Chapter L: P. Berryman acquired a public school education in Walla Walla county

and was reared to the occupation of farming, which he has successfully followed as a life work. He continued to assist his father in the development of the fields until he attained his majority, when he began farming on the old homestead, which he afterward purchased. He has here a half section of land which he has brought under a high state of cultivation and to which he has added many improvements, making it a valuable and attractive farm which constitutes one of the pleasing features of the landscape. He also owns and operates the warehouse at Berryman Station and his business affairs are wisely, carefully and successfully conducted.

In 1907 Mr. Berryman was united in marriage to Miss Grace Mallory, who was born in Ohio and is a daughter of Charles Mallory, now a resident of Tennessee. To Mr. and Mrs. Berryman have been born three children, Joseph L., Jacqueline A. and Margaret. The parents attend the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Berryman gives his political allegiance to the republican party but the honors and emoluments of office have never had any attraction for him. He has served, however, as school director and has been interested in having good schools in the district, for he regards public education as one of the nation's strongest bulwarks. His thought, purpose and energy have been concentrated upon his agricultural pursuits and the careful management of his interests has brought to him a substantial measure of success.

HARRY LASATER.

Harry Lasater, one of the large landowners of Walla Walla county, is a representative of a prominent pioneer family of this section and is a native of the county, his birth occurring May 18, 1865. His parents, James H. and Emily (Moore) Lasater, were born respectively in McMinn county, Tennessee, and in Illinois.

Harry Lasater attended the Walla Walla city schools and completed his education in Whitman Academy and in Whitman College. When about eighteen years old he began farming in partnership with his father and so continued for about six years. Since then he has been alone in his agricultural operations, and as the years have passed he has acquired additional holdings, until he is now one of the leading farmers of the Walla Walla valley. Following the death of his father he acquired by inheritance and purchase the old home farm of three hundred and sixty acres, and to this he added adjoining land until the place comprised five hundred and forty-three and a half acres. He has since sold four hundred and fifteen acres of that property, so that his home farm now includes but one hundred and twenty-seven acres. He also owns, however, five hundred and thirty-three acres of excellent wheat land on Birch creek, in Umatilla county, Oregon, ten miles southeast of Walla Walla, three hundred and twenty acres of timber land in Umatilla county and one thousand acres of wheat land near Prescott, in Walla Walla county. The fact that he gives close personal supervision to his extensive farming operations indicates that he manages his affairs in a systematic manner and that he possesses marked business ability. He is a director of the Farmers Savings Bank of Walla Walla and is a member of its finance board, and he is likewise a stockholder in the Whitehouse & Drumheller Company.

In 1897 occurred the marriage of Mr. Lasater and Miss Jessie Crawford, who was born in Walla Walla county but later was a resident of Umatilla county, Oregon. To this union have been born three children: Thelma May, who is a student in Whitman College; Wythel Mary, who is a student in the Walla Walla high school; and Jessie Orena, who is in the grade school.

Mr. Lasater has followed in his father's political footsteps and is a stanch adherent of the democratic party. At one time he was a candidate on its ticket for treasurer, and in his early manhood he filled the office of county road supervisor for three terms. Fraternally he belongs to Enterprise Lodge, No. 2, I. O. O. F., and Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Central Christian church and they give hearty support to the various phases of its activities. Both have passed their entire lives in the Pacific northwest and they are at all times loyal to its best interests.

WILLIAM RESER.

William Reser, a substantial farmer and representative citizen of Walla Walla county, living on section 4, township 6 north, range 35 east, came to the northwest from Davis county, Iowa, where he was born on the 18th of April, 1859, his parents being George and Mary (Waterman) Reser, who were reared and married in Iowa and in 1863 crossed the plains with horse teams to Washington. On reaching Walla Walla county the father homesteaded, securing one hundred and sixty acres of land in the valley near where is now seen the Whitman monument, and upon that place he and his wife lived until called to their final rest.

William Reser was a little lad of four years when the parents came to Washington. He acquired his education in one of the old-time log schoolhouses common at that frontier period. During his youth he rode the plains as a cowboy and he experienced all of the hardships and privations of frontier life. He has lived to witness marked transformation in all that pertains to agricultural progress and development in this section. An important event in his life occurred on Christmas day of 1883, at which date he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Kirkland, a daughter of Andrew J. Kirkland, who crossed the plains from Arkansas to Oregon in 1852 and became a resident of Walla Walla county, Washington, in 1864. Here he took up a homestead claim in the township where his daughter still resides, and upon that place he spent his remaining days.

Following his marriage Mr. Reser purchased land in Umatilla county, Oregon, and there carried on farming for seven years. On the expiration of that period he purchased a farm in township 6 north, Walla Walla county, and to his property has since added from time to time as his financial resources have increased until he and his wife today own three hundred and sixty-five acres, constituting one of the valuable farm properties of this section of the state. He has carefully tilled his fields and developed his farm and as the years have gone by his labors have brought good results. To the household were added two sons: Byron E., who is now engaged in the automobile business in Kennewick, Washington; and Raymond K., who is operating the home farm for his father.

