USA > Idaho > History of Idaho, the gem of the mountains, Volume II > Part 93
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Robert A. Young of this review was reared in his native city and was gradu- ated from the high school of Pueblo with the class of 1898. He afterward gradu- ated from St. John's Military Academy of Denver, Colorado, in 1900 and took a very active part in athletics while a student in both the high school and academy, participating in baseball, football and track events. At the military academy he was captain of his cadet company. For six years after leaving the military academy he was in the employ of a leading cattle company in various capacities, working in the southwestern states and in Old Mexico. At length he returned to Pueblo and was identified with mercantile interests there for several years. In 1910 he re- moved to Idaho and has since made his home in Caldwell, Nampa and Boise suc- cessively, identified with mercantile interests in the three cities until June, 1917, since which time he has been in the service of the Colorado Milling Company of Denver, a concern that owns a large number of mills and elevators in various Idaho cities and also in cities and towns of other western states. This concern has plants in Caldwell, Nampa and Boise. Mr. Young was formerly manager of the Nampa plant but in June, 1918, was made manager of the Boise branch of the business, which is conducted under the name of the Boise Mill & Elevator. He is thoroughly qualified for the important and responsible duties that devolve upon him in this connection and is most carefully safeguarding and promoting the busī- ness of the company at this point.
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In Pueblo, Colorado, on the 8th of January, 1910, Robert A. Young was mar- ried to Miss Edith Udick, who was also reared in Pueblo and is a graduate of the high school of that city. She was born, however, in East Liverpool, Ohio. By her marriage she has become the mother of three children: Edith Geraldine, Vivian Marie and Robert L., aged respectively eight, six and four years.
Fraternally Mr. Young is an Odd Fellow and he enjoys athletics and hunting, to which he turns for rest and recreation. His record is that of a substantial business man who pays close attention to the interests entrusted to his care and who by reason of his fidelity and capability is working his way steadily upward.
JOSEPH LEVI REED.
Joseph Levi Reed became one of the pioneers of the northwest of 1865 and from that time until his death, which occurred on the 15th of December, 1914, he was keenly interested in this section of the country and ever bore his part in the work of general progress and improvement. He was born at Fayette, Wisconsin, January 17, 1849, and spent the first fourteen years of his life in the state of his nativity. He then crossed the plains with his mother and sisters, making the trip with a large train of immigrants. They experienced all of the hardships and trials of such a journey but at length reached their destination in safety. Mr. Reed drove an ox team all the way and in 1865 arrived in Boise, having been six months en route. He made his home in Idaho for a time and then went to Oregon, where he resided for about eleven years. He next lived in the state of Washington for about two years, after which he returned to Idaho.
It was while residing in Oregon that Mr. Reed was united in marriage on the 9th of November, 1870, to Miss Anna A. Sawyer and to them were born three sons who survive the father, while two daughters had passed away. The sons are Oscar P., William Edgar and Ralph Archie, all residents of Idaho.
. In the year 1883 Mr. Reed returned from Washington to Idaho and took up his abode at Emmett, where he continued to make his home throughout the re- mainder of his life. He operated a sawmill on Dry Buck for sixteen years and retired about three years prior to his demise, spending his last days in the enjoy- ment of a well earned rest. In all business affairs he was energetic and enter- prising and as-the years passed he won a substantial competence and was thus able to leave his family in comfortable financial circumstances.
In all community affairs Mr. Reed took a deep interest and never withheld his support from any plan or measure that he believed would prove of benefit in the upbuilding of town, county or state. He was for twenty-two years a consistent and active member and generous supporter of the Methodist church and when on the 15th of December, 1914, he was called to the home beyond, the pastor of the church, Rev. C. L. Walker, conducted a most impressive funeral service. Mr. Reed had been in ill health for some time and himself made the plans for his funeral, selecting the hymns to be sung. Of him the Emmett Index said: "Few men have been blessed with so many friends and none bound them to himself with stronger ties. He was a man of sturdy character and honesty and uprightness of purpose. As a citizen he was patriotic and progressive. On public and moral questions he had firm convictions and he was generally right." He was also a devoted husband and father, counting no effort or sacrifice on his part too great if it would promote the welfare and happiness of his family. His circle of friends was an extensive one and all who knew him held him in the highest esteem.
