An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho, Part 164

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 164
USA > Idaho > Nez Perce County > An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho > Part 164
USA > Idaho > Shoshone County > An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho > Part 164
USA > Idaho > Latah County > An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho > Part 164

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Noticing more particularly the personal history of our subject, we see that he was born in Bellville, Can- ada West, on May 20, 1839, being the son of Charles and Rebecca (Wessles) Pledger. The father was born in London, England, on March 8, 1817, and the mother was born in the Mohawk valley, New York, her parents being John and Elenor Wessles. In 1853 the family removed to Dane county, Wisconsin, where they gave attention to farmnig. Our subject attended school and remained with his parents until 1861, he being then twenty-two years of age. Then he re- sponded to the call of his country and enlisted in the Third Battery of Wisconsin Light Artillery. He was ordered to Louisville, Kentucky, and the first engage- ment was at Fort Donelson. After this he partici- pated in the battles of Stone River, Nashville, Pitts- burg Landing, Tennessee, and Corinth, besides several others. He served his three years and then received an honorable discharge at St. Louis and immediately re- enlisted in the Forty-seventh Wisconsin, serving there until the close of the war. After his discharge at Nashville he went to his home in Wisconsin and one vear later went to Kansas on the government survey of Osage reservation. After two years of this work he bought a tract of land near Fredonia, Kansas. Later he sold out and went to South Dakota, and there farmed until 1887, the year in which he came to Latah county. He first bought land on Palouse river, and then sold and purchased his present farm, which has since been the family home.

The marriage of Mr. Pledger and Miss Rachel, daughter of James and Polly Gardner, born, respect- ively, in Maryland on January 24, 1804, and in Ohio on September 22, 1813, was solemnized on January 12, 1875, and they have become the parents of the fol- lowing children : Martha, deceased; Wallace and Walter, twins, at home: Gertrude and Grace, twins, deceased . John W .. at home. Mrs. Pledger's brothers and sisters are as follows : Honor, in Wilson county, Kansas ; John, also in Kansas ; Joshna, deceased ; Lo- renzo D., in Kansas; Elizabeth, deceased; Nancy, de- ceased : Mary, in Kansas ; Samantha, at Moscow. Ida- ho: Lovisa and Louisa, twins, deceased; David. de- ceased ; James B., deceased. Mrs. Pledger was born in Moultrie county, Illinois, on October 10, 1844. The brothers and sisters of Mr. Pledger are named below :

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Mary A., deceased; Ruth, living in Minneapolis ; Elenor, at Oregon, Wisconsin ; Elizabeth, deceased : Mahalah, at Bellville, Wisconsin; Sabra, at White Rock. South Dakota: Joseph, in Wisconsin. Mr. Pledger is an Odd Fellow, holding his lodge relations in Fredonia, Kansas. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church and they are highly respected people and valuable members of society.

FREDRIC F. BURDIC. A worthy scion of a stanch family who braved the storins of ocean in the little Mayflower to settle among the wilds and say- ages of the new world, and the descendants remain- ing in Massachusetts and Vermont until this day, the subject of this sketch has also had a part in the opening of this vast country to the settlement of those who sought homes, and he has manifested the same worthy qualities that were so commendably displayed by his ancestors. Our subject was born in Vermont, Wind- ham county, on February 19, 1835, being the son of Jerread and Leurancy ( Franklin) Burdic, also natives of the Green Mountain state, who emigrated to Indiana in 1837. in Steuben county, of which state they both passed away in the spring of 1882, and are now buried in the Jamestown cemetery. Fredric F. was educated in the public schools in the interims between labors on the farm, and at the age of twenty-two went to Ne- braska, where he worked on a farm for one year and then returned to Indiana and took up study in the school again, realizing that he needed better fortifica- tion for the battles of life. After completing his edu- cation he went to work on a rented farm and five years later he had been successful enough to purchase the same. He continued there until 1871, then went to Nebraska, purchased a farm in Washington county and to farming and buying and shipping cattle he devoted his energies until 1895. when he desired to search the west further, and accordingly he sold his entire property and came to Latah county and pur- chased a farm. which he sold two years later, buying where he is at the present time, two miles east and three-fourths of a mile north from Genesee. He has a good estate, fine residence, large barns and con- venient outbuildings, with over six hundred apple trees, besides pears, plums, prunes and all other kinds of fruits that flourish here. In political matters Mr. Burdic has always been active, being allied with the Democratic party. He has served as county assessor and in other capacities in Indiana. Once he received the nomination for the legislature, there being two counties in the district, and three men in the field, and although his county was five hundred Republican he carried it by three hundred and eighty-four majority, but the other county changed the vote.