In his political views Mr. Reser has long been a stalwart democrat and, while not an office seeker, he has served as a member of the school board. He is interested in the cause of public education and in all that pertains to progress and improvement along any desired line. He ranks with the leading and representative citizens of Walla Walla. There have been no spectacular phases in his career. Almost his entire life has been devoted to the quiet pursuit of farming and through energy and persistency of purpose he has won success. His business affairs are always carefully managed and directed and the integrity of his business methods in trade transactions is questioned by none. Those who know him, and he has a wide acquaintance, acknowledge his sterling worth.

HON. H. H. HANSON.

Hon. H. H. Hanson is a wide-awake and progressive business man who figures prominently in connection with the agricultural and financial interests of Walla Walla county. He is the president of the Touchet State Bank and since 1900 he has been actively identified with farming, giving his attention largely to fruit growing and to dairying. He is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of this section of the state. His birth occurred in New Hampshire, February 24, 1865, his parents being John and Frances Hanson. The father was a native of Maine, while the mother was born in the old Granite state and there she spent her entire life. In 1876 the father left New England and made his way westward to California, where he remained until 1879, when he came to Walla Walla county and entered the employ of Mr. Baker. Here he continued to reside until called to his final rest. In the family were but two children: H. H., of this review; and Ena, now deceased.

H. H. Hanson was reared and educated in the east, continuing his residence in that section of the country until 1883, when owing to the fact that his father was living in Washington, he made his way to this state. Here he entered the employ of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company, which he represented as an operator until 1900. He preferred, however, to engage in business on his own account and in that year turned his attention to farming on the place on which he now resides on section 34, Hill township. Here he owns two hundred acres of alfalfa land and he is also engaged quite extensively in dairying and in fruit raising. He is thoroughly familiar with progressive methods of horticulture and his orchards indicate the most thorough and scientific care. His dairy interests, too, are characterized by the most capable management and the sanitary conditions that prevail make the products of his dairy a very much desired article. His business interests are wisely and carefully managed and he pursues with thoroughness anything that he undertakes, so that successful accomplishment crowns his labors.

In 1888 Mr. Hanson was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Hall, a native of Pennsylvania, by whom he has twelve children, namely: Hayden, Fred, Preston, Ollie, Helen, Oliver, Francis, Allen, Ena May, Harry, Lawrence and Georgie.

Mr. Hanson is a member of the Grange and is interested in everything that has to do with advancing agricultural progress and welfare in the state. He thus cooperates in the organized movements to promote the interests of farmers and to promulgate knowledge that will render their labors of greatest effect in crop production and in stock raising. Moreover, Mr. Hanson is a recognized leader in the ranks of the republican party in Walla Walla county. For one term he filled the office of county commissioner and in 1908-9 he represented his district in the general assembly, where he gave careful consideration to all the vital questions that came up for settlement. His position upon any important subject is never an equivocal one. He does not hesitate to express his honest convictions and in fact he puts forth every effort to support his views and secure their adoption. In all matters of citizenship he is very progressive and has displayed as well the spirit of enterprise in all of his business undertakings, so that he now ranks with the leading bankers and farmers of his part of the state.

ORLANDO DEMARIS.

Orlando Demaris, who throughout his active business life followed farming but is now living retired in the city of Walla Walla, was born in Iowa on the 7th of January, 1851, and is a son of James and Eliza J. (White) Demaris, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Kentucky. They came to Washington in 1863 and located on a farm in Walla Walla county on Dry creek, where the father built a log cabin with a clapboard roof, board floor and stick chimney, which was the home of the family for several years. Later the parents removed to Walla Walla, where both died. In their family were twelve children, of whom nine still survive.

Orlando Demaris was twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Walla Walla county, where he grew to manhood and attended school. After completing his education he remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, giving his father the benefit of his labors. He then purchased a farm and engaged in its operation until his retirement, since which time he has made his home in the city of Walla Walla. He is still the owner, however, of seven hundred acres of land, well improved and under cultivation.

In 1875 Mr. Demaris married Miss Mary M. Lewis, a native of Iowa, which state was also the birthplace of her parents, Reese and Mary (Jackson) Lewis, who brought their family to Walla Walla county in 1863 and settled on a farm, where they continued to make their home throughout the remainder of their lives. They had four children and three of the number are still living. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Demaris are as follows: Laura and Frankie, both deceased; David, Fred, Guy, Alva and Edwin. Guy and Alva are now in the government service at Fort Riley, Kansas. The three other sons now operate their father's farm.

By his ballot Mr. Demaris supports the men and measures of the democratic party and he has served as school director. He is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Dixie and his wife belongs to the Rebekahs, taking a very active and prominent part in its work. She is now past noble grand. They attend the Methodist Episcopal church and are held in the highest esteem by all who know them.

