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 40

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 40

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After he had completed his public school edu- cation in Knoxville, his native town, Albert K. Steunenberg began learning the printer's trade, as did also his brother Frank. At the end of four years of persistent labor, during which period he had occupied the various positions in the office and had become fairly familiar with every detail of the business, he started out as a journeyman, and in May, 1886, came to Caldwell. Here he pur- chased the Tribune press, type and equipments, and, aided by his brother, Frank, whom he sent for, he resuscitated the newspaper and made a

HISTORY OF IDAHO.

successful and representative journal of the same. The brothers are both practical printers and men of sound judgment and business ability, and dur- ing their partnership they were instrumental in bringing Caldwell to the front as one of the live towns of the state in the estimation of the public. Though they were affiliated with the Democratic party, personally, they edited the paper as an in- dependent journal. For the past five years, as previously stated, our subject has given his chief attention to the duties which devolve upon him as cashier of the Commercial Bank of Caldwell. He has never craved public office, and has served as a member of the city council and as a school trustee merely because strongly urged to do so for the benefit of the town.

For the past twelve years Mr. Steunenberg has held the honored position of secretary of the grand lodge of the state of Idaho in the Odd Fellows society. He is an active member of the local lodges of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias.

In 1890 the marriage of Mr. Steunenberg and Miss Carrie Coulter, a native of his own state, was solemnized at Des Moines, Iowa. A little son and daughter brighten the home of our sub- ject and wife, they being named, respectively, Bess and Ancil K. Mrs. Steunenberg is a mem- ber of the Christian church.

ALEXANDER DUFFES.

The pretty, flourishing town of Nampa, Canyon county, was founded about thir- teen years ago by Alexander Duffes, who has made his home here continuously since the 11th of November, 1885, and has given his most earnest efforts toward the development and improvement of the town. At that time the rail- road had been constructed through this section and a small station had been built at Nampa. Mr. Duffes, passing through, on his way to his old home in Canada, saw the possibilities of the place as a location for a town, and decided to cast his lot here. He obtained a quarter section of land of the government and laid part of it off into town lots, investing considerable money in improvements. He donated building sites to various denominations for churches, set aside a block for a school-house, and in many ways pro- vided for the advancement of the citizens. His

wisdom and foresight have been abundantly proven; the town has steadily grown, and it is now one of the most promising locations in the county. Many of the substantial business blocks and residences here were built by Mr. Duffes, and are monuments to his good taste and skill.

A native of the state of New York, Alexander Duffes was born on the 26th of March, 1839, in the town of Utica. His parents, John and Eliza- beth (Ferrier) Duffes, were both natives of Scot- land and in 1835 sailed across the sea to America, where they desired to found a new home. For a number of years they dwelt in the vicinity of Hamilton, Canada, the father working at his trade, that of carpenter and builder. He lived to a good old age, dying when in his seventy-ninth year. His faithful wife, who, like himself, was a devoted Presbyterian, died when in the prime of life, aged about forty-eight years. They were the parents of six children, two sons and four daugh- ters. Two of the number have passed to the bet- ter land, two reside in Canada and two live in Nampa.

In his early manhood our subject learned the builder's business with his father, and for a period of eleven years was engaged in merchandising in the town of Burlington, Ontario. He prospered in his financial undertakings, and finally sold his stock of goods, while retaining his real estate in- terests, which were not inconsiderable. For various reasons he decided to travel more or less extensively in the west and to see something of his native land, particularly of the great north- west. He went to Portland, Oregon, where he remained for about a year, and among other places which he visited were points in British Co- lumbia, Montana, Oregon and Washington. It was when he was pursuing his eastward journey that he conceived the idea of building a town on the present site of Nampa, and with characteristic energy and directness of purpose he at once set about realizing his dream.

