Chapter D: C. Eaton acquired his education in the public schools of Iowa and in (2)
Thomas Maxwell, as he is called, was born at Piney, Monroe county, Tennessee, May 20, 1865, a son of Samuel G. and Martha E. (Allison) Maxwell. He is connected in the paternal line with the Greer family. His great-grandfather, Samuel Greer, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, serving as a private in Captain Asa Hill's company of the Second Battalion of the Cumberland County (Pa.) Militia. In the maternal line Mr. Maxwell is connected with the Allison family, his great-grandfather, John Allison, serving as a captain under Colonel Isaac of Sullivan county, Tennessee, in the battle of Kings Mountain in October, 1780, and otherwise actively sharing in all the experiences which went to make up the record of the Continental soldier in the Revolutionary war. His great-great-grandfather, John Allison, emigrating from Ireland, became a resident of Pennsylvania and was one of the Allison family from whom have descended the well known Allisons of Pennsylvania, also W. B. Allison of Iowa and Nancy (Allison) McKinley, the mother of President William McKinley. Samuel G. Maxwell, father of C. Thomas Maxwell, was born about a mile from Jonesboro, Tennessee, in 1820 and there passed away in 1867. He had attained the thirty-second degree in Masonry at the age of twenty-four years. His wife was born in Jonesboro, Tennessee, in 1826 and died in Walla Walla in 1901. Both were educated in Jonesboro and they had a family of ten children, of whom Thomas was the youngest. His eldest brother was killed in the Civil war before the birth of Thomas.
The latter acquired a district school education at Piney and Sweetwater, Tennessee, and was a youth of eighteen years when in April, 1883, he came to Washington, making his way to Dayton, where he entered into business with his brother, Joseph D. Maxwell, who was a photographer and had made photographs in Walla Walla in 1878. He had reached Washington territory in 1877 and continued in the photographic business until his death, which occurred in 1915. Thomas Maxwell and his brother Joseph were the first photographers in Spokane, opening a permanent studio there in 1884. They were later joined by two other brothers, Grayson Y. and W. W. Maxwell, and they conducted three studios for many years--one in Spokane, one in Dayton and one in Walla Walla. Thomas Maxwell took charge of the Walla Walla establishment and is still conducting business in this city. He has at all times kept in close touch the most advanced and progressive methods and employs the latest scientific processes in photographic production.
On the 3d of July, 1911, in Walla Walla, Washington, Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage to Miss May Bradlee, who was born at San Francisco, California, December 12, 1882. The birth of her father, Frank Kimball Bradlee, occurred in California in 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell have one son, Charles Thomas (called Thomas), who was born on the 16th of July, 1913.
In politics Mr. Maxwell sometimes votes the democratic ticket, sometimes the republican. In fact he is non-partisan, supporting the candidates whom he thinks best qualified for office. For many years he has been identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. His has been an active, useful and honorable life, winning him the high esteem of all with whom he has come in contact, and Walla Walla has long numbered him among its valued, respected and representative citizens.
ALEXANDER MILNE.
Alexander Milne, who owns valuable farm holdings in Umatilla county, Oregon, now resides in Walla Walla and is well and favorably known in the city. He was born in Scotland, August 1, 1856, a son of William and Janet (Reid) Milne, also natives of that country, where they passed their entire lives. Our subject, who is one of three living children in a family of eight, received his education in his native country and remained with his parents until he was seventeen years old. He then started out on his own account and came to America, believing that this country offered better opportunities to an ambitious young man than the older countries of Europe. He went at once to Umatilla county, Oregon, and for some time was employed as a common laborer, although later he was engaged in railroad work and in freighting. In 1882 he purchased a farm in Umatilla county, Oregon, and for almost three decades his time and attention were given to the operation of that place. He worked hard and, moreover, so planned his labors as to receive the maximum result and the business phase of farming also received his careful study and he accumulated a competence which in 1910 enabled him to retire from active life. He then rented his farm of three hundred and twenty acres and removed to Walla Walla. The value of his place is enhanced by the excellence of the improvements thereon and he derives a good income from its rental.
In 1887 Mr. Milne was united in marriage to Miss Mary Armour, a native of Canada, and they have one son, Edmund, who after graduating from Whitman College went to Harvard University, where he completed his course in 1915. He is now a member of the faculty of Bowdoin College of Brunswick, Maine.
Mr. Milne is a stanch republican but his interests in public affairs is that of a public-spirited citizen and not that of a would-be office holder. His wife belongs to the Presbyterian church and his support can always be counted upon for movements seeking higher moral standards. Although he came to the northwest a boy in his teens without money or any usual advantages of any kind he has through his own efforts gained financial independence and justly ranks as one of the substantial residents of Walla Walla.
