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 59
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Mr. Dorsey became a member of the Home Forum and the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, and he, with his wife, belonged to the Re- bekah lodge. He was a most highly esteemed
citizen, having the warm regard of many friends. He advocated the principles of the silver Repub- lican party, and had long taken an active interest in educational matters .. He served as school trustee for a number of years, at length becoming chairman of the board. Mountain Home now has an excellent eight-department school, which has a good reference library, and most competent teachers are employed, so that the school system reflects credit upon the progressive town and es- pecially upon the board of trustees. Mr. Dorsey at all times gave his support to the measures and movements calculated to advance the general welfare, and was accounted one of the most val- ued citizens of Mountain Home. He died Feb- ruary 23, 1899, lamented by a very large com- munity of enthusiastic friends. Mrs. Dorsey continued the hotel business until May 1, 1899.
SAMUEL E. BIBBY, M. D.
In the subject of this review we have one who has attained distinction in the line of his profes- sion, who has been an earnest and discriminating student and who holds a position of due relative precedence among the medical practitioners of northern Idaho. He is the leading physician and surgeon of Grangeville and has a very large and- lucrative practice. A native of New York city. he was born May 24, 1847, is of Scotch descent and is a representative of a family of physicians. His grandfather, Samuel Bibby, and his father, George Bibby, were both eminent medical prac- titioners of the American metropolis. The latter married Miss Ann Lavery, a lady of Scotch-Irishe ancestry, and they became the parents of eight children. They are faithful members of the Pres- byterian church, and Dr. George Bibby has been a lifelong Republican in his political affiliations. He is now seventy-eight years of age, and his wife has reached the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten.
Samuel Edward Bibby, their third child, ac- quired his literary education in the schools of his native city. He is a graduate of the University of New York and of the Columbia University of Washington, and his education was further per- fected by a course in the Edinburg University of Scotland. Thus afforded the highest educational advantages to be secured by the practitioners of medicine, he entered upon the work of his profes-
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sion peculiarly well qualified for its arduous duties. He began practicing in New York city, and was afterward retained in a professional ca- pacity in the service of the United States govern- ment, after the civil war. He went to Fort Lap- wai, Idaho, in 1884, and after three years passed there came to Grangeville, where he has since re- mained, enjoying an extensive practice that comes from miles in every direction. He had had the honor of being surgeon on the staff of Gov- ernor Willey, and in 1896 he received the ap- pointment to represent Idaho in the Pan-Amer- ican Medical Congress, held in Washington, D. C. The success which attends his efforts is but in natural sequence, for his position soon became assured as an able physician, a man of sterling integrity and one devoted to his profession and to the interests and welfare of those to whom he ministered. He possesses marked judgment and discernment in the diagnosing of disease, and is peculiarly successful in anticipating the issue of complications, seldom making mistakes and never exaggerating or minifying the disease in rendering his decisions in regard thereto. He is a physician of great fraternal delicacy, and no man ever observed more closely the ethics of the unwritten professional code or showed more careful courtesy to his fellow practitioners than does Dr. Bibby.
During his residence in Grangeville the Doc- tor has become fully identified with the town and its interests, and has invested a considerable sum in business property in the heart of the town. He has erected a number of good buildings and is also largely interested in mining and has a large stock ranch at White Bird, on Salmon river, where he breeds Hereford and Durham cattle and Hambletonian horses; these business inter- ests, however, are not allowed to interfere in the slightest degree with his ministrations to the sick and suffering.
On the 25th of December, 1889, Dr. Bibby was married to Miss Addie Pearson, a native of Grangeville, and a daughter of William Pearson, a prominent pioneer of Idaho. The Doctor is past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, a valued member of the Masonic order, of the Eastern Star and of the Woodmen of the World. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and has served Idaho county as county coroner for six
years. He was assistant World's Fair commis- sioner for Idaho, and undoubtedly had he aspira- tions in that direction could win high official hon- ors, for he is a man of strong mentality and recognized ability, commanding the respect, con- fidence and esteem of his fellow men.
SAMUEL G. BENEDICT.
