USA > Idaho > History of Idaho, the gem of the mountains, Volume II > Part 9
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Frank F. Johnson, the elder, was reared at Georgetown, Colorado, and his education, largely acquired in the schools of that state, included a course in the Denver high school, which, however, was supplemented by a course in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in which he pursued the studies of chemistry and mining. Returning to Colorado, he took part as a civil engineer in government survey work and also gave some attention to cattle raising in that state. In 1887 he removed to Idaho, arriving at Murray on the 21st of March of that year. There he engaged in the banking business, serving as assistant cashier of the Bank of Murray. In 1891 he founded the Bank of North Idaho at Murray and has been continuously, actively and successfully identified with the banking business in this state throughout the period of his residence within its borders. He sold the Bank of North Idaho in 1895. In the meantime, or in 1892, he had removed to Wallace, Idaho, where he organized the First National Bank, of which he became president, remaining an active factor in the financial circles of that city until 1910, when he disposed of his interests in the bank of Wallace and removed to Boise. Here he became cashier of the Boise City National Bank and in 1915 was elected to the vice presidency, in which capacity he has since served, his opinions and activities being an influencing factor in shaping the policy of the institution, which is one of the strong financial concerns of the state. He has also been the president of the Idaho Power Company since 1916 and is thus identified with another of the important corporate interests of the state. He is likewise the president of the First National Bank of Twin Falls, Idaho, which he organized in March, 1905, and associated with him in the founding of that bank was John M. Maxwell, who has continuously served as its cashier and manager. Another associate in the establishment of the Twin Falls bank was Samuel H. Hays, now mayor of Boise, also Philip Weisner, now deceased, and I. B. Perrine. Mr. Johnson was also one of the organizers of the Farmers State Bank of Nez Perce, Idaho, in which undertaking he was associated with L. N. Swift, who has continuously been its president, and F. W. Katenbaugh. In large measure, as indicated, Mr. Johnson has contributed to the establishment and development of the banking interests of the state, recognizing at all times that the bank is most worthy of credit and support that most carefully safeguards the interests of its depositors. His progressiveness therefore has been tempered by a safe conserva- tism and results achieved have been most satisfactory to the general public as well as to the stockholders.
On the 17th of April, 1888, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Marie L. Gieson, a native of Wisconsin, and they have three children: Albert Donnan, who was born October 14, 1889, and became a second lieutenant in the Three Hundred and Eighteenth
FRANK F. JOHNSON
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Engineers, on duty in France; Clara Louise, who was born March 16, 1891, and is the wife of Pasco B. Carter, of Boise; and Ellsworth Egbert, who was born January 14, 1896. Both sons are graduates of Harvard College and the only daughter is a gradu- ate of the Dana Hall School for Young Ladies at Wellesley, Massachusetts.
In politics Mr. Johnson is a republican but not bound by party ties. He served as treasurer of Shoshone county, Idaho, in 1891 and 1892 but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. However, in 1904 he served as chairman of the repub- lican county committee of Shoshone county. He is a member and ex-president of the Boise Commercial Club and a trustee of the Children's Home Finding Association. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine and he is also connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, being a past exalted ruler of the lodge at Wallace. During the period of the war he has been very active in support of all interests upholding national plans, was the state chairman of the first Liberty Loan campaign in Idaho and was state treasurer of the American Red Cross for three years or until the office was abolished. His life work has reached out along many lines of usefulness which have been highly resultant and as a business man and citizen he stands among the foremost representatives of Idaho.
WALTER S. BRUCE.