In his political views Mr. Duffes adheres to the principles of the Republican party, and has never had aspirations to public distinction. So- cially he is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Thirty years ago, in 1869, the marriage of Alexander Duffes and Miss Hannah Lucinda Cummings was solemnized. Mrs. Duffes was

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born and reared in the town of Cumminsville, Canada, which place had been named in honor of her father, who was an influential citizen and early settler there. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Duffes is Picton Warren, of Nampa. Mrs. Duffes was called to her reward eight years ago, in 1891, loved and mourned by all who enjoyed her friendship.

JOHN C. FOX.

Eighteen years have come and gone since John C. Fox arrived in Hailey. The town was then in its infancy, and throughout the intervening period he has been a prominent factor in the advancement of the com- mercial interests upon which the growth and prosperity of a village always depend. Widely known, his life history cannot fail to prove of in- terest to his many friends, and it is therefore with pleasure that we present this record of his career to our readers.

Mr. Fox was born July 2, 1847, in Pennsyl- vania, a son of Daniel Fox, who was of German descent. The father married Mrs. Jane Titman, a daughter of Issachar and Elizabeth (Morris) Corson. The maternal grandfather of our sub- ject was of French-Huguenot ancestry, de- scended from Cornelius Corson, who belonged to the religious sect so bitterly persecuted in France. The edict of Louis XIV., which resulted in the expulsion of all the Huguenots from the country, was dated October 18, 1685, and it must have been soon after that when Cornelius Corson fled from the land of his birth. He took up his residence on Staten Island, for his will was pro- bated there in 1693. His son, Benjamin Corson, emigrated to Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where several generations of the family have resided. Among those who have borne the name have been several prominent physicians and scholars of note, and the family history is one of which the descendants may well be proud. At an early day the Corsons became members of the Society of Friends, and in harmony with the teachings of that sect were opposed to warfare, so that there is no account of members of the family taking part in the Revolutionary war. In the war of 1812, however, there were loyal representatives of the name, and thirty-one of the family partici- pated in the civil war, some as privates, others as colonels or in high offices, and still others as

surgeons. One of the name participated in fifty- seven battles and skirmishes. The history of this distinguished family has been compiled by Dr. Hiram Corson, M. D., of Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, and this information has been taken from a volume of that work now in pos- session of John C. Fox, who is a representative of the family of the seventh generation from the original American progenitor. His father lived and died in Pennsylvania, passing away at the age of forty-seven years, while the mother died at the age of seventy-three years. They were the parents of six children, three of whom are living.

To the public-school system of his native state John C. Fox is indebted for his early educational privileges, which were supplemented by a course in the Millville Seminary and in the Dickinson Seminary, at Williamsport. Thus well fitted by a liberal education to take up the practical duties of life, he entered upon his business career as a clerk in a mercantile establishment. In 1872 he came to the west, locating in Salt Lake City, where he accepted a position in the mercantile house of Walker Brothers, with whom he re- mained for nine years, a most trusted and faith- ful employe. During that time he gained a most thorough knowledge of the business, and in 1881 he came to Hailey, where he began merchandis- ing on his own account. The town had but just been established and he opened his store in a tent. His trade rapidly increased, for he soon won the confidence and good will of the people, and in a short time he was enabled to erect a board store. This was later replaced by a brick structure, but in 1890 a conflagration swept over Hailey and his store was destroyed, his loss in a single hour amounting to sixteen thousand dol- lars. With characteristic energy, however, he erected a new and even better brick building, thirty by seventy feet, and his establishment would do credit even to many a city of much larger size than Hailey. He first carried a stock of general merchandise, but gradually he limited this to ladies' dress goods, notions and such things as are usually found in a dry-goods estab- lishment. His stock is large and carefully se- lected, and meets with the favor of the public. In the center of the store is a novel feature, a pretty little fountain, furnishing pure water at all times to the patrons.

