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 93
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Unto our subject and his wife have been born seven sons and five daughters, and the family cir- cle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. In order of birth the children are Edwin, Peter, Clara, Minnie, Clay, Amos, Arthur, Marion, Ida, Opal, Clarence and Emma. The two eldest sons are now deputies in their father's office and also
operating the farm, while the younger children of the family, together with their parents, are occupying the pleasant home in Lewiston, which is included among Mr. Spekker's realty posses- sions. The children are now enjoying the excel- lent educational advantages offered by the public schools of Lewiston, and thus are being well prepared for life's practical duties. In religious views the family is somewhat divided. Mr. Spek- ker was reared in the Reformed church of Germany, his wife in the Lutheran church, and some of the children belong to the Methodist church, while others attend the Presbyterian services.
In politics our subject has been a stalwart Republican since becoming an American citizen, and in the fall of 1898 he was chosen by popular ballot to fill the offices of assessor and tax collec- tor of Nez Perces county, in which capacity he is now acceptably serving, being well qualified to assess the taxable property of the county, owing to his systematic business methods and his thorough reliability. No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed, and all know hini for a man of sterling worth. His career in America has been crowned with the success that comes through earnest, honest labor, and he has justly won the proud American title of a "self-made man."
Henry Wax, president of the board of trustees. of Grangeville and one of her most enterprising business men, claims California as the state of his nativity, his birth having occurred in San Francisco, on the 4th of August, 1859. His parents were Jacob and Amelia (Elkles) Wax. natives of Germany, who located in California in pioneer days. The year 1852 witnessed their ried on merchandising in several towns up to the time of his death. He passed away in his forty- fourth year, his estimable wife having been called to the home beyond three weeks previously. In their family were seven children, of whom only three are living.
Henry Wax, the third in order of birth, was only a small boy when bereft of his parents. He was educated in the public schools of his native town and began to earn his own living as a clerk in the store of Meier & Frank, remaining with
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that firm for seven years, as one of their most trusted employes. There he laid the foundation of his future successful career, by acquiring a systematic and thorough knowledge of business methods and becoming familiar with the qualities of goods handled. In 1880 he became a resident of Mount Idaho, and in partnership with Mr. Weiler began business on his own account. In 1886 he opened his store at Grangeville, and from the beginning success attended the new enterprise. In 1888 he established a branch store at Cottonwood, and for several years the firm conducted the three stores, but found that the one at Grangeville could supply the Mount Idaho customers, and accordingly the one in the latter place was abandoned. Business is carried on at Cottonwood by the firm of Wax & Brown, while Mr. Wax is now sole proprietor of the store in Grangeville. He carries a large and well selected stock of goods and has studied closely the varied tastes of the public, so that he is able to meet the demand. His honorable business policy, com- bined with his uniform courtesy and his earnest desire to please his patrons, has secured to him a liberal patronage.
His efforts have not been confined entirely to mercantile pursuits. He has been the promoter of other interests which have resulted to the gen- eral good as well as to individual benefit. He wa., the organizer of the Lewiston & Camas Prairie Telephone Company, one of the most valuable acquisitions to the business interests of the town. He is also one of the stockholders and a director of the Bank of Camas Prairie. He carries for- ward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, and his enterprise and capable man- agement are miost marked.
Mr. Wax is independent in his political views, casting his vote for the men and measures that he believes will best advance the interests of the county. That he is one of Grangeville's most public-spirited and able citizens is evinced by the fact that he is now serving this third term as president of the board of trustees, and in that capacity is doing all that he can to promote the upbuilding and welfare of the town. The public acknowledges its indebtedness to him, and his fellow townsmen give him their active co-opera- tion as he labors for the improvement of the place.
