Chapter C: A. Hales (3)

Gustav Vollmer attended the public schools of his native country in the acquirement of his education but when seventeen years old emigrated to the United States. The first two years in this country were spent in Illinois, where he was employed as a farm hand, but in 1873 he went to Nebraska, where he remained until 1879. In that year he determined to take advantage of the unusual opportunities afforded the young man in the Pacific northwest and removed to Oregon. In 1880 he took up a homestead in Umatilla county, Oregon, twenty-five miles southwest of Walla Walla and for twenty years maintained his residence thereon. For a considerable period, in order to market his wheat, it was necessary to haul it to steamboat landings on the Columbia river, which required three days. While he was gone on such trips his wife remained upon the farm with her small children, although the nearest neighbors were miles away. The isolation was one of the greatest hardships which the early settlers had to endure, but there were also other discouraging features as, for instance, the low prices, wheat selling one year for twenty-three cents a bushel. Mr. Vollmer recognized, however, that with the settlement of the country these untoward conditions would change and that the fertility of the soil guaranteed the future of the farmers, and he consistently invested his savings in land. He owns 480 acres of land in Umatilla county, eighty acres adjoining Waitsburg, where he makes his home. His holdings total 1,193 acres. All the land is rich and productive and, moreover, his farms are well improved, the excellent buildings thereon adding materially to the value of his property. He has given the greater part of his time and attention to wheat growing and is thoroughly familiar with that business. In fact his success has been in a measure due to the fact that he has concentrated his energies upon that line of endeavor. He is now one of the men of wealth in Walla Walla county and takes justifiable pride in the fact that he is a self-made man, his prosperity being due entirely to his own foresight, energy and good management.

On the 12th of June, 1881, Mr. Vollmer was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Schmitt, a daughter of John and Katherine (Martin) Schmitt. To this union have been born nine children: John H.; Clara Augusta, the wife of Harland Mills; Emma Caroline, the wife of William Harris; William, who is farming in this locality; Julia, the wife of William Stimmel; Zelma, Minnie and Charles, all at home and graduates of the high school; and Katherine, deceased.

The parents hold membership in the Evangelical Lutheran church and its work profits by their hearty support. In politics Mr. Vollmer is a stanch republican and he has served his district ably for two terms as a member of the state legislature. His interest in education has found expression in effective work as a member of the school board, and all projects for the advancement of the public welfare have received his endorsement. He finds great pleasure in contrasting the early days in this section, when the settlers were to a great extent cut off from the outside world, with the present day with its excellent means of communication with all parts of the country. As an illustration of the extent to which the pioneers were dependent upon their resources it may be mentioned that Mr. Vollmer made the furniture used in his home from timber which he had cut. For a number of years it was necessary to practice the strictest economy, but he has never regretted his pioneer experiences and finds pleasure in the knowledge that he has had a part in the development of this region.

JAMES CHRISTENSEN.

James Christensen, a well known farmer of Garfield county who owns five hundred and twenty acres of good land on section 2, township 12 north, range 41 east, has resided in various parts of the west and in Alaska and for some time engaged in mining but for several years past has devoted his attention to farming and stock raising exclusively. He was born in Denmark, February 25, 1866, a son of Christian and Gertrude Petersen, who passed their entire lives in that country. To them were born seven children, of whom six are living.

James Christensen attended the public schools of Denmark as a boy and youth, thus acquiring a good education, and in 1885, at the age of nineteen years, came to America. For one year he was employed as a farm hand in Nebraska and then was for several years a resident of California. Later he spent a year in Montana and in 1891 removed to Walla Walla county, Washington, where he worked on a farm until his removal to Alaska. A decade was devoted to gold mining there and during that time he made three trips to Europe. On leaving Alaska he went to Idaho, but remained there for only a short period, after which he again came to Walla Walla county, Washington. He decided to turn his attention to farm work and took up a homestead on Eureka flats which he cultivated for eight years. He then traded that place for a farm in the vicinity of Walla Walla but two years later exchanged that property for his present farm of five hundred and twenty acres on section 2, township 12 north, range 41 east, Garfield county. Much of his land is given over to the growing of wheat but he also engages in stock raising and derives a good profit from both branches of his business.

Mr. Christensen was married in 1905 to Miss Dora Renn, who was born in Minnesota. They are the parents of three children, namely: George F., Gertrude M. and Anna M.

