USA > Idaho > An illustrated history of the state of Idaho, containing a history of the state of Idaho from the earliest period of its discovery to the present time, together with glimpses of its auspicious future; illustrations and biographical mention of many pioneers and prominent citizens of to-day > Part 122
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Soon after his arrival Mr. Rich was elected first counselor to the first president of the Salt Lake stake, and in 1848 he was honored with the presidency, as his predecessor had become too feeble to longer fill the office. On the 12th of March following, he was ordained one of the twelve apostles, and in the fall of 1849 was sent on a mission to California to establish a settle- ment of members of the church at San Bernar- dino. He purchased the Lugo ranch, a large Mexican grant of land, and became the founder of the town and county of San Bernardino. In 1850 he returned to Salt Lake and took five hundred families to that delightful district of the Golden state. He had the management of the colony for six years and spent most of the time there, although he traveled back and forth be- tween San Bernardino and Salt Lake frequently. He made his home in the former place, however, and three of his wives were there living. In 1857 they returned to Salt Lake City, and Mr. Rich secured a farm of two hundred acres of choice land twelve miles to the north. When General Johnston, with the United States troops, came to attack them, they expected that the town would be destroyed and organized an army to protect themselves, Mr. Rich being elected a colonel in
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the Utah forces. They fixed their homes to fire them if it became necessary, and a guard was left for that purpose, but the women and children were all removed to Provo. The government forces, however, did not disturb the homes and the owners returned in July, 1858.
In 1860 Mr. Rich was sent on a mission to Europe and was president of the organization of the church in that country for about two and a half years, having his headquarters at Liver- pool. He also visited Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, Norway, Germany and France, and came back to this country in 1862, bringing with him a large company of emigrant converts to the faith. He remained in Salt Lake until September, 1863, and was then called to look up a location for a new settlement of his people and came to what is now Bear Lake county, Idaho. That fall thirty families from the Cache valley established a settlement at what is now the thriving city of Paris, and Mr. Rich became the leading spirit in the enterprise. They built log cabins and spent a long and hard winter. Brigham Young visited the country the following June and trav- eled through the valley, giving names to the towns. Many indeed were the discouraging feat- ures which met the pioneers in their attempt to form a settlement. Frosts and grasshoppers de- stroyed what they planted, and times looked dark indeed, but President Rich imbued them with cour- age, saying that he had come to settle and was going to stay, and that brighter days would yet dawn upon them. This prediction proved true, and to his courage and faith is largely due the fact that the region has been transformed into thrifty farms, pleasant homes and enterprising villages. When the settlement was made it was supposed to be in Utah, and Mr. Rich frequently represented the district in the Utah legislature. He took an active part in framing the laws of the state, and no one could exhibit more devo- tion to the well-being of the pioneer settlers of the county than he. He proved himself to be one of the bravest and grandest of men, respected the rights of all, was the friend of the poor and was beloved by all.
When the land came into market Mr. Rich secured a half-section of it, and his numerous sons also secured government claims, making for themselves good homes. For many years it was
the belief and practice of his church to marry a plurality of wives and raise large families for the kingdom of the saints in heaven. Acting upon that faith Mr. Rich was six times married. On the IIth of February, 1837, Sarah D. Pea became his wife; January 3, 1845, Eliza Ann Graves; January 6, 1845, Mary Ann Phelps; January 15, 1845, Sarah Peck; February 2, 1846, Emeline Grover; and in March, 1847, Harriet Sargent. With him these wives and his father and mother, Joseph Rich and Nancy (O'Neal) Rich, crossed the plains. These women were all faithful help- meets to him and conscientious adherents of the church, and five of them bore him six sons each, and twenty-two daughters were born to him, making fifty-two children in all. The family have all adhered to the church. Three of his widows still survive and are comfortably provided for. One of them, Mary Ann Rich, possesses a most remarkable memory for events and dates and has furnished most of the