An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho, Part 113

Author:
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: [S.l.] : Western Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1524

USA > Idaho > Kootenai County > An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho > Part 113
USA > Idaho > Nez Perce County > An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho > Part 113
USA > Idaho > Shoshone County > An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho > Part 113
USA > Idaho > Latah County > An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho > Part 113

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

GEORGE C. POE resides about eight miles south of Whitebird, and was born August 19, 1862, in Linn county, Oregon, the son of William and Jane ( Ber- netta) Poe. They crossed the plains with an ox team in a very early day, being among the earliest pioneers in western Oregon, and when this son was very young they both died. He was the fifth of a family of ten children, and as far back as he can remember he had to do for himself. He visited various places and worked for a salary during the early years of his life and in 1881 went on the Northern Pacific near Rath- drum and took a contract of making ties. In June of that year he was in the little village of Rathdrum when "Poker Jack" insulted a squaw. She struck him and he slapped her in return. She immediately gave the war whoop, and within a very few minutes two hundred infuriated braves were on the track of "Poker Jack," and by the mere skin of his teeth he was saved from their hands. From here Mr. Poe went to Walla Walla. He started to California and at Polk county, Oregon, on the way, was taken with typhoid fever. He was very much depleted by the disease, and when he was able returned to Walla Walla. Next we see him in British Columbia, and then near Pullman, Wash- ington, in which town he was married on October 5, 1800, Miss Katie Evans becoming his bride. She was born on April 20, 1868, in Otoe county, Nebraska, the daughter of Oscar M. and Emma C. (Jamison) Evans. The mother died in 1892 and the father lives near Whitebird. Our subject came to his present home in July, 1894. He now owns a half section of good land, and has it well improved, and also one of the best residences south of the Salmon. Mr. Poe handles cattle, horses and hogs. He has four children,- Claude F., Fred M., Vera and Annata.

GREEN W. DALLAS. This hardy and skilled prospector and millwright is one of the earliest pioneers of this whole northwest country and for over half a century he has wrought in this and the California districts of minerals. He is a

463

HISTORY OF NORTH IDAHO.

man of keen discrimination, boundless energy, practical judgmnt and a fund of knowledge and experience that place him undoubtedly in the lead in his line. His experience would fill a volume, and it is a matter of regret that we cannot grant greater space to their detail. However, we will note the more salient points in his career, and first we record that he was born in Cooper county, Missouri, on February 13, 1834, his parents being Joshua A. and Mary ( Woods) Dallas. The family was prominent in Texas history, and the town of Dallas was named from an uncle, who perished in the Mexican war before the United States interfered. The father was born in 1799, went early to Missouri, took part in the Black Hawk war and died in 1882. The mother was born in , 1807 in west Tennessee and died in Missouri in 1844. Her ancestors were doughty Indian fighters un- der Daniel Boone. Our subject was raised and educated in Missouri and when fourteen began his western experience by driving beef cattle for the government to New Mexico, making the trip on horseback. On September 15, 1853, we find him in Sacramento, where he diligently gave himself to min- ing. Later we see him in Florence, and in the break- ing out of the Boise basin excitement he went thither with pack trains, and from that time for many years he followed that adventurous life. He packed to Kootenai. British Columbia, and all the principal camps in the northwest in the sixties. Mr. Dallas bought a livery stable in Lewiston, but the life was too quiet and he soon sold and went to his pack trains again. He built the first stamp mill in Warren, the Pioneer, and aiso the Rescue, then the Hic Jacet. He constructed the Callender in Buffalo Hump, with the dwellings. In Elk he built the Blue Dragon, and the Ajax in Dixie. Mr. Dallas was an active participant in the Indian outbreak of 1877. fighting the savages and doing ex- cellent scout work. He has prospected all over the coast and in 1902 was in the Thunder mountain dis- trict and believes that the camp is to be one of the great ones of the world. While there he built the postoffice and the recorder's office. Mr. Dallas has placer claims in various sections and is one of the most skilled men in mining in the state. He has the following brothers and sisters: Elizabeth Stevens, Caley Morris, Nancy Morris, Charles, Susan F., Evelyne, Sarah A., John, Margaret, Samantha, Melissa. Politically Mr. Dallas is a Democrat, and is active in the campaigns. He is one of the landmarks of the country, his labors have paved the way for civilization, he has shown a marked and upright walk, he has won the respect and esteem of all and he has done his part in building up the county.

WILLIAM WILSON is one of the well known early settlers of this section of the country and his labors have been successful in the line of stock raising and farming. At present he is dwelling nine miles east from Kooskia and has a good farm and an excellent orchard.

