An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho, Part 229

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 229
USA > Idaho > Nez Perce County > An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho > Part 229
USA > Idaho > Shoshone County > An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho > Part 229
USA > Idaho > Latah County > An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho > Part 229

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Richard Sharpley was born in Buckingham, Canada, on April 20. 1844, being the son of Nelson and Jane (Parsher) Sharpley, among the early settlers of that section. Our subject was educated and reared in his native place and there on July 17, 1873, he married Miss Margaret Ann, daughter of Chancey and Mary J. (Timmons) Brewer, also early pioneers of that re- gion. Mrs. Sharpley was born in Buckingham, on July IS. 1850. In 1880 Mr. Sharpley came to the United States and settled in Norway, Michigan, whence in a short time he went to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and there worked in the lumber regions logging. In 1888 Mr. Sharpley came to the Old Mission, arriving in July. He went to work for salary at once and being so favorably impressed with the country he at once sent for his family and in 1891 located his present home place, three and one-half miles east from Lane on the south side of the river. He has the place well im- proved with good buildings, orchards, fences, and so forth, and is one of the prosperous men of the valley. Mr. Sharpley has always evinced a keen interest in educational affairs and is ever ready with a helping hand to aid the cause. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sharpley, Ida Ellen, wife of Wyvel Mitchell, of Ada, Washington ; Emma M. M., wife of Charles W. Harbor, of Murray, Idaho; Richard J., deceased : Lillie May, wife of Sylvester Arbogast, near Lane : Ethel Lura, Wilford R.

WILLIAM L. TRIPLETT. As one of the lead- ing stockmen of the Coeur d'Alene valley and an en- terprising citizen and upright man, we grant to Mr. Triplett space for a review of his life in the volume that chronicles the history of his county.

William L. Triplett was born in Triplett, Missouri, on June 24. 1859, being the son of Jolin E. M. and Nancy (Cawthorn) Triplett. The father was a native of Franklin county, Kentucky, and came to Chariton county, Missouri, in 1844, being one of the first settlers in that section. He took government land, married

there and is now living on the old homestead. He platted some of his land and named the place Triplett when a branch of the Wabash came through his place. The mother died there in August, 1901. Our subject received his education from the common schools and grew to manhood there. On January 20, 1890. at Mob- berly, Missouri. Mr. Triplett married Miss Ella L ... daughter of John and Emma (Wickes) Windel, living at Newmarket, Shenandoah county, Virginia, where Mrs. Triplett was born. The parents died there and she came to Moberly to live with her uncle, John N. Kring, who is a retired jewelry merchant. In 1891 Mr. Triplett came to the Coeur d'Alene river and lik- ing the county so well he selected a place and brought his family the next year. His farm is south of the river and two and one-half miles east from Lane. He has a fine farm of meadow land and cuts many tons of hay each year. Mr. Triplett has devoted him- self steadily to raising stock since the time he came here, being blessed with gratifying success and is now one of the well-to-do farmers and stockmen of the county. He bought eighty acres adjoining his home- stead, besides owning a valuable piece of land of eighty acres in Missouri. Two children have been born to this union : Willie K. and Nannie P. Mr. Triplett lias his farm well improved, having a good house, large barn, substantial outbuildings, excellent orchard and much other improvement. He is a man of excel- lent standing in the community and having the good will and esteem of all.

EDWARD C. RAY. Few men have had more varied experiences in responsible capacities in the range of the western mining country than the subject of this article, who is now living a retired life in Lane, being a man of stanch integrity, fine capabilities, pos- sessed of worth and sagacity that have been demon- strated in a long career of activity and faithful walk.

Edward C. Ray was born in Randolph county, North Carolina, on December 13, 1835, being the son of Mark and Mary Ray. In 1853 Mr. Ray came across the plains with a mixed train of mule and ox teams and loose cattle. They made their way to Placer- ville, California, and lie mined there for two or three years and then moved to Grass valley and in 1858 came thence to The Dalles. He bought a pack train and went to Fraser river, after which he went with Major Garnett to fight the Indians, having charge of the government herd. He was at various places in the northwest where exciting times had been had with the Indians, as near Spokane, where General Wright killed several hundred of the Indians' horses, and also in the Okanogan country. He then went to Walla Walla and rode express to Mullens camp, going through the Coeur d'Alene country in 1859. Then he speculated in cattle in California and in 1862 came to the excite- ment in the John Day country. In the summer of 1865 Mr. Ray was with the Wilson stampede that came as far as the present site of Wardner, but finding no gold they were gong to hang Wilson for a false re-

EDWARD C. RAY.