material for this sketch of her honored husband. Twenty-two of the sons and ten of the daughters still survive, namely: Mrs. Sarah Jane Miller, now a widow; Joseph C., now judge of the fifth judicial district of Idaho; Hiram S., of St. Charles, Idaho; Mary, wife of Joseph Linford; Franklin D., of Paris; Elizabeth, wife of Milando Pratt; Mary Ann, wife of Dr. Francis Pomeroy; Frances, wife of James Collins, of Paris; Adelbert, of Canada; Caroline, wife of Bishop Humphreys, of Paris; William L., also of Paris; David P., of Rexburg, Idaho; Nancy, widow of Vincent Pugmire and a resident of St. Charles; Minerva, wife of H. S. Wooley; Benjamin E., of Rexburg; Amasa M., a farmer and stock-raiser of Paris; George Abel, of Paris; Landon J., who resides in Rich, on Snake river; Martha Caroline, wife of Samuel Parish, of Centerville; Fred C., of Salt Lake City; Samuel J., an attorney at Idaho Falls ; Heber C., a resident of Rich; Harley T .; Ezra C., a physician at Ogden, Utah; Joel, of Paris; Wil- ford, a ranchman at Paris; Morgan J .; Edward I., a physician; Walter P., a resident of Paris; George Q., an attorney of Logan, Utah; Alvin, of Paris; Drusilla, wife of Attorney William Streeper, of Centerville. President Rich died No- vember 17, 1883, at the age of over seventy-four years. He was a man of marked ability, weli fitted for leadership, and largely promoted the
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interests of this section of the state. At Paris he built the first sawmill and first gristmill and in other ways promoted the enterprises and aided in the development of the locality. His name is inseparably connected with its history and well deserves a place in this volume. He was always regarded as a wise counselor by his people and neither Mormon, Jew nor Gentile questioned his honesty or the right and justice of his decisions. His name is held in honor and esteem by every one who knew him.
ALICE A. THEWS.
The lady whose name introduces this sketch needs no introduction to the residents of south- eastern Idaho, for she is well known in this sec- tion of the state, and also in the capital city of Boise, where she has many friends. Her superior culture and ability have won public recognition through the honors that have been bestowed upon her by means of the public franchise, and she is now capably filling the office of county treasurer of Oneida county, making her home in Malad.
Miss Thews is a native of Rock Island county, Illinois, and is a daughter of William and Char- lotte (Innes) Thews, both of whom were born in England, the former of Irish parents. They were married in that county, and in 1850 emi- grated to America, locating in Illinois, whence they removed to Boise, Idaho, in 1869, at whichi time the now beautiful capital was a small vil- lage giving little promise of the changes which the future was to bring to it. The father was a stone mason by trade, and had a small quarry in Boise. In 1891 his life labors were ended, and he passed away at the age of seventy-one years. His good wife still survives him, and is now in the eightieth year of her age. They were the parents of seven children, but the eldest son, Thomas I., volunteered in the service of his coun- try during the civil war, and was killed in the bat- tle of Trevilian's Station. Only three of the children are now living: Mrs. H. C. Branstetter, of Boise; William B., formerly auditor of Oneida county and now a resident of Pocatello; and Alice A.
The family are Episcopalians in religious faith and Miss Thews was educated in an Episcopalian school, in Boise. After completing her course
she engaged in teaching school for six years in Boise and in Silver City, and fourteen years ago she came to Malad, where she has since made her home. For eight years she served as post- mistress, under the administrations of Presidents Cleveland and Harrison, and discharged her du- ties in a most creditable and satisfactory manner. In 1898 she was elected treasurer of the county, receiving a very large majority, which indicated her high standing in the community and the con- fidence reposed in her. She is a lady of superior intelligence and ability, of marked executive force and keen business judgment, and her ad- ministration of the affairs of the office has won her high praise. She is now not only performing the services in connection with the county ex- chequer, but is also the owner of a hotel in Malad, which receives a liberal patronage on ac- count of the excellent manner in which it is conducted. Miss Thews deserves great credit for what she has accomplished. Her ability is of a high order and her true womanliness and worth have gained her the respect of all with whom public life has brought her in contact and the friendship of those whom she has met in social circles.
HON. PHILETUS AVERITT.
In the Weekly Capital, published in Boise, June 17, 1899, appeared the following sketch of him whose name introduces this article.