William Wilson was born in Switzerland county,

Indiana, on March 25. 1836, being the son of John and Mahala (Scott) Wilson. The father was born in Ohio in 1798. He was a successful farmer and stock- man. In early days he went to Indiana and there mar- ried, and in 1844 another move was made, this time to Missouri. It was 1851 that the long journey to Linn county, Oregon, was made, where he took a donation claim. Later he lived near Pendleton and in 1876 he died at the old home in Linn county. The mother of our subject was born in Scotland, married in 1835 and died in 1885. William was raised and educated in Linn county and remained with his parents until 1856, when he started to raise stock for himself in southern Oregon and northern California. In 1863 he came to eastern Oregon and continued in the same business until March 12, 1875, when he came to the Clearwater and bought a squatter's right. This was abandoned in 1885 and Mr. Wilson took his present place and has (levoted himself to its improvement since.

In July, 1873, Mr. Wilson married Mary Too- Ma-Les-Poo, a Nez Perce woman, and one child has been born to them, Howard, born in 1888. Mr. Wil- son has the following brothers and sisters: John C., Prier, Robert E., Jantes, Marion, deceased, George.

Mr. Wilson gives an interesting item gained from the councils of the Nez Perces, having attended the same. It is this that if the whites had not shown ter- ror and became panic stricken, they would not have been molested in the last trouble.

BENJAMIN P. BROWN. Which one is better known of the old pioneers who braved the trials of the early days, faced the dangers incident to invading a country peopled with savages, endured the hardships and performed the labor incident to opening up for civilization the vast country adjacent to the Salmon river-who, we repcat, is better known among these pioneers than Benjamin P. Brown. One by one differ- ent persons have stepped upon the scene of action, but now, hale and hearty in the golden years of his life, Mr. Brown is dwelling upon his ranch seven miles southeast of Whitehird, which he took from the wilds of nature over thirty years ago. "In those days," said Mr. Brown, "the luxuriant bunch grass was nearly to one's waist, and it was a very paradise for all animal life."

Benjamin P. Brown was born November 8, 1832, in the southeastern part of Missouri, being the son of James and Susan ( Richardson) Brown, natives of Kentucky and Missouri, respectively. When Benjamin P. was but a child his mother was called across the river to see the realities of the world beyond. The lad remained with his father, receiving his education and training until manhood's estate arrived. In 1852 he bade farewell to the scenes and places of his youth. his friends and loved ones, and commenced the weary trip across the sands and mountains toward the set- ting sun. Four months later the sturdy young man was digging gold at Downersville, California. He labored in various camps until 1858 and then went to

464

HISTORY OF NORTH IDAHO.

San Francisco and by ship to Bellingham bay, whence he traveled on foot into the Fraser mines. Shortly he left there and came to The Dalles and the next spring he went to Oro Fino. The following fall found him in Florence, and in all the camps adjacent to the Salmon Mr. Brown has labored. For forty years he has lived in this section and knows its history from beginning to end. Since 1871 his headquarters have been upon his ranch. Mr. Brown has been quite a hunter in his day and during the Indian troubles of 1877 he was a scout and guide for General Howard. He participated in the Clearwater battle and in other of the engagements. Mr. Brown has his place sup- plied with average improvements, has a good orchard and is living in quiet retirement. He is the youngest of a family of seven children and the rest are all dead. Since sixteen Mr. Brown has faced the realities of the world upon his own resources. He has done duty on the frontier of the entire western range, has packed his blankets over many a weary trail, has met face to face the adversities that beset the pioneer and in it all has manifested a determination, a reserve force and capabilities that mark lim a strong man of courage and resources.

JAMES S. GUSEMAN lives about four miles northeast from Greencreek, where he owns a small farm and is devoting himself to its improvement. He is not one of the earliest pioneers, but is one of the industrious laborers for the advancement of the interests of Idaho county, and stands well in his community. He was born in Lancaster, Ohio, on December 24, 1849, the son of George W. and Elizabeth ( Evans) Guseman, natives of Ohio. He attended school during his youth- ful days and remained under the parental roof until the estate of manhood arrived. Then he went to In- diana to visit his sister and later journeyed to Kansas. In that state he was employed railroading for twenty years and was an experienced hand in handling a track. He then traveled to various portions of that state and later to all the northwestern and western states and territories and wrought in various capacities and had much experience in the world. Finally in 1898, Mr. Guseman came to Cottonwood and at once engaged in threshing and later gave his attention to farm work and on December 16, 1898, he settled on his present place. This was taken as a homestead and in addition to improving the same, he has also given much of his time in other capacities in this section. Mr. Guseman is a great reader and a well informed man. He has one sister, Orpha Ledman, who was born in Ohio, on February 5, 1848.

