History of Idaho, the gem of the mountains, Volume II, Part 3

Author: Hawley, James Henry, 1847-1929, ed
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 1024


USA > Idaho > History of Idaho, the gem of the mountains, Volume II > Part 3


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Notwithstanding the fact that Miss Atkin has had the assistance of Miss Cooper in her work, most heavy responsibilities and duties have devolved upon her. She has had one hundred and sixty teachers under her supervision and besides it has been her duty to disseminate various forms of knowledge and information throughout the country schools and also to have the country school children furnish a census of the agricultural districts and report to her. Because of added duties and responsibilities she found it impossible to give the proper attention to the visiting of country schools and teachers which is a part of the work of a school superintendent of the state of


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Idaho. Miss Atkin feels that these conditions will no doubt be changed in the future, for the work as at present outlined is more. than can be successfully accom- plished by any one incumbent. On the expiration of her term she took over the Atkin Floral Store, which had been conducted by her sister, Mabel G., until her death. Her work has indeed been of great benefit to the district which she has served as superintendent and to the schools in which she has been a teacher.


Miss Atkin is a lady of dignified but of genial manner who easily wins the co- operation of teachers and pupils. She was chairman of the Junior Red Cross, an association formed for the purpose of sending out tracts, booklets, pamphlets and bulletins in relation to, the war and the many problems incident thereto. She keeps in touch with the trend of modern thought and especially with all that has to do with educational interests, and her life has been one of great activity and usefulness.


JOHN LEMP.


John Lemp, winning his initial success in Boise in the brewery business, extended his efforts into other fields and became a most successful investor in real estate and the promoter of irrigation interests of great value to the district in which he operated. While he started out in the business world empty-handed, he came to be known as one of the men of affluence in Boise and, moreover, at the time of his death had resided for a continuous period in the city longer than any other of its residents. Many phases of Idaho's development and progress were perfectly familiar to him and in substantial measure he contributed to the work of upbuilding along material lines.


John Lemp was born in Neiderweisel, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, April 21, 1838, his' parents being John Jacob and Anna Elizabeth (Jung) Lemp. He pursued his edu- cation in the public schools of his native place until he reached the age of fourteen years. He was a lad of twelve when his father died and his mother, at the age of seventy-five years, came to Boise, where she passed away at the age of eighty-six. John Lemp, on reaching the age of fourteen, started for the new world, having deter- mined to try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic. It was in 1852 that he landed at New York, whence he made his way to Louisville, Kentucky, where he resided for seven years, largely devoting that time to clerking in one of the leading mercantile establishments of the city. Attracted by gold discoveries in California, he started for Pike's Peak in 1859 and there engaged in prospecting and mining but without any large measure of success. With the discovery of gold in Montana, then a part of Idaho territory, he traveled to that state in a company of which William A. Clark, after- ward United States senator from Montana and one of America's most prominent cap- italists, was of the number. After they had reached a point within the present boundaries of Idaho Mr. Clark and his companions proceeded to Bannock, Montana, while Mr. Lemp and others continued the journey to West Branch, now Boise, Idaho, where they arrived July 8, 1863. They found a little frontier settlement composed of a postoffice and a few dwellings, together with a smaller group of business houses of most primitive character. Mr. Lemp soon went from Boise to Idaho City but after a brief period there passed, returned to the future capital of the state and remained a resident thereof until his demise. In the early '70s he established a brewery in South Mountain, then a mining camp, and for a teacup of gold dust purchased a small and thoroughly equipped brewery in Boise. He built what was then considered an ex- tensive brewery and from time to time remodeled the plant and increased its facilities in order to meet the growing demands of the trade. As he prospered in this under- taking he made investments in Idaho real estate, his judgment proving most sound in the placing of his purchases. It was largely the increase in real estate values that made him one of the wealthy men of his adopted state. His land holdings included more than five thousand acres and he also had extensive and valuable properties in Boise, adding to the development and beauty of the city through the improvements which he placed upon his land. He erected and owned the Capitol Hotel building and the Shainwald block, also built many residences and business blocks and transformed un- sightly vacancies into beautiful residential sections. He took great delight in Boise's growth and improvement, for from the time when he settled within the borders of the little frontier town his interests centered here.


