Chapter V: Pioneer Reminiscences (4)

Since the organization of the county the office of county superintendent has been held by both men and women, as to service about equally divided. Speaking from a woman's standpoint, school visitation in early days in the county was not an easy matter. The roads were extremely poor, schoolhouses far apart, many of which were not accessible by vehicle. One was compelled to drive until the road ceased to be fit for travel or terminated abruptly, at which time the team was converted into saddle horses when the journey was continued. Arduous indeed! was the trip but one was fully repaid when some homesick teacher brightened under the encouragement given and the children put forth an extra effort to make their school the best in the county in attendance or improvement along some line designated by the superintendent, the result to be passed upon by that officer upon the next official visit. Some of the children in these isolated districts were twelve and fourteen years old and never had the privilege of being inside of any public building except their own little schoolhouse, had never had the pleasure of spending a dime. These hardy pioneers always shared their best with the superintendent. We recall one of the young women superintendents having gone out for a survey of the rural schools being entertained in a home over night where the only bed in the home was a bunk nailed up to the side of the wall and filled with straw. This the hostess and her three months' old baby shared with the visitor, while the husband went to the barn loft to sleep. This young woman so hospitably entertained was made to feel in this humble home that those people struggling against poverty knew she was interested in the development of the various districts and always had the loyal support of every one in those communities. All worked for the common aim--the betterment of local conditions.

In early days it was not out of the ordinary for Indians to appear at the farm houses demanding a meal. One incident has been brought to our knowledge where two blanket Indians went into a house asking for a meal in almost unintelligible English, but during the progress of the meal one of the girls of the family was murmuring a few German phrases which she had learned from a neighbor, whereupon the younger of the two Indians asked in splendid English why she had not learned the languages when young. It developed that he was able to converse in five languages, being a college graduate, while at this time Asotin County's children had no advantages above the grammar grades. But let it be said to the credit of these pioneer children who are the fathers and mothers of the present younger generation that they made good and are seeing that their children are getting the best the great state offers educationally.

Thirty years have brought vast changes educationally--classical, industrial and literary courses having been added to our systems, the schools having been inspected and placed upon the accredited lists of the state. Children are provided free transportation to and from schools; hot lunches are provided; buildings equipped with splendid heating systems and sanitary conditions are generally observed. Teachers are paid excellent wages and are well prepared for their work. The county superintendent is provided with an automobile for visitation of schools which are practically all reached by an excellent system of highways.

As an outcome of this superior development many of our young men are holding positions of trust in the present crisis, in the service of Uncle Sam both at home and abroad.

Would we return to the old conditions and times were we given our choice? We love to dwell upon the early times, the struggles, the happy hours, to think of those who were friends during those trying years, but we wish our county to keep pace with the progress of the whole Northwest. So we, in the future, as we have done in the past, as loyal united citizens, will boost for the educational, spiritual and civic growth of Asotin County.

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We have given the personal reminiscences of pioneers of Walla Walla and Asotin counties. We are now giving something of the recollections of the first woman in what is now Columbia County, one of the pioneers of 1859, Mrs. Margaret Gilbreath:

S. L. Gilbreath and I were married at Albany, Ore., in March, 1859, and started at once for Washington Territory with a band of cattle, one wagon and team, and three herders.

At the Cascade Mountains two other men, John Wells and Tom Davis, with a wagon and cattle, joined us. We soon found it impossible to hurry on with the wagons, so they were left behind until the road was opened, the rest coming on with the stock. Pack horses carried the camp equipment. It was hard work opening up the trail on account of fallen trees and deep snow. We camped on Butter Creek and sent two men on to find suitable grazing land for our cattle. They returned in a few days reporting that good land with plenty of bunch grass could be homesteaded on the Touchet River. Having succeeded in bringing up our wagons under much difficulty, we continued on our way to Walla Walla.

Captain Dent, commander of Fort Walla Walla, stopped us and insisted that we settle near Walla Walla. We could not do this as the horses of the garrison had eaten all the grass from the range and we were looking for good pasture.

We inquired of the captain if we would be safe from the Indians if we went to the Touchet Valley. He assured us that the Indians were peaceable, which Mr. Gilbreath believed as he had served as volunteer through the Indian wars of 1855 and 1856, and knew of the Nez Percés fighting and scouting for the whites through the war. We found them always friendly, unless they had been drinking.