CHARLES M. CAMPBELL. Among the many who have wrought for the upbuilding and advance- ment of Idaho county, none has manifested more zeal, interest and skill than has the subject of this sketch. He is at present doing a general farming business, together with raising stock, about four miles from

Whitebird. He was born March 14, 1851, in Ray county, Missouri, the son of Thomas and Melinda (Snowden) Campbell. The father was born in Indi- ana and came early to Missouri. . The mother was born in Ray county, Missouri, and both died in 1861. Our subject was the eldest of a family of five children, and two years after the death of his parents he went to Florida with his uncle, L. B. Campbell, who was a physician. The doctor organized a medicine com- pany and put his nephew with him, traveling all over the southern and middle states. This continued for ten years, and then our subject settled to farming until 1883, when he drove through to Wyoming. He was stable boss at Twin creek, Wyoming, for two years. Then he went to Evingston and handled the trotting stock of A. C. Beckwith for two years. After this we see him in Anaconda, Helena, and finally in Daven- port, Washington. In 1899 he came to the Salmon river country, and while getting out some rock he was crippled in his right hand for life. In 1902 he leased a ranch adjoining his homestead, and is now paying attention to general farming and raising stock. He has a fine bunch of hogs and his ranch is well supplied with water and timber. Mr. Campbell is especially successful in raising hogs, and he has some fine speci- mens now. Mr. Campbell is a well informed man, and ever keeps abreast of the times and is a leader in all that would be for the advancement and upbuilding of the country.

EDWARD W. ROBIE, deceased. The subject of this memorial was born in New York, in 1833, and died on February 20, 1888, his demise being caused by heart disease. He was a good man, possessed of ex- cellent talents and held in high esteem by all. His parents were John and Sarah (Ladd) Robie. The fa- ther was born in Vermont of English parentage ; his an- cestors were pilgrims in the Mayflower and fought in the Revolution. The mother came of Scotch ancestry. Our subject grew to manhood in New York, came west in 1874 to look after his brother's mining interests in southern Idaho and in 1876 came to Idaho county. He was a miller by trade and assisted to construct the Grangeville mill in 1876-77. He was on Camas prairie at the time of the Indian outbreak and was commis- sioned captain by the governor giving him charge of the Grangeville militia. Mr. Robie served as lieutenant in Company A, First Missouri Volunteers, for nearly four years during the Civil war. Following the war, he and Peter Smith bought the Baker property at Horse Shoe Bend on the Salmon, raised stock and mined. This line of work continued until his death.

In 1880, Mr. Robie married Mrs. Isabella Benedict, widow of Samuel Benedict, and daughter of John and Sarah (O'Donnell) Kelly, natives of Ireland and de- scendants of prominent people of Ireland. Five chil- dren were born to this marriage, Emma, Edward V., Alice, and two deceased. Mrs. Robie was married to Samuel Benedict on February 7, 1863, at Florence, Idaho, and to that union four children were born, Grant, Mrs. Caroline Taylor, Frances I. Shissler, Mrs.

ISABELLA ROBIE.

SAMUEL BENEDICT.

EDWARD W. ROBIE.

465

HISTORY OF NORTH IDAHO.

Addie Brown. Mrs. Robie was born on Staten Island, in 1848. She was at her home just below White Bird on June 14, 1877, when her husband, Mr. Benedict, came in wounded in both legs. His horse had been shot by the Indians also but he secured another at Mr. Baker's ranch. Another band of Indians came that evening and murdered him and August Bacon, who was trying to care for liim and beat back the savages. Mrs. Benedict and the little girls fled into the brush and darkness. She went to Manuel's house and she and Mrs. Manuel remained secreted until Friday, when she started to Mr. Idaho with her little girls. On Sunday morning she passed the soldiers going to fight the In- dians and as they returned in retreat they put her on a horse and took the little girls. Her saddle turned and she was left in the way. She fled to the cover of the undergrowth and wandered until captured by the pur- suing Indians, who spared her life at the earnest en- treaty of the squaws, who knew her well. Mrs. Bene- dict then wandered until she was found by Mr. Robie, who had come in search of her. Later occurred her marriage with Mr. Robie, as mentioned above. Mr. Robie left a good home and property at his death which Mrs. Robie is now handling and with her son's assist- ance is doing well. Mr. Smith, partner of Mr. Robie, is caring for the mines. Mr. Robie was raised a Pres- byterian and Mrs. Robie is a Catholic. He was a prom- inent man, an active Republican and although he served as county commissioner he nearly always refused office which was frequently tendered by the people.

