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 126
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the territorial legislature. Through his business interests and his experiences in Indian warfare, he has largely promoted the development of his region, and as one of its valued citizens well de- serves representation in this volume.
ABNER E. CALLAWAY.
The old adage that "truth is stranger than fiction" finds exemplification in the annals of the northwest. The most marvelous characters of the novelist cannot exceed in courage and daring the hardy pioneers who have opened up this vast region to the advance of civilization. Traveling across the hot, arid, sandy plains, climbing the steep mountains, threading their way through dense forests of towering trees, they came to this land of the "silent, sullen people," whose hostility made existence most uncertain, and here they have established homes, churches and schools, developed the rich agricultural and min- eral resources of the country and thus carried the sunlight of civilization into the dark places of the land. The tales of their hardships and trials, however, can never be adequately told. They left comfort and luxury behind them to face dificulties, dangers and perhaps death; they labored on, day after day, uncomplainingly, and the present generation is enjoying the prosperity made possible through their efforts. To them is due a debt of gratitude that can never be re- paid, but their names will be enduringly inscribed on the pages of history and their memories will be revered long after they have passed from earthly scenes.
Among the honored pioneers of Idaho is Abner Early Callaway, who has borne his full share in the work of development and progress, who has experienced the trials and braved the dangers of frontier life, and who is now living retired at his pleasant home in Caldwell. He came to Idaho in 1861 and has since been inti- mately connected with its growth and upbuilding. He was born in Boone county, Missouri, March 5, 1823, and is descended from some of Virginia's oldest and best families, including the Lees and the Earlys. His grandfather on the paternal side was a captain in the Revolutionary war and loyal- ly aided in the struggle for independence. His maternal grandfather, John Markham, was a colonel in the colonial army and married an aunt
of Jubal Early. The father of our subject was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, and married Miss Catharine Markham, removing with his family to Missouri in 1820. They were the parents of nine children, only three of whom are yet living: William T., a resident of Ventura county, Cali- fornia; Thomas Henry, of Boise, Idaho; and Abner Early, the immediate subject of this re- view.
The last named was reared in Missouri, at a time when it was largely a wilderness, and as the public-school system had not been estab- lished he was obliged to acquire an education as best he might. In the school of experience he has learned many valuable lessons, and has gained a broad practical knowledge as the lessons of life have been unfolded before him. The labors of his father's farm largely occupied his time and attention in youth, and in 1846 he drove a team for Sterling Price, in the Mexican war, and served as hospital steward in Mexico for six months. In 1847 he returned to his home, and on the 6th of May, 1849, started for California with a company. among the number being G. W. Grierson, who became one of the most celebrated miners of the Golden state. They reached San Diego in November, thence went to San Fran- cisco and on to the mines at Placerville. There Mr. Callaway engaged in mining at the old camp at Hangtown, making money very rapidly, but he afterward sunk it in other mining ventures. None, however, was squandered in gambling and other forms of dissipation often so common among the miners, for his record is one which contains no blotted pages. In 1861 he came to Idaho, attracted by the gold discoveries at Flor- ence, later made his way to the southern part of the territory, and in September, 1862, arrived in the Boise basin. That winter all the supplies had to be transported from the Columbia river on pack animals. Many people suffered for want of provisions, as it was difficult to get them, owing to the depredation of Indians. The red men at length grew so troublesome that a company of one hundred men was formed to fight and subdue them. Mr. Callaway was among the number, and for three or four months they were actively engaged in keeping the Indians in check. Many a "red devil." as he called them, fell before his trusty rifle, and he also served in the war with the
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Modocs and in the Rogue river war. He saw the remains of so many white men who had been scalped and mutilated by the relentless savages that he came to the conclusion that they could best be subdued by turning their own methods of warfare against them. Therefore he took many a scalp, and has probably killed more Indians than any other pioneer now living. The greatest hardships were endured by this little band of volunteer soldiers, who banded to protect their interests and their homes. For several weeks they were obliged to live on Cayuse horse-flesh only, and to fight every day. To our subject is due the credit of killing the notorious savage, Blackfoot. With his companions he drew near the Indian camp in the night, and while waiting for daybreak, Mat Bledsoe, one of his com- panions, said, "We don't know what will happen, but I will bet you the whisky on which of us will draw the first blood." At the dawn Mr. Calla- way crept up near Blackfoot's tent, and when the first gun was fired the Indian jumped out, Mr. Callaway knocked him down, scalped him and then shot him. Then he threw the scalp in the air and claimed the bet.
