Jeremiah M. Camp
Jeremiah M. Camp, one of the prosperous and highly esteemed residents of Walla
Walla, was for many years actively engaged in farming in Whitman county, where
he still owns a large tract of valuable land, but is now living retired. A
native of Ohio, he was born May 10, 1837, and is a son of John and Deborah
(Martin) Camp, both of whom were born in Connecticut, the former in 1801. The
parents removed to Ohio at an early day in the development of that state and
there the mother passed away in 1856. Two years later the father removed with
his family to Knox county, Illinois, and devoted the remainder of his life to
the operation of a farm there. He died suddenly in 1865. There were five sons in
the family but only three are now living.
Jeremiah M. Camp passed the days of his boyhood and youth in his native state
and is indebted for his education to its public schools. Following his marriage,
February 12, 1858, at the age of twenty years, he became a resident
of Knox County, Illinois. In 1862 he enlisted there in Company I, Eighty-third
Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served at the front until the close of the
Civil war in 1865. Although he took part in a great deal of hard fighting he was
never wounded nor imprisoned. After being mustered out at Chicago he returned to
Ohio, where his wife was then residing, and they continued to make their home in
that state until 1867, when they went to the vicinity of Washington, Iowa, where
Mr. Camp engaged in farming for three years. In 1870 he went to Kansas and in
1883 came to Washington. After staying for a time in Walla Walla county he
removed to Whitman county, where he took up a homestead. He at once gave his
entire time and attention to the task of developing that farm and as the years
passed made many improvements thereon. In 1904 he retired and took up his
residence in Walla Walla, where he now lives. He still owns sixteen hundred and
sixty acres of land in Whitman county, all in a high state of cultivation, and
derives therefrom a gratifying income. The success which he has gained is doubly
creditable in that it is due to his quickness to see and take advantage of
opportunities, his good management and his hard work.
On the 12th of February, 1858, Mr. Camp was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Ann
Merritt, also a native of Vinton county, Ohio, and they traveled life's journey
together for fifty-two years, Mrs. Camp dying in Walla Walla on the 8th of
October, 1911. They became the parents-of nine, children, as follows: Louis and
Ida, both deceased; Hattie, the wife of William Barber, of Anthony, Kansas; A.
I. and George, both residents of Whitman county, Washington; May, the wife of
Theodore Harris, of Oklahoma; Sadiei, the wife of Charles Pryor, of Dayton,
Washington; and Archibald and Ira, both residents of Whitman county. The wife
and mother was a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
Mr. Camp has voted the republican ticket since he cast his first vote for
Abraham Lincoln. He has never been active in public affairs, preferring to
concentrate his efforts upon his farm work, and in so doing he has not only won
financial independence but has also contributed to the development of this
district along agricultural lines. Through his membership in the local Grand
Army post he keeps in touch with the other veterans of the war and finds great
pleasure in recalling the experiences of those days
Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County: Embracing Walla Walla, Columbia,
Garfield and Asotin Counties
By William Denison Lyman, Classics in Washington History, Washington State
Library
Published by S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1918
A. HERBERT GRAVES.
A. Herbert Graves, appointed by President Wilson in January, 1916, to the
position of postmaster of Asotin, was born December 2, 1871, in Shelbyville,
Shelby county, Missouri, a son of Edmond and Sarah (Tuttle) Graves. He acquired
a public school education in his native city and continued his studies at Macon,
Missouri. On completing his course he took up the drug business. which he
followed in Missouri for six years, and then went upon the road as a traveling
salesman, representing a wholesale drug house, in which line of business he
continued for about two years. He then became connected with the telephone
business and on the 5th of April, 1913, he arrived in Asotin, Washington, where
he bought out the Asotin Telephone Company, which at that time had but
sixty-five patrons. The business is now conducted under the name of the Asotin
Telephone Exchange and Mr. Graves is the sole owner. He gives service at the
present time to three hundred patrons all over Asotin county and the adjoining
territory. He has built up the business along substantial lines and he is
accorded a gratifying patronage.