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Mr. Fox was married in 1874, the lady of his choice being Miss Fanny E. Lovell, a native of Dubuque, Iowa, and a representative of an old Virginia family. They now have five children, four sons and a daughter: James Otis, Earl W., John Russell, Janette Rachel and Howard Creasy. Mr. Fox and his family attend the Epis- copal church. He was made a Master Mason in Orangeville, Pennsylvania, April 24, 1874, and also belongs to the chapter and commandery. In politics he has always given his support to the Republican party, but now affiliates with the sil- ver wing of the organization. He takes a deep interest in the welfare of his town, county and state, withholding his support and co-operation from no movement or measure which he believes will prove of public benefit. Every educational, social and moral interest receives his aid, and his labors have been most effective in the advance- ment of the town. In his business his keen dis- crimination, his courteous treatment of his cus- tomers and his strict conformity to the ethics of commercial life have gained him a large patron- age and brought him a good income, and his rep- utation in commercial circles is unassailable.

MILTON KELLY.

Judge Milton Kelly, now deceased, who at- tained considerable prominence as one of Idaho's most loyal citizens and public-spirited men, was born in Onondaga county, New York, September 9, 1818, and descended from Irish an- cestors who were early settlers in New England. He was reared on his father's farm, obtaining his early education in Bloomfield, New York, and when still young taught school. He went to Ohio, subsequently removing to Wisconsin, where for some time he was engaged in the mer- cantile business, and then studied law and was admitted to the bar about 1845. He then took up the practice of his profession, for which he was peculiarly fitted by his natural abilities, and during his thirteen years of active profes- sional life in Wisconsin he became intimately ac- quainted with the leading men and was promi- nently identified with shaping the destiny of the then new state.

In 1861 Judge Kelly went to California and the following year removed to the new mining town of Auburn, Oregon, where he engaged in the ex-

press and transportation business, between that town and Placerville, Boise county, Idaho, later making his home in Placerville. In the autumn of 1863, following the act of organization of the territory of Idaho, he was, at an election held in Boise county, elected a member of the first ses- sion of the Idaho territorial legislature, which was held in Lewiston, Nez Perces county, then the capital. In framing the laws of government for the new territory Judge Kelly's knowledge and wide experience made his services of the greatest value, the result being the adoption of general laws and the passage of such special acts as were needed, which proved entirely satisfac- tory to the people and served as a basis for future legislation, with but few material changes, for a number of years. Judge Kelly continued the practice of law and was also engaged in mining until April, 1865, when he was appointed one of the associate judges of the supreme court of the territory and was assigned to the first judicial dis- trict, embracing the counties of Nez Perces, Sho- shone and Idaho, which then covered the entire area now known as northern Idaho. This office Judge Kelly received from President Lincoln just before the latter's death, it being the last appointment that the martyred president made.

While in office the Judge resided at Lewiston, but at the close of his term he came to Boise to live, and on January 2, 1871, he purchased the Idaho Statesman of James Reynolds and became its owner, editor and publisher. During his man- agement the paper grew in the esteem of the people and was a very potent factor in advancing the best interests of Idaho, its circulation grow- ing until it found a place in the homes of nearly all the families of the territory. He brought to his work as an editor keen judgment, discrimina- tion and the impulses of a genuine patriot, while as a writer he was clear, direct and terse. He seldom made a mistake in estimating the char- acter of his fellow men. His opinions were his own and were given with such candor and cour- age that they commanded the respect of the peo- ple. During the seventeen years that he was at the helm of the Statesman, Idaho passed through its most interesting and eventful days, and Judge Kelly's influence was always used on the side of right, and to him in a great measure is due much of the development and good government of the

Milton Belly

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Gem State of the Mountains. In the spring of 1889 the veteran pioneer journalist and patriot found himself advanced in years and enfeebled in health, and, an opportunity offering, he sold his paper to the Statesman Publishing Company, which has since conducted it in an able and effi- cient manner.

Retiring from active life to his home on the warm-springs tract of land lying five miles from the city, Judge Kelly devoted his time to making improvements at the springs. He had not been in retirement long before he suffered from a se- vere attack of paralysis, from the effects of which he passed away on April 9, 1892. He was a man of the kindest impulses, a loving husband and father, and a warm-hearted and sympathetic friend. His record as a judge and journalist dur- ing his prominent career in Idaho was a pure and spotless one and gained for him the highest esteem of his fellow men in the territory, where he had been such a worthy and useful citizen.