Samuel Benedict, a brave Idaho pioneer, who was killed by the Nez Perces Indians June 14, 1877, was born in Kingston, Canada, and was of English lineage. In his early manhood he mar- ried Miss Sarah Kelley, a native of New Brigh- ton, New York, and in 1862 they came to Idaho. They were among the earliest settlers in the northern section of the state and Mr. Benedict established a general mercantile store at the mouth of White Bird river, where he was carry- ing on business at the time of his death. When the Nez Perces Indians went upon the warpath they visited that locality, and he lost his life at the hands of the treacherous savages. In the early morning he was shot through both of his legs, but managed to escape to the house. At six o'clock in the evening of the same day eighteen Indians called him out of the house and shot him eighteen times. The hired man then shot one of the Indians, but was himself shot, the ball enter- ing his right eye and causing his death. Mrs. Benedict and her little daughter, then eight years old, were taken prisoners by the savages, who burned their house, but the squaws took pity on the white woman and secured the release of her- self and daughter, so that she was only held as a prisoner one night. She escaped on foot to Mount Idaho, where she was cared for by Cap- tain E. W. Robie, whom she afterward married. She still survives, and her daughter is now the wife of G. W. Brown. By her marriage to the Captain she had two children, Emily and Edward Victor, who are still at home. Captain Robie had served throughout the civil war and was a captain of volunteers in the Nez Perces Indian war.
Samuel G. Benedict, the elder child of Samuel and Sarah (Kelley) Benedict, to whom we are in- debted for this account of the family, was born at Freedom, Idaho, October 9, 1864, and now re- sides at Grangeville. He owns a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres near the town and
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is the proprietor of the Idaho Steam Laundry. An enterprising and energetic business man, he is meeting with a well deserved success in his un- dertakings and occupies a foremost place in busi- ness circles in Grangeville.
Mr. Benedict married Miss Cora Perkins, and they had one son, Lloyd, who died in his second year. They have a pleasant home in Grange- ville and a large circle of friends. The name of our subject is on the membership rolls of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Order of Red Men, and in social and business circles he ranks deservedly high.
GEORGE H. STORER.
The roster of state officials of Idaho for 1898 embraced the name of George H. Storer as filling the responsible position of treasurer. He is a practical, progressive business man, of sound judgment and keen executive ability, and upon the basis of a practical business experience he conducted the financial affairs of the state. His history is in many respects remarkable. From an humble position he has risen to one of promi- nence, and the success which has attended his ef- forts is the outcome of his own unaided labors.
A native of England, he was born on the 17th of February. 1860, his parents being Dennis and Sarah (Carlisle) Storer. His father died during the early boyhood of the son, who, with his mother and three younger brothers, came to America in 1871. He was then only eleven years of age. The family made a location in Echo canyon, on the Weber river, in Utah, where they resided for eight years, during which time George Storer did what he could to support his mother and the younger children. This period was not without many hardships and trials, but he did his best to overcome these, and thus early the elemental strength of his character was shad- owed forth by actions and words.
In 1879 the future state treasurer arrived in Idaho. He arrived at Black Foot with just fifty cents in his pocket, and then entered seriously upon the task of securing a livelihood, willing and anxious to follow any pursuit that was hon- orable. He had great energy and industry and such qualities never fail. As the years passed his labors brought him a small capital, which, as judiciously invested, has brought him excellent
financial returns. He established for himself a home, by his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Payne, on the 6th of March, 1881, when he was twenty- one years of age. Her father was George Payne, for many years roadmaster of the Utah North- ern Railroad. In 1884 Mr. Storer removed with his wife to Idaho Falls, where he, through a period of fifteen years, has sustained a reputation of being one of the most prominent and success- ful business men of the place. In December, 1898, he removed to Lewiston, Idaho. In a com- paratively short time he has accumulated a com- fortable fortune, and his name is everywhere the synonym of honorable business dealing and suc- cess. He carries forward to a prosperous con- clusion whatever he undertakes and manifests rare good judgment in his investments. He has one of the best stock ranches in the state, com- prising one thousand acres of land, near Idaho Falls. He also has a number of other valuable ranches in Bingham county and large realty hold- ings in Idaho Falls and Ogden.
