Chapter V: Pioneer Reminiscences (9)

Oscar F. Canfield took up the occupation of mining with the removal of the family to Sonoma county, California, although a boy of but eleven years, and as he remarks, if he then knew what he now knows about mines and mining, he would have been many times a millionaire. In 1862 he started with Captain Gilliam's company for the Florence stampede in Idaho. Captain Gilliam was a brother of General Cornelius Gilliam, who distinguished himself in the Seminole war in Florida and was accidentally shot in 1848 in the Cayuse war. His death was a great loss to Oregon, as he was an experienced Indian fighter. He had several children, living in and around Walla Walla. The party with which Mr. Canfield traveled did not get to Florence, Idaho. They struck gold at Canyon City, Oregon, and Mr. Canfield held the pan while Captain Gilliam filled it. He then panned out the gold and there seemed to be fine prospects there. They reached Canyon City on the 9th of June, 1862, and that district afterward proved to be a very rich camp. The first gold discovered on Prichard creek was found by Jim Prichard, Bill Gerard and Oscar F. Canfield. The gold which they found, when weighed, was equal to a dollar and seventy-five cents. It was this which started the Coeur d'Alene stampede. It was Bill Sutherland and Charley Toole who discovered the Galena ore in the Sunset mountain and it was Mr. Canfield who grubstaked them. In 1862 Mr. Canfield was one of a company of thirty-five men who made their way northward from California to Florence, Idaho, where there was great excitement concerning gold discoveries. In the party were several noted early pioneers, including Mr. McGruder, who was afterward ambushed and murdered. To the party also belonged Captain Gilliam, who was subsequently killed in the Cayuse Indian war and left a number of descendants in Old Walla Walla. It was at Florence, Idaho, that Mr. Canfield found the first gold there discovered. There were several companies of men who came up from California at that time, including the following captains with their companies: Captain Killgore, Joel Walker and Charles Hooper. Mr. Canfield lived in the Snake River and in the Salmon River country for a number of years and later at Canfield, Idaho, a town named in his honor. He there followed mining, ranching and stock raising and thus in various localities was closely and prominently identified with pioneer development.

In November, 1861, in California, Mr. Canfield was united in marriage to Miss Ann Maple, a native of Ohio, and to them were born seven children: Augusta, who married Isaac Cooper; Sherman, who died in 1914; Mary, who became the wife of William Farrell; Bert, a stock man of Big Hole Basin of Montana; Oliver, deceased; Joseph, who is with his brother in Big Hole Basin, Montana; and Mrs. Lottie Jasper, who lives in Los Angeles, California.

In politics, in early manhood, Mr. Canfield was identified with the know knothing party. This was before the republican party had been organized or the present democratic party had formulated its platform. The basic principle of the know knothing party was that a foreigner must live here for twenty-one years before he could become a citizen and enjoy the voting benefits and privileges of an American-born citizen. He is proud of his political affiliation with that party and says he is still an advocate thereof. Mr. Canfield was on one occasion connected with an Indian ring hunt which took place in 1878 at Hayden Lake, near Coeur d'Alene. He was with a party of Indians who gathered in a horseshoe circle, the chief at one end and a noted Indian runner of that day, named Fleetfoot, on the other end of the horseshoe circle, their purpose being to hunt deer. They started one morning at eight o'clock and finished at three in the afternoon. One leader was on the canyon side of the circle and the other on the lake side. They would run the deer, drawing them into their circle. They ran hundreds in that way and killed one hundred and forty on that hunt or on the one drive, as it was called. Mr. Canfield can relate many most interesting incidents of the pioneer times, his memory forming a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. He has contributed much to the development of the west through his business activity and enterprise and at all times he has stood for progress and advancement.

FRANK T. KEISER.

Frank T. Keiser, of Waitsburg, is one of the most prominent, progressive and extensive farmers of Walla Walla county, owning seventeen hundred and seventy acres of the finest wheat land to be found in this section of the state. In addition he leases and controls one thousand acres and thus his agricultural interests are most important. He was born in Clackamas county, Oregon, September 3, 1856, and is a son of William and Roxcie (Ingalls) Keiser, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work.

The public schools of Walla Walla and Clackamas counties afforded him his educational privileges, as at the age of sixteen years he accompanied his parents on their removal from Oregon to Walla Walla county, Washington. He remained at home through the period of his boyhood and youth, assisting in the work of the farm, and was thus engaged up to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated January 1, 1880, when Miss Cora B. Dickinson, a daughter of Abraham C. Dickinson, became his wife. She was born at Fort Bridger, Wyoming, while her parents were crossing the plains, in 1863. Following his marriage Mr. Keiser began farming on a homestead in Spring Valley which he had previously filed on. He had also filed and proved up on a preemption and had filed on a timber claim. He continued to live upon his farm for seven or eight years, after which he removed to Waitsburg, where he has since made his home. For several years he has operated farm lands from this point and his holdings are now very extensive, for he owns seventeen hundred and seventy acres of the finest wheat land in the county and has leased and cultivated another tract of one thousand acres. He is thus most extensively engaged in farming and the magnitude of his operations is an indication of the nature of his success. He is familiar with every phase of wheat culture in the Inland Empire and his wise and careful management of his business affairs has brought splendid results. In addition to his other interests Mr. Keiser is a stockholder in the Exchange Bank of Waitsburg.

