An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho, Part 232

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 232
USA > Idaho > Nez Perce County > An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho > Part 232
USA > Idaho > Shoshone County > An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho > Part 232
USA > Idaho > Latah County > An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho > Part 232

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William O'Neal was born in Harrisville, Alcona

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county, Michigan, on April 26. 1861, being the son of Matthew and Catherine (Miller ) O'Neal. The father was a native of Canada and the mother of Germany and they were married in Monroe, Michigan, and la- ter removed to Harrisville, being the earliest pioneers of that section. The father died in August, 1898, but the mother is still living on the old homestead. Will- iam was brought up on a farm and also followed lum- bering, receiving, when a boy, a good education from the common schools. He was in the employ of Alger, Smith & Company for twenty-five years, Mr. Alger be- ing the ex-secretary of war. Much of the time he had charge of a camp and understands the lumber busi- ness thoroughly.

On July 11, 1887, Mr. O'Neal married Miss Mary, ‹laughter of David and Sarah Ducharme, whose par- ents were of French extraction and residents of Can- ada. In 1889 Mr. O'Neal came to Saint Maries and opened a hotel and in the spring of 1901 he came to his present place and purchased something over twen- ty acres and built the establishment spoken of above. He has, in addition, a separate building with a fine bar stocked with choice wines, liquors and tobaccos. In addition to this fine property Mr. O'Neal has a timber claim of one hundred and sixty acres. He is doing a good business and is being prospered.

Mr. O'Neal is a member of the Foresters at Harri- son and is distributing clerk for this precinct.

JOHN W. SKELTON is a prominent business man of Saint Maries, being a member of the firm of Skelton & Warren, general merchants of that town, and he has made a good record and a gratifying suc- cess in his business enterprises, while he stands well and is one of the men whose numerous friends are numbered from every class.

John W. Skelton was born in Polk county. Tennes- see, on November 11. 1861, being the son of William and Jane M. (Hannah) Skelton, natives of Tennes- see. The father served in the Confederate army, un- der General Joseph E. Johnston, and the war devas- tated his property so that in 1866 he left Tennessee and went to Washington county, Arkansas, where our sub- ject was reared and educated. His primary training was received in the common schools, and then in the Prairie Grove College he finished his education. He taught school for a time and in 1886 he married Miss Martha. daughter of Hardy and Elizabeth Warren, and together they came to Whitman county in 1887. They located near Oakesdale on a homestead and im- proved it and it formed the family home until 1898. In that year Mr. Skelton came to Saint Maries and in company with his brothers-in-law, Charles G. and James M. Warren, he started a general merchandise establishment. At first they opened on a small scale, but by kind and deferential treatment of patrons, a wise and careful handling of stock. they have built up a large trade and are leading merchants of the county. Charles G. sold out to our subject and to James M .; Warren and the firm is composed as stated above.

They carry a large stock of general merchandise and as well selected and appropriate for the country as is to be found anywhere. They also own a large two- story structure thirty by eighty feet, in the first story of which is their business. The second story is used for a lodge room and an opera house. In addition they have the building used by them before this was erected. Mr. Skelton has a fine residence and also other prop- erty.

Fraternally Mr. Skelton is affiliated with the M. W. A., Camp No. 8555, and with the Saint Maries Lodge. No. 32, of the I. O. O. F., being a charter member and past grand of the latter order. Mr. and Mrs. Skelton have been blessed with six children, named as follows : William Roy, deceased, Elizabeth I., Lou, James Robert, Maud and Una. Mr. Skelton has made a good record in his business career, having been uni- versally successful since he came west and he has ac- cumulated a goodly holding.

WILLIAM S. COLE. Saint Maries has been fortunate from the start in getting a class of men who are enterprsing and have the interests of the town at heart and are possessed of ability sufficient to carry forward the various industries that combine to make a live and progressive town. Among this number is to be mentioned the gentleman whose name initiates this article and who stands at the head of one of the most important industries of the section, namely that of cheese making. Saint Maries is, and will be, dis- tinctively a dairy country and the early inauguration of home plants to handle the products of the ranches will be of untold benefit to the community. To the keen foresight and energy of Mr. Cole is to be credited the initial move in this direction. A brief review of his life will be interesting matter in the county history and therefore we append it.