Mr. Christensen is an adherent of the republican party and casts his ballot in support of its candidates. He has not taken a very active part in political affairs but is now serving as a school director, in which connection he constantly works for the advancement of the local schools. He is a self-made man, having attained prosperity solely through his own efforts, and his energy and determination have gained him the respect of all who know him.

JOHN C. WRIGHT.

John C. Wright, deceased, was an early settler of Walla Walla county, Washington, and engaged in farming here for many years. He was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, April 2, 1843, a son of Alexander and Jeannette Wright, both of whom passed away in the Empire state.

John C. Wright was reared at home and received his education in the public schools. As soon as he was old enough he went to work on the lake boats and was so employed until he enlisted for service in the Civil war as a member of Company L, Second Minnesota Cavalry. He was with the colors for three years and was then mustered out of the military service at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. In 1878 he and his wife came to the Pacific northwest, locating in Walla Walla county, Washington, where he took up a tree claim of one hundred and sixty acres. He subsequently purchased additional land and gave his entire time and attention to his farm work. He was successful, harvesting abundant crops, for which he found a ready sale, and as time passed his resources steadily increased. His widow still owns two hundred and eighty acres of excellent land with good improvements and derives a gratifying income from the rent of that property.

Mr. Wright married Mrs. Sallie Vangilder and to them were born three children: Emma Strand, a resident of Spokane, Washington; and two who died in infancy. In 1871 the wife and mother passed away and in 1872 Mr. Wright was again married, choosing as his wife Miss Carrie Griffin, a native of Vermont and a daughter of Daniel and Rhoda (Fullington) Griffin, natives respectively of New Hampshire and of Canada. In 1862 the family removed to Minnesota and there the father died, but the mother subsequently went to Kansas, where she spent her last days. To them were born eight children, of whom only two survive. Mr. and Mrs. Wright became the parents of eight children, of whom the first three died in infancy, the others being: Ada, who is married; Burt C., who is at home with his mother; Myrtle, the wife of Otis Denny; Carrie, who married Leigh Homer, of Montana; and Jack C., a railroad agent.

Mr. Wright was interested in public affairs and well informed on political issues but he never had the time nor inclination to hold office. His was a quiet, unostentatious life, marked by careful attention to his affairs, by the support of movements seeking the general good and by uncompromising honesty at all times. He passed away in 1898 and those who knew him well still cherish his memory.

CHARLES B. LAMBERT.

An eventful career is that of Charles B. Lambert, who, of Swedish birth, spent some time as a sailor on the high seas and also sojourned for a period in Alaska. He is now living a less spectacular but none the less useful life as an architect and contractor of Walla Walla and in professional circles has gained for himself a creditable position. Born in Sweden on the 6th of April, 1871, he is a son of August and Louise (Von Bose) Lambert, both of whom were natives of Sweden, where the mother passed away but the father is still living. In their family were five children, three of whom survive.

Charles B. Lambert was reared and educated in Sweden, where he attended the common schools until he reached the age of fourteen years. Desirous then of providing for his own support, he went to sea and spent three years as cabin boy and sailor. At the age of seventeen he returned to his native country and took up the study of architecture, to which he devoted two years, having thorough training in that regard. It was in the year 1890 that Mr. Lambert sailed for the new world, hoping to find better business opportunities on this side of the Atlantic. He landed in New York city, where he was employed for a time and later went to Chicago and to St. Paul, continuing in architectural work in these different cities. In 1897 he made his way to Alaska, where he remained for a year and a half, and in 1898 he arrived in Walla Walla, where he embarked in business on his own account. He has since become widely and prominently known as an architect and contractor and his skill and ability are manifest in many of the most substantial structures found in this city and through the surrounding district. The attractiveness of his plans has added much to the beauty of Walla Walla and in the erection of buildings he studies closely utility, comfort and convenience as well as the attractive exterior.

In 1901 Mr. Lambert was married to Miss Alma O. Jones, a native of Sweden, and they became the parents of two children: Ruth L., who is now a high school student; and Edith E. The family occupy an attractive residence which Mr. Lambert owns. He is prominent in Masonic circles, having taken all the degrees of the York and Scottish Rites up to and including the thirty-second degree in the consistory, and he is now eminent commander of the Knights Templar commandery. He also has membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His study of the questions and issues of the day has led him to give his political endorsement to the republican party. He is a man of high personal worth and marked professional ability and a most progressive citizen who exemplifies in his life the spirit of western enterprise, progress and successful accomplishment.

BAILEY H. GROSS.