R. C. McCAW.

When one views the great and growing cities of the northwest it seems hardly credible that any living man should have witnessed the entire development of this section of the country. Yet personal knowledge of the wonderful progress of the northwest enables R. C. McCaw to speak with authority concerning the events which have shaped its history. He was born in Linn county, Oregon, on the 11th of February, 1856, at which time Washington was still a part of the territory of Oregon and all of this vast region was practically undeveloped. Its coal deposits were untouched, its forests uncut and its wealth and natural resources awaited the demands of the white men who were yet to penetrate within its borders. The Indians far outnumbered the white settlers and the most farsighted could not have dreamed of the marvelous transformation which would take place within a few decades until today the west is not only abreast with the east in all of its advantages and its opportunities but has taken a position of leadership along many lines. The parents of Mr. McCaw were William and Sarah (Findley) McCaw, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Illinois. They were married in Illinois and in 1847 started across the plains with ox teams for Oregon, reaching Oregon City on the day of the Whitman massacre. During the latter part of the journey Mr. McCaw had suffered with fever and his attack was so severe that it burst one of his eyeballs and he was carried into Oregon City on a stretcher. Finally, however, he recovered and continued his residence in Linn county, Oregon, up to the time of his demise.

There R. C. McCaw was reared and educated, experiencing many of the hardships and privations incident to frontier life and the development of a farm under pioneer conditions. He attended the district schools but his opportunities for the acquirement of an education were very limited, as the school system had not then been developed. On his twenty-first birthday he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Gorsline, of Linn county, Oregon, who had come to the northwest with her parents in 1875, the family removing from Kansas. Following his marriage Mr. McCaw brought his bride to Walla Walla county and here they began their domestic life. For two years after his arrival he was employed as a farm hand and in 1879 he went to the Big Bend country and filed on the second homestead that was taken up in that section. There he lived for eighteen years, performing the arduous task of developing and cultivating a new farm. The work of improvement was carried on, however, year by year and he brought his land under a high state of cultivation and derived a good profit from his labors. In 1897 he sold his interests there and in February following he returned to Walla Walla county, where he purchased four hundred and thirty-six acres of land, constituting his present home farm, situated on section 1, township 9 north, range 36 east. Upon this place he has since resided and in the intervening period he has purchased more land from time to time as his financial resources have permitted and is now the owner of between eleven and twelve hundred acres, constituting one of the most valuable farm properties in the Touchet valley. He has placed splendid improvements upon his land and his farm presents a most attractive appearance with its highly cultivated fields, its well kept fences, its substantial buildings and all the accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century.

To Mr. and Mrs. McCaw have been born ten children, nine of whom are yet living, namely: William O., a farmer of Walla Walla county; Samuel E., also engaged in farming in this county; Edith M., the wife of Robert McSherry, of Toronto, Nevada; Fred L., Benjamin H. and Edward Guy, all of whom are engaged in farming in this county; Jay M., who is assisting in the operation of the home farm; and Sarah E. and Robert Glenn, both at home.

Politically Mr. McCaw is a republican, having given stalwart support to the party since age gave to him the voting privilege. He is a member of Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., and exemplifies in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. He and his wife are also consistent members of the Presbyterian church. The story of his life if written in detail would present a clear and interesting picture of the entire development of the northwest, for within his memory there has occurred a change so great as to seem almost magical. He can relate most interesting incidents of the early days and his name should be placed high on the record of honored pioneer settlers of this section of the country.

MARTIN MARBACH.

Martin Marbach, a farmer living on section 2, township 8 north, range 34 east, has been a resident of Walla Walla county for almost three decades and as the years have passed has prospered in his undertakings until he is now the owner of over two sections of wheat land. His birth occurred in Alsace-Lorraine on the 8th of February, 1863, and there he was reared to manhood, acquiring his education in the common schools of his native country.

In 1884, on attaining his majority, Mr. Marbach determined to try his fortune in the new world and crossed the Atlantic to the United States, landing in New York city. From the eastern metropolis he made his way westward to Missouri and for four years worked as a farm hand in Lafayette county, that state. The year 1888 witnessed his arrival in Walla Walla county, Washington, and here he secured employment, working for wages for a period of six years or until 1894. In that year, having carefully saved his earnings, he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of his present home farm. From that period forward he prospered and kept adding to his holdings by additional purchase from time to time until he now owns two sections of wheat land and has won an enviable reputation as one of the substantial and enterprising agriculturists of the county. Close application and indefatigable energy have characterized him at all times, and the prosperity which he now enjoys is the merited reward of his intelligently directed activity.

On the 23d of October, 1894, Mr. Marbach was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie M. Rondema, of Walla Walla, by whom he has eight children, namely: Theodore, Margaret, Lizzie, Ludwine, Martin, Gertrude, Philip and George. Mrs. Marbach is a daughter of Andrew and Anna (Brower) Rondema, who were born, reared and married in Amsterdam, Holland, and came to America in 1870, locating first in Chicago, where Mr. Rondema engaged in business as a contractor and builder. In 1887 he came to Walla Walla and while residing in this state turned his attention to farming. Here he died in June, 1889, and his wife passed away in 1906. Of their ten children only two are now living, these being Mrs. Marbach and Theodore, a resident of Walla Walla. They were members of the Catholic church.

