Chapter D: B. Stimmel was the eldest in a family of ten children, nine sons (3)

On the 13th of May, 1888, occurred the marriage of Mr. Bowers and Miss Laura V. Coplen, a native of Washington. Her grandfather, Henry Coplen, removed with his family from Indiana to Colorado and thence in 1864 located in the Willamette valley, near Vancouver, Washington. Six years later, in 1870, he removed to Whitman county, Washington, where he founded the town of Latah. His son, Benjamin, was a scout in the early days and took part in the Indian wars in the northwest. The mastodon skeleton which is now preserved in Field Museum in Chicago was found upon his farm. James W. Coplen, father of Mrs. Bowers and son of Henry Coplen, was married in 1865, in the Willamette valley, to Miss Elizabeth Hoskins, a daughter of Dillon and Rachel (Emery) Hoskins, who had removed to the west with their family from Iowa, crossing the plains with ox teams in 1851 and reaching their destination after six months spent en route. They settled at Scio, in the Willamette valley, where they secured a donation claim of three hundred and twenty acres. The parents both died in Oregon, the father passing away in 1888 and the mother in 1898. Soon after their marriage James W. Coplen and his wife took up a donation claim on the old battleground near Vancouver, Washington, at which place Mrs. Bowers was born, and while there Mr. Coplen became ill and accordingly returned to his old home in the Willamette valley, where his death occurred in 1868. To him and his wife had been born two children: William, a resident of Lewiston, Idaho; and Laura V., who became the wife of Christian J. Bowers. Mrs. Coplen later removed to Walla Walla county, where she met the Rev. William C. Gallaher, and in 1871 they were married. Mr. Gallaher was born in Putnam county, Illinois, in 1835, and died on a farm which he owned near Milton, Oregon, December 22, 1915, his widow passing away upon the farm in February, 1916. They were the parents of two children: Minnie E., now the wife of O. E. Phillips, of Walla Walla; and Ernest U., who resides upon the old home farm near Milton, Oregon. Rev. Gallaher was one of the pioneer ministers of the northwest, coming as a missionary to Oregon. He was one of the earliest settlers of "Old Oregon," having made the long journey across the plains with his parents in 1845, when a boy of ten years. The family settled in Oregon and there he grew to manhood. In 1861 he removed to Walla Walla and helped to organize the first United Brethren church in the state. He remained active in the work of the ministry until he reached an advanced age and was one of the best known divines of the northwest.

To Mr. and Mrs. Bowers have been born four children, namely: Harry C., who is farming the Whitman county farm belonging to his father; George W., who is operating his father's farm in Walla Walla county; Violet B., the wife of Wayne Reid, who is also farming in Whitman county; and Sheldon H., who is at home.

Mr. Bowers gives his support to the candidates and measures of the democratic party and takes a commendable interest in the questions and issues of the day but has never been an office seeker. His wife belongs to the Christian church and aids in its work. She is also a member of the Sunshine Club and the president of the Woman's Educational Club of Walla Walla. He is a man of importance in his community and is also popular personally.

J. W. ROGERS.

J. W. Rogers, who for eight years has been successfully and extensively engaged in the automobile business in Walla Walla, was born in Georgia on the 28th day of February, 1879, a son of James and Ellen (Tatum) Rogers, the former a native of Tennessee, while the latter was born in Georgia. About thirty years ago they removed to Kansas, where they are still living.

J. W. Rogers was reared and educated in the Sunflower state, passing through consecutive grades until he became a high school student. He left the middle west in 1907 to become a resident of the Pacific coast country, making his way to Walla Walla, where for two years he was employed in a wholesale grocery house. Since then he has given his attention to the automobile business and now handles the Stutz and Premier cars. He has developed a business of large and extensive proportions. The Stutz car is the champion of the world today and his sales reach a most gratifying annual figure. He also still owns a garage and other property in Dayton, Washington. His business affairs have been wisely and carefully managed and he is actuated by a spirit of enterprise in all that he does. Alert and energetic, he never fails in carrying out his purpose, for he recognizes that when one avenue of opportunity seems closed, he can carve out other paths that will reach the desired goal.

In 1909 Mr. Rogers was united in marriage to Miss Florence Helm, a native of Walla Walla. They are members of the Baptist church and are prominent in the social circles of the city, the hospitality of many of the best homes of Walla Walla being cordially extended them. Mr. Rogers votes with the democratic party and is a staunch advocate of its principles. He belongs to the Commercial Club and is in hearty sympathy with every plan and measure put forth by that organization for the benefit and upbuilding of the city, the extension of its trade relations, or the upholding of its civic standards. For ten years a resident of Walla Walla, he has made himself an enviable position in its business and social circles, and those who know him speak of him in terms of high regard.

EUGENE F. BOURGEOIS.

Eugene F. Bourgeois, one of the prosperous farmers of Walla Walla county, where he has been actively identified with agricultural pursuits during the past four decades, is now the owner of seven hundred acres of valuable land on section 13, Dixie township. His birth occurred in Paris, France, on the 10th of October, 1847, his parents being Franquell and Felicia Bourgeois, who emigrated to the United States in 1852 and took up their abode in Bond county, Illinois, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They had a family of eleven children, three of whom yet survive.