In 1885 Mr. Wax married Miss Hinda Bin- nard, daughter of A. Binnard, one of Lewiston's most prominent merchants, now deceased. Their union has been blessed with a son, Monte, a bright young bov. who takes an active interest in selling goods in his father's store during the months of vacation from school. Mr. Wax is a valued member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, has passed all the chairs in both branches and has represented his lodge in the grand lodge of the state. He is also connected with the Woodmen of the World and has repre- sented that organization in its grand lodge. His wife is a member of the Daughters of Rebekah, and both enjoy the high esteem of their fellow townsmen. His reliability in business, his devo- tion to the public good, and his fidelity to all the duties of life have made Mr. Wax a most popular citizen of Grangeville.
W. H. PUCKETT.
The junior member of the well known law firm of Hawley & Puckett is the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this sketch. He is still a young man, but has attained a posi- tion of distinction at the bar that many an older practitioner might well envy. He was born at Herndon Place, Ballard county, Kentucky, on the 8th of August, 1869. His father, W. J. Puckett, was a native of Jackson, Mississippi, and became one of the prominent lawyers of Kentucky, where he practiced successfully for a number of years. He is now living retired in Denver, Colorado.
In the public schools of his native town W. H. Puckett acquired his preliminary education, which was supplemented by a course in the Baptist College at Blandville, Kentucky. In 1885 he went to Denver, Colorado, and was graduated in the Denver Business College, in 1888. The same year he became a student in the Washing- ton and Lee University, of Lexington, Virginia, where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Law. The year 1891 witnessed his arrival in Idaho. He secured a position as sten- ographer in the law office of Hawley & Reever, at Blackfoot, and in 1892 came with them to Boise, where he has since made his honie. He continued with the firm until its dissolution, when he joined the senior partner in the estab-
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lishment of the present firm of Hawley & Puckett. They occupy a commanding position at the bar and enjoy a very liberal share of the legal business in the courts of this locality. Mr. Puckett is thoroughly devoted to his profession, prepares his cases with great thoroughness, is ready and apt in argument, and quick to note any point of attack in an opponent's position.
In his social relations he is a Mason, a valued representative of Boise Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M. He also belongs to Capital City Lodge, No. 310, B. P. O. E., in which he holds the office of esteemed loyal knight, and in politics he is a Democrat. He is regarded as a gentleman of high character and reliability, of laudable ambi- tion and commendable enterprise in business, and a successful future undoubtedly awaits him.
JUDGE FREDERICK S. STEVENS.
The distinguished citizen of Bingham county, Idaho, whose name appears above, has lived longer in that county than any other resident now alive. He has at different stages of his life in the county been soldier, pioneer, storekeeper, farmer and jurist, and in each capacity has won the respect of all who have been associated with him, and he is widely known as one of the most prominent citizens of southeastern Idaho.
Frederick S. Stevens was born in Lynn, Massa- chusetts, August 7, 1838. Benjamin Stevens, his grandfather, was born in Massachusetts, as was also Benjamin Stevens, Jr., his father. Benjamin Stevens married a native of Lynn, Massachusetts, and a daughter of Smith Downing. He was a tanner, and died in 1856, at the age of forty-four years. His widow lived seventy-five years, her death occurring in 1896. They were devout and helpful members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They had four children, three of whom are living.
Judge Frederick S. Stevens, the eldest of the survivors of his father's family, was graduated from the Lynn (Massachusetts) high school. He went early in life to California, via the isthmus of Panama, and was there a miner, a bookkeeper and a clerk in turn, until the outbreak of the civil war. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Third Regiment of California Volunteer Infan- try, with the expectation that the regiment would be sent to participate in the war in the southern
states, but it was sent into the interior, instead, to keep the Indians in subjection and to protect emigrants. The regiment was located at Camp Douglas and at Soda Springs, and Judge Stevens saw three years and six months of service in the wilderness, which has now mostly disappeared, the territory it covered being dotted by hundreds of villages and cities and peopled bv thousands of prosperous and contented men, women and chil- dren, surrounded by all the evidences of an ad- vanced civilization. After he was mustered out of the service, he opened a settler's store at Soda Springs, and, with a company stationed there, carried on a trade which paid to a degree and promised more, but was terminated suddenly at the expiration of a year by the unexpected re- moval of the company.