Mr. Marbach exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party, believing firmly in its principles. The religious faith of his family is that of the Catholic church and they attend church in Walla Walla. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for here he has found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has won a most creditable measure of success.

JAMES H. LASATER.

James H. Lasater became one of the pioneer residents and early attorneys of Walla Walla and for many years was closely associated with public events of importance which left their impress upon the growth, development and progress of city and state. He arrived in the northwest in April, 1863, and from that date until his death, or for a third of a century, was closely connected with interests which have had important bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of Washington.

The birth of James H. Lasater occurred in McMinn county, Tennessee, on the 19th of October, 1823. He was reared in his native county, where he spent the period of his boyhood and youth and in fact there remained for a few years after reaching adult age. In 1850 he crossed the plains to California, where the gold fields were attracting thousands of fortune seekers, but in 1851 he returned to Tennessee, again making his way over the plains until he reached Illinois. Through the two following years he devoted his attention to the study of law under the direction of Judge William Kellogg in Canton and in Bloomington, Illinois, but in the fall of 1852 he again made his way westward, this time settling in Oregon City, Oregon, where he arrived in October. In 1855 he was admitted to the bar at Salem, Oregon, and became one of the well known attorneys of that section of the Sunset state.

There Mr. Lasater continued until April, 1863, when he removed to Walla Walla, where he opened a law office and entered upon the active practice of his profession. He was connected with much of the principal litigation heard in the courts of the district and was also prominent in public affairs. He was one of the leaders of the democratic party and was for years chairman of the county central committee. In 1864 he was elected district attorney but refused to qualify, and in 1869 he became a member of the legislature. He proved one of the ablest men in that body and contributed largely toward shaping the laws enacted in that session. In early manhood he had taken a medical course and received his degree and for a short time practiced, but disliking many features of the work, he abandoned that profession and turned his attention to law, in which he found a congenial field. He was quick to recognize the opportunity for becoming the owner of valuable lands open to the early settler and in the course of time acquired title to nineteen hundred acres in Walla Walla county and in Oregon. Much of his land is located in the richest part of Walla Walla valley and is now very valuable. He also owned city properties and was one of the men of affluence of Walla Walla county.

James H. Lasater was united in marriage to Miss Emily Moore, a native of Illinois, and for many years they traveled life's journey happily together, sharing with each other in the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity which checker the careers of all. Mr. Lasater passed away on the 20th of August, 1896, and thus was brought to a close a life that had been instrumental in the upbuilding of his county along many lines. He was familiar with every phase of pioneer experience in the west and his spirit of enterprise and progress wrought results the benefits of which have been most lasting.

EDWARD BYRNES.

Edward Byrnes was a very substantial citizen of Walla Walla county whose death in 1916 was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. He belonged to that class who proudly wear the American title of a self-made man. He owed his progress and his prosperity entirely to his individual efforts, for he started out in life when very young and had no assistance from others as the years went on.

Mr. Byrnes was born in Ireland, February 2, 1833, and was a youth of but fifteen years when he bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the new world. For a time he was a resident of Pennsylvania, where he worked as a farm hand. While still a resident of that state he was united in marriage, in 1854, to Miss Elizabeth Estell, who is a native of Pennsylvania, and they traveled life's journey together for sixty-three years and six months, lacking ten days. They began their domestic life there and remained residents of the east until 1857, when they removed westward to Minnesota, establishing their home upon a farm. For five years they continued in that state and then crossed the plains in 1862 with team and covered wagon. Their destination was Baker county, Oregon, but after living there for about a year they made their way northward to the Walla Walla valley, where Mr. Byrnes engaged in the live stock business. Later he purchased land and to his widow he left a tract of five hundred and forty acres, constituting one of the well improved properties in Hill township, the place being located on section 34. He was a very energetic man, was never afraid of hard work and his persistency of purpose and intelligently directed effort brought to him a substantial measure of success.

Mr. and Mrs. Byrnes became the parents of the following children, four of whom still survive: John E., a resident of Gardena, Washington; Ellen, the wife of G. E. Crow of Richland, Washington; Addie E., the deceased wife of James Cummins; Albert, a stock farmer and administrator of the estate residing in Hill township, Walla Walla county; Caroline, the wife of George Accuntius of Starbuck; Allen, who was deputy under Sheriff Painter and was accidentally killed; and Winfield, deceased.

The family circle was again broken by the hand of death when on the 10th of November, 1916, Mr. Byrnes was called to the home beyond. As the architect of his own fortunes he builded wisely and well. In early life it was necessary that he practice the strictest economy in order to gain a start, but difficulties and obstacles did not discourage him and with persistent energy he worked his way upward, becoming one of the prosperous residents of Walla Walla county. His personal worth was widely attested by his many friends and he possessed a genial disposition and kindly spirit that gained for him the warm regard of all with whom he was brought in contact. His family attends the Congregational church and the hospitality of the best homes of the community is freely accorded them. For more than a half century the family has been represented in this county, the parents arriving in 1863, so that Mrs. Byrnes has long been a witness of the growth and development of this section of the state, while her memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. She now has twenty-six grandchildren and forty-four great-grandchildren.

