Chapter V: Pioneer Reminiscences (10)

Mr. Thompson was married in Oregon, November 8, 1871, to Miss Viola A. Eastham, a native of Oregon and a daughter of William F. and Delilah (Clever) Eastham. Her father was born in West Virginia and her mother in Illinois, in which state their marriage occurred. In 1848 they made the long journey across the plains by wagon train, that being the only means of travel, and Mr. Eastham took up a donation claim of six hundred and forty acres near Salem, Oregon. Their first residence in the west was a log cabin and their life was that common to pioneers, characterized by hard work and self-denial. They were not discouraged, however, and in time were rewarded by prosperity. Both Mr. and Mrs. Eastham passed away in Oregon, and six of their fourteen children are also deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were born four children: Myrtle A., who died when three years old; Roy Eastham, who died at the age of five years; Leo John, a well known stock man of Columbia county, who is married and has two children, Roy B. and Helen A.; and Helen Viola, a graduate of Pullman College and the wife of Irving F. Laucks, of Seattle, by whom she has a daughter, Helen V.

Mr. Thompson was a stalwart republican and was an active party worker, doing all in his power to secure the success of the republican candidates. He had a wide acquaintance throughout Columbia county and had many friends to mourn his death, which occurred in 1910. His remains were interred in Dayton cemetery.

THOMAS B. McKEIRNAN.

Thomas B. McKeirnan was well known as an extensive farmer of Garfield county, Washington, and his death, which occurred at a comparatively early age, was recognized as a loss to the community as well as to his friends. He was born in Pennsylvania, March 29, 1874, a son of Michael and Mary (Donnelly) McKeirnan, the former born in Ireland and the latter in Pennsylvania. The parents were married in the Keystone state and resided there until 1884, when they made their way to Garfield county, Washington, and located upon a farm, which remained their home until they retired from active life and removed to Pomeroy, where they still live. To them were born six children, of whom three survive.

Thomas B. McKeirnan was about ten years of age at the time of the removal of the family to the west and the greater part of his education was acquired in the public schools of Garfield county. He was reared to farm work and on starting out upon his independent career continued to follow agricultural pursuits. He prospered and as the years passed added to his holdings, owning at the time of his death eleven hundred acres, which is still in possession of his widow. He was systematic, practical and progressive in carrying on his work and the success that came to him was but the natural result of his industry and good management.

Mr. McKeirnan was married in 1897 to Miss Hattie Edwards, who was born in western Oregon, a daughter of Orlando and Ella (Ritz) Edwards, both natives of Oregon and representatives of two of the earliest families of that state. Both survive and their six children are also living. Mrs. McKeirnan is a graduate of the Walla Walla high school and taught for two terms prior to her marriage. She personally manages the estate and possesses an unusual degree of executive ability and sound business judgment. She owns a fine residence in Pomeroy and since her husband's death has lived in town. To them were born seven children, namely: Thomas L., who spent five years at Gonzaga University in Spokane and is now at Columbia University in Portland but in March, 1918, expects to take the examination for West Point Military Academy; Marie, a high school student; Leland, deceased; Frances J., in high school; John J.; William R.; and Alice E.

Mr. McKeirnan supported the candidates of the democratic party at the polls but was not otherwise active in public affairs, preferring to devote his attention to his farming interests. He passed away November 6, 1913, and was laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery. His salient characteristics were such as invariably command respect and regard and he won many friends who still cherish his memory.

KRISTIAN FALKENBERG.

There are many chapters of unusual interest in the life record of Kristian Falkenberg although he is now quietly engaged in commercial pursuits, being recognized as the leading jeweler of Walla Walla and one of the city's most progressive business men.

He was born in Norway on the 16th of August, 1872, where he lived until a young man of twenty, having graduated from high school and completed his apprenticeship as a watchmaker with Frederick August Michelet, the leading chronometer and watchmaker of Norway. At this time Mr. Falkenberg decided to come to the United States, choosing Chicago as his destination, and there he lived for nearly five years. In 1897 he went to Alaska, leaving on the 15th of September with the second party that left Chicago for the gold fields. They went by way of Edmonton and the Mackenzie river, which was the all Canadian route. It required twenty-two months to make the trip, on which they were engaged in hunting and prospecting. There were three who started together but only two of them reached their destination. They arrived in Dawson on the 8th of July, 1899, after having made nine hundred miles of their journey on foot through the wilderness, carrying from eighty-five to one hundred and fifty pounds on their backs and in winter time pulling as high as five hundred pounds each on a sled. During the latter part of the journey their supply of provisions became exhausted and they lived on decayed vegetables and lynx meat, shooting lynx from time to time as needed. From the time Mr. Falkenberg left Chicago until his return, a period of four years and six weeks, he kept a daily record of his journey. He left Dawson for Rampart City on the Yukon in company with a manufacturing jeweler from Dawson and they engaged in the jewelry business in Rampart. In 1900 they followed the rush to Nome and were engaged in the jewelry business at St. Michael. In November, 1901, Mr. Falkenberg returned to Chicago for a visit, but in the spring of 1902 he again went to St. Michael, where he reopened his store. In the fall of that year he returned to Rampart City, where he conducted a jewelry business until 1905, when he again made his way to Chicago. He was not satisfied with life in that section of the country, however, after having been for so long a period in the west with its boundless opportunities and spirit of undaunted enterprise, so after two weeks spent in the Illinois metropolis he again turned his face toward the west. He arrived in Walla Walla on the 10th of October and after deciding to remain here opened a jewelry house at the corner of Fourth and Main streets, on what is known as the Dacres Hotel corner. Ten months later he removed to No. 42 East Main street, his present location. Here he has built up an extensive business and he has one of the most attractive and modern jewelry houses of the state. He carries a large and well selected line of goods of domestic and foreign manufacture, and, in fact, everything to be found in the jewelry trade can be had in this establishment. Practically his entire life has been devoted to this line of business, with which he is thoroughly familiar, and his progressive methods are manifest in the substantial patronage accorded him.

