Chapter V: Pioneer Reminiscences (11)

Andrew P. Pearson is now living retired in Walla Walla after many years devoted to the grocery business. He was born in Sweden, September 15, 1848, a son of Pear Bengtson, who passed his entire life in that country. Our subject grew to manhood under the parental roof and obtained the education afforded by the common schools. In May, 1869, when almost twenty-one years of age, he crossed the ocean, landing in Quebec, Canada, whence he came direct to the States. He located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he found work as a carpenter. He had received training in that line under his brother, who was a carpenter and cabinetmaker. In 1874 he went to San Francisco but a month later removed to Los Angeles, where he entered the employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad. He worked on the timbering of the San Fernando tunnel and proved so capable that he was promoted to foreman. For about six months he filled that position but in 1876 he decided to take a trip east and see the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia. From there he went to Sweden on a visit, remaining there for about a year, after which he once more went to San Francisco. He again became connected with the Southern Pacific Railroad, with which he remained until 1880.

Mr. Pearson then came to Walla Walla county, Washington. In connection with his brother, P. P. Pearson, he became the owner of a grocery store and for about twenty years was an active factor in business circles of Walla Walla. He was keen in his analysis of business conditions, up-to-date and enterprising in the conduct of his store and made it a point to carry only reliable goods. This well advised business policy resulted in the building up of a large trade and as his capital increased he invested in Walla Walla county land, thus giving evidence of his faith in this section, and time has proved the wisdom of his course. He now owns about five hundred and fifty acres, situated in the richest part of the Walla Walla valley, and derives there from a gratifying income. For a number of years he has enjoyed a well deserved leisure, having retired from the grocery business.

In 1912 Mr. Pearson was married to Miss Hilda Johnson, a native of Sweden. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party but has never sought office as a reward for his loyalty. He belongs to Columbia Lodge, No. 8, K. P., of Walla Walla, of which he was a charter member, and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is respected for his business ability, honored for his integrity and held in the warmest regard by reason of his attractive personal qualities.

JOSEPH W. HARVEY.

Although a resident of the city of Walla Walla, Joseph W. Harvey gives personal supervision to the operation of the fourteen hundred and forty acres of land which he owns. He was born in Linn county, Iowa, January 27, 1865, and is a son of George and Sarah (Wolf) Harvey, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Iowa. In 1883 they came with their family to Walla Walla county, Washington, and settled on a farm in the Big Bend country, where both passed away.

Joseph W. Harvey, who is one of ten living children in a family of twelve, received his education in Iowa. He was accustomed from boyhood to hard work and at the age of seventeen years began his independent career. For three years he was employed as a common laborer and then began farming in Walla Walla county, Washington, the family in the meantime having removed here. He rented land until he had accumulated sufficient capital to purchase a farm and after gaining a start his advancement was rapid. His holdings now comprise fourteen hundred and forty acres, all of which is in a high state of cultivation and is well improved, and he specializes in the production of wheat. He is both practical and progressive in his methods and as he manages his important business interests in connection with his farm work in a systematic manner, his annual income is an enviable one. For some years Mr. Harvey conducted a horse ranch on Snake river, where he raised draft horses for the market but disposed of that business during the Philippine war, selling most of his stock to the government. He has a beautiful home, in colonial style, which he has rebuilt and made strictly modern in every respect.

Mr. Harvey was married in 1887 to Miss Mary Wiseman, a native of Walla Walla county. Her parents, Jonathan and Nancy Wiseman, were both born in Arkansas but many years ago crossed the plains with ox teams and took up their residence in eastern Washington, where both died. To Mr. and Mrs. Harvey have been born seven children, namely: Vere W., who has attended Whitman College and the University of Washington; Dareld J., a high school graduate; Lynn P., a university graduate; Helen C., who is attending the University of Washington; Elizabeth M., a high school student; Nancy R., who died when eight years old; and Elsie J.

Mr. Harvey endorses the policies of the republican party and has served his district capably as a member of the school board. He belongs to Trinity Lodge, No. 101, I. O. O. F., and the idea of fraternity which underlies that organization has found exemplification in his life. Mrs. Harvey belongs to the Christian church, in the work of which she takes a commendable interest. Both are well known, not only in the city of Walla Walla but also throughout the county, and their friends are many.

GEORGE M. LLOYD.

George M. Lloyd, the proprietor of a well patronized meat market at Waitsburg, was born in Walla Walla county, April 1, 1863, a son of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Lloyd, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

George M. Lloyd was reared at home and after completing the course offered in the public schools became a student in an academy. After finishing his schooling he devoted some time to assisting his father in the farm work and then was for two years engaged in the railroad mail service. At the end of that time he again turned his attention to farming, cultivating land independently for a year. He next engaged in the butcher business in Waitsburg, and for twenty-eight years has conducted a meat market. He is careful in the selection of his meats, maintains the best sanitary conditions in the market and is satisfied with a reasonable profit and as the years have passed it is but natural that his trade should have shown a steady growth. He has other business interests, owning four hundred acres of land in Franklin county, Washington, and is a director of the First National Bank of Waitsburg.