Walter S. Bruce, president of the Bruce & Fuld Loan & Trust Company of Boise and until recently a member of the Idaho state board of education, was born in San Francisco, California, March 28, 1865. His father, Captain James H. Bruce, was a na- tive of Maine, who went to California by way of Cape Horn in 1850 and made his home in that sunny state throughout the remainder of his days. He was a sea captain on the Pacific for many years and after retiring from the sea was prominent in shipping circles of San Francisco for thirty years preceding his death, which occurred in Berke- ley, California, in 1908. The name of "Jim" Bruce is still a familiar one among men most prominently identified with the shipping industry of the Pacific coast. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Sarah Louise Cookingham, was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, and is still living, now making her home in Alameda, California. Both par- ents were representatives of old Revolutionary stock, and Walter S. Bruce has mem- bership with the Sons of the American Revolution. His ancestry can be traced back to Deacon Samuel Chapin, who was one of the founders of Springfield, Massachusetts, and therefore one of the earliest of New England's settlers.
Walter S. Bruce, reared and educated in San Francisco, supplemented his public school training by a business course and at the age of sixteen years secured the posi- tion of bookkeeper in a wholesale dry goods house in his native city. Two years after- ward he entered the employ of a wholesale hardware firm in San Francisco as a clerk and thus continued for four years. In 1887, or when twenty-two years of age, he came to Idaho, and Boise has since been his home. During the first twenty years of his residence in this city he was assistant cashier of the Boise City National Bank, having removed to Idaho in order to assume the duties of that office. He resigned in 1907 to engage in business on his own account. He first became general agent of the Fidelity & Deposit Company of Maryland for the state of Idaho and acted in that capacity while at the same time he conducted a general insurance and loan business. He divided his time and attention between the two interests for several years, or until 1911, when he formed a partnership with Sidney C. Fuld in organizing and incorporating the Bruce & Fuld Loan & Trust Company, of which Mr. Bruce has since been the president, with Mr. Fuld as the secretary and treasurer. The firm has its home office in Boise, and aside from the business indicated by the title they conduct a general insurance busi- ness. They also continue to represent the Fidelity & Deposit Company of Maryland as general agents in Idaho and eastern Oregon and their clientage is extensive and important.
On the 7th of August, 1890, Mr. Bruce was married in San Francisco to Miss Eliza- beth M. Bibbins, a native of that city, and they have become parents of three chil- dren: Helen Louise, the wife of Irving W. Stoddard; Warren Richardson; and James Stewart. The two sons are twenty-four and fifteen years of age respectively. The for- mer served in the United States army during the great war as a first lieutenant in the aviation service in France.
Mr. Bruce is a stalwart republican in his political views and served for four
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years as a member of the state board of education, from April, 1913, until April, 1917, by appointment of Governor Haines. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Rotary Club, and aside from holding mem- bership with the Sons of the American Revolution he is a member and one of the trustees of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Boise.
CHARLES W. POMEROY.
Charles W. Pomeroy, filling the office of county clerk of Bannock county and re- siding at Pocatello, was born in Virginia on the 17th of November, 1876, his birthplace being a farm near the village of Potomac Mills, on the banks of the Potomac river. His parents were John and Teresa Ann (Trew) Pomeroy, both now deceased. In the family were four sons, one of the brothers of Charles W. Pomeroy residing at Bethle- hem, Pennsylvania, while two are yet living in Virginia. The ancestry in both the paternal and maternal lines can be traced back through four generations of Virginians. Charles W. Pomeroy pursued his education in the Oak Grove Academy of Virginia, from which he was graduated in 1898. He also pursued a course in the Bethlehem (Pa.) Business College, after which he was employed at the Bethlehem steel works, while later he entered the service of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, with which he con- tinued until 1903. That year witnessed his arrival in Pocatello, Idaho, where he en- tered the service of the Oregon Short Line Railroad as chief clerk in the engineering department. He remained until 1913, when he was elected to the position of county clerk, in which capacity he has since served, covering a period of almost a decade. That he has made a most commendable record is indicated in the fact that he has been so frequently reelected to the office. He has always given his political allegiance to the republican party and is a stalwart advocate and supporter of its principles, being recognized as one of the local leaders of the party in Idaho. Mr. Pomeroy has also been admitted to the bar, for he devoted his leisure hours for many years to the read- ing of law and thus qualified for the profession, which he expects soon to take up as an active life work.