On the 31st of December, 1908, Mr. Falkenberg was united in marriage to Miss Grace Young, of Chicago, who came to Walla Walla on the 4th of November, 1907, to teach vocal music in the St. Paul's School for Girls. To this marriage have been born two children, Karen and Wendell.

Mr. Falkenberg is an active thirty-second degree Mason, a Knight Templar and Shriner and also a member of the Elks and Odd Fellows. He is a life member and past arctic chief of Camp Rampart, No. 15, of the Arctic Brotherhood, which numbers among its members Senators Knute Nelson, William P. Dillingham, James E. Burnham and Mr. Ramsdell, Sergeant-at-arms. These men have all had Alaskan experience and are bound together in ties of memory and comradeship that have to do with their sojourn in that country. Mr. Falkenberg is also a member of the Commercial Club and is serving on its board of directors. He has membership in the Washington State Jewelers' Association, which has honored him with election to the presidency, in which capacity he has been serving for two years. He is also on the membership committee of the American National Jewelers' Association, a fact which is indicative of his high standing among his business associates.

In his life history are many interesting chapters and when he can be induced to talk of the past Mr. Falkenberg tells many a thrilling tale of life in the far north. The west with its opportunities for advancement made strong appeal to him and he possesses that character that is ever ready to cope with new conditions and mold them to his own ends. His course as a representative business man has been characterized by all those qualities which men in every clime and country respect. His sterling worth is widely acknowledged and he has the confidence and goodwill of all with whom he has been associated.

FRANCIS M. STUBBLEFIELD.

Francis M. Stubblefield, deceased, was a well known farmer and during his residence here gained many friends, who deeply regretted his demise. He was born in Arkansas, May 7, 1833, and received his education and grew to manhood in that state. There he continued until 1860, when he crossed the plains to Oregon, locating in that state ten miles southeast of Walla Walla, on Cottonwood creek. He devoted his time to farming and stock raising until his death and his industry and good management enabled him to gain a competence.

In 1874 Mr. Stubblefield was united in marriage to Miss Adeline Huckaby, a daughter of Berryman and Sarah E. (Milton) Huckaby, both of whom were born in North Carolina but removed to Missouri, whence in 1860 they made the long journey across the plains by ox team. For three years they resided on a farm in southern Oregon and then removed to California, where they lived until 1872. In that year they took up their residence near Colfax, in the Palouse country, in Washington, and there both passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Stubblefield were born eleven children, namely; Joseph, Lee, Mary and Hattie, all of whom are deceased; Francis M., who is living on the old homestead in Oregon; Sarah and John, both deceased; Clara M., at home; Ida, the wife of Robert C. Still, of Oregon; Thomas Earl, deceased; and Laura Myrtle, who is a graduate of the Bellingham State Normal School and is now a teacher in the public schools at Doty, Washington.

Mr. Stubblefield endorsed the principles of the democratic party but confined his political activity to the exercise of his right of franchise. He passed away on August 7, 1893, and was laid to rest in the Salem cemetery. He was a man of fine character and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. Mrs. Stubblefield still owns one hundred and ninety-eight acres of finely improved wheat land and also her residence in Walla Walla.

H. P. BRUCH.

H. P. Bruch, a retired farmer living in Waitsburg, where he is well and favorably known, was born in Pennsylvania, February 18, 1844, a son of John and Mary A. (Hinkle) Bruch, both of whom were born in the Keystone state. In 1855 the family removed to Hardin county, Iowa, where the father engaged in farming until he was killed by lightning in 1856. The mother removed to Nebraska, and died there at the advance age of ninety-six years.

