Chapter D: B. Stimmel was the eldest in a family of ten children, nine sons (6)

Ralph F. Coffin, although born in Oregon, was reared and educated in Walla Walla county, having been brought to this section of the state by his parents when very young. When not busy with his textbooks his attention was given to the home farm and he was thus well qualified to undertake any branch of farm work. After putting aside his textbooks he accordingly began farming on his own account and devoted his attention to that business until his death. He became the owner of forty-one acres of valuable farm property on section 31, township 7 north, range 35 east, and his labors made it a splendidly improved tract of land, equipped with all modern conveniences and all of the accessories of the model farm and his careful cultivation of the tract brought to him and his family a substantial annual income.

In 1900 Mr. Coffin was united in marriage to Miss Ella Kroll, who was born in Wisconsin, a daughter of Lawrence and Tressa Kroll, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to America in early life and established their home in Wisconsin, where they continued to reside until called to their final rest. They had a family of nine children, of whom seven are yet living. It was in the year 1908 that Mrs. Coffin crossed the country to Washington, becoming a resident of Walla Walla county, where in the following year she was married. To Mr. and Mrs. Coffin was born a daughter, Mary Estella. Mrs. Coffin and her daughter are favorably known and have many friends in the section of the county in which they reside.

THOMAS H. CROCKER.

Thomas H. Crocker, a retired agriculturist residing in Walla Walla, was long and successfully identified with farming interests in Walla Walla county. His birth occurred in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada, on the 30th of August, 1854, his parents being John R. and Clarissa (Hill) Crocker, who spent their entire lives in that province. He was reared under the parental roof and attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education. At fifteen years of age he became a sailor on an American vessel, sailing "before the mast" and for five years sailed on different ships along the Atlantic coast. On one trip he acted as "sailing mate." This experience led him to the decision to go to the United States. Accordingly, soon after attaining his majority he left his native country and went to Reno, Nevada, where he spent one year. On the expiration of that period he made his way to California, in which state he was engaged in placer mining for three years and then spent a year on a ranch. Subsequently he resided for one year in Lakeview, Oregon, and at the end of that time returned to Wyoming, where he spent about twelve years in the stock business and in railroading. In 1888 in New Brunswick Mr. Crocker was united in marriage with Miss Edith Diffin, daughter of Thomas and Susan Diffin of that place. In 1895 they came to Walla Walla county, Washington, and have remained within its borders throughout the intervening twenty-three years. They took up their abode on a rented farm near Prescott and continued its cultivation for about ten years but in the meantime had purchased a farm of three hundred and twenty acres sixteen miles northwest of Walla Walla and later bought an adjoining half section, to which they removed in 1905. Thereon they continued to reside until 1914, when they took up their abode in the city of Walla Walla and have since lived retired. The property, which has been operated by a tenant during the past three years, now embraces eight hundred and eighty-seven acres of rich and productive land, all in one body. Mr. Crocker was long numbered among the active, enterprising, industrious and progressive farmers of the community and the rest which he now enjoys is the merited reward of his intelligently directed labors.

Mr. and Mrs. Crocker have their home at 628 Pleasant street and they occupy an enviable position in social circles of Walla Walla. Mr. Crocker gives his political allegiance to the republican party, believing firmly in its principles. Fraternally he is identified with the Foresters of America, while his religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Congregational church, to which his wife also belongs. His record is indeed commendable and he well deserves representation in this volume as one of the leading agriculturists and respected citizens of Walla Walla county.

L. P. BERRYMAN.

L. P. Berryman is one of the younger representatives of successful farming operations in Walla Walla county. He was born April 8, 1887, on the farm on which he yet resides, on section 35, township 9 north, range 35 east. His place comprises three hundred and twenty acres of rich and valuable land which was originally the old family homestead. His parents were J. E. and Mary Berryman, both of whom were natives of England. They came to America in early life and established their home in Walla Walla county, where the father passed away, but the mother is still living.