An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho, Part 156

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 156
USA > Idaho > Nez Perce County > An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho > Part 156
USA > Idaho > Shoshone County > An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho > Part 156
USA > Idaho > Latah County > An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho > Part 156

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The marriage of Mr. Erichson and Miss Jennie, daughter of James and Ellen ( Smith) Fairbanks, na- tives of Scotland, was solemnized on November 2, 1885. and they have become the parents of two chil- dren. Henry Oran and Ward Andrew. Mrs. Erich- son is a native of California and comes from the fam- ous Scotch Fairbanks family. Mr. Erichson is a mem- ber of the K. O. T. M., Perkins Tent, No. 12; of the Women of Woodcraft, Circle No. 192; W. of W., Mt. Moscow, No. 228: Brotherhood of American Yoe- men, No. 860. Mr. and Mrs. Erichson are members of the Presbyterian church and are highly esteemed in socicty. Mr. Erichson is a member of the city council, and is always interested in the political affairs of the county and state. He owns the building in which he does business and also a fine residence which is the family home.

Mr. Erichson is president of the Photographers Association of the Northwest and is a popular and leading man in his profession, not only with the pub- lic but among his professional associates as well.

HON. WILLIAM H. LEASURE. The subject of this sketch. doubtless the largest farmer in the county of Latah, is accorded representation in the his- tory of his county both because of his business ability and success as well as because of his stanch qualities of real worth and uprightness, being one of the leading men of the county and esteemed and admired by all.

William H. Leasure was born in Little Rock, Ar- kansas, on September 28, 1845, being the son of George and Elizabeth (Crofford) Leasure, who crossed the plains from that state to Marion county, Oregon, in 1851. settling on French Prairie. The mother died soon after this and the father died in 1874, having labored faithfully as a blacksmith and agricul- turist. The school facilities in that new country were limited and our subject had scanty opportunity to learn from books, but wisely improved all he had. In 1864, he went on foot from the home farm to Boise, Idaho, crossing the summits of two mountain ranges in the dead of winter, paying one dollar and fifty cents for each meal and sleeping in blankets wherever night overtook him. He worked in the mines about Boise

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HISTORY OF NORTH IDAHO.

for one year and then returned to the farm, assisting in caring for the younger members of the family and operating the farm. Three years later he started for Boise again, and then stopped to work in a saw mill for eighty dollars per month, later returning to Benton county and buying one half interest in a tannery, which he sold two years afterward and purchased a band of sheep. He started with a thousand and five years later sold six thousand. Then he came to Moscow, buying a quarter section and adding by purchase until he has a magnificent estate of one thousand acres, where he gives his attention to raising grain and good draft horses. He has been blessed with excellent suc- cess, having as high as twenty-five thousand bushels of grain to market in one year, besides fruit and vege- tables and stock. Mr. Leasure rightly considers the soil about Moscow the very best of the famous Palouse country.

In 1874, occurred the marriage of Mr. Leasure and Miss Nancy L., daughter of George and Lucinda (Ligit) Ross, of Benton county, Oregon, who crossed the plains in 1853. Three children were born to this union, Frank W .. married and living on farm; Effie L., married and living in Grangeville, Idaho; Lilly, single, living with parents and attending the univer- sity where she is making a commendable record. In the political affairs of the county, Mr. Leasure has always been active, and his popularity is attested in that when he was nominated for the legislature on the Peoples ticket against John Paulson, Republican, Mr. Leasure being also endorsed by the Democrats, he won the day by a large majority. And it may be said, that Mr. Leasure has always fought for the man and not for the name of the party. Mrs. Leasure is a member of the Christian church. It is with pleasure that we have been enabled to epitomize the career of this capable and efficient business man, being assured that his life of enterprise and integrity entitled him to a permanent place in the annals of the county, where he has labored wisely and long for its upbuilding and advancement.

JENNIE PAULSON. It is quite in accord with the purview of this volume that representation should be granted to the estimable lady whose name ini- tiates this paragraph, since she has been a resident of the county for some time and has maintained a bearing and position quite commensurate with her rare endow- ments, being highly esteemed bv all.