H. P. Bruch, who is one of two living children of a family of seven, was reared in Iowa and attended the public schools in the acquirement of his education. In 1862 he enlisted in Company K, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served at the front for three years, thus assisting in the preservation of the Union. He was in a number of hard fought battles but escaped injury and remained with his command until mustered out in North Carolina. He then returned to Iowa and rented a farm in Hardin county. He remained a resident of that county until 1881, when he came to Walla Walla county, Washington, and took up a homestead eleven miles north of Prescott. For eighteen years his time and attention were given to the operation of this place and his ability as a farmer was proven by the large crops which he annually harvested. At length he sold that place and removed to Waitsburg, where he owns seven acres of land as well as residence properties which he rents. His own home is commodious and up-to-date in its appointments, and he is enjoying all the comforts of life.

On December 31, 1868, Mr. Bruch was married to Miss Lydia A. Brown, who was born in Indiana, and was a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Starbuck) Brown, also Hoosiers by birth. On leaving their native state they removed to Madison county, Iowa, whence they later went to Warren county, Iowa, which they left to take up their abode in Guthrie Center. There both passed away. Nine of their ten children still survive. To Mr. and Mrs. Bruch have been born six children, namely: Cora B., the widow of Arthur Merry; Luvene E., engaged in the laundry business in Ritzville, Washington; Bessie M., who is the wife of George Smith, a resident of British Columbia; Harry A.; and Sarah B. and Jacob, twins, both at home.

Mr. Bruch is a Methodist in religious faith and is loyal in the support of the activities of that church. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has served with credit on the school board and as road supervisor. He finds great pleasure in recalling his services in the Civil war and is a member of Burnside Post, No. 40, G. A. R., thus keeping in touch with other veterans of that struggle. He is a member of the Patriotic Sons of America. Both he and his wife are highly esteemed, their salient qualities being such as never fail to command respect.

L. B. BURROUGHS.

L. B. Burroughs, proprietor of the Sheet Metal Works, one of the principal industries of Walla Walla, was born in Pontiac, Michigan, October 7, 1864, a son of William P. and Elizabeth A. (Allshouse) Burroughs, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and of New Jersey. A short time after their marriage in New York city they removed to Pontiac and thence in 1878 went to Detroit, Michigan. The mother still makes her home there at the age of eighty-five years and is in vigorous health. The father died April 18, 1911. He was a successful clothing merchant and was an important factor in the commercial life of Pontiac, Michigan.

L. B. Burroughs received his education in the graded school and in the high school of Detroit, which he attended until his seventeenth year, when he went to work as a clerk in a hardware store in Detroit. Four years later he removed to Ypsilanti and for three years he remained in that city but subsequently went to Montana, where he spent six years. His next removal was to Portland, Oregon, and he maintained his residence there until 1900, when he came to Walla Walla. For a decade he was employed by the Drumheller Company, but in 1910 he established the Sheet Metal Works, which in the intervening period has developed into an important concern. It manufactures practically all lines of sheet metal goods pertaining to the building trades, including cornices, skylights and hot air furnaces. Gradually new territory has been covered until the concern now sells over practically the entire Inland Empire, and its reputation for excellent materials and high class workmanship is well established. The success of the business is attributable mainly to the energy, the business experience and the high standards of its founder, Mr. Burroughs.

On the 18th of September, 1906, occurred the marriage of Mr. Burroughs and Miss Angeline Sheldon. Her parents, Alonzo C. F. and Dell C. Sheldon, are residents of Walla Walla county, where the father is engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Burroughs have five children, namely, William S., Frances E., John B., Robert L. and Jane.

Mr. Burroughs supports the republican party by his vote but has never been an office seeker. His fraternal connection is with Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E. He belongs to the Walla Walla Commercial Club and is enthusiastic in his advocacy of the various measures instituted by that body for the upbuilding of his city. During the seventeen years that he has been a resident of Walla Walla he has gained a place among the leading men of the town and his worth is generally recognized.

MORRIS A. WOODS.

Morris A. Woods, who is farming on section 21, township 9 north, range 37 east, Walla Walla county, has never had occasion to regret his choice of an occupation for he has found the work of an agriculturist both congenial and profitable. His birth occurred in Chippewa county, Minnesota, January 26, 1872, and he is a son of Joel and Viola M. (Hull) Woods, the former a native of New York and the latter of Wisconsin. In early manhood the father went to Menominee, Wisconsin, and there their marriage occurred March 9, 1870, but they removed at once to Chippewa county, Minnesota. In 1876 they came by horse team to the Pacific coast, locating in Grande Ronde valley, near Summerville, Oregon. Four years later removal was made to Spring valley in Walla Walla county, Washington, where the winter of 1880-81 was spent. The next spring, however, the family removed to the Touchet valley, and in 1882 Mr. Woods took up a homestead and a timber claim a mile northeast of Pleasant View. He proved up upon his land and then sold it, removing with his family one and a half miles west of Waitsburg on the Touchet river. This place remained his residence until his death, which occurred March 1, 1910. As the years passed, however, he had greatly added to his holdings and became the owner of 3,700 acres of rich and valuable wheat land. His extensive farming operations were conducted in a systematic and businesslike manner, and he received a large income from his lands. Mrs. Woods survives and still lives on the old homestead.

