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 56
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129
upright lives won them the confidence and es- teem of all with whom they came in contact.
Judge Richards was the fifth in order of birth in their family of eight children. He attended the schools of his native town, and after the re- moval of the family to a farm continued his studies in the country schools until fourteen years of age, when he started out to make his own way in the world, working on a dairy farm for seven dollars per month. He was employed in that way for two years, during which time he saved the most of his small earnings, whereby he was enabled to continue his education in Belleville, Ohio, where he studied for two years. On the expiration of that period he rented a farm of one hundred and forty acres in Huron county, Ohio, for two years, and dealt quite extensively in stock. Later he was elected a teacher of the First grammar school of Mount Vernon, Ohio, and subsequently served as its principal for four years. Desiring to further perfect himself along educational lines he next entered the Ohio Wes- leyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. On the completion of his collegiate work there he re- turned to Mount Vernon and took up the study of law under the direction of the firm of Mc- Intyre & Kirk. In 1879 he removed to Denver and continued his preparation for the bar in the office of Markhan & Patterson, prominent attor- neys of that city, who aided him in his reading for two years, when in 1881 he was admitted to the bar.
Judge Richards entered upon his professional career in Breckenridge, Colorado, where he con- tinued in practice for six years, and in 1889 he removed to Boise, for the benefit of his wife's health. Here he has since continued actively in the work of his profession. He throws himself easily and naturally into the argument with marked self-possession and deliberation, There is no straining after effect, but a precision and clearness in his statement, and acuteness and
312
HISTORY OF IDAHO.
strength in his argument, which exhibit a mind trained in the severest school of investigation and to which the closest reasoning has become habitual. In addition to his law practice he has also been an active factor in promoting some of the most permanent and valuable public im- provements in southern Idaho. He undertook the construction of the Payette ditch, which en- terprise he pushed to a successful termination. He organized the Payette Valley Bank, and the Payette Land and Improvement Company, and of the latter was made president and still holds that position. He has been instrumental in bringing half a million dollars of capital into this part of Idaho since his arrival,-a sum that has gone a long way toward the substantial develop- ment and improvement of the state.
The Judge has also held a number of import- ant offices and through his faithful service in se- curing an able administration of public affairs has also promoted the welfare of the communi- ties with which he has been connected. He was attorney at Breckenridge, Colorado, and county commissioner of Canyon county, Idaho, which county he aided in organizing and in placing it on a good working foundation. He early became identified with the Republican party, and was chosen chairman of the Republican state conven- tion, which met in Boise in 1894. He attended the judicial convention of the same year, was nominated for judge of the third district and was elected by a large popular majority. He was the choice of a very large percentage of the bar, and his service on the bench reflected credit upon himself and the profession which he represents. He found the calendar far behind, but by his splendid executive and administrative ability he brought the court business up and cleared the calendar in all of the counties of his district. Dur- ing his two years upon the bench he tried four hundred and forty cases, among which were nine murder cases, and in one of these the pris- oner was sentenced to be hanged. After two years' service on the bench Judge Richards re- signed and resumed the private practice of law. He has a distinctively representative clientage, and is retained as counsel or advocate on nearly every important case tried in the courts of south- ern Idaho.
On the 18th of November, 1881. Judge Rich-
ards was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Howe, a native of Fredericktown, Ohio. They have a pleasant home in Boise, and enjoy the warm regard of many friends.
The life of the Judge has been one of unusual activity and has not been without its desirable results. Blessed with good health, from the age of fourteen years he has not only provided for his own support but also for others dependent upon him. By capable business management, inde- fatigable energy and perseverance he has won a handsome competence, and now enjoys a most enviable reputation in industrial circles, at the bar and in the field of politics.
JOHN P. VOLLMER.
One of the ablest and best known business men of Idaho is John P. Vollmer, of Lewiston. In past ages the history of a country was the record of wars and conquests; to-day it is the record of commercial activity, and those whose names are foremost in its annals are the leaders in business circles. The conquests now made are those of mind over matter, not of man over man, and the victor is he who can successfully establish, con- trol and operate extensive commercial interests. John P. Vollmer is one of the strong and influ- ential men whose lives have become an essential part in the history of Lewiston and the state. Tireless energy, keen perception, honesty of pur- pose, genius for devising and executing the right thing at the right time, joined to every-day common sense, and guided by great will power, are the chief characteristics of the man. Con- nected with various trade interests, the place that he occupies in business circles is in the front rank.