William S. Cole was born in the vicinity of Spring- field, Illinois, on December 26, 1859, being the son of John and Rebecca ( Montanve) Cole. While he was a child the family went to Scott county, Minnesota. and he was reared on a farm. They dwelt a time in Renville county, and when William was twenty years of age he went to Page county, Jowa, where his parents had preceded him and in College Springs he appren- ticed himself to learn the important business of cheese making. Having perfected himself in this labor he came west to Portland, Oregon, the date being 1887. The next spring he went to Ritzville, Washington, en- gaging in grain raising for a time, after which he bought railroad land and improved the same. In 1800 he went to Postfalls and in the fall of the same vear he came to Saint Maries. He was one of the earliest pioneers and various labors engaged him until 1896, having in the meantime taken a preemption. Then he took a trip to his old home in Iowa. In the spring of 1897. accompanied by his brother. Joseph A .. he came west and together they built the Saint Maries cheese factory and in 1898 started the industry. From the outset, the factory was a success and as the fine

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quality of its productions became more and more known, there could not enough be manufactured to allow of shipment, as the home demand was sufficient to consume it all. No higher commendation could be given to the institution than his. The skill and busi- ness ability of the management which rests in our subject are apparent in thus gaining a fine success from the start. The factory is a story and one-half structure, the upper part being rented out. In addi- tion to a two-thirds interest in this business and plant, the brothers own a hay ranch of two hundred and forty acres above the town, a five-acre tract in the town, and a nice modern dwelling of eight rooms, also some town property. Joseph A. is purser on the Schley, one of the finest steamers on the lake.

The factory has a capacity of four hundred pounds per day and we consider it one of the most important industrics in the entire valley. It is decidedly a step in the right direction and in time, under the skillful management of the capable overseer, will develop into a far reaching and very beneficial promoter of the wealth and advancement of the entire valley.

The parents came west in 1898, also another broth- er, John. Thev reside in Saint Maries, being retired. John owns a hay ranch and town property. Our sub- ject is a member of the M. W. A., Camp No. 8555. and all the brothers belong to the I. O. O. F., Saint Maries I.odge, No. 32. He has one sister, Mrs. Mary Brummett. in Nodaway county, Missouri. The fam- ily are all adherents of the Methodist church and are devoted supporters of the faith.

SYLVESTER RAMEY. At one time Mr. Ramey was one of the sturdy pioneers of the west, did a good share in opening up different sections for the ahode of men, has achieved success in his labors and is now one of the retired citizens of Harrison, where he is highly esteemed and respected for his worth and his integrity and stanch qualities.

Sylvester Ramey was born in Buchanan county, Virginia. on April 30, 1847, being the son of Charles and Nancy Ramey. He was educated in Virginia and at the breaking out of the war he enlisted in the Twen- ty-ninth Kentucky Cavalry and served eight months in the Union army. He was on scout duty much of the time, and being a mere boy he was worn out by his service and was discharged. He came with his parents to Minnesota and there in February, 1864. he en- listed again. this time in the First Minnesota, Com- pany E. Heavy Artillery, and was stationed at Chatta- nooga, where he remained until the close of the war, being under General Curtis. When the war was over he received his honorable discharge and returned to Minnesota to take up the civilian's duties once more. He engaged in farming there and on March 17, 1867, he married Miss Delilah C. Gilbert. At his home place Mr. Ramey was supervisor for ten years. It was in 1880 that Mr. Ramey brought his wife and six chil- dren via San Francisco and Portland to Texas Ferry, on the Snake river, in Washington. Later he went to

Rosalia, in the same state, and then to Rockford. He engaged in lumbering there and in 1890 came to the Coeur d'Alene river, near where Harrison is. He took up the stock business and also lumbering and he gained a good success in each line. He gave his undi- vided attention to the prosecution of his business un- til 1902, when he sold out and removed to Harrison, where he has a fine home, his house being in one of the choice locations of the town and a five room structure of modern architectural design. Mr. Ramey also owns some other valuable property in the town and is one of the substantial men. Mr. Ramey is a member of the J. B. Wyman Post, No. 44, Department of Washing- ton and Alaska, of the G. A. R., at Rockford.

To Mr. and Mrs. Ramey have been born six chil- dren, named as follows: William J., of Nez Perces county ; Mrs. Polly J. Roscoe, of Kootenai county ; Mrs. Roxie Van Amburg, of Harrison ; Mrs. Victoria Bailey, of Harrison ; Charles P., of Nez Perces coun- ty : Mrs. Effie Ribstein, of Harrison.