Mr. Lloyd was married in 1889 to Miss Nellie S. Towsley, and they had two children, Helen, deceased, and G. Marvin, who is a graduate of the Waitsburg high school and is now a student in Pullman College. The wife and mother passed away in March, 1911, and was laid to rest in the Waitsburg cemetery. She was a woman of many admirable traits and left many friends to mourn her loss.

Mr. Lloyd is prominent in public affairs and is now serving as representative from Walla Walla county on the state committee. For fourteen years he was a member of the school board and during that time consistently advocated the improvement of the school system, realizing the paramount importance of good educational advantages. He has also served as mayor of Waitsburg and his record in that connection is one of which he has just cause to be proud. He belongs to the United Workmen and to the Masonic order, in which he has taken all of the degrees in the York Rite up to and including those of the chapter. He has filled all the chairs in the Blue Lodge and is recognized as an exemplary Mason, conforming his life to the beneficient teachings of the craft.

CYRUS B. LANE.

Cyrus B. Lane became associated in 1913 with Douglas V. Wood in organizing the firm of Wood & Lane, automobile dealers of Walla Walla. Since that time the business has been profitably conducted, their sales having reached a large figure annually.

Mr. Lane was born in Cameron county, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1867, a son of Joseph and Mary (Bearfield) Lane, of whom mention is made in connection with the sketch of John A. Lane on another page of this work. Cyrus B. Lane was a youth of twelve years when he arrived in Walla Walla county on the 26th of June, 1879. His education, begun in the public schools of the east, was continued in the district schools of this section and he was early trained to habits of industry and economy, such as are cultivated in a frontier district. On reaching his twenty-third year he began farming on his own account, having the previous year purchased, in connection with his brother William, a tract of land of two hundred and forty acres. They had nothing with which to equip their farm at the time, but the following year they rented their land to their father and Cyrus B. Lane leased eighty acres adjoining his place, on which he put in a crop. The following year he took over his brother's interest in the purchase which they had previously made and began farming on his own place. There he continued to carry on general agricultural pursuits with substantial success until 1911 and in the meantime he extended the boundaries of his place by additional purchases until he had five hundred and sixty acres of the most valuable wheat land in the Walla Walla valley. In September, 1911, he took up his abode in Walla Walla in order that his children might have the advantages of the public schools of the city, and in the spring of 1913, as he could not content himself without business interests, idleness and indolence being utterly foreign to his nature, he formed a partnership with D. V. Wood and organized the firm of Wood & Lane, who engage in the sale of automobiles, handling the Cadillac, the Oldsmobile, the Maxwell and the White cars and also operating one of the largest and best equipped garages in the city. Their business has reached such magnitude that they have outgrown their present quarters and will of necessity have to have larger space. Mr. Lane is also a stockholder in the People's State Bank of Walla Walla.

On the 25th of October, 1891, Mr. Lane was united in marriage to Miss Frances E. Kennedy, a daughter of Louis Kennedy, who came to Walla Walla county from Illinois in 1879. They have become the parents of seven children, namely: Inez, Elsie, Joseph, Harold, Delora, Glen and Dale. All are still at home.

In politics Mr. Lane is an independent republican. He has served repeatedly as a delegate to county conventions and has always refused to become a candidate for office, preferring that his public service shall be done as a private citizen. He belongs to Trinity Lodge, No. 121, I. O. O. F., to the encampment and to the Rebekahs, and his wife and two eldest daughters are also connected with the Rebekahs. Mrs. Lane is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while her daughters hold membership in the Christian church. The social position of the family is one of prominence and the hospitality of the best homes of Walla Walla is freely accorded them. Mr. Lane has made for himself a creditable position in business circles and is now controlling interests which are constantly growing in volume, bringing to him well deserved success.

FRANTZ S. ROMAINE.

Frantz S. Romaine, who resides two miles north of Dayton, is numbered among the well known farmers and stock raisers of Columbia county. He was born in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, September 1, 1862, a son of Garrit and Martha Romaine, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. He was brought to Old Walla Walla county, Washington, in his childhood and received his education in its pioneer schools. He remained at home until he attained his majority and then began working as a laborer, so continuing for five years. At the end of that time he invested his savings in land and for a long period his time and attention were taken up with the operation of that place. However, in 1905 he sold that property and bought his present farm, which comprises two hundred and sixty-five acres. Since the place has come into his possession he has erected thereon excellent buildings of modern design and otherwise improved it. He also leases land and farms in all about one thousand acres, part of which is pasture and part wheat land. He is systematic in his work and believes firmly that in the twentieth century the farmer cannot afford to do other than manage his affairs in accordance with the most approved business principles.

