Chapter C: R. Rogg, who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in (5)
In 1909 Mr. Barr was united in marriage to Miss Maud Babb, a native of Texas, and to them has been born a daughter, Geneva R., whose birth occurred July 4, 1912. The family occupies an attractive home in Dayton, where Mr. Barr owns two residences. Mrs. Barr is a member of the Christian church and in his fraternal relations Mr. Barr is an Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias, in both of which lodges he has filled all the chairs, showing his high standing among his brethren of the two fraternities. He is a man of genuine worth, alert, energetic and progressive not only in his business connections but also as a public official. He stands for whatever he believes to be best for the community and Dayton has benefited by his administration of her affairs.
ARTHUR H. HALLE.
Arthur H. Halle is prominently connected with hotel ownership and management in the northwest. He is well known as a progressive business man of Walla Walla and before coming to this city was closely associated with hotel interests in various sections of the country. He is, however, a native of Germany, his birth having occurred in Leipzig on the 19th of April, 1877. His father, Paul Halle, lived and died in that country, where he was engaged during his active business career as a traveling salesman. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Laura Muenzner, still resides in Germany.
Arthur H. Halle is one of a family of four children and is the only one residing in America. He pursued his education in the schools of Germany and came to the United States in 1897, when a young man of twenty years. He first made his way to New York and afterward to Chicago, where he was employed in the Grand Pacific Hotel for ten years. Later he removed to Lewiston, Montana, and was afterward located at different periods in Miles City, Billings and Missoula, Montana. He then came to the "garden spot of the northwest," arriving in Walla Walla in 1911. Here he established the Grand Hotel, after which he returned to Missoula to look after his hotel interests in that city. Three years later he again came to Walla Walla to take up his permanent abode. He is associated with Charles Mullemer and J. S. Rick in the ownership of the hotel at Missoula and of the Grand in Walla Walla, the latter being one of the finest hostelries of this city. The Palace at Missoula is of equal rank and both are liberally patronized because of the excellent service rendered to the public. Mr. Halle and his associates maintain the highest standards in hotel management and conduct and displayed something of the spirit of the pioneer in that they have initiated new methods which add to the success of their business and to the comfort of their guests.
In Chicago, in 1901, Mr. Halle was united in marriage to Miss Alice Rick, who was born in that city, a daughter of J. S. Rick, who is yet living, while her mother has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Halle have become the parents of two children, Laura and Dorothy. In the social circles of Walla Walla Mr. and Mrs. Halle are widely and favorably known, the hospitality of the best homes being freely accorded them.
Mr. Halle has made steady progress since coming to the United States, advancing step by step in the business world, and his enterprise and perseverance have made him one of the successful hotel men of the northwest. His membership relations include connection with the Lutheran church, the Elks and the Commercial Club.
WILLIAM CHARLES PAINTER.
The days of chivalry and knighthood in Europe cannot furnish more interesting or romantic tales than our own western history. Into the wild mountain fastnesses of the unexplored west went brave men whose courage was often called forth in encounters with hostile savages. The land was rich in all natural resources, in metals, in agricultural and commercial possibilities, and awaited the demands of man to yield up its treasures. But its mountain heights were hard to climb, its forests difficult to penetrate and the magnificent trees, the dense bushes or jagged rocks often sheltered the skulking foe, who resented the encroachment of the pale faces upon these "hunting grounds." The establishment of homes in this beautiful region therefore meant sacrifices, hardships and ofttimes death, but there were some men, however, brave enough to meet the red man in his own familiar haunts and undertake the task of reclaiming the district for purposes of civilization. The rich mineral stores of the northwest were thus added to the wealth of the nation, its magnificent forests contributed to the lumber industry and its fertile valleys added to the opportunities of the farmer and stock raiser; and today the northwest is one of the most productive sections of the entire country. That this is so is due to such men as William Charles Painter, whose name is inseparably interwoven with the history of the region. No story of fiction contains more exciting chapters than may be found in his life record. He was one of the most prominent of those who engaged in Indian warfare and for many years he was also a leading figure in the agricultural development of this section of the state. Walla Walla numbered him among her most honored and valued citizens and his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret.
William C. Painter was born in St. Genevieve, Missouri, April 18, 1830, and there the earliest years of his life were passed. His paternal ancestors came from Mercer county, Pennsylvania. His mother, who bore the maiden name of Jean Moore, was a daughter of Major Robert Moore, a veteran of the War of 1812 and well known in connection with the early history of Oregon. In 1850 the father with his family started for Oregon, but when the Little Blue river was reached the father and two of the sons died of cholera. The mother and the surviving children continued the journey westward with sore hearts but with undaunted courage and finally reached Washington county, Oregon, where donation land claims were secured.