Eugene F. Bourgeois, a little lad of five years when he crossed the Atlantic in company with his parents, was reared and educated in Illinois and remained in that state until thirty years of age. In 1877 he made his way to the Pacific coast country and took up a homestead in Walla Walla county, Washington, which he has since made his place of residence, erecting fine buildings on his property and otherwise improving the same until it is now very valuable. As the years have passed and his financial resources have increased he has extended the boundaries of his farm by purchase until it now comprises seven hundred acres of land, through the cultivation of which he has won a gratifying annual income.

On the 21st of October, 1888, Mr. Bourgeois was united in marriage to Miss Isabel Lang, a daughter of Israel and Allie Ann (Hambough) Lang, both natives of Warren county, Virginia, from which state they removed to Illinois, locating in Pike county in 1867. There they spent the remainder of their lives. By occupation Mr. Lang was a farmer. To Mr. and Mrs. Bourgeois were born four sons, namely: Charles; Frederick; Henry; and William, who is deceased.

Mr. Bourgeois gives political allegiance to the republican party and has furthered the interests of education as a member of the school board. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church. He has justly won the proud American title of a self-made man, for he came to this state empty-handed and has worked his way upward to a position among the substantial and representative citizens of his county.

JOHN REITH, M. D.

Well equipped by thorough preparatory training, Dr. John Reith entered upon a successful career as a physician and surgeon and is now prominently known as the superintendent of the Walla Walla Sanitarium, the Seventh Day Adventist institution of this city. He was born in Huron county, Ontario, September 10, 1883, a son of John and Jane (Moir) Reith, the former a native of Ontario, while the latter was born in Ireland. The father has devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits. He removed to British Columbia in 1892 and now resides in Lacombe, Alberta.

Dr. Reith came to Walla Walla, Washington, in 1900. He had attended the schools of British Columbia, where he had accompanied his parents on their removal during his childhood days. He was therefore reared on the western frontier. Becoming imbued with a desire to enter upon a professional career, he became a student in the Walla Walla College, which he attended for six years, and in 1907 he entered the medical department of the University of Oregon at Portland and there won his professional degree as a member of the class of 1911. He afterward served for a year as interne in the Good Samaritan Hospital of that city and while thus engaged gained the broad and valuable experience which can be secured in no other way as rapidly and as accurately as in hospital practice. In March, 1912, he was made superintendent of the Walla Walla Sanitarium, over which he has since presided. He has held to the highest standards in its management and conduct and has made it largely an ideal institution.

On the 14th of August, 1907, Dr. Reith was married to Miss Grace M. Wood, a native daughter of Walla Walla county, her father having been one of the early pioneers of this section of the state. He arrived about 1856, when the Indians were still numerous throughout Washington and when the work of progress and development was scarcely begun. He brought into Walla Walla county the first harvester ever seen here and he was closely associated with many initial movements which have resulted in the upbuilding and benefit of the county. His wife was a singer of considerable note and she was also the first teacher of music in Whitman College; likewise in St. Paul's and in Walla Walla College. She brought into this county the first organ ever within its borders. To Dr. and Mrs. Reith have been born two children, Margaret Isabel and Mabel Elizabeth.

Dr. and Mrs. Reith are members of the Seventh Day Adventist church and guide their lives according to its teachings. The Doctor is a member of the Washington State Medical Society and the American Medical Association and through his connections with those organizations keeps in close touch with the trend of modern scientific thought, research and investigation. He has developed pronounced ability in the line of his profession, is very careful in the diagnosis of his cases and accurate in his judgment. In his hospital work he has developed a splendid institution, one in which the most thorough care is given to patients, and the success which has attended the work secures to it a continued patronage.

MAJOR PAUL H. WEYRAUCH.

Major Paul H. Weyrauch, for many years connected with the United States regular army, a veteran of the Spanish-American war and now major of the Washington Field Artillery in the United States service, is a valued resident of Walla Walla, where his business connection is that of president of the Blalock Fruit & Produce Company. He was born in Barmen, Germany, April 4, 1873, a son of Ernest and Johanna (Piper) Weyrauch. The father died in Germany in 1886 and in 1889 the mother came with her family to the United States, two of her elder sons having preceded her to this country. With her younger children she settled in the state of New York, where she resided to the time of her death, which occurred in January, 1917.