On the 14th of September, 1899, Mr. Graves was united in marriage to Miss Ida
Algena Watson, a native of New York, and to them have been born three children:
June Irene, who is a student in the Asotin high school; Herbert, a student in
the eighth grade of the public schools; and Edward, now three years of age.
Mr. Graves and his wife are communicants of the Episcopal church and he belongs
to the Masonic fraternity. His political allegiance is given to the democratic
party and in January, 1916, by presidential appointment, he became postmaster of
Asotin, in which connection he is now serving, discharging the duties of the
office in a prompt and capable manner and at the same time conducting his
telephone business. He is a progressive, energetic and farsighted business man
and is meeting with well merited success.
Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County: Embracing Walla Walla, Columbia,
Garfield and Asotin Counties
By William Denison Lyman, Classics in Washington History, Washington State
Library
Published by S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1918
J. BURRES HERROLD.
J. Burres Herrold, a well known farmer residing in Walla Walla, from which point
he directs the operation of his extensive holdings, was born in Knox county,
Illinois, November 14, 1858, a son of Bishop A. and Harriett (Cullison) Herrold,
natives respectively of Indiana and Ohio. They were married, however, in
Illinois, to which state they removed as children with their parents. In 1871
they came to the Pacific coast and for seven years lived in the Willamette
valley of Oregon, after which they came to Washington, settling in Palouse,
Whitman county. Seven years later they took up their residence on a farm on
Eureka flats, Walla Walla county, and there the mother died in March, 1893. The
father, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, is still living and
makes his home with a son residing near Waitsburg.
J. Burres Herrold was reared at home and acquired his education in the common
schools of Illinois. At the time of the arrival of the family in the Willamette
valley he was thirteen years of age. A year after their removal to Washington,
in June, 1878, he left home and began his independent career. In 1882 he filed
on a homestead on Eureka flats, Walla Walla county, and retained the ownership
of that place until 1907, when he disposed of it and purchased four hundred and
thirty-four acres in Columbia county two and a half miles east of Waitsburg. He
resided upon that place until 1915, when he removed to Walla Walla, where he now
lives. He still, however, gives close attention to supervising the work of the
farm and his progressive methods and excellent business judgment have enabled
him to gain financial independence.
On the 8th of January, 1915, Mr. Herrold was united in marriage to Miss Nellie
Perrigo, a daughter of Harlow and Ida (Daniels) Perrigo. Her father died in
Wisconsin, and in 1909 her mother came to Walla Walla, where she now lives. Mrs.
Herrold was for eight years prior to her marriage a teacher in the Walla Walla
schools and is a woman of excellent education and good executive ability.
Mr. Herrold supports the republican party at the polls but is without ambition
for office. He is connected with Touchet Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., and with
Coppei Encampment, No. 73. He is loyal to the order and to its teachings of
mutual helpfulness and fraternity, and the principles which govern his life are
further indicated in the fact that he is a member of the Christian church, to
which his wife also belongs. They are progressive in spirit and willingly
support all movements looking toward the advancement of the interests of their
community.
Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County: Embracing Walla Walla, Columbia,
Garfield and Asotin Counties
By William Denison Lyman, Classics in Washington History, Washington State
Library
Published by S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1918
Herbert L. Wilson
Herbert L. Wilson has devoted the greater part of his life to engineering work
and is now a leader in his profession in southeastern Washington, being
especially prominent in connection with the construction of state highways and
bridges and the paving of city streets. He was born in Henry county, Iowa, June
25, 1877, a son of Jonah and Mary (Graham) Wilson, both of whom were born in
Ohio, where they were reared. Soon after their marriage they left that state and
removed to Henry county, Iowa, which was then just being settled. The father
filed on a homestead and both he and the mother still reside on that place. His
holdings now comprise four hundred and eighty acres and he is recognized as one
of the most successful farmers and stock raisers of Henry county.