There William C. Painter resided until 1863 and was prominently identified with the early development of that section. At the time of the Indian war of 1855 he was one of the first to enlist, becoming a member of Company D, First Oregon Mounted Volunteers, which command fought the Indians for four days near Walla Walla, finally routing the red men, who retreated to the Palouse country. In this and many other engagements of the Indian war Mr. Painter distinguished himself for bravery. He remained with his company until the close of hostilities. In 1855 certain young ladies of the Forest Grove Academy, now the Tualitin Academy and the Pacific University, presented the company with a flag. Mr. Painter's comrades in arms voted that he should become its bearer and the starry banner finally came into his exclusive possession and is still carefully preserved in the Painter household as a priceless relic. Upon its field there are but twenty-one stars and on the flag, inscribed in large letters, are the words, "Co. D, First Oregon Vol., 1855-6." In the war against the Bannock and Piute Indians in 1878, Mr. Painter again engaged in fighting the red men. He was appointed by Governor Ferry captain of a company of forty-two men and was assigned to duty on the gunboat Spokane under command of Major Cress of the regular army. The first engagement in which he participated was at Long Island in the Columbia river below Umatilla, in which the whites were successful. Major Cress, in a letter to Mr. Painter written from Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, under date of April 15, 1897, speaks very highly of the assistance which the latter rendered. After this engagement, in recognition of his valuable service, he was made aid-de-camp on the staff of Governor Ferry, with the rank of lieutenant colonel, and was placed in command of forty-two men. He was then sent to eastern Oregon to assist in defending the people against the Indians who had recently been defeated by General O. O. Howard. He passed south of the retreating bands to Camas Prairie with a view of intercepting the retreat. The hostile savages, learning of his position, by a circuitous route passed around him and escaped, but he captured enough horses to pay the entire expenses of his command. Although no battle was fought in that campaign, it was considered so hazardous that an offer of ten dollars per day for guides was not sufficient to cause anyone to accept and run the risk. In his official report, General O. O. Howard, quoting Captain John A. Cress, said "Captain William C. Painter and the forty-two volunteers from Walla Walla deserve praise for good conduct and bravery, not excepting my Vancouver regiment and Captain Gray, with officers and crew of the steamer Spokane, who stood firmly at their posts under fire."
When the country no longer needed his military aid Captain Painter became a clerk for Flanders & Felton of Wallula, and when the senior member was elected to congress in 1867, Captain Painter took charge of the business. He also became postmaster of Wallula and the agent for the Wells Fargo Express Company. Returning to Walla Walla, he was appointed deputy collector of internal revenue for eastern Washington and in November, 1870, he resigned that position, although his resignation was not accepted until the following May. After retiring from office he made some unfortunate mill investments, in which he lost everything that he had saved. With courageous spirit, however, he again became a wage earner and was thus employed until 1876, when he was appointed receiver of the United States land office and occupied that position in most satisfactory manner until 1878, when he was elected county auditor. He served for four consecutive terms in that position and the Waitsburg Times of March 11, 1887, in speaking of him at his retirement from office, designated him as "the best auditor Walla Walla county ever had." He ever regarded a public office as a public trust and it is well known that no trust reposed in Captain Painter was ever betrayed in the slightest degree. Upon his retirement from the position of county auditor he concentrated his attention on farming, having fifteen hundred acres in the Eureka flats. While thus engaged he still occupied the old home on South Third street in Walla Walla, where the family still reside. He was thus extensively engaged in general agricultural pursuits and continued his farming operations until about two years prior to his death.
On the 7th of January, 1864, Captain Painter was married to Miss Caroline Mitchell, the only daughter of Judge I. Mitchell, of Multnomah county, Oregon, and their children are: Philip M., a resident of Walla Walla county; Charles S., of Montana; Maude M., the wife of Garrett D'Ablaing of Ellensburg; Harry M., a Congregational minister of Seattle; Bonnie Jean, the wife of R. F. MacLane of Walla Walla; Marguerite M., the wife of Herbert Gall of Sascatoon, Canada; Roy R., deceased; Rex M., of Walla Walla county; Caroline M., the wife of H. J. Wolff of Seattle; and Bruce I., of San Francisco. The family circle was broken by the hand of death when on the 4th of December, 1900, Captain Painter died of paralysis. For some time he was a vestryman of the Episcopal church which the family attend. His political allegiance had always been given to the republican party from the time of its organization and he was a most faithful follower of its principles. It is said that at every demonstration of a patriotic nature Captain Painter was called upon to take his place among the leaders, with his battle-scarred Indian war flag. His patriotic sentiments led him to take a prominent part in the Pioneer Association of Oregon and he always made a special effort to be present at its meetings. He was also active among the Indian War Veterans and was the first grand commander of the organization. For years he belonged to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He gave devoted loyalty to every cause which he espoused and his is a most notable and honorable record of a pioneer, a valiant soldier and one of nature's noblemen.
WILLIS E. L. FORD.
