An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho, Part 203

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 203
USA > Idaho > Nez Perce County > An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho > Part 203
USA > Idaho > Shoshone County > An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho > Part 203
USA > Idaho > Latah County > An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho > Part 203

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).

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HISTORY OF NORTH IDAHO.

loes a general farming business and raises fruit. Mr. Smith is one of the substantial men of the community and has always manifested good industry and worthy qualities. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Porthill and also of the M. W. A. of the same place. In church relations he is an adherent of the Catholic church and is a constant communicant.

VOLNEY W. WASHBURN, deceased. It is quite fitting that a memorial of the distinguished citi- zen of our county whose name appears above should be granted space in this volume of history since he was one whose labors accomplished much in the de- velopment of the country and who was a leader among his fellows.

Volney W. Washburn was born in New York on June 15. 1849, being the son of Luman and Temperan (Horton) Washburn, natives of New York. They removed thence to Illinois and later to Iowa, where they died. Our subject received a common school educa- tion and at the age of fourteen enlisted in Company G, Twenty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged on October 10, 1865. Return- ing to Illinois after the war he worked out until twenty-one and then married. In 1879 he removed to Grant county, Dakota, and in 1881 to Ottertail county, Minnesota. It was 1886 that the family all came to Wardner, Idaho, and nine years were spent there. In 1894 he came to this valley and located on railroad land where the widow now resides, two miles north from Copeland. The estate consists of two hundred and eighty acres of good land, fine buildings, good orchards and stock sufficient for the place. On August 24, 1901, Mr. Washburn died, and he was sincerely mourned through the entire valley as he was a good man and had scores of friends.

The marriage of Mr. Washburn and Miss Anna Siverson, daughter of Sever and Martha (Olsen) Siverson, was solemnized in 1871. Mrs. Washburn's mother died in Norway, the native land, when this daughter was four years old. The father came to America and settled in Iowa, where he remained un- til the time of his death in 1902. Mrs. Washburn has one brother, Ole, in Iowa, and one sister, Anna, wife of William Girrard, near Fenan lake, in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Washburn there have been born nine children, as follows: John L., with his moher ; Noah H .. married to Angeline Kerchival; Martha A., wife of H. Guthrie : Nellie T., wife of George B. Whitney ; Annie L., wife of Chauncey Guthrie: Volney W .. Bertha May, Harvey H. and Eva V., with their mother : the others are all living in the valley.

Mr. Washburn was a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., having been a noble grand and also organ- izer for the order. He was a Democrat in politics and active. In Dakota he was sheriff of Grant county and in Wardner he was constable, having also held this last office in Iowa. He was a man beloved by all and much credit is due him for the worthy labors he accomplished. Mrs. Washburn is nobly taking up

the added burdens of life and has reared her children in the paths of good morals and she is highly respected by all.

JOSEPH ANDERSON. One of the younger men who are achieving success in raising stock and farm- ing in the fertile Kootenai valley because of industry and thrift is named at the head of this article and it is right that to Mr. Anderson we should accord a special representation in the history of the county, for he has done much for the upbuilding and advancement of the county, being a substantial man and good citizen.

Joseph Anderson was born in Welland, Ontario, on February 10, 1872, being the son of James and Ellen (McGivney) Anderson, natives of Canada, where they are now living. Our subject has the fol- lowing brothers and sisters: Fred, in Buffalo, New York ; James, in Welland; Ada J., wife of Leonard Matthews, in Port Dove, Canada; Mary, single and living in Buffalo, New York; Nellie, single and living in Tilsimburg, Ontario; Sarah, in the same place ; Minnie, also in the same town. Joseph re- ceived a good education in the excellent schools of Ontario and when sixteen years of age he went to work for the Michigan Central railroad. where he spent one year and six months. The next six months were spent in the employ of the New York Central Railroad Company, and then he returned to the Michigan Central and one year later migrated to the Northwest Territory. He worked for the Re- clamation Company for six years and then came to Kootenai county in 1892. He fired on a steam shovel for the Reclamation Company for a time and then in 1897 came to his present location immediately south from the town of Porthill. He has one hundred acres of land, most of which is into hay. He handles about thirty head of stock and also does a general farming business.