Herbert L. Wilson was educated in the public schools of Henry county and in
Drake University of Des Moines, from which he received the degree of civil
engineer in the class of 1899. Following his graduation he devoted some time to
farming in his native county, but in 1904 came to the Pacific coast. For about a
year he was employed on construction work in Portland and then came to Walla
Walla. He remained in this city only a short time, however, and then took up a
homestead in Franklin county, Washington. Later he communted the homestead and
proved up on his claim in less time that it would have taken to do so under the
homestead law. He was instrumental in securing the establishment of a postoffice
at Ringold, and for a year and a half served as postmaster. After securing the
title to his land he was employed in the engineering department of the North
Coast Railroad Company, which has since become a part of the Union Pacific
system, and while in that connection he worked on th construction of the road
for two and a half years. In 1908 he went to Twin Falls, Idaho, where he
developed a farm under the newly installed irrigation project, but after
remaining upon the place for about a year he went to North Yakima, Washington,
where he went into business on his own account as construction engineer. During
the following two and a half years he completed a number of important projects
and in 1912 came to Walla Walla, where he has since gained an enviable
reputation as a capable engineer. He has given his attention largely to state
highway construction and has also done a great deal of street paving in Walla
Walla and has erected a large number of bridges. He has handled some of the
largest jobs in these lines in this section of the state and has not only gained
high professional standing but has won material success.
Mr. Wilson was married in 1968-to Miss Stella Nixon, a daughter of E. H. Nixon,
a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson has been
born a daughter, Mary J^avelle.
Mr. Wilson is an advocate of republican principles and supports the candidates
of that party at the polls. He is connected fraternally with Blue Mountain
Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M., and with Walla Walla Chapter, No. i, R. A. M.. and is
likewise a member of the Walla Walla Commercial Club. In religious faith he is a
Presbyterian and his life has at all times been actuated by high moral
principles.
Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County: Embracing Walla Walla, Columbia,
Garfield and Asotin Counties
By William Denison Lyman, Classics in Washington History, Washington State
Library
Published by S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1918
WILLIAM PARKHURST WINANS.
No history of Walla Walla would be complete without extended reference to
William Parkhurst Winans, who was an octogenarian at the time of his demise. He
had long been identified with the northwest and his life was one of great
usefulness and activity. He was of Holland ancestry, descended from an ancient
family belonging to the Holland nobility. The ancestral line is traced back to
Jean Winants, who was a lawyer at Antwerp, living in 1580. The line comes down
through Goswin Wynants, who was born March 22,1630, and was pensionary adviser
for the province of Limbourg in 1666 and was afterward a member of the high
council of Brabant by letter patent April 16, 1668. Goswin Arnould, Comte de
Wynants, was born July 20, 1661, was a member of the council of Brabant by
letters patent August 20, 1692, and in 1716 became a member of the council of
the privy council.
The following year he was called to Vienna as president of the supreme council
of the affairs of the Lowlands. He was created a viscomte by letters patent
December 24, 1721, then comte by letters patent September 23, 1727. He passed
away in Vienna, March 8, 1732. He had married Catherine Christine Van-den-Broeck,
who was born September 23, 1667, and died December 19, 1746. Ten children were
born to them. The coat of arms is described as follows:
"On a field argent, three bunches of grapes; a chevron azure, surmounted by a
cheif gules. A helmet with a mantle azure and gules, and the crest, a Moor
holding a bunch of grapes." The motto—"Fors Non Mutat Genus," the liberal
translation of which is "Fortune cannot change the race."
When the Dutch colonized the new world in the beginning of the seventeenth
century, their descendants modified their name, adapting it to the English
orthography and pronunciation—Winans.
John Winans, of Elizabethtown, New Jersey, born in Holland, 1617, was married in
1664 to Susanna Melyn. He was one of the eighty "associates" who bought land
from the Indians. He died in December, 1694, and his will is now on file with
the secretary of state at Trenton, New Jersey. His wife was Susanna, daughter of
Cornelius Melyn, the famous patron of Staten Island, who led the popular party
against Stuyvesant, "central figure of his day." In 1640, Cornelius Melyn had a
grant of all of Staten Island.
The records show nine children born to John and Susanna Winans; and Isaac, the
youngest, 1684-1723, was the direct ancestor of the Winans family as represented
in Walla Walla. To him and his wife, Hannah, were born six children: Hannah,
Phebe, Isaac, Abraham, William and Elias.