Leaving Walla Walla we proceeded on our way to The Crossing, which is now Dayton, reaching there August 27, 1859.

Mr. Stubbs, whose real name was Theodore Schnebley, lived here in a log house with his squaw wife. He sold whiskey to the Indians, thereby causing the whites much trouble. In coming into the Valley of the Touchet we left the Indian trail and came down a ravine, in some places having to shovel out places in the ravine to keep the wagons from turning over. These wagons were the first brought into the Touchet Valley.

The next day, after our arrival at The Crossing, we started to build a corral for the cattle, but discovered a den of rattlesnakes. After killing ten we decided to move down the valley to a fine location near a big spring of pure water. This land we homesteaded.

The Indian chiefs were frequent visitors at our cabin, calling soon after we came. Timothy and Lawyer and their friends sometimes sent messengers on ahead to tell us they were coming to dine with us. We would hasten to get ready a good meal for we thought it best to keep them friendly.

Many times we expected trouble from them. Once they rode up the trail shouting and firing off their guns. That night they burned the house of Mr. Stubbs. Sometimes they would imitate wolves howling and slip up near the house to see if there was a man there to know whether to scare the white woman or not.

Once they came and demanded food and money and continued to frighten me until I grabbed a rifle and started toward them. Then they threw up their hands and laughed and said I was afraid.

Several times they would run a beef into the woods and kill it, carrying home the meat. One night when the Indians had been drinking and were giving us a great scare, two men hunting cattle and Reverend Berry, who preached at our cabin once a month, happened to be there. We were certainly glad to have company.

One day Mr. Gilbreath was plowing rye grass with oxen when Reverend Berry came riding up. He stopped his work and waited for Mr. Berry to come up to him, then said, looking at his clothes and general appearance, "A Methodist preacher, I suppose." "Yes, I am," was the reply. "Well, go on to the house. My wife is a Methodist and will be glad to see you." Reverend Berry preached in our cabin all that fall and winter of 1859 and 1860. His congregation consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Herren, Mr. Stubbs and his dusky wife, Mr. Gilbreath and I, and men who happened to be in the neighborhood. Mr. Berry afterward made his home in Walla Walla for some years.

Whiskey Creek was so named because a band of outlaws made this region their rendezvous, selling whiskey and stealing cattle. Their names were Bill Bunting, John Cooper, Bill Skinner, George Ives and several others who were later hanged in Montana for crimes. The authorities there evidently knew their business, for these were the men who caused the Vigilantes to organize against them. Many prominent men took part in ridding the new country of these undesirables, among them Anderson Cox and J. W. McGhee. It was said that in dealing with the thieves Mr. McGhee said to George Ives who was up for trial: "George, we want you to leave, and we want it to be a long time before you come back." Mr. McGhee's deliberate way of speaking evidently carried weight, for George left.

The first crop of wheat in the Touchet Valley was raised on the land of Israel Davis on Whiskey Creek. He was leaving for the Willamette to buy sheep and Mr. Gilbreath harvested the wheat by cradling, and threshed it out by horses tramping on it. One night a wind came up and Mr. Gilbreath and hired man got up out of bed and began the work of cleaning the eat by pouring pails full of it from a scaffold to the ground. In this manner over a thousand bushels were cleaned. This was intended for seed for the coming year, but the hard winter of 1861 and 1862 followed when food for man and beast became so scarce that most of it was sold to the needy for food, and to keep the teams from starving. Some of the settlers ground the wheat in coffee mills and used it as porridge. We sold our wheat for $2 a bushel. We could have sold at any price but Mr. Gilbreath would not take advantage of their great need.

This was the most terrible winter ever experienced in the valley. The snow drifted so deep that many of the cattle were frozen standing up. Out of 300 of ours two cows and a calf, which we fed, were left. The timber wolves killed a good many cattle that winter. One day a wolf attacked a calf and the mother heard the cry of distress coming from some distance. When she reached it, the wolf was starting to devour the body. The cow fought it from the calf for a day or two, making the most piteous cries. Other cattle smelled the blood and came bawling for miles around. The sound of hundreds of frenzied cattle bawling will not soon be forgotten.