As years passed the Indians were subdued and left for other districts. The white man advanced, bringing all the comforts and accessories of civil- ization; mines were developed, ranches stocked with cattle, farms and orchards cultivated, towns and villages sprung up, and the wonderful work of transformation was carried forward until the Idaho of to-day bears little resemblance to the wild region of thirty-five years ago, owing to the efforts of the honored pioneers and enterprising business men. Mr. Callaway took up one hundred and sixty acres of land, in what was then Ada county, but is now Canyon county, entering the tract from the government, and for some years he was engaged in its cultivation. It now lies within the corporation limits of Caldwell and has become very valuable. There our subject resides in a home of his own building, enjoying the rest which he has so truly earned and richly deserves. He has been prominently identified with the public affairs of Idaho through its terri- torial days and the period of its statehood and has always given his political support to the Democratic party. In 1865 he was chosen a member of the territorial legislature. He served
for two terms in the senate and since that time has been six or seven times elected to the lower house. Nature endowed him with a strong mind and excellent abilities, and he is an effective speaker. His mental and physical powers are remarkably well preserved, notwithstanding he has passed the seventy-sixth milestone on life's journey. He had the honor of making the speech which resulted in the organization of the Pioneer Society of Idaho, and he has a very warm place in his heart for all the worthy pioneers who shared with him in the dangers and privations attendant upon the settlement of Idaho, the Gem of the Mountains.
In the spring of 1870 Mr. Callaway was mar- ried to Miss Mary Jane Fulton, of Ohio, who in an early day came with her people to this state. Five children have been born of this union: Abner Kenton, a mine owner and operator; Ellen, at home; Kittie Lee, wife of Ewin Hed- den; Frances Early and Marianne. Mr. Calla- way and his family are members of the Christian church. He was made a Mason in Eureka Lodge, No. 16, of Auburn, California, in 1851, and is held in the highest esteem by his brethren of the fraternity, as well as by all with whom he has been brought in contact in other walks of life. His career has been an honorable and upright one, and now, in the evening of life, he can look back over the past without regret. He has per- formed a noble work for himself and his fellow men by taking part in the development of the northwest, has left the impress of his individuality upon the legislation of the state, and has inscribed his name high on the roll of Idaho's eminent and honored citizens.
ERVIN W. JOHNSON.
For many years actively connected with the development and progress of different sections of this state, Mr. Johnson is now the proprietor of the Overland Hotel, in Boise, and is regarded as one of the most popular and best known citizens of Idaho. A native of Ottumwa, Iowa, he was born March 17, 1857, a son of William W. and Eliza A. (Myers) Johnson. His father, a native of Indiana, born in 1829, died in Ottumwa, Iowa, in 1867, and his wife, who was born in Botetourt county, Virginia, also departed this life in Iowa. By profession Mr. Johnson was a portrait-painter
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and sketch artist. In 1852 he went to California, but after two years returned to Iowa and was for some time engaged in the hotel and mercan- tile business in Salem, that state. In 1858 lie joined a company bound for Pike's Peak, but later again returned to Iowa, and at the outbreak of the civil war he enlisted in the Seventh Iowa Infantry, as a private. In the first engagement in which he took part, the battle of Belmont, he was seriously wounded, the injury resulting in his death a few years afterward. Having been wounded, he was taken to Camp Butler, Illinois, and it was there, after his partial recovery, that he painted the first panorama of the war. He thus delineated many of the noted engagements of the Rebellion, including the naval battle be- tween the Monitor and the Merrimac. These pictures were done in oil and were eight by twelve feet in dimensions. He also painted the portrait of Richard Yates, the war governor of Illinois, and portraits of other notable person- ages.