Mr. Vollmer was born in Germany, January 25, 1847, his parents being Otto P. and Elizabeth (Fix) Vollmer, also natives of the same country. The father was a chemist, and he came to the United States in 1840. He became a naturalized citizen of this country, and in January, 1845. re- turned to Germany and was married. In 1851 he brought his family to the New World, locating in Louisville, Kentucky, where he engaged in the distilling business, meeting with excellent suc- cess. He did a large business, having two dis- tilleries in that state and two in Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Vollmer spent their last years in the
313
HISTORY OF IDAHO.
Hoosier state, becoming residents of Indianapolis in 1855. There the father died in the fifty-eighth year of his age, and the mother passed away in 1863. They were Lutherans in their religious faith, and they reared a family of five children, three of whom are yet living.
John P. Vollmer, the eldest of the family, was educated in the Northwestern Christian Univer- sity, after which he acquired a practical knowl- edge of business as chief clerk in Merrill & Com- pany's large book concern, with which he was connected for several years. In 1868 he came west under engagement, and, locating at Walla Walla, had charge of a refinery. His enterprise, perseverance and untiring labor brought him suc- cess as the years passed. In 1870 he came to Lewiston and embarked in the wholesale liquor and grocery business, which he conducted with marked success for three years, but becoming convinced that temperance principles were cor- rect, he abandoned the liquor business, and opened a general mercantile establishment in connection with W. Scott. He has since pros- pered greatly in his undertakings, and his honor- able business methods and enterprise have made the firm of J. P. Vollmer & Company one of the most prominent in the northwest. They now have five large stores, located at Lewiston, Gen- esec, Grangeville, Uniontown, and Asotin. The annual business transacted in these stores is now figured by the millions.
In 1883 Mr. Vollmer became the organizer of the First National Bank of Lewiston,-the first national bank established in the northern part of the state. He was elected its president and still retains that connection with the institution, which is now enjoying an almost phenomenal success and is regarded as the most reliable financial concern in the state. Business was be- gun on a capital of fifty thousand dollars, and now there is a surplus of that amount, with nine- ty-two thousand dollars undivided profits and a reserve fund of forty-five thousand dollars. In its dividends it has returned the capital to the stockholders and thirty per cent additional, and it stands thirty-fourth on the roll of honor of the thirty-three hundred national banks of the United States,-a splendid showing, and one which reflects credit upon the managers of the bank! Mr. Vollmer was also one of the organ-
izers and is half-owner of the bank at Grangeville, which has a rating of one million dollars. He has also been largely interested in farming, and has one hundred and ninety farms, with two hundred and forty-eight miles of fencing. He was also prominent in the organization of the Sweetwater Irrigating & Power Company, which was organ- ized in 1890, and now has seven miles of ditching and will add ten miles of steel pipe line. This ditch has a large amount of power besides afford- ing irrigation for several thousand acres of rich land, and is of immense value to the section which it traverses. From 1877 to 1885 he was agent for the Oregon Steam Navigation Com- pany and its successor, the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company, while later he was made state agent for the Northern Pacific Railway Company and its allied lines, for the state of Idaho, which position he still holds. Mr. Voll- mer also takes a just pride in the thought that he was the first to introduce the use of the tele- phone on the Pacific coast, also the first tele- graph line in northern Idaho.
Such in brief is the history of a remarkably prosperous business career. The multiplicity of Mr. Vollmer's business ventures and their uni- form success well indicate his superior business and executive ability, which has enabled him to rise to an eminent position in commercial circles.
In his early life Mr. Vollmer affiliated with the Democracy, but, being a believer in a protective tariff, he is now a Republican. He has never con- sented to accept office, his time being fully oc- cupied with his business interests, which have also prevented him from being an active worker in the Masonic order, although he belongs to this ancient and benevolent fraternity and has attained the fourteenth degree in the Scottish Rite.