Bailey H. Gross was for more than a third of a century a resident of Walla Walla county and became one of its extensive landowners and prosperous farmers. He was a native of Illinois and ere reaching man's estate became a resident of Iowa--in fact continued to make his home in Iowa through the greater part of his childhood. It was there that he wedded Miss Julia A. Rice, who was born in Indiana and also became a resident of Iowa in her girlhood days. They began their domestic life in that state, where they continued until 1862 and then started on the long journey across the plains with the Pacific coast as their destination, but on reaching Virginia City, Nevada, were so pleased with the conditions they found that they decided to locate there. For eight years the father was engaged in dairying in that place and in 1870 resumed his interrupted journey westward and for ten years was a resident of what is now Modoc county, California. On the expiration of that decade he made his way northward into Walla Walla, Washington, arriving in the year 1880, accompanied by his family. Here he turned his attention to farming, in which he prospered greatly, and as his financial resources increased he kept adding to his landed possessions until he was the owner of thirteen hundred and sixty acres of fine wheat land. He personally supervised the operation of his farm, which was largely devoted to the production of wheat and other cereals. His methods were most progressive and his labors brought him most gratifying success. He continued to supervise the operation of his farm until 1913 and then retired, taking up his abode in Walla Walla, where his remaining days were passed in the enjoyment of well earned rest, his death occurring March 12, 1915. He had for about three years survived his wife, who died in June, 1912. During the thirty-five years of his residence in the county he witnessed great changes as the work of progress and of transformation was carried steadily forward. His activity as an agriculturist constituted a substantial contribution to the development of the state and, moreover, his life work proved what can be accomplished through individual effort and ability. He started out in the business world empty-handed and by reason of personal worth and effort gained a place among the substantial citizens of the northwest.

HENRY SCHMITT.

Henry Schmitt engaged in farming for many years and won a competence which enables him to live retired in Waitsburg. He was born in Lee county, Iowa, December 17, 1859, a son of John and Katharina (Martin) Schmitt, both natives of Germany. In 1840 they emigrated to America and located in Iowa, whence they removed to Nebraska where the mother passed away. Subsequently the father returned to Iowa with his children but after living there for a year went to Umatilla county, Oregon, and became the owner of a good farm there. He is deceased and six of his ten children have also passed away.

Henry Schmitt passed his boyhood and youth mainly in Iowa, and after completing the course in the common schools became a student in the high school at Burlington, from which he was graduated. For some time thereafter he resided at home, assisting his father, but on attaining his majority began farming in Umatilla county, Oregon, the family in the meantime having removed west. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on which he resided for thirty-four years, during which time he brought the place to a high state of development and made many excellent improvements thereon. His practical methods and his industry were rewarded by large crops and he gave careful attention to the markets, and thus was able to dispose of his crops to good advantage. Since selling his farm he has taken up his abode in Waitsburg, where he owns a fine residence and three acres of land.

On the 7th of September, 1881, Mr. Schmitt was married to Miss Carrie Piepke, a native of Germany. Both hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and can always be counted upon to do their part in promoting its welfare. Mr. Schmitt is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Oregon and has exemplified in his life the beneficent principles upon which that organization is based.

EMMETT S. HENNESSEY.

Emmett S. Hennessey, senior member of the firm of Hennessey & Calloway, a leading undertaking firm of Walla Walla, was born in Saratoga, Illinois, December 27, 1881, his parents being Joseph Daniel and Kathrine (Harney) Hennessey, who are natives of Illinois and of Irish parentage. In 1908 they removed westward to Walla Walla, where they still reside. They were the parents of five children, all of whom are yet living.

Emmett S. Hennessey, the eldest of the family, pursued his education in the public schools of Henry, Illinois, until graduated from the high school on the 1st of June, 1900. He is also a graduate licensed embalmer. After completing his high school course he spent one term as a teacher in a rural school at Grafton, Nebraska, and for one year was teller and accountant in a bank in Michigan, North Dakota, but fearing for his health, he left the bank to enter the University of Minnesota as a medical student. Later, however, he changed his course to the study of anatomy, embalming and sanitary science. He took up the undertaking business in Walla Walla in connection with the oldest undertaking company of the state in 1903, becoming a member of the firm of Picard & Hennessey. That association was maintained until 1908, when he bought out the interests of his partner and conducted the business alone until recently, when he became associated with Mr. Calloway. His reliable methods, his enterprise and the excellent line of goods which he carries have secured to him a very liberal and gratifying patronage and he is now regarded as one of the leading undertakers of the Inland Empire.