No history of the pioneer development of Walla Walla county and of the vast west would be complete without extended reference to the Ford family, for Willis E. L. Ford and his father have been particularly active in advancing development along those lines which have meant much to the upbuilding and progress of this section. He was born near Oregon City, Oregon, November 29, 1855, a son of Nineveh and Martha Jane (Simpson) Ford. The father was a native of North Carolina, while the mother's birth occurred in Missouri. He crossed the plains in 1843 with Marcus Whitman, making the journey with ox teams, and he built the first tannery in Oregon City and in fact in that entire section of the country. He continued its operation for several years and also conducted a shoe store there. In 1848 he was one of the volunteers who enlisted for service against the Indians and traveled all over this section of the country in pursuit of the red men. It was at this time that the massacre of the white people at Walla Walla occurred. All that the soldiers had to eat for thirty days was the meat of a cayuse pony without salt. His travels over this section of the country brought to Nineveh Ford a good knowledge of the land and its possibilities and in 1859 he removed with his family to the Walla Walla valley, settling upon a farm upon which he resided to the time of his death. It was a wild tract of land when it came into his possession but with characteristic energy he began to break the sod and till the fields. His wife was the first white woman in the valley outside of the garrison. Mr. Ford built a log cabin with puncheon floor and doors and stick chimney and in true pioneer style began his life in Oregon territory. The latchstring of his cabin always hung out, assuring the traveler of a hearty welcome, and the stranger was always free to partake of whatever the table afforded. He worked diligently and persistently in the cultivation of his land and in the course of time his fields brought forth abundant harvests and his once wild tract was converted into a valuable farm. Moreover, he was one of the recognized leaders of the democratic party in this section of the state. He gave to that party his stalwart support, never faltering in his allegiance thereto, and twice he was called upon to represent his district in the state legislature while a resident of Oregon. Fraternally he was connected with the Masons and in his life exemplified the beneficent spirit of the craft, for he was continually extending a helping hand where aid was needed.
Willis E. L. Ford was one of a family of eleven children, seven of whom are now living. He shared with the family in all of the hardships and privations incident to frontier life. Such a life develops a self-reliance and force of character which count for much in the later struggle for existence and business supremacy. He supplemented his early education by study in the seminary in Walla Walla and afterward settled upon a farm in Whitman county, taking up his abode there in 1877. For thirty-five years he lived upon that place, ranking with the leading and representative agriculturists of that section of the state. When more than a third of a century had been passed there he sold his property and in a considerable measure retired from active business life. He purchased a farm of twenty-four acres in College Place and has since lived there, giving his attention to the raising of fruit and also to the conduct of a dairy business. His interests are carefully managed and are bringing to him a substantial measure of success.
In 1886 Mr. Ford was united in marriage to Miss Rhoda A. Andross, who was born in Minnesota, a daughter of William H. and Sophronia (Winigar) Andross, the former a native of England, while the latter was born in the state of New York. They removed westward on leaving Minnesota and became residents of the Walla Walla valley, where both the father and mother passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Ford have become the parents of six children: Grace, who is now a nurse in Los Angeles, California; Frank, also living in California; Edna, who was a college graduate and taught school for one week, after which she was killed by an electric car in Spokane, Washington; Orley, who is a missionary in South America; and John and Orpha, both of whom are at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Ford hold membership with the Seventh Day Adventist church and take an active part in its work, doing all in their power to advance its growth and extend its influence. In politics Mr. Ford maintains a liberal course, not caring to bind himself by party lines. He served on the school board for several years and has ever been a champion of the cause of public education. There are few residents of Walla Walla county more familiar with the story of pioneer life and conditions in this section of the state than he. He was only four years of age when brought to Walla Walla county. In 1877 he served as a volunteer in the Indian war and had his horse killed by his side. He thoroughly understands the red man, his nature and his problems. He has lived to see this section of the country no longer under the dominion of the savage and has witnessed its transformation as the work of modern day progress and improvement has been carried forward, whereby the natural resources of the country have been utilized and its wealth and progress thus greatly enhanced. The name of Ford figures prominently in connection with the history of the Inland Empire and Willis E. L. Ford indeed deserves mention among the honored pioneers.
CHARLES PLUCKER.
Charles Plucker was one of the honored citizens of the Walla Walla valley. He attained the age of eighty-two years but at the time of his death was still giving personal direction to his extensive and important farming interests. His life experiences were varied and prominently connected him with the upbuilding and development of this section of the country. He was born in Germany, November 9, 1835, and was a son of Carl and Mary Plucker, who were also natives of that country, where they spent their entire lives. They had a family of eight children, four of whom are now living.
Charles Plucker, whose name introduces this review, was reared and educated in Germany, spending the first seventeen years of his life in that country. He then determined to try his fortune in the new world and become a resident of America. In 1854, therefore, he made the voyage across the Atlantic and for two years remained a resident of New York. In 1856 he enlisted at the age of nineteen years in the army of his adopted land and was located on Governors island. In 1857 he went to Fort Simcoe as a soldier and was on active military duty there for five years. He was later sent to Fort Colwell and in 1861 he received an honorable discharge, having for five years rendered active aid to the United States government in its efforts to protect American interests and the lives and property of the people upon the northwestern frontier.