The marriage of Mr. Burdic and Miss Nancy A .. daughter of Major Benjamin and Catherine (Jackson) Pratt, was solemnized on December 22, 1857, and they have trod a happy journey together for nearly one-half a century. Mrs. Burdic was born on March 29. 1840, her father being a native of Vermont, and her mother

of Ohio. Our subject and his wife have become the parents of four children, as follows: Elvie M., wife of John C. Nordby and living in Genesee; Eugene W., married to Cory Rose, and being a stock and grain buyer of Nebraska, having headquarters in Washing- ton county ; Ruric L., married to Mae Sampson, living in Ashland, Oregon, where they own two thousand, eight hundred and sixty acres of land and a fine saw mill : Maud L., teaching school in Genesee. Mr. Bur- dic is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in religious be- lief is allied with the Unitarians. Mr. Burdic and his estimable wife, who has been especially helpful and gracious in all the walks of life, are valuable additions to the society of Latah county, and they are highly es- teemed by all.

JOHN S. SULLIVAN. From the far away, fa- mous Emerald Isle, whence comes some of the most enterprising and plucky men that ever stood beneath the stars and stripes, hails the subject of this article, and his career here has fraught with numerous inci- dents of interest, and has ever manifested that genuine grit, sagacity and energy which characterize his race, while his indivudual exemplification of sterling virtues has placed him among the most substantial and capable men of this section, where he has labored with com- mendable zeal in the affairs of business, gaining a proper success as the reward of his wisely bestowed labors.

Mr. Sullivan was born in county Kerry, Ireland, in 1847, being the son of John and Mary Sullivan. He spent the earlier years of his life much as the youth of his land do, laboring faithfully and gaining also a good common school education ; but when manhood's years began to dawn, it was evident from the extra ways of industry and wisdom that our subject manifested that he was possessed of no ordinary abilty. In 1880 he put into execution a long desired plan, that of coming to the United States. He located in Michigan, and by hard labor and careful attention to business, accumulated a good start, then went to California, but not finding conditions there as he desired, mi- grated to Latah county in 1884. He bought eighty acres, and later took forty as a timber culture, where he now lives, eight miles west from Genesee. He put forth the accustomed labor and skill that he was wont to do and soon the place became a fertile farm and a good home. In 1892 he bought two hundred and twelve acres of land, and raised as high as ten thousand bushels of grain in one year. In 1893, the noted year of flood and water fall, he was destined to lose the en- tire crop and this misfortune paved the way for him to lose this fine land, for which he had paid as high as fifty-eight dollars per acre. Not to be daunted, however, Mr. Sullivan, in 1896, bought one hundred and sixty acres, paid for it, and in 1900 he purchased four hundred and fifteen acres more, which gives him the large estate of five hundred and seventy-five acres of land, which he holds in company with his boys, and one hundred and twenty acres in his own right. This mammoth domain produces abundant crops, and

JOHN S. SULLIVAN.

GILLIS J. McBANE.

BENEDICK B. REKDAHL.

MRS. BENEDICK B. REKDAHL.

CASPER JOHNSON.

MARTIN ANDERSON.

GOSWIN SIEVERT.

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gives annually a handsome return for the labor be- stowed.

The marriage of Mr. Sullivan and Mary Sullivan was celebrated in 1870, and they have been blessed with five children, four of whom are living, as men- tioned in another portion of this work. Mr. Sullivan and his family are deserving of great credit for the faithful and persevering manner in which they have labored and endured the hardships of starting in this western country, and the fine stretch of fertile land, well tilled and productive, is the reward of this care- ful and continuous labor. And this bespeaks the keen foresight of our subject, and the careful planning and skill to accomplish the desired end, which demonstrates lim of fine abilty and equal energy and executive force.