Morris A. Woods began his education in the district schools and was later a student in the Waitsburg schools. This was supplemented by thorough training in the work of the farm gained under the direction of his father. On reaching mature years his father took him into partnership and they farmed together until 1905. Mr. Woods of this review was married in January, 1906, and removed with his bride to his present home farm, which he had previously acquired. His place comprises six hundred and forty acres of as fine wheat land as can be found in the northwest, and he annually harvests large crops of grain of the first quality. He has not only won financial independence but he has also been a factor in the development of Walla Walla county as a great wheat region, giving the closest study to the problem of increasing production. He is a stockholder in the Exchange Bank of Waitsburg.

Mr. Woods was married January 10, 1906, to Miss Olive Parker, a daughter of the late James Parker, one of the early settlers of the county. Her father was born in Virginia and in early manhood was married at Minonk, Illinois, to Miss Achsah L. Bruce, a native of Indiana. He not only followed farming but also worked at the cabinet maker's trade and engaged in contracting. It was in 1876 that he came to Washington and bought a tract of land adjoining the city limits of Waitsburg on the northwest. In 1884, however, he returned to Lincoln county, Washington, where he followed farming and stock raising until 1892, when he retired from active life and removed to Waitsburg, where his death occurred February 7, 1903. His wife survived him for five years, passing way February 19, 1908. Both were consistent members of the Christian church and he was a democrat in politics. To Mr. and Mrs. Woods has been born a daughter, Mildred Ernestine.

Mr. Woods gives his political indorsement to the republican party but has never sought office, his farming interests leaving him little time for outside activities. He is connected with Delta Lodge, No. 70, K. P. and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and both he and his wife hold membership in the Christian church. In his business dealings, as well as in the private relations of life, he has guided his course by the highest ethical standards, and his uncompromising integrity and been sense of justice have made him highly respected wherever known. His success has been based upon the sure foundation of hard work, careful management and a progressive spirit, and the place which he occupies in agricultural circles as an up-to-date and successful farmer is fully merited.

MAJOR JOHN CARR.

Major John Carr is now living retired in Dayton but in former years was an active factor in industrial circles, being connected with building operations and with the lumber and planing mill business.

Wisconsin numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in that state January 2, 1852, his parents being Nicholas and Anna Carr. He acquired his education in the public schools of Wisconsin and after his textbooks were put aside learned the carpenter's and builder's trade, which he followed for a considerable period. Eventually he branched out into other lines and became identified with the operation of a lumber and planing mill. He has been a resident of Washington since 1877 and conducted business at Dayton for several years. Untiring industry and perseverance constituted important factors in his growing success and as the years passed on he acquired a substantial competence which now enables him to live retired and enjoy all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

In 1872, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Major Carr was united in marriage to Miss Anna Nims, a daughter of Loyal and Sylvia Nims. They have become parents of three children: Flora, who died in childhood; Lolo, the wife of Fred Harman; and Beulah, the wife of Byron Matzger.

Major Carr's military record is an interesting one. He served as a captain and lieutenant colonel in the state militia for many years and was made a major of the First Washington Regiment at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war, thus winning the title by which he is known. He has rendered effective service to his city along many lines of development and progress, has served for seven years as school director, as a member of the city council for nine years and was mayor for one year. Fraternally he is well known as a Mason and has attained the Knight Templar degree of the York Rite and the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, while with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine he has also crossed the sands of the desert. For five years he was master of his lodge, was also high priest of the Royal Arch chapter for a year and has held various other offices in the Masonic fraternity. His religious faith is that of the Episcopal church and its teachings have guided him in all the relations of life, making him a man whom to know is to esteem and honor. His worth is widely acknowledged in citizenship, in business circles and in social relations. He has ever been loyal and patriotic in his devotion to his country, manifesting his allegiance in military aid when such was necessary and standing at all times for those interests and projects which he has believed to be of worth to the community, the commonwealth and the country.

JAMES W. TAYLOR

James W. Taylor, who is farming on section 29, township 9 north, range 38 east, Walla Walla county, has never had occasion to regret his choice of an occupation for he has found farming both profitable and congenial. He was born in Johnson county, Missouri, January 20, 1873, but when only seven years old was brought by his parents to Walla Walla county, where he grew to manhood and received his education. During his boyhood and youth much of his time was given to assisting his father, and on attaining his majority he and his two brothers began farming in partnership. This relation was continued until 1905 and they operated one thousand acres of land. James W. Taylor then withdrew from the firm and to his share of the property amounting to three hundred and sixty, he has added until he now owns five hundred and twenty-two acres. His farm is finely improved and is equipped with the most up-to-date machinery. The land is excellently suited to the cultivation of wheat and he annually harvests large crops. He also engages in stock raising, an industry that has flourished in Walla Walla county since its first settlement. He is likewise a stockholder in the Exchange Bank at Waitsburg, and is one of the substantial citizens of the county.