The third of this family, Isaac Winans, was born in 1710 and died in 1780. He
served as a member of the committee of safety during the Revolutionary war and
for loyalty to the colonies was taken prisoner by. the British and died from
cruelties in the Sugar House in New York. He was married twice and the children
of Isaac and Margaret Winans were Isaac, Mathias and Abigal. To him and his
second wife, Magdalene Winans, there were born five children, namely: Jane,
Margaret, Moses, Susanna and Elizabeth.
The sixth member of the family whose record has just been given was Moses Winans,
who was born November 9, 1753, and who departed this life January 28, 1822. He
served during the Revolutionary war in Captain Squire's company of the Essex
County Militia. His wife, Ruth, was born August 5, 1758, and died January 26,
1817. They were the parents of eight children.
The youngest one of these children was Jonas Wood Winans, who was born January
19, 1802, and died October i, 1878. He married Sarah Stiles and they became the
parents of William Parkhurst Winans, whose name introduces this review. It was
on the 2Oth of December, 1827, that Jonas W. Winans wedded Sarah Stiles, who was
born July 23, 1806, and who departed this life January 8, 1858. They had a
family of eight children. Isaac, the eldest, was born October 20, 1828, was
married December 20, 1851, to Sarah Webster and died August 31, 1907. Ebenezer
Connett, born May 5, 1830, was married October 29, 1857, to Margaret B. Rose.
Meline was born February 15, 1833, and died January 12, 1845. William Parkhurst
was the next of the family. Sarah Jane, the fifth child, was bom July 7, 1839,
and on the 3<3th of November, 1866, became the wife of Augustus Dow. Her death
occurred May 17, 1870. Jonas Wood, who was born November n, 1840, was married
September 13, 1876, to Alice E. Jones and died September 2, 1899. Elizabeth
Magdaline, bom June 3, 1843, became the wife of William A. Hubbard, and died
March 21, 1895. Mary Stiles, born January 23, 1846, was married January 31,
1877, to Dorus E. Bates, who died August 15, 1880, and on the 25th of February,
1896, she became the wife of Augustus Dow.
William P. Winans lived to reach the age of eighty-one years and the long period
was one of great usefulness and activity, characterized by rapid and substantial
advance in business and by devotion to the general good. He was born in
Elizabeth, New Jersey, on the 28th of January, 1836, and was a little lad of ten
years when his parents removed with their family to Pittsfield, Illinois, where
he continued his education in the public schools. He had started on a business
career in that state when ill health caused him to cross the plains. In his
early boyhood he had worked on his father's farm and at the age of eighteen had
become a clerk in a store, being thus employed through the succeeding five
years.
At the doctor's orders, however, he was forced to "get outdoors" and, attracted
by the Pike's Peak excitement, he joined three companions, and with a prairie
schooner and four yoke of oxen they started for Colorado. When within ten days
of their destination they met a party of miners who were returning home and who
had had an encounter with the Indians, some of them being wounded. The next day
they met scores of other wagons with their owners retracing their steps and in
one day passed over seven hundred wagons eastward bound. All told the same
story—that it was not a poor man's district, for the gold was in quartz
formation instead of being placer gold. One night when Mr. Winans and his
companions camped he noticed that the wagon was headed east instead of west.
The next morning his partners, who were older than he, told him that they had
decided to return, but Mr. Winans refused to go back, whereupon his companions
unyoked his two oxen, turned them loose, put his blankets and his share of the
provisions by the side of the road and left him. Next day, at noon, a wagon
westward bound halted and the driver asked Mr. Winans why he was camped there
and which way he was headed. Mr. Winans replied "westward." He joined forces
with this man and eventually they reached Cherry creek, now the city of Denver,
then containing about six or seven houses. One day a man by the name of George
Grimes, who had previously lived in Oregon, said: "I am through here. I am going
to Oregon. Do any of you fellows want to go along?" Mr. Winans responded, "I'll
go," and selling his oxen, he bought a good saddle and two horses, one for a
pack horse and the other for a riding horse. One plan which the party pursued on
their way westward was to camp at night, build a fire, get supper and then move
on in the dark for a mile and camp, so the Indians would not surprise them,
learning of their whereabouts by means of the fire. At length Mr. Winans arrived
in Oregon in September, 1859, and located on the Umatilla river, stacking the
first grain in that vicinity. He also taught school in Umatilla county in the
winter of 1860-61 and he served as a clerk of the first election in Oregon,
which was held in 1860, the year in which Lincoln was elected president. In
July, 1861, he removed to Fort Colville, Washington, and upon the organization
of Spokane county was appointed deputy county auditor.