GILLIS J. McBANE. To this esteemed and well known business man of the city of Moscow, we are constrained to grant a representation in the history of Latah county. since he has wrought here with energy and skill for the development of the county for many years, and has doubtless, as much or more than any other one man, assisted in the upbuilding of the city, having been a practical builder and painter, while also he has displayed those qualities of moral worth and stanch characteristics that have commended him to the esteem of his fellows.

Gillis J. was born in Logansport, Cass county, In- diana, on December 30, 1829, being the first child born there, and the son of Gillis and Elizabeth McBane. The father was a farmer and the first representative from his county to the state legislature. The subject of this sketch received his education in the schools of Logansport, and then learned the carpenter trade, and to this he has devoted the major portion of his life, becoming an expert builder and skillful artisan. In addition he learned the art of painting and wrought at that in connection with building. At the time of the outbreak of the Civil war, he was one of the brave boys who shouldered the musket and fought back the hordes of rebellion until their last gun was silenced and then returned to the quieter walks of industrial life. He enlisted in 1862 as sergeant in Company G, Seventy- third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which was a part of the Army of the Cumberland. He participated in the battles of Stone River, Decatur, Perryville, Athens, and many skirmishes, being in all the action wherein the regiment participated. On December 30, 1862, Mr. McBane was taken prisoner at the battle of Stone River and placed in Libby prison. He was there for three months, and when finally released was nearly starved to death. Many died from exposure and starva tion. The building had no windows and the men were obliged to run and exercise to keep from freezing. In 1864 he was promoted to the rank of sergeant-major. and after the war returned to Logansport and worked at his trade. In 1882 he came to Walla Walla, where he spent one winter, coming on to Moscow in the spring. He took a piece of land on Potlatch creek

and sold it when proved up on. Then he transferred his residence to Moscow, and here he has remained since. He has a fine home of eight rooms, situated so that it overlooks the city park, and there he is spending the golden days of his career, having retired from the activities of business, and enjoying the com- petence that his skill and industry have wrought out of him. Mr. McBane is a member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 36; of the Crescent Encampment, ,No. 12; of the Rebekah Star, No. 15: and also of the Major Anderson Post, No. 5. of the G. A. R. Mr. McBane has always enjoyed the quietude and retired pleasures of the celibatarian and has never ventured on the sea of matrimony, and he is now among the most highly respected and esteemed citizens of the county, being the recipient of the confidence and good will of all.

BENEDICK B. REKDAHL, deceased. The sub- ject of this memorial was one of the first settlers in the district where the widow resides today, four miles north from Genesee, and he was a true pioneer in the full sense of the word, and he was a potent factor in de- velopment and laboring for the advancement of the country, while his life was always with that stability and uprightness which characterizes the true man. His demise was sincerely mourned wherever he was known.

On September 18. 1848, in the far-away land of Norway, our subject was born, his ancestors also being natives of that stirring land. He remained under the parental roof until 1866, being then eighteen years of age, then sought the new world, and bravely started out to seek his fortune in the industries of the lumber woods in Michigan. Later we find him in Nebraska farming, whence he went to South Dakota, and in 1877 he migrated to Portland, Oregon. In that city he worked one year in the ship yards. then came to Idaho and homesteaded the place where his family re- sides today. The estate is one-half section of rich soil. four miles north from Genesee. He improved his land and spent each summer working in Portland, until the date of his marriage, then settled on the farm for good, giving his entire attention to the improvement and cultivation of the farm. He was successful in these pursuits and his farm became one of the best handled in the entire section.

The marriage of Mr. Rekdahl was solemnized in Portland on August 23, 1881, Miss Martha Gunderson becoming his bride at that time. She is a native of Norway. as also are her parents, Goodwin and Johana Gunderson. Four children were born to this happy union, as follows . Adolph G., who died on November 8, 1901, aged nineteen years ; Belva J. : May B. ; Agnes M., who died on June 28, 1901. On November II, 1886, death came into the household and took thence the father and husband, and his remains are buried in the Lutheran cemetery near the home place. The remains of his children have since then been interred beside the father. The death of Mr. Rekdahl was a severe blow, but the widow has nobly taken up the

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burdens of life and the added responsibilities and has demonstrated her abilty to handle them in a commen- dable manner. She and her husband were members to- gether of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and they always manifested a true devotion to their faith. The husband was here during all the Indian troubles, and was also one of the first to break sod in the virgin soil.