Mr. Lemp did- a most important work in connection with the promotion of irriga- tion projects. He was one of the most active and influential supporters of the Settlers


JOHN LEMP


MRS. CATHERINE LEMP


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canal, one of the first and most important irrigating systems of the state. The work was scarcely under way when others associated with him lost heart and became disc ur- aged concerning the prospect, but Mr. Lemp never faltered and largely financed the undertaking, which cost hin a fortune. He encountered many difficulties in the way of slides, quicksands and breaks, but at length the canal was completed and proved of the greatest value and importance to the district, supplying an abundance of water for the irrigation of extensive tracts in the Boise valley. Mr. Lemp also figured in banking circles, becoming an extensive stockholder in the First National Bank of Boise and served for a number of years as its president. He was also one of the promoters and large stockholders of the Boise Rapid Transit Company, which built the first electric street car line in the capital, now the property of the Boise Railroad Company.


On the 7th of May, 1865, Mr. Lemp was married to Miss Catherine Kohlhepp, a native of Marburg, Hesse-Cassel, Germany, born November 20, 1850, and a daughter of William Kohlhepp, who brought his family to America during the early girlhood of his daughter Catherine, so that she was reared in Muscatine. Iowa. In 1864 the family started across the plains for the northwest. An immigrant party that had preceded them had been massaored by the red men and there was much danger at- tendant upon the trip, for the party took with them a fine herd of cattle, always an attraction to the Indians. Mrs. Lemp, however, was largely instrumental in preventing any hostilities, for she would invite the Indians to partake of meals with the party of immigrants and before breaking camp she always contrived to make delicious bis- cuits for them and thus gained their goodwill. It was after the Kohlhepp home was established in Boise that she formed the acquaintance of Mr. Lemp, who sought her hand in marriage, and for about forty-three years they traveled life's journey happily together, being 'separated hy the death of Mrs. Lemp, which occurred on the 7th of January, 1908, while Mr. Lemp survived until July 18, 1912. They were the parents of thirteen children, seven of whom are yet living, namely: Elizabeth, who married William B. Conner; Augusta, the wife of A. Roderick Grant, of Portland, Oregon; Ada, now Mrs. Edwin G. Hurd; Louise, who married Marshall C. Simonson; Albert C .; Herbert F .; and Bernard L.


Mr. Lemp gave his political support to the republican party, of which he was a stanch advocate, and he was at all times an interested student of the problems of vital import to the government. For twenty years he served as a member of the city council of Boise and in 1874 was elected mayor, giving to the city a progressive and liberal administration. He belonged to the Masonic lodge, in which he filled all of the offices, including that of worshipful master, and he was also a member of the local lodge of Odd Fellows, in which he served as treasurer for ten years, and was past grand patriarch at the time of his death. He belonged to the Boise Commercial Club and the Boise Turn Verein and he was a devoted member of the Lutheran church. He was a man of firm friendships. of undoubted loyalty to his convictions and of most char- itable and benevolent spirit. At the time of his demise the Boise Evening News' said of hint: "Many of the early pioneers visited the Lemp home this morning and in- formed the bereaved children of good deeds which their father had done and many of which were previously unknown to them. One of the visitors who had known and been close to Mr. Lemp for years stated that the deceased had done more for charity than any other man in the state, as he was aways lending a helping hand to those who were down, giving generously and helping them onward, and he here provided for a number of men for several years after their day of work was done and they were with- out the means with which to live."


JOHN S. HICKEY.


