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 15

Author: Lewis Publishing Company. cn
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 1014

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 15

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Mr. Schnabel was thus closely connected with the development of the business interests of the northwest, and has taken an active part in pro- moting all enterprises which tend to advance the welfare of his state. In 1859, while engaged in

mining, he visited Virginia City, when there was one store in the town. He became the owner of the Monte Christo claim, which in the following spring he sold to Senator Stewart for twelve hun- dred dollars. He purchased a fourth interest in the Hale & Norcross claim for one hundred dol- lars, and sold it the following spring for fifteen hundred dollars. That claim afterward proved to be very valuable, yielding rich deposits of ore. While at that point Mr. Schnabel saw the first pony express that ever crossed the country. In his mercantile ventures his success was assured from the beginning. He had a reputation for in- flexible integrity that extended far and wide, and his word was ever considered as good as his bond. He received a very extensive patronage from the Indians, and never had any trouble with them, for they said that "he has but one tongue," meaning that they always found him truthful. What higher compliment could be paid a busi- ness man?

After engaging in merchandising for a year, Mr. Schnabel found it possible, as the result of his success, to visit the fatherland and the friends of his childhood. Five times has he crossed the Atlantic to Germany, thus continuing the ties of comradeship and regard with many in the old country. In 1867 he returned to Idaho, and en- gaged in merchandising with Peter Sonna until 1870, when he sold his interest to his partner and again made the voyage across the Atlantic to the home of his childhood and youth. There he was married to Miss Eva Elizabeth Shafer, his old sweetheart, and with his bride came to his far western home. Here he again opened a store, and was successfully engaged in merchan- dising until 1890, when, having acquired a hand- some competence, he retired to private life. In 1867 he attended the World's Fair in Paris, and after selling his store, in 1890, he took his family abroad. His seven daughters are all talented musicians and vocalists and in the art centers of the world they were given opportunity to study music under some of the most famous musicians of the age. Mr. and Mrs. Schnabel may well be proud of their family. Their eldest daughter, Elizabeth Idaho, is now the wife of Sherman King, of Boise. The others are Minnehaha, Anna Columbia, Victoria America, Rosa May, Augusta Octavia and Flora Centennia, which latter died

HISTORY OF IDAHO.

at the age of thirteen years and five months. The youngest daughter was given her father's middle name, Augusta, and also the name of Octavia, by reason of her being the eighth.

During the civil war Mr. Schnabel was

a stanch advocate of the Union cause, and since the organization of the Republican party has been one of its earnest and zealous supporters. The cause of education in Boise has found in him a warm friend, and while serving as school trustee for a number of years he did effective service in the interest of the city schools. He was at one time the nominee for county commissioner. Reared in the faith of the Lutheran church, he has always had great respect for religion and now attends the Methodist services, but is not a member of any church. He is now enjoying a well earned rest and the esteem of his fellow men, who, having long been witnesses of his- upright career, entertain for him the highest re- gard.

JOHN GRETE, SR.

The Fatherland has furnished to America many of her valued citizens,-men who have crossed the Atlantic to ally their interests with those of "the land of the free." Adapting them- selves to entirely new surroundings, customs and manners, they have achieved success and won a place among the representative men of the com- munities in which their lots have been cast. Such is true of John Grete, the genial, well known and popular proprietor of the War Eagle Hotel, at Silver City. Born in Hasbrouck, Hanover, Germany, April 25, 1832, he was a son of a Ger- man soldier who afterward became a police offi- cer, and while making an arrest, was beaten by a criminal. His injuries brought on blood-pois- oning, from which he died when fifty-two years of age. His wife long survived him, and passed away at the advanced age of ninety years. They had six children, five sons and one daughter, all now deceased but two.

John Grete, the fourth in order of birth, was educated in the schools of his native land, and in 1849, when seventeen years of age, crossed the Atlantic to the New World, hoping to better his financial condition in this country, where broader and better opportunities are afforded young men. He landed in New York and there accepted a position as salesman in a coffee and

tea house, where he remained until 1860, when he sailed for California, going by the isthmus route. At the old town of Shasta in the northern part of California he first engaged in mining. On the Ist of May, 1862, with seven others, he started on a prospecting tour to the upper coun- try, expecting to go to Florence, Oregon, but at Canyon City, that state, they discovered gold, and Mr. Grete engaged in prospecting and min- ing there until fall, when, attracted by the dis- coveries in the Boise basin, he came to Idaho. Here he engaged in mining and in conducting a pack train between the basin and Auburn, Ore- gon. He received twenty-five cents per pound for all goods which he handled, but his expenses in other lines were proportionately high.