We were fortunate in having plenty of supplies that winter, as we had prepared to send a small pack train to the mines at Elk City. The deep snow made it impossible to get supplies, so the neighbors called on us, and our stores were opened to feed them. Our stock of food was divided among thirteen families. The snow was so deep that only a narrow trail could be kept open to Walla Walla by miners coming to and from the Idaho mines. The snow lay on the ground until March, and in shady places until June. We had to go to Walla Walla in the spring and buy barley for seed.

Miller and Mossman who ran a pony express to the mines, stopped at our cabin for meals, and for exchange of horses. Their saddle-bags were often loaded with gold dust. Joaquin Miller, who is now known as one of our best western poets, was then a rough frontiersman, dressed in buckskin.

Having moved to a new log house, school was held in our cabin in the spring of 1862. Five or six children attended. Mr. Harlin, an Englishman, was the teacher, and he stayed with us.

Another school was taught in 1863 in the Forrest brothers' cabin. These men were brothers-in-law of Jesse N. Day, who later founded Dayton. Frank Harmon was the teacher and A. W. Sweeney of Walla Walla was the first county superintendent.

Reverend Sweeney organized a Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Waitsburg. Among others, Mr. and Mrs. Long and daughter and Mr. Gilbreath and I were charter members.

Our first child who died in infancy was the first white child born in the territory now included in Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties. The oldest living person born in this territory is Mrs. John Steen, daughter of George Miller.

I was the only white woman in this territory for two months, until Lambert Herren and family came and settled near. Mrs. Robt. Rowley, who was two months old at that time, is the only living one of the Herren family of eight children.

Mrs. Herren was a typical pioneer woman, fearless and kind-hearted, nursing me and others in times of sickness, in the absence of a physician. When the Indians threatened me, I sent for her and she came with shotgun and indignation, and rescued me.

Great changes have taken place since those early days, and many incidents of vital interest to us then have been forgotten, but the kindness and simple living of the early settlers are not easily forgotten.

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We have had occasion in this volume to make frequent reference to Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Pomeroy, founders of the town named from them.

One of their daughters, now Mrs. Peter McClung, living still in her home town, was the "first child" in Pomeroy now living there. She has kindly given us a short sketch of what might well be called the atmosphere and the feeling of her childhood home.

We are pleased to include it here as the closing contribution of this chapter of memories.

RECOLLECTIONS OF POMEROY

By Mrs. Peter McClung

To write a story of my experience as a child on the land now occupied by the town of Pomeroy will not require extended space. Days were much the same with the three children of the Pomeroy family isolated from neighbors by distance measured in many miles. Being the youngest of the three children my amusements were in large measure directed by my brother, who was my senior by four years, and my sister, the oldest of the trio.

My earliest recollections recall the counting of the election ballots at our home which was the precinct voting place for the half dozen votes then polled here. It was my great privilege and delight to sit beside my father, for many years one of the members of the election board, and listen to the humdrum tones of the men's voices as they uttered the words that made for the success of some doughty pioneer with political ambitions, or the defeat of one who had fallen a victim to the solicitations of over-zealous friends.

For several years my father cast the only republican ballot in the precinct. I soon reached an age that enabled me to comprehend that fact and know its significance. Our voting precinct contained many thousand square miles--bounded on the south by the Blue Mountains, on the north by the Snake River, on the east by Idaho and on the west by the Touchet River. I sometimes wonder if the deep interest I now feel in all elections and campaigns is not in part due to my early experiences wherein the heat of the neighborhood contests centered about me.

My play time was long and often lonesome, the same, I suppose, as that of other pioneer children reared in the interior of this semi-arid region. Great was my pleasure when I was allowed to ride my pony over the hills after cattle, or to follow my brother on a hunt for prairie chickens or ducks. When my father's two greyhounds, "Peggy" and "John," made one of their frequent raids on the then ever-present coyotes, with the rest of the family my cup of happiness was near the point of bubbling over. Old "Rero's" peculiar bark warned us of the near approach of predaceous animal or bird.

The Pataha Creek then teemed with fish and angling occupied much of my time. The great birds' nests in the trees that fringed the streams, the cubby-holes of the animals along its banks, the caverns in the granite-ribbed Pataha hills, in the fancy of a child, contained wonders impenetrable, yet much there was revealed. With the beginning of the town began a new life for me.

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We insert at this point a notable speech upon a notable occasion by one of the most distinguished citizens of Walla Walla, who is also one of our Advisory Board, and whose support and suggestions in the preparation of this work have been of utmost value.

