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 16

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 16

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

HISTORY OF IDAHO.

of the Republic, and he had taken the degrees of the York and Scottish rites in Masonry. He was also a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, a charter member of the Uni- formed Rank of that order and its first captain. Later he was elected major of the Lewiston regi- ment, subsequently was chosen its colonel, and at the time of his death was aid de camp on the staff of Major General James R. Cranahan, with the rank of colonel. Thus in the successful con- duct of his school, and in the enjoyment of home, family and friends, General McConville spent the last years of his life, having the warm regard and sincere respect of all who knew him.

On the 22d of August, 1898, President Mc- Kinley, by proclamation, called for one hundred and twenty-five thousand volunteers, and the governor of Idaho also issued a similar proclama- tion. Every company of the Idaho National Guard responded to the call, and from May 7 to May 14, 1898, the companies were mustered into the service of the United States as Companies A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H, First Idaho Volunteers. General McConville was appointed by the gov- ernor to the rank of major of the second battalion, and the troops left Boise May 18th, sailing from San Francisco for the Philippine islands, June 27, 1898. He was accompanied by his son Harry, a youth of seventeen years, who enlisted in Com- pany B, and with his father went to Manila as color-bearer of the regiment. The deeds of valor and heroism of the Idaho volunteers from that July day in 1898, when the Morgan City reached Manila bay, is a matter of history. In every case they have covered themselves with glory and have reflected credit upon the state and country which they represent.

It was on the 5th of February, 1899, that Gen- eral McConville fell, while leading his battalion in a charge. No braver man ever lived. When he was shot he was standing on a little knoll in front of his battalion and had just fired a rifle that had dropped from the hands of a fatally wounded soldier. At the same time a Manser bullet entered his body under his right arm, passed entirely through his body and came out under the left arm, while another ball struck his shoulder. He fell, and Adjutant Roos and Lieu- tenant Martinson, commanding Lewiston's com- pany, ran to him and carried him off the field.

As he was being borne along he said with a smile: "It was glorious! the Idaho boys are covering themselves with glory!" He was taken to the field hospital, where his son Harry was by his side and closed the eyes of the noble father. He was brevetted brigadier general be- fore he died, in recognition of his great bravery and gallant service. His last words were ad- dressed to his son: "Go home and take care of your mother. Tell my wife and the children I died for my country." His remains were brought home, attended by the son, who was dis- charged in order that he might return to his mother with the father's body, and such a burial was given him as had never before been accorded any citizen of Idaho. Every possible tribute of respect and love was paid him, and with military honors he was laid to rest. The governor of Idaho in acknowledgment of Harry McCon- ville's fidelity to his father and to his country, commissioned him a colonel of the National Guard of the state, an honor never before con- ferred upon one so young. It was a token of Idaho's high appreciation of the noble father and of the son's devotion to the father and the starry flag. Hon. James W. Reid, of Lewiston, pre- sented the commission at the funeral of the Gen- eral, and pronounced the eulogy upon the dead hero who four times entered his country's service and valiantly battled for its interests. "His life was noble, and the elements so mixed in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, 'This was a man.'"

GEORGE AINSLIE.

Hon. George Ainslie is a western man by birth, training and choice, and possesses the true west- ern spirit of progress and enterprise. He belongs to the little group of distinctively representative business men who have been the pioneers in in- augurating and building up the chief industries of this section of the country. He early had the sagacity and prescience to discern the eminence which the future had in store for this great and growing country, and, acting in accordance with the dictates of his faith and judgment, he has garnered, in the fullness of time, the generous harvest which is the just recompense of indomit- able industry, spotless integrity and marvelous enterprise. He is now connected with many ex-

HISTORY OF IDAHO.

tensive and important business interests, is one of the leading lawyers of Boise, and is a recog- nized leader in Democratic circles in Idaho.