Mr. Plucker was then honorably discharged and came to Walla Walla, where he opened a paint shop. He continued in active business in that city for fourteen years and in 1875 he turned his attention to general agricultural interests, purchasing a farm on the Touchet river on section 14, township 8 north, range 33 east. He continued to reside upon that property until his death, being the owner of ten hundred and eighty acres of rich and valuable land which he greatly improved, adding thereto many commodious and substantial modern buildings and all the accessories and conveniences of the highly improved farm of the present day. Few men of his years remain in such active connection with business affairs as did Mr. Plucker. He was, however, a well preserved man physically and mentally and seemed much younger than the record indicated.
On the 7th of October, 1868, Mr. Plucker was united in marriage to Miss Katherine A. Hauer, also a native of Germany, who came to the United States in 1868. She is a daughter of Christian and Augusta (Lüder) Hauer, who were born, reared and married in Schleswig-Holstein, The father, who was a hatter by trade, died there August 6, 1866. In 1880 the mother came to America with a nephew and her daughter, Mrs. Frederika Roehl Behl, who located in San Francisco. After spending a few months in that city Mrs. Hauer came to Washington to make her home with another daughter, Mrs. Charles Plucker, and here she passed away April 29, 1881, at the age of eighty years. She was the mother of six children, all of whom are now deceased with the exception of Mrs. Plucker. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Plucker, namely: Frederick and Charles, now deceased; W. H., who died at the age of forty-five years; Magdalena, the wife of Peter Conrad; and F. C., at home with his mother.
After a useful and well spent life Mr. Plucker passed away on the 30th of October, 1917. In his political views he was a democrat, supporting the party from the time he became a naturalized American citizen. He served on the school board but did not seek office, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs. He especially deserves mention among the self-made men of the state, for he started out in life empty-handed and all that he possessed was acquired through his persistent, earnest and honorable effort. The family is one of prominence here and has been widely and favorably known in the valley since early days.
A. F. ANDERSON.
A. F. Anderson is a retired farmer living in Prescott. He has been closely identified with agricultural interests and is still the owner of valuable farming property, from which he derives a gratifying income, but at the present time he is largely leaving the management and operation of his land to others, for he is enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He was born in Sweden, September 23, 1844, and was there reared and educated, spending the period of his boyhood and youth in that country. He was also married in his native land and in 1869, when a young man of twenty-five years, he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, making his way first to Kansas, where he resided for about twelve years, or until 1881. He then came to the northwest with Washington as his destination and was section foreman in this state for fifteen years. He also took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres and later he purchased one hundred and sixty acres more. His half section is all wheat land and has been brought under a high state of cultivation, large crops being annually gathered. Excellent improvements have been placed upon his farm and there is no accessory or convenience of the model farm property that is not found there. He owns a fine residence in Prescott and his surroundings are indicative of his life of well directed energy and thrift.
In 1869 Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Carlson, a native of Sweden, and they have become parents of eight children: Hilma; Augusta; Charles, who is now deputy sheriff at Wallula; Wilhelmina; Ada; Edith; Harry; and Genevieve.
Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are well known residents of Prescott. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has served as justice of the peace and as school director, while at the present time he is one of the aldermen of the city. His political activity has always been characterized by the utmost devotion to the general good and he has been most true and faithful in his official positions, discharging his duties with marked capability and promptness. Moreover, he is a self-made man and one who deserves great credit for what he has accomplished in a business way. He came to the new world empty-handed when a young man of twenty-five, but he possessed the substantial qualities of courage, determination and industry and has utilized these qualities as the basis of his growing success. Undeterred by the obstacles and difficulties in his path, he has steadily worked his way upward and is now one of the prosperous residents of Prescott.
JOHN A. ROSS.
In the death of John A. Ross, Walla Walla county lost a representative agriculturist, a loyal citizen and a man whose worth in every relation was widely acknowledged. He was born in Pennsylvania, July 16, 1860, and was reared and educated in that state. He there remained until 1879, when, at the age of nineteen years, he bade adieu to friends in the east and started for the Pacific coast. On reaching Walla Walla county he here took up his abode and remained a resident of this section until life's labors were ended in death.
It was in the year 1882 that Mr. Ross secured a faithful companion and helpmate for life's journey in his marriage to Miss Florence Cauvel who was also born in Pennsylvania and was a daughter of John and Matilda (Ketner) Cauvel, who always remained residents of the Keystone state. In their family were fifteen children, of whom eleven are yet living.