To Mr. and Mrs. Keiser have been born nine children, eight of whom are yet living, namely: Mabel, the wife of H. A. Woodruff, of Waitsburg; Chester A., who is operating one of his father's farms; Hazel, the wife of Z. O. Atkinson, who is connected with the Farmers' Union and resides at Waitsburg; and Verl D. and Velma, twins, and Helen, Donald and Gordon J., all at home.

Mr. Keiser votes with the democratic party and has served as a member of the city council of Waitsburg. He stands for all that is progressive in public affairs and cooperates in many well defined plans and measures for the general good. He belongs to Touchet Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., of Waitsburg, also to Coppei Encampment, No. 73, and to the Woodmen of the World. He is likewise connected with the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America. He and his wife attend the Christian church and they are generous supporters of many movements that seek to advance the material, intellectual and moral progress of the community. Mr. Keiser is a typical citizen of the west. His entire life has been actuated by a spirit of enterprise that recognizes and utilizes opportunities. His words and actions spell progress. He has continually taken a forward step and his efforts have contributed in large measure to the upbuilding and development of the section with which he is connected.

JENS ANDERSON.

Jens Anderson, a well known representative of industrial activity in Walla Walla, where he is now successfully conducting a wagon making shop, was born in Denmark, January 5, 1856, and is a son of Anders and Anna C. (Christenson) Jenson, both of whom were natives of that land, where they spent their entire lives. In their family were four children, of whom three are now living. These are Jens Anderson, of this review; Christ Anderson, a resident of Idaho; and Anne Sophie, who is still living in Denmark.

Jens Anderson was reared and educated in his native country and there learned the carriage and wagon making trade. Favorable reports reached him concerning the opportunities of the new world and in 1878, when a young man of twenty-two years, he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for the United States. He was located for a time in New Jersey and then continued on his westward way to Missouri, where he remained for eight years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Moscow, Idaho, where he resided until 1895. Throughout all this time he continued active in the wagon maker's trade and when he came to Walla Walla he started in business along the same line on his own account. He now has a splendidly equipped wagon shop and is doing a business of gratifying proportions. He is very energetic, is a man of persistent purpose, and his indefatigable effort has been the foundation on which he has built his success.

In 1882 Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Phoebe J. Davis, who was born in Missouri. They have become the parents of three children, Charles C., Nellie and Clarence D. That Mr. Anderson has prospered as the years have gone by is indicated in the fact that he is now the owner of an attractive residence and a substantial shop in Walla Walla, where he is living. He is highly respected as a man of genuine personal worth and one who in all matters of citizenship is loyal and progressive. In politics he is a republican.

GREEN SWINNEY.

Green Swinney is a retired farmer making his home in Pomeroy. A native of Indiana, he was born on Christmas day of 1841, his parents being Elijah and Hannah (Starks) Swinney. The father was a native of Virginia and in his boyhood removed with his parents to Indiana, where he attained his majority and was married. Later he became one of the early pioneers of Davis county, Iowa, his removal to that state occurring when his son Green was but an infant in arms. The father remained in Davis county until 1864 and then disposed of his property there, after which he crossed the plains with ox teams and wagon to Oregon, establishing his home in Lane county. There he spent eleven years and in 1875 made his way northward to what is now Garfield county, Washington. Within the borders of that county he took up a homestead, which he later turned over to his son James, who proved up on the property. The father resided upon that farm until his death and was widely known among the leading early settlers of his section of the state.

Green Swinney was reared and educated in Iowa, pursuing his studies in the public schools of that state. He was a young man of twenty-three years when he crossed the plains, driving one of the ox teams and thus making his way to a country which was to give him his opportunity. His school training had been limited to a few months' attendance in one of the old-time log schoolhouses of Iowa with its puncheon floor and slab benches, the methods of instruction being as primitive as were the furnishings. Upon his arrival in Oregon he began work as a farm hand and continued to work for wages until his removal to Washington in 1875. At that date he purchased a tract of railroad land in Columbia county, near Dayton, and four years later he disposed of that property and removed into what is now Garfield county, where he took up a preemption of one hundred and sixty-five acres eight miles east of Pomeroy. He resided upon that tract for a quarter of a century and his labors wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of the place, for he brought his land under high cultivation and divided it into fields of convenient size, annually gathering good crops. Year by year he carefully tilled the soil and became recognized as one of the representative farmers of his part of the state. In 1904 he left the farm and removed to Pomeroy, where he has since made his home, enjoying the fruits of former toil in a well earned rest.