On the 1st of June, 1904, Mr. Pomeroy was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Frances McConkay, of Iowa. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and his religious faith is that of the Baptist church. He is fond of tennis and other outdoor sports and is a very versatile young man of pleas> ing appearance and a most interesting talker. His wide acquaintance and his per- sonal qualifications are such as seem to insure success at the bar when he enters upon the practice of law. In the meantime he is proving a most capable official in the office of county clerk and strong endorsement of his administration is given in the fact that he has so frequently been called to the position.
CHRISTOPHER W. MOORE.
In the year 1862 Christopher W. Moore became a resident of northern Idaho and the following year removed to Boise. Through the intervening period to the time of his death he figured most actively and prominently in connection with the business upbuilding and substantial development of the capital city and of the state at large. He was identified with various mercantile interests in different cities of the state and for many years was the president of the First National Bank of Idaho at Boise. He was ever a forceful representative of the community, strong in his ability to plan and perform, strong in his honor and his good name. He was born in Toronto, Can- ada, November 30, 1835, a son of Christopher and Eliza (Crawford) Moore and of Scotch-Irish descent. His parents spent the greater part of their lives in or near Toronto, the father devoting his attention to farming and merchandising. The father passed away in the seventieth year of his age, while the mother was sixty-six at the time of her demise.
Christopher W. Moore, one of a family of six children, was a young lad when his parents removed from Toronto to Wisconsin and his education was acquired in the schools of both districts in which the family lived. On the 5th of May, 1852, when a youth of sixteen, he started for the Pacific coast in company with his parents and others of the family, who traveled with a party that made the long and arduous journey
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across the plains with teams, experiencing many of the privations and hardships in- cident to travel according to that method and in that period. There was always danger of Indian attack and it behooved the travelers to be cautious and on the alert at all times. It is said that on one occasion Mr. Moore and his companion, who were in charge of the live stock, found it necessary to go forty miles in search of feed and water. At length they reached Snake river and across the stream they could see an abundance of luxuriant grass. Mr. Moore and another young man of about his age undertook the task of swimming the river in order to learn the possibilities on the other side, but his companion and his horse were caught in a whirlpool, and although the young man was an excellent swimmer, he was hampered by his heavy boots and clothing and could make little headway against the stream. Before Mr. Moore could reach him, he sank from view. Such were some of the hardships and sorrows which came to the settlers as they journeyed westward, and after reaching their destination there were many difficulties to be encountered, as they established homes upon the western frontier. They bravely faced all hardships and privations, however, and laid broad and deep the foundation for the present progress and prosperity of the state.
Christopher W. Moore took a most active and helpful part in promoting the develop- ment of the northwest throughout the years of his residence in Idaho and before com- ing to this state he engaged in buying, selling and raising live stock, which he shipped principally to Puget Sound and Victoria, B. C. It was in that way that he gained his financial start in life. The year 1862 witnessed his arrival in northern Idaho and a year later he took up his abode in Boise, although the present beautiful capital city was then entirely a thing of the future. However, he camped on the site of the city, having at the time no intention of remaining, but events caused him to continue his residence here and as the years passed he became one of the foremost merchants in his part of the state. He not only conducted a large and profitable store in Boise, but extended his efforts into other fields, becoming connected with stores at Booneville, Ruby City and Silver City. He was the first merchant in Owyhee county and thus he left his name indelibly impressed upon its history. He recognized not only the pos- sibilities of the moment but the opportunities of the future and in the conduct of his business affairs worked always toward a greater Boise. In 1867 he became associated with B. M. DuRell, William Roberts and D. W. Ballard in the organization of the First National Bank of Idaho at Boise, Mr. DuRell becoming the first president, while Mr. Moore was elected the first cashier, and he remained the last of the survivors among the organizers of the bank. For nine years he filled the position of cashier and then withdrew from that office, remaining until 1890 as a member of the board of directors. He was afterward elected to the presidency of the bank, in which position he con- tinued until his death, and by reason of his constructive effort, his administrative di- rection and executive ability he contributed in large measure to the success and growth of the institution, making it one of the strongest moneyed concerns of the state. What- ever he undertook he carried forward to successful completion. His plans were care- fully formed and were promptly executed. From the time of its organization until his death he served as president of the Artesian Hot and Cold Water Company, supplying hot and cold water to the best residential districts of Boise, and it was Mr. Moore who established the hot water heating system in Boise, his own home having the first heating plant of the kind in the city. For a long period he represented the directorate of the Capital Electric Light and Power Company and for an extended period he was also connected with agricultural interests and stock raising. Every concern with which he became connected profited by his cooperation. He was a man of sound business judgment and his keen sagacity and enterprise proved salient features in the attain- ment of success with every concern with which he was associated.