In the fall of 1863, allured by the rich gold dis- coveries at Silver City, he came to this place and began quartz-mining, but the evident de- mand for a good bakery determined him to with- draw from mining ventures and establish a bak- ery and saloon. This he did on the 14th of June, 1864, and from the beginning he prospered in the new undertaking. He added an eating house and constantly enlarged his facilities to meet the growing demand of the trade until 1878, when he purchased the War Eagle Hotel, the nucleus of which was a log structure that had been built by a Mr. Carrol, who was killed by the Indians in June, 1864. In 1867 it was enlarged, and after Mr. Grete became the owner it was enlarged to its present proportions and greatly improved. It now contains thirty-five rooms well furnished, and everything possible is done for the accommo- dation and comfort of the guests. Joseph Gross, who is acting as clerk, is a well known California and Idaho pioneer and prominent Freemason, and, like the proprietor, is highly esteemed by the traveling public, owing to his obliging ser- vice and evident desire to make the guests of the War Eagle at home. The hotel was named for the War Eagle mountain, which stands near by and which rises seven thousand and five hundred feet above the sea level and towers one thousand feet above Silver City and the surrounding moun- tains. It is full of valuable ore, both gold and silver, and is one of the historic places of inter- est in the state.

In New York, in 1856, Mr. Grete was united in marriage to Miss Mary Kornmann, who was

HISTORY OF IDAHO.

of German lineage, and was born in New York city, in 1841. In 1861 she accompanied her husband to California, where she remained two years, while he was prospecting in Oregon and Idaho, and then joined him at Silver City in the fall of 1864. She has been to him a faithful com- panion and helpmeet, and has thus contributed to his success. Three sons and three daughters have been born to them: Louisa, now the wife of Anthony Brooks, of Butte, Montana; August, who is engaged in business in Silver City ; Emma, who is the widow of Alfred Hicks and resides with her parents; Minnie, now the wife of Dr. Weston, a prominent physician of Silver City; Frederick, who is his father's partner in several mining enterprises; and John, who is operating his father's electric-light plant.

Mr. Grete has been prominently and actively connected with various interests of this locality, and has done much to promote the public welfare and general prosperity. He has built a system of water-works, by which a supply of pure spring water is brought from the mountain side to the hotel and also supplies many of the homes of Silver City. · At his own expense he erected an electric-light plant of twelve hundred candle- power, and thus illuminates the hotel and busi- ness houses. These two enterprises have proven of great practical benefit to the town, and indi- cated the progressive spirit of the owner. In ad- dition to his hotel property, Mr. Grete also has a number of buildings in Silver City, and in con- nection with his brother Fred owns the San Juan group; and the Banner group of mines is owned by John Grete, Sr., Fred Grete, Jr., and Robert Leonard, Sr.

In his political views Mr. Grete is a Democrat, and though well informed on the issues of the day and interested in the success of his party has never sought office. He has taken the Royal Arch degrees of Masonry, is past master of the blue lodge and has held nearly all the offices in the chapter. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He came to America with the hope of bettering his financial condi- tion,-a hope that has been more than realized; and by taking advantage of opportunities and by unabating energy and good management he has won a handsome competence and is now num- bered among the substantial citizens of Owyhee

county. As the genial proprietor of War Eagle Hotel he has a wide acquaintance and is popular in all classes,

JOHN WAGENER.

John Wagener is one of the owners of the Trook and Jennings mine and five-stamp mill, one mile southeast of Silver City. He is also proprietor of several stock ranches and since pioneer days has been active in the development of the business resources of this state. A native of Germany, he came to America hoping to bet- ter his financial condition, and whatever success he has achieved is due entirely to his own la- bors.