On the 7th day of October, 1896, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Bonnie Brockman, a native of Missouri, who in 1887, accompanied her parents, William J. and Emma (Cox) Brockman, to Washington. The father has passed away but the mother is residing in Dayton. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Taylor: Herman W. and Helen U., both of whom are in high school; and Charles Floyd.

Mr. Taylor gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is now serving his district as school director. He is a member of Touchet Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., at Waitsburg, in which he has filled all of the chairs, and he also belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He and his wife are members of the Rebekahs and belong to the Christian church. In carefully managing his farming interests he has not only won prosperity but has also had a part in the development of Walla Walla county along agricultural and stock raising lines.

OTTO LABUDDE.

Otto Labudde, a representative agriculturist residing in Walla Walla, was born in Germany on the 2d of September, 1861, his parents being Carl and Charlotte (Ratzenburg) Labudde, both of whom passed away in that country. There he attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and spent the first twenty-three years of his life. In 1884 he determined to try his fortune in the new world and crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where for three years he worked at the blacksmith's trade, which he had learned in his native land. On the expiration of that period, in 1887, he came to Walla Walla county, Washington, here continuing work at his trade for seven or eight months. The railroad was at that time being built through to Eureka and Mr. Labudde therefore erected a shop at Eureka Junction, conducting business there for four or five years. He then embarked in merchandising at Eureka and was made postmaster of the town, ably serving in that capacity for eight years. While a resident of Eureka he took up three quarter sections of land, using his homestead, his preemption and his timber culture rights, and in 1897 he removed to the ranch and turned his attention to the stock business. Two years later he rented the property and took up his abode in the city of Walla Walla, where he has since remained. He had purchased land adjoining his homestead and at one time owned fourteen hundred and fourteen acres in one body on Snake river, at Page Station, all of which he recently sold to John Reser. However, he still owns a farm of one hundred and seventy acres a mile and a half south of Walla Walla and a tract of twenty-two acres on the Milton road, a mile and a half south of College Place. Success has attended his undertakings, for in the conduct of his interests he has ever displayed close application, unremitting energy and sound judgment that have brought desired results.

In 1893 Mr. Labudde was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Luckenbill, a native of Walla Walla and a daughter of Martin Luckenbill, who crossed the plains from Wisconsin to California in 1859 and was engaged in placer mining for a time. In 1863 he came to Walla Walla county and here operated a pack train in partnership with Dick Kelling for a number of years, while subsequently he embarked in business at Walla Walla.

Politically Mr. Labudde is a stanch republican, believing firmly in the principles of that party. He is past grand of Washington Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F., and also belongs to the encampment and the canton, while both he and his wife are identified with the Rebekahs, the latter being past noble grand. Mr. Labudde likewise belongs to the Ancient Order of Foresters, of which he is past chief ranger. Mr. Labudde is one of the charter members of the Farmers' Union and was chosen secretary soon after the organization was perfected and served in the office for several years. In religious faith he is a Lutheran but attends the services of the Presbyterian church with his wife. Mrs. Labudde belongs to the Pioneers' Association of Walla Walla and is honored as a native daughter of the county in which her entire life has been spent. Mr. Labudde has never regretted his determination to seek a home in America, for he has wisely utilized the opportunities here offered and during the period of his residence in Walla Walla county, covering three decades, has gained an enviable measure of prosperity.

L. W. ESTES.

L. W. Estes, residing in Walla Walla, is the owner of valuable farming property in Walla Walla county, having twelve hundred and eighty acres north of Prescott, which he continued to personally cultivate and develop until 1917, when he rented his ranch to his sons. He was born in Arkansas on the 13th of January, 1859, a son of Thomas and Renie (Long) Estes. The father was a native of North Carolina, while the mother was born in Tennessee. They were married in the former state and subsequently removed to Arkansas, where they resided until 1861. In that year they crossed the plains with ox teams to Washington. The wagon train with which they traveled had a great deal of trouble with the Indians and one man who had lingered behind the others in order to fish was scalped, while another was shot through the leg but succeeded in eluding his pursuers and later joined the train. They arrived in Walla Walla, where they spent the hard winter of 1861 and 1862. Mr. Estes, however, soon after reaching his destination, homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres on Dry creek, about six miles northwest of Walla Walla, and there built a log house which he weatherboarded and made habitable. He lived upon that ranch until 1879, at which time he sold four hundred and eighty acres and removed to Pleasant View on the Eureka Flats. There he bought three hundred and twenty acres and made his home at that place until his death, which occurred in August, 1887, when he was eighty-six years of age. His wife passed away two years later at the age of sixty-seven years.