Following his marriage Mr. Ross purchased a farm near Pendleton, Oregon, and the family resided upon that place for some time. Eventually, however, he sold that property and removed to Camas prairie, where he again purchased land and followed farming for two years. On the expiration of that period he sold the property and invested in a farm at Sunnyside, where he made his home for five years. Once more he disposed of his property and this time bought a farm near Walla Walla comprising fifty acres, to the further development of which he at once bent his energies, his labors being attended with excellent results. He added many improvements to the place, erected fine buildings thereon and his labors wrought a marked transformation in the property. He was progressive in all that he did, was an energetic farmer and his labors were at all times intelligently directed and characterized by sound business judgment.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Ross numbered five children: Winifred, who is the wife of George Calhoun; Mabel, the wife of Dale Babcock; Carl, who is now in Idaho; Royal, who is with his mother; and Pauline, the youngest of the family.
The family circle was broken by the hand of death when in July, 1912, Mr. Ross passed away, his remains being interred in the cemetery in Walla Walla. His death was the occasion of sincere and widespread regret of the many who knew him and of deep sorrow to his immediate family, for he possessed attractive social qualities, a genial disposition and a kindly manner that endeared him to those with whom he was brought in contact. He belonged to the Modern Woodmen of America and he gave his political allegiance to the democratic party. He was also a consistent member of the Congregational church, with which his wife is connected, and in the work of the church they ever took a most active and helpful part. Mr. Ross was a man whom to know was to esteem and honor for his life was ever upright and straightforward in its purposes and in its dealings and he was a worthy representative of high standards of manhood and citizenship.
P. B. HAWLEY.
P. B. Hawley is engaged in farming on section 27, township 7 north, range 33 east, and is regarded as one of the representative agriculturists of Walla Walla county. He has been in former years a leading factor in political circles and has been called upon to fill various offices, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity. Throughout his entire life he has been a resident of the northwest.
Mr. Hawley was born in Umatilla county, Oregon, on the 30th of June, 1862, a son of Philip L. and Sarah J. (Roberts) Hawley, both of whom were natives of Illinois. They were married, however, in Ohio and in 1861 they crossed the plains to Walla Walla, Washington, attracted by the opportunities of the growing northwest. Subsequently the father removed with his family to Umatilla county, Oregon, where he took up a homestead near Pilot Rock, and thereon resided for two or three years. He then turned his attention to the lumber business, in which he engaged in connection with George H. Reed, forming the Reed & Hawley Lumber Company. They operated mills in Umatilla county and had lumberyards in Walla Walla. The father was identified with this business throughout the remainder of his active life but his labors were terminated in death in 1878. His widow survived him for only a brief period, passing away in 1879.
P. B. Hawley after attending the public schools continued his education in the Whitman College and thus became well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. In partnership with his brothers, L. R. and W. B. Hawley, he purchased extensive farm lands in Walla Walla county, built irrigation ditches and for seven years the three brothers were most closely associated in the conduct of their farming enterprises. In recent years, however, their holdings have been divided and P. B. Hawley now owns in his home place two hundred and fifty acres of rich and valuable land which he has carefully and persistently cultivated, bringing his fields under a very high state of development, so that he annually gathers good crops. He displays keen sagacity and business discernment in the management of his interests and success in large measure has attended his labors.
In 1905 Mr. Hawley was united in marriage to Miss Lillie Hunziker, of Walla Walla, and to them has been born a daughter, Alida F. He belongs to Trinity Lodge, No. 121, I. O. O. F., of which he became a charter member, and he also has connection with the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his wife are members of the Community church of Touchet and their aid and influence are always given on the side of progress and improvement. He is a well known and representative citizen of Walla Walla county and there are various chapters in his life history well worthy of emulation. He is genial in manner, social in disposition and is cordial but never to the point of familiarity. These qualities have won him personal popularity, while his enterprise and diligence have gained him prominence in business circles.
WILLIAM KIRKMAN.
