited and loyal
citizen and a rising young attorney of the community, where
he is justly held in high regard by all who know him.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Brasfield,
Thomas
Thomas H. C. Brasfield was born in Clay county, Missouri,
February 11, 1856, a son of Thomas W. R. and Elizabeth
(Breckenridge) Brasfield, who were natives of Kentucky. The
father engaged in merchandising during the greater part of
his life and in an early day he removed to the west, taking
up his residence at Smithville, Clay county, Missouri, where
he opened a mercantile establishment, which he continued to
conduct throughout the remainder of his life, becoming one
of the successful business men of his community. He was born
September 16, 1817, and died November 8, 1873, at the age of
fifty-six years. The mother's birth occurred on the 15th of
April, 1819, and she passed away May 15, 1883, when
sixty-four years of age.
Their son, Thomas H. C. Brasfield, was reared and educated
at Smithville, Missouri, and after his father's death he
assisted his brother in the store, remaining at home until
1881, when he went to Denver, Colorado, and later to Idaho
and Washington. In 1883 he came to Oregon, first locating in
Linn county, where he remained for two years, or until 1885,
when he removed to Grant county and took up land, which he
cleared and developed. He also devoted considerable
attention to the raising of stock and met with good success
in that line of activity. He continued to operate his ranch
for a period of seventeen years, or until 1902, when he
returned to Linn county and purchased a portion of the old
Porter homestead adjoining the town of Shedd, which he has
since owned and conducted, his enterprising methods and well
directed efforts resulting in the attainment of a
substantial measure of prosperity. His farm comprises three
hundred and eighty-nine acres and he leases all of the
plowed land, deriving a good income from its rental.
On the 27th of September, 1898, Mr. Brasfield was united in
marriage to Miss Ida M. Porter, a daughter of David P. and
Parthena (Haley) Porter, the former a native of Ohio and the
latter of Missouri. In 1851 her father removed to Iowa,
where he resided for a year and then started across the
plains to Oregon as one of a large party traveling by means
of ox teams, being six months en route. Locating in Marion
county, Mr. Porter there taught school for the first winter
in one of the pioneer log schoolhouses. Subsequently he
removed to Linn county, where he took up a donation claim of
one hundred and forty-four acres located near the present
site of Shedd, which property is now owned by his
son-in-law, Mr. Brasfield. He brought his land to a high
state of development and continued its cultivation
throughout the remainder of his life, becoming known as one
of the substantial agriculturists of his community. He was a
public-spirited and progressive citizen and became the first
county assessor of Linn county, serving for two terms in
that office. He was born June 22, 1827, and his death
occurred April 23, 1889, when he was sixty-two years of age.
His wife's birth occurred on the 9th of May, 1837, and she
passed away September 7, 1917, at the advanced age of eighty
years. They became the parents of nine children, three of
whom are deceased. Their daughter, Mrs. Brasfield, was born
on the old homestead in Linn county, November 12, 1865, and
by her marriage she became the mother of two children:
Thomas W. R., who was born July 25, 1901, and died five days
later; and Eleanor K., who was born November 11, 1902, and
died September 17, 1908. Mrs. Brasfield is a stockholder in
the Davis-Shedd Mercantile Company of Shedd, and she holds
membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.
In his political views Mr. Brasfield is a democrat, and his
fraternal connections are with the Masons and the Eastern
Star, of which organization his wife is also a member, and
his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the
Christian church. He has worked diligently and persistently
as the years have passed, and his has been an active life,
filled with honorable purpose and accomplishment. Since 1883
he has resided within the borders of this state.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Russell,
Rufus
Rufus M. Russell, county clerk of Linn county, was born at
Sutter, California, January 14, 1884, a son of August P. and
Harriet E. (Rarrick) Russell, the former a native of Maine
and the latter of California. When eighteen years of age the
father went to California during the gold rush of 1849,
making the journey in a sailing vessel by way of Cape Horn.
He engaged in placer mining in that state and later took up
the work of draying and teaming. Subsequently he followed
farming in the Sacramento valley until 1889, when owing to
ill health he sought a change of climate and came to Oregon,
settling in Douglas county. He resided in that locality for
ten years and then removed to Linn county, purchasing a farm
at Shelburn, where he lived until the fall of 1909, when he
purchased a farm at Macleay, Marion county, where he resided
until he took up his residence in the city of Salem, Oregon,
a few months prior to his death, which occurred in March,
1919, when he was eighty-five years old. He first married
Sarah Rarrick and they became the parents of three children:
Ella, who is now Mrs. Oscar Lybecker; Amelia, who married
Jay Harris; and Edward. Mrs. Russell passed away when her
oldest child was but ten years of age and Mr. Russell later
wedded her sister, Harriet E. Rarrick, by whom he had
fourteen children, three of whom are deceased. Frankie, the
first born, died at the age of seven years and Jess and
Avery met accidental deaths while in the employ of the
Spaulding Logging Company, the former dying in June, 1915,
and the latter in 1901. Those who survive are: Rainous O.,
Robert W., Rufus M., Arch L., Earl, Theron, Homer, Mrs. Etta
Todd, Mrs. Verda Lentz, Mrs. Alma Lentz, and Mrs. Inis
Lathrop. In addition to rearing her own large family Mrs.