Major Weyrauch was a youth of sixteen years at the time he accompanied his mother to the new world. He was educated in the public schools and in preparatory schools of his native country, and after crossing the Atlantic he worked for his brothers, who were engaged in silk ribbon manufacturing in the Empire state. After spending two years in that way he went to New York city, where for some time, through the financial panic of 1893, he was employed at whatever he could get to do that would yield an honest living. However, he was possessed of a good education and marked enterprise and subsequently secured a position as shipping clerk and bookkeeper in a silk factory at College Point, Long Island. He continued to act in that capacity until 1895, when he entered the service of his adopted country as a member of the regular army. He was first stationed at College Point and while there saw much of the army engineers stationed at Willets Point, about three miles from College Point. He became impressed with this branch of the service, and with the hope of later securing a commission, he joined the service and was assigned to the First Artillery at Davids Island, New York, there remaining for almost two years. He then went with his command to Key West, Florida. While at Davids Island he had endeavored to be transferred to the hospital corps, where there was greater opportunity for advancement, but his commanding officer did not want to let him go and his transfer did not occur until after he had reached Key West. In May, 1897, however, he became a member of the hospital corps and on the night of the blowing up of the Maine, February 15, 1898, he was sent to Havana, Cuba, with Major Paul Clendemin to assist the Maine survivors, being the first enlisted man to be sent to Cuba after the destruction of the battleship. In April, 1898, he was made hospital steward and served as such at Key West Barracks, Florida, at Fort Jefferson on the island of Dry Tortugas, at Washington Barracks in Washington, D. C., at Fort Monroe, Virginia, at Hilton Head, South Carolina, and at Fort Screven on Tybee Island in Georgia, thus continuing until August, 1899, when he was transferred to the Twenty-eighth United States Volunteer Infantry as hospital steward and served with that regiment in San Francisco, California, and in numerous places in the Philippine Islands. He took part in various engagements in the Orient and in February, 1901, he took the examination for a commission, General Pershing, now commanding the American forces in France, being then president of the examining board. Major Weyrauch was commissioned a second lieutenant of cavalry to date from February 2, 1901, and was assigned to duty with the Fourteenth Cavalry Regiment, with which he served at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and also in the Philippine Islands, while in December, 1905, he came to Fort Walla Walla with his regiment. While in the Philippines he took part in several campaigns against the Moros under General Leonard Wood.

Following his return to the United States, Lieutenant Weyrauch was assigned to duty as quartermaster at Boise Barracks in Boise, Idaho, and later was detailed to the Army School of the line at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He returned to Fort Walla Walla in the fall of 1906 and was retired from active service on the 1st of March, 1907, at which time he again entered civil life.

On the 11th of February, 1907, Major Weyrauch was united in marriage to Miss Edith Moffatt, a daughter of Mrs. Edith G. Moffatt, widow of Lieutenant William P. Moffatt. The father of Mrs. Edith G. Moffatt was the son of the old pioneer, James P. Goodhue, who was among the first, if not the first, settlers of the Walla Walla valley. To Major and Mrs. Weyrauch have been born two children, Paul Russell and Mary Jane.

Soon after his retirement from the army Major Weyrauch served as assistant engineer of the city of Walla Walla for a short time and on the 11th of April, 1907, he became connected with the Blalock Fruit Company, with which he filled various positions, his first position being that of bookkeeper. He was later assistant secretary, also assistant manager, and in April, 1910, became general manager of the company, in which position he still continues. On the 1st of January, 1916, he organized the Blalock Fruit & Produce Company, of which he is the president. This company is a shipping concern and handles the entire output of the Blalock orchards and also that of adjacent tracts. This organization is also a factor in the marketing of all the fruits and vegetables grown in the valley and the business, under the guidance of Major Weyrauch, has been very profitably conducted from the beginning.

Aside from his connection with interests of a personal character Major Weyrauch has figured prominently in promoting interests that have to do with the material upbuilding and prosperity of the community. In April, 1913, he was elected a member of the board of trustees of the Walla Walla Commercial Club and he served as president of the club from April, 1914, until April, 1916. He was also instrumental in organizing the Fruit Growers' Agency, Incorporated, was elected its first president and has done much to further the interests of the organization, which is composed of growers' and shippers' organizations in the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, and is fostered by the bureau of markets of the Department of Agriculture. He was reelected president in April, 1917, and is still serving in that capacity. He has been a director of the National Apple Show held in Spokane since 1913. Fraternally Major Weyrauch is a prominent Mason, belonging to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 7, F. & A. M.; Walla Walla Chapter, R. A. M.; Walla Walla Commandery, K. T.; Spokane Consistory, A. & A. S. R.; and El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane. He likewise belongs to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E., and is a member of the Spanish War Veterans, belonging to General Lawton Camp No. 7, of which he is a past commander. His interest in military affairs has never ceased. In February, 1910, he organized Company K of the Second Infantry Regiment of the Washington National Guard and commanded the company until January 1, 1911, when he was appointed quartermaster of the Second Infantry and thus served until July, 1912, when it became necessary to resign owing to his increasing business interests, which were making constantly greater and greater demand upon his time and attention. But there came a day when he felt that military duty was paramount to all else and in July, 1917, he organized the First Battalion of the Washington Field Artillery and on the 9th of July was commissioned major. The battalion was mustered into the federal service September 30, 1917, and on the 9th of October left Walla Walla for Camp Green, North Carolina, where they remained until October 25th. They then proceeded to an Atlantic seaport and sailed for France, December 24th, arriving there safely January 9, 1918. Major Weyrauch has faithfully served his adopted land in military capacities for many years--a splendid example of the loyalty expressed by many men of German birth who recognize their obligations to the country under whose laws they have found protection and by whose privileges and opportunities they have benefited, while in return they render the utmost allegiance and loyalty.