JOSEPH FISHER is the real promoter of the town of Saint Maries, now a thriving village, and to his efforts more than to any other man is due the build- ing up of the town and the success that has attended it. He is the pioneer of this section, has always la- bored for the advancement and progress of the com- munity and the town and is a public minded and gen- erous citizen of excellent standing and enjoys the es- teem of all.

Joseph Fisher was born in Harrisville, Michigan, December 25. 1856, being the first white boy born there. His parents were Joseph and Rachel ( Taylor) Fisher. He grew up on a farm and received his edu- cation in his native place. On September 26, 1878, he married Miss Addie, daughter of Guy C. and Mariah Lewis. In 1888 he migrated to Idaho, settling near his present location. He then took a trip to Oregon and later, in the spring of 1889, he returned to this place and purchased a forty-acre tract from the rail- road. There he located the town of Saint Maries and he has been one of the enterprising builders ever since. In the fall of 1889 he sent for his family and in the same fall he was appointed postmaster, having suc- ceeded in getting an office established. He held the office continuously for six years. He was the first one to open up a general merchandise store there, and to the upbuilding of his business he has devoted his efforts with becoming wisdom, to which he owes his success. In 1902 he was nominated by the Republican party for county commissioner and was elected by about 280 majority. In January, 1902, the fire fiend destroyed his entire store and building, but not to be daunted, he has erected a three-story structure, which he is finishing in good shape. He is doing a good busi- ness in the store. carrying a full and complete stock of groceries, feed, provisions, crockery and so forth. He rents some of the store rooms of the building to hardware and furniture establishments. Mr. Fisher has a good hotel in addition to the mercantile business

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HISTORY OF NORTH IDAHO.

and the upper rooms of his store building will be uti- lized as an extension of the hotel business, making him, all told. about fifty rooms, which gives him ample op- portunity to entertain the increasing travel of that section. Mr. Fisher owns a third interest in the In- terstate Telephone Company, a third interest in the townsite and a third interest in the cheese factory, and is a real leader in the development of the town. He is a member of the M. W. A., Lodge No. 8555 ; and of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 32, at Saint Maries. Mr. Fisher has thirteen children, named as follows : Mrs. Alice Lindstrom, of Saint Maries; Mrs. Sadie Brown, also of Saint Maries; Guy, deceased ; Ethel, Bert F., Sherman, deceased, Grant, Edna, Addie, Jo- sie, Harold, Ray, Fernie and Florence. Mr. Fisher has displayed commendable wisdom in the affairs of his business, has conducted himself in a worthy manner as a man and citizen and he stands well in the community, being a leading man.

PETER MOC-TIL-MA. It would be interesting to recount the various adventures and experiences in the life of this venerable and influential Indian. He has been one of the keen and energetic men of his tribe in whose remembrance the important items of pio- neer history of the northwest have occurred. He is now considered one of the capable and kecn men of the agency and has demonstrated his ability in numerous ways and at divers occasions.

Peter Moc-Til-Ma is the son of Old Chief Moc- Til-Ma of the Coeur d'Alenes and was born in 1840, where Spokane now stands. His life was spent largely with his people and he selected a fine piece of land at the time of the segregation of the reservation. This is an estate of four hundred acres of valuable grain land, about eight miles northwest from Desmet. He has it well under cultivation and improved in a becoming manner. He has enough land in addition to this to make an estate of two thousand acres. Peter married Agnes and they have four children, Louie, aged thirty years ; Bartholomew, aged sixteen; Ellen, aged four- teen ; Felician, aged eleven. They are all able to read and write the English language well and are promis- ing young people. Peter Moc-Til-Ma is a man held in high repute among his people and is influential and substantial.

EDWARD STUVE. It gives us pleasure to be able to give in this volume of the county history an epitome of the carcer of the respected and capable cit- izen and pioneer of Harrison whose name initiates this paragraph, both because of the good achievements he has accomplished in the business world and because of his own personal worth and integrity.

Edward Stuve was born in Norway, on March 21, 1862, being the son of Howell and Margaret Stuve, also natives of that land. In 1877 he came to this country with his parents, having been educated in his native land. They landed in New York and went

thence to Jackson county, Wisconsin, where he re- mained with his parents until 1883, when he came to Clarkford, Idaho, and with his brothers established a sawmill and shingle mill. They did a good business there until 1891. when they removed their plant to where Harrison now stands. But very few people were here then and their mili was the first shingle mill and the first industry of the kind in the town. To the steady prosecution of this business, which was at- tended with good success, Mr. Stuve gave his undi- vided attention until 1901, when they sold the entire business. Since that time he has retired from active life and is investigating different lines with a view of again establishing himself in business. Mr. Stuve has a fine residence in Harrison and is one of the rc- spected and leading citizens of the town.