Russell also tenderly cared for the three children of her
sister, upon whom she bestowed the affection of a mother.
She passed away in November, 1918, when sixty-five years of
age.
Rufus M. Russell has spent practically his entire life in
Oregon, for he was but five years of age when he was brought
by his parents to this state. He attended the district
schools of Linn county and subsequently completed a
commercial course in Albany College, from which he was
graduated in 1907. He then assisted his father in farming
until 1909, when he secured a position as stenographer in
the office of the county clerk, later becoming chief deputy.
In 1914 he was elected to the office of county clerk, in
which office he is serving his fourth consecutive term.
It was on the 14th of April, 1915, that Mr. Russell was
united in marriage to Miss Goldia Jones, only child of
Edward and Minnie (McDonald) Jones, both natives of Oregon,
and both born in Linn county. The father is engaged in
farming and stock raising at Shelburn, Linn county, and has
won a substantial measure of success in the conduct of his
business affairs. The mother also survives and both are
highly respected citizens and honored pioneers of the state.
Mr. Russell is a republican in political belief and on that
ticket was elected to his present position as county clerk
of Linn county, which is sixty-five per cent republican. His
fraternal connections are with the Masons and the Knights of
Pythias, and his religious faith is indicated by his
membership in the Presbyterian church. He is likewise a
member of the Albany Chamber of Commerce, in which
connection he is aiding materially in promoting the
upbuilding and advancement of the community in which he
makes his home. For thirty-one years Mr. Russell has been a
resident of Oregon and has therefore been an interested
witness of much of the growth and development of the state,
and he is numbered in Albany as one of its progressive and
reliable citizens, enjoying the friendship, confidence and
regard of all with whom he has been associated.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Carroll,
Emil
Emil E. Carroll, who since 1913 has been engaged in the drug
business in Harrisburg, where his enterprising methods and
reliability have won for him a good patronage, is a native
son of the state and comes of distinguished ancestry, the
family record being traced back to Charles Carroll, one of
the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Mr. Carroll
was born in Union county, December 15, 1890, a son of Joel
Marion and Mary F. (Lenhart) Carroll, the former a native of
Iowa and the latter of Missouri. The father was but three
years of age when his parents crossed the plains to Oregon,
casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers of this
state. They were the third family to locate in Union county
and there the grandfather took up a claim of government
land, which by arduous and unremitting toil he at length
brought to a high state of development, continuing to
operate his ranch throughout his remaining years. He passed
away in 1910 at the very advanced age of ninety-five years,
and his wife's demise occurred in 1895. when she had reached
the age of seventy-five years. They were highly esteemed and
respected in their community as pioneer settlers who shared
in the hardships and privations of frontier life and aided
in laying broad and deep the foundation upon which has been
built the present progress and prosperity of the
commonwealth.
Their son, Joel M. Carroll, the youngest in a family of
fourteen children, was reared and educated in Union, Oregon,
later completing a law course in the Oregon State University
at Eugene. Following his admission to the bar he opened an
office in Union and there engaged in practice the remainder
of his life, being accorded an extensive clientage which his
solid attainments well merited. He ever conformed his
practice to the highest ethical standards of the profession
and was widely recognized as an able minister in the temple
of justice. He was a man of prominence in his community,
serving as mayor of Union and also holding other public
offices of trust, the duties of which he discharged most
conscientiously and efficiently. He passed away in 1900 at
the comparatively early age of forty-two years, and his
demise was deeply regretted by a large circle of friends,
for he was a man of sterling worth whose ideals of life were
high and who utilized every opportunity that enabled him to
climb to their level. His wife survived him for eleven
years, her demise occurring in 1911.
Emil E. Carroll was reared and educated at Union and later
pursued a course in pharmacy in the Oregon Agricultural
College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1910.
For a time he assisted his cousin in the conduct of a drug
business at Junction City, Oregon, and in 1913 removed to
Harrisburg, where he opened a drug store which he has since
operated. He carries a large stock of drugs and druggists'
sundries and the neat and tasteful arrangement of his store,
combined with his reliability, progressive methods and fair
dealing, has won for him a most gratifying patronage.