ERNEST VALENTINE ORFORD.
Ernest Valentine Orford, of Boise, is a mining engineer having valuable min- ing and ranch interests in Idaho, where he has made his home since 1892, his resi- dence in Boise, however, covering only the past four years. He was born in Bir- mingham, England, February 14, 1855, and by reason of the date of his birth was given the middle name of Valentine. His father, Dr. William Cockerill Orford, was a physician who spent his entire life in England. The mother bore the maiden
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name of Anne Sophia Elkington and both the Orford and Elkington families came of ancient and honorable lineage. Neither of the parents of Ernest V. Orford ever came to the United States, although his mother several times crossed the Atlantic to Canada, where two of her daughters reside. Both parents are now deceased. In their family were eight children, four sons and four daughters, all of whom survive, Ernest V. being the only one, however, in the United States. He has two sisters living in Canada, while the other sisters are in England. There are also two brothers in England and another brother in South Africa.
Ernest V. Orford was educated in the schools of London and attended the well known Christ Hospital College. He came to the United States in 1881, accom- panied by his bride, for about a month before starting for the new world he wedded Miss Alice Malins. After spending several years at Redcliff and at Denver, Colorado, where he followed mining engineering, he went to San Diego, California, where he resided for five years and was acting vice consul at that place. He then returned to England and in 1892 was sent to Idaho by the De Lamar Mining Company of London, which he represented as mining engineer, also acting as attorney and general manager. In fact he was the chief representative of the company, which had large mining properties in Owyhee county. He remained with that corpora- tion for a quarter of a century or until it voluntarily liquidated a few years ago. Throughout the period Mr. Orford resided at the mines, in a little town called De Lamar, which sprang up there. He afterward removed to Boise and in the mean- time he had accumulated valuable mining property and ranch interests. The for- . mer embraces several good mining claims and one developed mine in Owyhee county.
Mr. and Mrs. Orford have become the parents of a son and six daughters, the only son being Colin Orford, a mining engineer, mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mr. Orford is a member of the American Institute of Mining Engineers and he belongs also to the St. Michael's Episcopal church. His activities have been a valu- able factor in the development of mining interests in his adopted state and Boise now counts him as one of her valued citizens.
JUDGE W. T. OLIVER.
Judge W. T. Oliver is a well known hardware merchant of American Falls, conducting business under the firm name of Oliver & Mckown, although he is now sole proprietor. He was born in Halifax county, Virginia, September 25, 1848, and is a son of Isaac and Fannie E. (Wade) Oliver, who were also natives of Vir- ginia. The father was a farmer who in 1852 went to Missouri and purchased land in Callaway county. This he improved and cultivated throughout his remaining days, his death occurring in June, 1892, while his wife died in October, 1907.
Judge Oliver was reared and educated in Missouri and when twenty-four years of age went to Colorado, where he followed mining. He also worked for a time in the employ of a Denver contractor. His residence in Colorado covered the years from 1868 until September, 1877, at which time he came to Idaho and settled on the Snake river in Oneida county, taking up his abode in that part of the county which is now Power county. He secured a preemption and a homestead and en- gaged in raising horses and cattle, continuing in the business until 1883, when the railroad was built through and the town of American Falls started. He then sold his ranch and built a hotel in the town, the structure being of logs. He con- ducted it until 1916 but in the meantime became an active factor in the commer- cial development of the community. Since 1907 he has engaged in the hardware business, and in 1915 he purchased the interest of his partner, Mr. Mckown, and has since been sole proprietor. He carries a large stock of shelf and heavy hard- ware and enjoys an extensive patronage, which is steadily growing with the fur- ther development of the community. His reasonable prices, his fair dealing and his earnest desire to please his patrons have been salient factors in his growing success.