A native of Boonville, Missouri, he was born October 30, 1838, and is of Scotch descent. Sev- eral of his paternal ancestors served in the Brit- ish army as members of Scotch regiments, and the grandfather and an uncle of our subject both held the rank of colonel. His father was also an officer in the army and was a graduate of Edin- burg University, where he won a gold medal on the completion of his course. He was admitted to the bar in his native land and licensed as an advocate. In 1836 he came to America, but after the birth of our subject returned to the land of his nativity, remaining in Scotland until 1844, when he again came, with his family, to this country, once more taking up his residence in Boonville, Missouri, where he was the owner of large landed interests. He engaged in the manufacture of salt at Boone's Lick, and man- aged his business interests with such ability that his efforts were crowned with substantial success. He married Miss Mary S. Borron, a native of Lancashire, England. They were members of the Episcopal church and people of the highest re- spectability. The father was drowned in the Missouri river in June, 1844, and the mother, long surviving him, departed this life in Cincin- nati, Ohio, in 1886, at the age of seventy years.

Hon. George Ainslie, the only survivor of the family, began his education in the schools of Scotland, and after the return of his parents to America, pursued a high-school course. Later he spent one year in the St. Louis University, and in 1856 was offered an appointment as cadet at West Point, by Hon. Henry S. Geyer, United States senator from Missouri, but owing to the opposition of his mother, who believed all gradu- ates of the military school and its officers were more or less dissipated, he did not accept the offer.

Desiring to enter the legal profession, Mr. Ainslie began reading law under the direction of Judge Ben Thompkins, and later continued his studies in the law office of Douglass & Hayden. In April, 1860, he was admitted to the bar and the same year started for Pike's Peak, where he engaged in mining and in the practice of his chosen profession. He was one of the pioneers

of that locality, where he remained until 1862, when he went to Salmon river, attracted by the discovery of gold at that place. There he con- tinued until the snow fell, when he went to Clackamas county, Oregon, spending the winter in school-teaching. In the spring of 1863 he came to the Boise basin, where he practiced law and also engaged in mining, owning an interest in the General Custer mine, which paid several million dollars in dividends. His first knowl- edge of the administration of the law in this then wild district came to him in rather a peculiar but also typical manner. In the winter in which he came to Idaho, on the arrival of himself and party at Lewiston, he was waited upon by some gentlemen who desired to secure his services in a professional capacity. Some days before, three men, Dave English, Frank Scott and William Peoples, were accused of having robbed a man by the name of Berry on the Florence trail. They were to be tried by a "citizens' court," and de- sired the services of an attorney. Mr. Ainslie con- sented to act in their defense and started down town to see his clients, who, he learned, were confined in a temporary jail under guard. Upon asking the guard if he might be permitted to see his clients, he was told that he could not see them that day, but if he would call next morning they would grant him an interview. Accordingly he called at a seasonable hour the next day and was favorably received by the guards, who ushered him through several rooms and finally led him to a rude shed at the back of the build- ing, where he beheld all three of his whilom clients hanging side by side. This was Mr. Ains- lie's first experience with Idaho justice. Realiz- ing the importance of demurrer and the irrele- vancy of an appeal, he retired in good order. He has witnessed great changes in the workings of the courts since that time, and through all the years has enjoyed a liberal patronage. Of recent years, however, he has largely confined his at- tention to the branches of law which treat of min- ing and of water irrigation. He is careful and painstaking in the preparation of his cases, is logical and convincing in argument, forcible in his appeals to court or jury and holds high rank as one of the ablest representatives of the pro- fession in the state.

Since his arrival in Idaho Mr. Ainslie has taken

HISTORY OF IDAHO.

a deep and active interest in political questions, and aided in formulating the first Democratic platform of the territory. In 1865 and 1866 he was elected to the legislature, and from 1869 un- til 1873 he edited the Idaho World, then the only Democratic paper in the territory. He was elected and served as district attorney for the second judicial district from January, 1875, to January, 1879; in 1878 he was elected a delegate to congress and re-elected in 1880. In 1889 he was chosen a member of the constitutional con- vention, and was chairman of the committee of the executive department. In 1890 he removed to Boise, where he has since made his home. Here again he has been called to lead the Dem- ocratic forces to victory, and his influence in political circles is most marked. He has perhaps more than any other man shaped the policy of the party in Idaho, is one of its most trusted and respected leaders, and is the Idaho member of the Democratic national committee.

