History of Idaho, the gem of the mountains, Volume III, Part 51

Author: Hawley, James Henry, 1847-1929, ed
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 926

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In November, 1914, Mr. Kunter was compelled to resign his position with F. A. Buttrey & Company on account of eye trouble which was occasioned by the nature of his work. He then located in Perry, Jefferson county, near Ririe, and there established himself in business with a bankrupt stock which he had recently purchased. Some time later he formed a partnership with H. F. Kunter, his brother, and M. B. Bundlies and together they erected a business building in Ririe to which the subject of this sketch removed his stock on February 15, 1915. The firm continued unchanged iu personnel until July, 1919, at which time Mr. Kunter and his brother purchased the interest of M. B. Bundlies in the firm, which now operates under the name of Kunter Brothers. They now carry a large, well selected stock of merchandise and are enjoying an extensive patronage. Aside from his store, Mr. Kunter has other important business interests. He is a stockholder in a bonded warehouse at Idaho Falls, of which his brother is manager. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Ririe and in the Ririe Garage, being also a director of both.

On the 30th of July, 1919, Mr. Kunter was united in marriage to Emma L. Croft and they are now making their home at Ririe, where they take a proper interest in the social affairs of the community. Mr. Kunter's religious persuasion is denoted by his membership in the Lutheran church. He prefers to exercise his right of franchise inde- pendently, yet his alignment with no political party has not prevented him from taking an active part in the public affairs of the community. For the last four and one-half years he has been clerk of the Ririe school board and during his incumbency there has been erected a new school building which represents the most recent advances in the architecture, sanitation and equipment of such structures. He is at this time also serv- ing as treasurer of the town of Ririe. Fraternally Mr. Kunter is affiliated with Boise Lodge, No. 3, I. O. O. F. A perusal of Mr. Kunter's achievements reveals the possibili- ties which an American by adoption can reach by becoming a constructive citizen of this great nation. Twenty-seven years ago he landed here a lad on the shores of a strange country, the language and customs of which he did not know; now he is a successful business man and a valuable citizen of a new community, to the development of which he is devoting his best talents.

JOSEPH S. ADAMS.

Joseph S. Adams, one of the most prominent and progressive citizens of Shelley, and owner and editor of the Shelley Pioneer, which he acquired in 1913, was born in London, England, in August, 1863, a son of Joseph and Eliza (Woodward) Adams, the former a native also of London and the latter of Cardiff, Wales. The father was an optician in his native country and followed the same business all through his life. He emigrated to America in 1893, where his son had preceded him ten years before, and located in Ogden, Utah, where he resided until his death which occurred in August,

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1915. His wife died in London some thirty-eight years before, her death taking place in 1877.

Joseph S. Adams was reared and educated in London, and later became an apprentice to the printing trade in that city. In 1883, he decided to try his fortune in the new world and emigrated to the United States, locating on arrival in Ogden, Utah, where he found employment on the old Ogden Herald and some time later going to the Ogden Standard. Later he became connected with the Salt Lake City Herald, engaged in the mechanical department of that paper. In 1895 Mr. Adams removed to Fremont county, Idaho, and located at St. Anthony, where he was associated with Ben F. Rich in the publication of the Silver Hammer, and in the following year, 1896, he moved the plant to Rexburg, continuing the publication of the Silver Standard until 1904. He then became manager of the Courant Journal at Rexburg, continuing in that position for some time. With his brother, W. H. Adams, he then started the Rexburg Standard, and later published the Sugar City Times for about four years. In 1913, Mr. Adams moved to Shelley, Bingham county, and bought out the Shelley Pioneer, which he has been conducting ever since. When he acquired this paper it consisted of four pages, which he gradually increased until he brought it up to its present size of ten pages. The paper enjoys a wide patronage and has a circulation in excess of five hundred, while the jobbing section secures a goodly share of the commercial printing of Shelley and surrounding district.