On December 25, 1887, Mr. Romaine was married to Miss Elizabeth Knight, who was born in 1865 while her parents were crossing the plains on their way to the Pacific coast country. They were William and Damie (Ward) Knight, natives of Missouri. On removing to the west they took up their residence in Lamar, Washington, where both passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Romaine have been born five children, namely: Amy E., the wife of L. B. Harris, who is a high school graduate and is teaching school at Starbuck; Earl E., who died at the age of eleven years; Cecil L., who is a high school graduate and is the wife of Jesse Courtney; William C., a resident of Dayton; and Ella Ward G., at home.

Mr. Romaine gives his political allegiance to the republican party but the successful management of his farm work has left him no time to devote to public affairs and he has therefore never sought office. Fraternally he belongs to the Woodmen of the World, in which organization he is deservedly popular. All that he has, and he is now financially independent, has been gained through his own efforts, and he is fully entitled to the honor accorded a self-made man.

FRANK P. KLAHR.

Frank P. Klahr, a well known resident of Walla Walla, from which point he supervises the operation of six hundred and forty acres of excellent wheat land, was born in Ohio, September 12, 1849, a son of Conrad and Catherine (Geiger) Klahr, both of whom were natives of Baden, Germany. In 1845 the father came to the United States and took up his residence in Ohio, where he was later married, his wife having removed to this country in her childhood. They continued to live in the Buckeye state until called by death.

Frank P. Klahr, who is one of four living children of a family of five, grew to manhood in Ohio and in the acquirement of his general education attended the public schools there. In preparation for the medical profession he entered the Eclectic Medical Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was graduated from that institution in 1875. He engaged in active practice in Ohio until 1891, when he went to Wisconsin and for fifteen years he followed his profession in that state but in 1906 returned to Ohio, where he lived until 1910. In that year he came to Walla Walla, Washington, and bought land and now owns six hundred and forty acres in Adams county, which is a well-improved and valuable tract.

In 1875 Mr. Klahr was united in marriage to Miss Clara E. Einsel, who was also born in Ohio. They are the parents of two children: Leora E., who is a graduate of the State University of Wisconsin and is now teaching in Walla Walla high school; and Florence Marie, also a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and the wife of William C. McNoun, of Lawrence, Kansas.

Mr. Klahr has supported the principles of the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and while living in Wisconsin was appointed as a member of the State Board of Medical Examiners. He is a Knight Templar Mason and has filled all the chairs in the blue lodge and chapter. The high principles which govern his life are further indicated in his membership in the Congregational church, in which he is a deacon and to which his wife also belongs. During the years that were devoted to the practice of his profession he met with gratifying success in that connection and since he has turned his attention to the management of his farm he has also demonstrated his ability along that line. He is a man of sterling worth and is held in high esteem by all who have come in contact with him.

E. G. HASTINGS.

E. G. Hastings, who makes his home on section 2, township 13 north, range 40 east, Garfield county, is an extensive wheat and stock raiser, operating with his sons eighteen hundred acres of land. He was born in Davis county, Iowa, November 18, 1850, and is a son of Jacob P. and Martha A. (Graham) Hastings. The father was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and the mother in Kentucky. They were pioneers of Iowa, removing there in 1847, and for fifteen years they continued residents of that state. In 1862 they again sought the frontier, crossing the plains with ox teams, Washington being their destination. After a hard trip of five months they reached old Walla Walla county and took up their residence on a claim near the present site of Walla Walla. Ten years later they removed to Garfield county and eventually settled in Milton, Oregon, where his mother died in 1899. The father continued to reside there for nine years thereafter and then went to Starbuck, Washington, where he passed away. Only five of their twelve children now survive.

E. G. Hastings received his education in Iowa and in Walla Walla county, Washington, and was reared under the parental roof. The training in farm work which he received under his father proved of great value to him when, at the age of twenty years, he came to Garfield county and took up a claim. He sold that farm in 1884 and came to his present place on the Snake river, which is now one of the good stock ranches of Garfield county. As the years have passed he has extended his farming operations and now, in partnership with his sons, engages in wheat and stock raising on eighteen hundred acres of land. The adoption of the most efficient methods and the use of the latest machinery make it possible for him to keep his extensive interests well in hand and he has gained a good annual income.

In 1872 Mr. Hastings was united in marriage to Miss Alice S. Morris, a native of Iowa, and they have become the parents of six children: Alfred G. and Alvin J., twins; William M.; Essie, the wife of J. G. Krels; John J.; and Ella M., the wife of Walter Long.

Mr. Hastings supports the republican party by his ballot, for two terms filled the office of county commissioner with entire satisfaction to his constituents, and has also been supervisor and a member of the school board. His religious belief is that of the Christian church, to which he belongs, and in its teachings are found the guiding principles of his life. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, belonging to Evening Star Lodge, No. 30, at Pomeroy. The success which he has gained is proof of his ability, for it has been won solely through his own efforts.

EDWIN HUGH VAN PATTEN, PH. M., M. D.