Ervin W. Johnson began his education in the public schools and later entered Whittier Col- lege, at Salem, Iowa, where he pursued his studies for two years. He entered upon his busi- ness career as an apprentice, serving a five-years term at the jeweler's trade, after which, in 1877, he went to East Bend, Kansas, where he em- barked in the jewelry business on his own ac- count. He successfully conducted his store at that point. until 1880, when he removed to Chi- cago, and later went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he remained until 1882, when, having learned of the mining excitement in the Wood river country in Idaho, he came to this state and for some time engaged in prospecting and ranching.
In 1883 Mr. Johnson was appointed by Presi- dent Arthur to the position of postmaster of Bellevue, Idaho, acceptably serving until 1885, when he engaged in mining in what is now known as the Hailey gold belt. About this time, however, a lucrative position was offered him at Leadville, Colorado, which he accepted and filled until the autumn of 1886, when he returned to Idaho. The same fall he was nominated for the office of assessor of Alturas county. He was a very prominent factor in political interests there, exerting a marked influence in public af-
fairs. While chairman of the Alturas county Republican central committee he was instru- mental in forming a fusion between the Demo- crats and Republicans, and thereby caused the defeat of the Populist ticket, which two years before had gained an overwhelming majority. Having been unanimously chosen as the nominee of the fusion forces for a position in the state legislature, he was elected, and in the session of 1894-5 represented Alturas county in the law- making assembly of Idaho. As a member of that body he introduced a bill for the creation of Blaine county, which is now one of the legal sub- divisions of the state. He was one of the earnest supporters of George L. Shoup in his candidacy for the United States senate.
When Mr. Johnson failed of election to the office of assessor, he turned his attention to the hotel business, becoming proprietor of the Al- turas Hotel at Hailey, which he successfully conducted until 1889, when he became the man- ager of the Hailey electric-light works. He was also made the manager of the Rocky Mountain Bell Telephone Company, and with those enter- prises he was associated until 1894. In 1895 he. was appointed chief state land-inspector and se- lector of state lands, in which capacity he con- tinued until the change in the state administra- tion, in 1897, when he returned to the hotel bus- iness, as proprietor of the famous Overland Hotel, in Boise. He is conducting one of the best hostelries in the northwest, and his earnest desire to please his patrons, and the excellent entertainment furnished, have made him very popular with the traveling public.
Mr. Johnson was one of the originators of the Idaho Inter-mountain Fair, of which he was the director-general for the year 1897-8. Through the instrumentality of that organization the in- terests of the state have been largely promoted and her resources advertised. Mr. Johnson has also done much to secure and advance the devel- opment of the mineral resources of the common- wealth, and, in fact, at all times gives a hearty support to every measure intended for the public good. In politics he continued an uncompro- mising Republican until 1896, since which time he has been a firm believer in and supporter of the silver theory as advocated by William Jen- nings Bryan.
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In 1888, in Hailey, Idaho, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Louise Crane, and they have three daughters: Laura, Helen and Miriam. Socially Mr. Johnson is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Wood- men of the World. He is a gentleman of distinct personality, of genial manner and courteous de- portment and has made many friends throughout the state.
WILLIAM T. REEVES.
William T. Reeves, a prominent lawyer of Idaho, residing at Pocatello, was born at Kinkle- ville, Kentucky, January 21, 1855, and is of Scotch-Irish ancestry, a combination which everywhere and always produces good citizens and has given to America many of her best and greatest men. George Reeves, Mr. Reeves' pa- ternal grandfather, emigrated from Ireland and brought his wife with him. They had four sons and three daughters. William Harrison Reeves, Mr. Reeves' father, was born in Richmond, Vir- ginia, and married Miss Penelope B. White, a native of Tennessee. While he was a mere boy his father removed with his family to Kentucky, and there he was reared and educated and wooed and won his wife. He died at the age of seventy- eight, she at sixty-one, and their neighbors in Kentucky, among whom they passed their busy and useful lives, bore testimony to their high character and the beneficent quality of the influ- ence they exerted upon the community.