In 1884 Mr. Adams was united in marriage to Ada Robinson and they became the parents of five children as follows: May, the wife of Emmet C. Walker, of Salt Lake, and they have three children; Joseph H., a rancher, who is married and has two chil- dren; Rose, wife of Bert Haight, living at Salt Lake, and they are the parents of three children; Pearl, who is the wife of Warren Blake, of Sugar City, and has three children; and Henry, who died in 1895. Mrs. Ada Adams died in 1894, and in December of the same year Mr. Adams was married to Frances Cole, and to them have been born nine children, namely: George W., who has charge of the mechanical department of the American Falls Press; Earl T., who served for over two years in the aviation service during the war with Germany, being attached to the Thirteenth Aero Squadron; Susie, wife of James Rindfelisch; Clyde R., who married Vera Oler, foreman of the mechanical department of the Shelley Pioneer; LeRoy, who served fourteen months with the marines during the World war; Arvilla and Irene, attending school, and Frank, aged four. One child died in infancy.

Mr. Adams is a republican but conducts his paper as an independent organ. He nevertheless takes an active part in political affairs, at the same time not aspiring to public office. He served as school trustee for three years in Shelley and was clerk of the school board for two years. Mr. Adams helped to open the Montana mission of the Latter-day Saints church and has had charge of the Shelley second ward choir since 1914. He is very well known all over the state, and has been acquainted with all its governors from Governor Hunt down. Mr. Adams was entertainer for the Eastern Idaho Press Club, and has given and continues to give of his time and ability to projects calculated to serve the best interests of the community in which he resides and where his worth and character as a citizen are fully established.

WILLIAM J. CHANDLER.

William J. Chandler, postmaster of Ririe, and publisher of the Ririe Press, was born in Samaria, Idaho, March 25, 1885, a son of J. J. and Mary A. (Williams) Chandler, early settlers of Jefferson county, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work. It was in Willard, Utah, that William J. Chandler began his elementary educa- tion, which he finished in the schools of Logan, Utah. After the removal of the family to Idaho, he entered Ricks Academy at Rexburg, and there pursued his studies until his graduation, after which he became a student in the State Normal School at Albion, Idaho, in order to prepare himself for teaching. On the completion of the teacher's training course, Mr. Chandler came to Jefferson county, where he taught school for a period of five years. He then became a salesman in the Quality store of Rigby and soon proved his worth in the mercantile business, so that the management of the concern selected him to take charge of a branch store which had just been established in the town of Ririe. He carried on the business to the complete satisfaction of his employers until July 1, 1919, when the building and stock of goods were destroyed by

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fire. Then he entered business on his own account and purchased the Ririe Press, August 12, 1919. He has continued the publication of this newspaper, which is promised many prosperous years under his management. Since he hecame its owner he has improved the printing plant, increased the circulation and the amount of advertising, all of which is making the paper a valuable factor in the business and social affairs of the community. While still manager of the Ririe branch of the Quality store, Mr. Chandler was appointed postmaster in April, 1916, and has since served in that capacity. He is also a member of the firm which operates the Ririe Garage, being vice president of the company.

In June, 1908, Mr. Chandler was united in marriage to Mary N. Call, a daughter of Josiah Call, the vice president of the First National Bank of Ririe, whose biographical sketch is included in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Chandler have become the parents of six children, namely: Leah, Helen, Verna, Wilson, Lura and Samuel. They are mem- bers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and are rearing their children in that faith. For a number of years Mr. Chandler has taken a very active part in the affairs of his denomination. For twenty-five months he was a missionary in Illinois and after his return to Jefferson county, he became superintendent of the Righy stake Sunday school, in which capacity he served for several years. Soon after he came to Ririe, he resumed his wonted activities in the affairs of that ward and subsequently was made first counselor to Bishop David Ririe. Mr. Chandler's efforts in behalf of his church have recently been rewarded by being made bishop of the Ririe ward, to which office he was elected August 3, 1919.

Mr. Chandler is a democrat and is now serving as clerk of the village of Ririe. As a citizen of the state and nation he has an understanding of problems of public policy which makes him a valuable man of his time. His good business sense, neigh- borliness and civic spirit determine for him a prominent place in the affairs of his community.