OSCAR E. GRANT.

Oscar E. Grant, who is extensively and successfully engaged in farming in Walla Walla county, near Prescott, was born January 23, 1870, and is a native son of the state of Washington. His parents were Jonathan and Elizabeth Grant, the former a native of Indiana, whence he removed westward and established his home in Walla Walla county, Washington, at a very early day. Here he passed away, while his widow, who was also born in Indiana, is still living.

Oscar E. Grant spent the days of his boyhood and youth in Walla Walla county, as he has the period of his manhood. He was early trained to the active work of the farm upon his father's place and devoted the summer months to the tasks of plowing, planting and harvesting but in the winter seasons attended the public schools. He has never sought to change his occupation but has found in agriculture a vocation thoroughly congenial and one which has proven highly profitable to him. He now owns eight hundred acres of fine wheat land in this section of the state, together with some pasture land. His fields are thoroughly cultivated and his progressive methods produce substantial results.

On October 30, 1895, Mr. Grant was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Pettijohn, whose parents are mentioned elsewhere in this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Grant have been born three children, Mark H., Samuel O. and Elda M., all at home. For forty-eight years or since his birth, Mr. Grant has been a resident of this section of the state, so that he is largely familiar with its history and with the events which figure most prominently in its annals. He has seen its broad lands claimed and cultivated. In the days of his youth there was much open range and stock raising was an important feature of business life in this section. Today all of the land is owned individually and the work of improvement has transformed the tracts largely into productive fields devoted to grain raising. He has borne his part in this result and is today one of the progressive farmers in the vicinity of Prescott.

JAMES M. CORNWELL.

James M. Cornwell, a pioneer of Walla Walla county, was a man of such inherent strength of character that the position of leader was accorded him by his fellows without his seeking prominence. The determination which throughout life was one of his most salient characteristics was never more clearly shown than during the months when he worked his way with wagon teams across the plains to the west and especially when, having left the train, he and his brother walked the distance of three hundred miles from Fort Boise, Idaho, to The Dalles, Oregon, over a country unknown to them, fighting the exhaustion and discouragement of starvation.

His birth occurred in Orleans, Orange county, Indiana, August 7, 1834, and his education was that usually received by farm boys in those early days. His father, Payton Cornwell, who was a native of Kentucky, in 1839 removed with his family from Indiana to Edgar county, Illinois, and there the mother died when our subject was but nine years old. At that time the family was broken up and the eight sons found homes among strangers. In 1852 James M. Cornwell, at the age of seventeen years, with an older brother, Francis M., aged nineteen years, started on foot from Iowa for the Pacific coast with a capital of only five dollars between them. On arriving at a town on the Mississippi river James M. Cornwell worked as a teamster for an emigrant, who in turn was to furnish him with food until they reached St. Joseph, Missouri. In addition to this the brother was permitted to put his little bundle of clothing in the wagon. All that was left of the five dollars was spent for crackers to eat along the journey and at St. Joseph both of the brothers found employment as teamsters with a train bound for Oregon. According to agreement they were to receive their food on the trip but in addition to acting as teamsters were to continue in the service of their employer for one month after reaching the coast. This train was made up of professional men and their families and when they reached Fort Boise, Idaho, late in the season after a six months' journey, they found themselves short of rations. Fearing starvation, the owners of the teams proposed to the teamsters that the latter leave the train and go on ahead and take care of themselves as best they could. Eight of the teamsters, including the two Cornwell brothers, agreed to this plan and left Fort Boise on foot with three days' rations and started for The Dalles, Oregon, three hundred miles distant, which was the nearest point where there was any certainty of obtaining food. It was a desperate chance to take, but it seemed the best under the circumstances and they hoped that somewhere along the way they could find food. As the days passed their scanty store was used up, although they made it last as long as possible and as they came down the west slope of the Blue mountains to Meacham's creek they were almost famished. There they came upon an emigrant camped near the water and found that he, too, had met with misfortune. His family one by one had died and been buried along the trail, his cattle were worn out and could go no farther, and his food supply was exhausted. In order to sustain life he killed one of the almost starved oxen and hospitably fed the party of eight teamsters. After leaving this man the party of eight resumed their journey, one-half of which still lay before them. On reaching Alkali Flats one of the men lay down exhausted and the others went on, for there was no alternative. The only hope of any surviving was to press forward as rapidly as possible. One by one the men gave up and lay down exhausted until only the two brothers were left. These two journeyed hand in hand, each assisting the other as now one and then the other staggered and seemed about to fall. On reaching John Day ford they came across an Indian who had a fish weighing about a pound, for which James gave him a shirt and was glad to make the exchange. From that point on the journey was a nightmare and at length they lost hope and the older brother proposed that they, too, lie down and give up the struggle. Still they staggered on, their weakness causing them to sway as if drunk. Suddenly James saw a light and, renewing their efforts, they at length managed to reach it and there found an emigrant with the surviving members of his party encamped in a nook somewhat sheltered from the wind. However, there was little hope to be obtained here, for the family had been living on corn meal gruel for days and had so little that they could spare none. However, they gave the brothers a quilt and allowed them to sleep on some boxes in the wagon. Even so, the cold of that October night chilled them and James became delirious, but in the morning he was able to again resume the weary way westward. After they had gone some distance they met an Indian with a rotten fish on the banks of the Columbia and James traded a knife for the fish, which the brothers ate in spite of its decayed condition. When they reached the Deschutes river they gave an old pistol as pay for being ferried across the stream and on reaching the other bank, to their great surprise and joy, were overtaken by six of their comrades whom they supposed to be lying dead on the Alkali flats. Somewhat heartened by this reunion, they continued their journey and at length reached The Dalles. James Cornwell was chosen by the party to go to the commissioners stationed there by the people of Oregon for the purpose of relieving destitute emigrants, but on asking for provisions he was told that food was scarce and rations could be given only to widows or orphans of men who had perished on the way across the plains. However, at length he succeeded in getting two pounds of flour, which was made into bread by a kind emigrant woman. Strengthened by this food, they continued their journey westward and at length reached the Willamette valley.