Dr. Edwin Hugh Van Patten, a distinguished member of the medical profession practicing at Dayton, was born March 8, 1855, near Springfield, Illinois, and traces his ancestry back to the year 1641, when Charles Frederick Van Patten was born. He came to New Amsterdam, now New York, in 1664 and from that ancestor the line comes down unbroken to Dr. Van Patten of this review. His parents were John Coop and Rachel (McCoy) Van Patten. The father was born in New Jersey, January 22, 1832, and acquired a public school education in Springfield, Illinois, accompanying his parents on their removal to that state during his early youth. He studied for the ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and remained one of its well known pastors until the union of the Cumberland Presbyterian with the Presbyterian church, when he returned to the church of his youth. For a number of years he was general agent for the Lincoln University at Lincoln, Illinois, and he became pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian church of Lincoln at the time when he accepted the agency, there remaining for five years. On leaving Illinois he removed to eastern Washington in 1880, settling in Dayton, where he had purchased land and where he engaged in preaching the gospel for many years. He was also prominent in the public life of the community and was chosen to represent his district in the state senate, which position he was filling at the time Governor Rodger was elected. He died in the latter part of August, 1912, when in the eighty-first year of his age.

Dr. Edwin Hugh Van Patten, reared in Lincoln, there acquired his early education as a public school student and afterward attended the Lincoln University, which conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in 1879 and that of Master of Philosophy in the spring of 1883, the latter coming to him from his alma mater as a well earned honor. In 1880, then a young man of twenty-five years, he accompanied his parents on their removal westward to Oregon and took up his abode upon a claim in Sherman county. It was his desire, however, to enter upon a professional career. He had previously engaged in teaching school in Illinois but regarded this merely as an initial step to other professional labor and in 1881 he returned to his native state to become a student in Rush Medical College in Chicago, from which he was graduated in February, 1883, with valedictorian honors as a member of a class of two hundred. He then returned to the northwest and located for practice in Dayton, where he has remained for thirty-four years, occupying one office through practically the entire period. Actuated at all times by a most progressive spirit, he has kept abreast with the latest thought, researches and discoveries of the science of medicine, has one of the best equipped offices in the northwest and one of the most complete medical libraries. In 1888 he went to New York, where he pursued an extended post-graduate course, specializing in the study of diseases of the eye and ear. It was Dr. Van Patten who performed the first successful laparotomy operation and the first successful hysterectomy operation in Columbia county. He has done much difficult surgical work which has given evidence of his remarkable skill and high achievements in this branch of the profession and he is regarded as the peer of the ablest physicians and surgeons on the Pacific coast. He is likewise a member of the Edwards-Hindle Company of Dayton and is a landowner of Columbia county, Washington, and of Sherman county, Oregon.

On the 25th of June, 1884, in Bismarck, Illinois, Dr. Van Patten was united in marriage to Miss Julia Satterwhite, of Louisville, Kentucky, who had been a schoolmate of the Doctor in Lincoln. She is a daughter of Parker Satterwhite and was graduated from the Lincoln schools in June, 1881, and taught school for some years prior to her marriage. She afterward became grand correspondent for the Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star, which position she occupied for a number of years or until her health caused her to resign.

Dr. Van Patten gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and in 1889 was a candidate on its ticket for the office of state senator and again in 1905. On both occasions he was defeated by a small majority in a strongly republican district, although he ran far ahead of the regular party vote. He served for six years as a member of the school board of Dayton and soon after his arrival in Columbia county was elected county coroner, which position he occupied for many years. In Masonic circles Dr. Van Patten occupies a very prominent position. He is a past grand master of the grand lodge of Masons, having served during 1904 and 1905. He was grand patron of the Order of the Eastern Star in 1892 and 1893 and is now right eminent grand commander of the Knights Templar. He is also the grand king of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons for the state and he is a member of the Oriental Consistory of Spokane, in Scottish Rite Masonry. He is likewise an elder of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, which indicates that his obligations for the religious development of the community are not neglected. In fact he is an active and helpful church worker and does everything in his power to extend the influence and promote the growth of the organization. He belongs to the Walla Walla Valley Medical Society and he went abroad for study in surgery in Europe. He has never ceased to be a close student of his profession and yet his reading has been by no means confined to medical and surgical lines but has reached out into the broad realms of thought. While in Europe he was several times requested to address the Travelers Club and the Camera Club, organizations of prominent people from all parts of the world. He is a gifted speaker and is frequently called upon to address various gatherings. Moreover, he is an unusually entertaining conversationalist, which makes him very popular in social circles. In a word, association with Dr. Van Patten means expansion and elevation.

GARLAND B. TAYLOR.

Garland B. Taylor, of Walla Walla, who is actively identified with farming in southeastern Washington, was born in Johnson county, Missouri, on the 30th of June, 1866, a son of Simon Taylor, who is mentioned in connection with the sketch of C. M. Taylor on another page of this work.