In 1866 Judge Stevens came to the site of Blackfoot, then luxuriant in sage-brush and a frequent resort of Indians. He pre-empted a farm and acquired a timber claim and set himself energetically to the work of improvement and cultivation. The farm has become one of the model farms of Bingham county, and it has a fine brick residence and large modern outbuild- ings. The timber claim has been developed into one of the finest timber-culture quarter-sections in the state, and not far from the handsome brick house stands the little log hut in which Judge Stevens began life in the wilderness. In that rude, scanty structure was dispensed a pioneer hospitality which was often made available by emigrants to or through the place; and some- times it was the scene of festive gatherings of neighbors, who crowded one another within its narrow walls and gave themselves up to the en- joyment of a mutual friendship that was as gen- uine as it was spontaneous and hearty. Indian scares were frequent in those pioneer days. On such occasions the few settlers would seek safety in the house of Mr. Warren, which was provided with loopholes between the layers of logs and was otherwise adapted to purposes of defense, and men would take turns standing guard out- side, day and night. Inside everything was in readiness for desperate battle, and every man was resolved to sell his life at the greatest possible cost to his assailants. Judge Stevens made many trips to Logan, to Corinne and to other distant points, with an ox team, for necessary
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supplies. The perils, deprivations and hardships of the past are now but a memory. Judge and Mrs. Stevens have seen the land of their choice touched by the magical hand of progress, the old order of things has given place to the new, and the pioneer is not without honor in his own country. Stock-raising has received much at- tention from Judge Stevens, and he has become prominent as a breeder of and dealer in Durham cattle.
Busy as Judge Stevens has been, his interest in public affairs has always been keen. A Repub- lican in politics, he cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and from that day to this he has been a faithful and active adherent to the principles of his party. He was postmaster of Blackfoot under President Harrison, and filled that position to the satisfaction of the whole town for eight years. He was three times elected probate judge of Bingham county, and during his long term of service administered the office admirably. The trial of criminal as well as civil cases then devolved upon this office, and its in- cumbent was ex-officio superintendent of the schools of the county. The various and respon- sible duties of the position were performed by Judge Stevens with rare ability and fidelity, and it is a matter of record that only one of his de- cisions was reversed by a higher court.
In 1864 he married Finetta Garrett, a native of England, and they entered upon a married life whose happiness has not been diminished by time. They have brought up a family of five interesting children: Fred, named in his father's honor, died of typhus fever at the age of twenty- six years ; James is one of the prominent lawyers of this part of the state and lives at Blackfoot; Emma, Abbie and Rachel are members of their parents' household.
TOM K. LITTLE.
From his boyhood until the present time the subject of this sketch has been connected with mercantile interests, and is thoroughly acquainted with that line of business in every detail. Almost a decade ago he became a resident of Caldwell, Canyon county, and during the intervening years ne has been one of the enterprising business men of the place, devoting his time and energies to the conduct of a general store. So ably has he
managed his interests that he has met with most gratifying success, and at the same tinie has gained the public confidence and good will by his honorable business methods.