In the promotion of many business interests Mr. Ainslie had also been an important factor, and belongs to that class of representative Amer- icans who advance the general prosperity while laboring for individual success. He was one of the organizers of the Rapid Transit Company, of Boise, and from the beginning has served as its president. Through his instrumentality the electric street railway was built in Boise, before an electric line was laid in San Francisco. He was one of the organizers and stockholders of the Artesian Hot and Cold Water Company. In 1891 he organized a company and built the elec- tric-light works at Baker City, Oregon, and is now at the head of that enterprise as its presi- dent. He is a man of resourceful business ability, keen discrimination, sound judgment and well defined purposes, and carries forward to success- ful completion whatever he undertakes. He is also interested in various mines, and from these varied concerns is deriving a good income.

In 1866 Mr. Ainslie was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Owens, a native of Clay county, Mis- souri, and to them have been born two daugh- ters: Lucy Lee, who is now the wife of Dr. Edward Perrault, of San Francisco; and Adelma, wife of John F. Nugent, of Silver City, Idaho. The parents were members of the Episcopalian church. Theirs is one of the beautiful homes of

Boise, its characteristic culture and intellectuality making it a favorite resort with the best people of the city.

Mr. Ainslie has ever taken a deep interest in those movements or measures calculated to prove of public benefit, and withholds his support from no enterprise that tends toward the general good. Boise owes much of her advancement to his en- terprising and carefully directed efforts, for its commercial interests have been the important element in building up the city. He is a member of the Pioneer Association of the state, of which he formerly served as president, and during more than a third of a century he has engraved his name deeply on the pages of Idaho's history.

PRESLEY M. BRUNER.

A prominent practitioner at the bar of Hailey, and ex-district attorney of Alturas (now Blaine) county, Idaho, Presley Morris Bruner, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, September 15, 1850. On the paternal side is of German lineage, and on the maternal of Scotch descent. His father, J. A. Bruner, was born in Virginia, a representative of one of the old and prominent families of that state, living in the Blue mountain region. He married Miss Margaret Morris, a daughter of Judge Presley Morris, of Chillicothe, Ohio. Her father was a descendant of the McDonald clan of the highlands of Scotland, and traced his ancestry back to Mary, Queen of Scots. Mr. Bruner's father was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, and devoted fifty-six years of his life to spreading the gospel of peace on earth, good will to men. He removed to California in 1856, going by way of the istlimus, and spent the remainder of his days as a member of the California conference. He was a man of schol- arly attainments, of marked ability in his chosen calling, a persuasive speaker and a power for good among men. He departed this life in 1892, at the age of seventy years, and his wife passed away three years previously, at the age of sixty- nine. She was to him a most faithful helpmeet, ably assisting nim in his work, and by her influ- ence, example and kindly spirit largely augment- ing the efforts of her husband This worthy couple were the parents of seven children, six of whom are living. Three of the sons and one of the daughters completed classical courses of

HISTORY OF IDAHO.

study and four of the sons are prominent prac- titioners of law, three being located in Sacra- mento, California, while the fourth, our subject, has gained prestige at the bar of Hailey.

Presley M. Bruner, the eldest of the family, was educated at the University of the Pacific, at Santa Clara, California, and graduated at that institution in the class of June, 1871. He after- ward studied law under the direction of Thomas H. Laine and S. F. Lee, the latter now one of the prominent attorneys of southern California, and was admitted to practice in the courts of Califor- nia in 1877. Establishing an office in San Jose, he there secured a good clientage, and continued his professional labors until 1881. The following year he came to Hailey and lias been prominently identified with the growth, upbuilding and prog- ress of the city since that time. The town was then in its infancy, so that Mr. Bruner has wit- nessed its entire advancement. He is actively connected with a profession which has important bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of any section or community, and one which has long been considered as conserving the public welfare by furthering the ends of justice and maintaining individual rights. His reputation as a lawyer has been won through earnest, hon- est labor, and his standing at the bar is a mer- ited tribute to his ability. He now has a very large practice, and his careful preparation of cases is supplemented by a power of argument and a forceful presentation of his points in the court room, so that he never fails to impress court or jury, and seldom fails to gain the verdict desired. Mr. Bruner has also been active in de- veloping the mining interests of this vicinity, laid out the town of Huston, and put ten thou- sand dollars in the development of the copper mines, and has been an active factor in further- ing many enterprises which have contributed to the welfare of Hailey, as well as his individual prosperity.