On the 25th of May, 1909, Mr. Hennessey was united in marriage to Miss Mary Harter, a native of Walla Walla and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Harter, who are natives of Germany and came to America in 1868. In 1872 they established their home in Walla Walla, where, they still reside. To Mr. and Mrs. Hennessey have been born four children, namely: Charles, Patrick, Harry and Mary, all of whom are still under the parental roof.

Mr. and Mrs. Hennessey are members of the Catholic church, in which Mr. Hennessey is serving as a trustee. He also holds membership with the Knights of Columbus and is a past grand knight. He belongs to the Elks Lodge, No. 287, with which he has been identified for twelve years, and at the present writing, in 1917, is holding the office of loyal knight. He likewise belongs to the Commercial Club and cooperates in all of its well defined plans and movements for the upbuilding of the city. In politics he is a republican and in 1911 and 1912 filled the office of county coroner. He does not seek nor desire political preferment to any extent, however, as he wishes to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs. He is well known in this city and through the period of his residence here has gained an extensive circle of warm friends.

JAMES E. SHORT.

In the death of James E. Short, Walla Walla county lost one of its pioneer settlers and progressive farmers. He was born in Grant county, Wisconsin, April 8, 1847, and was a young lad of eleven years when his parents removed with their family to Iowa, where they continued to reside until he reached the age of nineteen. The family home was then established in Texas, where the parents later passed away.

James E. Short was reared and educated in Iowa, pursuing his studies in the public schools through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he worked in the fields. He was thus employed until he was twenty-three years of age. In the meantime the family had removed to Texas and in the Lone Star state he was married to Miss Martha E. Vickers, who was born in Texas. They began their domestic life there and after thirteen years removed to Oklahoma, where they resided for a number of years. On the expiration of that period they sold their property in the southwest and came to the Pacific coast country with Washington as their destination. In 1905 Mr. Short purchased land in the Walla Walla valley, becoming owner of six hundred and forty acres. This is wheat land, all under a high state of cultivation. He ranked with the leading and prosperous farmers of the county and followed the most progressive methods in all of his work. His place ever presented a neat and thrifty appearance, which indicated the careful supervision of a practical and progressive owner.

To Mr. and Mrs. Short were born nine children, namely: Adelaide T., who is a graduate nurse; James V.; Amie E., who is the wife of William F. Dolling; William E.; John W.; Oscar N.; Susan Eva; Elma M. C.; and Martha S.

The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, as did Mr. Short, and his influence was ever on the side of right, truth, reform and progress. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party and of its principles he was a stanch champion, but he never sought nor desired political office. He served, however, as a school director and was interested in all that pertained to the intellectual advancement of the community. He died May 7, 1917, and was laid to rest in Mountview cemetery in Walla Walla, leaving a widow and nine children to mourn his loss. His death was also the occasion of deep regret to many friends, for he had become widely and favorably known during the period of his residence in this section of the country. He had many substantial traits of character, was thoroughly reliable in business and was a public-spirited citizen. His widow and sons now operate the farm and the family occupies a prominent social position in this section of the state.

JAMES P. NEAL.

James P. Neal, deputy prosecuting attorney of Walla Walla county and a resident of the city of Walla Walla, was born in Westfield, Indiana, November 12, 1883, a son of the Rev. A. G. Neal, who is pastor of the First Methodist church of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and of Laura (Johns) Neal.

James P. Neal was accorded liberal educational opportunities. After graduating from the high school at Angola, Indiana, as a member of the class of 1901 he entered De Pauw University at Greencastle, that state, and pursued a classical course, winning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1906. After leaving De Pauw he went east for law study and matriculated as a law student in Harvard University, where he remained until 1908. Having been admitted to practice law in Madison county, Indiana, in 1907, he maintained an office for a time at Alexandria, that state. He was admitted to practice before the supreme court of Indiana in 1908, was admitted to practice in Oregon in the same year and in Washington in 1914. In 1908 he opened an office in Freewater, Oregon, and in 1913 he became connected with the firm of Brooks & Bartlett in Walla Walla, that association being maintained until 1915. Since February of the latter year he has been a partner in the firm of Stafford & Neal and in this connection enjoys a large and lucrative practice which is constantly growing in volume and importance. He has filled various positions of a professional character. In 1907 he was deputy prosecuting attorney of Madison county, Indiana, and from 1909 until 1913 was city attorney of Freewater, Oregon. In 1915 he was made city attorney of Walla Walla, which position he yet fills, and in 1917 he became deputy prosecuting attorney of Walla Walla county and is yet the incumbent in that office.