Mr. Little was born in the northern part of Ireland, in the town of Mohill, county Leitrim, October 26, 1850, his parents being of Scotch- Irish ancestry. When he had mastered the ele- mentary branches of an education he commenced serving an apprenticeship in a dry-goods house in Longford, Ireland, and by diligence and close application won the esteem and trust of his em- ployers. At length he became possessed of the desire to try his fortune in America, for he was an ambitious lad and had determined to make a success of his life if it lay within his power. Ac- cordingly he sailed for the New World, and after landing on American shores continued his west- ward journey to Chicago, where he pursued a course of practical commercial training in the well known Bryant & Stratton's College of that thriving young metropolis. Having acquitted himself with credit in the college he was offered a good position by the large wholesale dry-goods house of John V. Farwell & Company, of that city, and for twenty-one years was one of the most trusted employes of that firm. Naturally he became thoroughly posted in the various de- partments of the business, as he handled all kinds of goods in the line. For several years he trav- eled almost exclusively in Michigan for the firm and was thus brought into contact with large and small dealers, becoming conversant with the retail as well as the wholesale trade. After all these years of experience he was eminently well qualified to carry on a business of his own, and since opening his store in Caldwell he has met with the success which he richly deserves. It was in 1891 that a stock company was formed here, with Mr. Little as vice president and Montie B. Gwinn as president, and three years later Ernest Boone and Mr. Little bought out the Montie B. Gwinn interests. But in January, 1898, Mr. Lit- tle purchased his partner's interests and has since been sole proprietor. He carries a large and well selected stock of dry goods, clothing, fur- nishing goods, hats and caps, boots and shoes, carpets and general supplies. Year by year the volume of business transacted by the firm has increased, and the house now ranks with the
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leading ones of the state. January 15, 1899, Mr. Little purchased the Lucas block, which he re- modeled and is now occupying the same, it being one of the finest and most modern in the state and in every way suitable to meet the demands of his increasing business.
On the 24th of February, 1879, Mr. Little was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Hollecker, of Ottawa, Illinois, where the wedding was cele- brated. They now have one child, a daughter named Anabelle. Theirs is one of the attractive homes of Caldwell, and in this city they enjoy the high regard of many friends. Mr. Little has always taken a deep interest in the development and growth of the town and has been foremost in all local improvements and enterprises calcu- lated to permanently benefit the locality. While he gives his attention strictly to his business affairs, he finds time, nevertheless, to fulfil his duties as a patriotic citizen of this great common- wealth. His ballot supports the nominees and measures of the Republican party.
LINDOL SMITH.
For seventeen years this gentleman has been a resident of Moscow, and has been one of the most active factors in its upbuilding, progress and advancement. He was born in New Phila- delphia, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, June 6, 1832. His paternal great-grandfather was a French revolutionist, and was a refugee from his native land. Coming to this country, he joined the colonial army in the struggle for independence, and loyally aided in the war for freedom. His son Jonathan Smith was a soldier in the war of 1812, and in an early day became a pioneer of Ohio, where he reared his family. His son, James M. Smith, father of our subject, was born in Millersburg, Ohio, and married Miss Sarah N. Casebeer, a lady of Pennsylvania-Dutch ancestry. He was a minister of the Evangelical Lutheran church and devoted his life to the work of saving souls. When well advanced in years he retired from the ministry and spent his last days with his son Lindol, in whose home he passed away, at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. During the civil war he manifested the same spirit of loyalty which has ever been a marked character- istic of the familv. and went to tl.e front, caring for the soldiers ill with smallpox in the hospitals
in Nashville, Tennessee. He had great love for his fellow men and improved every opportunity for doing good to others. His estimable wife, who proved to him a faithful companion and helpmeet, died at the age of sixty-eight years. They had eleven children, of whom only four survive, the subject of this review being the eldest.
The family removed to Indiana when Lindol Smith was only seven years of age, and after acquiring a practical education in the public schools he learned the carpenter's trade, and has made contracting and building his life work. In 1862, however, when the country was engaged in civil war, he could no longer content himself to remain at the bench, and joined the boys in blue of Company G, Seventy-third Indiana Infantry, which was attached to the Army of the Cumber- land. The first battle in which he participated was at Richmond, Kentucky, after which he was engaged in fighting nearly every day until Bragg and his forces were driven from the state. They then went to Tennessee for the purpose of cap- turing John Morgan, and while making a charge Mr. Smith attempted to jump across a ditch, fell, and, striking a root, broke two of his ribs. One of the bones penetrated his lungs, pneumonia followed and he was forced to lie in the hospital for a month. He was then granted a thirty-days furlough. At the expiration of that time he re- joined his regiment at Camp Morton, the com- mand in the meantime having been captured, paroled and then placed on duty to guard prisoners. Mr. Smith was examined by the sur- geon, and being declared unfit for field duty, was placed in charge of the military prison at Indian- apolis, where he remained until the close of the war, when he received an honorable discharge, July 2, 1865.