CHARLES SEELIGER.

Charles Seeliger is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 2, township 7 north, range 35 east, and during the period in which this place has been in his possession he has made many excellent improvements thereon, converting it into one of the model farm properties of the county. He was born on Long Island, New York, March 1, 1864, a son of August and Catherine (Tauber) Seeliger, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to America in 1861 and settled in the state of New York, where they resided for fifteen years, and in 1876 they removed to Butler county, Iowa. Subsequently they became residents of Walla Walla county, Washington, and both passed away here.

Charles Seeliger was largely reared in Iowa, the public schools affording him his educational privileges. It was in 1888 that he came to the northwest, then a young man of twenty-four years, thinking to find good business opportunities in this section of the country. He first made his way to the city of Walla Walla and after a considerable period determined to engage in farming on his own account and in 1902 purchased the land upon which he now resides. He acquired one hundred and twenty acres, which is highly cultivated and splendidly improved. Most of the improvements have been put upon the place by Mr. Seeliger, who is a most progressive farmer and enterprising business man. His place presents a very neat and attractive appearance and constitutes one of the pleasing features of the landscape. His work is carefully performed and the results are certain by reason of the fact that his industry is guided by sound judgment.

In 1886, in Iowa, Mr. Seeliger was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ide, a native of that state, and they have become the parents of ten children, Paul, Frank, Esther, Hilda, William B., Mary, Charles, Lena, Louis and Margaret.

In his fraternal relations Mr. Seeliger is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Politically he is a republican and strongly endorses the principles of the party, for he believes that its platform contains the best elements of good government. He served on the school board for several years and he has ever been a faithful friend of the cause of public education. Mr. Seeliger came to the northwest empty-handed, but he possessed energy and perseverance and his persistency of purpose has enabled him to overcome all the obstacles and difficulties with which one is continually confronted in the business world. His worth as a citizen and as a business man is widely acknowledged by all who know him. His character is one which will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny and Walla Walla county has reason to be congratulated on the fact that he became one of its citizens. The opportunities of this section of the country he realized and he has done much to further public progress in the Inland Empire.

CASSIUS S. ROBINSON.

In the death of Cassius S. Robinson Walla Walla county lost one of its honored pioneer settlers--one who participated in the early Indian wars and took part in many of the events which shaped the pioneer history of this section of the state. He was born in Sidney Center, Maine, in 1847, a son of Seth and Harriett (Frost) Robinson. The family is of Scotch and English descent. The parents spent their entire lives in Maine, where they reared their family of five children.

Cassius S. Robinson left his native state when a youth of eighteen years and made his way westward to Chicago, where he resided for a number of years. He afterward remained in various cities of the middle west until 1876, when attracted by the opportunities of the growing west, he came to Washington, settling in Walla Walla county, where he remained until his death. He always took an active part in community affairs and his aid and influence were always on the side of progress and improvement. He joined the volunteers at the time of the Nez Percé Indian war and rendered distinguished aid in subduing the Indians and reclaiming the region for the purposes of civilization. Mr. Robinson was a painter and glazier by trade and in Walla Walla engaged in business along that line until about fifteen years before his death when he retired. His activities were carefully directed and the success which he achieved and enjoyed was attributable entirely to his capability and skill in his chosen trade. Mr. Robinson was one of the directors of the Third National Bank of Walla Walla and was such at the time of his death.

In 1886 Mr. Robinson was united in marriage to Miss Laura Cornwell, who was a daughter of James M. and Mary Ann (Stott) Cornwell. She survives her husband and is widely and favorably known in Walla Walla, where she has an extensive circle of warm friends. On the 4th of December, 1915, she was called upon to mourn the loss of her husband, who on that day was called to his final rest. He was a member of the Foresters and of the Masonic fraternity and exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft which is based upon a recognition of the brotherhood of man. He was ever ready to extend a helping hand where aid was needed and he possessed many sterling traits of character which won for him the high regard, confidence and goodwill of all with whom he was associated.

Since her husband's death Mrs. Robinson has resided in Walla Walla, where she is well known. She is a member of the Sunshine Club; the Shakespeare Club; the Eastern Star; and the Presbyterian church. She is also an active worker for the Red Cross. During the latter years of his life Mr. and Mrs. Robinson spent much time in travel, making a trip to Europe in 1910 during the Oberammergau sacred festival which they saw. They also visited Alaska and spent much time on the Sound and several winters in California.

BEN M. TURNER.

Ben M. Turner is a self-made man of Columbia county who from pioneer times has been identified with the agricultural development and with kindred interests in southeastern Washington. Starting out empty-handed, he possessed energy and determination, together with a keen sagacity that has enabled him to recognize and utilize opportunities which others have passed heedlessly by. He now resides on section 19, township 11 north, range 40 east, in Columbia county, and has become well known as a farmer, as a breeder of Belgian horses and as a grain dealer and warehouse man. He was born in Scotland county, Missouri, March 15, 1854, a son of John and Mary (Powers) Turner, the former a native of Virginia, while the latter was born in Indiana. They were married, however, in Missouri, having removed with their respective parents to that state in early life. In 1865 they crossed the plains with ox teams to Oregon, being six months in making the journey. On their arrival they located in Yamhill county, that state, where they lived for about six years and in March, 1871, came to Washington. They took up their abode on Whiskey creek, in what is now Columbia county but was then a part of Walla Walla county, and the father preempted a quarter section of land, upon which he continued to reside until called to his final home.