On the 27th of September, 1870, was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Vollmer and Miss Sallie E. Barber, a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of M. A. Barber and granddaughter of Judge Duval, of that state. Their union has been blessed with seven children, five of whom are living, namely: Ralston, who has charge of the bank and store at Genesee; Bessie, who had the honor of being selected "Queen of Idaho" at the state fair held in 1897, at Boise : Genevieve, who is attending school; and Norman
314
HISTORY OF IDAHO.
and Norma, twins, at home. They are a family of much refinement, and their delightful home in Lewiston is the center of a cultured society cir- cle, while the members of the household are held in the highest esteem by their many friends.
JOSEPH K. VINCENT.
More than thirty-seven years have passed since Judge Vincent arrived in Idaho, and he is justly numbered among her honored pioneers and lead- ing citizens. He has been prominently identified with her business life, being connected with min- ing, agricultural and commercial interests, and although he has rounded the psalmist's span of three-score years and ten, and although the snows of many winters have whitened his hair, he has the vigor of a much younger man, and in spirit and interest seems yet in his prime. Old age is not necessarily a synonym of weakness or inac- tivity. It needs not suggest, as a matter of course, want of occupation or helplessness. There is an old age that is a benediction to all- that comes in contact with it, that gives out of its rich stores of learning and experience, and which, in its active connection with the affairs of life, puts to shame many a younger man, who grows weary of the cares and struggles and would fain shift to other shoulders the burdens which he should carry.
Of such an honored type Tudge Vincent, now in the evening of life, is a representative. A na- tive of New England, he was born in Salem, Essex county, Massachusetts, June 26, 1822, and is of Welsh and English ancestors, who were early settlers of Salem. His grandmother, his father and he himself were all born in the same house,-one of the oldest residences of Salem, and long occupied by his ancestors. His paternal grandfather was one of the heroes of the Revolu- tion. Joseph Vincent, the father of the Judge, married Letitia Pease, a native of Salem. He was a sea captain and was murdered in the West Indies by some of the negroes of the islands, his death occurring just before the birth of our sub- ject. The bereaved mother, however, tenderly cared for her two little children, and lived to the advanced age of ninety-two years, her death oc- curring in Salen, Massachusetts, in 1879.
The Judge is now the only survivor of the family. He may justly claim the proud Ameri-
can title of a self-made man, for since his ninth year he has earned his own living, and whatever success he has achieved is due entirely to his own well directed efforts. In his youth he learned both the printer's and the carpenter's trade, fol- lowing the former for some time before going to California. In 1849, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific slope, he made his way to the west, going around Cape Horn, being then twenty-seven years of age. He landed at San Francisco and engaged in mining at Coloma, where Marshall first discovered the precious metal; but he did not meet with the success he anticipated in his mining ventures there, and accordingly made his way to Oregon, in 1855. He then mined at Gold Beach with fair success for a time, but the Rogue river war broke out and resulted in his losing what he had made. He volunteered in the war and was at the Rogue river massacre, in 1856. From there he went to Althouse creek, became a resident of Washing- ton in 1859, and in 1862 enlisted in the First Volunteer Cavalry of Oregon, as a member of Company F, expecting to be sent south. The regiment, however, was sent to Fort Lapwai, Idaho, and he remained in the service of his country for three years and three months, being honorably discharged at Vancouver, in 1865. He had served as post commissary sergeant for three years.
After the war Judge Vincent took up his abode at Lewiston and has since resided there and at Camas prairie. He is interested in a number of quartz-mining claims, on the Clearwater, includ- ing the Admiral Dewey, St. Patrick, Ida May and the Pride of Clearwater, and has assays of the ore-gold and copper-yielding from sixteen to three hundred dollars per ton. He has also engaged in stock-raising for a number of years and has been general auctioneer, conducting many of the leading sales in this part of the state. His business interests have been well managed, and as the result of his honorable deal- ing and enterprise he has acquired a comfortable competence.
For many years Judge Vincent has been a very prominent factor in political circles and is a stanch advocate of Republican principles. He has been deputy license collector, was justice of the peace for thirty years and filled out an
315
HISTORY OF IDAHO.
unexpired term as deputy sheriff of Nez Perces county. He was provost marshal during the In- dian war in 1877-8 and was police judge of Lewis- ton for a number of years. In 1898 he was elected probate judge of Idaho county, and is now acceptably filling that position. His duties in all these offices have ever been performed most faithfully, and no trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed.