On the 1st of July, 1877, Mr. Swinney was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Smith, a daughter of Joseph Smith, who left his Ohio home as a boy of seventeen years, and after spending a short time in Iowa, he crossed the plains in 1846. On the journey he contracted mountain fever and when the train with which he was traveling reached Walla Walla, he was left with Dr. Whitman, who nursed him back to health. He spent the following winter and the next spring with Dr. Whitman, for whom he worked at splitting rails and also planted some small tracts to grain. In the summer of 1847, prior to Dr. Whitman's murder, he went to Oregon, settling in Lane county, where he was afterward married. There he lived until 1861, when he came to Washington and spent the summer in the Orofino mines. During the hard winter of 1861-2--a winter memorable in the history of the state--he was in Columbia county, living near Dayton. There he acquired land and later made that place his home. During the latter years of his life, however, he resided with Mr. and Mrs. Swinney, reaching the ripe old age of eighty-one years.

In politics Mr. Swinney has always been an advocate of democratic principles but has never been an office seeker. He and his wife are members of the Christian church and are most worthy people, honored and respected by all who know them and most of all by those who have known them longest and best--a fact which indicates that their strongest traits of character are those which ever command confidence and respect.

CLAUDE R. WILLIAMS

Claude R. Williams, one of the progressive agriculturists of the Walla Walla valley, was born July 8, 1888, upon the farm which is still his home, situated on section 26, township 8 north, range 36 east, Walla Walla county. Throughout his entire life he has been connected with farming interests and the careful management of his business affairs since he started out in life independently is bringing to him a gratifying measure of success. He is a son of Samuel C. and Ellen E. (Buroker) Williams, who are natives of Illinois. They came to the northwest at an early period in its development and are still living here, their home being at No. 522 East Sumach street, in Walla Walla.

Claude R. Williams was reared and educated in Walla Walla county, attending its common schools, while in the summer months he assisted in the work of the home farm. He continued to aid his father until he attained his majority, when he took charge of the old homestead, which he now cultivates. It comprises three hundred acres of valuable wheat land, splendidly adapted to the cultivation of that crop. His efforts have been an element in winning for Walla Walla county its well earned reputation as a wheat growing section. He is alert and enterprising in all that he does and follows most progressive methods of farming. He studies crop production from a scientific standpoint, keeps his fields in excellent condition and therefore when his crops are sent to market he receives a substantial reward for his labor.

On the 17th of April, 1913, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Goldie Fullerton, who was born in Carter, Illinois, and is a daughter of Washington Lawrance and Alice (Fyke) Fullerton. His father was a native of Tennessee, but the birth of her mother occurred in Illinois. In 1900 they came to Walla Walla county and settled on a farm near Dayton but now reside at Hadley, Washington. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams has been born a daughter, Lovetta May, whose birth occurred on the 15th of February, 1914.

Mr. Williams is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America, while politically he gives his allegiance to the republican party. He has no interest in politics as an office seeker although he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and in matters of citizenship he stands for those interests which further progress and improvement along lines of general benefit. His own activities are concentrated upon his farming interests and the careful direction of his business affairs is bringing to him creditable and deserved prosperity.

HERBERT A. GARDNER.

Indefatigable enterprise and concentration of purpose have been salient features in winning for Herbert A. Gardner the creditable and honorable position which he occupies in business circles of Walla Walla and the Inland Empire. He has long been active in the conduct of the mercantile house now conducted under the name of Gardner & Company, Incorporated. This is one of the largest and finest commercial interests of Washington and is largely a monument to the business enterprise and progressive methods of him whose name introduces this review.

Mr. Gardner was born in Charlotte, Maine, June 6, 1860, so that the width of the continent separates him from his birthplace. He brought eastern enterprise and ingenuity to the west with its limitless resources, and the combination has wrought splendid results. His parents, Amos A. and Louisa M. (Jackman) Gardner, were also natives of the Pine Tree state and descendants of Stephen Gardner, who was one of the founders of Hingham, Massachusetts, and who later served his country in the Revolutionary war. The father, who was a farmer and shipbuilder, devoting his life to those two pursuits, died in Illinois, while the mother departed this life in Maine. In their family were eight children, of whom four are living, three being residents of Seattle, namely Mrs. L. M. Kent, Amy B. and Mrs. P. Pitt Shaw.

Herbert A. Gardner is indebted to the public school system of his native state for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed in youth and which prepared him for life's practical and responsible duties. He has always devoted his attention to mercantile pursuits and this concentration of purpose has undoubtedly been one of the strong elements in his growing success. He has not dissipated his energies over a wide field but has thoroughly mastered whatever he has undertaken, and long experience, well developed powers and unfaltering energy have brought to him notable success. For twenty-five years he was associated with the Schwabacher Company of Walla Walla and at length, in connection with others, he purchased the business, which has since been reorganized under the name of Gardner & Company, Incorporated. They own and control one of the largest and finest mercantile houses in the section of the country which covers southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon. Mr. Gardner has been president of the company since its incorporation. His long experience in mercantile lines has splendidly qualified him for the duties and responsibilities which devolve upon him in this connection. He has not only become familiar with the best methods of purchase and of sale but also closely studies the market in every particular bearing upon his trade and he is now bending his efforts to administrative direction with the result that the business of the house has steadily increased. He has always been careful to surround himself with a corps of efficient assistants in the office and he has held to the highest standards in the personnel of the house, in the character of goods carried and in the business methods followed. In a word, he has made the firm name a synonym of progressiveness and of honorable dealing.