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port. Then he repaired to Helena and prospected until 1868, when the St. Joe excitement drew him thither. Also, in 1865, Mr. Ray was in the Sun river stampede, wherein ten thousand people were out in the wilds in the dead of winter and over one hundred were frozen to death. After the St. Joe excitement he went to Helena and mined until 1877 and then took charge of the Silver Bow in Butte. Then he went to the Wood river country and handled the Elkhorn until 1882. Next we see him superintending a mine in the Maiden region and thence he was sent to the Coeur d'Alene country. In 1886 he returned to the Coeur d'Alene country and was superintendent of the Bunker Hill and Sullivan, in 1887 of the Lost Chance, in 1888 of the Frisco, where he remained until 1891. Then he went to Nelson, British Columbia, and developed a pros- pect. All this work was for the same company, known as the Helena, Montana, Company. In the spring of 1892 Mr. Ray came to the Coeur d'Alene river, where he bought a ranch and took up raising stock. He se- cured two car loads of registered Hereford cattle, pay- ing fifty dollars per head for large and small. He has since paid attention to raising stock and is still en- gaged in this occupation. although he has sold his farm. Mr. Ray is an expert in the science of mining and has always commanded the best of wages and now in the golden years of his life he is entitled to the retirement and enjoyment of the good things which his labor has provided. In 1870 he went east to see his mother and his brother, E. W. Ray, arich banker of St. Joseph, Missouri. He is well liked by all and stands high in the esteem of the substantial people of the community.

TITUS BLESSING. A pioneer of the true grit and spirit, a man of sound principles and uprightness, a public minded citizen of worth and integrity, and always dominated with sagacity, keen foresight and manifesting energy and enterprise, the subject of this article is deserving of consideration in the history of his county.

Titus Blessing was born in Dubuque, Iowa, on August 4, 1855, being the son of Frank J. and Helen Blessing. When a child he went with his parents to Albert Lea, Minnesota, and when he was ten, they went to the vicinity of New Ulm. In 1876 Mr. Bless- ing came to Helena, Montana, and followed the mason trade. which he had learned in his youth. Later he mined and prospected in all the leading camps of the state. In 1879, May 31. Mr. Blessing married Miss Anna M., daughter of Conrad and Catherine Hoffman, seven children having been born to them: Amelia, Anna K., Rosa E., Walter L., Phillip R., Bessie, John W. Mrs. Blessing was born in Munster, Ger- many, on January 19, 1858, and came to California with her parents and thence by stage and wagon to Montana to see her cousin, where she met and mar- ried Mr. Blessing. In 1883 they came with team to Spokane, traveling over the Big Bend country. Then Mr. Blessing left his family in Spokane and came with pack train to the Coeur d'Alene country, being the

first in there before the rush. He was one who helped draft the resolution against Chinamen coming into the Coeur d'Alene country, which is still in force. Mr. Blessing followed mining and prospecting for some time and then sold out and came to Trent, Washing- ton, where he went into the stock business and in 1891, when the reservation was thrown open, he came to his present place at Medimont and took a homestead. He has one hundred and four acres of good land and is doing well. Mr. Blessing has held the office of justice of the peace and is an excellent officer, being faith- ful and impartial. He has been active in the advance- ment of educational facilities and is a progressive man in all lines. He has some fine placer ground in the Saint Joe region and is developing it well. Mr. Blessing and his wife are true frontier people and have done a good work in development and building up the coun- try. Mr. Blessing fought Sitting Bull's band in 1877 and was a private scout under Buffalo Bill, who was the government scout for General Miles. He fought at Strawberry island and Ft. Peck. When the Nez l'erces war broke out he came with eighty citizens of Helena to fight the redskins, but the government for- bade them to do so unless they would enlist and be officered by the government. They objected and re- turned.

HON. JESSE P. QUARLES. This well known gentleman and patriotic and progressive citizen whose public spirited labors have redounded to the good of all and the advancement and development of the coun- try, is well deserving a representation in the history that chronicles the itenis of Kootenai county history.