The Cornwell brothers engaged in hunting during the first winter in Oregon and the following summer James farmed land on shares, but it was almost impossible to find a market and the autumn found him with as little money as when he reached Oregon. He then took up a ranch in the timber nine miles southwest of Portland and resided there until 1861. His brother, Francis M., who had accompanied him on their terrible journey to the west, lost his health partly as the result of the hardships endured during those six months and at length settled near our subject and passed away in February, 1858. Mr. Cornwell of this review remained upon his homestead in Oregon until 1861, when he sold that property and went to work in the Oro Fino mines, where he spent the greater part of the summer. During that time he filed on a ranch near Dry creek, six miles north of Walla Walla, Washington, and in the fall he came by wagon with his father-in-law to his claim in Walla Walla county. That winter was the hardest and longest in this part of the state and all his cattle starved to death. Although he was thus compelled to again start with nothing, he was confident that in time he would win success. He brought his family to Washington and during the summer of 1862 operated a farm on shares. As he was dissatisfied with the tract of land which he had taken up he sold it and bought a portion of the T. P. Denny ranch on Dry creek, which, however, he subsequently disposed of. In 1868 he purchased the Kimball farm of one hundred and twenty acres on upper Dry creek, nine miles northeast of Walla Walla, and for a long period there made his home. He harvested good crops and so managed his business affairs that he received a good income from his labors and, recognizing the fact that land would increase in value, he systematically invested his capital in farm property, becoming at length the owner of twelve hundred acres of wheat land and one hundred and sixty acres of timber land.

Mr. Cornwell was married March 16, 1857, to Miss Mary Tucker, who died on the 25th of April, 1858. On the 20th of October, 1859, Mr. Cornwell was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Stott and they became the parents of the following children: Laura, the wife of C. S. Robinson, of Walla Walla; Oliver T., whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Charles E., a resident of Tacoma; Nannie E., the wife of A. M. Cation, of Walla Walla; Arthur G., also of Walla Walla; Minnie E., the wife of Albert Cheney, of Trout Lake, Washington; and Raleigh, who died when about sixteen years of age. The mother of these children passed away in June, 1893, and Mr. Cornwell died in Walla Walla about 1898.

Mr. Cornwell was a staunch advocate of republican principles and served in the territorial legislature as a joint representative from Walla Walla and Whitman counties. His ability won recognition in that body and he was acknowledged to be one of its most valued members. Whether the matter in hand was some question relating to the management of his large farm properties or some problem of government he was always quick to distinguish between the essential and the non-essential factors in a situation and resourceful and sound of judgment in advising a course of action. The same spirit of dogged perseverance that led him as a boy of seventeen to refuse to admit defeat and lie down to die when it seemed humanly impossible to continue further on the way to Oregon was manifest throughout his entire life and that which he undertook was successfully accomplished.

JOHN P. ANDERSON.

John P. Anderson is one of the worthy citizens that Sweden has furnished to the new world and although he came to this country in limited circumstances, he is today one of the well-to-do ranchmen of Walla Walla county, owning a valuable tract of three thousand acres. He was born in Sweden on the 15th of July, 1853, and is a son of Andrew Bengston and Bula Johnson, who spent their entire lives in that country. In their family were seven children, four of whom are still living--one in Sweden and the others in America.

John P. Anderson passed his boyhood and youth in his native land, where he pursued his education in the public schools. Believing that better opportunities were afforded young men on this side of the Atlantic, he came to the United States in 1872 and after spending three years in Illinois proceeded westward to Washington. Locating near Walla Walla, he was in the employ of others for two years and then took up a homestead, where he has since spent the most of his time. As the years have gone by he has steadily prospered in his farming operations and has added to his property until he now owns three thousand acres of land, all improved, and he also has a beautiful home in Walla Walla surrounded by eight acres of ground, on which he raises all kinds of fruit.