Ben M. Turner was educated in the district schools but his opportunities in that direction were quite limited. He was a youth of eleven years at the time of the emigration to the northwest and he became an active factor in assisting his father in the arduous task of developing and improving a new farm. Day after day saw him in the fields working to break the sod and cultivate crops, and on reaching his twenty-first year he began farming for himself. He purchased a quit claim to a preemption of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he proved up, and with that tract as a beginning he had extended his farm holdings until he was one of the largest landowners of this section of the state. Of recent years, however, he has disposed of all but two sections of land, which is now being operated by tenants. He retired from active farming, although for many years he was extensively and successfully engaged in the tilling of the soil. He not only brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and demonstrated the possibility of producing fine crops in this section of the state but he also engaged in the breeding of Belgian horses. He secured two of the best mares in the northwest and his horses afterward received awards at the Washington State Fair at North Yakima, the Walla Walla fair and the Cascade Stock Show at North Yakima. In fact he has won premiums on his stock at many fairs in the northwest. Since retiring from active farm work he has given his attention to the grain business and owns and operates an elevator at Turner and is also in charge of the warehouses of the Portland Milling Company at Turner, handling about two hundred and fifty thousand bushels of grain in 1916. He is thus connected with extensive and important business interests, which are carefully directed, for he is a man of sound judgment, keen discrimination and of unfaltering industry.

In January, 1905, Mr. Turner was married to Miss Anna Brofsky, of Dayton. He belongs to Columbia Lodge, No. 26, F. & A. M., and Dayton Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M., and is a most worthy follower of the craft, exemplifying in his life its beneficent teachings concerning the brotherhood of mankind and the obligations thereby imposed. In politics he has always been a democrat but never has he sought public office, preferring to concentrate his energies and attention upon his business interests, which have gained him place among the most substantial citizens of southeastern Washington.

CHARLES M. TAYLOR.

Charles M. Taylor, who in former years was prominently and actively associated with the agricultural development of Walla Walla county, is now living retired in Waitsburg, having put aside the more active work of the fields in order to enjoy a rest which he has truly earned and richly merits. His former activities brought to him a comfortable competence, so that he is now enabled to meet all of the necessities of life and also to enjoy many of its luxuries.

Mr. Taylor was born in Johnson county, Missouri, January 10, 1859, a son of Simon and Harriet (Burgess) Taylor, both of whom were natives of West Virginia. In young manhood, or about the time he attained his majority, the father removed westward to Missouri. The mother accompanied her parents to that state when she was but two years of age. There she was reared and eventually they were married in Missouri, where they resided until 1880, when they started for the west, accompanied by their five sons and daughter-in-law, Mrs. C. M. Taylor. Besides the five sons there was one daughter born to them in Missouri but she remained in that state. The family continued their journey to the Sunset state, arriving in Walla Walla on the 20th of March, 1880. The father brought with him some capital and here he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Wilson Hollow, about six miles southeast of Waitsburg. With the assistance of his sons he at once began the development and improvement of that place and not long afterward he bought a half section of land, which he and his sons continued to cultivate for a number of years. The father then had the misfortune to lose a leg which was cut off in a horse power machine. His sons then persuaded him to leave the farm and remove to Waitsburg that he might be free of all care and responsibility, and there the last seven or eight years of his life were passed. He died in 1899, while his widow survived him for a considerable period, passing away on the 1st of August, 1911. They were worthy pioneer people of this section of the country, enjoyed the respect and goodwill of all who knew them and Mr. Taylor contributed in no small degree to the agricultural progress in pioneer times.

Charles M. Taylor was reared to manhood in Missouri, being about twenty-one years of age when the family started for the west. He pursued a public school education in his native state and on the 4th of February, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Nannie White, a native daughter of Johnson county, Missouri. Within less than a month he and his bride started on their wedding journey to Washington, accompanying his father and brothers, and after reaching this state Charles M. Taylor worked for two years on the Baker Railroad. He was also employed on the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company's line, after which he concentrated his attention upon farming.

In 1890 Mr. Taylor made his first purchase of land, becoming owner of two hundred acres, which he bought at thirty dollars per acre. This was situated two and a half miles from Waitsburg and is located in Wilson Hollow, the Walla Walla and Columbia county division line passing through his property. Subsequently he bought one hundred and eight acres adjoining, making his home place a valuable tract of three hundred and eight acres. For the the second purchase he paid ninety-five dollars per acre, but today he would refuse one hundred and fifty dollars per acre for the entire farm. In addition to his interests in Walla Walla county he owns six hundred and forty acres in Dawson county, Montana, and an equity in one hundred and sixty acres in the mountains. His farming interests have always been wisely and carefully conducted. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and well kept fences divide his place into tracts of convenient size for development. He practices the rotation of crops and the latest improved methods of farming and understands the scientific principles which underlie his work. His efforts are of a most practical character and it seems that he makes the wisest possible use of his time and opportunities. In addition to his farming interests he became one of the incorporators of the Exchange Bank of Waitsburg and was elected a member of the board of directors, in which capacity he has since served.