Among those who were the real promoters of Nampa's development and con- tributed in substantial manner to her upbuilding was numbered John S. Hickey, whose personal worth and business ability, whose progressive citizenship and high standards were attested by the large circle of warm friends whom he left behind when death called him. Mr. Hickey was born at Peekskill, New York, April 8, 1845, and was a lad of but nine years when in 1854 the family removed to Illinois. He pursued his education in the schools of the two states and in 1868, when a young man of twenty- three years, made his way westward, settling at Rawlins, Wyoming, there taking up his abode during the days when the Union Pacific was being completed as the first


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transcontinental line. From that time until 1890 he remained in the employ of the Union Pacific in various executive positions. From 1884 until 1890 he was located at Pocatello. Idaho, as master mechanic for the Oregon Short Line Railroad and in October of the latter year he accepted the superintendency of the foundry department of the Anaconda Copper Mining Company at Anaconda, Montana, where he resided until the fall of 1906.


At that date he became a resident of Nampa. While absent from the state for a brief period in Montana, Mr. Hickey regarded Idaho as his home from 1884, at which time he settled at Eagle Rock. It was in 1887 that he took up a homestead at Nampa, securing land that is now the center of the city, and in the intervening period between that date and his death he contributed in notable measure to the industrial develop- ment and the financial and moral progress of Nampa. He was the builder of the first brick block in the city and it stood until the fire of 1908, since which time it has been replaced by a modern brick structure. He was likewise the builder of the Commer- cial building, in which the Nampa postoffice is housed, and at Pocatello he erected four brick blocks after the Indian reservation lands were opened to the public. His activities were ever of a character that contributed in marked measure to general advancement and improvement.


In 1871 Mr. Hickey was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Rockwell, and they became the parents of three children: C. R., who is one of the leading real estate and insurance men of southern Idaho, with offices at Nampa; Cora, deceased; and Juliet. The family circle was again broken by the hand of death when on the 19th of January, 1913, John S. Hickey was called to his final rest. Some time prior to his death he erected a beautiful residence in Nampa that is still occupied by his widow.


Mr. Hickey belonged to the Masonic Lodge at Laramie, Wyoming, having become a member during his early residence in that section. The universality of his friend- ships indicated the breadth of his intellectual vision and spirit. Every pioneer citizen of southern Idaho was glad to call him friend and in all circles of life he enjoyed the warm regard and confidence of those who knew him. Coming to Idaho in pioneer times, he recognized the possibilities and opportunities of the state and took advan- tage of conditions to upbuild his fortunes and provide a comfortable competence for his family. At the same time his activities were ever of a character which contrib- uted to the general welfare as well as to individual advancement. His worth was recognized by all and there are few names on the pages of Nampa's history which are spoken of with more honor and respect than that of John S. Hickey.


The following tribute has been written in memory of John S. Hickey by F. G. Mock, a former business associate and long time friend. It was written Wednesday, during the hour of the funeral, while Mr. Mock was confined to his bed, unable to be in attendance:


"His sun has gone down at noontime, When the shadows had just begun to lengthen."


"Up from the habitation of poverty, as down from the dwellings of the rich, came an unison of sincere regret, for none knew John S. Hickey but to honor, and none were ever closely associated with him, but loved him. In all his social relations he was true as steel, and his business relations were marked by an undeviating course of integrity and honor.


"In the business enterprises of the city, his purse was ever open beyond his means, and he stood at the front of everything that pertained to the advancement and well being of his beloved Nampa. We do not claim that he was perfect, but we can, with perfect consistency claim that his sins of omission as well as commission, were more often directed against himself than any other human being. To his enemies he was open, bold and aggressive, but to his friends he was true as the needle to the north. "Yes, 'His sun has gone down at noontime, when the shadows had just begun to lengthen.'


"His rebuke was sharp and pointed. I have felt it many a time, but realizing his great love, I knew it was intended for my good, and loved him all the more.


"But in his family relations he shone most conspicuously. As a husband, father and brother, he may be taken as a model of earnest devotion and filial regard. And while the grief of a sorrowing community is mingled over his remains, the universal sentiment is to repay the loyalty and devotion that he has manifested toward Nampa and its citizens.


"But always in the passing, the living are wounded, and always consolation is found. Even in a case like ours today, the palliation is concealed beneath the pain.