"Hon. Philetus Averitt was born in Mayfield, Kentucky, thirty-one years ago. He was educated at Bethel College and Cumberland University, and practiced law in his native town for one year. Six years ago he came to St. Anthony, Idaho, and commenced the practice of his pro- fession. In a few years he has built up a first- class practice, and is recognized as an able and painstaking member of the legal profession. In 1896 Mr. Averitt gave his splendid abilities to the organization of the Democratic party of Fre- mont county, and was made chairman of the county committee. By his careful and able man- agement of the county campaign every man on the Democratic ticket was elected.
"In 1898 Mr. Averitt was elected a member of the house of representatives from Fremont coun- ty, and early in the session was made the leader of the Democratic and silver-Republican majority in that body. This leadership was maintained by
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Mr. Averitt throughout the session, in face of strong opposition from brilliant and aspiring young men. He managed the campaign of L. C. Rice for state treasurer, nominating him in the state convention in a remarkably able speech. The magnificent results for Democracy in Fre- mont county at the last election are largely due to the untiring energy and wise counsel of Mr. Averitt. He organized victory in every precinct, and made a vigorous and successful campaign. When it is known that the silver Republican and Populist forces fused in the county matters there, the victory organized by Mr. Averitt will be more fully appreciated. When the state code- commission was organized Governor Steunen- berg appointed Mr. Averitt a member of the commission. This was a just recognition of the legal abilities of one of Idaho's best lawyers, and time will record the verdict that the appointment was in every respect one most worthy.
"Mr. Averitt has a fine legal mind well stored with legal foundation principles, and his work on the commission will prove very satisfactory. To a well stored mind he adds indefatigable industry and an indomitable will. Mr. Averitt is a shrewd politician, is a good judge of men, has organizing qualities of a high order, and in the field of politics has few equals in the west. His star is rising in the western sky and is destined to grow brighter with the years."
MATTHEW H. WILLIAMS.
Matthew H. Williams is an Idaho pioneer whose residence dates back to 1863, and he is a prominent citizen of Bellevue, Blaine county. He was born in Vermont, September 20, 1840. His father, John Williams, a native of New Jer- sey, did soldier's duty in the war of 1812-14. He married Magdalene Shuffelt, a native of New York and a descendant of an old Dutch family of that state. They had twelve children, eight of whom grew to maturity, and five of whom are living. John Williams and his wife were Episco- palians and were people of social prominence. He died at the age of eighty-two, she at fifty- three.
Matthew H. Williams, their youngest child, passed his childhood on his father's farm and attended the public schools. In 1857 the subject of this review went to Minnesota, where he was
occupied for a time at such employment as was open to him, and, having acquired a limited cap- ital, he engaged in fur trading with the Indians and others, in which he continued until 1863, when his business was interrupted by the Indian outbreak. In company with four others he started across the country for Idaho. Their party was gradually enlarged by the accession of other parties at different points on the plains, and they had several exciting experiences with Indians. When they reached the Platte, Mr. Haskins, one of their number, was shot, and Dan Noble, an- other, was killed while doing guard duty in the Sweetwater country. At Spring Butte several spirited skirmishes occurred and the party was beleaguered by savages for two days.
Mr. Williams located at Boise, at the begin- ning of that town, and there purchased lots and erected several log cabins on them. He did placer-mining to some extent and took out sev- eral thousand dollars in Boise basin. He pros- pected from Atlanta to the gold belt, and located the Big Camas mine No. I, and he and Ross Smith and Tom Ford wintered there and ran a tunnel and took out ore and had it on the dump in the spring. In 1882 they sold it, and as his share Mr. Williams realized thirty thousand dol- lars. In 1884 he sold Camas No. 2 for eleven thousand dollars. It has been worked extensive- ly and has proven a rich producer. In 1889 Mr. Williams sold the Golden Star mine, in the same vicinity, for fifteen thousand dollars. He makes mining his whole business and has several valu- able claims adjoining the Tip Top mine, on the same belt, and has become known as one of the lucky prospectors and miners of his state.
Mr. Williams was married in 1882 to Miss Luella Reed, a native of Kentucky and a dauglı- ter of Thomas B. Reed, who came to the territory in 1877 and died at Ballantine in 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have had five children: Edith, Elmer, Edwin, Edna and Ramond H.