Garland B. Taylor was a lad of but twelve years when his parents removed of Walla Walla county, where he completed his education as a public school student. On attaining his majority he began farming in co-operation with his brothers, Walter and Mack, and about 1897 he withdrew from business connections with his brothers and began farming independently. He is today the owner of six hundred and three acres of rich and productive land and is one of the representative wheat farmers of Walla Walla county. His business affairs are carefully and systematically managed and his efforts have brought to him deserved success.

In 1895 Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Fuller, a daughter of John Fuller, who came to Walla Walla county from Arkansas in 1888 and here spent the remainder of his life. To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have been born three sons and a daughter, namely: Joseph G.; Ben F.; Garland E.; and Henrietta, who is deceased.

Mr. Taylor is a democrat in his political views and has served as deputy assessor of Columbia county for two years. He was afterward elected to the office of county clerk and served in that position for one term. He is well known as a valued member of Touchet Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., of Waitsburg, and he and his wife are faithful members of the Christian church. His genuine worth is widely acknowledged by all who have come in contact with him. His record proves that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously, for while he has prospered in his undertakings, he has always conducted his affairs in a way that has brought good results and yet the integrity of his methods has ever been above question.

HON. ARTHUR F. KEES.

Among the highly esteemed residents of Walla Walla is Arthur F. Kees, who is devoting his attention to farming and stock raising. He is a native of Walla Walla county and was born November 13, 1867. His parents, Samuel M. and Elizabeth (Coyle) Kees, were born respectively in Pennsylvania and Illinois, but became residents of Oregon in an early day in the history of that state. There they were married and continued to reside until the early '60s, when they came to Walla Walla county, Washington. The father engaged in the stock business here, which was the leading industry at that time, but subsequently turned his attention to farming when the range disappeared with the incoming of large numbers of settlers. He continued to cultivate land until his death in January, 1914. The mother's demise took place September 6, 1917. To them were born seven children, of whom only two survive, our subject and Mrs. Lillian Julian, also of Walla Walla.

Arthur F. Kees remained at home until he had attained his majority and in the meantime he had attended the common schools, the Whitman College and a business college at Portland, Oregon, and had gained familiarity with farm work. He decided to follow the occupation to which he had been reared and for a considerable period devoted his entire time and attention to farming. In 1898, however, he was elected sheriff of Walla Walla county and served in that capacity for four years and in 1903 was elected to the state legislature, and during his service as a member of that body proved ready in his discrimination between bills calculated to promote the general welfare and those inimical to the good of the commonwealth. He makes his home in the city of Walla Walla, but gives careful supervision to the operation of his farm of two hundred and sixty acres.

Mr. Kees was married in 1891 to Miss Susan M. Stetson, a native of Oregon and a daughter of Clinton and Mary (Dixon) Stetson, the former born in New York state and the latter in Illinois. In 1849 the father went to California and later removed successively to Oregon and to Walla Walla county. He was married in the northwest and took up a homestead in Umatilla county, near the state line. He at once set about bringing that place under cultivation and continued to operate it until his death in 1872. His widow still resides there. They were the parents of four children, all of whom are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Kees has been born a daughter, Arline, who is a graduate of Pullman College and is the wife of Harry Struthers, by whom she has a daughter, Dorothy Susan.

Mr. Kees is a stanch republican and has filled a number of local offices in addition to serving as sheriff and state representative. His official record is one of which he has just cause to be proud, for he has consistently sought to further the general welfare and has discharged his duties with signal ability. Fraternally he belongs to the Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Eagles, and his friends are many both within and without these organizations.

WILLIAM A. STRUTHERS.

William A. Struthers, one of the foremost farmers and largest wheat growers of Walla Walla county, makes his home in the city of Walla Walla and from that point superintends his extensive agricultural interests. He was born in Cannon City, Rice county, Minnesota, December 24, 1867, a son of James and Margaret (McDonald) Struthers, the former a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and the latter of Canada. They were married, however, in Wisconsin, the father having come to the United States when a young man. He was a blacksmith by trade and soon after his marriage he removed to Cannon City, Minnesota, where the active years of his life were spent at the forge.

William A. Struthers was educated in the public schools of his native city and when twenty years of age he left the Mississippi valley for the Pacific slope. He made his way to Walla Walla, where he engaged in farming. For several years following his arrival he worked for wages in the employ of his brother George and in 1897 he began farming on his own account. For ten years he cultivated rented land, operating fifteen hundred acres on the Eureka Flats. About 1907 he purchased the W. H. Babcock farm of twenty-two hundred and forty acres, on which he resided until June, 1917, when he became owner of the Dr. C. N. Suttner residence at the corner of Palouse and Birch streets in Walla Walla. This is one of the finest homes in the city and is now occupied by Mr. Struthers and his family. His farm, also, is one of the best equipped and most conveniently and comfortably arranged of any in Walla Walla county. The numerous buildings are large, airy and commodious. They are strictly modern in every particular and the residence is elegantly appointed with all the latest conveniences, as Mr. and Mrs. Struthers made many improvements thereon, intending it at that time for their permanent home. The grounds are beautifully laid out and planted with well kept shrubs, while the lawns are interspersed with rare flowerbeds. The business facilities of the place are looked after with equally painstaking care and there are even laid sidetracks from the railroad to the barns to facilitate loading and shipping. Mr. Struthers still personally superintends his extensive farming interests and has become one of the leading and representative agriculturists of this section of the state. He has kept in close touch with the most progressive methods of farming and wheat growing and the latest improved machinery is seen upon his land, used in connection with the plowing, planting and harvesting of the crops. Indeed, there is in evidence every convenience and accessory of a model farm property of the present day.