Mr. Wagener was born June 30, 1833, and in his native land acquired his education. When a young man of nineteen years he bade adieu to home and friends and in 1852 sailed for America. coming to this country in limited circumstances and without any knowledge of the language, manners or customs of the people. It is aston- ishing how rapidly our foreign-born citizens adapt themselves to new surroundings and be- come an integral part in our public life. Mr. Wagener took up his residence in New York city and began learning the wagonmaker's trade, at which he worked for a number of years. He then left the Atlantic for the Pacific coast, and in 1858 visited Idaho, when it was still a part of Washington Territory. He crossed the plains to Vancouver's, thence came to Florence in 1862, and after engaging in placer-mining at the latter place for a year, went to Idaho City in the Boise basin, where he worked at placer-mining, receiv- ing three dollars per day and his board in com- pensation for his services.

In January, 1864, he arrived in Boonville, now called Dewey, and engaged in sawing lumber for the different stamp mills then being erected in that locality. In 1865 he aided in the erection of the mills. As the years passed, his diligence, energy, enterprise and capable management brought him success, and from time to time he made judicious investments in mining and ranch property. He has been the owner of several mining claims and for a number of years past has been principally engaged in milling ore. In connection with John Scales, he is now the owner of the Trook and Jennings mine and the five-

Ed meComville

HISTORY OF IDAHO.

stamp mill, situated on the War Eagle mountain. The mill was built in 1864 by a Mr. Shonebar and was an arastra mill, but afterward five stamps were added to it, since which time an ex- tensive custom business has been carried on and mine averages five dollars per ounce and the ore has yielded as high as two hundred dollars per considerable money made. The bullion from the ton. Both the mill and the mine are now on the market, for though a very desirable property, the owners are not so situated as to give it the needed development. Mr. Wagener is now the owner of several ranches, and is becoming quite exten- sively interested in stock-raising.

In 1884 was celebrated his marriage to Miss Christina Nelson, a native of Sweden, and to them has been born a daughter, Alice. Their pleasant home is located near the mill. In his political affiliations Mr. Wagener is a Democrat, but has never been an aspirant for office, pre- ferring to devote his energies to his business in- terest. His activity in business has not only con- tributed to his individual success but has also been an active factor in the development of the state, and he is now accounted one of the honored pioneer settlers of Idaho.

GENERAL EDWARD McCONVILLE.

In the recent trial of arms in which America won recognition and admiration never before ac- corded her by the older "powers" of Europe, there was no more distinguished or valiant sol- dier than General McConville, of Idaho, who went forth as one of the commanders of the Idaho troops and laid down his life on the altar of his country. His was a noble life and a glori- ous death, and his name is enduringly inscribed on the roll of America's heroes. Though his loss is deeply mourned by his many friends, his mein- ory will ever be cherished by all who knew him, and the cause of liberty will acknowledge its ad- vancement to him and his compatriots who have fallen in defense of the honor of the flag and the noble principles of republicanism and justice which it represents.

General McConville was a native of New York, his birth having occurred at Cape Vincent, Jef- ferson county, June 25, 1846. The history of the family furnishes many examples of valor, for since the days when William the Conqueror

fought the battle of Hastings its representatives have won honor and fame in the military and naval service of France, England, Ireland and America. The family had its origin in France, it's branches being found in Brittany, Gascony and Normandy. Two representatives of the name fought with William, the Norman prince, at the battle of Hastings, and their descendants went to Ireland with Sir John de Coursey's forces in 1166 A. D., and were of the Normans of whom it was afterward said by the English that "they became more Irish than the Irish themselves." The original name was Conville, but after taking up their residence on the Emerald Isle the Celtic "Mc," signifying "the son of," was prefixed to the original name of the Norman settlers in Ire- land. The family resided in the northern section of that country and a number of its members served in the army of King James II. After the defeat of that monarch several of them' accom- panied him to France and entered the service of Louis IV., both in the army and navy of France. The greater number of the McConvilles resided near Carlingford Lough, in county Down, Ire- land, not far from the city of Newry. A number of the name came to the United States, but the family has not been very numerous here, and there are also comparatively few of the name in France, England and Ireland. For centuries, however, the McConvilles have sent forth their sons to the army and navy service and from the time of the battle of Hastings down to the pres- ent, deeds of valor have illuminated the pages of the family history in connection with the wars of France, England, Ireland and this great re- public. Several representatives of the name were killed in our great civil war, while fighting for the perpetuation of the Union. The General's brother, Hugh McConville, gave his life for his country at the battle of Malvern Hill, and his cousin, John McConville, was killed at Santiago, July 3, 1898, in the glorious assault on San Juan hill.