Mr. Neal was married in Walla Walla, November 6, 1912, to Miss Louise Root, a daughter of F. F. and Margaret Root. In politics Mr. Neal is a republican and an active worker in party ranks, his opinions carrying considerable weight among the leaders of the party. He was a member of the county central committee of Umatilla county, Oregon, from 1910 until 1912 and in 1916 was a member of the county central committee of Walla Walla county. His fraternal relations are with the Masons, the Elks, the Moose, the Woodmen of the World and the Knights and Ladies of Security. He is also identified with Beta Theta Pi, a college fraternity. Mr. and Mrs. Neal are people of genuine worth, occupying an enviable position in social circles, and their many substantial traits of character have won them the respect and high regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact.

JOHN D. TAGGARD.

John D. Taggard is prominently connected with the development of horticultural interests of the northwest. His efforts have demonstrated the possibilities for fruit culture in Walla Walla county and he is now conducting a successful business as an orchardist, having his place on section 12, township 8 north, range 37 east. He was born amid the Ozark mountains of Missouri, near the city of Springfield, June 28, 1863, a son of Aaron and Ruth M. (Holland) Taggard, the former a native of Missouri, while the latter was born in Tennessee. For many years they resided upon a farm in Webster county, Missouri, but in later life the father retired from agricultural pursuits and took up his abode in Conway, where for some years he engaged with a younger brother in a mercantile enterprise, being associated with that business for several years. He died in 1910 and is survived by his widow, who yet resides in Conway.

John D. Taggard was reared under the parental roof and the common schools afforded him his preliminary educational privileges. He afterward attended the seminary at Lebanon, Missouri, and also became a student in the Mountain Dale Seminary, thus being accorded liberal advantages which well qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties. He left home at the age of about eighteen years and came to Washington, where he arrived in September, 1881. He took up his abode in Dayton, Columbia county, where he engaged in teaching at the Alex Baldwin schoolhouse for one year. During the following year he took the advice of friends and for the sake of his health accepted a position on the sheep ranch of Gretman Brothers and lived in the open for two years. He was at that time afflicted with pulmonary trouble and his life in the open completely restored him to health. He then went to Whitman county, where he took up a homestead six miles north of the Snake river, and there he engaged in the cattle business, remaining upon that place for nine years, but his business venture did not prove profitable and he was entirely without means when he left that country. He then removed to Waitsburg, Walla Walla county, where he engaged in gardening and fruit growing. He was a pioneer in the commercial apple business of the Walla Walla valley. From his boyhood days he was a lover and a student of tree life and is today said to be the foremost orchardist of Walla Walla county. He has studied every phase of the question both from a practical and scientific standpoint and there is perhaps no man in this section of the state better informed concerning the possibilities of fruit raising in the northwest. In 1905 Mr. Taggard and his very close friend, Rev. B. Z. Riggs, rented a twenty acre orchard of W. R. Amon and in the following year they purchased that tract together with sixteen acres adjoining, which had formerly been planted to trees, but the trees had been pulled out. Mr. Taggard and Mr. Riggs immediately replanted the sixteen acre tract and in 1907, when Mr. Riggs' health failed, Mr. Taggard took over the interests of his partner and soon afterward admitted Albert Dickinson to a partnership, the latter purchasing a half-interest in the twenty acre orchard. After three years, however, Mr. Taggard became sole owner of the orchard and the business. In 1910, in connection with others, he planted another orchard of fifty acres. He had entire charge of the planting and the care of the orchard, which is now in bearing and is one of the finest to be found in the fruit district of this section. At the present time Mr. Taggard has in course of construction a community packing house one hundred and fifty by forty feet, which will cost in the neighborhood of five thousand dollars and will have a storage capacity of twenty-five carloads of fruit. He expects to pack between fifty and sixty thousand boxes of fruit this year, which means practically one hundred carloads. In this way the association will be independent of the middleman and will allow the owner to hold the fruit until the market is right. Mr. Taggard has thus closely studied everything that has a bearing upon orcharding in the northwest and displays sound judgment, combined with the most progressive methods, in everything that he undertakes.