L. W. Estes was but an infant when brought by his parents to the northwest, so that practically his entire life has been passed here and he is entirely familiar with the story of its development and progress from pioneer times down to the present. He was educated in the district schools and worked with his father until his twenty-fourth year, at which time he began farming on his own account, his previous training and experience well qualifying him for heavy responsibilities and duties of this character. In 1882 he took up a homestead on the Eureka Flats and the following year began cultivating his land. Subsequently he bought adjoining land and increased his farm until he had nine hundred acres. This he traded in 1893 for Walla Walla business property and removed to the city but continued to operate his farm. He still owned a small tract of land and in 1903 he bought four hundred and forty acres in Umatilla county, near Athena, Oregon. This he subsequently traded for six hundred and forty acres in the foothills, about nine miles south of Walla Walla, known as the Bay Shore ranch. After owning that property for two years he exchanged it for a ranch of twelve hundred and eighty acres north of Prescott, in Walla Walla county. This property he still owns and was continuously and successfully engaged in its cultivation and improvement until 1917, when he rented his farm to his sons. He is now engaged in the real estate business, handling city property and Montana farm lands as well as farm lands in Washington. In 1903 Mr. Estes built his present residence in the Green Park addition to Walla Walla at the corner of Valencia and Elvarado streets. Upon the place was a fine spring called the Chinese Garden spring, and it was the only water to be had at that time. His was the second house in the addition and Mr. Estes planted the hedge around it and made many modern improvements to the place.

In May, 1883, Mr. Estes was united in marriage to Miss Viola Woods, who is a daughter of Thomas Woods, of Missouri, and came to Walla Walla county, Washington, the year prior to her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Estes have been born six children, as follows: Clyde B., who follows farming on the Touchet river in Walla Walla county; Ray Dooley, who is deceased; Roxy B., who is operating the home farm with his brother Emmett; Sylva P., the wife of J. P. Hoben, who is secretary and treasurer with Max Houser of the Pacific Grain Company, of Portland, Oregon; Winchester C., who is engaged in farming on Dry creek, Walla Walla county; and Emmett E., on the home farm.

Mr. Estes gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, while fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Enterprise Lodge, No. 2. He holds the twenty-five year membership medal and is very popular among his brethren of that organization, having been a most loyal adherent to its teachings and principles. He is today a prosperous resident of Walla Walla and one whose success is attributable entirely to his own efforts. He had no assistance on starting out in life but empty-handed made his initial step. He builded his prosperity, however, upon the substantial qualities of energy, determination and indefatigable industry and point by point he has advanced, utilizing every movement to good advantage and recognizing every opportunity that has come his way. He has therefore done an important work in developing the agricultural resources of this section of the state.

ALEXANDER JOHNSON.

Alexander Johnson was an early settler of Walla Walla county and was one of the men who made this region famous for its extensive sheep raising interests. He was born in County Antrim, Ireland, December 3, 1848, a son of Samuel and Jane Johnson, both also natives of the Emerald isle. In 1853 they came to America and located in New York state, where they lived until death. To them were born four children, of whom three survive.

Alexander Johnson was reared and educated in New Hartford, New York, as he was only a child at the time of the emigration of the family to the United States. He remained in the east for a number of years after attaining his majority but in 1883 made his way to the Pacific coast, settling on a ranch in Walla Walla county. At that time there was a great deal of open range and he turned his attention to sheep raising, then the leading industry in this section. He was very successful in that business and continued therein until the country became so thickly settled that it became impossible to find sufficient pasture for his large flocks. He then turned his attention to farming and in that connection also gained prosperity.

Mr. Johnson was twice married. In 1878 he wedded Miss Kate Healey, of New Hartford, New York, and to them was born a son, W. K. Johnson, who is now living in Walla Walla county. In 1891 Mr. Johnson married Miss Margaret A. Lewis, of Walla Walla, and by that union there is also a son, Terry Alexander Johnson.

Mr. Johnson supported the republican party at the polls but was never an active worker in politics. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was laid to rest in the cemetery maintained by that organization. After a lingering illness of four and a half years he passed away in Walla Walla on the 13th of August, 1914. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian and its teachings guided his life. Mrs. Johnson owns a fine home on East Alder street, Walla Walla, and has many friends in the city.

GEORGE D. MINNICK.

Among the large landowners of Walla Walla county is George D. Minnick, who, in partnership with his brother, holds title to more than thirty-five hundred acres of fertile wheat land. He was born in Davis county, Iowa, September 27, 1861, a son of Adam and Nancy J. (Davis) Minnick, the former born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Iowa. The mother passed away in the Hawkeye state and in 1871 the father came with his family to Washington, settling on a farm near Pomeroy. At the end of four years he was able to purchase a tract of land in Spring valley and removed to that place. Later he went to California, where his death occurred. He was married a second time and his widow is now a resident of Walla Walla. To his first union were born three children, all of whom survive, and to his second, four children, likewise all still living.