William Kirkman, deceased, one of the honored pioneers of Walla Walla county, was prominently identified with stock raising interests for a considerable period and previous to that time was engaged in prospecting for a time. His activities were of a character that contributed to the progress and prosperity of the district in which he resided and Walla Walla numbered him among her most honored and valued residents. He was born near Manchester, in Lancashire, England, December 7, 1832, and received his education and grew to manhood in his native country. When about twenty years of age he came to the United States. He had been identified with the firm of Grant Brothers, proprietors of woolen mills in Lancashire, England. It is supposed that these brothers were the originals of Dickens' characters of the Cherable brothers. They had designed a fancy Marseilles vesting and Mr. Kirkman came to America to introduce the goods. For two years he resided in Boston, Massachusetts, after which he made his way westward by the Isthmus of Panama route. He spent some time in the gold mines of California and then proceeded by sailing vessel to Australia and to the Sandwich Islands, but returned to the American continent when the news was received of the discovery of gold in paying quantities on the Fraser river in British Columbia. He proceeded to the gold fields there and for a number of years divided his time between the mines in that region and in California. After making and losing what in those days amounted to several small fortunes he determined to engage in a more stable business and, accordingly, in 1862, he returned to San Francisco and the next year purchased cattle in Oregon, which he drove to the market at Boise, Idaho. He there established himself in the stock business. In 1866 he took an eighty-mule team pack from Walla Walla to Montana, where he disposed of all of his goods. He then became interested in a milk ranch and dairy business, but in 1870 he disposed of his ranch and stock and returned to San Francisco with the intention of making that city his permanent home. However, he afterward came to Walla Walla and entered into partnership with John Dooley for the conduct of a cattle business. Their cattle range extended from Pasco to Spokane and from Sprague to the Snake river and was known as the Figure 3 Ranch. This firm was the first to ship cattle out of the territory to Montana and elsewhere. At a subsequent period Mr. Kirkman became heavily interested in the sheep industry and for many years he was an extensive raiser of both cattle and sheep. During all this time he maintained his partnership relation with Mr. Dooley, their connection continuing for about twenty years. He also invested in farm lands, becoming in time the owner of twelve hundred acres. In 1891 he retired from active life and the year 1892 was spent by him in travel in Europe. He had hoped that freedom from business cares and the pleasure of travel would enable him to regain his health, which had become quite seriously impaired, but this expectation proved futile, as he died at Stevens Point, Wisconsin, April 25, 1893, when on his way home. Mr. Kirkman was a man alive to all public interests and opportunities. He was one of the early contributors to Whitman College and paid the tuition of various students there in order to help them and the institution. When the receipts of the college were too small Mr. Kirkman joined with John F. Boyer to make up the deficit. He was a man of many substantial qualities and thereby gained many friends. He contributed much to the development of the northwest along material, social, intellectual and moral lines, his influence always being on the side of progress and improvement for the individual and for the community.
On the 4th of February, 1867, in San Francisco, Mr. Kirkman was united in marriage to Miss Isabella Potts, a native of Ireland and a daughter of Robert and Agnes (Evans) Potts, who passed their entire lives on the Emerald isle. Mrs. Kirkman came to the United States in her girlhood, going to San Francisco to join her two sisters who were already residing there. The four surviving children of Mr. and Mrs. Kirkman are William H., Fannie A., Myrtle B. and Leslie G. The eldest son was horn in Idaho in May, 1868, and pursued his education in Whitman College and in the Boston University, from which he was graduated on the completion of a law course in the class of 1893 and then located for practice in Walla Walla, where he followed his profession for two years. He wedded Maud Ashley, who passed away in 1905, leaving one son, William Leslie, who was born in 1901. William H. Kirkman resided in Walla Walla and filled the office of clerk of the federal court for a year. He was also a member of the city council and a member of the school board. Fraternally he was connected with the Masons as a member of the York Rite and of the Mystic Shrine, and he also held membership with the Elks, in which he filled all of the chairs of the local lodge. Fannie A. is the wife of A. H. Reynolds, a prominent attorney and president of the Farmers Savings Bank of Walla Walla. The youngest son, Leslie G., was born in Walla Walla in June, 1881, and pursued his education in the schools of his native city. He married Mabelle E. Hawman and they have one child, Leslie Gilmore, who was born in 1916. Leslie G. Kirkman is an Elk and a Mason. He resides in Walla Walla and he and his brother are engaged in farming, the latter having retired from law practice, and they are now devoting their attention to the cultivation, development and further improvement of the old homestead property which was left by their father. Myrtle B. Kirkman resides with her mother in Walla Walla.
William Kirkman was very prominent in civic affairs and exerted great influence on many interests that had to do with the upbuilding and progress of Walla Walla. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he was a delegate to the national republican convention which was held in Minneapolis in 1892 and nominated Benjamin Harrison. He was appointed on the committee with William McKinley to notify Mr. Harrison of his nomination. Mr. Kirkman served on the first board of directors of the penitentiary upon its establishment and was a member of the board of education in Walla Walla, contributing much to the development of its school system. As previously stated, he was closely associated with the welfare and progress of Whitman College and was still a member of its board of directors at the time of his demise. He was a man of sterling qualities, possessing a kindly, genial disposition that endeared him to those who came in contact with him, and was charitable to a fault. Although not a member of any church, he was a liberal contributor to the support of various religious bodies of the city and no worthy cause appealed to him in vain. His interests were broad and embraced all that was worth while in life, yet his greatest care and his fullest devotion were always given to his home and family.
CLEMENT O. BERGEVIN.
Clement O. Bergevin, who is actively engaged in farming on section 35, township 7 north, range 34 east, was born on the old Bergevin homestead in this part of Walla Walla county, his natal day being March 16, 1891. He is a son of Damase and Mary P. (Allard) Bergevin, the former a native of Canada and of French extraction. He is mentioned elsewhere in this work.
Clement O. Bergevin spent his youthful days in his father's home and acquired his education in the old French town school. In 1912 he began farming on his own account. He had been reared to that occupation and early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and cultivating the crops. He thus brought broad experience to his work when he started out independently. He is now cultivating three hundred and twenty acres of land, upon which he now resides and which is a part of his father's estate. He also owns a third equity in a farm of three hundred and twenty acres elsewhere in the same township and a third equity in a five hundred acre tract. His farming interests are thus extensive and important and in all of his business affairs he displays marked energy and determination. His industry has enabled him to overcome obstacles and difficulties in his path and capable management has brought him substantial reward.