On the 28th of September, 1886, Mr. Gardner was married to Elizabeth Hungate, who died February 25, 1896. She was a native of California and a daughter of Harrison H. and Mary (Duncan) Hungate, the former deceased, while the mother is still living, making her home in Walla Walla. To Mr. and Mrs. Gardner were born three children: Geneva Hungate, who is the wife of W. J. Steele, of Walla Walla; Ward H., who married Irma Coleman and has one child, Shirley Elizabeth; and Elizabeth, at home. On the 23d of May, 1906, Mr. Gardner was again married, his second union being with Miss Anna M. Siler, who was born in Simcoe, Canada.

Fraternally Mr. Gardner is identified with the Masons, the Elks and the Odd Fellows and in his life exemplifies the basic principles which underlie those organizations. He is also identified with the Commercial Club. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and for fifteen years he has served as a member of the board of education. While a most active and progressive business man, he has ever recognized his duties and obligations as well his privileges of citizenship and has cooperated in many well defined plans and measures for the public good, standing at all times for progress and improvement in relation to civic affairs and the welfare of the commonwealth.

L. NEACE.

L. Neace, deceased, was an early settler of Walla Walla county and was for years one of its leading stock raisers. He was born in Germany, September 27, 1835, and there received his education. When only twelve years old, however, he came to America and settled in Pennsylvania. For some time he worked in a sash and door factory in that state and later removed to Kansas City, Missouri, whence in 1857 he went to Oregon, crossing the plains by ox team. After remaining in Oregon for one winter he went to California and a few months later went to Fort Benton. In the latter part of 1859 he came to Waitsburg, Washington, and turned his attention to stock raising, as Walla Walla county was then chiefly devoted to that business. He owned a large tract of land and was very successful in the management of his affairs, gaining financial independence. He was a factor in banking circles, being for thirty years president of the National Bank of Waitsburg, which under his direction enjoyed the entire confidence of the community and a steady increase in deposits.

In 1864 Mr. Neace was united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth (Harrington) Sickler, widow of Daniel Sickler, who was a native of Pennsylvania and died in Walla Walla county, Washington, in 1863. To her first marriage one daughter was born, Minnie, now the wife of D. C. Eaton. Mr. and Mrs. Neace became the parents of the following children: John, Lewis and Isaac, all of whom are farming; Ellen, the wife of C. A. Hauber, of Portland, Oregon; Frank and James K., both of whom are farming; Sarah D., the wife of S. F. Patton, postmaster of Waitsburg, and the mother of two children, Serita F. and J. Lewis; and Charles, who is farming.

Mr. Neace was a democrat and was quite prominent in local political circles. He passed away January 12, 1916, and there were many who felt a personal sorrow at his demise, for during the more than half-century that he resided in Walla Walla county he had gained a large number of friends. When he came here he was without capital but possessed great energy and an unshakable determination to succeed and as the years passed his resources steadily increased. His widow still has large land holdings and personally supervises her business interests and is also one of the directors of the First National Bank, of which she is a large stockholder. She, too, is widely and favorably known throughout the county.

JOHN R. BLIZE.

Among the energetic and alert farmers who have made Columbia county the excellent agricultural region it is may be mentioned John R. Blize. His birth occurred in Missouri, October 4, 1869, and he was a son of James T. and Nancy (Beard) Blize, who passed their entire lives in that state. To them were born ten children, of whom four are now living.

John R. Blize was reared in Missouri and during his boyhood and youth attended the public schools there. In 1889, when about twenty years old, he made his way to Washington and for a number of years was employed as a laborer. In 1893 he rented land and engaged in farming on his own account. Although this was a marked step forward he was not satisfied to remain a renter and carefully saved his money with the object of purchasing a farm. At length he bought a tract of land on section 5, township 9 north, range 38 east, Columbia county, and resided thereon until his death, November 1, 1917. His practical methods and his close attention to all phases of farm work enabled him to harvest large crops, and from time to time he invested his capital in additional land so that he owned at his death four hundred and ninety-four acres, the value of which is enhanced by the excellent buildings thereon. He also operated rented land and altogether had about one thousand acres in wheat. He owned his own warehouse and was thoroughly equipped for taking care of the grain which he harvested.

On the 1st of October, 1894, Mr. Blize was married to Miss Hattie B. Chapman, a resident of Dallas county, Iowa. To them were born seven children, namely: James O., who is now in Battery D, Field Artillery, Washington National Guard; Ica T., deceased; Mildred C., now in high school; Clarence A.; Harold T.; John W.; and Roy E.