In 1843 Judge Kelly was married to Miss Lois Eliza Humphrey, a native of Connecticut and a descendant of one of the old New England fami- lies, and of this union four children were born, namely: Ellen, who became the wife of Hon. James H. Bush, whose biography also appears in this work; Kate Amanda, who married Hon. Joseph Perrault, United States surveyor general of Idaho; Homer H., who resides at Payette; and Anna D., the wife of Edgar J. Sencerbox.

Judge Kelly was in his political affiliations a Republican and one of the organizers of that party. He was a great lover of liberty and an ardent opponent of oppression in any form, and he made good use of his great ability and natural talents in assisting in the removal of the stain of human slavery from the honor of his country.

SIMON J. FRIEDMAN.

One of the pioneer merchants and enter- prising, progressive business men of Hailey, Simon J. Friedman, was born in Germany, April 5, 1846, a son of Itzig and Ber- tha (Usher) Friedman, also natives of that coun- try. The father is still living, at the age of ninety years. Our subject was educated in Germany, gained his mercantile experience in his father's store, and in 1869, when twenty-three years of age, came to the United States, for he had heard

of the superior advantages and facilities afforded young men in the new world, and resolved to win success here if possible. He first took up his residence in Salt Lake City, Utah, and accepted a position as salesman in the store of Fred Auer- bach & Brothers, with whom he remained for eleven and a half years, gaining a thorough knowledge of merchandising and of the methods of business as practiced in America. He was a most trusted and faithful employe and had the entire confidence of the house with which he was connected.

From Salt Lake City Mr. Friedman went to southern Utah, where he opened a store on his own account. In the spring of 1881, learning of the great silver and gold discoveries in the Wood river country of Idaho, he was among the first to reach this section. The town of Hailey had just been laid out and a few tents raised. Mr. Fried- man put up a tent twenty by forty feet and there- in began the sale of dry goods, clothing and boots and shoes. This was the small beginning of what has become one of the leading mercantile establishments of the city. In the fall of 1881 he erected his fire-proof building, twenty-eight by fifty feet. He was the architect of the structure and superintended its erection. Over the build- ing he put a foot of dirt, covering the whole with a roof to turn snow and water. His store has since been enlarged until it is now thirty by ninety feet, with a forty foot basement filled with a well selected stock of dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, and such have been the liberal and honor- able methods that have marked the conduct of his business that he now has a large patronage and enjoys the confidence and regard of his custom- ers. His was the first fire-proof building of the town, and when the great conflagration of July 2, 1889, swept over the city his store stood un- harmed, he remaining in the building during the progress of the fire and caring for his property. In recognition of his efficient and able labors during that time of great excitement the Union Insurance Company sent him a letter of thanks and presented him with a silver pitcher and tray.

In addition to his mercantile interests Mr. Friedman has extensive and important mining interests. He is one of the stockholders in the Venus group of mines on the East Fork, includ- ing eight mines in all, some of them very rich

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and promising large returns. Some have been large producers, others are leased and others are not being worked because of the low price of silver. By great diligence, keen discrimination in business, careful management and judicious investments, he has acquired a large amount of property and has erected one of the good resi- dences that adorn the town, yet he is conservative and takes but little money out of his mercantile business, using only the profits in outside invest- ment.

On the 11th of April, 1886, Mr. Friedman was united in marriage to Miss Lucia Meyer, a native of Germany, and their union has been blessed with four children. Beatrice, Myrtle, Jerome and Frederick. He and his family are liberal mem- bers of the Israelite faith, and he is a valued rep- resentative of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He belongs to Utah Lodge, No. 1, in Salt Lake City, and, having been connected with the fraternity for a quarter of a century, is num- bered among its veterans, and has been presented with the Veteran Odd Fellow medal. His pleas- ant, genial manner has made him popular in social circles, and his sterling worth commends him to the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

DAVID S. LAMME.