On the 12th of May, 1915, Mr. Bergevin was united in marriage to Miss Hazel Johnson, of Walla Walla, a daughter of Edward Johnson, one of the prominent coal dealers of that city. Mr. Bergevin is a member of the Catholic church and is identified with the Knights of Columbus. He has comparatively few outside interests, however, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs. He is yet a young man who has only passed the twenty-sixth milestone on life's journey, but already he has made for himself a place in business circles that many a man of twice his years might well envy. He displays good judgment in all that he does and his careful management of his property and his progressive methods of farming are bringing to him merited success.
NELSON McSHERRY.
Nelson McSherry made for himself a creditable position in the business and political circles of Prescott, so that his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret when on the 27th of July, 1916, he passed away. He was then but sixty-one years of age, his birth having occurred on the 31st of July, 1855. He was a native of Pennsylvania and a son of J. J. and Margaret (Mitchner) McSherry, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. At an early day they removed with their family to Missouri, settling near Warrensburg, where they spent their remaining days, and there Nelson McSherry was reared and educated. He was a young man of twenty-five years when in 1880 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Harvey, of Warrensburg, and to them were born five children: Lulu, who is the wife of J. D. Walter; Robert, who is living in Nevada; Joseph C., whose home is in Prescott; Urie D.; and Hester.
Mr. and Mrs. McSherry began their domestic life in Missouri and there resided until 1888, when they came with their family to the northwest, establishing their home in Prescott, where Mr. McSherry embarked in business as proprietor of a small mercantile establishment. He adapted himself and his affairs to this part of the country and the conditions here existing and in the course of years he built up a growing and gratifying business. He closely studied the needs of the people in relation to the line of goods which he carried and by reason of his carefully selected stock, his reasonable prices and his straightforward dealing he won a very liberal and well deserved patronage, so that his business became one of the profitable enterprises of the town.
In public affairs Mr. McSherry also took a deep and helpful interest. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, elected him the first mayor of Prescott. He was always ready to advance the interests of the town in every possible way and stood at all times for progress and improvement. Fraternally he was connected with the Woodmen of the World and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was reared a Methodist, but Mrs. McSherry is a member of the Presbyterian church. In 1913, because of failing health, he retired from active business and turned the management of his store over to his sons. Death called him in 1916 and at his passing deep regret was felt for he was a progressive business man, a loyal and patriotic citizen, a faithful friend and a devoted husband and father. He counted it his greatest happiness to provide for the welfare and comfort of his wife and children and in every relation of life he manifested those sterling qualities which command respect, confidence and honor in every land and clime.
GEORGE E. LAMBDIN.
George E. Lambdin has been actively and prominently identified with farming and stock raising interests in the northwest and is now carrying on general agricultural pursuits on section 22, township 7 north, range 32 east, in Walla Walla county. He was born on the 27th of September, 1870, in Montana, his parents being Samuel and Mary E. (Spade) Lambdin. The father was a native of Delaware, while the mother's birth occurred in Ohio. They were married in Iowa and at the time of the opening up of the gold fields in Montana, in 1865, they crossed the plains with ox teams to that state. The father worked in the mines in Deer Lodge valley and also in the Butte mines for six years and the family went through the usual experiences of the mining camp in the west. In 1872 they removed to Walla Walla county, Washington, where Mr. Lambdin preempted a quarter section of land just across the line in Oregon, on the present site of Freewater. Ten years later he crossed the border into Washington and took up a homestead on section 30, township 7 north, range 32 east, in Walla Walla county. He then lived in this immediate vicinity until the time of his death and during the later years of his life made his home with his son, George E., whose name introduces this review. He passed away April 20, 1908.
George E. Lambdin spent his youthful days upon the home farm and acquired a district school education. As early as his seventeenth year he began his career as a sheepman, starting with twenty-five head. While working for H. C. Adams as a sheep herder he accumulated a small number of sheep and his herd multiplied rapidly, so that about 1900 he was in a position to operate for himself on a larger scale and began independent activities. In the intervening years he has acquired from three to four thousand acres of grazing land and while he has recently sold off his own flock, he is associated with C. W. Stevelan in operating sheep interests under lease. In this connection he is among the most prominent sheepmen of the county. His business affairs are wisely and carefully directed. His long experience in connection with the sheep industry has taught him exactly how to care for his flock so that the best results will be achieved. There is no feature of sheep raising with which he is not familiar and his intelligently directed interests have brought very substantial results.