J. C. MELGER.
J. C. Melger, who since 1914 has owned and operated the farm that he now occupies on section 14, township 8 north, range 37 east in Walla Walla county, has in the course of an active and well spent life won substantial reward from his labors. While he acquired the ownership of his present farm only three years ago he has long been a resident of Walla Walla county, where he arrived in 1888, while Washington was still a territory. He was born in Russia, January 31, 1868, a son of Christ and Mary (Layman) Melger, both of whom spent their entire lives in Russia.
J. C. Melger was reared to his eighteenth year in his native country and acquired his education in its public schools. The favorable reports which had reached him concerning America and its opportunities led him to the determination to try his fortune in the new world and in 1886 he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for the United States. He was penniless when he arrived in New York city, but a fellow traveler advanced him money with which to reach Chicago and from there he wired to some friends in Kansas to send him the funds to continue his journey westward. Accordingly he made his way to the Sunflower state, where he spent two years. But still the lure of the west was upon him, beckoning him farther on, and in 1888 he made his way to the Pacific coast country. It was in that year that he arrived in Walla Walla county, Washington, where he secured employment on a ranch. He thus worked for eleven years in order to gain a start, after which he began farming on his own account as a renter. He was thus engaged until 1914, when his industry and economy had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase his present place, comprising two hundred and eighteen acres, on which he now resides. He has since operated this farm and in connection with his home place he cultivates one hundred and sixty acres of rented land. He is industrious and energetic and is meeting with good success in his undertakings.
On July 20, 1915, Mr. Melger was united in marriage to Mrs. Clara Matthews and to them has been born a son, Clyde Joseph. By her former marriage Mrs. Melger had a daughter, Mary Thelma. Politically Mr. Melger is a republican, having supported the party since becoming a naturalized American citizen. His study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to a belief in the efficacy of republican principles as a factor in good government. He belongs to Welcome Lodge, No. 117, I. O. O. F., of Dixie, and to Mountain Gem Lodge, No. 136, K. P. He came to this country a poor boy unable to speak the English language, but he soon mastered the tongue of his adopted land and he is today one of the progressive and influential men of his section, actuated in all that he does by the spirit of western enterprise and allowing no obstacles or difficulties to bar his path if they can be overcome by persistent, earnest and honorable effort.
HARRY W. MARTIN.
Harry W. Martin is one of the wide-awake and enterprising business men of Walla Walla county. He is now secretary and treasurer of the Blalock Fruit & Produce Company of Walla Walla, becoming half owner in this business in April, 1917. He was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, June 4, 1875, a son of Levi F. and Julia (Girard) Martin, both of whom were natives of the state of New York, whence they removed westward to Wisconsin after their marriage. The mother died in Wisconsin and at a later period, following his retirement from active business, the father came to Walla Walla and spent the last five years of his life in the home of his son, Harry W., passing away in 1910. He was for many years one of the leading business men of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, where during the years of his active business life he devoted his attention to merchandising.
Well defined business plans and purposes have actuated Harry W. Martin at every point in his career since he made his initial step in the business world. He was educated in the public schools of Chippewa Falls and in the University of Wisconsin, thus being splendidly qualified for life's practical duties and responsibilities. On the completion of his university course he became associated with his father in merchandising and was identified with the business until 1898, when he responded to the call of the west and made his way to Walla Walla. His first business connection here was with the Pacific Coast Elevator Company, With which he was associated for four years. Subsequently he served as private secretary to the firm of Moore & Sons, the senior partner being Governor Miles C. Moore. That association was maintained for two years, at the end of which time Mr. Martin became teller of the Baker-Boyer National Bank, in which capacity he continued for six years. He then resigned on the organization of the Inland Transfer Company, which he formed as a partner of R. H. Johnson. That business was subsequently sold to good advantage and Mr. Martin continued with Mr. Johnson as office manager of the Electric Feed Mill. During his connection with Mr. Johnson he also conducted a fire insurance business on his own account and yet remains active in that line, writing a large amount of insurance each year. In 1917 he purchased a half interest in the Blalock Fruit & Produce Company, of which he became the secretary and treasurer, and he is now bending his efforts to the executive management and direction of this business, which, carefully conducted, is meeting with very substantial success.
In 1904 Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Ada Goodhue, her father being James P. Goodhue, one of the pioneers of Walla Walla. Mr. and Mrs. Martin now have two daughters, Marion and George.
Mr. Martin gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, while fraternally he is identified with the following organizations: Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a past master; Walla Walla Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M.; Washington Commandery, No. 1, K. T.; Oriental Consistory, No. 2, A. & A. S. R.; El Katif Temple A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane; and Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E. Loyalty to any cause which he espouses has ever been one of the marked characteristics of Mr. Martin. Those who know him recognize his sterling worth, place dependence upon his substantial qualities and feel that his word is as good as his bond, for that fact has been demonstrated throughout his entire connection with the business interests of the west. The limitless opportunities of the Pacific coast country make constant call to the men of business ability and learning of the east and Mr. Martin has found here ample opportunity for the exercise of his industry and enterprise--his dominant qualities.
FRANK ZÜGER.