Jesse P. Quarles was born in Benton county, Ar- kansas, on November 15, 1845, being the son of Thomas and Rebecca (Cox) Quarles. He received his educa- tion in the log cabin school house of the day and re- mained with his parents until he had grown to man- hood. In the time of the war, Mr. Quarles acted as guide for General Phillips and as the danger increase I it was found necessary to remove the family to safer quarters and so they all went to Leavenworth. Kan- sas, whence they returned after the war to their home only to find all improvements destroyed. They went to work improving the place and on August 20, 1868, Mr. Quarles married Miss Margaret A. Coonfield. In [873 they started across the plains with teams and wagon and landed in Waitsburg, Washington, four months later. Soon after that they came to where Farmington now stands, and there Mr. Quarles built a hotel, after having farmed for a time on a piece of land he bought. His hotel was the first in the town and he operated it successfully for a term of years. He was elected county commissioner for a period of two terms and also served as chairman of the board. Then Mr. Quarles sold his hotel and bought a farm across in Nez Perces county, where he lived until 1891. He was elected to represent Nez Perces county in the state legislature and did excellent service. He removed from that place in 1891 to his present location two and one- half miles east from Lane, where he took a homestead

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HISTORY OF NORTH IDAHO.

and has bought as much more land, having now a fine half section of meadow, being very fertile land. He has good improvements and is one of the progressive and substantial men of the section. In 1892 Mr. Quar- les was elected county commissioner of Kootenai coun- ty and two years later he was called by the people to serve as county assessor and tax collector. He has been a stanch Republican all his life until the division on silver when he became a silver Republican and is a potent factor in the campaigns. Mr. Quarles has been a Mason since 1867, holding the master degree now in the Harrison lodge. Mr. Quarles is always in- terested in and assists all movements for the advance- ment of the country and especially is he zealous and ac- tive in promoting religious and moral institutions and improvement. Nine children have been born to this worthy couple: Thomas L., deputy assessor for four years and later chief clerk in the auditor's office and county auditor and clerk of the district court ; Ora R., wife of G. M. Robertson, county treasurer of Idaho county for six years ; Isaac L., Richard A., of Wardner ; James N., deceased : Frank, deceased ; William Clyde, Lula B., Milton Ray.

PAUL L. ZIMMERMAN. To the careful in- dustry .enterprise and good management of Mr. Zim- merman, is due the splendid success that is his now to enjoy. He is a general merchant in Lane and carries a fine stock of goods, well selected, and by honorable treatment of patrons he has built up a fine trade, being one of the successful and substantial men of the county.

Paul L. Zimmerman was born in Breslau, the capi- tal of Silesia, Germany, on May 31, 1860, being the son of August F. and Agnes ( Prang) Zimmerman. The father was a wholesale tobacconist and did a thriv- ing business until 1870, when he died. Our subject attended school in Germany until 1874 and migrated to the United States with his uncle, Louis Prang, who is now in business in Boston. He attended col- lege in New York for one year and then went to Malvern. Arkansas, to work on his uncle's fruit farm. Four years later he went to Lexington, Nebraska, and there operated a farm for his mother until 1891. Then purchasing a team and wagon and a stock of dry goods he started west. He had a fresh supply shipped to him at convenient places and sold all through the Palouse country until 1896, in which year he came and opened a small store in Lane, being the first one to settle there. He did well from the start and soon a postoffice was established with Mr. Zimmerman as postmaster and since that time he has continued in this capacity to the satisfaction of ali. He has now a large and well filled store with a good warehouse packed full and does an extensive business. Mr. Zimmerman handles feed and flour and has a good trade in cord- wood and mining timbers with his other business. He has a nice residence in the town and has always been a leader in any movement for the benefit of the coun- try. He is a member of the M. W. A., Camp No. 928, of Lane, being clerk of the camp. Mr. Zimmerman is

the oldest of five children, his mother is now living in Boston with one of his brothers. Mr. Zimmerman is a member and stanch supporter of the Lutheran church, being an exemplary man and a first class citizen.

JAMES W. SLAYTER. Doubtless due to the ef- forts of the subject of this article more than any other man is the establishment of the town of Medimont and also the bringing of it to the front. Mr. Slayter is now the leading merchant of the place, having a fine two- story structure well filled with a good selection of the goods needed in the vicinity. Also he owns a com- fortable residence in the town and is one of the lead- ing and prominent men of the section.