Mr. Blize was an advocate of republican principles and was loyal in his support of its candidates and measures. He served on the school board for a considerable period and was also county commissioner, in which connection he made an excellent record. He belonged to the Masonic lodge, the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen of the World, and was well known in local fraternal circles. The signal measure of success which he gained is double creditable in that he made his own way from the early age of ten years. He thoroughly identified his interests with those of this section and was always glad that he decided to make his home here, for he believed that the opportunities for advancement are greater in the Pacific northwest than in other sections of the country.

GEORGE H. SNELL.

George H. Snell, president of the Walla Walla Construction Company, manufacturers of brick and tile, and also the second vice president of the Farmers Savings Bank, has through his important business connections contributed in substantial measure to the development, progress and upbuilding of the city in which he makes his home.

He was born in Niles, Cook county, Illinois, December 8, 1853, and is a son of Hamlet B. and Clarissa A. (Odell) Snell, the former a native of Syracuse, New York, while the latter was born in Cook county, Illinois, where they were married, the father having removed westward to Chicago with his parents when a lad of eight years. After his marriage he engaged in farming in Cook county, Illinois, and subsequently in Lake county, Indiana, about fifty miles from Chicago. He devoted many years to general agricultural pursuits with good success, winning a competence that enabled him at length to live retired. He then removed to Chicago, where his death occurred in 1913, when he had reached the age of eighty-seven years. His wife passed away in 1874 and later he was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Catherine McCarthy, who was called to her final rest in 1910. There were four children born of the first marriage.

George H. Snell whose name introduces this review spent his youthful days with his parents and acquired his education in the public schools of Chicago. He remained at home until he had reached his eighteenth year, making himself useful along various lines but then entered upon an apprenticeship to the lathing and plastering trade, with which he was identified for forty years. In 1878 he came west, making his way first to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to which point he traveled by rail, and thence continued the journey through to Walla Walla by wagon and team. He was three months and ten days in making the journey across the plains. At that time the Indians were on the warpath but his party was fortunate in escaping trouble with the red men and they reached the Walla Walla valley unharmed. After arriving at his destination Mr. Snell took up the work of contracting in lathing and plastering and also in cement work and was prominently identified with activities of that character until recent years. He became one of the dominant factors in the building trades of Walla Walla, large demand being made upon his time and energies in connection with his chosen occupation. In 1904 he organized and incorporated the Walla Walla Construction Company, of which he became the president and which has been developed into one of the principal industries of the character in the city. In most of the best buildings, public and otherwise, in Walla Walla his work is to be seen. His thorough reliability and the excellence of his work have been the salient features in winning him his continued and growing success.

In 1891 Mr. Snell married Miss Clara J. Parkes, of Walla Walla, and they became the parents of a daughter, Laura, who is the wife of James Daugherty, of Walla Walla. The death of Mrs. Snell occurred September 26, 1911, and caused deep grief to her family and much sincere regret among her many friends.

Mr. Snell exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and always keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him. He is a very prominent Mason, belonging to Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M.; Pendleton Chapter, No. 23, R. A. M., of Pendleton, Oregon; Washington Commandery, No. 1, K. T., of Walla Walla; Zabud Council, R. & S. M.; Spokane Consistory, A. & A. S. R., and is a charter member of El Katif Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He likewise holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Enterprise Lodge, No. 2.

Mr. Snell is identified with the Walla Walla Commercial Club and is in thorough sympathy with its purposes to further the interests of the city and exploit its possibilities and advantages, also to extend its trade relations and, more than all, to uphold the high civic standards which here prevail. He had no assistance when he started out in the business world, but he early came to a realization of the fact that industry wins and industry became the beacon light of his life. Persistency of purpose has been one of the foundation stones of his success.

THEODORE PERCY INGALLS.

Theodore Percy Ingalls is an honored pioneer of Washington and a veteran of the Indian wars. To him the story of frontier life in the northwest is a familiar one. The story of this great and growing section of the country has ever been an enticing one to all progressive young men who have sought the opportunities here offered and in their utilization have won success, while at the same time their labors have contributed in marked measure to the upbuilding and development of this region. Mr. Ingalls, now living retired in Waitsburg, was for a long period actively identified with farming in Walla Walla county. He was born September 13, 1835, and has therefore passed the eighty-second milestone on life's journey. His parents were Israel and Mary (Lord) Ingalls, both natives of Maine, where they were reared and married. Subsequently they removed to Ohio, settling near Dayton, where they resided for several years. Eventually they became residents of Bond county, Illinois, and the father died in Alton, Illinois, two months prior to the birth of his son, Theodore, his death being one that occurred in the great cholera epidemic that ravished the country. His widow subsequently crossed the plains to Oregon and in later years made her home with her sister, Mrs. J. V. B. Butler, her death occurring in March, 1871.