No student of history can carry his investigations far into the records of Walla Walla county without learning of the close and prominent connection which the Züger family has had with the agricultural development of this section of the state. Their labors have been of the greatest benefit in converting the wild land into productive fields, making the Walla Walla valley one of the great wheat producing regions of the northwest. Frank Züger is now extensively engaged in farming on section 2, township 9 north, range 37 east. It was in this township of Walla Walla county that he was born August 4, 1888, his parents being Marcus and Martha (Jacober) Züger, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. He pursued a district school education, supplemented by study in the city schools of Walla Walla and by a course in the Empire Business College, thus becoming well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. In 1908, at the age of twenty years, he began farming on his own account, operating a portion of his father's extensive land holdings, and at the present time he is cultivating between sixteen and seventeen hundred acres of wheat land, thus being one of the big operators in this section of the state. His great broad fields, a waving sea of grain, are a delight to the eye, indicating the ready response which nature makes when intelligent care and cultivation are applied to the fields.
On the 15th of September, 1908, Mr. Züger was united in marriage to Miss Lulu Edith Corkrum, a daughter of Jasper Corkrum, who was one of the early pioneers of Walla Walla county but is now residing in Alberta, Canada. To this union have been born four children, Martha Magdalene, Wanda Belle, Walter Elroy and Frances Elizabeth.
In his political views Mr. Züger is an earnest republican. Fraternally he is connected with Delta Lodge, No. 70, K. P., and with El Kinda Temple, D. O. K. K., of Walla Walla. He is also a member of Waitsburg Lodge, F. & A. M. His business attainments place him with the foremost representatives of agricultural life in this section of the state. He is alert, energetic and resourceful in business affairs, while at the same time his influence and aid are given on the side of progress and improvement. His entire life has been actuated by a spirit of advancement and he stands for a high type of American manhood and citizenship.
P. S. ALDRICH.
The time and attention of P. S. Aldrich, a resident of Walla Walla, are given to the supervision of his farming interests. He is a native of Walla Walla county, born January 6, 1877, and is a son of Milton and Sarah Ann (Stanfield) Aldrich. The father was born in New York state, and the mother in Iowa. In their youth they became convinced that there were better opportunities for advancement in the far west. They made the long journey across the plains with ox teams and located in Walla Walla county, Washington, where, after their marriage, they engaged in farming. The father passed away here in 1910, but the mother survives at the age of seventy-two years. They became the parents of three children: Dora, now the wife of F. M. Walker; Fred; and P. S., of this review.
The last named has passed his entire life in Walla Walla county and is indebted for his education to its public schools. Under his father's able direction he early became familiar with farm work and aided in the operation of the homestead until he became of age. He then began his independent career and since starting out for himself his resources have steadily increased. He now owns eight hundred acres of good land in Walla Walla county and is engaged in both wheat and stock raising, finding such a course more profitable than specializing in either industry. He owns an attractive and commodious residence in Walla Walla and is financially independent.
Mr. Aldrich was married in 1908 to Miss Mary Abbey, who was born in Clay county, Iowa, and they have become the parents of three children, Percy M., Robert W. and Hazel E. Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and do everything in their power to further its work. Mr. Aldrich supports the republican party but has never held office with the exception of serving on the school board. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Dixie and is also identified with the Elks. The same qualities which have made him popular in those organizations have gained him the goodwill of all who have come in contact with him. Eastern Washington offers the best of opportunities to her citizens but in order to gain success a man must be ready to take advantage of these opportunities and must display the characteristics of industry, determination and good judgment, all of which are strongly marked characteristics of P. S. Aldrich.
A. G. WEARY.
A. G. Weary is well known in agricultural and financial circles in Walla Walla county. He is engaged in farming on section 12, township 6 north, range 33 east, and he is a member of the board of directors of the Touchet State Bank. England numbers him among her native sons, for he was born in that country in the county of Cornwall, August 2, 1861, his parents being Edwin and Eliza (Oliver) Weary. The mother died in England in 1877, the father having come to the United States about 1870. For several years he worked in the mines of Pennsylvania and of Nevada. About 1878 he arrived in Walla Walla county, Washington, where he turned his attention to farming and, adding to his possessions from time to time as his financial resources permitted, he acquired twelve hundred and forty acres of land in the vicinity of Touchet and a tract of one hundred and sixty acres about six miles west of the town. He was also heavily interested in both the cattle and sheep industries, owning five thousand head of sheep at the time of his death. In a word he was a most progressive, enterprising and prosperous business man, owing his success entirely to well directed energy and thrift. He died July 21, 1896, while his wife had passed away in 1877.
A. G. Weary came to the United States in 1878, when a youth of seventeen years. He had acquired his education in the public schools of England, supplemented by an academic course, and after reaching the new world he worked on his father's ranch and was associated with his father in the live stock business up to the time of the latter's death. He is now the owner of nine hundred and twenty acres of rich and valuable land and is still extensively engaged in raising cattle and sheep in connection with the operation of his fields. In fact he stands as one of the foremost farmers and stock raisers in eastern Washington, and in addition to tilling his own soil he also operates six hundred and forty acres belonging to his father's estate which was willed to the children of Mr. Weary. He has been one of the dominant factors in the organization of the Touchet State Bank and was made a member of its board of directors, in which position he still continues.