In 1897 Mr. Anderson married Miss Daisy V., daughter of Jacob and Louise (Klein) Sloop. The parents are mentioned in another portion of this work. One child, Nellie, has been born to this happy union. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are devoted members of the Lutheran church.

BARBARA ERLENWEIN. It is with pleasure that we are enabled to grant to the estimable lady whose name initiates this paragraph a representation in this volume, since she is one of the capable and worthy residents of Kootenai valley and deserves men- tion in the history of her county, having wrought here with manifestation of wisdom, industry and ability for a number of years, achieving a good success in material things.

Barbara Erlenwein was born in St. Louis, Mis- souri, on March 24, 1857, being the daughter of Jacob and Christine (Fisher) Erlenwein, natives of Ger- many. They came to this country in 1857 and settled in Wisconsin. In Shelby, that state, she received a

VOLNEY W. WASHBURN.

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good schooling and grew to womanhood. At the age of nineteen she married Mr. Frank M. Lucas, a butcher by trade. They removed to North La Crosse and there he did business for a time. Mr. Lucas was a man of such terrible temper that it was dangerous to be around him, and so our subject was forced to secure a di- vorce after enduring life with him for nineteen years. In 1891 she came to Kootenai county and located a homestead and since that time she has taken care of all her interests in good shape herself, manifesting both great perseverance and courage, as well as excellent wisdom and skill in the management of her business affairs and the conduct of her estate. She has a good bunch of stock, milks five cows and raises a great deal of poultry. In addition to the homestead, she has one hundred and fifteen acres of railroad land which she purchased and which is fine hay land.

One child was born to our subject in her marriage, Isabella, now the wife of Donald H. Chisholm, men- tion of whom is made in this volume. Miss Erlenwein is a lady whose upright life and excellent ways have commended her to the good will and esteem of all her neighbors and acquaintances and she has hosts of friends.

CHARLES OLDS resides three miles south from Porthill on a half-section of land which forms the home estate and which he is handling to general farming and hay. He owns a score or more of cattle and is numbered with the intelligent and prosperous men of this portion of the valley, being also a man of good principles and so conducting himself that he is re- spected and commended by all.

Charles Olds was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on December 25, 1863, being the son of Luther and Caro- line E. (Ransome) Olds, natives of New York. They came west to Oregon in 1864, crossing the plains with teams, and located in Humboldt, Oregon. Later they removed to California and then returned to Portland, thence they migrated to Whitman county, Washington. In that county the father lived until his death in 1890. The mother then sold out and came to dwell with the subject of this sketch, where she is at the present time. Our subject was but four months of age when the parents came across the plains and in all of their jour- neys he was one of the party. He gained his educa- tion from the schools of Portland before he was four- teen and then worked for his parents until he was twenty-four years of age. Then he bought a band of sheep and continued that industry for four years ; he had the misfortune to lose his whole band during a bad winter. After that heavy loss Mr. Olds came to the Kootenai valley, in 1893. He prospected for six years, but did not find any properties that paid. He then turned his attention to farming and in 1898 bought a quarter-section from the railroad and then took a homestead, where he now lives. As stated above, he now devotes his attention to the farm and stock.

In 1808 Mr. Olds married Miss Iva V., daughter of J. A. and Louise (Kline) Sloop, natives of Missouri.

They came to the Kootenai valley in 1893 and there the mother died in 1898, but the father still lives on his farm near Porthill. Mr. and Mrs. Olds have one child, Marjorie. Mrs. Olds has three sisters; Clara, wife of C. D. Black, living in the Kootenai valley : Daisy, wife of Joseph Anderson, near Porthill : Ruby, single and living with her sister, Mrs. Olds. Mr. Olds has one brother and two sisters: Augustus, married and living at Harrison Lake, British Columbia ; Ella, wife of William Gilmore, in California; Mary, wife of N. P. Heim, in Coeur d'Alene. Mr. Olds is a good man and has the confidence of his neighbors and ac- quaintances and is one of the sturdy men who have built up the valley.

JAMES R. ECKERT. This well known agricur- turist and stockman of the Kootenai valley has a fine estate of over three hundred acres one-half mile west from Copeland, where his family residence is located. He handles about three hundred acres to general farming and cuts annually two hundred tons of hay. raising one hundred head of cattle. He has good im- provements and an estate that is very valuable.