It was in 1852 that Theodore P. Ingalls accompanied his mother on the long journey to the northwest. He was then a youth of sixteen years. They made the trip with ox teams, there being fourteen wagons in the party. Cholera broke out en route and twenty-one members of the party died ere they reached their destination. Mr. Ingalls and his mother first took up their abode in Clackamas county, near Oregon City, Oregon, where a brother of our subject had preceded them. Here Theodore P. Ingalls worked at various occupations, much of his time being spent in the timber, in getting out saw logs and in splitting rails. He also worked in the sawmills and for a time he was in the mines and thus his experiences were broad and varied, acquainting him with every phase of pioneer life and development in the northwest.

On the 27th of February, 1867, Mr. Ingalls was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Smith, of Clackamas county, Oregon, who had come to the northwest with her sister, crossing the Isthmus in 1863 and thence proceeding up the coast. In the summer of 1871 Mr. and Mrs. Ingalls became residents of Walla Walla county, Washington, where he took up a preemption of one hundred and sixty acres, but money was scarce, and being unable to make payment upon his property, he turned it into a homestead of eighty acres. The place was located in Spring valley about three miles north of Dixie, and there he made his home and successfully engaged in farming for thirty-three years. During that period he added to his holdings from time to time as opportunity offered until his landed possessions were seven hundred and four acres. This property he recently sold, but already in 1904, on account of failing health, he retired from active farming operations and for a time spent his days largely in travel. He finally took up his abode in Waitsburg, where he has since remained and where he is now most comfortably situated. At the age of eighty-two years he is surrounded by many friends, enjoying the respect and warm regard of all who know him.

In 1856 Mr. Ingalls took part in the Yakima Indian war, serving under Colonel Cornelius. His political endorsement has long been given the democratic party, while fraternally he is connected with Waitsburg Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., is a consistent member of the Christian church to which his wife also belonged, and their well-spent lives gained for them the warm regard and respect of all with whom they have been brought in contact. Mrs. Ingalls passed away quite recently, her lamented death causing deep grief to her husband and her many friends who greatly admired her for her high qualities of character.

The growth of the northwest has been marvelous but its resources stimulated the efforts and ambitions of the men who cast in their lot with the first settlers. At the time of Mr. Ingalls' arrival the red men had dominion over this entire section of the country. Only here and there had a little settlement been made along the rivers or the coast, for navigation alone could bring to man the things which he needed from other quarters. There were great broad areas that are now highly cultivated which at that time were unclaimed. The forests, too, stood in their primeval strength and the rivers were only used for an occasional trip. Today the powers of the land have been utilized for the benefit of man and with every phase of development from pioneer times down to the present Mr. Ingalls is familiar. He has lived to see the rude frontier cabins replaced by commodious and substantial homes, the tiny hamlets converted into thriving villages and cities and the work of progress carried forward along agricultural, industrial and commercial lines until the northwest has reason to be proud of her cities, her homes and her mines as well as her wonderful agricultural development, in which Mr. Ingalls took an active part as one of the leading farmers of Walla Walla county for many years.

JOHN F. ADAMS.

An upright, honorable man was John F. Adams, whose entire life measured up to high standards and whose association with public interests constituted an element of advancement and improvement in this section of the state.

He was born in Franklin county, Maine, July 20, 1835, a son of Joseph and Areta (Barrett) Adams, coming of the same ancestry as John Adams and John Quincy Adams, two of the early presidents of the United States. Both the parents were natives of Maine and spent their entire lives there. They had a family of seven children, all of whom have passed away.

John F. Adams was twenty-two years of age when in 1857 he became identified with the northwest, settling first in Douglas county, Oregon, where he took up the profession of teaching in the Umpqua Valley, which he followed for five years. He then exchanged the master's rod for the shepherd's crook, becoming extensively engaged in sheep raising in Umatilla county, Oregon, in 1865, where he resided for twenty-three years, and in addition to raising sheep engaged also in raising cattle and horses, handling only high bred stock. He became one of the foremost representatives of live stock interests in this section of the country, his business affairs being wisely and successfully managed. He was also one of the organizers of the Savings Bank at Pendleton, Oregon, and served as its president until his death. He shaped its policy and directed its activities, helping to make it one of the strong financial concerns of that section. He was devoted to the welfare of his town and his county and was actuated by a spirit of progress and improvement in all that he undertook.

On November 17, 1878, Mr. Adams was united in marriage to Miss Susan F. Fry, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Robert and Amanda (Francis) Fry. The father was a native of Virginia, while the mother's birth occurred in Kentucky, and in early life they removed westward to Indiana, where they were married. The mother died in that state but Mr. Fry afterward removed to Kansas, where his demise occurred. In their family were three children, of whom two are now living. To Mr. and Mrs. Adams were born five children: John R., who is a resident of Oregon; George H., who has passed away; Walter F., living in Walla Walla; Pauline, the wife of Walter Bemus, of Walla Walla; and Helen M., the wife of Frederick Morrison, of Oakland, California. She was in her girlhood days a student in Whitman College of Walla Walla.