On the 16th of February, 1917, Mr. Carroll was united in
marriage to Miss Meldon A. Springgate and they have become
the parents of a daughter. Francetta B., who was born April
25, 1919. Mr. Carroll gives his political allegiance to the
republican party and his fraternal connections are with the
Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America. In the conduct of
his business affairs he has displayed sound judgment and his
energy and enterprise have gained him recognition as one of
the substantial and valued residents of his community.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Morrison,
Newton
Actuated at all points in his career by a progressive spirit
and firm determination that have enabled him to overcome all
difficulties and obstacles in his path, Newton I. Morrison
is now occupying an enviable position in business circles of
Scio as proprietor of a hardware and implement
establishment. He is also conducting an undertaking business
and in the control of his various interests is meeting with
gratifying success. He was born in Chautauqua county. New
York, December 21, 1862, a son of John P. and Amanda O.
(Carey) Morrison, the former a native of Pennsylvania and
the latter of Chautauqua county. New York. For many years
the father followed farming in New York and subsequently he
went to Kansas, and there resided until about 1912. In that
year he came to Oregon, taking up his abode in Dallas, where
he continued to make his home throughout the remainder of
his life. He passed away December 25, 1914, while the
mother's demise occurred in the Sunflower state about 1884.
Their son, Newton I. Morrison, was reared and educated in
Chautauqua county, New York, and after his graduation from
high school he became a student at the Forestville Free
Academy. He remained with his parents until he had attained
his majority and then learned the carpenter's trade, at
which he worked for some time, when he went to Kansas and
there was in charge of construction work until 1886. In that
year he came to Oregon and on the 18t of May arrived in
Salem, where he engaged in contracting, subsequently
removing to Dallas, and there he followed the same line of
work for a considerable period. At length he turned his
attention to agricultural pursuits, taking up land in Linn
county, which he cleared and developed, and later purchased
adjoining land until in time he became the owner of three
hundred and twenty acres. By untiring effort and
perseverance he transformed his holdings into a valuable and
productive farm, which he continued to operate for a period
of twenty years, and is still the owner of two hundred acres
thereof. He likewise engaged in raising sheep and goats and
became one of the prominent stock raisers of his section of
the state, handling pure bred Jersey cattle and Poland China
hogs, his operations along that line proving most
successful. In 1908 Mr. Morrison removed to Scio, where for
some time he conducted a planing mill and then entered his
present field of activity as the proprietor of a hardware
and implement business. He carries a large and well assorted
stock and his enterprising methods, reasonable prices and
courteous treatment of customers have secured for him a
large patronage. He also conducts an undertaking
establishment and his efforts along this line have met with
pronounced success, for he is a man of keen business
discernment and sound judgment who carries forward to
successful completion whatever he undertakes. Mr. Morrison
owns the building in which his business is conducted and is
a most progressive citizen.
In January, 1884, occurred the marriage of Newton I.
Morrison and Miss Naomi J. Rhodes and they became the
parents of a daughter, Estella, who died at the age of
fourteen months. Mr. Morrison is an independent republican
in his political views, and he is much interested in the
welfare and progress of his community, serving as a member
of the town council, where he rendered valuable service to
the city, his influence being ever on the side of
advancement and improvement. Fraternally he is identified
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his religious
faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian
church. As a business man his course has been marked by
steady advancement, for he has closely studied trade
conditions and the wants of the public and in conducting his
store has made it his purpose ever to be ready to meet
public needs and demands. His has been a life of varied and
useful activity, productive of excellent results not only in
the upbuilding of his own fortunes but also in the
advancement of community welfare, and his sterling worth is
attested by all who know him.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Kent,
Oren
Dr. Oren H. Kent, a well known and highly successful
practitioner of osteopathy at Brownsville, was born in
Nemaha county, Nebraska, June 1, 1871, his parents being
William M. and Louisa S. (Ranslow) Kent, the former a native
of New Jersey and the latter of Vermont. The father was a
builder and contractor who also followed the occupation of
farming. His boyhood days were spent in Ohio and in young
manhood he became a resident of Illinois, in which state his
marriage occurred. During the progress of the Civil war he
enlisted in the Fifty-second Illinois Infantry, with which
command he served for two years, and after receiving his
discharge he returned to Illinois and with his wife started
across the country for Nebraska in a covered wagon. He
located in Nemaha county in 1868 and there resided until
1871, when he went to Richardson county, Nebraska, where he
purchased land, which he developed and improved, continuing
its cultivation for many years. At length he retired and
removed to Auburn, Nebraska, and here continued to reside
until his death in December, 1898. The mother survived him
for several years, passing away in June, 1906.
Oren H. Kent pursued his education in the schools of Nemaha
and Richardson counties, Nebraska, and after his graduation
from the Auburn high school he became a student in the
Nebraska State Normal School, from which he was later
graduated, while subsequently he attended the Nebraska State
University at Lincoln. When a boy he had learned the
printer's trade and after finishing his college course he
engaged in the newspaper business at Auburn in partnership
with his instructor in the trade. They published the leading
republican paper in that section of the state, with which
they were identified for a period of four years, when Mr.