James R. Eckert was born in Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio, on February 8, 1857, being the son of Henry S. and Mariah (Shafer) Eckert, natives of Ohio, where they farmed until their death, the father passing away in 1881 and the mother in 1885. Our subject received a good common schooling and re- mained at home with his parents until he was twenty- four and then came west to Idaho county, Idaho, in 1886. He remained there for three years and then re- moved to Porthill, where he and his brother lost nearly a thousand head of cattle. After this severe setback Mr. Eckert went to butchering for the Great North- ern for one year and then he located his present place. He took a homestead and bought railroad land and settled down to raising stock and farming. He has made a fine success of it and has a comfortable home and is one of the leading and substantial men of this section.

In 1892 Mr. Eckert married Miss Kittie R. Kil- bury, a daughter of Ruth A. Thompson, mention of whom is made in this volume. Mr. Eckert has had three brothers and six sisters, three of whom are liv- ing ; they are: J. L., living in Idaho county, Idaho : George D .. on the old homestead in Ohio: Henry S .. in Ohio; Catherine E., married to E. Fields, in Lan- caster, Ohio: Mary E., wife of E. C. Pierce. in Ohio: Clara, wife of Jolin Rosenburg, in Clermont, Florida.

LOUIS W. ERLENWEIN is a prosperous and thrifty farmer and owner of stock who lives about three and one-half miles south from Porthill. He is one of the men whose faithful labors have improved the valley and made it one of the rich portions of the state, and he is now devoting his attention to the care of his stock, of which he has nearly fifty head, be-

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sides also doing a general farming business. He raises fruit, having about four hundred choice treees

Louis W. Erlenwein was born in La Crosse, Wis- consin, on November 30, 1867, being the son of Jacob and Christine (Fisher) Erlenwein, natives of Germany. They came to this country in the early 'fifties, locating in Wisconsin, where they farmed until the time of their death. The father died in 1874 and the mother in 1889. Our subject was educated in La Crosse and re- mained with his parents until their death, he then be- ing twenty-three years of age. He worked in La Crosse some time after this and also went into business there for five years. In 1891 he sold his interests there and then came west, locating in the Kootenai valley, where he has resided since. Mr. Erlenwein took a homestead and in addition purchased railroad land until he has over one-half section. He also owns two hundred and seventy-five acres in partnership with his sister. He utilizes one hundred and fifty acres for hay and the rest of the land for pasture, for general farm- ing and for fruit.

In 1896 MIr. Erlenwein married Miss Minnie Pol- zin, whose parents were natives of Germany. They came to America in early days and located in Wis- consin, where they tilled the soil many years and then removed to Minnesota, where they now live. Mr. Erlenwein and his estimable wife have three children, Erwin, Louis and Minnie. Mr. Erlenwein has dem- onstrated his industry and capabilities to handle the resources of the country in a successful manner and he is one of the substantial and respected citizens and is entitled to much credit for the part he has taken in the excellent efforts of development.

DONALD H. CHISHOLM is a representative stockman and farmer of the Kootenai valley. His estate of over one section of land lies two and one-half miles west from Copeland and he has it well improved. He handles from fifty to one hundred head of stock, puts up considerable hay, does a general farming busi- ness and is one of the reliable and progressive men of the valley.

Donald H. Chisholm was born in Cape Breton, Canada, on May 4, 1867, being the son of Colin and Anna ( Mckinnon) Chisholm, natives of Scotland, but immigrants to Cape Breton country when young. There they remained as tillers of the soil until the time of their death, the mother's occurring in 1884 and the father passing away in 1889. Donald H. was educated in the common schools and remained at home a dutiful son until he was twenty-two years of age. Then he came to Montana and located in Livingston. One year later he removed to Sun River, Montana, and there bought a team and went at public work. He increased his teams and took up freighting, at which he labored for four years and then sold out and came to the Kootenai valley. In 1891 Mr. Chisholm located a homestead, where he now lives, and since that time he lias devoted his efforts to improving his estate and raising stock. He first bought twenty-two

head and from that start he has sold many head and now has over fifty cattle besides his other stock.