A detailed account of Mr. Slayter's life will be ac- ceptable reading for the volume of the county history. We note that he was born in Plymouth, Indiana, on July 28, 1858, being the son of Abraham and Margaret Slayter. He attended school in his native place and then took a course in the Normal Institute and taught three years before he was twenty. In 1878 he came with his parents to Polk county, Wisconsin, and en- gaged as a salesman for a time after which he took up lumbering. There, in 1884, Mr. Slayter married Miss Minnie MaGee and two children were born to them, Winona and Grover. In 1886 Mr. Slayter came to Rockford, Washington, and after he came here his wife died in the cast. Then he went to Wallace and took up general merchandising until 1890, when he located the townsite of Medimont. He at once established a store and since that time has done an ever increasing trade. Mr. Slayter succeeded in get- ting a postoffice established at the time he came. here and he was appointed postmaster. Since then he has continuously held that office to the satisfaction of all. Mr. Slayter carries a large, well selected stock of goods and is popular and stands well with all.

On February 29, 1892, Mr. Słayter married again, Miss Myrtle, daughter of Charles and Jane Cahill, becoming his wife on this occasion. Mr. Cahill was a wealthy farmer of the vicinity of Dayton, Washington, and later removed to Fairfield, where he died. Mrs. Cahill lives there yet. To Mr. and Mrs. Slayter there have been born two children, Stanley and Dale.

HON. R. KING EMERSON. From the early days of '49 to the present the subject of this sketch has been on the frontier in all the leading camps of the west and is thoroughly acquainted with the la- bors, hardships, successes and disappointments inci-' clent to this rugged life and it is but right to say that the result of his labors has been much development and improvement in the various places it has been bestowed. At present, Mr. Emerson dwells on a valuable ranch about one mile south from Medimont and there devotes much of his attention to general farming and stock raising.

King Emerson was born in Clark county, Kentucky,

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on April 3, 1832, being the son of James and Mary Emerson. When a child he went with his parents to Randolph county, Missouri, where they remained until the spring of 1850, then they started across the plains with ox teams in a large train. Indians were hostile and they were forced to drive the oxen with whip in one hand and a trusty rifle in the other. The trip was fraught with great danger, hardship and de- privation but in four months and six days from the time of starting they landed in Eldorado county, Cal- ifornia, and at once went to delving for the hidden treasures. Later they were in Solano county and fol- lowed farming and stock raising; then the parents returned to Missouri and our subject went back to Eldorado county. The father died in Missouri, on December 11, 1863. on his seventy-second birthday. The mother died three weeks later in Linn county, the same state. In 1866, Mr. Emerson went to Helena, Montana, and thence to Jefferson county. He fol- lowed stock raising and also kept the Emerson hotel. In 1872 he was elected representative to the state legis- lature on the Democrat ticket and later was chosen as county assessor. In 1879 Mr. Emerson came to Butte, Montana, and there remained until 1881, when he went to Missoula. In the fall of 1883 he established the italf-way house between Trout creek and Eagle City and operated the same and prospected through the Coeur d'Alene country. Following this he was in busi- ness four years in Wardner; in 1892 Mr. Emerson came to the Saint Mary's country, homesteaded and went to raising stock. Later he sold that place and bought his present home which is a fine piece of land where he raises cattle. In addition to this Mr. Emer- son operated in the mercantile field for two years.

On September 3, 1857, Mr. Emerson married Miss Mary A. Douglas, in Solano county, California. One child has been born to them, Nettie, wife of John Gil- lie, of Butte.

JOSIAH ROBERTS. This interpid pioneer and stirring business man is carrying on a farm and also operating a hotel which is known as the half-way place between Saint Maries and Santa, on the Saint Mary's river. Mr. Roberts secured his land by homestead right and since the date of settlement in 1893 he has constantly been active in developing the country and gaining new settlers for this fertile region.