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'This world at best is only a little journey towards the Infinite.' The paths of some lie in pleasant places, beneath a sky of clearest blue a land flooded with sunshine. But into most lives must stalk the grim figure of tragedy. With some it is a con- stant companion, with others only a chance acquaintance. No human being lives long without it, whether he is called at 'noontime' or 'journeys on unafraid into the lengthening shadows.' But for him, there will be no more tears, no more suffering. The grief of his family and friends is too great today to allow of any thoughts, except their sorrow, but this is because they do not understand. Other days will come, soothe our grief-not in forgetfulness-but in the knowledge that the 'Good God doeth all things well.'


"Yes, our friend is gone and will greet us here no more. But we are all better for having known John S. Hickey, and can only say, alas! alas !! a good man has gone. "'His sun has gone down at noontime, when the shadows had just begun to lengthen.' "


HON. JOHN CAMPBELL RICE.


Hon. John Campbell Rice, of Boise, a justice of the Idaho supreme court since 1916, was born upon a farm in Cass county, Illinois, January 27, 1864, a son of Elbert G. and Mary Ann (Camp) Rice, hoth of whom have passed away. The father, a farmer by occupation, was born in Maury county, Tennessee, in 1823, and was a son of Ebenezer and Katie (Baldridge) Rice. Having arrived at years of ma- turity, he was married in 1847 to Mary Ann Camp, whose birth occurred in .Scott county, Illinois, in 1825. She was a descendant of William Putnam, who was a brother of General Israel Putnam of Revolutionary war fame. Mr. and Mrs. Elbert G. Rice became the parents of eleven children, ten of whom reached adult age, while nine are still living. One son, W. P. Rice, is a farmer of Lincoln county, Idaho.


Judge Rice, the only other representative of the family in this state, was but four years of age when his parents removed to a farm near Jacksonville, Illinois, upon which he spent his youthful days, dividing his time between the work of the fields and the duties of the schoolroom. He attended a country school until he reached the age of twelve years and later he had the benefit of instruction in the Illinois College of Jacksonville, from which he was graduated with the class of 1885. He afterward engaged in teaching in the public schools of Chapin, Illinois, during 1885 and 1886 and through the following school year was instructor in mathematics in his alma mater -- Illinois College. In 1888 he became a law student in the University of Michigan and in 1889 resumed his law studies at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where he was graduated in 1890 with the LL. B. degree.


In the fall of the same year Judge Rice came to Idaho, settling at Caldwell, where he entered upon the active practice of his profession, in which he continued success- fully at that place for twenty-six years. His seems to be a natural discrimination as to legal ethics and his analytical mind enables him to readily determine the most salient points in his case, which he presents with a clearness and cogency that never failed to impress court or jury. While practicing at Caldwell he also served as a member of the state legislature, to which he was elected on the democratic ticket in 1897 for a two years' term, and during that period he served as chairman of the judiciary com- mittee. In 1901 he was elected to the mayoralty of Caldwell for a year's term. In 1916 he was elected a member of the Idaho supreme court and has since sat upon the bench of the highest tribunal of the state. He has also been active in business out- side the strict path of his profession, being well known in financial circles, for he was one of the organizers of the Caldwell Commercial Bank and has served continu- ously as its president since 1894 save for the period from 1903 until 1907, still remain- ing at the head of the institution.


Judge Rice was married on the 2d of October, 1895, to Maude M. Beshears, a native of Missouri, and they have five children, two sons and three daughters: Elbert G., Homer B., Martha B., Mary Lois and Josephine Eva. Both Elbert and Homer are now in the military service of the country, being members of the Second Idaho Regi- ment, on active duty in France. The second daughter, Mary Lois, is the wife of John L. Heathcote, who is a member of the United States Navy.


Judge Rice is a member of the Christian church, in the work and support of which he has taken a most active and helpful part. He is also a trustee of the College of Idaho at Caldwell. He belongs to Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 39, A. F. & A. M., of


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Caldwell, of which he is a past master, and he is likewise identified with the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. His life work, directed in the line of his native powers and acquired ability, has made his career one of signal service and benefit to the state and bis name is written high on the roll of Idaho's distinguished attorneys and jurists.