In June, 1882, Judge Oliver was married to Miss Anna West and they have become the parents of nine children, all of whom were born in Idaho, namely: Sidney, William, Vera, Ollie, Alice, Guy, Irene and Wiley, all living; and Frank, deceased.
In his political views Judge Oliver is a democrat and for ten years he served Vol. 11-50
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as justice of the peace, thus winning the title by which he is usually known. He was also county commissioner for four years and county surveyor for two years and discharged his duties with marked capability and fidelity. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he attends the Meth- odist Episcopal church, of which he is a generous supporter. He has been familiar with his section of the state from pioneer times. He was here during the Bannock Indian war and was interested in a trading post at Ross Fork. On Christmas day the agent sent a halfbreed to Judge Oliver to tell him to get out, for the Indians were on the warpath. He hitched up his team after dark, took his family and drove all night, coming to Cassia county, where he spent the winter of 1877 but returned the following year. There was not a single white person in the district when Judge Oliver took up his abode in Power county and he has therefore wit- nessed its continuous development. The "eternal silence" has been broken by the sounds of civilization and the hum of industry as the white settlers have pen- etrated into the region and .reclaimed the district for their own uses, but no man has taken a more active or helpful part in the work of general improvement nor been a more valued and prominent citizen than Judge Oliver.
JAMES CLARENCE SIDDOWAY.
James Clarence Siddoway, president of the First State Bank of Teton, where he was born April 22, 1889, is a son of James W. and Ruth (Briggs) Siddoway, who were natives of Salt Lake City, Utah. The father followed farming in that state until 1885, when he removed to Fremont county, Idaho, which was then a part of Bingham county. He located on land near Teton, adjoining the town, and he also operated a flour mill and sawmill in connection with his farming interests. In 1902 he became an active factor in sheep raising in partnership with his son, James C. He was a real promoter and upbuilder of Teton and was a very active man throughout his business life. In 1912 he was elected to the state legislature, in which he served for one term. He won success in all that he undertook and carried for- ward to successful completion everything that he attempted. He was the president of all the ditch companies in this section, including the Siddoway Canal & Irri- gation Company, the Teton Manufacturing & Irrigation Company, the East Teton Canal Company and the Enterprise Irrigation District. He was likewise a director of the Farmers Implement Company of Rexburg. An active worker in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he was first counselor in the Teton ward bishopric and was chairman of the school board. At the time of his death he was the largest stockholder in the Teton Mercantile Company and he owned over two thousand acres of fine land. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and in addi- tion to the other offices which he filled he served as county commissioner. He passed away September 9, 1917, after an illness of six months, and is still survived by his wife. He was a most progressive and enterprising business man whose activities con- stituted a basic element in the growth and progress of the community in which he lived.
James C. Siddoway was reared and educated at Teton and also pursued a busi- ness course in Salt Lake City. In 1911 he was called to fill a mission in the eastern states and served for twenty-seven months. Upon his return in 1913 he took charge of his father's sheep interests, which he has since conducted, and he now runs six thousand head of breeding ewes and has largely bought and sold lambs, sometimes having as high as fifteen thousand head on hand. He has operated most extensively in the sheep industry and in addition is farming three hundred and fifty acres of finely improved land which he owns. He also has an interest in several other farms. In April, 1919, with others, he organized the First State Bank of Teton and became its president, with J. L. Briggs as vice president and R. C. Berry as cashier. The bank was capitalized for thirty thousand dollars and now has a surplus of three thousand dollars. Mr. Siddoway is also a stockholder and director in the Teton Mercantile Company, which he established in partnership with his uncle, F. H. Siddo- way, in the year 1898. He is likewise a stockholder and director in the Farmers Implement Company and in the Farmers' Building Company, both of Rexburg.