The next year he was elected to the position of auditor, in which capacity he
served for two terms. He was afterwards appointed clerk for the United States
district court for the district comprising Spokane and Missoula counties under
Judge E. P. Oliphant. At a later period Mr. Winans engaged in merchandising and
in 1866 he was again called to office, being elected county superintendent of
schools. He aided in building the first schoolhouse north of the Snake river in
a district that was two hundred by four hundred miles, lying between the
Cascades and the Rockies and extending from Snake river to the Canadian border.
With all of the early events which aided in shaping the history and developing
the country he was closely associated. In 1867 he was called upon to represent
Stevens county in the territorial legislature, serving during that and the
succeeding year and again in 1871. In 1870 he was appointed sub-agent of the six
non-treaty tribes of the Colville country, thus having to do with a group of
Indians who had refused to make peace with the government. He took the part of
the settlers against a proposed change of boundary of the Indian reservation and
saved some valuable lands for the settlers—lands which they had been using for
years and which they had brought under a high state of cultivation.
All during these years Mr. Winans was engaged in merchandising, but in 1871
disposed of his commercial interests irf Colville and removed to Walla Walla,
where he formed a partnership with Major R. R. Rees, thus establishing and
conducting the largest store in Walla Walla in the early days. The business was
originally carried on under the firm style of Rees & Winans and afterward was
Johnson, Rees & Winans. Mr. Winans remained very active in the conduct of the
business, which was developed to extensive proportions, but in 1890 he withdrew
from mercantile interests and became president of the Fanners Savings Bank,
which had been organized in September, 1889. The bank was opened at Second and
Main streets, where it has since been located. In 1890 the bank was in temporary
quarters while the old building was torn down and the new Rees-Winans building
was erected. Mr. Winans remained president of the bank and active in the
management of its affairs until his death. He was always found at his desk and
seldom took a vacation. His life was one of intense and well directed activity
and he never stopped short of the successful accomplishment of his purpose,
while at all times the methods which he followed were those which would bear the
closest investigation and scrutiny. He had extensive interests other than his
connection with the Farmers Savings Bank and for thirty years he was one of the
directors of the First National Bank of Walla Walla. His activities were ever of
a character that contributed to the progress and prosperity of the community in
which he lived as well as to the advancement of his individual fortunes.
On the 6th of October, 1869, Mr. Winans was married to Miss Lida Moore and to
them were born three sons who are yet living, sketches of whom follow this. Mrs.
Winans passed away December 4, 1876, and on the 2Oth of November, 1879, W. P.
Winans was married to Miss Christine McRae, who survives him. They were the
parents of three children. William Stiles W'inans was born May 6, 1881, and died
December 16, 1891. Freeman Earl Winans was born February 19, 1883, and married
Miss Florence Ladd, November 23, 1908. He is department manager of the United
States Rubber Company at Seattle. He is also a member of various fraternal
orders. Sarah Jean Winans, born September 19, 1885, was married in 1909 to Major
George Leroy Converse, Jr., Fourth Cavalry, U. S. A. She is the mother of two
children, George Leroy IV and William Parkhurst Winans.