In 1903 Mr. Lambdin was married to Miss Catherine A. Bradley, of Walla Walla county, and they have become the parents of three children: Samuel Allen, Mary Isabelle and Margaret Elizabeth. In politics Mr. Lambdin maintains an independent course, although he is inclined to give his support to the republican party. He belongs to Attalia Lodge, No. 294, I. O. O. F., of Attalia, Washington, and he also has membership with the Modern Woodmen of America and with the Royal Neighbors. He is true and loyal to the teachings of these organizations and exemplifies in his life the beneficent spirit which underlies the different societies. As a business man his position is one of prominence and his capability is widely recognized. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for from an early age he has been dependent upon his own resources. As the years have gone by his labors have brought substantial results and he is today accounted one of the foremost sheepmen of the northwest.
HON. ELGIN V. KUYKENDALL.
Hon. Elgin V. Kuykendall is a member of the state senate of Washington and is one of Pomeroy's foremost attorneys. His record reflects credit and honor upon the district which has honored him. He has done splendid work both as lawyer and lawmaker and has become prominently connected with a profession which has ever been regarded as having much to do with the stability, prosperity and upbuilding of every district, standing as the stern conservator of the rights, privileges and liberties of the individual. His entire life has been spent in the west with its boundless opportunities and limitless resources, and with him opportunity has ever been the clarion call to action. He was born in Oakland, Oregon, October 8, 1870, a son of Dr. G. B. Kuykendall, a foremost citizen and leading pioneer physician of Pomeroy, who is mentioned at length on another page of this work.
Elgin V. Kuykendall was educated in the public schools of Garfield county and has learned many valuable lessons in the school of experience, for he has ever been a close and attentive observer of men and of measures. Determining upon a professional career, he took up the study of law in 1892, pursuing his reading under the preceptorship of Samuel G. Cosgrove of Pomeroy, who was afterward governor of Washington. In 1894 Mr. Kuykendall was admitted to the bar but did not immediately take up the active practice of the profession but continued to give his attention to educational work, in which for some time he had been engaged. He had proven a capable teacher, imparting readily and clearly to others the knowledge that he had acquired, and in 1894 he was elected county superintendent of schools, in which office he served for one term. During the last year of his incumbency in that position he was appointed to fill out an unexpired term of six months as principal of the Pomeroy high school. In 1897, however, he concentrated his efforts and attention upon the practice of law and in 1898 was elected prosecuting attorney of Garfield county, in which position he served for one term. In 1900 he was elected mayor of Pomeroy and occupied that position for one term, giving to the city a businesslike and progressive administration characterized by needed reforms and measures of public improvement. At the same time he continued in the practice of law independently until February, 1898, when he entered into partnership with Judge Mack F. Gose under the firm name of Gose & Kuykendall, a relationship that existed until the appointment of the senior partner to the supreme bench in 1900. Mr. Kuykendall then practiced alone for two years and in 1911 the present law firm of Kuykendall & McCabe was formed, C. Alexander McCabe being admitted to a partnership that still maintains, the firm occupying now a very prominent position in the legal circles of the state. Their practice is extensive and of an important character and in the conduct thereof Mr. Kuykendall has displayed talent, learning, tact, patience and industry. His legal learning, his analytical mind, the readiness with which he grasps the points in an argument all combine to make him a strong advocate and a wise counselor. In connection with his brothers he has fourteen hundred acres of land held in equity.
In 1896 Mr. Kuykendall was joined in wedlock to Miss Marguerite Scully, a daughter of Matthew Scully, who was one of the pioneer farmers of Asotin county, Washington, and now resides near Twin Falls, Idaho. Mr. and Mrs. Kuykendall have become the parents of four children, as follows: Matthew Lorraine, a student in the Washington State College; Ruth Lenore, who attended the State Normal School at Cheney, Washington, and is now engaged in teaching in Garfield county; Berdina Claire, a high school student at Pomeroy; and Jerome Kenneth, who is attending the graded schools.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Kuykendall are members of the Methodist church and she is president of the Ladies' Aid Society of that church and also president of the Civic Improvement Club of Pomeroy. She is likewise a member of the Red Cross Society.
In his political connection Mr. Kuykendall has always been a stalwart republican and in November, 1916, he was chosen to represent his district in the state senate, where he was made a member of a sub-committee for framing a new probate code. He has been a conspicuous figure in the legislative halls and has served repeatedly as chairman of the state central committee of the republican party, thus taking active part in guiding the destinies of his party in the northwest. While serving as mayor of Pomeroy he was instrumental in establishing the present city park, which the city purchased from Governor Cosgrove. Fraternally he is connected with Garfield Lodge, No. 25, K. P., and has been quite active in the affairs of that organization. He has been a member of the grand judiciary committee of the state for sixteen years, a longer period than that of any other incumbent in the position. He is also identified with the Woodmen of the World. His interests are broad and varied and in relation to the great sociological, economic and political problems of the country he keeps abreast with the best thinking men of the age. He is forceful and his ability and initiative have made him a dynamic power in the public life of southeastern Washington.
J. U. STRAHM.
Comments
Log in to leave a comment.
Lyman's History of old Walla Walla County, Vol. 2Chapter C: R. Rogg, who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in (5)
0%37 min left in chapter