On the 4th of December, 1887, Mr. Taggard was married to Miss Rilda Boothe, of Dayton, and they have an adopted daughter, Lillian. In politics Mr. Taggard is a stalwart republican. In 1910 he followed the lead of Roosevelt and became a supporter of the progressive party and was nominated on its ticket for representative, but was too busy to give the time to the campaign that would secure an election. His personal popularity, however, carried weight, so that he was defeated by only a small majority. Mr. Taggard is a member of Delta Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F. He and his wife hold memberships in the Christian church, guiding their lives by its teachings and conforming their conduct to its principles at all times. He has been an officer of the church for twenty years. While his efforts have brought personal success, his labors have been of even broader reach and importance, for his example has been followed by many others. He has demonstrated what could be accomplished and others have taken up the ideas which he has set forth. Today there is no feature of orcharding in the northwest with which he is not familiar and his opinions are largely accepted as authority by all fruit growers in this section.

EDMOND J. JOHNSON.

Edmond J. Johnson is a self-made man who has gained a substantial position in business circles of Walla Walla as a dealer in wood and coal. He deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, as he started out in life empty-handed and has placed his dependence upon the substantial qualities of industry and perseverance. He was born in England in February, 1861, and was there reared and educated. He had attained the age of twenty-four years when he determined to try his fortune in America, hoping that he might find better business opportunities on this side the Atlantic. He crossed the continent after reaching American shores, making his way to Walla Walla, Washington, where he worked at the butchering trade, which he had previously learned in his native land. He followed that business for seven years and then went to work for the city in the street department, occupying a position of that character for fourteen years. On the expiration of that period he turned his attention to the wood and coal trade, in which he has since been engaged, and through the intervening years he has built up a business of very gratifying and substantial proportions. He also has the contract for street cleaning in the city and is leading a most active life. Energy has ever been one of his most marked characteristics and indefatigable effort has brought him the success which is now his.

In 1890 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Leona Hastings, a native of Kansas, and they have become the parents of three children: Susie, who is now the wife of C. Brent, of Portland, Oregon; Hazel, who is the wife of Clem Burgman, living on a ranch in Walla Walla county; and William, who died at the age of three months.

The family occupy an attractive home in Walla Walla and Mr. Johnson has become the owner of some good residence properties in the city. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, which he has supported since becoming a naturalized American citizen. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has made many warm friends in that organization. His life record should inspire and encourage others, for he started out when a lad of eleven years and has since been dependent upon his own resources. He early recognized the fact that industry wins. He may never have heard of the Greek philosopher Epicharmus, who said: "Earn thy reward; the gods give naught to sloth," but he knew the principle that underlies those words and indefatigable industry has characterized him at every point in his career. Step by step he has advanced and is now not only a substantial business man of Walla Walla but one who enjoys and deserves the respect, goodwill and confidence of all with whom he is associated.

JOHN WARREN LANGDON.

John Warren Langdon, one of the best known business men of eastern Washington, prominently identified with the commercial and financial interests and with the community life of Walla Walla, was born in New Hampton, Iowa, December 18, 1871, a son of Warren W. Langdon, who was a native of Illinois. The father was an expert tinner by trade and was also connected with banking interests of the northwest for a number of years, becoming a very prominent factor in business affairs in Moscow, Idaho.

He was superintendent of the Walla Walla waterworks for five years and figured prominently in connection with public affairs in this city. His attitude in respect to his country's welfare was clearly manifest at the time of the Civil war, when he put aside all business and personal considerations and responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting as a member of Company A, Ninety-fifth Regiment of the Illinois Volunteer Infantry, on the 9th of August, 1862, at Marengo, Illinois. He served for three years and was mustered out at Camp Butler, Illinois August 17, 1865. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Hester M. Robinson, is also a native of Illinois.

Their son, John Warren Langdon, acquired his early education in the common schools of Moscow, Idaho, and afterward attended the Bishop Scott grammar school of Portland, Oregon, where he stood at the head of his classes, receiving the headmaster's prize for the highest standing during the school year; his marks at this school were the highest received by any student during the seventeen years of the school's existence to that time, and he also received two additional prizes for excellence in deportment and penmanship.

At the age of sixteen years he left school and was placed in the First National Bank of Moscow, Idaho, of which his father was vice president. Two years later he accepted a position with the Dorsey S. Baker estate of Walla Walla, one of the richest estates in the northwest. Ten years later, upon division of the estate, he became secretary of the firm of Baker & Baker, a strong loan company, doing business in the Walla Walla valley. Two years later, owing to increased personal business responsibilities, he resigned, and at that time incorporated the Green Investment Company of Walla Walla for the purpose of handling the business affairs of Mary F. Green, his mother-in-law. This corporation is heavily interested in both city and country real estate, and its holdings are scattered throughout the state of Washington.