William T. Reeves was educated in the com- mon schools and in the college at Blandville, Kentucky. He read law at Blandville, under the direction of an older brother, then established in professional work, and was duly admitted to the bar in 1875. After ten years' successful practice of his profession in his native state, he took up his residence at Eagle Rock, now Idaho Falls, Idaho, in 1885. Eagle Rock was then a leading railway town, and his success there was encour- aging, but inducements were made to him to re- move to Blackfoot. After ten years at Blackfoot he was for two years at Boise City. In 1894 he located at Pocatello, where he has built up a very satisfactory practice. He has become known throughout the state as a lawyer of effective abil- ity and unswerving integrity. He has some con- siderable real-estate investments at Pocatello and
at Boise City. Mr. Reeves has been a lifelong Democrat, and since coming to Idaho has taken an active and influential interest in state politics. He has been the nominee of his party for the office of district judge, and has twice been nom- inated for attorney general of the state. In suc- cessive campaigns he has done much efficient work for his party and he enjoys a wide reputa- tion as a forceful and convincing speaker on political questions.
Mr. Reeves was married to Miss Jennie T. Thomas, a native of Kentucky, daughter of Quincy Thomas. They have six children: George W., Charles R., Ellen G., Mae, Simrell and William F., Jr. Mrs. Reeves is a member of the Christian church. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is past grand of his lodge. He takes a deep interest in every movement at Pocatello tending to the pub- lic good and is a liberal supporter of every public project which has the endorsement of his judg- ment.
ROBERT McCLOUD GWINN.
In the early development of Idaho this honored citizen of Caldwell came to the territory to preach the gospel among those who were isolated from the interests and advantages of the east. He was the first representative of the Methodist ministry in the territory and continued his labors for many years, but is now living retired. A man of ripe scholarship and marked executive ability, one whose life has been consecrated to the cause of the Master and to the uplifting of men, there is particular propriety in directing at- tention to his life history, as it has left so great an impress upon the development of the state.
A native of Westmoreland county, Pennsyl- vania, he was born on the 5th of June, 1833, and is of Scotch descent. His grandfather, John Gwinn, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and after residing for a time in county Tyrone, Ireland, crossed the Atlantic to America, when this coun- try was a part of the British colonial possessions.
He brought with him from the Emerald Isle letters from the pastor of his church, certifying to his high Christian character ; also a letter from the member of the house of burgesses of his town in county Tyrone. Here he placed his mem- bership in the Covenanters' church, and by his upright life sustained the reputation which he had
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borne in the old church in Ireland. At the time when British oppression became intolerable he joined the colonists in their struggle for inde- pendence, and gallantly fought for liberty, under command of General Washington, until the close of hostilities. After receiving an honorable dis- charge he located on the present site of the city of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, owning there a valu- able farm of four hundred and ninety acres of land. The old bombazine pocket-book which he carried throughout the Revolution, and which now contains his war record, was found in a secret drawer of an old bureau that had long been in the family, and is now in possession of our subject-a rare and valuable relic, highly prized by Rev. Gwinn. Although the paper is much faded and worn, the ink with which the record is written still remains undimmed. This honored Revolutionary hero lived to the ad- vanced age of eighty-eight years, and therefore witnessed a large share of the development of the republic which he had aided to establish. He married Miss Mary McCloud, a lady of Scotch birth, of fine education and amiable character, who died in her seventy-sixth year. They had a family of three sons and three daughters.
Their son, John Gwinn, Jr., father of our sub- ject, was born in Maryland, in 1781. He was very industrious, and followed farming in West- moreland county, Pennsylvania, for many years. He served as a magistrate and was a member of the Seceder church. His wife departed this life in her forty-second year, but he reached the ad- vanced age of ninety-four years. Of their family of four sons and two daughters only two are now living.