He is a recognized leader in the ranks of the Democratic party, is especially skillful in the planning of campaigns, and in 1891 was a mem- ber of the Democratic state central committee. He worked faithfully and with much ability in the campaign of that and succeeding years, and took a prominent part in the anti-Mormon fight, standing firm against the fierce attacks of the Republicans, and ever contending for what he believed to be right and just. Though he met defeat he never became dis- couraged, and with fresh vigor re-entered the conflict in each campaign. He has often been honored with positions of public trust, and to every duty has been most loyal. When a young man he served for two terms as justice of the peace, has been mayor of Idaho Falls, and at the same time served as its assessor and treasurer. Such was his fidelity to all trusts and such his service to his party that in 1896 he was nom- inated and elected on the People's Democratic ticket to the office of state treasurer. A better choice could not have been made, and his elec- tion was hailed as a blessing by many people of the state. He administered the affairs of the of- fice in a manner that won him commendation and reflected credit upon the party that installed him in office.
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Mr. Storer is one of the most prominent Masons in the state. He was initiated in Corner Lodge, No. 6, A. F. & A. M., of Utah, was a charter member of Eagle Rock Lodge, No. 19, and has three times served as worshipful master. He belongs to Pocatello Chapter, R. A. M., and to the grand lodge of the state, in which he has filled the office of junior and senior deacon, and in 1898 he was grand master of the state. He is a worthy exponent of the beneficent principles of the fraternity and in his life exemplifies the hu- manitarian truths upon which the order rests. His friends in social life are many, and both Mr. and Mrs. Storer are held in the highest esteem. They have an interesting family of three children, James Arthur, Ada Elizabeth and Earl Maurice, who reside with their parents in a most delight- ful home in Lewiston. Emerson has said that "the way to win a friend is to be one," and in this way Mr. Storer has surrounded himself with a circle of true friends, who were drawn to him by his genuine worth, his unselfish interest in his fellow men, and his marked social qualities.
MRS. LUCINDA J. BREARLEY.
In a history of the settlement of a state there is usually but slight reference made to the part which the women have taken in its development. This is, of course, due to the more active connec- tion of the pioneer men with public life, while the wives, mothers and daughters are concerned in the duties of home-making. Great credit, how- ever, is due the brave pioneer women, who stand courageously by the side of husbands and fathers, sharing with them in the hardships and dangers which accompany the development of a new sec- tion; nor is their influence a minor factor in the social, educational and moral life of the commitin- ity, and therefore the names of such esteemed pioneer ladies as Mrs. Brearley well deserve a place by the side of those of the men who have laid the foundations for the growth and prosper- ity of a newly developed region.
Her husband, John Brearley, was the pioneer banker of Lewiston, and for many years was con- nected with its business interests. He was born in Hudson, Michigan, in 1839, his parents being early settlers of that state. In 1855 he crossed the plains with an ox team and spent several years in Sacramento. In 1862 he removed to Elk City,
where he engaged in mining, making consider- able money, after which he purchased the express business between that place and Lewiston, carry- ing the express on horseback through the suin- mer months, while in the winter he made the journey on snowshoes. He also learned assaying at Lewiston, and bought out the assay business of John Proctor. In this way he became ac- quainted with the miners, from them purchased gold, and at the urgent solicitation of his good wife he opened the first bank in the town, known as John Brearley's Bank. This he successfully conducted up to the time of his deatlı. He was very liberal in his methods, thoroughly reliable in his dealings and progressive in his management of the affairs of the bank, and thus he prospered, at the same time giving to the people of the com- munity a safe place of deposit for their surplus earnings. He also successfully engaged in stock- raising and in the meat business, and in fact car- ried forward to successful consummation what- ever he undertook, his industry and capable man- agement being most marked. He died in 1883, at the age of forty-four years, and after his death his brother, N. W. Brearley, and W. F. Ketten- bach, who had been employed in the bank, or- ganized as its successor the Lewiston National Bank, which has been a paying investment and is now doing a good business.