In 1888 Mr. Stuve went to Jackson county, Wis- consin, and there married Miss Ellen Erickson, the nuptials occurring on July 29th of that year. To this happy marriage there have been born five children. named as follows: Edna M., Lula L., deceased, Helen M., Esther F., Howard A. Mr. Stuve is a member of the Maccabees and he and his wife are members of the Methodist church. He takes a warm interest in the advancement of educational facilities and he always is found allied on the side of of sound principles. Mr. Stuve came to the west without money and by his in- dustry, his sagacity in business and the wisdom in handling his interests, he has gained a goodly com- petence and is a substantial and upright man.

LOUIS STUVE. Among the leading citizens of Harrison there should be mentioned the subject of this article. since he was one of the very first settlers here. since he started the first shingle industry where the town now is, since he has always manifested a public spirit and labored for the general progress, and since personally he is a man of untarnished reputation. is a power for good, has arrayed his influence for good morals and does a worthy part in supporting the churches and all good institutions.

Louis Stuve was born in Norway, on March 2. 1856, being the son of Howell and Margaret Stuve. He was reared on a farm and received his education in his native land. In 1882 he migrated to the United States, landing at New York, whence he went to Jack- son county, Wisconsin, whither his parents had pre- ceded him. In the summer of 1883 he came to Clark- fork and there engaged in the shingle business with his three brothers. In 1891 they came thence to Har- rison and located a shingle mill here. Few settlers were here then and this mill was the first industry of its kind in the community. They continued in this business until the spring of 1901, when they sold out and since that time our subject has been retired from business, but expects soon to take up active business relations again. Mr. Stuve has a fine residence in the town and is one of the prominent citizens. He has al- ways manifested an active interest in the welfare of the town and the educational facilities and other enter-

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HISTORY OF NORTH IDAHO.

prises calculated to benefit all. Mr. Stuve is a member of the Maccabees and of the M. W. A.

On September 11, 1897. Mr. Stuve married Miss Emma, Janghter of George W. and Samantha C. Glo- ver, and to them have been born three children: Myr- tle I .. Lilly C., Roy H.

When Mr. Stuve came to this western country he came over the Northern Pacific and as the road was not finished he had to walk from Helena to Missoula. He helped to make the first wagon road from Sand- point to Bonners Ferry and was with the first party that traveled on that road. Mr. Stuve has the respect and esteem of all in the community and he is a sub- stantial and enterprising citizen.

IRAL RIGGS, manager for the Remington Type- writer Company, covering eastern Washington and the five northern counties of Idaho, the Kootenai dis- trict of British Columbia, the state of Montana, and the northern tier of counties in Wyoming, has his main office at No. 110 Washington street, Spokane Club building. He has a force of ten employes, which is to be increased in the near future, as business is being rapidly built up. He handles Remington type- writers, office furniture, such as desks, chairs and ta- bles, also supplies for all makes of machines. There is, also, in connection a strictly first-class repair de- partment. His traveling salesmen cover this territory regularly and thoroughly .

Mr. Riggs was born in Springfield, Illinois, June 6, 1877, being the son of George W. and Ann M. ( Ellis) Riggs. who reside at Ceresco, Nebraska. The father is a rancher. At the age of fifteen our subject was matriculated in the Nebraska State University, Lincoln, Nebraska, taking the scientific course, and remaining three and one-half years. Until the open- ing of the Spanish-American war he was engaged as a shipping clerk in Chicago. June 24, 1898, he en- listed in Company K, Captain Rogers, Twentieth Uni- ted States Regular Infantry. At Fort McPherson, Georgia, he did garrison duty until August 15th, when he was sent to Leavenworth, Kansas, and was dis- charged October 23, 1808. In 1899 he engaged with the Remington people and had charge of their office at Lincoln, Nebraska. Later he became city salesman at ()maha and afterward was assistant manager at that point. In March, 1903, Mr. Riggs came to Spo- kane and assumed charge of this territory as general manager for the Remington Company.