In 1895 Mr. Chisholm married Isabella Lucas, a daughter of Frank and Barbara (Erlenwein) Lucas, natives of Wisconsin. They came west in 1891 and now reside in the Kootenai valley. Four children, named as follows, have come to bless the home of our subject : Annabell R., Donald H., Colin Ulysses and Vivian Veloid. In political matters Mr. Chisholm is allied with the Republicans and always evinces an act- ive interest in the affairs of local import. He is a member of the M. W. A., at Bonner's Ferry, while Mrs. Chisholm is a member of the Methodist church. In the conduct of his business enterprises Mr. Chis- holm has shown commendable wisdom and has ac- cumulated a handsome holding, while in his personal walk he has always manifested integrity and is a man of reliability and uprightness.

BENJAMIN F. GRACE. This pioneer and worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Kootenai county has a fine cstate of nearly three hundred acres four miles north from Bonners Ferry, where the family residence is at present. He has two hundred acres in hay, a fine ten-acre orchard, garden, and so forth, making him a valuable place, which in the present market ruling would be well worth five thousand dollars. It was in 1892 that Mr. Grace came to this section and took a quarter section as a home- stead, purchasing one hundred and twenty acres later. He is one of the thrifty and prosperous farmers of the section and is well respected by all.

Benjamin F. Grace was born in Hinesburgh, Ver- mont, on March 4, 1852, being the son of Harrison and Hannah (Mosier) Grace. The father was a na- tive of Bangor, Maine, and died in 1864 in the state of New York. The mother then lived in Clinton county, New York, where she raised her family of four children on a farm. In 1879 she came to Lead- ville, Colorado, later went to Basalt, in that state and there she remained with her son, L. F., until the time of her departure to the world beyond, in July, 1902. In Ellensburgh, New York, our subject received a com- mon schooling and he worked and gave his earnings to his mother until he was twenty-four years of age. He spent two years in mining at Leadville and then bought a freighting outfit and freighted along ahead of the railroad until 1888, at which time he sold out and settled to farming for two years. Selling again, he came to Mullan, Idaho, and worked on railroad construction for two years. His next move was to Bonners Ferry, as stated above, this being in 1892.

In 1879 Mr. Grace married Miss Ida, daughter of James and Sophia (Wiggins) Hodgson, natives of New Brunswick. They came to Colorado in 1878, settling at Aspen, later going to New Castle, and now live in Marble, Colorado. To Mr. and Mrs. Grace there have been two children born, Eva M. and Sophia M. Mr. Grace is a member of the 1. O. O. F. at

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Bonners Ferry and his wife is a member of the Re- bekahs there also. They are both members of the Methodist church. Mr. Grace and his faithful wife have wrought well in the building up of this section and have gained not only a good property holding but also the good will and esteem of all who may have the pleasure of their acquaintance.

JOHN P. DUNN was born in Perry county, Ten- nessee, on May 5. 1857, being the son of Bolden and Catherine Dunn, natives of Tennessee. On the same day in 1865. the father and mother died of that dread disease, smallpox, and were buried the same day. Two boys and one girl were left orphans by this sad event and our subject was placed in a Catholic orphanage. One year later he was given to Mr. McAtee, and soon after that he went to Callaway county, Missouri, where he remained until he was twenty years old. He lived in Arkansas one year, then removed to Fay- ctte county, Illinois, after which he went to Texas. Returning to Arkansas he later went to Missouri and in 1888 he came thence to Oregon. Soon he was in Spokane, later returned to Oregon and in 1890 he came to his present place, which lies five miles south- west from Bonners Ferry, near Moravia. He settled on unimproved land and had a family of wife and three children. Mr. Dunn commenced operations here without a dollar of capital and his energy, thrift and sagacity in handling his business affairs have conserved his interests so well that at the present time he is worth, upon a conservative estimate, at least ten thousand dollars. He does a great deal of gar- dening and operates in the lumber industry as well, while he handles considerable stock. too.

In 1883 Mr. Dunn married Miss Nanny Hicks, who died one year later. In 1885 he contracted a second marriage, Isabella Barr becoming his wife on this occasion. Her parents were Henry and Louisa Barr, natives of Indiana. They came to Missouri in an early day and the father died several years ago, but the mother still lives in White Oak, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are parents of nine children,

seven of whom are living as follows: Nana Perl, Charles W., Cora C., May B., Harry P., Alice B., Effie D. Mr. Dunn is a Democrat in political mat- ters and he has been a member of the school board since his advent into the country. Eight years steady he has served as clerk and he is a prominent figure in the promotion of good schools and is always on the side of advancement and progress.