George D. Minnick was about ten years old at the time of the emigration of the family to the northwest and completed his education in the schools of Walla Walla county. Equally as valuable as the knowledge which he acquired from books was the thorough training in practical farm work which he gained under his father's supervision and on reaching mature years he decided to devote his life to the occupation to which he had been reared. He constantly followed the plan of investing his capital in wheat land and now, in partnership with his brother, J. H. Minnick, owns thirty-five hundred and sixteen acres, the value of which is enhanced by the excellent improvements thereon. For many years he was actively engaged in the operation of his holdings but is now living practically retired at Walla Walla. He also owns much valuable mining stock and is one of the men of wealth of Walla Walla county.

Mr. Minnick casts his ballot in support of the candidates and measures of the democratic party but has never had the time nor the inclination to seek office. He holds membership in the Christian church and in his business dealings as well as in the other relations of life has invariably conformed his conduct to high moral standards. Among his salient characteristics are enterprise, self-reliance and sound judgment, qualities which go far toward ensuring success in any field of endeavor.

CHARLES WINFIELD PEARSON.

Charles Winfield Pearson, residing on the Solano Ranch, section 16, township 12 north, range 36 east, Walla Walla county, is an important factor in the agricultural development of this section, and is successfully operating more than five thousand acres of land.

He is a native of Rio Vista, California, and was born August 3, 1870, a son of Josephus and Anna (Watson) Pearson, the former a native either of Virginia or Kentucky and the latter of Nova Scotia, Canada, and of Scotch parentage. The Pearson family came to the west by the overland route in 1856, and the Watsons made the long journey by way of the Panama isthmus about eight years later. Both families located in Rio Vista and there Mr. Pearson and Miss Watson were married in 1869. They continued to reside there until 1878, when they removed to Columbia county, Washington, locating a mile east of Starbuck, where the father bought railroad land. He took a prominent part in the organization of the first school district in that locality and was also the first postmaster of Starbuck. His time and energy were, in part, devoted to farming, and he became the owner of about one thousand acres. For twenty years he also engaged in the meat business and did considerable contracting in that line for the railroad. He passed away March 10, 1908, and is survived by his widow, who resides with a daughter in Spokane.

Charles Winfield Pearson received a good common school education and also pursued a commercial course at the Empire Business College in Walla Walla. Subsequently he conducted a bicycle store for about two years in San Francisco, after which he returned home and joined with his father in the operation of the latter's land. In 1896, however, he began farming on his own account, leasing school land which he cultivated, and as he was a practical and up-to-date farmer his capital steadily increased. He invested his money in land and now holds title to two thousand five hundred acres, which he operates together with two thousand six hundred acres of leased land. He conducts his agricultural affairs in the same careful and progressive manner as a great business man would control large commercial enterprises, and his annual income is a highly gratifying one.

In December, 1906, Mr. Pearson was united in marriage to Miss Jean Hukill, a teacher in the public schools of Starbuck, and they have become the parents of two children, Josephus and Francis W.

The republican party has a loyal supporter in Mr. Pearson, but he has confined his political activities to the exercise of his right of franchise. Fraternally he belongs to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E., and is popular in that organization. His wife is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church and is interested in all movements for the promotion of the moral welfare of her community. Both are widely known and highly esteemed. Eastern Washington has rapidly come to the front as one of the great farming districts of the country, and this development has been made possible by such men as Mr. Pearson--men who are energetic, alert and keen in judgment and, throughout the same time, willing to co-operate for the advancement of the public interest.

JOHN W. SUMMERS, M. D.

A most active and strenuous life has brought Dr. John W. Summers to the position which he occupies as one of the most distinguished physicians and surgeons of the northwest. His office is located in Walla Walla but his practice extends throughout the Inland Empire and even beyond. This alone would entitle him to mention as one of the representative citizens of the state, but there are many other reasons whereby he deserves to be classed as one of the honored and distinguished residents of Washington. He has been identified with various public projects which have been of great benefit to the commonwealth and as a legislator has done most important service in furthering constructive measures which are proving of benefit not only at the present time but which look beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities and opportunities of the future. Broad-minded, clean-cut, a man of high ideals, never afraid to express his honest convictions and working at all times for the right as he sees it, Dr. Summers has indeed made for himself an enviable place among those men of Washington whom the state delights to honor.

He was born in Valeene, Orange county, Indiana, April 29, 1870, a son of James M. and Sarah (Tower) Summers. The father was for more than twenty years a county official and one of the most prominent and influential residents of Orange county, Indiana. He was descended from one of the early colonial families of Virginia, established in Fairfax county prior to the Revolutionary war. This family furnished men and officers for General Lafayette's army. James M. Summers was united in marriage to Sarah Tower, whose ancestors settled in Hingham, Massachusetts, in 1637. This family furnished one member to the Boston Tea Party and several soldiers to the battles of Lexington and of Concord. Both families number scores of representatives who fought in the Indian, the Revolutionary, the Mexican, the Civil and the Spanish-American wars. In fact in every instance where the country has needed military aid they have been quick to respond and the record is one of patriotic loyalty and devotion.