To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor was born a daughter, Estella, who is now the wife of Milan Smith, a merchant of Waitsburg. They also have a foster daughter whom they have reared from a child of four years--Isabelle Taylor, who is a graduate of the Waitsburg high school and is now at home.

Mr. Taylor belongs to Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, A. F. & A. M., also to Touchet Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., while his wife is connected with the Order of the Eastern Star and also with the Rebekah degree of Odd Fellows. Mr. Taylor left the farm and removed to Waitsburg in 1900, after which he continued to operate his land from that point until 1917. He is now living retired, however, leaving the care and management of the property to others. He is one of Waitsburg's foremost citizens. He has one of the handsome homes of the town, with all modern improvements, and he is enjoying in the fullest degree the comforts of life. His success is indeed well merited, for it has been honorably won and his life record proves what may be accomplished when there is a will to dare and to do. He had no assistance when he started out for himself, but he early learned to place his dependence upon industry and indomitable energy and his progressive farming methods enabled him year by year to add to his capital until he is now the possessor of a substantial competence that classes him with the more successful men of Walla Walla county.

FRANCIS M. LOWDEN.

A notably successful career is that of Francis M. Lowden, who is engaged in farming and stock raising and still remains an active factor in business, although he has passed the eighty-sixth milestone on life's journey. He was born in Boone county, Kentucky, February 7, 1832, but much of his youth was passed in Brown county, Illinois, where he resided until 1849, when at the age of seventeen years he crossed the plains with a party of four. The young men traveled on horseback, bringing with them a light wagon pulled by four horses to carry their effects. They first went to Sacramento and from that point Mr. Lowden proceeded to Downieville, where he followed placer mining for a season. Later he went to Nevada City and in 1851 he returned to Sacramento, where he invested the proceeds of his successful mining ventures in mules and engaged in packing, a business which he followed profitably for twenty-one years. His train conveyed freight into various parts of California, Nevada, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Montana and thus he became familiar with all of the west and its development. Hostile bands of Indians who were on marauding expeditions throughout the country were a menace to him, but by continued watchfulness he managed to avoid loss, standing guard himself and never trusting hired help to this duty. He allowed no fires to be built near his herd and his constant care was rewarded by success. In 1878 he sold his packing business and established his home between Walla Walla and Wallula, Washington, where he engaged in raising and dealing in cattle, but in 1880 he lost about ninety per cent of his herds. He did not allow himself to become discouraged but with resolute purpose sought to retrieve his losses and purchased about five thousand acres of land in Walla Walla valley with the view of again engaging in the business on an extensive scale. By means of ditches he brought water into every field of this vast tract and soon developed a most excellent stock ranch. This land is still in possession of the family, being owned by the Lowden Company, which was incorporated for the purpose of raising horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. They have imported many costly thoroughbred animals, never sparing expense to secure the best stock, and they have done much to promote the standards of stock raising in Washington. They have high grade horses, cattle, hogs and sheep upon their place and theirs is one of the leading stock ranches in southeastern Washington. Mr. Lowden has ever been a very active and enterprising man, possessed of courage, fortitude and resourcefulness--the characteristics of the true pioneer. Moreover, he is a very efficient business man, alert and enterprising and watchful of every opportunity pointing to success. His interests have ever been most wisely and carefully controlled and his sound judgment has ever stood as an important feature in his progress.

Notwithstanding his large private interests, Mr. Lowden has always found time to perform well the duties of a citizen and member of society. He served as county commissioner for seven years and was a member of the state penitentiary board which built the third wing and the outbuildings, the stables, etc., of the penitentiary. In spite of opposition, he succeeded with the help of others in building a jute mill at the penitentiary in order to give employment to the prisoners and in placing the mill in successful operation. He was also a member of the school board for ten years and has ever been a faithful and loyal friend of public education.

In May, 1868, Mr. Lowden was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary E. Noon, who was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, but was reared in California. They have become the parents of three children, namely: Marshall J., Francis M., Jr., and Hettie Irene. Mr. Lowden is a stanch adherent of the Masonic fraternity and exemplifies in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. He is still very active, although he has now reached the age of eighty-six years. Old age need not necessarily suggest idleness nor want of occupation. There is an old age which grows stronger mentally and morally as the years go on and gives out of its rich store of wisdom and experience for the benefit of others. Such is the record of Mr. Lowden. He keeps in touch with the trend of modern thought and progress and in spirit and interests seems yet in his prime. His life should serve to inspire and encourage many others who at a much younger age grow weary and endeavor to shift to other shoulders the burdens that they should bear.