Robert McCloud Gwinn spent his boyhood days in his parents' home, acquired his literary education in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, afterward read law and was admitted to the bar. He and his wife were found among the loyal adherents of the Union cause in the war of the Rebellion. Mr. Gwinn enlisted in his country's service as a member of Company I, Thirty-second Iowa Sharpshooters, and continued to defend the stars and stripes and the cause they represented until the flag was planted in the capital of the Con- federacy. His wife, too, labored for the nation, spending two and a half years in the south as a member of the United States sanitary commis-
sion, and devoting her life to the care of the sick and wounded. Many a soldier has reason to bless her memory for her tender ministrations, and many a life was undoubtedly saved through her careful nursing.
After the war Rev. Robert M. Gwinn, returned to the north, and in 1866 was converted, while attending a great camp-meeting held at Cherry Run, in Clarion county, Pennsylvania. In 1870 he was ordained to the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church and joined the Southern Illi- nois conference. In 1872 he went to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he met Bishop Foster and seventeen ministers of his denomination, whom he assisted in forming the Rocky Mountain con- ference of the Methodist Episcopal church. Rev. Gwinn was assigned the territory of Idaho as his mission field, and made his way to Boise, where the same year he organized the first Methodist church in the state. For some time he acted as its pastor and also traveled over the state, preach- ing, and organizing the representatives of Meth- odism into congregations. His labors were a source of great good, holding in check much of the lawlessness that often exists in newly devel- oped regions, and strengthening the faith and works of the earnest Christian people who upheld law, order and righteousness. There were many hardships and trials to be borne by Rev. and Mrs. Gwinn in their work, and their journey from Salt Lake City to Idaho had been one of peculiar difficulty, after which Mrs. Gwinn was seriously ill for some time. They labored on, however, and the cause of morality and Christianity was greatly advanced through their zeal and consecrated effort. During the winter after his arrival Rev. Gwinn served as chaplain of the territorial legis- lature. He was the founder of the Methodist church in Caldwell, and through his instrumen- tality their tasteful house of worship was erected. He has now retired from the active work of the ministry and lives in a pleasant home in Caldwell, where he has won many warm friends.
Unto Rev. and Mrs. Gwinn were born four children, three of whom are living: Montie B., general manager of the New York Life Insurance Company, with headquarters at Caldwell; Carrie, wife of H. D. Blatchley, the leading druggist of Caldwell; and James H., a merchant of La Grande, Oregon. Gertrude died in the twenty-
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third year of her age. For twenty-nine years Mr. Gwinn has been a faithful member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was one of the organizers of the Republican party, has since been a stanch advocate of its prin- ciples, and is now serving, by appointment, as state fruit inspector of district No. 4, but has never been an aspirant for political honors or emoluments. He is a man of deep human sym- pathy and generous spirit, and he has devoted himself without ceasing to the interests of human- ity and to the furtherance of all good works.
NELSON BUHL.
For thirty years Nelson Buhl has engaged in farming and stock-raising in Idaho, and has met with a creditable and satisfactory success in his well directed efforts. His home farm, comprising four hundred acres of rich land, is pleasantly sit- uated northwest of Salubria, but in the valley he owns many other valuable tracts of land, and is thus prominently connected with the agricultural interests of this section of the state.
Mr. Buhl is a native of Denmark, born Decem- ber 8, 1858, and when a child of only five years was brought to the United States by his parents, Bartlet and Anna Buhl, who located in Salt Lake City, Utah. There the father engaged in farming and also conducted a meat market until 1869, when he removed to the territory of Idaho. He was hardly established in his new home when, on the 7th of August of that year, he was killed in a runaway. His widow and children, three in number, survive him, and Mrs. Buhl has now reached the ripe old age of seventy-two years.
To the public schools Mr. Buhl is indebted for the educational advantages which fitted him for the duties of a practical business life. When old enough he entered a claim of one hundred and sixty acres in Salubria valley, northwest of the present town of Salubria, and at once began to develop a farm. He erected some substantial buildings, and soon transformed the wild land into rich and fertile fields, to which he has added from time to time until now four hundred acres are included within the boundaries of his farm. He has also made judicious investments in land elsewhere, and is the owner of some very valuable property in the valley. He raises short-horn and Hereford cattle on an extensive scale, is a
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