In early manhood Mr. Anderson married Miss Anna Gamberg, also a native of Sweden, and to them were born nine children, of whom Arthur and Mabel are deceased. Those living are Victor, who is now on the ranch; Bessie, at home, and Melvin, Carl, Bengt, Otto and Alice, all in school. The wife and mother passed away November 15, 1916, leaving many friends as well as her immediate family to mourn her loss, and her remains were interred in Mountain View cemetery. She was an earnest member of the Christian church, to which Mr. Anderson also belongs, and in politics he is a staunchrepublican but has never been an office seeker. He is one of the self-made men of the community, his success in life being due to his own energy, enterprise and good business ability.

ALONZO L. SANFORD.

Among the citizens of Columbia county who have attained success in their chosen calling and are now able to lay aside all business cares and enjoy the fruits of former labor is Alonzo L. Sanford, who for many years engaged in agricultural pursuits but is spending the sunset of life in ease and retirement. He was born in Clark county, Illinois, on the 2d of November, 1845, and is a son of Peleg and Malinda (Greenleaf) Sanford, natives of New York state, whence they removed to Illinois in 1832. There the father bought a tract of government land at one dollar and a quarter per acre and built thereon a log cabin, in which the family lived for several years. Throughout the remainder of his life he continued to operate his farm and there his death occurred. His widow subsequently came to Walla Walla, Washington, and here she passed away. In their family were five sons, of whom three are still living.

Alonzo L. Sanford spent the first nine years of his life in the state of his nativity and then removed with the family to Iowa, where he was principally reared and educated, pursuing his studies in a little log school house. In 1864, when nineteen years of age, he enlisted in Company D, Tenth Iowa Infantry, for service in the Civil war, and remained at the front until hostilities ceased. He was with General Sherman on his famous march to the sea and participated in the battle of Bentonville. The war having ended he was mustered out at Little Rock, Arkansas, and honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa, after which he returned home and resumed farming. In 1871 Mr. Sanford removed from Iowa to Washington and took up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land northeast of Dayton in Walla Walla county. After living there for four years, he sold his farm and bought another near Covello in what is now Columbia county, where he carried on farming for some years. On disposing of that place he removed to Covello, where he has since lived retired, surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. Besides his nice residence he owns some lots in the village and is one of the well-to-do citizens of the community.

In 1881 Mr. Sanford married Miss Alice McBride, a native of Iowa, and they have become the parents of seven children, as follows: W. G., now a resident of Dayton, Washington; Bertrand; Christopher; Pearl, the wife of Jesse Carleton; Bryan; Estella, the wife of Robert Smith; and Elton, at home.

Politically Mr. Sanford is a staunch democrat and for two years he acceptably served as assessor of Columbia county. He has also been a member of the school board and as a public-spirited and progressive citizen he has done much to promote the interests of his community. Wherever known he is held in high esteem and he well merits the confidence reposed in him.

WILFORD H. GROSS.

Wilford H. Gross is actively identified with agricultural interests, although making his home in the city of Walla Walla. He possesses the strong and sturdy characteristics that have dominated the west and have constituted the foundation upon which has been built its upbuilding and progress. His entire life has been passed in the Pacific coast country. He was born in Modoc county, California, on the 17th of January, 1874, his parents being Bailey H. and Julia A. (Rice) Gross, the former a native of Illinois, while the latter was born in Ohio. They were married in the year 1862 and soon afterward crossed the plains with ox teams to Nevada, where the father engaged in the dairy business and in freighting near Virginia City. He spent ten years in that way in Nevada, after which he continued his westward journey to California and located in Modoc county, where he conducted a dairy and stock farm. He concentrated his efforts and attention upon that business for a decade and in 1880 removed from California to Walla Walla county, Washington. Here he purchased a quit claim deed to a homestead and to a timber claim situated in township 8, range 36 east, about eleven miles northeast of Walla Walla. In subsequent years, as his financial resources increased, he bought more land from time to time and became the owner of thirteen hundred and twenty acres, which he held at the time of his demise in March, 1915. His life record should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished when there is a will to dare and to do. He had no assistance but earnest effort promoted his advancement and the sure rewards of labor came to him in the course of years. His political endorsement was given to the republican party.

Wilford H. Gross was educated in the Valley Grove school and in the public schools of Waitsburg, supplemented by a course in the Waitsburg Academy and by a commercial course in the Walla Walla Business College. When about twenty-two years of age he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land and began farming on his own account. He has since been identified with general agricultural pursuits and is now the owner of three hundred and twenty acres in township 8 north, range 36 east, and also one hundred and sixty acres near Eureka. He also cultivates land belonging to his brothers and a sister, thus utilizing in all ten hundred and forty acres. He is numbered among the extensive wheat growers of this section of the state and his business affairs are carefully and successfully conducted. His energy knows no bounds and his indefatigable effort has produced splendid results. He has made a close study of soil and climatic conditions and is thoroughly familiar with the best methods of wheat growing in the northwest, so that he annually produces splendid crops.