There is no man more familiar with property values and conditions in this section of the country than Mr. Langdon. At the present time he is one of the joint owners and managers of the Baker-Langdon Orchard Company of Walla Walla, owners of a six hundred acre apple orchard adjoining the city of Walla Walla, which is recognized as one of the finest commercial orchard properties in the United States; is also vice president and manager of the Green Investment Company of Walla Walla; a director of the Baker-Boyer National Bank of Walla Walla, the oldest bank in the state of Washington; is vice president of the Blalock Fruit Company, owning the largest fruit and vegetable farm in the northwest; is a director of the Northwestern Fruit Exchange of Seattle and New York, one of the largest and most widely known fruit shippers in the northwest, and has still other interests which place him in the foremost rank of the business men of this section of the country.

On the 16th of September, 1897, Mr. Langdon was married to Miss Philinda Green, who was born in Walla Walla, a daughter of William O. and Mary F. (Young) Green, who were pioneers of the Walla Walla valley, having crossed the plains by team at a very early period in the settlement of the northwest. Mr. and Mrs. Langdon have become parents of two sons: Warren Orville and John Green, both now attending Walla Walla high school.

While most important business interests have claimed the attention of Mr. Langdon, he has also found time and opportunity to cooperate in plans and measures for the public good and has been a most generous supporter of interests which are looking toward the upbuilding and development of city and state.

The cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion and he is a member of the board of trustees of Whitman College and chairman of the board of directors of the Whitman Conservatory of Music. He is also a director and vice president of the Walla Walla Commercial Club and chairman of its agricultural and horticultural committee. Elected president of the park board of Walla Walla, Mr. Langdon set about to construct an ideal park for the city. The city council having set aside a beautiful tract of forty acres owned by the city, for park purposes, Mr. Langdon prepared, with his own hands, plans for the park, and working in conjunction with the Woman's Park Club of Walla Walla, assisted in developing an unusually attractive landscape, embracing play grounds, boating lake, tiny streams and waterfalls, now known as City Park. Recently he has prepared elaborate plans for the development of Dreamland Park on Ninth street. He is now and for many years past has been secretary of the board of trustees of St. Paul's School, which was the first school for girls in the territory of Washington, and today is recognized as one of the state's best educational institutions.

Holding membership in St. Paul's Episcopal church, he has served for years as one of its vestrymen and as its junior warden. He is one of the trustees of the newly organized Young Women's Christian Association, and as the first vice president of the Young Men's Christian Association in Walla Walla assisted materially in raising funds for the construction of an elegant building for this association in Walla Walla. Mr. Langdon is chairman of the membership committee of the Red Cross in Walla Walla; vice president of the Washington State Harvesters League; and a member of the state executive committee for food conservation appointed by Herbert Hoover, chairman of food conservation. Mr. Langdon is interested in art, and has done some exceedingly creditable photographic work among the northwest Indians and has reproduced in enlargements and panoramas historical scenes in the states of Oregon and Washington, many of which he has personally hand-colored. He thoroughly enjoys home life and takes great pleasure in the society of his family and friends.

He is always courteous, kindly and affable and those who know him personally entertain for him warm regard. A man of great natural ability, his success in business from the beginning of his residence in Walla Walla has been uniform and rapid.

As has been truly remarked, after all that may be done for a man in the way of giving him early opportunities for obtaining the requirements which are found in schools and in books, he must essentially formulate, determine and give shape to his own character, and this is what Mr. Langdon has done. He has persevered in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and gained a most satisfactory reward. He has endeavored to make his life exemplary in all respects and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity.

JOHN BACHTOLD.

John Bachtold is a well known and representative business man of Walla Walla who is now proprietor and manager of the Dacres Hotel, one of the leading hostelries of the city. He comes from a land that has produced many famous hotel proprietors. In every country on the face of the globe the Swiss have proven their capability in that field, many of the finest hotels of every land being conducted by those who were born within the shadow of the Alps. Mr. Bachtold was born in Switzerland in 1865 and spent the first fourteen years of his life in his native country. He then crossed the Atlantic to America and became a resident of South Dakota, where he engaged in farm work for nine years. On the expiration of that period he arrived in Washington, making his way to Grays Harbor, where he secured a position as clerk in a hotel, thus receiving his initial business training in the line to which he now directs his energies. The next year he became proprietor of a hotel in Oswego, Oregon.