In 1893 Mr. Struthers was united in marriage to Miss Maggie McDonald, her father being P. J. McDonald, then of Walla Walla county but now a resident of Sprague, Washington. They became the parents of two children, of whom one survives, Hazel, who is now the wife of P. J. Tully, of Sprague, Washington. The wife and mother passed away in 1903 and in 1905 Mr. Struthers was again married, his second union being with Miss Lucy B. Labudde, a daughter of Gustav Labudde, of Eureka, Walla Walla county. By his second wife Mr. Struthers has four children, Selma, Helen, Bernice and Jack.

In politics Mr. Struthers is a democrat and for twenty years was a member of the school board of District No. 2. He does everything in his power to insure the success of his party and extend its influence but has never been a politician for the sake of office. He belongs to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E., and he and his wife are consistent members of the Congregational church. An analyzation of his career shows that he has always placed his dependence upon industry and perseverance rather than upon fortunate circumstances or the assistance of friends. In other words he has not been afraid of hard work and his close application and intelligently directed effort have been the means of winning for him a position among the prosperous citizens of southeastern Washington.

CHARLES C. MAIDEN.

Charles C. Maiden, a progressive and up-to-date farmer of Walla Walla county, residing on section 9, township 6 north, range 35 east, was born in Virginia, February 28, 1865. His parents, James F. and Mary A. (Dutton) Maiden, were both born in Virginia and there passed their entire lives. They were the parents of ten children, but only four survive.

Charles C. Maiden grew to manhood in his native state and is indebted for his education to its common schools. In 1886, after attaining his majority, he removed to Kansas and three years later again started west, this time with the Pacific coast country as his destination. For two years he worked as a farm hand in Walla Walla county and then for four years operated rented land. At the end of that time he had saved enough money to purchase sixteen acres of rich land, well adapted to gardening, and on that place he has since remained. He now owns, however, one hundred and thirty-five acres devoted to truck gardening and to the raising of alfalfa. He has erected commodious and substantial buildings upon this place and otherwise improved it, thus adding greatly to its value.

Mr. Maiden was married on December 31, 1890, to Miss Laura D. Reynolds, a native of Illinois. Her parents, Evan and Urana (Stiles) Reynolds, were born respectively in Kentucky and Ohio. They became residents of Walla Walla county in 1881, and both lived upon their farm in that county until called by death. Mrs. Maiden is one of five living children in a family of twelve. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children: Florence D., the wife of F. A. Cline, of Clyde, Washington; and Franklin R., who is at home.

Mr. Maiden is a stalwart democrat in politics and for eleven years has held the office of accessor and for more than twenty years was a member of the school board. The length of his public service is proof of his ability and trustworthiness. Fraternally he belongs to Enterprise Lodge, No. 12, I. O. O. F., and the principles which guide his life are further indicated in the fact that both he and his wife belong to the Baptist church. When he came to Walla Walla county he was without capital and without influential friends, but he was quick to recognize the opportunities here offered and through taking advantage of all chances for advancement that have presented themselves he is now in comfortable circumstances.

CHARLES E. SHAFFER.

Charles E. Shaffer, who is farming in Walla Walla county, Washington, was born in Pennsylvania, July 2, 1862, a son of Christopher and Mary M. (Eckard) Shaffer, both natives of Germany. In 1840 they came to America and later were here married. They were for many years residents of Pennsylvania and there both passed away.

Charles E. Shaffer, who is one of four living children of a family of six, was reared and educated in Pennsylvania but in 1880, when about eighteen years old, went to California, where he remained for a short time. He then removed to Walla Walla county, Washington, where for a number of years he was employed by the Oregon-Washington Railroad & Navigation Company. In 1884 he returned to California, where he farmed for a decade, but in 1896 he returned to Walla Walla county and bought the farm of six hundred and forty acres which he still owns. He engaged in the cultivation of the soil until 1908, when he went to Dayton, where he bought a half interest in the J. W. Stevens hardware business, with which he was connected until 1914. He then removed to Waitsburg, where he has since resided. Whether engaged in farming or in the hardware business he has manifested a ready recognition of opportunities for advancement and has managed his affairs in an able manner. He is one of the directors of the Farmers Union Warehouse Company.