Josiah Roberts was born in Nodaway county, Mis- souri, on September 10, 1863, being the son of Jolin and Elizabeth (Corner) Roberts. In 1873 the family came west to Portland, Oregon, and the father took a homestead and gave his attention to farming, paying attention also to stock raising. Our subject was edu- cated in the public schools and came in due time to the Inland Empire country, locating his homestead on the Saint Mary's as stated. When the mining excitement broke out at Tyson, Mr. Roberts was among the very first to locate in that section where he secured some mining claims. He also began to investigate and found some valuable diggings on his own homestead which was a surprise to all. Mr. Roberts is a member of

the M. W. A. at Santa and is a man of excellent quali- ties and first-class standing. He has been a great traveler having made five trips across the plains, three of which were made in 1885. He has had much trouble with the Indians and lost one hundred head of stock besides having some of his men seriously wounded. He had several narrow escapes from the savages him- self and the experiences of his travels would make an interesting volume themselves. He took fifteen thousand head of cattle to Texas and Old Mexico and in 1890 finished this work and settled down to farming. later coming to the favored spot of the Saint Mary's. Mr. Roberts is one of the prominent men of this vi- cinity and is a real pioneer with the courage and en- durance to accomplish the frontiersman's labors.

SILAS RENFRO, deceased. No enumeration of the worthy pioneers of the Saint Marys region would be complete without special mention of the esteemed gentleman to whom we grant a memorial in the vol- mme of his county's history.

Silas Renfro was born in Grayson county, Ken- tucky, on January 25, 1828, and Mrs. Renfro was born in the same county on July 6, 1848. They removed to Brown county, Illinois, and then to Linn county, Mis- souri, where they were married on July 7, 1862. Mr. Renfro was in the state militia under Captain Moses Roush and after his service he removed to Brown coun- tv, Illinois, and there followed farming until 1865. Then came a move to Henry county, Missouri, and two years later they went thence to Jasper county, in the same state. Later they were in Marion county, Iowa, and in 1878 came to I.ane county, Oregon, where Mr. Renfro located a homestead. In 1888 they came with their cattle and drove their teams to Kootenai county and located near the mouth of the Saint Marys, where Saint Maries now stands. On January 12, 1889, Mr. Renfro passed away and the heavy burdens of caring for the family rested on Mrs. Renfro alone. The de- ceased was a man of good qualities and received the respect and esteem of all, doing excellent work in build- ing up the west. Mrs. Renfro decided to sell her place at the first location and did so in May, 1890. Then she came and took the land where Santa now stands. She went to work with a will and a keen wisdom and fore- sight characterized her actions. That she was right in her calculations is evidenced by the signal success that has followed her. She soon saw the opening for ¿. hotel on her ranch and built one. She secured a postoffice in 1894 and has since continued in the dis- charge of the duties of this office to the satisfaction of all. She soon sold the hotel, then built her present store building, having also operated a store before this was built. She has steadily pursued the way of busi- ness and is blessed with a good trade in the mercan- tile line, handles a feed stable, and is one of the leading personages of the southern portion of the county. In the spring of 1902 Mrs. Renfro platted a townsite and has sold many lots since that time. She is a capable business woman, has the good will and admiration of

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all and is deserving of the abundant success and good things that are hers now to enjoy. Eight children have been born to this estimable lady, named as follows: Stephen Edward, Mrs. Rhoda A. Post, John H., James B., Clark, Mary E., deceased, Harvey, Mrs. Nora A. Walkup, Cora. All the children are at home or near, except Mrs. Post, who is in Lane county, Oregon. In addition to the enterprises which we have mentioned, Ars. Renfro has steadily pursued the occupation of raising stock and now has a fine band of cattle. In the fall of 1902 Mrs. Renfro caused to be constructed a residence in Santa, that has not its equal in the upper Saint Maries country. It contains seven rooms and is strictly modern and of neat design.

HENRY R. GRIFFUS. Although the subject of this article has been but a short time in this section of the country. still he has identified himself with its interests in such a practical and strong way that he is considered one of the substantial and leading men of the community. Mr. Griffus and son have some valu- able mining property for which he has refused three thousand dollars. In addition to this he is a first class millwright and labors at his trade, being skillful and capable.

Henry H. Griffus was born in Saginaw county, Michigan, on February 9, 1856, where he grew to man- hood and received his education. He learned the trade in his native place and at once commenced to labor in it and most of the time since that date he has wrought with industry and wisdom. On January II, 1878. Mr. Griffus married Miss Anna R. Smeaton and to them has been born one child, John W., of Tyson. Mr. Griffus came to Idaho on September 27, 1901, and soon became interested in mining properties near Tyson. He has continued here since and has good properties, being respected and esteemed by all, a man of ability, industry and integrity. He is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., Oakley Lodge, No. 198, in Michigan, and is past grand of the order.

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An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho, Part 229

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