General McConville was reared on his father's farm, and received an academic education in the University of Syracuse. He was but a youth of fif- teen years when the war of the Rebellion was in- augurated, but the spirit of patriotism, so dom- inant an element in his family, soon manifested itself, and he offered his services to the govern-

HISTORY OF IDAHO.

ment, enlisting as a private of Company I, Twelfth New York Volunteer Infantry. He was enrolled April 30, 1861, at Syracuse, New York, and was mustered into service on the 13th of May, for two years. He was appointed corporal of his company, October 27, 1862, and continued at the front until honorably discharged, May 17, 1863. Just eight days later, on the 25th of May, he re-enlisted, at New York city, and was mus- tered in July 18, 1863, as a private of Company C, Thirteenth New York Cavalry, to serve three years. He was appointed corporal September II, 1863, and sergeant February 4, 1864, and on the 7th of October of the latter year he was assigned to duty with the pioneer corps. On August 17, 1864, upon the consolidation of his regiment, he was transferred to Company H, Third New York Provisional Cavalry, with which command he remained until honorably discharged, September 21, 1865. He participated in a number of hard- fought battles, including the engagements at Blackburn Ford, Virginia, July 18, 1861; Bull Run, July 21, 1861; Yorktown, April 5 to May 4. 1862; Gaines' Mills, June 27, 1862; Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862; Bull Run, August 30, 1862, and Antietam, September 17, 1862. During his four- years service he was never on the sick list a sin- gle day. He was twice slightly wounded, but stopped only long enough to have the bullet ex- tracted and the wound dressed and then contin- ued on the march.

In 1866 General McConville enlisted again in Company G, Twenty-first United States Infantry, and served seven years in the regular army. In the year 1870 he was sent with an expedition against the Apache Indians in Arizona, and in the battle of Chifeto he was distinguished for his gallant conduct. He served in New Mexico, Arizona and on the coast until he was mustered out and honorably discharged, at Fort Lapwai, in 1873.

In June, 1877, when Joseph's band of Nez Perces Indians began their cruel depredations and massacres of the unprotected settlers on Sal- mon river and Camas prairie, General McCon- ville was the first to respond to the call to arms, and raised Company A, of the First Regiment of Idaho Volunteers, at Lewiston. His zeal, ac- tivity and bravery in protecting the defenceless and scattered population won for him the grati-

tude of the state and resulted in his election to the office of colonel of the regiment. In the war he was ever found in the front of the battle, and proved a very valuable ally to General O. O. Howard. On July 10, 1877, the Indians made a night attack on Fort Misery, in which General McConville again won distinction by his valor. The volunteers, eighty-five strong, were en- camped on the brow of the hill and General How- ard was on the opposite side of Clearwater river, when General McConville suddenly discovered the hostile Indians. He sent Lieutenant Lou Wilmot to General Howard with the informa- tion and a request to send the cavalry to his as- sistance, and at the same time was asked to at- tack the Indians on the side next to the river. General McConville ordered his entire force to begin throwing up rifle pits, their knives and their tin cups being their only implements with which to accomplish this work, but a circle of pits was dug on the brow of the hill and soon after dark the war whoop of the savages was heard all around, together with the rapid firing of guns, the neighing of horses and the snapping of picket ropes. The Indians fought desperately and succeeded in capturing forty-five of the horses belonging to the volunteers, and when dawn broke hundreds of cartridge shells were found within fifteen feet of the rifle pits, but only one man was wounded, he having received a slight scratch from a bullet which struck his gun, glanced and made a slight wound in his arm. When the bullets were flying thickest it seemed as though General McConville was almost omni- present, his form outlined against the sky offer- ing a prominent mark for the Indian rifles. but he passed through the deadly fire without injury. During the progress of the battle it became nec- essary to transfer two men from one side of the hill to the rifle pit on the opposite side, in order to strengthen the fire on that side. The General gave the command for the men to go, but al- though one of the men receiving the order had fought for four years in the civil war, they all hesitated for a moment before entering into what seemed to promise certain death. The General saw their hesitancy, and instantly jumped into the opening and commanded the men to follow. This display of valor at once inspired them to go where he led, and the brave leader walked