In 1887 Mr. Shaffer was married to Miss Amanda Scott, who was born in Baker county, Oregon, a daughter of John B. and Amanda M. (Cantonwine) Scott, the former of whom was born in the east and the latter in Iowa. They were pioneers of Baker county, Oregon, and both met death at the hands of the Indians. They were a young couple living beside the old Emigrant road on Lower Burnt river. It was about half a century ago that they started with a load of peaches and vegetables for the little mining town of Rye Valley, about eight miles distant, expecting to do some trading and also visit friends whom they thought they would meet at a dance that night. The next day they started home, Mr. and Mrs. Scott occupying the wagon seat and their two-year-old boy and baby girl asleep in the bottom of the wagon. Suddenly the Indians sprang from ambush with yells and delivered their fire at close range. Mr. Scott plunged forward across the dashboard dead and dropped the reins between the horses, but his wife caught him and dragged him back into the wagon. The team, of course, started to run, but she climbed over the dashboard to the wagon tongue, secured the trailing lines and regained her place in the wagon, where she crouched low, followed by many bullets. She guided the frightened animals down the difficult road, forded Burnt river at the foot of the hill and proceeded to her home. She had saved her husband's body and herself and the lives of their children, but received two mortal wounds. To those present she told her story, made her verbal will, consigning her babies to the care of their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. George Cantonwine, of Walla Walla. She left in the hands of a neighbor the gold watch and chain which she took from her neck, with the request that they be given to her parents for her little daughter. If ever Oregon produced a heroine the girlish looking Mrs. Scott was she.

Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer have become the parents of five children, namely: Ernest M., of Spokane, Washington; Mary Ada, the wife of W. E. Volmer; Charles P., who is farming with his father; Audrey Grace, who is in high school; and Clarence, who is an eighth grade student.

Mr. Shaffer is a stanch republican and for two terms served as county commissioner. He has also been a member of the school board and many projects for the public welfare have benefited by his hearty co-operation. His fraternal connections are with Lodge No. 135, I. O. O. F., of Dayton, and with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His wife belongs to the Congregational church and is much interested in its various activities. They have made many friends in Waitsburg since removing here and are well and favorably known throughout the county.

DOUGLAS V. WOOD.

Douglas V. Wood is the senior partner of the firm of Wood & Lane, prominent and successful dealers in automobiles in Walla Walla. He was born in middle Tennessee, on the 5th of October, 1859, a son of William and Elizabeth Wood. The father served as a soldier of the Union army in the Civil war and died while at the front.

Douglas V. Wood was educated in the public schools and in Mount Vale Academy, now Mount Vale College, at Celina, Tennessee. He took up the profession of teaching and in 1885 he came west to Walla Walla county, after which he was employed as teacher in the Waitsburg schools for two years. On the expiration of that period he turned his attention to the real estate and insurance business and also engaged in grain buying, with which undertaking he was identified in Waitsburg for fifteen years. He later spent two years in traveling over the country and in 1908 he took up his abode in Walla Walla. After one year devoted to the real estate business he turned his attention to the automobile trade and in 1911 sold an interest to C. B. Lane, thus forming the firm of Wood & Lane. The firm has the agency for the White, the Cadillac, the Oldsmobile and the Maxwell cars, and thus handling moderate and high priced cars, they do one of the largest automobile businesses in Walla Walla. They also maintain a splendidly equipped garage and their repair department is meeting with excellent success, while their annual sales of motor cars have reached a large figure.

On the 25th of December, 1888, Mr. Wood was united in marriage to Miss Laura R. Lane, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Lane, who were among the pioneer families of the county. To Mr. and Mrs. Wood have been born three children: Merrill D., who is a practicing physician of Spokane; Robert V., at home; and one who has passed away.

In politics Mr. Wood is a stalwart democrat and has served as a member of the town council of Waitsburg and was also mayor there for a number of years. His record as a public official is one which has brought to him honor and respect by reason of his loyalty to duty and his faithfulness in the performance of every task that devolves upon him. Fraternally he is connected with Touchet Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., of Waitsburg, and with the Woodmen of the World. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and are interested in its growth and development. Aside from his automobile interests Mr. Wood became one of the organizers of the Peoples State Bank and has continuously been one of its directors. His activities and his interests are thus broad and varied and he has done much to further the material, intellectual, social and moral progress of the community in which he resides. His aid and influence are always on the side of improvement and advancement and his labors have been resultant forces.

MRS. MARTHA ELLEN KIBLINGER BECKER.