La Crosse, Wisconsin, is her birthplace and A. R. and Jane (Andrew) Olsen her parents. The father still lives at Cashton, Wisconsin. Our subject received her education from the schools of her native city and at the age of fifteen was married to John Paulson, a hotel keeper of that city. Two children were born to this union, Elmer M. Paulson, attending business col- ege in Moscow : Mabel H. E., attending the university. In 1880, Mr. and Mrs. Paulson moved to Lewiston where they remained for two years and then went onto a homestead seven miles south from Moscow, which was then hut a hamlet, the streams of the county also

being unbridged and all trips were made with the in- convenience of fording them. Thrift and good man- agement brought success to the family and soon the estate began to grow by purchase until it is now of the fine proportions of five hundred and sixty acres, yield- ing as high as twelve thousand bushels per year. Mr. Paulson was a man of activity and energy and took a leading part in the affairs of the county, holding many offices of trust. and being ever characterized with faith- fulness and efficiency. Mrs. Paulson is a member of the Rebekahs, No. 15, and also affiliates with the Methodist church. In addition to the fine estate which is well improved and adorned with fine and convenient buildings, she has one of the most elegant homes in the city, being a structure of modern architectural design of fifteen rooms and tastefully furnished. Mrs. Paul- son is a woman of gracious personality and presides with dignified grace over the handsome home, which is a center of refined hospitality and she holds with becoming sagacity and modesty her position among the social leaders of Moscow.

FRANK L. LEONARD. One mile southeast from the thriving town of Farmington, resides the subject of this sketch, owning there a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres, and just south another farm of one quarter section. He has a comfortable home, a good orchard and raises diversified crops, being a thrifty and enterprising farmer and substan- tial citizen. He was born in Boone county, Illinois, on February 7, 1860, being the son of Jonathan F. and Fannie L. (Nettleton) Leonard; the father was a farmer, born in New York, in 1832, and died Au- gust 28. 1890, while the mother was born in 1837, in the Empire state, and her grandfather, Danforth Nettleton, lives in Whitman county. The children of the family, besides our subject, are Leroy, deceased ; Byron C., in Whitman county; Effie, wife of W. E. Thompson, in Whitman county; George A., also in Whitman county. Our subject was brought to Osage county, Kansas, by his parents when he was six years of age. He was reared there and gained his educa- tion from the public schools and remained with his parents until they came to Whitman county in 1889, the next year being the date when he started for him- self. The father bought a farm in Whitman county and remained there until the time of his death. Our subject went to work for the different ranchers and then bought his present home place, which he has handled in a skillful manner since that time, being one of the prominent farmers of the vicinity.

Mr. Leonard married Miss Sadie, daughter of Luther and Almira (Stearns) Thompson, in Whit- man county, Washington, on July 13, 1893, and one child has been born to them, Mildred E. Mr. Thomp- son was born in Newfield, York county, Maine, in 1832, and his parents, James and Sarah (Moore) Thompson, were born in the same place and the fath- ers of this couple were soldiers in the Revolution. Mrs. Leonard was born in Newfield, Maine, on July

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HISTORY OF NORTH IDAHO.

15, 1859, and was educated in the common schools. She came with her parents to Kansas in 1878, and she has taught school for fourteen years. Mrs. Leonard's mother was born in Malden, Massachusetts, and raised in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and the parents of this lady were born in Newfield, Maine, and the great- grandmother of Mrs. Leonard was named Hill. Mrs. Leonard has brothers and sisters as follows, James, deceased ; William E., in Whitman county ; Leroy, Osage City, Kansas ; Luther, there also: Marian, wife of O. J. Swanson, in Blackwell, Oklahoma; Ethel, · wife of N. B. Rettinger, near Bossburg, Washington ; Guy, deceased. Mr. Leonard affiliates with the W. W. at Farmington. Two of his uncles on his mother's side fought in the Union army and one gave his life for his country.

JAMES T. WILSON. This gentleman is one of the leading stock fanciers of the northwest, and owns some of the finest stock that has ever been ex- hibited here. His farm is about one mile east from Moscow, which is his headquarters, and he is well known throughout the entire region, both for the success he has achieved in the line mentioned as well as for the real qualities of moral worth that are ex- hibited in his daily walk.