NATHAN FALK.


Boise's history could not be written without extended mention of Nathan Falk. For thirty-nine years a citizen of the capital, he was for a quarter of a century its leading merchant. But not only was he a successful business man, he was as well a prominent and representative citizen who ever felt and manifested the keenest inter- est in the welfare and progress of Boise, who stood as the champion of its school system, a promoter of its civic development and a leader in many of its lines of activity . that have constituted sources of its growth and greatness. It is no wonder then that Nathan Falk with his marked ability, his sympathy and his generosity was termed "the best beloved citizen of Boise."


A native of Bavaria, Nathan Falk was born in Egenhausen, July 12, 1847, and pursued his education in the schools of Germany and France. When fifteen years of age he left the schoolroom to take passage on a westward bound steamer with America as his destination, crossing the Atlantic in 1862. After a brief period passed in New York city, he sailed for San Francisco, making the voyage by way of the Isthmus of Panama. He spent a short time in San Francisco, in Portland, Oregon. and at The Dalles, but the spring of 1864 found him a resident of Boise, where he continued to make his home until death called him in 1903. He entered upon his business career here as bookkeeper for the firm of Hessberg & Company, with whom he remained for two years, and in 1868 he engaged in business on his own account in partnership with his brother David, opening a little mercantile establishment in a small building on Main street, a few feet from the corner of Eighth street, under the firm style of David Falk & Brother, on the 19th of September. The beginning was a very modest one, the stock being limited, while Boise at that time was a little frontier town. The firm used a wheelbarrow for the delivery of goods and there was little to foreshadow the greatness which the establishment was to reach in the future. The methods of the Falk Brothers, however, were most progressive and they catered to the public through honorable dealing and an earnest desire to please their patrons. The business steadily grew and after fifteen years, or in 1873, they were joined by their brother, Sigmund Falk, who was admitted to a partnership. From the beginning the firm maintained a most enterprising and progressive pol- icy, and by 1891 the trade had increased to such an extent that a corporation was formed to carry on the business under the style of the Falk-Bloch Mercantile Com- pany with Nathan Falk as the president. Another change in the personnel occurred in 1900, when Mr. Bloch disposed of his interest to the other active members of the firm, and the name of the Falk Mercantile Company was then adopted. For many years Nathan Falk directed the course of the enterprise which he had established and developed it into one of the important and extensive commercial interests of the northwest. The indelible impress of his personality today still dominates the policy pursued by the company which bears his name. His was a simple creed: "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you and do it now." His ster- ling integrity, keen foresight and executive ability made hosts of friends for him, and his advice was eagerly sought by rich and poor alike and given as freely and honestly to one as to the other.


Mr. Falk's life was one of unselfish devotion to his family. On the 22d of August, 1878, in Bavaria, having returned on a visit to his native country from the United States, Mr. Falk was married to Miss Rosa Steinmeier, a native of Munich and a daughter of Ignatz and Emalie Steinmeier. For a number of years Mrs. Falk was a semi-invalid and her husband's devotion to her welfare, comfort and happiness was ideal. They became the parents of six children: Bella, now the wife of Stanley Gordon Smith; Anne, the wife of Samuel M. Rothchild; Leo, who married Helen Friendly, of Elmira, New York; Ralph, a practicing physician, who married Marion Citron, of Portland, Oregon; Harry N., who married Eleanor Walker White, of Hartford, Connecticut; and Theodore. The sons have all located in Boise


NATHAN FALK


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and are emulating the characteristics and virtues of their father in his relation to the commercial and civic interests of the city.


It was while visiting in his native land at the time of his marriage that Mr. Falk was arrested by the military authorities for having left the country at the age of fifteen years without having served in the army. Germany even at that time was most militaristic and the people feared the enmity of the military power. Mr. Falk's friends and relatives begged him to pay his fine and let the matter drop, but he was obdurate and refused. He stood for his rights as an American citizen and fought the matter out to a complete victory. He was always most bitter in his feeling against imperial Germany and foresaw years ago where such a policy would finally end.




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