This is Governor Miles C. Moore, last Territorial Governor. Upon his retirement on November 11, 1889, he delivered the following address, one eminently worthy of preservation in the literature of the State of Washington.

ADDRESS OF EX-GOVERNOR MOORE

Ladies and Gentlemen: A custom has grown up here at the capital city and crystallized into unwritten law, which requires the retiring governor to deliver his own valedictory, and also to salute the incoming administration. In accordance with that custom I am here as the last of the race of territorial governors to say "Hail and farewell." Hail to the lusty young State of Washington, rising like a giant in its strength; farewell to old territorial days. It is an occasion for reminiscence, for retrospection. To those of us who have watched at the cradle of Washington's political childhood, this transition to statehood has its pathetic side. It stirs within us memories of the "brave days of old." The past rises before us.

We see again the long line of white canvas-covered wagons leaving the fringe of settlements of the then western frontier, through tear-dimmed eyes we see them disappear down behind the western horizon, entered upon that vast terra incognita, the great American desert of our school days. At last we see them emerge, after months of weary travel upon the plains of eastern Washington, or, later, hewing out paths in the wilderness, striving to reach that "Eden they call Puget Sound." Hither year after year came the pioneers and builded their homes and planted the symbols of their faith upon the banks of your rivers, in the sun-kissed valleys of your inland empire, under the shadows of your grand mountains, and upon the shores of this vast inland sea.

Very gradually we grew. The donation act passed by Congress in 1850, giving to each man and his wife who would settle thereon a square mile of land in this fertile region, attracted the first considerable immigration. It also probably saved to the United States this northwest territory. The entire population, which at the date of organization as a separate territory, in 1853, was 5,500, had grown to only 24,000 in 1870, and to 67,000 in 1880.

Still with an abiding faith in the ultimate greatness of Washington, and the attractions of her climate, when her wealth of resources should become known, the old settler watched through the long years the gradual unfolding of these resources, the slow increase in population. At last the railroad came, linking us with the populous centers of civilization. They poured upon us a restless stream of immigration. A change came over the sleepy old territory. These active, pushing emigrants, the best blood of the older states, are leveling the forests, they are delving in the mines, they are tunneling the mountains, they are toiling in the grain fields, they are building cities, towns and villages, filling the heavens with the shining towers of religion and civilization.

The old settler finds himself in the midst of a strange new age and almost uncomprehended scenes. The old order of things has passed away but your sturdy self-reliant pioneer looks not mournfully into the past. He is with you in the living present, with you here today, rejoicing in the marvelous prosperity visible everywhere around him, rejoicing to see the empire which he wrested from savage foes become the home of a happy people, rejoiced to see that empire, emerged from the condition of territorial vassalage, put on the robes of sovereignty.

We are assembled here to celebrate this event, the most important in the history of Washington, and to put in motion the wheels of the state government. Through many slow revolving years the people of Washington have waited for their exalted privileges. So quietly have they come at last, so quietly have we passed from political infancy to the manly strength and independence of statehood, that we scarce can realize that we have attained the fruition of our hopes.

Let us not forget in this hour of rejoicing the responsibility that comes with autonomy. Let us not forget that under statehood life will still have woes, that there will still be want and misery in this fair land of ours. To reduce these to the minimum is the problem of statesmanship. The responsibility rests largely with our lawmakers now assembled here. A good foundation has been laid in the adoption of an admirable constitution pronounced by an eminent authority "as good as any state now has and probably as good as any will ever get." Upon this you are to build the superstructure of the commonwealth by enacting laws for the millions who are to dwell therein.

You have the storehouse of the centuries from which to draw, the crystallized experience of lawmakers from the days of Justinian down to present times. To fail to give us good laws will be to "sin against light." "Unto whomsoever much is given of him shall be much required." The eyes of all the people are upon you. It is hoped and confidently expected you will bring to the discharge of your duties wisdom, industry and lofty patriotism; that when your work is done it will be found to have been well done; that capital and labor will here have equal recognition and absolute protection; that here will arise an ideal commonwealth, the home of a race to match our mountains, worthy to wear the name of Washington.

Now that I am about to surrender my trust and return to private life, I desire to testify to my grateful appreciation of the uniform kindness, forbearance and courtesy accorded me by the people of Olympia, and by all the citizens of Washington, it has been my good fortune to meet during my brief term of office. I shall always cherish among the pleasant experiences of my life the seven months passed here as Washington's last territorial governor.