On the 3d of July, 1865, Mr. Moore was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Minear, of West Virginia, and they became the parents of three sons and three daugh- ters: Alice, the wife of Dr. H. L. Bettis; Laura B., the wife of J. W. Cunningham; Crawford; Anna L., the wife of F. H. Parsons; Marion P .; and Raymond H. The wife and mother passed away March 26, 1911. She was one of the earliest members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Boise and was a lady of many splendid traits of heart and mind, so that her loss was deeply deplored. It was in 1916 that Mr. Moore was called to the home beyond and in his passing Boise mourned the loss of one of her most prominent and representative citizens and pioneers. He contributed in most sub- stantial and extensive measure to the development and upbuilding of the city, cooperat- ing heartily in every movement that was calculated to advance the public welfare. His political allegiance was always given to the republican party, and while he never
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sought or desired office, he ever stood loyally in support of measures for the general good. He belonged to the Pioneer Society of Idaho and for many years was honored with its presidency. His support of any public measure was sure to secure for it a large following because of the confidence which his fellow townsmen had in his judg- ment and in his integrity. Coming to the Pacific northwest in young manhood, he recognized its opportunities and advantages and as the years passed on so directed his efforts that he gained the substantial rewards of labor and at the same time bore an unsullied name. The most envious could not grudge him his success, so worthily was it won and so honorably used.
ROBERT NOBLE.
Robert Noble had reached the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten when on the 5th of November, 1914, death called him. He had been for many years a most prominent, honored and valued resident of Idaho and within the borders of the state had advanced from a humble position in the business world to one of mas- terful leadership, being a leading figure in financial circles as the president of the Idaho Trust & Savings Bank of Boise. He was likewise the promoter of many other important business interests which contributed to the welfare and development of the state in notable manner, so that his name is indelibly impressed upon the annals of the commonwealth.
A native of England, Robert Noble was born in Cumberland on the 19th of October, 1844, being a son of John and Mary Noble, who were also natives of that country, where was born to them a family of four sons and four daughters, Robert being the fourth of those who reached adult age. Robert Noble was ten years of age when in 1854 his parents left England for the new world, making their way to Kingston, Ontario, where the mother died, being a victim to the cholera epidemic. The family continued their journey to a point near Niagara Falls, Canada, but in 1857 crossed the border into the United States, settling at Tonawanda, New York, where they lived for many years.
Robert Noble received somewhat meager educational advantages as he accompan- ied his father from point to point and at an early age he started out to provide for his own support. It was in 1870, when twenty-six years of age, that he came to Idaho a stranger and practically without money. A few years later his eldest brother, John, and his sister, Mrs. Eleanor Williams, also came to Idaho but afterward re- moved to California. At a still later period Robert Noble was joined at his home on Reynolds creek in Owyhee county by his aged father, who there remained until his death in January, 1905, being then in the one hundredth year of his age.