The death of the husband and father occurred in McMinnville, Oregon, in March, 1899, but he was laid to rest in Mountain View cemetery in Walla Walla. He was a self-made man and deserved much credit for what he accomplished. At the time of his death he owned several hundred acres, constituting one of the excellent stock ranches of the Inland Empire. Since his demise his widow and her family have removed to Walla Walla, where they took up their abode in 1904, and she now owns an attractive home on Boyer avenue.

Mrs. Adams belongs to the Baptist church, of which Mr. Adams was also a devoted member and an active church worker, doing all in his power to further the cause and extend the influence of the church. In politics he was an earnest republican and took a helpful interest in promoting party successes. He held several county offices while in Umatilla county, Oregon, and at all times was true and loyal to the trust reposed in him. In a word, his was an honorable and upright career and his memory remains enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him. He possessed many sterling characteristics, was straightforward in every business transaction, was patriotic in citizenship, held friendship inviolable and was devoted to the happiness of his wife and children.

C. S. CREWS.

C. S. Crews, who is perhaps better known to his hundreds of friends on the Pacific coast as "Doc" Crews, has a most wide acquaintance as a theatrical manager. He is now manager of the Crews Amusement Company, operating the Liberty Theater in Walla Walla, which is the only vaudeville theater in the city.

He was born in Montrose, Henry county, Missouri, October 13, 1881, a son of Tyson M. and Elizabeth (Reed) Crews, the former a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, while the latter was born in Henry county, Missouri. The paternal grandfather, Edward Crews, was the owner of a large tobacco plantation and many slaves in North Carolina. In young manhood Tyson M. Crews removed westward to Henry county, Missouri, where he was married and resided until 1881, when he returned to North Carolina. In 1888 he came to Walla Walla, where he engaged in the coal and wood business, but the panic of 1892-3 forced him to suspend operations in that line. He then went to work as a stationary engineer in a laundry and subsequently removed to Olympia, Washington, where he established himself in the laundry business. In 1913 he went to Roy, Idaho, where he has since been engaged in farming.

C. S. Crews was educated in the public schools of Walla Walla, having been brought to the west during his early boyhood days. The spirit of western enterprise and progress has always been a dominant factor in his career. From an early age he has been dependent upon his own resources and whatever success he has achieved is the direct reward of his labors. As a boy he worked in a livery stable for a wage of twenty-five cents per day. Subsequently he was employed in a laundry at fifty cents per day and later he secured the position of cashier in the mercantile house of the Schwabacher Company. He was endowed by nature with musical talent and during these years he became identified with the Walla Walla Band as drummer and in the years following he accumulated musical instruments to the value of about a thousand dollars. These included xylophones, saxophones, aluminum chimes, bamboo chimes, marimbaphones and sonorophones. In fact he acquired everything in the musical novelty line. The mercantile company with which he was employed refusing to allow him vacations in order to attend to his band duties, he accordingly resigned and later took up a position with the Mottee-Wheeler Company as credit man, continuing his musical work. In 1903 and 1904 he toured the country on the vaudeville circuit as a novelty musical artist with pleasing success. He then returned to Walla Walla and again entered the employ of the Mottee-Wheeler Company. The moving picture business became a feature of entertainment and Mr. Crews associated himself therewith, opening up a moving picture house in a modest way, and from this small start was developed what is now the Strand, the Arcade and the Liberty, all of which Mr. Crews established, but in October, 1916, he sold the Strand and the Arcade and now operates only the Liberty, where he puts forth nothing but the highest class pictures and also gives a vaudeville show of equal worth. In the days of the Western Tri-State Baseball League, of which he was one of the organizers, he was the vice president and the secretary. He is thus well known in sporting as well as in entertainment circles.

In April, 1906, Mr. Crews was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Connors, of Walla Walla, and to them have been born three sons and three daughters, known as the Golden Stairway, all being of blond complexion with golden hair, while Mr. Crews has black hair. The children are Naomi, Norma, Francis, Mignon, Clarence E. and John. Mrs. Crews is gifted musically, being a graduate in music of St. Vincent's Academy, and she possesses notable skill in piano playing.

Mr. Crews belongs to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E. He is also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose and of the Knights of Columbus. He likewise belongs to the Turkey Reds, an organization comprising the most progressive men of the Commercial Club, and his religious faith is that of the Catholic church.

PETER R. WELLER.

Peter R. Weller, who is devoting his time and attention mainly to stock raising under the name of the Weller Live Stock Company, resides on an excellent tract of land on section 22, township 13 north, range 40 east, Garfield county. He was born in Livingston county, New York, September 1, 1862, and is a son of Andrew J. and Mary (Huff) Weller. The father was also a native of New York, while the mother was a native of Ireland, but both passed away in the Empire state. Two of their four children are now living, the one besides our subject being Mrs. Jennie Folnsbe, a resident of Garfield county, Washington.