On November 2, 1901, Mr. Weary was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Hesser, a native of Germany, who emigrated to the United States in young womanhood. They have two children, Edwin F. and Hilda M., both at home.
In politics Mr. Weary is a republican and he belongs to the Community church of Touchet, while his wife is identified with the Lutheran church. Their aid and influence are always given on the side of progress and improvement, of righteousness, truth and reform. Mr. Weary is a man of marked force, ability and resourcefulness. His plans are well defined and promptly executed. He recognizes and utilizes opportunities that others pass heedlessly by, and fortunate in possessing character and ability that inspire confidence in others, the simple weight of these qualities has carried him into important relations. He is today one of the foremost business men of Walla Walla county and his course has won him honor and the respect of all with whom he has been associated.
A. B. ROTHROCK.
Among the highly esteemed residents of Walla Walla is A. B. Rothrock, who is now renting his large farm and is living retired after many years devoted to agricultural pursuits. He was born in Marion county, Oregon, June 5, 1870, a son of A. B. and Lucretia C. (Cox) Rothrock, natives respectively of North Carolina and Kentucky. The father's birth occurred in 1816 and in 1839 he removed to Illinois, which at that time was still largely unsettled. In 1863 he once more moved westward, going to Iowa, and two years later he was again numbered with the pioneers, crossing the plains in that year to Oregon. He engaged in farming for some time in Marion county, that state, but in 1868 removed to Umatilla county, where he developed a large herd of cattle, becoming one of the leading cattlemen of that section. When the country became so thickly settled that the free ranges disappeared he turned his attention to wheat growing and in that connection, too, won prominence and prosperity. He was a man of such energy and such unusual soundness of judgment that he gained a position of leadership in whatever he undertook. In his later years he removed to Weston in order to give his children better school advantages and there his death occurred in 1881. His widow survived for many years, dying in 1912.
A. B. Rothrock was reared at home and after attending the district schools continued his education in the Oregon State Normal School at Weston. He received practical training of great value under his father, as from boyhood he assisted the latter in his extensive farming operations. After reaching mature years he continued to work with his father until he was about twenty-five years old, when he began farming independently, renting the home farm of four hundred acres. In 1902 he purchased three hundred and sixty-nine acres of land in Umatilla county, which he farmed in connection with the home place, the successful management of the seven hundred and sixty-nine acres of land requiring his undivided time and attention. He continued to reside upon the home farm until 1909, when he removed with his family to Walla Walla in order to the better educate his children. He continued, however, to give personal supervision to the cultivation of his farm in Umatilla county, Oregon. In 1915 he purchased the homestead and now owns about eight hundred acres of land, which he is renting, as he feels that he has earned a period of leisure. The success which he gained as a farmer was due to the same qualities of foresight, energy and close application to his work that characterize the prosperous business man and he has always felt that agriculture should be recognized as having the same status as other industries.
On the 25th of August, 1897, Mr. Rothrock was married to Miss May Steen, a daughter of Milton Steen, one of the pioneer farmers of Umatilla county. To this union have been born four children: Velma S., who was graduated from the Walla Walla high school with the class of 1917; Forrest B. and Arthur, who are attending the Sharpstein school; and James S.
Mr. Rothrock gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but has never cared to take an active part in public affairs. However, his influence has been felt as a force making for civic advancement and he has always discharged to the full all obligations resting upon him as a citizen. He belongs to Weston Lodge, No. 58, I. O. O. F., of Weston, Oregon, and the teachings of the craft have guided him in the various relations of life. His salient qualities are such that to know him intimately is to respect him for his sterling worth, and his friends hold him in the warmest regard.
DELOS H. COFFIN.
An enterprising and active business man was Delos H. Coffin, who for many years was identified with farming interests in Walla Walla county and who passed away in 1909. His life record had spanned the intervening years from 1854, and his diligence and determination had won him a substantial measure of success, numbering him among the self-made men of this section of the country. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, August 1, 1854, a son of George D. Coffin, who in 1855 crossed the plains with his family and cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Oregon. He took up his abode upon a farm and there Delos H. Coffin was reared, sharing with the others of the household in all of the hardships and privations which constitute features of pioneer life in the northwest. He also assisted in the arduous task of developing a new farm and early learned the value of industry and persistency of purpose as factors in the pursuits of life.
In 1881 Mr. Coffin was united in marriage to Miss Stella Sickler, a native of Minnesota and a daughter of James and Mary (Cook) Sickler, who were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they removed westward to Minnesota in the early '50s. In 1859 they crossed the plains with ox teams and covered wagons to Washington, experiencing all the hardships of such a trip, and eventually they reached the Walla Walla valley, where they took up their abode upon a farm which the father purchased, his land including the present site of College Place. The original home of the family was a little log cabin and they lived in true frontier style until their labors enabled them to secure many of the comforts and conveniences known to the older civilization of the east. The mother died upon the old homestead and the father afterward sold that property and removed to a farm which he purchased on Mill Creek. In their family were twelve children, of whom five are now living.