James T. Wilson was born in Rockcastle, Ken- tucky, on February 13, 1850, being the son of Charles and Mary A. (Wylie) Wilson, who removed to Car- thage, Hancock county, Illinois, while the son was a child. There he was favored with a good high school education, and at the age of nineteen went to Kan- sas, where he soon took a pre-emption and gave his attention to farming for two years, when he removed to Stockton, California, and engaged in the stock and dairying business for one year. Then he repaired to San Luis Obispo, in the same state, and took up the dairying business for fourteen years. He finally sold this business and went to Kansas, farming for two years, then removed to Fort Scott, taking up the wholesale flour and feed business, after which he went to Atchison county and took up the life of a stock fancier. Then he removed to Moscow, purchasing eighty acres as stated above and this has been his headquarters for his business since. He also owns a quarter section four miles northwest from Moscow, which is being stocked and put in shape for a fine stock fancier's operations. Mr. Wilson has the finest Eng- lish Shire horse in the west, also a magnificent Short- horn bull, thoroughbred, which are for stock purposes, and he also has some good Poland China hogs, and he usually has a limited number of fine animals for sale. It is worthy of credit to Mr. Wilson, that he has labored so faithfully and well for the advancement of the stock interests of the county, and surely he has done much in this line, being recognized as one of the leading stockmen in the country.

In 1884 Mr. Wilson married Miss Laura Grewell, and one child was born to them, Claude S., now about to graduate from the high school. In 1884 Mrs. Wil-

son died, being deeply mourned by all who knew her. On May 25, 1888, Mr. Wilson married again,. Miss Julia, daughter of Fred and Sarah Loring, of Carthage, Illinois, becoming his bride, and to bless. the union, two children have been born, Ruth, going. to school, and the other deceased. Mr. Wilson is a member of the M. W. A. and his wife of the R. N. A., and they both affiliate with the Methodist church, being stanch supporters of their faith, and valuable members of society.

JOHN J. HEICK. Among the representative ag- riculturists and substantial citizens of Latah county, we must not fail to mention him whose name appears above, and who has labored here before the organiza- tion of Latalı county for the development of nature's wilds and the upbuilding of the country. In the little land of Denmark, whose sturdy and sagacious citi- zens have maintained a separate state among the great powers of . Europe for an indefinite time, the subject of this brief review was born, the date being July 17, 1853, the place, Agerskov, and his parents, John and Annie (Bunedesen) Heick, natives of the same country, and occupied in farming. Our subject was educated in the schools of his place, and at the age of sixteen years went out from the parental roof to undertake the battle of life for himself, being oc- cupied in working for wages on the neighboring farms until 1875, when he was twenty-two years of age, then embarked for America. He first settled in. Chicago, and one year later went to California and took up farming for one and one-half years in Mon- terey county. Thence he migrated to Yamhill coun- ty, Oregon, and from that place came to Whitman coun- ty, Washington. In the fall of 1877, he homesteaded his present place, three miles north from Moscow and there he has bestowed his labors in producing the fruits of the field and in raising stock, with the success that properly belongs to thrift and enterprise and wisely directed efforts. He has good improvements and a fine five-acre orchard.

Mr. Heick was married in Latah county, on May 7, 1881, to Mary E., a native of Oregon, and daugh- ter of Henry M. and Pauline Rogers, mention of whom is made in this volume. To this worthy couple were born the following children, Cora, Chester A., Rena and Ruth. Mr. Heick is a member of the A. O. U. W., and is one of the substantial and progressive men, taking an active interest in the political affairs of the county and the welfare of all, while commenda- ble sagacity has been displayed in the management of his business interests.

JAMES L. MILLER. As a pioneer of this sec- tion of the west, as a farmer and stockman and es- pecially as a hotel man, the subject of this sketch is well known and he now operates one of the best houses

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HISTORY OF NORTH IDAHO.

in the city of Moscow, the Commercial Hotel, where he does a thriving business and merits the rich pat- ronage that he receives, because of his affability and careful attention to the comfort of his guests.

Mr. Miller was born in Dauphin county, Pennsly- vania, on October 3, 1845. being the son of Joseph and Catherine (Chive) Miller, of Pennsylvania. His education was received in the common schools of his native place and at the age of twenty-one he started in life for himself, working first on his father's farm and in the vicinity until he became desirous of seeing the west and then he started to Iowa, whence in 1875 he came to Portland, remaining there one and one- half years. The next move was to Colfax, Washing- ton, and from there he went to Palouse, where he built the first hotel of the place, naming it the Pioneer. This was in the fall of 1877 and in 1881 he sold out and removed to Cove, Idaho, thence to Princeton, where he took land and later added by purchase until he had a fine large farm. This was his home until February, 1900, when he traded the land for the Com- mercial Hotel in Moscow, where he is installed at the present time. The building is eligibly situated and has forty bedrooms, besides the living rooms, offices, dining room and cuisine. The establishment is handled with skill and is one of the popular places of the country.