It was on Sunday, the 22d of April, 1917, that Mr. Winans passed away. He had
attended church on that day and in the afternoon went for an auto trip to pick
wild flowers, of which he was very fond. Death called him suddenly, his illness
lasting less than an hour, and the news of his demise was received with the
deepest regret because of the prominent part which he had taken in the public
life of the community and by reason of the firm hold which he had upon the
affection of his fellow townsmen. He was a most public-spirited citizen,
interested in everything pertaining to general progress and improvement, and he
lived to witness the remarkable transformation of the county as it emerged from
pioneer conditions. The funeral services were held in the Presbyterian church
and his remains were interred in Mountain View cemetery, the Knights Templar
commandery attending in a body and officiating at the interment. Resolutions of
respect were passed by the Farmers Savings Bank and the First National Bank, and
memorial services were afterward held in the Presbyterian church, in which
speeches were delivered paying high tribute to Mr. Winans as a citizen, as a
business man, as a Mason, as an educator and as a Christian. The children of the
Sunday school, remembering his love for wild flowers, gathered many of the
blossoms of the field to decorate his grave. Thus was ended a life of much
usefulness, in which Walla Walla benefited greatly as the result of his public
spirit and his devotion to high ideals.
Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County: Embracing Walla Walla, Columbia,
Garfield and Asotin Counties
By William Denison Lyman, Classics in Washington History, Washington State
Library
Published by S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1918
J. C. Weatherford - One of the distinguished and honored citizens of Columbia County is J. C. Weatherford, a successful agriculturist, making a specialty of stock and wheat raising. He was born in this county on the 2ist of May, 1882, and is a son of F. M. Weatherford, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. During his boyhood and youth J. C. Weatherford attended the common schools and completed his education by a course at Armstrong Commercial College, from which he was graduated. On putting aside his textbooks, he turned his attention to farming and purchased a tract of land which he has since operated with marked success. He is now the owner of five hundred acres of very valuable and productive land, most of which is devoted to wheat, and he gives considerable attention to the raising of stock. In 1910 Mr. Weatherford married Miss Fleta Ward, also a native of Walla Walla County, and they have a little daughter, Antoinette, who was born November 19, 1916. Mrs. Weatherford is a member of the Episcopal Church, and Mr. Weatherford's fraternal relations are with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. The Democratic Party has found in him a stanch supporter of its principles and his fellow citizens recognizing his worth and ability elected him state senator in 1912. For four years he filled that responsible position with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He has also served as school director and has done much to promote the interests of his community along various lines. - Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County, 1918 by William Denison Lyman, Page 494
Submitted by Jim VanDerMark
F. A. Jonas - An energetic and farsighted business man, F. A. Jonas is meeting with a substantial measure of success as a member of the Perrine-Jonas Company, general merchants and foremost business men of Waitsburg. He was born in Lewiston, Idaho, on the 27th of October, 1865, and is a son of Milton and Eliza (Gilman) Jonas, both of whom were natives of Iowa. They were married, however, in Florence, Idaho, having removed to that state in young manhood and womanhood. The father crossed the plains with an ox team to California in 1860 and there engaged in gold mining until the winter of 1861-2, when he removed to Walla Walla county, Washington. He then turned his attention to farming and stock raising and continued to make his home in Walla Walla County until 1875, when he took up his abode in Columbia County where he continued to devote his energies to general agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his active business life. He was very successful as a farmer and he and his sons acquired between thirteen and fourteen hundred acres of land. His business affairs were carefully managed and his investments judiciously made, and as the result of his close application and persistency of purpose he won a substantial measure of success. His death occurred September 8, 1908, while his wife had passed away September 16, 1906. J. A. Jonas was reared upon the home farm and was educated in the district schools. In 1888 he started upon his business career as a horse raiser and from that point gradually worked into farming, which he carried on upon leased school and railroad land. In 1891 he purchased six hundred acres of such land, but the widespread financial panic of 1893 swept away the profits of five years' work. His land, however, was bought under contract and he was able to hold that. In 1895 or 1896 he had finished his payments upon the property and in 1905 he bought two hundred and forty acres adjoining. In 1909 he disposed of his landed holdings for fifty-four thousand dollars and in 1910 he purchased an interest in the mercantile business of the J. N. Gravelle Company of Waitsburg, at which time the style of the firm was changed to the