On the 21st of October, 1903, Mr. Gross was united in marriage to Miss Grace M. Houghton, of Cowlitz county, Washington, who was a teacher in the old Seeber school at the time of her marriage. They now have three children, namely: Dorothy, Charles and Houghton. Mrs. Gross is a daughter of Henry and Sarah A. (Gardner) Houghton. Her mother located near Woodland, Washington, in 1851 and in 1867 she married Henry Houghton, who followed farming in Clarke county, on the Lewis river, where he still maintains his home. Mrs. Houghton passed away October 9, 1908. The Gardners were among the earliest settlers of Clarke county, crossing the plains and enduring all the hardships of pioneer life.

In politics Mr. Gross maintains an independent course. Fraternally he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, while the religious faith of himself and his wife is indicated in their membership in the Christian church. About ten years ago they took up their abode in the city of Walla Walla, where they make their home and from that point Mr. Gross has supervised his farming interests, which are wisely and carefully controlled.

JEROME L. KEISER.

Jerome L. Keiser is now practically living retired in Waitsburg, although for many years he was prominently identified with building operations and with mercantile pursuits in the city where he still makes his home. He is a representative of one of the oldest pioneer families of the northwest. He was born in Portland, Oregon, on the 12th of July, 1850, when that beautiful city of roses was a hamlet, containing only a few cabins on the banks of the Willamette. His parents were William M. and Roxcia (Ingalls) Keiser. The father was a native of Rensselaer county, New York, born October 7, 1827, while the mother was a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, the date of her birth being May 22, 1828. They were married in Pittsfield, Pike county, Illinois, on the 4th of April, 1849, and on the 10th of that month they began their journey across the plains with an ox team for the California gold fields. They arrived in Oregon City, Oregon, on the 18th of September, having traveled for thousands of miles across the hot stretches of sandy desert and over the mountain passes. In the same wagon train with them came a married sister and her husband, a married brother and his wife and two single brothers of Mrs. Keiser. It was a wedding trip for Mr. and Mrs. Keiser and also for her brother and wife, but it lacked many of the joyous features and comforts that are supposed to attend wedding trips. From the time they left Missouri they passed only a few forts but did not otherwise see a human habitation until after they had crossed the Cascade mountains, where they approached a settlement and heard the chickens crowing. With thoughts of mother and friends back home Mrs. Keiser sat down and had a good cry. On reaching Oregon City they decided to go into camp and spend a little time there. There had been talk of a city being built on the present site of Portland, which at that time, however, was occupied only by a little store building built of shingles and a few shacks. In fact they thought that Oregon City would be a much more progressive place and occupied a much more favorable location than Portland. However, Mr. Keiser purchased a lot on the site of Portland and built a frame shack. Liking the country, they determined to abandon their California trip and live in Oregon. They resided in Portland until the spring of 1852, by which time the town had expanded to a little village of about two streets situated along the water front. They then went up into Clackamas county, where Mr. Keiser took up a donation claim on which they resided for twenty years and in the meantime although they experienced all the privations and hardships of pioneer life, the work of improving and developing the farm was continued and their land was transformed into rich and productive fields from which they annually gathered good harvests. In 1872, however, they came to Walla Walla county, Washington, and settled in Spring valley, where Mr. Keiser purchased a small farm near a schoolhouse. There he settled down to agricultural life and devoted five years to the development of his farm property, at the end of which time his life's labors were terminated by death. Mrs. Keiser continued to reside upon the farm until 1877, when she removed to Waitsburg, where she has since made her home. She yet owns the old homestead farm, however, comprising two hundred and eighty acres, some of which was purchased by her after her husband's death. In 1851 the first Masonic lodge was organized in Oregon, this being at Portland, where meetings were held in a shack, and Mrs. Keiser, lovingly called Aunt Roxcia by her many friends, was called upon to make the Masonic aprons, as she was a fine seamstress and her brother-in-law, J. B. V. Butler, being one of the prominent members of that organization. She also made some of the wedding clothes for Dr. D. S. Baker, one of the pioneers of this region, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Keiser were born six children of whom three are yet living, Jerome L., Millard H. and Frank T., all residents of Waitsburg.

Jerome L. Keiser, whose name introduces this review, was reared amid the conditions and environments of pioneer life and has for sixty-seven years been a witness of the growth and development of the northwest. He was educated in the district schools of Clackamas county, Oregon, and in early manhood began learning the carpenter's trade, which he has followed for many years. He was closely identified with that business until 1906, when he established a furniture and undertaking establishment in Waitsburg and was thus connected with the commercial interests of the town for six years. He then disposed of that business and has since worked at his trade when he so desired, although he has practically lived retired. Indolence and idleness, however, are utterly foreign to his nature and at times he cannot resist again taking up the tools and doing some work along the line of trade in which he embarked in early manhood. The success, however, which attended him has obviated the necessity of continued work, for he is now in the possession of a handsome competence that supplies him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.