After the marriage of Mr. Coffin he began farming on his own account, purchasing a tract of school land upon which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made. He at once began to develop the property and in the course of years added fine buildings to the place. He later purchased more land and Mrs. Coffin is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres left to her by her husband. Since his death she has acquired another tract of two hundred acres and also bought a farm of one hundred and eighty-four and a third acres near Dixie. She likewise has four acres where she now lives, on which she has erected an attractive home. Her land is all wheat land, very rich and productive, and her fields annually bring to her gratifying harvests. Mrs. Coffin manages all of the estate and displays excellent business ability and resourcefulness in controlling her interests.
Mr. Coffin departed this life in 1909. He was a consistent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was laid to rest in the Odd Fellows cemetery. He also belonged to the Fraternal Order of Eagles and took an active part in its work. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he served as county commissioner. His was a well spent life, his career being one of activity and usefulness, and all who knew him entertained for him warm regard by reason of his many sterling traits of character. Like her husband, Mrs. Coffin is widely and favorably known in Walla Walla county and has a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of her acquaintance.
SAMUEL B. SWEENEY.
Samuel B. Sweeney, who is a well known landowner residing in Walla Walla, is a native of the northwest, his birth having occurred in Oregon, May 24, 1858. His parents, Rev. Alexander W. and Angeline (Allen) Sweeney, were born respectively in Missouri and Tennessee. In 1847 the mother accompanied her parents to Oregon, the journey being made by ox team. On arriving there Mr. Allen took up a donation claim and there the family home was established. Rev. Sweeney became a resident of Oregon in 1850 and later was married in that state. Subsequently he spent some time in California but in 1872 he removed with his family to Waitsburg, Washington, whence two years later he came to Walla Walla, where he passed away. His widow, however, survives at the advanced age of eighty-one years. They were the parents of three children, of whom two survive.
Samuel B. Sweeney attended school in both California and Oregon and in early manhood was a teacher in the old Whitman College. At length he decided to abandon that profession and turned his attention to farming, renting land until he had saved enough money to purchase a farm. He owns four hundred and eighty acres in Walla Walla county and also several smaller tracts of land and he derives from his holdings a gratifying annual income. His business affairs have been managed capably and he is now in excellent financial circumstances.
In 1893 Mr. Sweeney was married to Miss Adna Fudge, a native of Walla Walla county and a daughter of Adam and Mary (Perkins) Fudge. At an early day in the history of Oregon the Fudge family removed to that state, whence they eventually came to Walla Walla county, Washington. The father is now deceased but the mother still survives. To Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney have been born two children, Philip B. and Eleanor D., both of whom are attending the Oregon Agricultural College at Corvallis.
Mr. Sweeney was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church, and his wife is a Christian Scientist. He is a stanch republican and has taken the interest of a good citizen in public affairs but has not held office with the exception of serving as a member of the school board. He belongs to the Masonic blue lodge of Walla Walla and in his daily life has exemplified the teachings of that order. Beginning his career empty-handed, he has reached the goal of success through quick recognition of opportunity, hard work and the careful management of his affairs.
JOHN A. DANIELSON.
John A. Danielson, residing in Waitsburg, is prominently connected with farming and live stock interests in Walla Walla county. He was born in Sweden, January 7, 1862, his parents being Andrew and Anna (Anderson) Danielson, who came to the United States in 1865 and first took up their abode near Grand Rapids, Michigan. They settled on a farm there and continued to reside thereon until called to their final rest. John A. Danielson was but three years of age on the emigration of the family to the new world. He was reared and educated in the district schools and in the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, Michigan.
For one term Mr. Danielson taught school in that state and in 1884 he came to Washington, settling on Whiskey creek in Walla Walla county, where he filed on a homestead and preempted another quarter section. He afterward purchased additional land, adding to his holdings from time to time until his possessions now aggregate three thousand acres. For the past eleven years he has made his home in Waitsburg in order that his children might enjoy the advantages of the public school system of this city. He is quite extensively engaged in cattle raising as well as in general farming, running two hundred head of Hereford cattle on his ranch. He is a most progressive agriculturist and stock raiser whose interests are wisely directed and carefully managed. He cultivates his farm according to the most progressive methods and as a stock raiser pays close attention to all the scientific principles which have now become a feature of the live stock business on all up-to-date farms. He is likewise a stockholder and a member of the board of directors of the Farmers Union Warehouse Company.