Gravelle-Jonas Company. In 1911, L. R. Perrine purchased Mr. Gravelle's interest in the business and the present firm, known as the Perrine-Jonas Company, thus came into existence. They conduct a general mercantile business and are ranked among the leading firms in this line in Walla Walla County, carrying a fine stock of goods, while their reasonable prices, honorable dealing and earnest desire to please their patrons have secured to them a very gratifying trade. On the 1st of January, 1888, Mr. Jonas was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary A. Kinder, of Waitsburg, by whom he has three children, namely: Beulah I., May I. and Ethel. Mr. Jonas gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M.; Dayton Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M.; Walla Walla Commandery, K. T.; El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane; and Waitsburg Chapter, No. 9, O. E. S., of which his wife is also a member. Mr. Jonas is now worthy patron of the Star, a position which he has occupied for the past ten years, and his wife is worthy matron. He is also identified with the Woodmen of the World and Mrs. Jonas holds membership in the Christian church. They rank among the leading and influential residents of Waitsburg, having much to do with its material, social, intellectual and moral progress, and they enjoy the highest respect of all who know them. - Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County, 1918 by William Denison Lyman, Pages 494 - 495
Submitted by Jim VanDerMark
Frank Neace - Frank Neace, who is actively engaged in farming in Columbia County, was born in Walla Walla, Washington, on the I9th of October, 1875, and has always been a resident of this state. The spirit of western enterprise which has been the dominant factor in the up building of the Pacific coast country has been manifest throughout his entire career. He has worked with steady purpose to accomplish desired results and has attained a substantial measure of success. He is a son of Louis Neace, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this work, and while spending his youthful days under the parental roof he attended the public schools and also continued his education in the Waitsburg Academy. On reaching manhood he became associated with his brothers and father in the conduct of extensive farming operations and in 1903 located on the farm on which his brother Louis now resides and which was then owned by the father. For five years he cultivated about one thousand acres of land in that place and in 1908 he removed to his present home farm, which was then also owned by the father and which became his property after the father's death. His farm comprises thirteen hundred acres of land, which he cultivates to grain and his broad fields present an attractive picture giving proof of the industry and ability of their owner. Mr. Neace keeps in touch with the most progressive methods of soil cultivation and development and has added to his farm many modern improvements, so that the place is now splendidly equipped with all the accessories and conveniences known to the model farm of the twentieth century. In 1903 Mr. Neace was united in marriage to Miss Katy Fulton, of Milton, Oregon, who is a graduate of the commercial department of Columbia College. Mr. Neace belongs to Touchet Lodge, No. 70, K. P., of Waitsburg, and he is widely and favorably known not only among his fraternal brethren but by the general public as a substantial and influential citizen, his life record being such as to commend him to the regard and confidence of all with whom he has been associated. - Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County, 1918 by William Denison Lyman, Pages 495 - 496.
Submitted by Jim VanDerMark
James Stott Kershaw - Among the residents of Walla Walla whose memory goes back to the pioneer days of this section is James Stott Kershaw, who became a resident of Walla Walla County in 1861. He at once turned his attention to farming, resolutely continuing the work of cultivating the fields in spite of many hardships, and at length prosperity began to reward his labors. He is now in excellent circumstances and is living retired, enjoying the comforts of life. He has reached an advanced age but is still hale and hearty and young in spirit and interests. His birth occurred in Yorkshire, England, July 5, 1835, and he is a son of John and Mary (Dewhurst) Kershaw. The father passed away in 1841 and in the following year the mother came with her four children to the United States. They went to Carbondale, Pennsylvania, where an uncle of Mrs. Kershaw's was living. Ten days after the arrival of the family, however, the uncle died and the mother removed with her family to Wahpeton Falls, New York, where she and her children worked in factories engaged in the manufacture of cotton prints. While thus employed the oldest daughter, Hannah, at that time eleven years of age, was drowned in the creek in which she had been washing the blocks from which the calicoes were printed. A short time after this tragedy the family removed to Fall River, Massachusetts, where James S. Kershaw learned the carpenter's trade, while the other sons worked in factories. The mother also did whatever work she could find to do and thus by common effort the family succeeded in making a living. On July 28, 1856, they removed to Belvidere, Illinois, traveling by ocean, river and the Erie Canal. They found that the Middle West offered the opportunities which they had expected to find and James S. Kershaw soon found work at his trade, while his two brothers became farm