The history of the pioneer settlement of Payette would be incomplete without the record of this gentleman, who from the earliest founding of the town has been a prom- inent factor in its substantial growth and im- provement. When Idaho was cut off from the advantages and comforts of the east by the long, hot stretches of sand and the high mountains, he made his way across the plains, braving all the trials and hardships of pioneer life in order to make a home in the northwest-rich in its re- sources, yet unclaimed from the dominion of the red men.

Mr. Lamme is a native of Hancock county, Il- linois, born February II, 1842, and is of French and Irish descent. The Lammes were of French origin, and at an early period in the history of the east crossed the Atlantic. Representatives of the name participated in many of the leading events mentioned in the annals of the country, and in the Revolutionary war they aided in the struggle for

independence. Jonathan Lamme, father of our subject, was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, and married Lydia Hamilton. One of her ances- tors also was a Revolutionary hero, and her fam- ily is of Irish lineage. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lamme were born six children, of whom four sons and a daughter are living. Both parents died when about forty-five years of age, and the children were left to make their own way in the world.

David S. Lamme spent the days of lis boy- hood and youth in the county of his nativity, and provided for his own livelihood by working as a farm hand and following other occupations that would supply him with the necessaries of life. He was married in 1861 to Miss C. C. Beary, a native of Summit county, Ohio, and in 1864, with his wife and child, started across the plains with oxen, their destination being Idaho. They traveled with a large party, forming the "Big Missouri Train," there being one hundred wagons and one hundred armed men. The In- dians were very troublesome that year and they had several skirmishes with them, four or five of the company being killed, while several others were wounded. Their stock stampeded and the long journey of five months was a very hard and trying one, but on the 5th of September they reached the Payette valley.

For nine years Mr. Lamme engaged in min- ing in the Boise Basin and made thirty thousand dollars, but lost it again in quartz-mining specu- lations. He still has rich specimens of gold quartz taken from Mountain Chief, the mine in which he sunk his money. He was at one time offered ten thousand dollars for his interest in the mine, but refused it. This mine is still be- lieved to be very rich, but as yet has been only partially developed. After failing in his mining ventures Mr. Lamme purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land, the purchase price being twenty-two hundred dollars, going in debt for the greater part of it. At the end of two years, however, he was enabled to pay the entire amount, and successfully continued his farming operations until 1883, when he sold his land, and on the 15th of May came to the present site of Payette. The railroad was then in course of con- struction, but the town was not surveyed. He purchased a small lot and called the hamlet

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Boomerang, by which name it was known for some time, but was finally changed to Payette- taken from the Payette river, which was named in honor of a Frenchman in the employ of the Hudson's Bay Company. Mr. Lamme built a cheap house on the site of his present fine resi- dence and conducted a boarding house for four months. He then secured a small stock of goods from Chicago and opened a general mercantile store, which he has since conducted with gratify- ing success. After selling goods at his residence for five years, he built his present brick business block, twenty-six by eighty feet, and in this he has since conducted a large and constantly in- creasing business. In addition to his mercantile interests and city property, he owns five hundred acres of valuable land and is a stockholder in the Lower Payette Ditch Company, which provides an ample water supply for irrigation purposes.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Lamme is a com- modious and pleasant residence, built of brick, and there, in the midst of many friends, they are now enjoying the fruits of former toil. All the hardships and trials of pioneer life have passed, . and with advancing civilization the comforts and many of the luxuries that go to make life worth the living have come to them. Mrs. Lamme is a valued member of the Methodist church, and with her husband enjoys the high regard of Pay- ette's best citizens. In politics Mr. Lamme is a Democrat, and has taken an active part in the affairs of the city. For years he has been a mem- ber of the city board of trustees, was one of the incorporators of the town, and at all times has given his support to those measures which he believes are for the public good. In 1884 he was elected a member of the Idaho legislature and therein served with the same loyalty to his con- stituents and regard for the best interests of the state that have ever characterized his career in the walks of both public and private life.

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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 40

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