Before the war he had married Miss Rachel Surface, and to them were born four children, but he lost his wife and two of his children, and two of his brothers through the dread disease, scarlet fever. He was again married January 10, 1861, Miss Alwieda Patton, a native of In- diana, becoming his wife. When he was wounded she obtained from Governor Morton a commis- sion as a nurse, went to her husband's bedside and remained as matron of the hospital until the war was over, having one hundred and fifty sick
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and wounded soldiers under her supervision. She was untiring in her efforts to relieve their suffer- ings and minister to their wants, and was very much beloved by the gallant boys in blue. In consideration of her services, her country has granted her a pension of twelve dollars per month.
After the war Mr. Smith was in poor health for some time and unfit for active carpenter work. He therefore engaged in buying and selling lum- ber until the financial panic of 1873, when he lost heavily. In 1882 he came to Moscow, built a planing mill and in connection with its opera- tion engaged in contracting and building, super- intending the erection of many of the best buildings in the city. He was employed by the state board of regents of the university to super- vise its construction, to see that proper materials were used and that the work was done according to the most improved methods, and at the present time he is occupied with the superintendency of the completion of the building. The university is a credit to the city and the state and stands as a monument to the business ability and skill of Mr. Smith. He is most reliable in all dealings, faithfully lives up to the terms of a contract and has the confidence and patronage of the public in an unusual degree.
Mr. Smith has always taken a deep interest in the welfare and progress of the town, has served for eleven years as a member of the school board and has largely promoted the cause of education. He was also a member of the city council one term, and for two terms, as mayor, administered the affairs of Moscow, his rule being a beneficent and progressive one. In 1898 he was elected a member of the state legislature, and in all the positions of trust has labored earnestly and effectively for the welfare of his county and state.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born seven children, four of whom are living. The daughter, Ivanella, is now the wife of J. W. Lewellan, of Moscow. Edward had just gradu- ated from the State University when the war with Spain began, and with forty-five of his fellow students he enlisted and was made captain of Company D, First Idaho Volunteers, in which capacity he is now serving his country at Manila, under General Lawton. He received a slight gun- shot wound in the left leg at San Pedro. Captain
Smith is only twenty-three years of age, and is said to be the youngest captain in the service. He was a member of the state militia and a thorough tactician, and his ability in his present office rivals that of many a veteran of twice his years. Leo, the second son, now nineteen years of age, is serving in his brother's company and has written a poem of much merit on the Boys in Blue. The youngest son, Wilbert A., is now attending the summer term of the state univer- sity. The parents certainly have just reason to be proud of their children who in a foreign land are protecting the starry banner of the nation.
Mr. Smith is a valued member of the Odd Fellows society and has filled all the offices in both branches of the order. His wife belongs to the adjunct order, the Daughters of Rebekah, was the first president of the assembly and was also the first president of the Women's Relief Corps of the state. Mr. Smith is very active in the Grand Army of the Republic, is past com- mander of the local post, and state department commander. He has near his home a flag-pole from which he flies "old glory" on occasions of note, and also has a ten-pound Parrott gun which he received from Boston for the benefit of the post. The family is one long celebrated for loyalty to the flag, for since the time the French refugee landed on American shores down to the present when two loyal sons of our subject are serving in Manila, each generation of the family has been represented in the wars which have sustained the honor of the nation and led to its present great- ness and its proud position among the powers of the world.
JESSE L. CONANT, M. D.
The subject of this sketch is a worthy example of the large class of well read, careful and honor- able physicians who are dear to their fellow townsmen wherever their lot may be cast. They are near to the people in sickness and trouble and grow very near to them in all relations of life, and become, many of them, the most influential men in their communities. Doctor Jesse Lyman Conant, mayor and prominent physician and druggist of Genesee, Idaho, was born in Birming- ham, Essex county, New York, May 31, 1831, and is descended from an old Norman family which went to the mother country with Willian the Conqueror. George Conant, who came early
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