ALMON L. YOUNG. This well known business man is the owner and operator of a fine saw-milling plant situated four miles south from Stites, where he does a good business and is favored with a thriving trade. He is a man of sound principles, manifest integrity, and stands as one of the substantial and public minded citizens.

Almon L. Young was born in Stewartstown, New Hampshire, on October 4, 1861, being the son of Charles M. and Nancy (Russell) Young. The father was born in New Hampshire and died March 3, 1898, at Nezperce. He was a contractor and builder, a prominent Republican, and leading citizen in his coun- try. The grandfather and great-grandfather of our subject were born in the vicinity of his nativity, and their ancestors, all being farmers, came from Scot- land in 1660. The mother of our subject was born in Vermont, as were her ancestors for six generations back. The Russells were an old English colonial family. Her father was a Free-will Baptist preacher of con- siderable prominence. She died on June 9, 1890, aged forty-seven. The death took place at New York Mills, Minnesota. Our subject was educated in the graded schools until eighteen and then learned the trade of stationary engineer. He came to Minnesota when twenty and remained there six years. The next trip was to Spokane, Washington, and there and in the vicinity he remained ten years. In 1896, Mr. Young came to the reservation and took a piece of land. Later 30

he relinquished this and went into the sawmill business at Lookout with Mr. Harry I. Stewart, also men- tioned in this volume. Two years in this line and then Mr. Young sold out and came to Stites at the opening of the town. He started a lumber yard and dray line and two years later, in partnership with Frank M. Powers, built the saw-mill which he now owns and operates.

At Battle Lake, Minnesota, on November 19, 1886, Mr. Young married Miss Nellie R., daughter of Asa S. and Martha (Moses) Winer. She was born in Perham, Minnesota, and died at Battle Lake, Minne- sota, on June 17, 1890, leaving one child, which died when two years old. Mr. Young is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Kendrick. He is a Republican in politi- cal matters and is intelligent in the questions of the day. On January 12, 1903, Mr. Young sold his in- terest in the lumber and sawmill business to Mr. E. E. Leach, and is now devoting his time to his mining interests.

BARNEY R. ROGERS, who was born May 21, 1863, in Dodge county, Wisconsin, is now one of the substantial citizens of Idaho county, residing about three miles southwest from Whitebird on an estate of one-quarter section. He raises stock, does general farming, and also pays some attention to mining. Mr. Rogers's father, Orrin J., was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and his father, John Barney Rogers, was a native of New York, and lived to be ninety-three years old. Orrin J. served in the Civil war two years and had two brothers, Mathew and Amos, also in that struggle. The mother of our subject, Emerance Nims, was a native of the state of New York, and had five brothers who served in the Rebellion, four of whom were killed. Her father, Loyal Nims, died at Dayton, Washington, in his ninetieth year. Her mother also died at that place. Our subject's parents were married in Dodge county, Wisconsin, and in 1874 they removed to Salt lake City, locating a ranch of over five hundred acres close by the city, where they still remain. In 1879 our subject came to Boise on horseback and engaged with Lang & Rhine, larg): stockmen. Later he drove eleven yoke of oxen into Virginia City, Montana, then went to Bozeman and freighted with horses. In the spring of 1881 we find him in the Wood river country, whence he went to Sand Creek, Wyoming, in the stock busi- ness. Then he returned to Salt Lake, later journeyed to Colorado, drove cattle to Wyoming, went again to Salt Lake, traveled in southern Idaho, visited the Yellowstone Park, mined in the Lost River country, and packed his blankets to various camps in different sections, during which time he had numerous frontier experiences and endured many hardships. In 1889 he located in Uniontown, Washington. The next year he came to Camas prairie and 1892 marks the date of his settlement on his present ranch. Mr. Rogers takes great interest in the educational and general progress of the country and is an enterprising citizen. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.

On October 17, 1885, Mr. Rogers married Miss

466

HISTORY OF NORTH IDAHO.

Lodicy, daughter of Charles and Mary ( Smith) Now- lan. The father came from England to the United States when young, crossed the plains and was one of the first settlers at Salt Lake, helping to lay out the town of Salt Lake. He took an active part in the erection of the Mormon temple, and died six years ago. The mother was a native of Missouri, crossed the plains in 1849, and died about eleven years ago. Five chil- dren have been born to our subject and his wife, Mary E., Troy B., Hattie E., Orrin K., Afton B. Mr. Rogers has six sisters, Adeline E., Sylvia A., Clarissa L., Emma C., Emily M., Flora E. Mrs. Rogers has one brother, George F., and one sister, Catherine.