To your governor-elect you need no introduction; if not a pioneer, he is at least an old settler. It is a graceful tribute to this class that one of their number was selected to be the first governor of the state. It affords me pleasure to testify to his thorough and absolute devotion to its interests. His every thought is instinct with love for the fair young state. I bespeak for him your generous co-operation and assistance.

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With Governor Moore's address as last Territorial governor, this volume may fittingly close. The development of the Territory there so vividly summarized by him, has continued and has indeed exceeded all forecasts during the twenty-eight years of statehood, from 1889 to 1917.

BIOGRAPHICAL

Old Walla Walla County

BIOGRAPHICAL

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 1, 1878. He married Sarah Stiles and they became the parents of William Parkhurst Winans, whose name introduces this review. It was on the 20th 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 born July 7, 1839, and on the 30th of November, 1866, became the wife of Augustus Dow. Her death occurred May 17, 1870. Jonas Wood, who was born November 11, 1840, was married September 13, 1876, to Alice E. Jones and died September 2, 1899. Elizabeth Magdaline, born 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 in 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 Farmers 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 20th of November, 1879, W. P. Winans was married to Miss Christine McRae, who survives him. They were the parents of three children. William Stiles Winans 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.

GILBERT PARK WINANS.

Gilbert Park Winans, the eldest son of William P. Winans, was born January 25, 1870, at Fort Colville, near Spokane, Washington, and when quite young removed with the family to Walla Walla, where he pursued his education. He was married in Vancouver, Washington, to Carrie Duckett, a daughter of Henry Duckett and a descendant of an old English family. They now have one child, Yancey Park. Gilbert P. Winans is a merchant and is prominent in fraternal circles, holding membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, being a past grand in the former, in which organization he has filled all of the chairs of the local lodge.

PHILLIP MOORE WINANS.

Phillip Moore Winans is a prominent figure in banking circles of the northwest, now occupying the position of cashier of the First National Bank of Walla Walla. The story of his life is the story of thrift and business sagacity grafted onto western energy and enterprise. It is true that Mr. Winans did not have a humble origin or experience the early privations of some men who have achieved success, but on the other hand not one in a thousand who have enjoyed his modest advantages have turned them to such excellent account. The wisdom, energy and success with which he has pushed his way along is a study for American youth. A native son of Walla Walla, he was born on the 10th of December, 1874, his parents being William P. and Lida (Moore) Winans, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work.

Reared under the parental roof, he acquired his early education in the public schools of Walla Walla and afterward attended the Whitman Academy and Whitman College, from which he received his Bachelor of Arts degree as a member of the class of 1894. Following his graduation he made his initial step in the business world in connection with banking interests. He entered the Farmers Savings Bank of Walla Walla in a clerical capacity and in March, 1895, he resigned his position there to become connected with the First National Bank, with which he has since been identified, covering a period of twenty-three years. Advancing through the various positions of clerk, paying teller, and assistant cashier, he became cashier in 1909 and has since occupied that important position. The thoroughness of his training, his laudable ambition and his keen sagacity have made him a most competent official of the bank and one who has contributed in marked measure to its growing success. His activity in this connection has not only made him one of Walla Walla's representative business men, but also one who is widely known in the banking circles of the northwest.

In 1899 Mr. Winans was united in marriage to Miss Rose M. Blalock, the youngest daughter of Dr. N. G. Blalock, one of Walla Walla's early pioneer settlers and a very prominent and gifted man of the northwest country. Mrs. Winans passed away in November, 1914, and in February, 1916, Mr. Winans was again married, his second union being with Miss Catherine V. Eppinger, of Portland, Oregon, a lady of culture and refinement, who holds membership in the Women's Reading Club of Walla Walla and takes a very active and helpful part in church and charitable work.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Winans are members of the Presbyterian church. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft. He holds membership in Walla Walla Lodge, No. 7, F. & A. M.; Walla Walla Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M.; and Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E., of which he is a past exalted ruler. A prominent member of the Commercial Club, he served as its vice president and one of its directors for five years. He is also a member of the board of directors and is secretary and treasurer of the Walla Walla Golf Club. He was one of the organizers and has been a member of the executive board of the Associated Students of Whitman College and has filled the position of treasurer of that organization since it was formed. His political indorsement is given to the republican party and while he keeps in touch with the current of political thought and action he has never been an aspirant for office. He ranks, however, with Walla Walla's foremost citizens and has always been active in every movement for the promotion and upbuilding of city and state. He has conducted important business affairs without allowing personal ambition or interests to dwarf his public spirit or activities. His personal characteristics and social qualities are pronounced and he is an acceptable companion in any society in which intelligence is a necessary attribute to congeniality. The simplicity and beauty of his daily life as seen in his home and family relations constitute an even balance to his splendid business ability.