On November 8, 1891, Mr. Danielson was married to Miss Louisa J. Holderman, of Columbia county, Washington. Her father, Gilderoy Holderman, came to this state from Missouri in 1879, settling in what is now Columbia county. His family joined him here in 1881. He was a Civil war veteran and his early death, which occurred October 28, 1883, was the direct result of wounds and exposure which he suffered while defending the Union cause on the battlefields of the south. To Mr. and Mrs. Danielson have been born twelve children, namely: Anna L., Jessie M., Frank, Naomi, Dewey, Cecil, Ralph, Lola, Roy, Inez, John A., Jr., and one who died in infancy. The others are still under the parental roof.
Mr. Danielson is a stalwart republican and for several years he served as a member of the school board while living on his farm and is now a member of the board of education in Waitsburg. He has never sought political office, however, but is always to be found ready and willing to give his aid and assistance to any plans and measures which tend to uphold civic standards or advance the best interests of his community. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and they are held in the highest esteem by reason of their sterling worth, their integrity and their fidelity to all measures of individual and community uplift. Mr. Danielson certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished in a business way. He started out in life empty-handed but possessed the substantial qualities of industry and determination, and upon those qualities as a foundation he has builded his prosperity. Moreover, the course he has pursued is indicative of the fact that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously.
GEORGE L. BAILEY.
Among those men who have found success in following agricultural pursuits and are now able to live retired is George L. Bailey, of Walla Walla, who was born near The Dalles, Oregon, on the 10th of April, 1874, a son of Lyman J. and Mary (Graham) Bailey. The father was a native of New Hampshire and the mother of Missouri and they were married in Salilo, Oregon. The father's parents died when he was but a boy and at the age of nineteen, in the year 1849, he crossed the isthmus and made his way to the California gold fields. However, he did not work in the mines but drifted north into Oregon and settled at Salilo, where he learned the trade of a ship carpenter. For several years he was employed by the Oregon & Washington Railroad & Navigation Company in boat building and during those years he was associated with Lew Thompson in the cattle business, Mr. Bailey working at his trade while Mr. Thompson took care of their cattle interests. In the hard winter of 1871-2 they lost most of their cattle and Mr. Bailey and Mr. Thompson then dissolved partnership and the former gave up his position in the shipyard and went to Klickitat county, where he took up a homestead. He was the first settler and built the first house near Bickleton on Alder creek, hauling the lumber for floors some sixty miles. There he engaged in the live stock business and farming, being identified with those interests up to the time of his death.
George L. Bailey, whose name introduces this review, pursued a public school education, which was supplemented by four years' study in Whitman Academy. Following the completion of his course there he went east to Boston, Massachusetts, where he attended Burdett's Business College. On finishing his studies on the Atlantic coast he returned to Walla Walla and soon afterward was united in marriage, in July, 1898, to Miss Etta Aldrich, a daughter of Newton Aldrich, one of the earliest of Walla Walla county's pioneers, having come into this section of the state from California with a bunch of cattle in 1858. He was so favorably impressed with the country and its prospects that he decided to remain and make his home. Accordingly he took up a preemption claim two and a half miles southwest of Dixie and thereon resided to the time of his death, which occurred in 1888. He was very successful and acquired large land holdings.
Mr. Bailey engaged in farming in Walla Walla county, his wife owning two hundred acres of land which she received from her father's estate, and Mr. Bailey's career as a farmer was begun upon that tract. As he has prospered in his undertakings he has purchased much other land and is now the owner of twelve hundred and eighty acres, nearly all of which is valuable wheat land. He continued to cultivate his fields until 1917 but has now rented his farm for the coming year and is giving his attention to other business interests. In wheat production he has been very successful. He has cultivated his land and cared for his crops according to the most modern methods and has annually gathered large harvests, the sale of which has added materially to his income and financial resources.
Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have become the parents of the following children, Mildred E., Dorothy A., Helen A., Gladys I., Lyman N. and Donald L. All of the children are still at home and Mildred E. and Dorothy A. are attending high school.
Mr. Bailey gives his political allegiance to the republican party and in religious faith he and his wife are Congregationalists. Both are widely known for their genuine worth. They have displayed many sterling traits of character which have gained for them warm regard and as a business man Mr. Bailey has long occupied a creditable position in this section of the state. Notwithstanding the obstacles and difficulties in his path he has advanced steadily step by step and his orderly progression has brought him to a place among the most successful agriculturists of Walla Walla county.
PHILIP YENNEY.
Philip Yenney, deceased, was for many years a well known and prominent agriculturist of western Washington. He became identified with the state in pioneer times and lived to witness the remarkable changes that were wrought as the work of development and improvement was carried forward, and with the passing years he bore his full share in the work of general progress and improvement.