Mrs. Martha Ellen Becker is living on section 6, township 7 north, range 35 east, Walla Walla county, and is the owner of a valuable farm property of six hundred and forty acres. She was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, and crossed the plains in 1861 in company with her parents, Jacob P. and Amanda A. (Rutledge) Kiblinger, both of whom were natives of the Prairie state. At length they determined to try their fortune in the northwest and made the long journey over the hot stretches of sand and across the mountains to Oregon, taking up their abode near Salem. Mrs. Becker was therefore reared and educated in Oregon and experienced all of the hardships and privations incident to the settlement of the frontier. After reaching young womanhood she gave her hand in marriage to Edwin F. Coffin and in 1879 they removed to the Walla Walla valley, where three years later they took up as a homestead the farm upon the Little Walla Walla river where Mrs. Becker still resides. Mr. Coffin bent his energies to the development and improvement of that place and his labors wrought a marked transformation in its appearance, for he broke the sod, tilled the fields and in course of years gathered good harvests, having brought all of the land under cultivation. Mrs. Becker now owns here six hundred and forty acres, constituting a very valuable farm on which are found all of the modern improvements and the accessories and conveniences known to the model farm of the twentieth century. She has continued to reside here since she took up her abode upon the place with her first husband and upon this farm she has reared her family of three children, two daughters and a son. The eldest, Myrtle, is the wife of Arthur Beard. The second daughter, Lula May, has become the wife of Fred Elsworth, of Deer Park, Washington, and the son, Guy H., remains upon the old homestead. After the death of Mr. Coffin, his widow became the wife of Philip Becker and to them have been born three children: Philip A. I.; Dora May, who is the wife of James Beeson; and George A., who is at home with his mother. Mrs. Becker is a very capable business woman, alert and energetic, and has successfully managed and controlled her farming interests. Her long residence in the county has made her largely familiar with events which have shaped the history of this section of the state. She can relate many an interesting tale of the early days and of the pioneer experiences which came to the lot of all those who settled in this section of the state when it was yet a frontier region. She has gained many friends during the years of her residence here and is highly esteemed by all who know her.

PATRICK J. HUGHES.

Patrick J. Hughes, one of the most successful farmers of Walla Walla county, was born in Westmeath, Ireland, in 1872, a son of Andrew and Delia (Kenan) Hughes. The father is still living in Westmeath, but the mother passed away, there, about 1894.

Their son, Patrick J. Hughes, was educated in the public schools of his native country and on reaching young manhood came to the United States, crossing the Atlantic in 1891. He landed in New York city on the 7th or 8th of May in that year and spent one week in the metropolis. He afterward came to the west, arriving in Walla Walla, Washington, with a cash capital of fifteen dollars, which was his entire possession in the way of finances. He was met at the train by Chris Ennis, who had been a friend of his parents in Ireland and who took him to his home, making him welcome there, for a week, after which he put him to work on his ranch at the wage of a dollar per day. He continued to work for wages for nine years, during which time he saved in the neighborhood of two thousand dollars. With this capital he started upon an independent career as a farmer. His beginning was a modest one as he rented land from Mr. Ennis, thus cultivating fourteen hundred and eighty acres. This farm he has since operated under lease and about 1903 he bought his first land, becoming owner of what was known as the Hastings ranch of three hundred and eighty-five acres. To his original purchase he had added from time to time until he now has nine hundred and thirty acres in that place. In 1915 he bought the Osborn ranch of twelve hundred and forty-four acres, for which he paid eighty thousand dollars. In 1917 he bought eighteen hundred and eighty-nine acres, and it may be said to be a curious coincidence that this is the very farm on which he first worked at a dollar per day upon coming to this country. For this property Mr. Hughes paid the munificent figure of two hundred and eighty-three thousand, five hundred dollars, or a little more than one hundred and fifty dollars per acre. Such is the notable record of Mr. Hughes, who a little more than twenty years ago arrived in Walla Walla county a poor boy with fifteen dollars in his pocket. He has accomplished what few others have done in so short a space of time, making himself one of the wheat kings of the Inland Empire. Mr. Hughes also has three brothers in Walla Walla county and all of them are successful as ranchers.

In politics Mr. Hughes has always maintained an independent course, voting for men and measures rather than party. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church. He is one of Walla Walla's most esteemed and valued citizens. He belongs to that class of resourceful men, who when one avenue of opportunity seems closed carves out another path whereby he can reach the desired goal. In a word, obstacles and difficulties have never been allowed to brook his course, but have been overcome by persistent, earnest effort and steadily he has progressed, reaching a most enviable and creditable position among the prosperous residents of the Inland Empire. His record may well serve to inspire and encourage others, for it is a story of honesty and thrift, the story of successful accomplishment through individual effort.

HERBERT C. BRYSON.

Herbert C. Bryson has won a conspicuous and honorable position in the ranks of the legal fraternity at Walla Walla, Washington, and is also most prominently and successfully connected with the sheep raising industry of the northwest. He was born in Athena, Oregon, on the 10th of February, 1879, and the spirit of western enterprise finds expression in all that he does and says. He is a son of Charles K. and Armilda C. (Darland) Bryson, the former a native of Kentucky, while the latter was born in Iowa. They came with their respective parents to the northwest and were married in Oregon. The father was one of the pioneers of Umatilla county, where he arrived in the early '70s, and for many years he was actively engaged in farming there. He still survives and now makes his home with a daughter in Enterprise, Oregon. His wife, however, passed away in December, 1894.