ALLEN LIDA WINANS.

Allen Lida Winans, the youngest son of William P. Winans, was born in Walla Walla, April 25, 1876, attended the common schools and was graduated from Whitman College with the class of 1901. He is now with the Hazelwood Company, Limited, of Walla Walla. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar and Consistory Mason and is very prominent in the order, in which he has held office. He is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

ALPH PATRICK CAHILL.

Alph Patrick Cahill, manager and cashier of the Broughton National Bank at Dayton, Columbia county, was born at Markesan, Green Lake county, Wisconsin, October 7, 1859, a son of William R. and Angeline C. (Church) Cahill. His paternal grandfather, Patrick Cahill, was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1800, while his maternal grandfather was one of the pioneer preachers of western Pennsylvania. William R. Cahill, the father, became one of the early settlers of the state of Wisconsin and contributed in substantial measure to the pioneer development of Green Lake county. At the time of the Civil war he responded to the country's call to arms and went to the front in defense of the Union.

At the usual age Alph P. Cahill became a pupil in the public schools of his native state, passing through consecutive grades until he completed a high school course in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in 1873. He then turned his attention to the occupation of farming but afterward engaged in merchandising and subsequently took up the milling business. Step by step he progressed as the years went on and in 1909 he assisted in the organization of the Broughton National Bank of Dayton, Columbia county, Washington, and has since continued as its manager and cashier, largely shaping the policy and directing the activities of the institution. He has been most careful to safeguard the interests of stockholders and depositors alike, while the progressive methods of the bank have ever been tempered by a wise conservatism.

On the 2d of December, 1882, Mr. Cahill was united in marriage to Miss Irene M. Starr, a native of Oregon. For his second wife he chose Frankie G. King, a native of Columbia county, and a daughter of one of the pioneers of this section, William B. King, who was an old-time stage man, operating the Walla Walla-Lewiston stage and mail route in the early days. The second marriage was celebrated April 14, 1915. Mr. Cahill's children are: Roy R., who is a graduate of Whitman College and also of the law school of Columbia University of New York and who married Jessie M. Criffield, a daughter of W. R. Criffield, of Walla Walla; Fred V., who is a graduate of Washington University and is now engaged in mercantile business and who married Grace J. Crossler; May, who is the wife of Frank G. Barclay, a Columbia county farmer; Patrick E., who married Ethel Johnston and is a bookkeeper in the Broughton National Bank; Mack, a graduate of the Newberg (Oregon) high school; and Burr, who is at home.

Fraternally Mr. Cahill is connected with the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Masonic orders, being a Royal Arch Mason. He has always been an active worker in these different organizations and has been presiding officer in each. In politics he has ever been a stalwart republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and from 1892 until 1896 he filled the position of county auditor, his re-election being an acknowledgment of his excellent service during his first term. He was county commissioner from 1910 until 1912 and he has always been loyal to every cause and trust reposed in him. His military record covers three years' service with the National Guard. His fidelity to duty has never been called into question, whether in behalf of the public or in the conduct of his business interests. There is nothing spectacular in his career but his record is that of a busy life, such as contributes to the substantial force of every community.

JOHN A. DAVIS.

At the time of his death John A. Davis was in excellent financial circumstances and was recognized as a prominent farmer of Walla Walla county but during the early days of his residence here he endured many hardships and privations, the conditions being then those of a frontier region. He was born in Owen county, Indiana, November 17, 1839, and was a son of Willoughby and Mary (Orman) Davis, both natives of Tennessee. However, they removed to Indiana at an early day and remained there until 1848, when they went to Wapello county, Iowa, where the father continued to follow agricultural pursuits until his death. There the mother also passed away.