Mr. Yenney was a native of Germany and came to the United States when a youth of sixteen or seventeen years and for some time worked on the Potomac river in connection with its traffic interests, while subsequently he was employed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. Later he secured a situation on a plantation in Virginia and on leaving the Old Dominion went to Iowa, where he met the lady whom he afterward made his wife, her parents having removed from Pennsylvania to Indiana and subsequently to Iowa, where they were residing at that time. In 1860 Mr. Yenney came to the northwest, which was then far removed from civilization, being cut off by the long stretches of hot sand and the high mountains that often seemed an insurmountable barrier to the traveler who would have desired to become a resident of the Pacific coast country. Undeterred by hardships and difficulties which he must meet, Mr. Yenney made his way to Washington and for some years was engaged in freighting between Walla Walla and the Idaho mines. The district into which he came bore little resemblance to the highly developed section that one sees here today. After freighting for a time he became connected with Mr. Still in the conduct of a trading post on Hangman's creek, near the present site of Spokane, a place which was then known as the California ranch. Subsequently he engaged in farming, with which he was prominently identified up to the time of his death, and as his financial resources increased he kept adding to his holdings by additional purchase until he had acquired some sixteen hundred acres of wheat land and one thousand acres of grazing land. He thus won a position among the foremost agriculturists of this state and his life record illustrates what it is possible to accomplish in the west when the individual possesses industry, determination and laudable ambition.
In early manhood Philip Yenney was united in marriage to Miss Rachael Winnett, a native of Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of the following children. John Fred, born in Iowa, June 5, 1858, came with his parents to Washington in 1860 and was educated in Walla Walla. During his active business life he followed farming in Columbia county, but died at San Diego, California, where he had gone with the hope of benefiting his health. He was three times married and left a family of seven children. His third wife now makes her home in East Walla Walla. Sarah M., the second of the family, married James McKee, of Walla Walla, and they made their home at Pomeroy. She died, leaving a husband and six children. Robert C. was born, reared and educated in Walla Walla. He was graduated in 1889 from Whitman College. Subsequently he entered the University of Pennsylvania, where he pursued a medical course and was graduated with the degree of M. D. After spending one year in hospital work he located in Portland, where he has since engaged in practice. He is now at the head of a hospital unit ready for service when the government calls. William H. and Lewis O. are represented on another page of this volume. Margaret, the youngest child, married Ernest E. Brown, of Spokane, where she now resides. Two children, Thomas J. and Anna R., died while young.
Mr. Yenney was a consistent member of the Lutheran church and died in that faith on the 28th of June, 1905. His life was at all times honorable and upright and commended him to the confidence and goodwill of those with whom he came in contact. His widow still survives him and now occupies the old family home at No. 834 East Alder street in Walla Walla. She, too, is a consistent Christian and has membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.
WILLIAM H. YENNEY.
The great wheat fields of Walla Walla county and the surrounding sections of this state and of northern Oregon are always a matter of marvel to the traveler, who thinks of the west as a region of mines and of forests and little realizes what wonderful strides have been made along agricultural lines. Prominent in connection with farming interests in Walla Walla county is William H. Yenney, who superintends his operations from his city home.
He was born in this county October 17, 1869, and is a son of Philip and Rachael (Winnett) Yenney. He spent his early youth on the old home farm and was educated in the district schools and in Whitman College, which he attended for two years. After reaching adult age he continued to remain on the old homestead and cooperated with his father in the latter's extensive farming and horse raising enterprises. Since his father's death he and his brother Lewis have operated the farm in partnership and are classed among the most successful agriculturists of Walla Walla county. There is no phase of progressive farming with which they are not familiar and their thoroughly up-to-date methods produce splendid results. They have broad wheat fields and also produce other crops, while at the same time they are extensively and successfully engaged in stock raising. In the spring of 1917 W. H. Yenney removed to Walla Walla, where he now lives in a handsome new residence at No. 20 Merriam street.
At Dayton, Washington, Mr. Yenney was united in marriage to Miss Cora Edgell, a daughter of William and Sarah (Kuykendall) Edgell, of Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Yenney have been born four children, namely: Frank, who is now on the home ranch; Philip, now attending high school; and Clark and Richard, also in school. Philip Yenney is president of the champion football team of the northwest, which is the Walla Walla high school team. It has defeated all competitors in the northwest and also the Salt Lake City team.
Mr. and Mrs. Yenney are active workers on committees for the successful prosecution of the war, being prominently connected with the work of the Red Cross, the Young Women's Christian Association and the Young Men's Christian Association. Mrs. Yenney is a Member of the Methodist Episcopal church and, like her husband, enjoys the warm regard and friendship of all with whom she has been associated. Her home is noted for its warm-hearted hospitality and is the center of a cultured society circle. Fraternally Mr. Yenney is connected with Washington Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F., and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He is regarded as one of the foremost business men of Walla Walla county and there is no phase of modern day enterprise having to do with farming operations with which he is not familiar.
LEWIS O. YENNEY.