Our subject was united in marriage at Omaha, April 15. 1001, to Miss Jennie Hughes, daughter of Edward and Mary Hughes. Mrs. Riggs is a native of New York state. Her father is a building con- tractor at Lincoln. Nebraska. To Mr. and Mrs. Riggs have been born two children, Paul H. and Katherine.

The Remington typewriter was first owned and manufactured by E. Remington & Sons. Wyckoff, Seamans & Benedict were their sole agents until about 1882, when they took over the entire business and it was conducted under their name until January, 1903.

when it became known as the Remington Typewriter Company. The factory is located at Ilion, New York. The general offices are at Nos. 325 and 327 Broadway, New York. Offices are located in every important city in the world. The actual sales exceed two hun- dred machines a day, and they transact the most exten- sive business in this line in the world. The Remington typewriters are used by all nations.

MORRIS ANTELOPE is one of the bright and enterprising young men of his tribe, being born in 1868, to Louie Antelope, who is now one of the largest stock- men of the reservation and resides near Tekoa. Mor- ris was reared in this section and made his home with his father until 1900, when he removed to his present place, a farm of two thousand acres, sixteen miles northwest from Desmet. This fine estate is all fenced and Mr. Antelope is endeavoring to make of it one of the fine farms of the reservation. His aggressiveness and spirit are shown in that he reads and writes the English language well, although he has never had the opportunity of school facilities. For nine years he op- erated a store in Desmet, but sold out at the end of that time and has since paid attention to raising stock and handling wood, being successful in his labors.

Morris Antelope married Mary, now aged twenty- nine and they have become the parents of three chil- dren, Louie, aged twelve, Mary, aged five, Annie, aged two.

BEER BARZA, one of the blacksmiths in the government shop and the owner of a fine farm of two hundred acres three miles northwest from Des- met, is one of the native Coeur d'Alenes, being born on the reservation in 1868. His father was a sub-chief and his mother one of the Coeur d'Alene tribe. She is now living with our subject. Mr. Barza married Josett, who is aged twenty-seven, and they have five children, Joseph, age twelve, Lizzie, age ten, John, age seven, Marv, age five, Madeline, age two. Mr. Barza has a dwelling in Desmet in addition to the property mentioned above. His farm is well fenced and im- proved in a fine shape and he receives good returns in crops annually. Mrs. Barza is of the Kalispell tribe, but was born in this reservation. Mr. Barza had little opportunity to receive educational training in the schools during his youth, but his hurning desire to learn the English spurred him on until by careful personal research, he has enabled himself to read and write the English language. His ability in mechanics is evident in his work in the blacksmith shop and he is .

to be commended for the progress he has made.

BONA MACHA. Without doubt the subject of this article is one of the most progressive and ad- vanced men of his tribe, being of strong determination, good judgment and ability to grasp and execute proper

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designs. He was born in 1854 in Montana. He is a descendant of the Coeur d'Alenes and spent his life in visiting between here and the tribes in Montana until this reservation was set aside, when he took up his permanent abode here. He owns one of the best dwellings in Desmet, and also has a fine farm of one thousand acres three miles west from town, which is well improved with good buildings and is handled with great credit to the owner. In addition to doing gen- eral farming, Mr. Macha raises considerable stock. He is captain of the police and has made his name a terror to evil doers. It is well known that when he goes after a man, he is sure to bring him and his firm and determined stand for law and order have done a great deal to advance the cause on the reservation. Mr. Macha is a member of the Council and is esteemed for his wisdom and excellent ways there.

Bona Macha married Isabelle, who is now aged twenty-four, and they have two children, John, aged eight and attending the Fathers' school ; Bonamacha, the baby.

BARNEY CAMELL is one of the younger men of the Coeur d'Alene tribe who was born on the res- ervation in the vicinity of Desmet, the date being 1883. His parents are Peter and Pauline Camell, who now live about eight miles northwest from Desmet. The home estate consists of fifteen hundred acres of fine land, all of which is fenced and laid under tribute for pasture and grain. Our subject lives with his parents and assists in raising horses and general farming. The father has a goodly herd of horses and handles considerable grain. Barney was educated in the ex- cellent school conducted at the mission by the Fathers and is well versed in the English branches. He gives promise of being one of the important and influential men of the tribe and his natural capabilities coupled with good training have fitted him well for weighty responsibilities among his people.

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An illustrated history of north Idaho : embracing Nez Perces, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone counties, state of Idaho, Part 232

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