It was in Iowa that John A. Davis received his education and grew to manhood. In 1863, following his marriage, he and his wife made the seemingly never ending journey across the great plains to the Pacific northwest by ox team. They settled on a homestead on Mill creek in Walla Walla county, and their first residence was a log cabin covered with a clapboard roof and with a stick chimney. At that time there were but few settlers in this region and there were many inconveniences to be endured, but the rich soil indicated that in time the country would be well settled and highly developed, and the pioneers labored with confidence in the future. After residing upon his homestead for a time Mr. Davis purchased 550 acres of excellent land on the Oregon state line and there made his home until his death. He made excellent improvements upon the place and followed up-to-date methods in his work with the result that his resources steadily increased.

Mr. Davis was married in Iowa to Miss Carolina Snoddy, a native of Clay county, Indiana, and a daughter of James and Anna (Kendall) Snoddy, the former native of Kentucky and the latter of Tennessee. The father died in Indiana and the mother removed with her children to Iowa and there spent her last years. To Mr. and Mrs. Davis were born fourteen children, namely: John H., deceased; Margaret, the wife of Charles Sweezy; James, deceased; Mary, the wife of William P. Reiser; Frank, a farmer residing in Oregon; Laura, the wife of Fred Kaser; William N.; Rosie, deceased; Estella, the wife of John Garvey; Clara, the wife of H. Miller; Edna, at home; Nellie, deceased; Gertrude, the wife of Raymond Reiser; and Elmer, who is married and living on the home farm.

Mr. Davis was not active in politics, as the management of his farming interests left him little time for outside activities. He passed away in 1907 and was laid to rest in Mountain View cemetery at Walla Walla. He was an honored pioneer of the county, and his death was deeply regretted by all who had come in close contact with him. His salient qualities were determination, enterprise and industry, and these enabled him to do his part in bringing about the agricultural development of this section. Mrs. Davis gives her personal attention to the leasing of the farm and to the management of all the business affairs of the estate and is recognized as woman not only of excellent judgment but a typical pioneer mother of whom her children and grandchildren, in fact the entire community, justly feel proud.

ASEL HOYT BURNAP.

Asel Hoyt Burnap is a resident farmer of the Walla Walla valley, who since 1911 has lived upon his present place, comprising thirty acres on section 27, Hill township, Walla Walla county. Here he is engaged in the live stock business and his land is largely devoted to the raising of alfalfa. He was born in Barton county, Kansas, November 29, 1879, a son of William D. and Mary (Hoyt) Burnap, who were natives of Ohio. On leaving that state they became residents of Illinois in 1869 and there remained until 1876, when they established their home in Barton county, Kansas, where they continued to reside until 1881. In that year they removed to Lamar, Missouri, where they remained until 1885, when attracted by the opportunities of the northwest, they crossed the plains in one of the old-time prairie schooners and established their home in Wallowa county, Oregon. In 1893 they came to the Walla Walla valley and settled upon a farm but at a subsequent period became residents of La Grande, Oregon, where the father passed away. He was an honored veteran of the Civil war and served from beginning to end with the Seventh Missouri Cavalry, risking limb and life to win the cause for the Union. The mother survives and is now living in Pendleton, Oregon. Their family numbered seven children, five of whom are living.

Asel H. Burnap spent the period of his boyhood and youth largely in Oregon, where he acquired a public school education when not busy with work in the fields. He continued at home until he had attained his majority, after which he engaged in the live stock business on his own account. It was in 1911 that he purchased his present place of thirty acres on section 27, township 7 north, range 33 east. Here he has since resided and is extensively and successfully engaged in the raising of alfalfa, which furnishes excellent food for his stock. There is no finer tract to be found in the valley and Mr. Burnap is wisely and successfully directing his business affairs, so that prosperity is attending his labors. He is, moreover, the secretary and treasurer of the West Side Hawley Irrigation Corporation. He has not only closely studied the question of supplying water to the land but has taken up every phase of the business and knows exactly what can be accomplished in this section of the state along the line of profitable farming and stock raising.

In 1905 Mr. Burnap was united in marriage to Miss Evalina Cummins and to them have been born three children, Maud L., Leland G. and Melvina A. The wife and mother is a member of the Congregational church and Mr. Burnap holds membership in Trinity Lodge, No. 121, I. O. O. F., being a faithful follower of its principles. His political endorsement is given to the republican party, which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is a progressive young business man, alert and enterprising, and well deserves mention among the substantial and worthy citizens of the Walla Walla valley.

J. C. WEATHERFORD.