On the 8th of June, 1871, Mr. Bruner was united in marriage to Miss Martha M. Wilson, daughter of James Wilson, a respected California pioneer. Mrs. Bruner was attending college when her husband was a student there, they were graduated in the same class and almost imme- diately afterward they united their destinies for life. Their union has been blessed with two chil-

dren, who are living: Morris Elwood, who is his father's law partner, but is now in Manila, having volunteered for service at the beginning of the war with Spain; and Bertha J., a graduate of the Hailey high school, and now acting as a typewriter and clerk in her father's office.

On attaining his majority Mr. Bruner became an advocate of the principles of the Republican party, and on that ticket was elected to the Ne- vada legislature in 1873. While serving in that body he made the speech nominating John P. Jones for the United States senate. In 1896, however, he differed with his party on the finan- cial question, and has since given his allegiance to the Populist party, becoming one of its stal- wart advocates. He served as chairman of the Populist state convention of 1898, and is an ef- fective worker in promoting the cause which he now espouses. Socially Mr. Bruner is a Mason, having taken the degrees of the blue lodge in Bellevue in 1883. He also belongs to the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, having been past grand master thereof, and exemplifies in his life the beneficent principles of the societies.

ROBERT H. LEONARD.

Into the bosom of the earth the hand of nature placed many rich mineral deposits, and the great value of these, together with the magnificent for- ests and rolling lands of Idaho, have gained for the state the well deserved title of the "Gem of the Mountains." Its mines are now yielding a large output of gold and silver, which adds to the wealth and prosperity of the country as well as of the individual mine owners. Among the enterprising and prominent business men who are now engaged in the development of the rich mineral resources of the state is Robert H. Leon- ard, of this review.

The home of his childhood was the far-off state of Maine. He was born near the Kennebec river, in the Pine Tree state, June 7, 1832, and his ancestors, natives of England, were early set- tlers of that northeastern section of our land which was named for the mother country. The grandfather, Isaac Leonard, was a ship-owner of Maine, and served his country in the war of 1812. His son Isaac, the father of our subject, was also born in Maine, and became a sea captain. He married Miss Levina Snow, a native of his own

HISTORY OF IDAHO.

state, and to them were born five children. The mother died and the father afterward married her sister, Priscilla Snow, by whom he had ten chil- dren. The sisters werc both members of the Methodist church, but Mr. Leonard was a Uni- versalist in religious faith. He died at the age of seventy-three years.

Robert H. Leonard, whose name introduces this review, attended the common schools near his boyhood's home, and remained in New Eng- land until 1852, when, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast, he went by way of the Nicaragua route to San Francisco, where he arrived on the 17th of November. He spent a month in the mines at Hangtown, now Placer- ville, and then made his way to Sacramento, and there remained a short time. Then he went to Marin county, California, where he was engaged in lumbering until March 4, 1861. He then loaded a sawmill outfit upon twelve wagons and started for Moro county, Nevada, where he en- gaged in sawing lumber for some time. In 1862 he took up his abode in Florence and engaged in mining on Salmon river. There he was asso- ciated with eight other men, and putting all their earnings together they divided equally, thus mak- ing from seven to twenty dollars per day.