Mr. Williams is a large owner of Bellevue prop- erty. He drove the first stake in the town, and built his house in 1882. He was made a Master Mason, at Rocky Bar, in 1872, and is past master of his lodge. He is an attendant and liberal supporter of the Presbyterian church of Belle- vue, of which Mrs. Williams is a member. Polit- ically he is a Republican. He is a man of influ-
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ence in town and county affairs, and was county commissioner of Blaine county and did excellent service as a school trustee of Bellevue, his interest in education being steadfast and helpful.
The life of Mr. Williams has been one of hard- ship and, until within a comparatively recent time, one of danger. There was always danger from Indians; much of the time there was danger from white men, who did not value human life very highly if money could be gained by sacrific- ing life. Many interesting stories of his adven- tures on the plains and in camp might be told. One will perhaps suffice to indicate his quality as a man and the perils by which he was beset. Once he and William H. Spencer were sleeping on the divide between South Boise and Salmon rivers. In the early morning Mr. Williams felt an arrow strike his blanket and knew they were attacked by Indians. He told his partner to roll to a safe place down the bank. Half dazed from having been suddenly aroused, Spencer sprang to a sitting posture and instantly received an arrow in his breast, right under the collar bone. The two men rolled over the bank and Mr. Williams pulled the arrow out of his companion. It was so firmly imbedded in his flesh and mus- cles that it was necessary for Mr. Williams to put his foot on Spencer's shoulder and pull hard to get it out. It was a painful operation, but heroic measures were necessary, for the arrow point was of hoop iron secured to the shaft with the sinews of a deer and had it remained until Mr. Spencer's blood softened the sinews blood- poisoning would have ensued. They secured their horses, which were picketed near by, and, without waiting for saddles or outfit, made off rapidly. At Boise river, which they reached about ten o'clock that morning, they halted. While Mr. Williams sought to alleviate his com- panion's suffering by pouring cold water on his wound, two Indians who had followed them, rode up an attacked them. They fought with despera- tion and shot both Indians and then both of their horses as a precaution against their returning to their other pursuers and thus apprising them of the fate of their riders. Then they made their way to a ranch sixteen miles above Rocky Bar, where a doctor's services were secured and Mr. Spencer was put in a way to recovery.
Mr. Williams is accorded the honor of a pio-
neer and by all citizens of Bellevue is given due consideration as one of those who risked their lives to make the way easy for those who might come after them. He is widely and popularly acquainted, and there are thousands who would read a detailed account of his adventuresome career with great interest.
EDMUND BUCKLEY.
The pioneer in the woolen industry in Idaho is Edmund Buckley, an enterprising and progres- sive business. man who is now carrying on operations in the line of woolen man- ufactures near the town of Franklin. A native of Yorkshire, England, he was born April 25, 1839, of English parentage, and was educated in the land of his birth, where he remained until 1863, when he sailed for America, Utah being his destination. In 1856 he had been converted to the faith of the Latter Day Saints, and taking passage on the Atlantic, a sailing vessel, he arrived at New York after a voyage of seven weeks. In England he had mar- ried Miss Alice Green, and he brought with him his wife and their first child. They crossed the plains with ox teams to Utah, and while en route a young lady in their party was killed by light- ning, near Fort Laramie.
After reaching the end of their journey Mr. Buckley conducted a carding mill, making rolls in the old way. The following season he came to the Cache valley, settling at High creek, where he made rolls for W. D. Hendricks. Subse- quently he went to Brigham City, where lie operated the woolen factory for a few years and then went to Logan to establish a factory there, but the new enterprise fell through and he came to Franklin, where with six others he formed a company and obtained a roll mill. Business was begun on the site of his present factory in 1878, and was conducted by Mr. Buckley for three years, when the plant was sold to the Franklin Co-operative Company. At that time our sub- ject went to the east with S. R. Parkinson and purchased the machinery for the present woolen mill, and in 1897 he bought out the other part- ners and has since successfully conducted the enterprise alone. He manufactures blankets, yarns, linseys, flannels and hosiery and also makes wool batting, scours blankets and cleans
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cloth, carrying on a general woolen business with the farmers and turning out an excellent quality of goods made of pure wool. The mill has a capacity of thirty thousand pounds of wool per annum, and is a valuable accession to the indus- trial interests of this section of the state.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Buckley have been born five children, as follows: Edmund; John; Joseph; Mary Ann, now the wife of George Housley; and Eliza Ann, wife of Joseph Hulse. The fol- lowing children have also been born to Mr. Buckley: Hugh Gould, James Waterhouse, Hiram Smith, George Albert, Laura Jane, Zina and James. Mr. Buckley, his wife and children . are all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He is a member of the high council of the stake, is a high priest, and has held various positions of trust in the church, both in England and in this country. In politics he is an independent Democrat, but has never been an office seeker, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business interests, in which he is meeting with creditable success.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CALDWELL.