In 1892 Mr. Bachtold removed to Walla Walla, where he established a restaurant. The following year, however, he turned his attention to other business interests, in which he was engaged for several years. At length he took over the management of the Dacres Hotel, which is an excellent hostelry, well equipped, while his keen interest in the successful management of the business leads him to put forth every effort for the comfort and welfare of his guests. He is likewise identified with several other business concerns of the city, all of which profit by his sound judgment and indefatigable energy. That Mr. Bachtold is deeply interested in the city's welfare has been manifest by his intense activity in maintaining the efficiency of the volunteer fire department, of which he was the president. He has also been very active in fraternal circles as a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Foresters, the Eagles and the Sons of Hermann. He is also connected with the Maennerchor, which indicates his love of music and a cultivated taste in that direction.

Mr. Bachtold was married in Grays Harbor in 1892 to Miss Annie Schuerch and to them have been born six children, Ida, Annie, George, John, Edward and Walter. Mr. Bachtold has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for in this land he has found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has made steady progress along the high road to success.

GEORGE J. GUTHRIDGE.

Walla Walla rightly takes pride in her efficient fire department, which is highly systematized and is conducted along the most modern methods, and as chief of the department George J. Guthridge has accomplished work that entitles him to rank among the best fire chiefs of the northwest. He is a native son of Walla Walla, born April 7, 1870, in the house which he now occupies though it has since been remodeled. His parents, Benjamin G. and Ellen J. (Goss) Guthridge, were born respectively in London, England, and Cork, Ireland, but came to the United States in young manhood and young womanhood. At that time the father had been dependent upon his own resources for a number of years, as he ran away from home when a boy and went to sea and in the next few years visited all the principal ports of the world. It was in 1862 that he decided to settle permanently in the United States and the vessel on which he was then sailing, on putting into Portland, Oregon, was wrecked on the Columbia river bar, he and the negro cook being the only persons rescued. At that time there was considerable excitement in the northwest over the newly discovered mines in Idaho and he went to that section, where he remained for a short period, after which he drifted to Walla Walla. There he engaged in the restaurant business for a time and then turned his attention to the conduct of a meat market. He was engaged in that business for a quarter of a century and derived therefrom a gratifying profit which enabled him to retire. Having disposed of his private interests, he was then offered and accepted the appointment as steward of the state penitentiary, being the first man to hold that position after the institution had been removed from Seattle. For seven years he filled that important and difficult position and then retired from all active work, spending his last years in well deserved leisure. His death occurred June 4, 1912. He had survived his wife for many years, as she passed away July 21, 1885.

George J. Guthridge was reared under the parental roof and attended the Catholic boys' schools of Walla Walla and also took a business course in a night school. As a youth and young man he assisted his father in the management of his butchering business and after the latter disposed of his meat market the son was variously employed until 1890, when he was appointed a member of the city fire department. He served in that capacity for two years and then was for a similar length of time deputy sheriff. Again he became connected with the fire department but following an accident in 1896, which occurred when answering a fire call and in which his leg and ankle were broken, he was for four years out of the department. In 1900, however, he returned to the service and in April, 1904, was appointed captain. In January, 1912, he was appointed assistant chief and on the 1st of February, 1917, was made chief. His long experience in the department has given him a thorough knowledge of the needs of the service and as captain, assistant chief and chief he has worked tirelessly and effectively to raise the work to an ever higher standard.

On the 1st of October, 1902, Mr. Guthridge was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Berg, who was born August 17, 1879, six miles east of Vancouver, Washington, but at the age of ten years removed with her parents to North Yamhill, Oregon, living there until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Guthridge have become parents of six children, five of whom survive: Eugene, thirteen years old; Francis; Albert; Leona; and Walter.

Mr. Guthridge is a republican in politics and fraternally is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Knights of Columbus. He and his family are members of the Catholic church and support the work of that organization. His entire life has been passed in the west and he is thoroughly imbued with the spirit of enterprise characteristic of this country and has great faith in the prosperous future before it.

D. C. EATON.

D. C. Eaton, a member of the present board of county commissioners, residing in Waitsburg, is ranked among the extensive wheat farmers of Walla Walla county, within the borders of which he has made his home for almost four decades and where he has acquired some quite valuable land. His birth occurred in Rock county, Wisconsin, on the 19th of September, 1854, his parents being Asael and Amanda (Pineo) Eaton, who were born, reared and married in Nova Scotia. Soon after their marriage they crossed the border into the United States, locating first in DeKalb county, Illinois, and a few years later in Wisconsin. Subsequently they took up their abode in Allamakee county, Iowa, and there spent the remainder of their lives.