Kent took up the study of medicine at Des Moines, Iowa,
later becoming a student at the American School of
Osteopathy at Kirksville, Missouri, from which he was
graduated with the class of 1905. He practiced his
profession in Nebraska until 1916, when he came to Oregon,
opening an office in Brownsville, where he has remained, now
being accorded a liberal and gratifying patronage. He has
been very successful in checking the ravages of disease and
is constantly promoting his efficiency and skill by wide
reading and study.
In May, 1898, Dr. Kent was united in marriage to Miss
Fordyce E. Daniels and they have become the parents of seven
children, namely: Rollo, Merrill, Paul, Margaret, Dorothy,
Kenneth and Theron.
Dr. Kent is an independent republican in his political views
and in religious faith he is a Presbyterian, while his
fraternal connections are with the Masons and the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is most conscientious
in the discharge of his professional duties and is guided by
high and honorable principles in all relations of life, the
sterling worth of his character being attested by all who
know him.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
Clark,
Daniel
Dr. Daniel G. Clark, engaged in the practice of medicine and
surgery at Harrisburg, is a native son of Oregon, his birth
having occurred five miles southeast of Salem, in Marion
county, December 15, 1873. He is a son of Daniel and Harriet
(Schaeffer) Clark, the former a native of Ireland, while the
latter was born in Iowa. When four years of age the father
was brought by his parents to the United States, the family
home being established in Missouri, where Daniel Clark was
reared and educated. In 1843 he crossed the plains to Oregon
by means of ox teams, rendering assistance to another
traveler who was also making the long and arduous trip. His
first winter in the state was spent in Washington county and
he then removed to Marion county, taking up a donation claim
five miles southeast of Salem, on which the reform school is
now located, this being on the line of the Southern Pacific
Railroad. He at once set about the work of developing and
cultivating his land and his perseverance and determination
were at length rewarded and he became the owner of a
valuable property. He was a most progressive and
enterprising agriculturist and his was the first plastered
house in Marion county, all of the material used in its
construction being hauled from Portland. He was an
energetic, farsighted and sagacious business man and was
very successful in his farming operations, adding to his
original holdings from time to time until he became the
owner of eight hundred acres. He utilized the latest and
most modern machinery and equipment in cultivating his land,
erecting thereon splendid buildings, his barns being at that
time the largest in the state, and everything about the
place bore evidence of the enterprising spirit and
progressive methods of the owner. He continued to cultivate
his farm until his death, which occurred December 31, 1885,
when he was sixty-five years of age. The mother survives and
is residing at Brownsville, Oregon, at the age of
seventy-five years. They had become the parents of ten
children, but four of whom are living.
Daniel G. Clark, the youngest member of the family, pursued
his early education in the district schools of Marion
county, after which he attended Willamette University and
then entered the Cooper Medical College of San Francisco,
now Leland Stanford University, from which he was graduated
in 1899 with the M. D. degree. Returning to Oregon, he
opened an office in Stayton, Marion county, and there
continued in practice for five years, after which he went to
Silverton, Oregon, where he followed his profession for a
period of six years. In 1910 he removed to Harrisburg, and
has since resided here, being now accorded a large
patronage. He has ever kept thoroughly informed concerning
the latest researches and discoveries of the profession and
employs the most scientific methods in the care of the sick.
On the 218t of June, 1903, Dr. Clark was united in marriage
to Miss Roxana Thompson, who is also a native of this state,
her birth having occurred at Waldo Hills, Marion county,
June 15, 1878. She is a daughter of Alexander and Addie
(McAlpin) Thompson, natives of New Jersey, who became
pioneers of this state. Coming to Oregon in the '50s, the
father purchased land in Marion county, which he operated
until his death in 1906. The mother survived him for three
years, her demise occurring in 1909. Two children have been
born to Dr. and Mrs. Clark: Mildred R., who was born January
1, 1907; and Lida L., who was born July 24, 1912, and died
July 2, 1914.
In his political views Dr. Clark is independent, voting for
the candidate whom he considers best qualified for office,
regardless of party affiliation. He has taken a prominent
part in the public affairs of his community, having served
as city treasurer, and is now filling the office of city
health officer. He is much interested in the cause of public
education and is now school director. His religious faith is
indicated by his membership in the Church of Christ, and he
takes an active interest in its work, being one of its
elders. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order
and his professional connections are with the Oregon State
and Central Willamette Medical Societies and the American
Medical Association. He is classed with the leading
physicians of his section of the state, for he has been a
close and discriminating student of his profession and his
knowledge and ability have constantly developed.
History of Oregon: Volume II
The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company
Chicago - Portland; 1922
|