Mr. Miller was married in 1873. on March 6, to Miss Mary J., daughter of John A. and Experience { Redford) Davis, of Indiana, and to them eight chil- dren have been born. Alfred H., married to Emma McCoy and living in Moscow; James L., living in Everett, Washington ; George O., at home with his parents ; Joseph L., married to Venia McCoy and liv- ing in Moscow; Winifred, deceased ; Sanford L., at- tending school; Pearl B., going to school; an infant deceased. Mr. Miller takes an active part in the local politics and affairs of the community, being always on the side of advancement and progress. He is affili- ated with the I. O. O. F. and is highly esteemed by his fellows, and his commendable manner in handling his business affairs has placed him in a substantial position of competence.

JAMES R. STRONG is at present holding the re- sponsible position of probate judge of Latah county, where he discharges with efficiency and faithfulness the cluties that devolve upon him. He was born in Sulli- van. Ashland county, Ohio, on September 24, 1849, being the son of Oren R. and Amanda (Gibbs) Strong. natives respectively of New York and Illinois. The father farmed in Ohio, Illinois, and Kansas, then served three and one half years in the Fourth Missouri Caval- ry, Union army, for his country, after which he retired to farm life in Missouri. Atchison county, that state, was the scene of his endeavors as a farmer and dairy- man until 1876, when he removed to Kansas, and in 1892, came to Idaho, settling in Latah county, but now has retired from active life and lives at Garfield, Wash-

ington. The subject of this sketch remained with his father until twenty-one years had rolled by, then en- gaged in farming for himself in Fremont county, Iowa. In 1876 he sold out there and went to Illinois, being married in that state, then repaired to Riley county, Kansas, where his father dwelt. Eight years were spent there as salesman in a general merchandise es- tablishment, and in 1890, we find him journeying to Idaho. He settled in the northern part of Latah coun- ty where he has a good farm at the present time. He taught school for some time and then entered the lum- ber business, being eight years thus occupied. Then he was called by the voice of the people to the office of probate judge of the county, where he is now filling his second term with acceptability. His residence is 11: the city of Moscow.

On December 15. 1876, Mr. Strong married Miss Mary M. Putman, a native of Illinois, the nuptials oc- curring in Canton, Fuller county. The fruit of this happy union is as follows : Alvah, Eunice, Ettie, Alice. Møs. Strong's parents were George C. and Charlotte ( Crosthwaite) Putman, farmers of Illinois. Mr. Strong is a member of the I. O. O. F. Mrs. Strong is affiliated with the Methodist church.

JOSEPH R. COLLINS. The subject of this sketch is one of the most popular citizens of Latah coun- ty. having demonstrated his ability and integrity in a successful and active business career within its pre- cincts, and his faithfulness and efficiency in discharg- ing in a commendable manner the duties that devolved upon him from the public offices that have been com- mitted to his care by the people. Mr. Collins is a native of Union county, South Dakota, being born on April 12, 1868, to Lycurgus H. and Margaret S. (Wood) Collins. The parents came to that section in 1859, set- tling where Elk Point is now, and in 1877, they came to this county, bringing the subject of this sketch. The first winter was spent in fort Crumrine west of Mos- cow, and in the following spring the father took 11p farming in Whitman county, Washington. Joseph R. assisted his father on the farm and labored as- sidnously in the acquisition of an education, being suc- cessful in both occupations. After reaching his ma- jority, he was engaged in buying wheat through the Palouse country until 1894. then he came to Juliaetta, this county, and there established himself in the mercan- tile business, handling a general line, also farm imple- ments and grain. He was successful from the be- ginning and made a record for business that was com- mendable, and his patronage continued to grow until he decided to sell, which was in the early part of 1899. and in November of that year he was elected sheriff of Latah county on the Republican ticket against M. Driscoll, of Genesee. He made a fine officer, carrying the same uprightness and energy into the discharge of the public duties entrusted to him that was character- istic of him in his own private business operations. He has won friends from every part of the county and his

JAMES R. STRONG.

JOSEPH R. COLLINS.

MRS. MATTIE HEADINGTON.

ELMINA E. FRY.

OSCAR LARSON.