MARTIN PETERSON. This substantial and upright citizen is a resident of Kootenai county, his home place being a farm two and one-half miles west from Bonners Ferrv. He has a good house, barn, and other buildings which he erected with his own labor. His place is fenced and partially under cultivation.

He handles about fifteen head of cattle and some horses and does a general farming business.

Martin Peterson was born in Wanjan, Sweden, on July 27. 1857. being the son of Peter and Annie ( Peterson) Peterson, natives of Sweden, where they remained until the time of their death. Martin was reared on a farm, gained a common school education, and remained with his parents until he was eighteen and then he worked in the lumber woods until 1880. in which year he made the pilgrimage to the United States. locating first in Minneapolis, where he worked for the Standard Flour Mill Company for one year. Next we see him in Bismarck, North Dakota, where he took up a homestead and, in company with his two brothers, he farmed there for seven years. He sold out then and went to Great Falls, Montana, and wrought at the stone mason trade for eleven years, doing well. In 1897 he visited the home of his child- hood, making a visit of six months. His family ac- companied him on this trip, and upon his return he brought his wife's parents to America with him. Mr. Peterson then came to his present location, the year being 1898. purchasing a quarter section from the railroad company.

In 1885 Mr. Peterson married Miss May, daughter ter of Olof and Mary (Erickson) Olson, natives of Sweden. They now live with Mr. Peterson. To Mr. and Mrs. Peterson there have been born five children, Angust, Mary, Fred, Eddie and Harry, all at home with their parents. Mr. Peterson is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Bonners Ferry, and also of the M. W. A. He and his family affiliate with the Lutheran church. Mr. Peterson is one of the respected and thrifty citizens of the county and has gained by his uprightness the esteem of all, while his business capa- bilities have made his present good holding in prop- erty matters. In political matters Mr. Peterson is a Republican.

B. NELS PETERSON. This enterprising gen- tleman is one of the leading property owners and suc- cessful stockmen of the county of Kootenai, his fine estate of four hundred acres being located at Moravia station, five miles south from Bonners Ferry. Upon his land Mr. Peterson has an imposing residence cost- ing nearly two thousand dollars, out buildings and barns that are needed, a fine orchard of three hundred trees of different varieties, and everything in tiptop shape. Nearly all of this land is under cultivation and Mr. Peterson reaps annually lucrative returns from his bounteous crops. In addition to the general farm- ing that he does, he handles stock, having in the neighborhood of fifty head now, including all kinds. When one considers that Mr. Peterson came here hut a few years since and took this land in the raw. his achievements are indication of excellent thrift and wisdom.

Turning more to the details of his career. we note that Mr. Peterson was born in Wanjan, Sweden, on June 8. 1851. being the son of Peter and Anna Petcr-

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son, also natives of Sweden. They were thrifty far- mers there and remained until their death. B. Nels was educated in his native land and there remained with his parents until twenty-one. Then he worked out until twenty-eight and at that time built a fine home and got married. In 1881 he left this home and came to America. At first he located in Minneapolis and there remained over one year, and then he jour- neyed to Bismarck, North Dakota, and took a home- stead. Seven years were spent there and finally the drouth drove him out. He took his stock and pre- pared wagons and drove to Great Falls, Montana. A short stop was made there and then he came to his present place, still making the journey with teams. He located on a piece of land and later bought a squat- ter's right, which was purchased later from the rail- road, and also he purchased two hundred and forty acres in addition to this, making a total of four hun- dred acres of fertile soil. It is mostly under cultiva- tion and produces great crops of hay and other prod- ucts. The entire estate, with its valuable improve- ments, is conservatively estimated to be worth at least ten thousand dollars.

In Sweden, in the year 1879, Mr. Peterson mar- ried Miss Anna, daughter of Olof and Mary (Erick- son) Olson, natives of Sweden. To this happy union there have been born seven children, Frank, Selma, attending school in Great Falls, Montana ; Freda, Minnie, Albert, Edwin and Willie. All the children are at home. Mrs. Peterson's parents live with Mr. Peterson, and his brother, Martin, another son-in- law. Mr. Peterson is a Republican and is active in the local affairs. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. in Bonners Ferry, and his family with him are mem- bers of the Lutheran church. Mr. Peterson has made a fine record here in business matters and he stands well socially and his reputation is untarnished.

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An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho, Part 203

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