In October, 1917, Mr. Siddoway was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Bean and they have become parents of a son, James W., who was born September 9, 1918. Mr. Siddoway belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has been
JAMES C. SIDDOWAY
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president of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association for the past five years. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he stands loyally for every cause or interest which he believes will prove of public benefit. He is a most resourceful and forceful business man, in whose vocabulary there is no such word as fail, and his enterprise and close application have brought him prominently to the front as a leading figure in commercial, financial and agricultural circles.
JACK H. STAHL.
Jack H. Stahl, a prosperous and well known business man of Rigby, where he is joint owner and manager of the Hub Clothing Company, was born in Newark, New Jersey, in May, 1879. He is the son of Julius and Rebecca Stahl, the father being formerly from Roumania and the mother a native of New York. Very early in life Julius Stahl became obsessed with the idea of some day locating in America, and in 1869, when he was only eighteen years of age, he left his home in Rou- mania to seek his fortune on the hospitable shores of the United States. Soon after his arrival he took up his residence in Newark, New Jersey, where he even- tually established himself in the wholesale millinery business, which he followed for a number of years. He then engaged in the wholesale diamond and jewelry business 'during the remainder of his life, his death occurring in July, 1915, when he had reached the age of sixty-four years. His wife had died in April, 1912, at the age of fifty-six.
Jack H. Stahl spent his boyhood in Newark, New Jersey, and it was there that he received his early training and education. He left school at the early age of fourteen years to go to work in the postoffice at Newark and in his spare time sold newspapers on the streets of that city, thus laying the foundation of his future commercial success by rubbing shoulders with the public in the hard . school of experience. A few years later he entered the wholesale jewelry business, serving his apprenticeship under the direction of his father, and he continued in this work until 1902. At that time he realized that great opportunities for the young husi- ness man lay in the far west, and he went to Seattle, Washington, where he en- gaged in the clothing business with one concern for a period of seven years. At the end of that time his experience and success in the clothing business enabled him to assume a greater responsibility, therefore he severed his connection with the concern in Seattle and went to Portland, Oregon, where he was in the following year made manager of a chain of five clothing stores in that city, remaining in that capacity until 1917, when he decided to go into business for himself. In that year he located in Pocatello, Idaho, where he remained for a short time but later in the same year formed a partnership with Mate Block and opened a clothing store in Rigby under the firm name of the Hub Clothing Company. This store, which is now doing a flourishing business, carries a line of men's furnishings and also iadies' and children's shoes.
In March, 1912, Mr. Stahl married Sadie Tolstonage who cooperates with her husband by managing Stahl's ready-to-wear ladies' and misses' shop, which carries a large and well selected stock of ladies' and misses' cloaks, suits and ready-to-wear garments. Mr. and Mrs. Stahl are the parents of three children, Leonore R., Earl and Marion. Both the father and mother are of the Jewish faith. In politics Mr. Stahl is a republican and he takes a good citizen's interest in the policies and wel- fare of his party.
WILLIAM OBERMEYER.
William Obermeyer, one of the most prominent and successful growers of melons, grapes and other fruits in the Payette valley, is one of a family of four brothers, who have been termed the Melon Kings of Idaho. Scientific study and practical experience have made William Obermeyer thoroughly acquainted with the best methods of production of the crops to which he is now giving his attention. He has become the owner of valuable property in his section of the state and his irrigated fields and ditches are producing splendid results.
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Mr. Obermeyer was born in Plano, Kendall county, Illinois, May 26, 1886, and is the second son of Henry Obermeyer, of whom mention is made on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of his son, Lewis Obermeyer. William Ohermeyer was the first of the four brothers to come to Idaho. His youth- ful days had been passed in the Mississippi valley and his education was acquired in the public schools of his native state. He afterward spent some time in the vineyards of Michigan and in that way acquired considerahle knowledge of grape culture, his experience proving of marked value to him since he has given much attention to the development of vineyards in the vicinity of Emmett. With his re- moval to the northwest he first went to the Oregon coast in 1908 but in the spring of 1909 took up his ahode near Emmett. He secured a one hundred and sixty acre homestead in the Black canyon, four and a half miles north of Middleton, and proved up on that property, which he still owns. It is arid land with no water upon it as yet. In 1910 his elder brother, Henry Obermeyer, came to Idaho and in the fall of 1910 Lewis Obermeyer came from Illinois, while the youngest brother, John, arrived in 1913. The Ohermeyer brothers hegan fruit and melon raising in the vicinity of Emmett in 1911 and they have hecome the largest individual pro- ducers and shippers of watermelons, cantaloupes, grapes and peaches in Gem county. They are continually extending their operations and broadening their in- terests and they are the recognized leaders in this line in their section of the state. They all operate independently hut their ties of brotherhood and their mutual interests hold them in close connection, each giving to the other assistance or aid if needed.