Lewis O. Yenney, a representative farmer of Walla Walla county, is residing at No. 834 East Alder street in the city of Walla Walla. He has spent his entire life in this county, where his birth occurred on the 8th of May, 1872. He represents one of its old and prominent pioneer families, his parents being Philip J. and Rachael (Winnett) Yenney, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
His youthful experiences were those of the farmbred boy. He spent his early life under the parental roof and was early trained to the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. His education was acquired in the district schools, supplemented by study in Whitman College, and on reaching manhood he became the active assistant of his father and brother in the management of extensive farming interests. For some years prior to the father's death the brothers had entire charge of the important agricultural business which he had built up. He gave to them each an interest in the farm and since his death they have continued its cultivation and improvement. It is equipped with all of the latest accessories and conveniences known to the model farm of the twentieth century. There are large and commodious buildings for the shelter of grain and stock and the latest improved machinery promotes the work of the fields.
Mr. Yenney resides with his mother and is looking after her interest, comfort and welfare in her old age, for she has now reached the age of eighty-five, having been born on the 22d of November, 1832. She is remarkably well preserved for one of her years and keeps in touch with interests and events of modern days. The fact that many of Mr. Yenney's warmest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood is an indication that his life has been an active, useful and honorable one. For forty-five years he has lived in this county and has witnessed much of its growth and development. He has seen its lands reclaimed and cultivated, its forests cut and its other natural resources utilized. As the years have passed on he has borne his share in the work of general improvement and progress, while at the same time he has conducted his private business interests in a way that has brought very substantial results, and today Walla Walla county numbers him among her leading agriculturists.
FRED GREENVILLE.
Fred Greenville, of Walla Walla, who is engaged in farming, was born in Minnesota on the 16th of July, 1860, a son of Peter and Jean (Mitchell) Greenville. The father followed the occupation of farming in Rice county, Minnesota, where he spent his entire life. Fred Greenville acquired a limited education in the common schools, but during much of the time when he should have attended school, his services were required upon the farm and his training was that of the fields rather than of the schoolroom. On reaching his twentieth year he came to Washington in 1881, settling in Walla Walla county, where he began work as a farm hand. He continued to work for wages for a number of years but in 1881 took up a homestead on the Eureka Flats, which he operated with hired help for several years. Subsequently he rented land and began farming for himself, and as his financial resources have increased, he has added to his holdings from time to time until his farming possessions now aggregate eleven hundred and twenty acres of valuable wheat land in Walla Walla county. In fact he is one of the leading wheat growers of this section of the state and cultivates fifteen hundred acres, renting three quarter sections of his land. He also leases a section and a half of land belonging to others and a quarter section on Dry creek, together with a half section in Franklin county. His life history proves conclusively that activity doesn't tire, that it gives resisting power and develops further strength. He has learned how best to conserve time and effort and to make each blow tell in the accomplishment of his purpose. His business affairs are most carefully systematized and the work of the farm is done in the same methodical manner as that of a commercial enterprise.
In 1890 Mr. Greenville was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Timm, of Paha, Adams county, Washington, by whom he has five children, as follows: Ollie, the wife of Adolphus Myers, who is employed by her father; and Ettie, Lloyd, Lola and Howard, all at home.
Mr. Greenville gives his political allegiance to the republican party and was elected to the board of county commissioners of Walla Walla county in 1908, serving in that capacity for one term. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Trinity Lodge, No. 121, and also to the encampment and the canton. He is also a member of the Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E., of Walla Walla Aerie, No. 26, F. O. E., and of the Woodmen of the World. Notwithstanding his lack of early advantages and educational opportunities, Mr. Greenville has made steady progress in his business career and his ambition and energy, which are among his most marked characteristics, constitute an example well worthy of emulation.
H. A. REYNOLDS.
H. A. Reynolds is largely concentrating his time and efforts upon general agricultural pursuits, being located on the Ransom Clark donation claim adjoining Walla Walla. He has, however, other important business connections and is well known as a progressive and representative citizen of his section of the state. He was born on the farm where he now resides, October 14, 1863, his parents being Almos H. and Lettice (Millican) Reynolds. He was reared upon the home farm and acquired his education in the public schools, supplemented by a high school course at Ann Arbor, Michigan. He afterward attended the State University of Michigan, from which he was graduated with the class of 1886, winning the Bachelor of Arts degree. He then took up the study of law under J. B. Allen but failing health caused him to discontinue his preparation for the bar for a time. Later, however, he continued his reading under B. L. Sharpstein and was admitted to the bar. He then practiced law for a brief period but on account of his health gave up professional activity and turned his attention to farming that he might be benefited by the outdoor life. He has since been connected with agricultural pursuits and is now giving his time largely to the further development and improvement of the Ransom Clark donation, which constitutes one of the valuable farming properties in the vicinity of Walla Walla. He has other important business connections, however, and is a stockholder in the Farmers Savings Bank and in the Malcolm McLean Grocery Company. He also is identified with other business interests of Walla Walla, where he likewise has made judicious investments in property. In business affairs he is a man of sound judgment and keen discrimination, readily judging between the essential and the non-essential, and his efforts have been most intelligently directed and his investments most judiciously made.
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Lyman's History of old Walla Walla County, Vol. 2Chapter D: C. Eaton acquired his education in the public schools of Iowa and in (2)
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