Dr. John W. Summers spent his early years as a farm hand, as a teamster, as a clerk in a village store and as school-teacher. He also followed several other lines of manual labor and was ever ready to accept honorable work, believing that all work is honorable if honorably done. He earned his first money at dropping corn in the furrows of an Indiana farm, receiving fifteen cents per day for his services. After graduating from the public schools his own labors provided the means that enabled him to continue his studies in the Southern Indiana Normal College and the Kentucky School of Medicine, from which he was graduated with high honors in the class of 1892. He is entirely a self-educated and self-made man. He has studied in London, England, and in New York, pursuing his work in those cities in 1895 and 1896. He again went abroad for further study in 1913, continuing his researches in Vienna, Austria, and in 1914 studied in Berlin, Germany. For twenty-five years he has led a most active and successful business and professional life in Illinois and Washington, making a specialty of the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. He has won for himself a most creditable position and is regarded as an authority in the line of his specialty. He has had the benefit of instruction from some of the most eminent physicians, surgeons and specialists of the old world and his ability is attested by his professional colleagues and contemporaries as well as by the general public.

Dr. Summers before removing to the west became interested in southern timber and cotton lands, which he still retains. He also has agricultural and horticultural lands in the Walla Walla valley. It is said that his preferred recreation is to leave his office cares and spend as many as fourteen hours per day on the farm or in the orchard, for he is keenly interested in the development and improvement of agricultural and horticultural interests. He was one of the organizers and became a director and vice president of the People's State Bank in 1911, which official positions he still occupies.

On the 29th of September, 1897, in Sullivan, Illinois, Dr. Summers was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Bosworth Burks, a daughter of Christopher C. and Sarah E. Burks. Mrs. Summers was educated in the Central Normal College at Danville, Indiana, and in the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois, and is a lady of liberal culture and innate refinement. Dr. and Mrs. Summers are the parents of four children: Allingham Burks, Paul Dilwyn, Sarah Hope and Harriet Jean.

Dr. Summers has for years been an officer of the Christian church, of which he became a member in early boyhood. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and to the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan, being Royal Vizier in the latter organization at this time. He is also connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and is an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity. He is a lover of history and has ever been keenly interested in politics from his boyhood days. He was reared in the faith of Jefferson and of Jackson but in 1896, differing from his party on the question of the free coinage of silver, he joined the republicans and has since remained one of the supporters of that party. He was elected a member of the state legislature and in this connection one of the local papers wrote: "Representative Summers made such a good record during the last session of the legislature that friends throughout the district quickly saw in him congressional timber and repeated requests have come to him from legislators and influential republicans throughout the district to become a candidate for congressman next year. In the last session of the legislature he succeeded in getting through the vocational training bill which secures aid from the national government providing a practical education for every boy and girl in the state over fourteen years of age. He is saving the state approximately fifty thousand dollars yearly by the invention of an improved number plate for autos which he deeded to the state." He brought forth this invention, gave it to the state and thus contributed to the yearly income of the commonwealth by a great saving. His bill requiring automobiles shipped into the state to be fully equipped with dimmer or anti-glare devices saves annually more than one hundred thousand dollars to the auto purchasers of Washington. He opposed the million dollar appropriation for a new capitol building, believing that this was but the entering wedge for the appropriation of many additional millions during the next few years. He was, however, connected with much constructive legislation of great worth, doing valuable service on the appropriation, revenue and taxation, banks and banking, education and military affairs committees. For many years he has been recognized as one of the strongest workers in behalf of temperance in southeastern Washington and contributed in large measure toward the enactment of the "bone-dry" law of 1917. The attitude which he displayed in the legislature when the question of the osteopath, labor union and Christian Science interests were before the house shows him to be a man of fairness and tolerance who justly considers the rights of all men, notwithstanding they oppose his own ideas. In a word he is a broad-minded man who recognizes the right of every individual to his honest opinion. There is nothing narrowly partisan or bigoted in his attitude. During the present crisis in the world's history Dr. Summers has manifested the same spirit which has actuated his ancestors through the different wars in which this country has been engaged. Three times since the declaration of war with Germany he has tendered his services to state and nation, only to be rejected because of a slight physical disability. Deprived of the privilege of serving his country at the front, he has availed himself of every opportunity to render aid and service at home in behalf of the Red Cross, liberty bonds and twice served as district chairman of the Y. M. C. A. war fund campaign. He is a member of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. He has always been deeply interested in civic affairs and in the educational welfare of his community and at all times stands for progress and improvement for the individual and for the state at large.

One of the old, valued and honored members of the house of representatives gives this estimate of Dr. Summers: "I found him an indefatigable worker and always supporting measures that he believed to be right and in the interest of the state at large. He is broad-minded and capable and secured the passage through the legislature of as many important measures as any other member of the house and every measure was good and necessary. He is clear-headed, a great mixer, frank and open, conscientious and absolutely dependable, and is entirely free from cant and sophistry."

ANDREW P. PEARSON.