On the 26th of July, 1918, William Ohermeyer was married to Miss Rhoda Lillian Matthiessen, who was horn in Oregon, June 10, 1900, and is of German and Scotch descent, being a daughter of Bernard and Martha (Bradley) Matthiessen, the latter a representative of an old American family.
William Obermeyer has attained high rank in Masonic circles, being a thirty- second degree Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine, and he and his wife belong to the Order of the Eastern Star. He is also an Elk, and in politics is a republi- can, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him as he has always preferred to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs. He has closely studied the condition of the soil, the opportunities for production and the question of shipment, and the careful management of his busi- ness interests is manifest in the success which is now crowning his efforts.
WALLACE B. STONE.
Wallace B. Stone, manager at Driggs for the Consolidated Wagon & Machine Company and thus identified with one of the largest and most important corporate interests of the west, was born at Ogden, Utah, in May, 1879, his parents being Henry and Louisa (Stratton) Stone, the latter also a native of Utah. The father, who was born in England, was a farmer and stock raiser during the greater part of his life. He was a lad of but fourteen years when he came with his parents to America, they having become converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were among the early Mormon settlers of Utah and in that state Henry Stone attained his majority and made his home for a long period. In 1895 he removed to Idaho, settling at Driggs, Teton county, then a part of Fremont county. He homesteaded and at once began to break the sod and develop the fields. He continued the cultivation of his farm until 1912, when he removed to Teton and retired from active husiness life. He has since enjoyed a well earned rest there and has reached the venerable age of eighty years. The mother is also living.
Wallace B. Stone pursued his education in the schools of Utah and Idaho, coming to the latter state with his parents in 1895. On attaining his majority he filed on land near Driggs in Teton county and with characteristic energy began the improvement and development of his place. He worked upon the farm for seven years and then rented his land, accepting a position with the Consolidated Wagon & Machine Company. Proving his capability in this connection, he has for the past twelve years been the manager of the business at Driggs. His long connection with the position indicates fully his business ability, his spirit of enterprise and his loy- alty to the interests entrusted to his care.
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In 1898 Mr. Stone was united in marriage to Miss Julia R. Walton, by whom he has three children: Melvin, Maurine and Hattie. Mr. Stone remains a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Politically he is a democrat and he has served for three years as a member of the city council. He was appointed postmaster of Driggs under President Wilson but did not qualify for the office, pre- ferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon business. He has made steady progress in this way and his capability and resourcefulness are widely acknowledged.
HENRY CHILES RIGGS, JR.
A student of Idaho's history cannot carry his investigations far into the rec- ords of the state without learning of the long and intimate connection of the Riggs family, whose representatives have taken active and helpful part in promoting the growth and progress of the state from the days of its earliest settlement down to the present. Henry Chiles Riggs of this review is a son and namesake' of Henry Chiles Riggs, Sr., who was one of the first settlers in this section of the state. He was born at Corvallis, Oregon, January 5, 1862, and was only two years of age when in 1864 his parents 'removed to Boise. He was a lad of nine when the family home was established in the Payette valley, near Emmett, in 1871. Through the greater part of his life he has followed ranching and the raising of live stock, al- though he early learned the painter's trade and for a time gave his attention to that and other business pursuits. In the conduct of his ranching and live stock interests be bas met with substantial success.
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