In 1864 Mr. Vincent married Miss Elizabeth M. Leland, daughter of Judge Alonzo Leland, of Lewiston, now deceased. Of their union nine children have been born, namely: Joseph, the publisher of the Kendrick Gazette; Alonzo P., who resides at Cottonwood; Lettie R., wife of Frank Scott, a resident of California: Edward S., who makes his home with his parents, in Mount Idaho; Charles, who is engaged in business at Kendrick; Harry G .; Alida; Tamanay and Wil- liam,-the last four named being at home. The family is one of prominence in the community, and their pleasant home in Mount Idaho is the center of a cultured society circle. The Judge is a valued member and past commander of Arthur Guernsey Post, G. A. R., of Lewiston. He has not only traveled much in this country, but has also visited the Sandwich and the Philip- pine islands,-our two recent acquisitions,-and has that culture and experience which only travel can bring. He is highly esteemed for that genu- ine worth which, in every land and every clime, commands respect and confidence.
ROBERT E. McFARLAND.
Robert E. McFarland, late incumbent of the responsible position of attorney general of Idaho, by his faithful and capable discharge of duty won the highest commendation. Thoroughly versed in the principles of jurisprudence, he was well fitted to handle the intricate problems which presented themselves for solution, and his suc- cess affords the best evidence of his capabilities. He is a native of Missouri, born in Independence. November 21, 1857. The family is of Scotch lineage, the first American ancestors having crossed the Atlantic in colonial days and actively participated in the events which form the history of that epoch. They also battled for the freedom of the nation in the war of the Revolution. The father of our subject, Rev. W. B. McFarland,
was born in Pennsylvania, whence he removed to Virginia, and later to Missouri. He married Miss Elvira Early, a sister of General Jubal Early, and at the age of sixty-five she departed this life. Rev. W. B. McFarland now resides in Iowa and has attained the advanced age of seven- ty-nine. He has led a long and useful life in the Methodist ministry, and is now practically re- tired, although he still preaches occasionally.
One of a family of nine children, Robert Early McFarland was reared in a cultured home and acquired his education in Central College, at Fay- ette, Howard county, Missouri. He began read- ing law in Pettis county, that state, under the instruction of Hon. George G. Vest, now United States senator, and later continued his study in the office and under the direction of George L. Hayes, of Sweet Springs, and Judge John L. Strother, of Marshall, Missouri. He was ad- mitted to the bar in 1880, and to practice in the supreme court of the state in 1891. He entered the practice of his profession in Socorro, New Mexico, and his career at the bar has been uni- formly successful, his patronage steadily increas- ing as the years have gone by. In the fall of 1883 he was elected a member of the New Mexi- co legislature, and at the close of the session in March, 1894, he left the south for the far north- west.
Locating in Shoshone county, Idaho, he has since been numbered among the prominent men- bers of the legal fraternity in this state. In the fall of 1884 he was elected probate judge, which position he filled until May, 1885, when President Cleveland appointed him register of the land office at Coeur d'Alene, in which capacity he served for five years. He then resumed the private practice of law, and on the 9th of April, 1894, was admitted to practice before the supreme court of the United States. In 1896 he was nominated for the position of attorney general of Idaho on the People's Democratic ticket, and was elected to the office, which he acceptably filled until the expiration of his term, in January, 1899. He came to Boise in December, 1896, and made his home in the capital city until the expira- tion of his term of office, when he removed to Lewiston, where he entered into a professional partnership with his brother, S. L. McFarland, and is now actively engaged in the practice of
316
HISTORY OF IDAHO.
law in that city. While practicing in Kootenai county he made a specialty of criminal law and for eleven years was retained on the defense in every important criminal case tried in that coun- ty. He lost only three out of all the number, and his reputation extended far throughout the state. As a lawyer he is sound, clear-minded and well trained. The limitations which are imposed by the constitution on federal powers are well un- derstood by him. With the long line of decisions from Marshall down he is familiar, as are all thoroughly skilled lawyers. He is at home in all departments of law, from the minntæ in practice to the greater topics wherein is involved the consideration of the ethics and philosophy of jurisprudence and the higher concerns of public policy. He has always been a Democrat in his political affiliations and on account of his bril- liant oratory and readiness in debate has done much effective campaign work.