CASPER JOHNSON. This well known and rep- resentative agriculturist of the county of Latah is a man of fine capabilities, a citizen of patriotism, and withal a good neighbor, affable and genial, and indus- trious and sagacious in the prosecution of the enter- prises that come to his hand. Mr. Johnson was born in Inherit, Norway, on October 31, 1840, being the son of Joe and Martha (Roli) Johnson, natives also of Norway, where they remained until the time of their death, the father passing away aged fifty-five and the mother living to be eighty-seven. Both are buried in Hanning cemetery. Our subject received a good edu- cation in the country schools and at the age of eigh- teen years started out for himself. 1866 marks the time of his advent into this country and settlement was made at St. Croix, Wisconsin, where for four years he labored faithfully in the saw mills of the country. Then he bought a farm and for six years he tilled this one hundred and twenty acres. Then he sold his property there and came to Latah county, Idaho, or the territory that is now embraced in this county. He selected a homestead three and one-half miles north- east from Genesee and settled down to make a home and a fine farm, which he has accomplished in a very commendable manner. having now well tilled fields, good comfortable buildings and a nice orchard and is reckoned with the leading men of the community. Mr. Johnson raises wheat principally and is very suc- cessful in its culture. In political matters, Mr. John- son always evinces the interest of the intelligent citi- zen, has allied himself with the Republican party and is active in the promotion of all things that are for the welfare of the county and its inhabitants.

The marriage of Mr. Johnson and Miss Bertina, daughter of Tena and Engabore Raiten, natives of Norway, occurred in 1872. Mrs. Johnson's parents came to America in 1871 and located in St. Croix county, Wisconsin, where they now reside. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson there have been born the following children : Martin, living in Nez Perces county, Idaho; Otto, married to Manda Peterson, and living in Idaho county, Idaho; Charley, living with his father ; Oscar, married to Ionia Alexander and living in Latah county. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are devout members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and are estimable people and stand high in the community.

MARTIN ANDERSON. One of the oldest pi- oneers of the section now embraced in Latah county is named at the head of this article and it is fitting that he should be granted representation in the volume

that has to do with the county where he has labored so long and faithfully, being now one of the best known men of the county, and favored with an envia- ble standing wherever he is know, being a man of excellent ability and sound principles, while he has done much for the upbuilding and advancement of the country.

Mr. Anderson was born in Sweden, on June 13, 1846, being the son of John and Mary Anderson, na- tives also of the same country and farmers there, where they remained until the time of their demise. At the early age of fifteen years he started for himself in the activities and cares of life, going first to sea, where he continued for three or more years when in 1865 he landed at. Boston, remaining a short time, when he embarked in the coast service on the Atlantic where six years were spent, half of which time was on a United States revenue cutter. In 1871, Mr. Anderson came west to Portland, spending one winter in Oregon, then migrated to Idaho, taking a preemption six miles north from where Moscow is now standing. One year later, he sold this property, and took a homestead where he now lives, nine miles northwest front Gen- esee. Here he has bestowed his labors in the art of agriculture and stock raising continuously since that time being crowned with abundant success. He has an estate of five hundred and twenty acres of land, well improved and adorned with comfortable and substan- tial buildings and completely stocked. Mr. Anderson also owns a good residence in the city of Moscow.

Mr. Anderson married Miss Eva C. Peterson, a native of Sweden, in Moscow, on December 13, 1878, and they have been blessed by the advent of seven chil- dren, Laura, Alfred, Hattie, Oscar, Mary, Clarence, and Printiss, all of whom have been well educated. Mrs. Anderson's parents, Eric and Christina Peter- son, were natives of Sweden. Mr. Anderson and fam- ily are identified with the Methodist church, and are dievoted supporters of their faith, while he is consid- ered one of the leading men of the county, having manifested intrinsic moral worth, and a noble charac- ter in all his ways, and being really one of the promi- nent builders of this county, having labored long even before the county was organized.

By way of reminiscence it is interesting to note that Mr. Anderson built a fort on his farm during the Indian war of 1877 and remained there all the time. Many deserted their places and abandoned all their improvements.