This reliable banking institution was organized in 1887 by Howard Sebree, of Caldwell, and B. F. White, of Dillon, Montana. These two gentle- men are also the organizers and owners of the First National Bank at Dillon, Mr. White being president of the latter institution, while Howard . Sebree is at the head of the Caldwell bank. The partnership of these gentlemen has continued through many years and the banks with which they are connected are among the strongest in the west. The First National Bank of Caldwell, on its organization, was capitalized for fifty thou- sand dollars. In 1892 it was made a national bank and in 1898 it had a surplus of thirty-five thousand dollars. From the beginning the enter- prise has proved a profitable one, paying good dividends. The deposits on September 7, 1899, amounted to $726,576.49, and the volume of the business daily transacted over its counters amounts to twenty thousand dollars. Its patrons reside throughout eastern Oregon and as far east as Shoshone, and include many extensive cattle dealers and mine-owners, as well as the merchants and other business men of Caldwell. The bank, under the presidency of Mr. Sebree,
has followed a safe, conservative and honorable policy that has commended it to the confidence and support of the public, and its success is well merited. The president is an excellent financier, a man of sound judgment and excellent ability, and is widely honored for his sterling worth and fidelity to duty.
HENRY C. DIPPEL.
Our German citizens of American birth are among our best citizens. Most of them are in- dustrious, frugal, enterprising. progressive and strictly up to date. There is a strain of blood, perhaps something in the atmosphere in which they were born, which makes them good pio- neers. They have an unerring scent for localities for profitable investments and improvements. Following is one of the many life stories which go to prove all this:
Henry Clarence Dippel, a prominent pioneer farmer and fruit-grower of Blackfoot, Idaho, is a native son of California, having been born at Lincoln, Placer county, October 26, 1859. His father and mother, Philip and Elizabeth (Smith) Dippel, were both born in Germany and, when children, came with their parents to Philadelphia, where they grew to maturity and were married. In 1848 they went to Mexico and thence came by the coast route to California. Mr. Dippel was employed at his trade as carpenter, and later, during the pioneer days in the Golden state, in running a pack train, an enterprise which was not without excitement and profit. He lived out the balance of his life-time in Placer county, California, and died there in 1898, aged seventy- three. His wife survives him, aged seventy-four. After his early experiences he settled down to farm life and was so successful that he left a considerable estate, which is now owned by his heirs. He was long a member of the German Lutheran church, with which his wife is still identified.
Henry Clarence Dippel was the fourth in order of birth of the children of Philip and Elizabeth Dippel. He was brought up on a farm and was educated in the public schools of California and at Atkinson Business College, from which insti- tution he was graduated in 1878. After that he came almost immediately to Blackfoot, Idaho. The railroad was then under construction
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through this part of the state, and its terminus had moved on to Idaho Falls. He sought out a favorable point, located on three hundred and twenty acres of land, improved it, and sold it well in 1887. He then bought his present fifty- acre farm adjoining the town of Blackfoot, where he has a fine home. His buildings are all large and convenient, he has the best water privileges, and, all in all, he is as comfortably situated as any one need care to be. To Mr. Dippel belongs the distinction of having been the first in this part of the state to grow small fruits for market, and he is among Idaho's foremost successful horti- cultural farmers. His principal products in this line are strawberries, which he ships to Montana, where they find a ready and profitable sale.
Mr. Dippel is a Democrat, but not a practical politician. His farm interests are so extensive that he has no time to seek offices and very little in which to assist others into them. He was married in 1880 to Miss Luella May Parsons, a native of Illinois, and they have five children, named as follows: Harold, Daisy, Guy, Luella and Ralph.
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