hands. In a short time they had saved enough money to buy an acre of ground and built a small house thereon. In 1859 our subject started for Pike's Peak but on reaching the Missouri river heard such bad reports of that region that he and three companions turned back, while one proceeded westward. While living in Illinois Mr. Kershaw became acquainted with some men who made a business of driving horses to California for sale. They were enthusiastic in their praise of the climate of the Pacific coast and the almost limitless opportunities for advancement there and their reports of the far west influenced the family to go to the coast. Accordingly they sold their home, bought a team and provisions to last them throughout the long journey and in the spring of 1861 set out for their new home. It was not definitely decided in what locality they should settle, but the general preference was for California. They had been advised to "never camp twice in the same place" and when the train of which they were a part made a halt of a few days at Fort Laramie, four families, including the Kershaw family, left the main train and continued the journey. Later they overtook four other families and not long afterward were joined by four more and still later caught up with a train of eight families under the command of Colonel, Black. In this train was a Mr. Babcock, who had settled in the Walla Walla valley in 1859 and was just returning from the east with his family. His description of the country around his home was so attractive that the Kershaws gave-up their half formed plan of going to California and decided to locate in the Walla Walla valley. For some time they were the guests of Mr. Babcock and then they inspected the surrounding country with the view of determining on which tract of land to settle. They chose the quarter section adjoining Charles Actor, on the present site of Dixie, and during the first winter lived with Mr. Actor. That first winter was one to discourage the faint-hearted, for the weather was severe, more so than it has ever been during the many years since. In addition to the extra work which the cold entailed in the care of stock the early settlers had a great deal of difficulty in securing enough wood to keep their homes warm and their food consisted almost entirely of beef and flapjacks. Moreover, the wheat had a great deal of smut in it and this had to be washed out and the wheat dried before the grain could be ground into coarse flour in a coffee mill. The following spring the Kershaws leased Mr. Actor's land and also began to improve their own holdings. As soon as possible they erected a log house and there resided until some years later when they erected a larger residence across the road from Dixie. This town received its name from the fact that the song "Dixie Land" was new at that time and had been introduced into Walla Walla County by the three Kershaw brothers, who were musicians and were often called upon to sing at local gatherings. They became known by the name of the "Dixie Boys" and when the founders of the new town were wondering what to name it friends of the Kershaws suggested that it be named Dixie in their honor. After operating Mr. Actor's land for two years William G. Kershaw took up a homestead adjoining the present town of Dixie and the family removed to that place. The mother passed away there on the 17th of January, 1875, dying of pneumonia after six days of illness, and was the first person buried in the Dixie cemetery, which is located on land included within the Kershaw homestead. Our subject was married in the same year and erected a home on land which he had acquired east of Dixie. He held title to three hundred acres there and also had a third interest in one hundred and sixty acres on Dry creek and forty acres of timber land. Year after year he gave his time and attention to the work of plowing, planting and harvesting and his labors were rewarded by abundant crops, from the sale of which he derived a gratifying income. Through hard work and good management he gained a competence and in 1900, when his son, A. C. Kershaw, was married he turned the farm over to him and for six years Mr. and Mrs. James S. Kershaw resided in Dixie. In 1906, however, they removed to Walla Walla, where they are still living. Mr. Kershaw was married December 8, 1875, to Miss Mary A. Cook, who came to the United States from England in 1870 with an uncle, William Yeend, his wife and ten children. They made their way at once to California but after remaining there for a few months came to Walla Walla County, which they reached in December of that year. To Mr. and Mrs. Kershaw have been born two children: Arthur C., who, as before stated, is operating the home place; and Mary Bessie, the wife of E. J. Cantonwine, of Walla Walla. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kershaw hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church and in all the relations of life they conform their conduct to the highest ethical standards. Walla Walla County he has at all times been recognized as a man of sound judgment, of public spirit and of the strictest integrity. He had a part in the hard task of developing a new country and it is but fitting that he should now enjoy the fruits of his labors. He finds pleasure not only in his individual prosperity but also in the general development of the county and has always been glad that in 1861 he elected to cast in his lot with that of this section. - Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County, 1918 by William Denison Lyman, Pages 496 - 500
Submitted by Jim VanDerMark