In his political views Mr. Keiser is a democrat, having supported the party since attaining his majority. For several years he served on the school board and the cause of education has found in him a stalwart champion. He is a member of Touchet Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., and he has a twenty-five year gold medal, indicating connection with the organization for a quarter of a century. He also belongs to Coppie Encampment, No. 73, I. O. O. F., and he has membership with the United Artisans. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Old Ladies' Home at Walla Walla. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church and his belief has actuated him in all of life's relations, making his an honorable course and one which has ever commended him to the confidence, good will and high regard of those with whom he has been associated.

THOMAS DURRY.

In the days when Walla Walla county was famous throughout the west as a stock country Thomas Durry was a leader among the cattle and sheep men of this section. He was born in Williamstown, Glengarry county, Canada, April 20, 1849, a son of John and Isabelle Durry, also natives of the Dominion and descendants of Irish and Scotch ancestry.

Thomas Durry was reared in Williamstown and there received his education, but in 1868 he left home and made his way to California, where he remained for three years. In 1871, in company with his mother and two sisters, Mary and Isabelle, who had joined him in the meantime, he came north to Washington territory, locating in Walla Walla county. He formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, D. McGillivray, and they turned their attention to the stock business, acquiring a ranch near Ritzville. They were there extensively engaged in stock raising for about a quarter of a century and at the end of that time by mutual consent they dissolved their partnership and Mr. Durry continued in business alone until 1903, when he retired from ranching and took up his abode in Walla Walla. He erected a handsome residence at the corner of Birch and Palouse streets and his last days were spent in well earned leisure in the enjoyment of the comforts and luxuries of life. Although during his active career he had extensive herds of cattle, his chief interest was in sheep raising and he was one of the best authorities on everything pertaining to that industry in the northwest. For several years he served as sheep commissioner for the Walla Walla district. On removing to the city he sold his stock ranch, comprising five thousand acres, but retained his extensive holdings in wheat lands, which properties are now owned by his widow.

It was in 1886 that Mr. Durry was united in marriage to Miss Alicia Lane Thomas, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Thomas, of Walla Walla. To this union were born two children, Homer and Marie.

Mr. Durry held membership in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and in religious faith was a Roman Catholic. He always rather shunned publicity and his manner was at all times that of the unassuming gentleman, though all who came in contact with him recognized the quiet force of his personality, the keen business insight and ready grasp of the salient points of a situation that enabled him to successfully manage his large interests and the ability to judge men correctly which was such a large factor in his success. He passed away July 7, 1905, and his demise was deeply mourned by his many warm friends. Mrs. Durry is personally looking after her extensive business interests and has proven herself a woman of unusual executive ability and knowledge of business methods and conditions. She also possesses a very attractive personality and is held in the warmest regard by those who know her intimately. In religious faith she is a Catholic.

SHERMAN PETTYJOHN.

Sherman Pettyjohn, a retired farmer of Walla Walla county, has spent his entire life in the county, his birth having here occurred November 10, 1865. He is a son of Jonathan and Hannah (Warner) Pettyjohn, an account of whose lives appears in the sketch of their son, John Pettyjohn.

Sherman Pettyjohn became familiar with all the conditions of pioneer life in his boyhood and youth, as at that time this county was but thinly settled. The district schools afforded him his educational opportunities and he early began assisting his father with the farm work, taking on more and more responsibility as he grew older. On attaining his majority he took up a homestead and at once began the task of developing it. His labors were rewarded by abundant crops, and as the years passed he acquired more and more land, until he now owns eleven hundred and twenty acres, all of which is wheat land and is under a high state of cultivation. The improvements upon his holdings are modern and substantial and the value of his properties reaches a large figure. He raises both wheat and stock and is convinced that such a course is more profitable than confining one's attention to either business exclusively.

In 1892 Mr. Pettyjohn was married to Miss Mabel M. Smith, also a native of Walla Walla county, and a daughter of Sergeant J. C. and Amanda (Sheets) Smith, natives respectively of New Jersey and of Illinois. In 1848 Mr. Smith came west to California by way of Cape Horn and Mrs. Smith crossed the plains by ox team with her family in 1859 and located in Walla Walla county, Washington, where both her parents passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Pettyjohn have been born two children: Hester S., who is the wife of Howard Holliday, is a graduate of the University of Idaho and for a number of years before her marriage engaged in teaching; and Margaret, a graduate of the Walla Walla high school and now engaged in the study of music at Whitman College.

Mr. Pettyjohn is a stanch republican and has served capably as a member of the school board. He belongs to the Farmers Union, which has as its object the promotion of the interests of agriculturists, and both he and his wife attend the Presbyterian church, whose teachings they follow in their daily lives. They are now living retired in Walla Walla, where they own an attractive residence at No. 530 Division street. In managing his farming interests Mr. Pettyjohn not only gained financial independence for himself but also aided in the agricultural development of the county.

CYRUS T. NELSON.