On the 25th of November, 1885, Mr. McFar- land was united in marriage to Miss Marie Pendy, a native of Virginia City, Nevada. They now have three children, two sons and a daugh- ter: W. B., Cathleen R. and Robert Early, Jr. The General is a genial, agreeable companion and friend, possessed of talent of a superior order, back of which is a will that commands success.
MATH. JACOBS.
Math. Jacobs, the well known and popular president of the Kendrick State Bank, is a native of Minnesota, and for several years has been prominently connected with the business interests of this section of Idaho. He was born in St. Cloud, May 1, 1865, and is of German descent, his parents, Theodore and Elizabeth Jacobs, hav- ing both been natives of the Fatherland. When young people they crossed the Atlantic to America, locating in Minnesota, where they were married in 1856. Theodore Jacobs became a suc- cessful farmer and carried on agricultural pur- suits until 1898, when his death occurred, at the age of sixty-two years. He left a widow and nine children. Mrs. Jacobs now resides in Gene- see, Idaho, at the age of sixty-one years. .
Math. Jacobs was reared and educated in the state of his nativity, and in 1884 came to Idaho, where he entered the employ of J. P. Vollmer, one of the most extensive merchants of the north -
ern section of the state. He remained in Mr. Vollmer's store in Uniontown for five years and was then made manager of his store in Kendrick, conducting the large mercantile business here for two years. Since that time he has been actively connected with the banking business, and is now at the head of the State Bank, one of the most reliable financial institutions in this locality. Its business policy is most trustworthy and its offi- cers are men of reliability, so that its success is assured. Mr. Jacobs possesses excellent execu- tive ability, keen discrimination and sagacity,- qualities which are very successful in the conduct of a prosperous banking business.
In 1891 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Jacobs and Miss Cora Addison, a native of Illi- nois and a daughter of John G. Addison, now of Kendrick. They have a nice residence in the town and many friends enjoy its hospitality. They are valued members of the Catholic church, and Mr. Jacobs is prominently connected with the Knights of Pythias lodge here. He is past chan- cellor of the order and a representative to the grand lodge, and is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of the World. In politics he is a stalwart Democrat, and attends the conventions of his party, but never seeks or desires office for himself, preferring to devote his energies to his business interests.
WILLIAM A. HALL.
Honored and respected by all, there is no man in northern Idaho who occupies a more enviable position in professional circles than William A. Hall, who for many years has devoted his ener- gies to the practice of law and to the spread of the gospel among his fellow men. Born in England, February 15, 1847, he was five years of age when brought to America by his parents, William and Lucy (Atkinson) Hall, who crossed the Atlantic with their six children and became residents of Walworth county. Wisconsin. There the father engaged in farming up to the time of his death, which occurred in the fortieth year of his age. His widow afterward married William Ambler, and by that union had four children. Mr. Ambler enlisted in the Union army in 1862, as a member of the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin Infantry, and after a year's active service was taken ill and died, at Helena, Arkansas, in 1863.
312
HISTORY OF IDAHO.
The mother reared her family of children, and died at Traverse City, Michigan, in the seventy- seventh year of her age. Four of the children of her first marriage and four of the last survive her.
William A. Hall is indebted to the public- school system of the Badger state for the educa- tional privileges accorded him. He was reared upon the home farm, and when his stepfather entered the army, the management and care of the place devolved upon him. In 1866 he crossed the plains and located in Helena, Montana, where he engaged in teaching. While there he was also licensed as a minister of the Methodist Epis- copal church, after which he devoted much of his time to preaching the gospel, meeting with excellent success in his labors to build up the churches of his denomination in the then territory of Montana. In 1879 the presiding elder of the Walla Walla district of the Columbia river con- ference sent for him to come to Grangeville and take charge of the Columbia River Conference Academy. Mr. Hall entered upon that work with zeal, and ably conducted the school for eight years, preaching at times, as occasion required.
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.