Peter R. Weller was reared in his native state and there obtained a common school education. When twenty-one years old he crossed the continent to Garfield county, Washington, and here turned his attention to farming. At length, however, he decided that stock raising offered better opportunities and since 1900 he has been engaged in the stock business under the name of Weller Live Stock Company, which owns 10,600 acres of land which provides abundant pasture and from which large crops of alfalfa hay are harvested. The company now has about five thousand head of sheep and two hundred head of cattle and it ranks as a leader in stock raising circles. Mr. Weller gives careful personal attention to the management of the company's interests and is a careful student of all the problems connected with the raising of stock.

He supports the republican party at the polls and has been a member of the school board but has not held other office. He is identified with the Knights of Pythias and in his life has exemplified the benefit spirit of the order. Through his membership in the Live Stock Association he comes in touch with other men engaged in that line of business and finds the exchange of experiences and ideas of great value. He has found the Pacific northwest a land of opportunity and as his salient characteristics are enterprise and the ability to distinguish between the essential and the nonessential in a situation he has been able to take advantage of the opportunities here offered and is now one of the leading citizens of Garfield county.

NICHOLAS S. SULLIVAN.

Nicholas S. Sullivan, manager of and partner in the business conducted under the name of the Whitehouse Clothing Company in Walla Walla, is thus active in control of one of the leading enterprises of this kind in the city. Alert and energetic, his purposes are well defined and are carried forward to successful completion.

He was born in Marysville, California, April 3, 1872, a son of John E. and Jane (Richardson) Sullivan. The father was born in Ireland and the mother in East India and both have now passed away. The former was a civil engineer, following that profession throughout his entire career. The family numbered eight children, two sons and six daughters, but only three of the number are now living.

Nicholas S. Sullivan was educated in the La Salle school, a parochial school of Walla Walla, and also in the public schools. His father removed with the family to Walla Walla county about the year 1884, when the son was a youth of twelve years. He made his initial step in the business world as a cash boy in the dry goods and clothing store of Doheny & Marum. When his employers sold out he became a clerk in the service of Al Goldman, who was proprietor of a clothing store, and with him remained for about twelve years. He then became connected with R. E. Guichard, owner of the Whitehouse clothing store, with whom he acted as assistant manager during Mr. Guichard's life. Before his demise he purchased stock in the business and upon the death of the senior partner took over the management of the store and has since been active in its control. The company carries a large and carefully selected stock of men's clothing and furnishings and their business has reached a gratifying figure. They put forth the most earnest efforts to please their customers, recognizing ever that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement. Their business methods are such as will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny, and energy, enterprise and integrity have gained Mr. Sullivan a place among the leading merchants of Walla Walla.

On the 16th of October, 1905, Mr. Sullivan was married to Miss Flora Hobkirk, of Portland, Oregon, her parents being Peter and Maria Hobkirk, the former a pioneer contractor of Portland. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan have one son, Nicholas Peter, born September 15, 1906.

The parents hold membership in the Catholic church and Mr. Sullivan is identified with the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is also a member of the Commercial Club and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but has never sought or desired office, preferring to concentrate his time, energies and attention upon his business affairs. He is not remiss in the duties of citizenship, however, and his co-operation can be counted upon to further every plan and measure for the general good. He has many sterling traits of character and his pronounced qualities have won for him personal popularity.

JOHN N. THOMPSON.

John N. Thompson became a resident of what is now Columbia county in the early days of its settlement and went through all the unpleasant experiences of pioneer life but also had the satisfaction of knowing that he was a factor in bringing about the transformation that has made this county the rival of the older localities in the east in all that pertains to the highest type of civilization. He was quick to recognize the unequalled opportunities offered in the unclaimed frontier land of the Walla Walla valley, and from time to time added to his holdings, becoming eventually the owner of three thousand acres, of which more than nine hundred acres is excellently adapted to the raising of wheat. He accomplished much during his long and busy life, and his demise was recognized as a loss to his community.

Mr. Thompson was born December 20, 1836, in New York state, and was a son of Elisha D. and Anne Thompson, the former born in New Hampshire and the latter in Massachusetts. At length the family removed to Wisconsin and there the parents resided until called by death. To them were born ten children, of whom only one survives.

John N. Thompson grew to manhood in the Badger state, and his education was that afforded by its public schools. In 1860 he decided to try his fortune in the west and for some time engaged in gold mining in Colorado. Later he removed to Oregon, whence he came to Old Walla Walla county, Washington, homesteading land in what is now Columbia county. He at once began the improvement of his place and his labors proved so profitable financially that he was able to purchase more and more land, holding title at his death to three thousand acres. He engaged in both wheat and stock raising, nine hundred and twenty acres of his holdings being wheat land, and about two thousand acres comprising a stock farm. The management of his extensive interests required marked executive ability as well as a thorough knowledge of the best methods of cultivating the fields and caring for the stock, but he proved more than equal to all the demands made upon him and was thoroughly businesslike in the direction of his affairs.