BENJAMIN J. JONES

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sound principles, good ability, discretion, and faithful- ness are deserving of the encomiums bestowed and the honors given by the franchises of the people.

Mr. Collins was married in Colfax, Washington, on April 6, 1893, the lady then becoming his wife being Miss Avis E., daughter of J. A. Hastings, and a native of California. To this happy couple there have been born the following offspring : Harold F. and Kenneth H. MIr. Collins is a member of the K. of P., Eureka Lodge, No. 24: of the W. of W., Clearwater Camp, No. 203 : and of the Moscow Circle, No. 192, Women of Woodcraft. Mr. Collins is a good citizen, a thorough and keen business man, and a highly respected member of society.

OSCAR LARSON. Descended from the world wide famous stock which first discovered the new world, the subject of this article has demonstrated the force of his nature in the admirable work which he has accomplished in Latah county, being a leader among the business men, while also he has discharged the public trusts imposed upon him by the franchises of the peo- ple, in a manner befitting the high honor of his per- sonality and the commendable characteristics constant- 1: bestowed by him.

Oscar was born in Waseca county, Minnesota, on September 5, 1860, being the son of John and Christina ( Peterson) Larson, natives of Sweden, who came to this country in 1853, settling first in Indiana and then removing to the above place in Minnesota. The mother clied in October, 1900, but the father is still living at the home place. Our subject received a good education and assisted his father on the farm until he had arrived at twenty-four years of age, then went onto a farm for himself, laboring until 1887, then migrated to Moscow, where he engaged as salesman in a general merchan- ciise establishment. In 1889 he went into business with O. A. Johnson at Moscow, continuing in the same until 1892, when he organized the Vollmer Milling and Mer- cantile Company, establishing himself at Troy, Idaho. In 1898, Mr. Larson was called by the franchise of the people to accept the office of county clerk, anditor, and recorder. and for four years he was found in the efficient and faithful discharge of the duties thus in- cumbent upon him, all being done to the entire satis- faction of an intelligent public. In 1899, Mr. Larson sold out his interests in the business at Troy, to his partner, Mr. Johnson, and is at the present time living in his elegant residence in the city of Moscow. Mr. Larson has a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres seven miles west from Moscow, and he gives his atten- tion to the superintending of this.

The marriage of Mr. Larson and Miss Hilda M. Larson, a native of Sweden, was celebrated in Waseca county, Minnesota, on June 4, 1884, and they have be- come the parents of three children, Esther E., Elsie C. and J. Clarence. Mr. and Mrs. Larson are mem- bers of the Lutheran church and are among the most substantial and popular citizens of the county.

BENJAMIN J. JONES. One of the efficient coun- ty officers of Latah county, a capable business man, be- ing engaged in general farming and stock raising, the subject of this article is well known throughout the county, and deserves a place among the real builders of the county in its history. His birth was in Yadkin county, North Carolina, and the date was April 1, 1865, his parents being Benjamin F. and Mary (Chauser) Jones, natives of the same state, his ancestors for four generations being prominent and capable citizens also of the Old North state. Our subject remained with his father tintil 1888, when he came to the west, settling in Latah county. Shortly after his advent here, he engaged with the O. R. & N. Company, remaining six months in their employ, then he accepted the manage- ment of a sawmill company, and for six years he wrought steadily there. In 1895, he purchased forty acres of his present farm ; in 1896 one hundred and sixty acres ; in 1899, forty acres ; in 1900, two hundred acres ; in 1901, three hundred and twenty acres. It is an estate of seven hundred and sixty acres, eighteen miles north from Moscow, being composed of fine farm- ing and timber land. Here he gave his attention to general farming and raising stock with creditable suc- cess, until November, 1900, when his name appeared on the Republican ticket as assessor and tax collector for Latah county, and the people of the county prompt- ly elected him to fill that position. He is engaged in this labor at the present time, having transferred his residence to the county seat.

On October 14, 1895, Mr. Jones married Miss Eva Johnson, a native of Missouri, whose parents died when she was very young. At the time of her marriage she was living with a married sister in this county. They have become the parents of two children, Opal and Genevieve. Mrs. Jones is a member of the Christian church and Mr. Jones affiliates with the W. of W., Pa- louse Camp, No. 97. Mr. Jones is a capable and good man, a kind and genial neighbor, an efficient public officer, and is highly esteemed by all, and has mani- fested a commendable sagacity and thrift in all of his business affairs.

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An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho, Part 156

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