Ambitious to gain a start, Robert Noble scorned no honest employment that would yield him a living and his first year in Idaho was spent as tender of a ferry on the Snake river. He then secured a position on the Davis ranch near Boise, where he remained for four seasons, carefully saving his earnings until his untiring industry and strict economy enabled him to begin sheep raising in a small way in 1875. He continued the business in the neighborhood of Reynolds creek until 1906, when he disposed of his ranch and removed to Boise. In the meantime his close application, indefatigable energy and sound business judgment had enabled him to steadily de- velop his flocks and he had become one of the prominent and successful sheepmen of the state.
With his removal to Boise, Mr. Noble became a prominent factor in the business life of the city and of the state. He purchased stock in the Idaho Trust & Savings Bank and appreciation of his ability led to his election to the office of president on the 2d of January, 1912. He continued at the head of the institution until his demise. He largely financed the construction of the Boise Valley Railroad and electric lines from Boise to Nampa and Meridian, the line being completed and put in operation in 1909, with Mr. Noble as manager until 1911. He became also the owner of seven thousand acres of fine land in the Boise valley and two hundred and forty acres was planted to fruit, making him one of the foremost orchardists of the state. His real estate holdings in Boise were most extensive and his property interests also included much valuable realty at Nampa and Caldwell. He always did much to in- crease the value of his property and thus promoted the prosperity of the community in which he had placed his investments.
ROBERT NOBLE
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In 1876, on Reynolds creek, Mr. Noble was united in marriage to Miss Anna Peters. They became the parents of nine children, six of whom are yet living. Nellie is the mother of two children, Thelma Louise Handy and Dorothy McDonald, the former by her first husband and the latter by her second husband, Angus McDonald. Robert is the vice president of the Idaho Trust & Savings Bank. Frank looks after the Noble buildings and realty in Boise, Nampa and Caldwell and all other interests lying outside of the capital city. Ernest, who is assistant cashier in the Idaho Trust & Savings Bank, is married and has two children, Margaret Eleanor and Elizabeth Lauretta. Lillian May is the wife of Scott M. Banbury and the mother of one child, Bernice Noble Banbury. Rasella Noble is at home.
Mr. Noble displayed the democratic spirit characteristic of the western pioneer. He was always ready to recognize true worth in others and he judged men by their personal worth and not by their wealth. He left to his family the priceless heritage of a good name and to the state the inspiration of a noble character whose labors were crowned with successful achievement. The members of his family were reared in the faith of the Episcopal church. He attained thirty-two degrees of Masonry, taking his blue lodge degrees at Silver City and being initiated in the chapter and the Shrine at Boise. He also joined the Odd Fellows lodge at Silver City. Politically he was a republican but never sought office. The family residence is a handsome home at No. 317 North Ninth street in Boise.
CARL J. HAHN.
Carl J. Hahn, vice president of the Twin Falls Bank & Trust Company at Twin Falls, Idaho, was born at Hanover, Germany, April 21, 1865, and is a son of L. C. and Martha Hahn. He came to the United States in 1881, when a youth of sixteen years, becoming a resident of Fremont, Nebraska. He started out in the business world in connection with the lumber and grain trade and after receiving his preliminary train- ing in that direction he turned his attention to banking, becoming cashier of the State Bank of Hooper, Nebraska, in which capacity he served until 1898. He then removed to Salt Lake, Utah, where he held various positions with the McCormick Company, bankers. In 1905 he removed to Twin Falls, Idaho, to accept his present position as vice president of the Twin Falls Bank & Trust Company, which is a branch bank of the McCormick interests of Salt Lake, and was established by W. S. McCormick at Twin Falls in 1905. The bank was opened on lot No. 10, block No. 103. In 1908 the bank was incorporated for one hundred thousand dollars and at the same time was pur- chased the site on which has been erected the present fine bank building, one of the most modern in construction and equipment in the state. Mr. Hahn is active in the control and management of the business, which has steadily grown, his efforts constitut- ing an important element in the success of the undertaking. He has also become in- terested in farm lands in this section of the country and in city real estate and has negotiated a number of important realty transfers.
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