J. A. MACLACHLAN, M. D.

Dr. J. A. MacLachlan, for many years actively and successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Dayton, was born near Springfield, in the province of Ontario, Canada, in 1860. After acquiring a public school education in his native country he became a student in the University of Michigan, where he pursued his professional course, winning the degree of M. D. upon graduation with the class of 1889. He had studied the homeopathic methods and following his graduation at once began a search for a suitable location. Making his way westward, he decided to establish his home in Columbia county and has since been identified with the medical profession in southeastern Washington. Through the long years of his residence in Dayton he has occupied a foremost place among the medical practitioners. He is extremely modest and free from ostentation but public opinion establishes his position and colleagues and contemporaries acknowledge him the peer of the ablest physicians and surgeons of the Inland Empire. He was elected to the position of vice president of the state board of medical examiners and he belongs to the Washington State Medical Society, thus keeping in touch with the trend of modern professional thought, research and investigation.

Dr. MacLachlan was united in marriage to Miss Daisy Ping, a daughter of Robert Ping, one of the well known pioneer settlers of Columbia county, and with his family he occupies an attractive home in Dayton. He belongs to the Dayton Club and has been identified with many movements looking to the welfare and betterment of his community. He stands at all times for progress and improvement and his aid and influence are given on the side of those activities which are a matter of civic virtue and of civic pride. He served in 1890 and 1891 as health officer of Columbia county. He is well known as a leading member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Odd Fellows lodges, having been identified with those organizations for many years.

JOHN McFEELY.

John McFeely, of Walla Walla, has for years been one of the city's prominent business men, and he is also connected with the agricultural interests of the county, being the owner of a large farm devoted to the raising of wheat. He has resided in the city for many years and has an unusually wide acquaintance here and throughout the county as well. His birth occurred in Fairfield, Ohio, near Dayton, March 3, 1868, and he is a son of John and Ann (Miller) McFeely. He received his public school education in the Buckeye state and in youth learned the blacksmith trade. He then started west to seek his fortune, being convinced that there were better opportunities for advancement in the country west of the Mississippi river than in the east. For a time he lived in Kansas and then returned to Ohio, but could not be content there and removed to Portland, Oregon, whence he came to Walla Walla, Washington, in the spring of 1891. Here he found employment as a horseshoer, but in the fall of 1891 he went to Milton, Oregon, where he worked in the same line.

Subsequently Mr. McFeely returned to Walla Walla and bought an interest in the horseshoeing shop of D. Sloan, now known as the Wigwam, and then located at the corner of Second and Alder streets, where the Drumheller four-story brick block now stands. The horseshoeing business was booming and returned good profit to its owner. At length Mr. McFeely purchased the lots on the corner of Fourth and Alder streets, then known as the old Baldwin property, at that time covered with a growth of locust trees. He cleared the timber and there erected a shoeing shop, where he engaged in business for a considerable period. Later he built a one-story brick building which he used as a shoeing shop until he erected the McFeely Hotel, which is a three-story building with basement. It is thoroughly modern in its appointments and is well patronized. He also owns eight hundred acres of excellent wheat land in Dry Hollow, near Prescott, all under cultivation and well improved. He resides in one of the attractive homes at the edge of the city of Walla Walla, and takes a justifiable pride therein. The grounds comprise two acres and contain several cold water springs and a trout lake. The many large shade trees add much to the comfort and beauty of the place.

Mr. McFeely was married December 9, 1899, to Miss Martha Besserer, a daughter of the Hon. Charles and Ida (Sanderson) Besserer, who are mentioned on another page of this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Besserer were born seven children, of whom three survive, namely: Charles, a resident of California; Lucile, the wife of A. McAlaster, also of California; and Mrs. McFeely. The latter is the mother of two children: Martha Yvonne, who was born August 5, 1903, and is now in high school; and John Miller, born September 9, 1907.

Mr. McFeely possesses the qualities that command respect and win regard, and he has been honored by election to the office of president of the National Association of Master Horseshoers. Fraternally he belongs to the Elks, and he and his wife both hold membership in the Protestant Episcopal church. He has been quick to recognize opportunities, prompt and energetic in taking advantage thereof, and as the result of his sound judgment and enterprise he is now financially independent.

C. A. HOLLENBECK.

C. A. Hollenbeck is now living retired in Asotin but for a long period was actively identified with ranching in Washington. In 1912, however, he put aside the work of the farm and has since spent his days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. A native of New York, he was born in Cortland county, December 18, 1845, a son of Casper C. and Henrietta (Egbertson) Hollenbeck, who were also natives of Cortland county, New York. The great-grandfather in the Egbertson line was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and also of the War of 1812. He passed away in Cortland county, New York, at the advanced age of ninety years. The grandfather of C. A. Hollenbeck in the paternal line was a native of Holland, and on coming to the new world settled in Cortland county, New York, where he followed the occupation of farming until his death. His son, Casper C., was also a farmer and with his family removed westward to Sedalia, Missouri, where he and his wife lived retired. There he passed away in the spring of 1881.