Mrs. Brearley was in her maidenhood Miss Lucinda Jane Hatton, and she was born in In- diana, August 14, 1835. Her father, John Hat- ton, was of English descent, and with his family he started across the plains in 1852, but unfortu- nately died on the way, at Burned river. Mrs. Brearley was thus in a measure thrown upon her own resources. She went to the home of a rela- tive in Vancouver, and in 1865 went with a lady friend to Florence and thence to Lewiston. Here she worked for Mrs. Grostein and later gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Brearley, proving to him a most faithful companion and helpmeet. They became the parents of three children, but their only son, John, died at the age of ten years. Frankie became the wife of Isaac B. Gray, who for some years was mate on the steamer Lewis- ton. Phoebe is the wife of Captain John Akin. a pilot on the Clearwater river. After the death of her husband Mrs. Brearley liad to obtain pos- session of and manage lier share of the estate,
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which she has done with considerable ability, but not without meeting with serious difficulties. Most of these, however, she has overcome and is now the owner of some valuable property. She is greatly esteemed for her sterling worth, and has many friends in the community where she has so long resided.
JAMES H. ANDERSON.
James H. Anderson, whose term as state auditor of Idaho expired at the beginning of the present year (1899), was born in Platte county, Missouri, on the 4th of October, 1845. His an- cestors were early settlers of Virginia and were participants in that struggle which ended in the overthrow of British rule in the colonies and the establishment of the United States of America. In the year 1818 his grandfather emigrated to Kentucky, at which time George W. Anderson, father of our subject, was only about six years of age. His birth had occurred in the Old Domin- ion in 1812, and he remained in Kentucky until 1837, when he removed to Platte county, Mis- souri, where he industriously and successfully carried on agricultural pursuits. In Kentucky he married Miss Mary Roberts, and to them were born six children, five of whom are yet living. The father attained the age of eighty-six years, and the mother passed away at the age of sev- enty-three. Both were consistent members of the Methodist church, and had the high regard of many friends.
James Harvey Anderson, their second child, was educated in the public schools and at Pleas- ant Ridge College and in Spaulding's Commer- cial College, at Kansas City, pursued a business course and a course in commercial law, holding diplomas as a graduate of both departments. On laying aside his text-books he returned to the old homestead, where he was engaged in farming and stock-raising, buying, selling and breeding shorthorn cattle and French draft horses. He also bought and shipped fat cattle to the eastern markets and continued in that line of business until 1884, meeting with excellent success in his efforts.
In that year he came to Idaho, locating in Washington county, where he has since contin- ued stock-farming. A good income has rewarded his labors, although at one time he narrowly
escaped financial disaster, owing to his indorse- ment of notes for friends. Notwithstanding this he has not lost confidence in the honesty of his fellow men, and is ever ready to lend a helping hand to those who need and deserve aid. He has managed his business interests carefully and sys- tematically, and his integrity in trade transactions is above question. His prosperity is well merited, being the just reward of his own efforts.
In politics Mr. Anderson has always taken a deep interest, and gave to the Democratic party a loyal support until President Cleveland's sec- ond campaign, when, believing that the Populist platform contained the best ideas of American government and was calculated to advance the best interests of the people, he joined its ranks and has since followed its banner. He became one of the organizers of the party in Idaho and was chosen a delegate to the first Populist na- tional convention, which met in Omaha, Ne- braska, July 4, 1892. He was also a delegate to the St. Louis convention which nominated Wil- liam J. Bryan for the presidency in 1896, and has been a member of the Populist national commit- tee for Idaho since its organization. He also rep- resented Idaho on the conference committee at the St. Louis convention of 1896, a committee composed of representative Populists and "silver men." He was chosen secretary of the tri-state convention of the Populist party and also of the joint convention of the Populists and Democrats in 1896, after which he was nominated for the position of state auditor and elected in the fall of that year. He filled that responsible position in a most creditable manner. Although thus exalted to a high place, he is a man of the people, plain and unassuming, but possessing that genu- ine worth of character which in every land and every clime commands respect. In the discharge of his official duties he was prompt, careful and methodical, and no more capable official could have been chosen for the position of auditor.