On leaving that place Mr. Leonard returned to Nevada to dispose of his property, and in May, 1865, came to Silver City. Here he accepted the position of superintendent of the Ainsworth Mill and Mining Company, and for a number of years was very actively engaged in mining and milling. He had charge of the New York twenty-stamp mill and the ten-stamp Cosmith mill. In 1871 he began the same business on his own account by erecting a mill where the Poorman mill now stands, and worked the first one hundred tons of ore taken out, yielding ninety thousand dol- lars or nine hundred dollars per ton. In 1866 he took by steamer to New York eighteen tons of this ore, which was smelted in New Jersey, yielding five thousand dollars to the ton. The Poorman mine was discovered in August, 1865, by six men, all of different nationalities, who sold their interests for from two to five thousand dol- lars, the purchaser being P. F. Bradford, who took out a great deal of money, but eventually sold the mine, after which there was much liti- gation concerning it. It finally became the prop-

erty of C. W. Moore, of Boise, who sold it to an English syndicate, the present owners. Mr. Leonard has operated the Dewey mill and the mill of the Florida Mountain Mining and Mill- ing Company, and now has a third interest in four claims,-the Banner, Harmon, Coffee and Star Spangled,-a rich group in the Florida mountains. In the Coffee mine they have taken out two hundred and sixty ounces of silver and five ounces of gold to the ton. They have an eight-foot ledge, of which three feet yielded twen- ty-two dollars in free gold, and parts of the Ban - ner mine produce pure silver. Mr. Leonard also owns a claim on the south side, only partly pros- pected. He has made judicious investments of his capital in these various mining interests, and is accounted one of the leading mine-owners in this section of the state.

In March, 1867, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Leonard and Mrs. Adelaide Victoria Chase, nee Durgin. They had been neighbors in childhood in their far-off Maine home, and for thirty-two years they have traveled life's jour- ney together. They have had three children. The two sons, Lewis F. and Robert H., were both born in 1868, the former January I, the latter November 26. The elder was accidentally killed, but the younger is now a representative young business man of Silver City. He was the first district court clerk of the district and ex- officio auditor and recorder after the admission of Idaho as a state, being elected to that office when only twenty-two years of age. He is now engaged in mining. The daughter, Adelaide E., is now the widow of James S. Ryan, and is quite celebrated as a musician and vocalist, having re- ceived superior advantages in her art as a stu- dent in the New England Conservatory of Music, in Boston.

In 1857, in the old town of Shasta, California, Mr. Leonard, of this review, was made an Odd Fellow, and he has also passed all the chairs in the encampment. In 1867 he was raised a Mas- ter Mason in the old lodge in which his father and his brother had been initiated into the mys- te ies of the craft, and has served as master of the blue lodge and is past high priest of Cyrus Chapter, No. 2. R. A. M. Since the organization of the party he has been a Republican, unfalter- ing in support of its principles. His life has

John Neucargas

HISTORY OF IDAHO.

been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of labor; and to- day he is numbered among the substantial citi- zens of his county. His interests are thoroughly identified with those of the northwest, and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and co-operation to any movement calculated to benefit this sec- tion of the country or advance its wonderful de- velopment.

JUDGE JOHN T. MORGAN.

The gentleman whose name heads this review has been a conspicuous figure in the legislative and judicial history of two states. Probably the public life of no other illustrious citizen of Idaho has extended over as long a period as his, and certainly the life of none has been more varied in service, more constant in honor, more fearless in conduct and more stainless in reputation. His career has been one of activity, full of incidents and results. In every sphere of life in which he has been called upon to move he has made an indelible impression, and by his excellent public service and upright life he has honored the state, which has honored him with high official prefer- ment.

Judge Morgan was born in Hamburg, Erie county, New York. His ancestors, leaving the little rock-ribbed country of Wales, became early settlers of New England, and through many gen- erations members of the family were residents of Connecticut and active participants in the affairs which go to form' the colonial history of the na- tion. In the war of the Revolution they fought for the independence of the country, and at all times have been loyal to American interests. James Clark Morgan, the father of the Judge, was born in Connecticut in 1798, and married Penelope Green, a native of Herkimer county, New York. He was an industrious farnier and served as justice of the peace for many years, discharging his duties most faithfully. In his religious views he was a Universalist. He died in February, 1872, at the age of seventy-four years, and his wife departed this life in her forty- sixth year. They had six children, of whom three are living.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 16

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