HISTORY OF IDAHO.

across the hill in the face of that leaden hail as unconcernedly as though he were treading the streets of Lewiston. Some fifteen or twenty horses had been saved from the Indians, and the next morning when the volunteers started for Mount Idaho the saddles were put on these horses and General McConville was offered one to ride, but he declined, saying, "Let some of the older men ride," and he took his place at the head of the column and marched to the town. This sharing with the men in all the hardships of war, and taking his place at points of greatest danger, won their unbounded admiration and love, and probably no soldier has ever had the respect of his men to a greater degree than General McConville.

When it was necessary to use force of arms to bring the savages to a state of subordination, so that they would not abuse the white settlers, he was always ready to engage in warfare, but when arms could be laid aside, no man was more will- ing or active in laboring for the best interests of the red men than the General. When the Indian school was removed from Forest Grove, Oregon, to Salem, that state, he was sent there in charge of sixty boys and forty girls to perfect arrange- ments to accommodate the entire school of over three hundred pupils. The land was heavily tim- bered and General McConville, with the aid of the Indian boys, felled the trees, cleared the land and erected rough houses, to be utilized until the government buildings could be erected. They carried on the work unremittingly', and since his death the family have received many letters from his Indian pupils, expressing their profound grief over the loss of their kind benefactor. After completing his labors in connection with the school, he was appointed superintendent of the Lapwai school, a position which he very ably filled through several administrations of the gov- ernment, and that school, with its magnificent buildings, stand as a monument to the great- ness of the man. He endeavored not only to train the children along intellectual and indus- trial lines, but also to develop character and in- stil into their minds high and lofty principles. Soon after taking charge of the school he pro- cured an American flag, and called out the entire school,-pupils, teachers and employes to the number of two hundred. Then, with the Indian

band at their head, they formed a hollow square, and a large flag-pole, which had been brought from Craig's mountain, was planted in the center and a young Indian boy and girl, selected from their number, raised the starry banner for the first time over the industrial school at Lapwai. With uncovered heads the entire school, to the accompaniment of the band, sang our national anthem, "America," and as the music was borne aloft Old Glory floated out upon the breezes. An- other instance of General McConville's intense loyalty was his inauguration of a service con- sisting in saluting the flag each morning in the chapel. The pupils were permitted to vote on the adoption or rejection of the custom, and every vote was cast in its favor. The salute con- sists of touching the head with the right hand, then placing it on the heart, then pointing to the flag as they repeat the words, "We give our heads, our hearts to our country,-one country, one language, one flag."

Many other incidents might be mentioned showing General McConville's intensely patriot- ic spirit and his great love for his country. He taught the children of the forest to observe every . national holiday, all religious services and or- ganized a number of Christian Endeavor, tem- perance and literary societies, and also societies simply for social intercourse. He came in close touch with his pupils in their moral, intellectual and social life, and left the impress of his in- dividuality upon all.

The home life of General McConville was most happy and interesting. On the Ist of October, 1878, in Lewiston, he had married Miss Viola C. Arant, a native of Kansas, and a daughter of Samuel W. Arant, a representative of an old American family. They had four children, Harry, Alta, Ermeth and Hugh. The family have a nice home in Lewiston and are held in the high- est regard throughout the community. Mrs. Mc- Conville is a lady of culture and refinement, and is meeting her great loss with the courage and resignation befitting the wife of such a brave pa- triot. She is a member of the Eastern Star, the Order of Rebekah and the Rathbone Sisters, and is busily engaged with other Lewiston ladies in providing for the wants of the Idaho volunteers at the front. The General's name was enrolled among the valued members of the Grand Army

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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 15

Author: Lewis Publishing Company. cn Publication date: 1899 Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis publishing company Number of Pages: 1014

Author: Lewis Publishing Company. cn
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 1014