On the 8th of December, 1884, Mr. Anderson was happily married to Miss Mary Jeffreys, a native of Oregon and a daughter of Woodson Jeffreys, a pioneer of that state, now deceased. They have two children-Georgie and James Woodson. Their comfortable and pleasant home in Weiser is the abode of hospitality, and as their circle of acquaintances is extended, their circle of
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friends is correspondingly enlarged. Socially Mr. Anderson is connected with the Knights of Pythias fraternity. He is a man possessed of that too often rare quality of common sense, which enables him to view matters in their true and practical light. He is loyal and patriotic, placing country before party and the public good before self-aggrandizement, and though he has been honored with high office he is exceptionally quick to recognize real worth in others, no matter how humble their station in life.
WILLIS ARNOLD.
Willis Arnold, proprietor of a saw mill at Ken- drick, is a native of Ohio, his birth having oc- curred in Kenton, that state, April 29, 1862. His father, Samuel Arnold, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, and after the inauguration of the civil war entered the service of the Union. He was wounded and held as a prisoner in Anderson- ville, and after great suffering he died from the effects of his wounds in 1866.
Our subject was born when his father was at the front and was thus deprived of his care at a very early age. He was educated at Big Rapids, Michigan, and began to earn his own living when fifteen years of age. From that time he has been dependent upon his own exertions, and is there- fore deserving of great credit for the success which he has achieved in life. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed in northern Michigan for some time, and in 1880 he removed to Dakota. His sojourn in the latter state was followed by a period of residence in Montana, where he was engaged in the manufacture of lumber and in contract work. About the time of the establishment of Kendrick he came here, and in 1897 erected the saw mill which he has since operated. The yellow pine logs for the mill are procured six miles above the town and floated down the river to the mill, where they are con- verted into lumber, cut in sizes to meet the wishes of his patrons. The home demand consumes the entire output of the mill, and the business is re- garded as one of the leading industrial concerns of this section of the county.
In 1896 Mr. Arnold was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary Potter, widow of G. E. Potter and a daughter of Judge John Fulkerson, of Minne- sota. They have three children: Ralph, John
and Ruth. Mr. Arnold has erected a good resi- dence in Kendrick, and he and his family enjoy the esteem of all who know them. In politics he is a Republican, and he has made a good record as a business man and citizen, being at all times reliable and upright.
EVAN EVANS.
Evan Evans, a successful business man of Grangeville, came to this town in 1880 and for almost twenty years has been one of her enter- prising and highly valued citizens, taking a deep · interest in and giving aid to every measure and movement intended to promote the general wel- fare. He was born in Norway, February 5, 1855, and is of Norwegian ancestry. His parents were Andrew and Mary (Olson) Evans, successful farming people and respected members of the Lutheran church. The subject of this review ac- quired his education in his native country, and at the age of seventeen went to England, where he took passage on an English steamer and sailed to the Mediterranean sea. While he was in Italy, May 6, 1872, he entered the United States naval service on board the Shenandoalı, a man of war, and sailed under the American flag for two years or until the Shenandoah went out of commission, April 23, 1874. She was commanded by Captain Wells, Lieutenant Higginson and Robley D. Evans. They were at Key West, Florida, for some months, engaged in drill work, and Mr. Evans speaks of his service in the navy as one of the most valuable in his life. He was paid off at New York city and then, leaving the sea, he went to New Hampshire, where he visited his sister, after which he made his way to California.
Locating at Truckee, in the Golden state, he there engaged in furnishing wood to a railroad company, under contract, and made considerable money in that venture. He remained in Cali- fornia until 1880, when he came to Grangeville, where he has since made his home. Here he was first employed in carrying the mail, under con- tract, between Mount Idaho and Pierce City, making the journey on horseback. He received a fair remuneration for his services, and contin- ned that labor until the route was discontinued. He next accepted a position in the butchering business at Warrens, with the firm of Chamber- lin & Bentz, and subsequently returned to
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