GOSWIN SIEVERT. Like many of the most thrifty and substantial citizens of free America, the subject of this article was born in Germany, but trans- ferred his residence to the new world and here he has wrought ont a competence, becoming one of the prominent and prosperous citizens of Latah county, where he owns a half section of rich land three and one-half miles northwest from Genesee. The birth of our subject occurred on November 28, 1838, and his parents were Frank and Mary (Pieper) Sievert,

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natives also of Germany, where they tilled the soil until the time of their death. When a small boy, Goswin started to learn the cabinet maker's trade, and he be- came master of it in every department, manifesting ex- cellent skill and industry. He wrought at this until 1873, when the time came for him to try his for- tune in the new world, and hither he came, landing in Philadelphia, where he took up his trade for a short time, then he made his way to Chicago and there, wrought for one and one-half years. Later he worked in Davenport, Iowa, at the same business for six months, then he came to Portland, Oregon, and there six months were spent with the tools of his craft. In the spring of 1876, he came to Idaho and after investigating the merits of the various parts, took a homestead and preemption where he now resides, and has been since that date. For over a quarter of a century he has wrought with display of the substan- tial qualities of industry, thrift, wisdom, and energy, of which he is happily possessed. He has made his estate one of the best improved in the county, and it annually returns abundant crops as a revenue. Mr. Sievert is one of the oldest settlers in the section now embraced in this county and he is deserving the title of real builder of the county and pioneer of its terri- tory. He is a member of the German Lutheran church and a stanch supporter of the faith. In political mat- ters, Mr. Sievert is active and takes the part of the intelligent citizen, always allying himself with the measures that are for advancement and the benefit of the people. He holds with the Republican party and while he labors for good men to hold office, he has constantly refused any preferment for himself.

Mr. Sievert has two sisters and one brother, all living in Germany. It is interesting to note that Mr. Sievert is a thorough military man and has had much experience in handling arms on the field of battle. He was in the Prussian army in 1864 against Denmark, in 1866 against Austria, and in 1870-1 against France, and in all this arduous and faithful service he escaped without being wounded.

NILS P. PERSEN. This capable and enterpris- ing agriculturist is one of Latah county's leading citi- zens, having wrought within its precincts his present wealth and prominent position. His fine large farm of one-half section is located about four miles north- east from Genesee, and it is one of the best improved and kept farms in the entire county, being embellished with proper and comfortable buildings, and all con- veniences that make a rural home both comfortable and valuable. Mr. Persen was born on June 24, 1855, be- ing the son of Per and Karstna Persen, natives of Sweden, our subject also being born in Skone, that country. The parents remained in the native country until the time of their death, the father passing away at the age of ninety-two and the mother at the age of seventy-six, and both are buried at the Grefvie ceme- tery. Ten children were the offspring of this worthy couple. Our subject received his education at the

common schools in Grefvie Skone, and at the age of nineteen severed the home ties and started in life for himself. He scon bade good-bye to home, loved ones, friends, and native land and embarked for America. He first went to California, thence to Nez Perces coun- ty, now Latah county, in 1879. He selected a good piece of land and used his timber culture right on it and the adjoining quarter he pre-empted and then went to work to make a home. The unbounded success that lias crowned his efforts shows the exceeding skill, industry and sagacity that have been bestowed. Mr. Persen has a fine home and in addition to raising cereals, fruit and vegetables he also handles considerable stock, in which line he has made his usual success.

In 1885 Mr. Persen married Miss Johanna A., daughter of Andrew and Mary Ruberg. She was born in Sweden and came to this country when she was young, the marriage occurring in Latah county. The following children have been born to them: William C., Naeme L., Walter E., Esther M., Adolph N., Edla C., Clara J., Joseph E. Mr. Persen and his estimable wife are members of the Swedish Lutheran church and are devout followers of the faith. Mr. Persen is one of our contented citizens, being well satisfied that he is in one of the best of countries, and he determines to make this his home until the time of permanent de- parture. Mr. Persen recently purchased another fine farm, the same being on Burnt ridge, four miles south- east from Troy, and this place is to be the family home, and he is fitting it up in excellent shape.

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An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho, Part 164

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