GEORGE W. DUNCAN, a worthy and indus- trious farmer, dwelling about eight miles northeast from Denver, has shown himself a capable soldier in the battles of life. In the days when dark fratricidal strife lowered over this fair land he was one who quickly pressed to the front with the fire of youth and the determination of a strong man to grasp the musket in defense of the union. He fought as long as there was a foe to raise a hand against the grand old stars and stripes and then retired from the field of battle to become a stanch and substantial citizen of the coun- try he had assisted to save. A somewhat more detailed account of his war record is worthy a place in this volume. In 1862, being then eighteen, he enlisted in Company H, Thirtieth Missouri Infantry, at Laclede, Linn county. He was in active service from that time until April 9. 1865, when he was mustered out, a veteran bearing the laurels of a brave soldier and de- fender of the homes of his country. Among the many conflicts in which he participated, we may mention Chickasaw bayou, Arkansas Post, Jackson, the siege of Vicksburg, the second battle at Jackson, Mississippi, then at Fort Blakely, Alabama. In Columbus, Texas, he was honorably discharged, and on August 21, 1865. he wended his way back to his home. He left that home a youth and now came back a bearded veteran, crowned with proper laurels freely given by a grateful nation to faithful and brave service. Hc remained in civil life until June 24, 1872, when he migrated to Yamhill county, Oregon, and there farmed for six years. In 1878 he came to the territory now em- braced in Latah county, which was then Nez Perces, where he wrought with display of wisdom and enter- prise until 1902, at which time he sold his property there and located his present place. He owns a snug little fruit ranch of sixty acres, and is making himself a comfortable home place for the declining years of his life. Mr. Duncan has two brothers and three sisters, Thomas M., Benjamin W., Nannie Hoffman, Margaret O'Bryan, Cornelia E. Crafton.

On December 22, 1869, Mr. Duncan married Miss Susan, daughter of John and Rebecca (Carpenter) Bowen, natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Duncan was born in Illinois, on June 3, 1852, and has one brother, Will- iam, and one sister, Mary E. To Mr. and Mrs. Dun- can have been born two sons and five daughters,

Thomas M., born in Yamhill county, on November 14, 1872 ; Earl V., born in Latah county, on February 5, 1894 ; Irene, born in Oregon, on December 25, 1874; Ora Nancy, born in Oregon, on April 7, 1876; Mabel E., born in Latah county, December 22, 1879; Maggie, born in Latah county, December 27, 1881 ; Bessie L., born in Latah county, February 28, 1889. Mr. Dun- can is a Republican and is always found in the front ranks of those who forward the advancement and de- velopment of the country. He is a man of good stand- ing, has shown himself a genial and pleasant com- panion, a man of worth, a stanch friend, a patriotic supporter of the government and a good business man. He and his estimable wife have journeyed on for many years together, and now as the zenith is about reached, they have the satisfaction of knowing that a good rec- ord has been made, that a proper competence has been laid by and that they have hosts of friends from every quarter.

CHARLES D. BRACKETT, of Whitebird, Idaho county, Idaho, is a native of Kansas, having been born at Larned, Pawnee county, February 25, 1877.

His father, a veteran of the Civil war, was born in the state of New York; his mother was a native of Canada, born at Ottawa. Her maiden name was Mary A. Tierney, and she came to the United States, locating in Iowa, in 1851. Herself and children are members of the Catholic church. Until the age of ten years our subject was reared and educated in Kansas. In 1888 he crossed the plains with a wagon train, and after a journey of three months' duration, arrived at Spokane Falls, Washington. Later he located at Mos- cow, where he attended school four years. His parents removed to Whitebird, Idaho, on the Salmon river, in 1891, where Charles engaged in ranching. But aside from that industry his pursuits have been many and varied, including mining, agriculture. freighting and the cattle business. In 1901 he made a trip of four thousand miles, visiting relatives, among whom he numbers many of the most highly respected and influential people of Clinton county, Iowa, including ex-Senator McGinn, and Dr. Richard Monahan. Re- turning to the west he engaged in the cattle business, and later visited the now famous Thunder Mountains, where, in the spring of 1902, he made a number of locations.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho, Part 113

Author: Publication date: 1903 Publisher: [S.l.] : Western Historical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1524

Author:
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: [S.l.] : Western Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1524