MICHAEL A. STRONK.

Michael A. Stronk, postmaster at Twin Falls, was born in Jefferson, Greene county, Iowa, February 28, 1878, a son of Peter and Katherine (Heck) Stronk. His education was acquired in the schools of his native state and he was reared to the 'occupation of farming, which claimed his attention through the period of his youth and early man- hood. He afterward became interested in farm lands and he is now one of the part- ners in the Keel, Wilkison, Stronk Lumber Company of Twin Falls. His business inter- ests have been carefully and wisely directed, bringing him a substantial measure of success.

On the 18th of September, 1900, Mr. Stronk was married to Miss Rose Scheuring, a daughter of Valentine and Barbara (Link) Scheuring. Their children are three in number, Eleanor, Agnes and Alfred. The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Stronk belongs to the Knights of Columbus. He is also con- nected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and in 1910 he entered upon a two years' term as county com- missioner, while since April, 1915, he has filled the position of postmaster at Twin Falls, now occupying the office for the second term.

WILFORD_M. CHRISTENSEN.

Wilford M. Christensen, the well-known manager of the Idaho Grain & Produce Company of Shelley, and owner of a substantial farm of two hundred and forty acres, is a native of Hyrum, Utah, born October 24, 1879 and is a son of Niels and Christena (Andersen) Christensen, both natives of the kingdom of Denmark. The father was a farmer in the old country until 1862, when he emigrated to the United States. Going to Utah, he took up a tract of land near Hyrum, which he improved and cultivated, and continued to operate that place up to the time of his death, which occurred in July. 1881. Before coming to America, he was called on to fill a mission in Denmark for the Mormon church and later he held the office of high priest. His widow is still Ilving in Shelley and is now aged seventy-six years.

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Wilford M. Christensen was reared and educated at Hyrum, Utah. In 1893 he and three of his brothers removed to Bingham county, Idaho, and bought two hundred and forty acres of land, which they operated until 1900, when Wilford M. Christensen was called to fill a mission to Denmark on behalf of his church. He labored in that country in the mission field for nearly two years and one-half, at the end of which time he resumed farming with one of his brothers, and this arrangement continued for about three years, at the end of this period, dividing up the land between them. In 1897 they had bought one hundred and sixty acres, which he has continued to farm ever since. Recently, he rented that place to a tenant and bought eighty acres near Shelley, which he now operates and which is one of the best kept places in the district.

In 1903 Mr. Christensen was called as member of the high council of Blackfoot stake, and acted in that capacity until 1906, when he was selected as bishop of Goshen ward and continued in that office until 1914. In the latter year he was called to the stake presidency of Shelley stake, as second counsellor. He moved from Goshen to Shelley in the fall of 1918 and was appointed manager of the Idaho Grain & Produce Company and has been a stockholder in the company since 1914. He owns two hundred and forty acres of irrigated land, which is devoted to general farming.

On October 14, 1904, Mr. Christensen was united in marriage to Harriett B. Bates, and they have become the parents of seven children, namely: Leatha, born September 17, 1905; Harriett L., May 11, 1907; Alice A., April 24, 1909; Genevieve C., April 24, 1911; Dennis W., June 7, 1915; Georgia, February 24, 1917, and Jean, May 12, 1919.

Mr. Christensen served as trustee of Goshen townsite, and was a member of the board of county commissioners in 1917-18. He is a stockholder in the Shelley Mercantile Company; a stockholder and director of the First National Bank of Shelley, and inter- ested in other commercial enterprises. He is a supporter of the republican party but has never been a seeker after office, preferring to devote his attention to his various business interests. His church affiliation is with the Latter-day Saints, in the affairs of which he has always been active and prominent.

OLE P. JENSEN.

Ole P. Jensen, the present postmaster of Shelley, and formerly justice of the peace, needs no special introduction to the people of Bingham county, in view of the long number of years he has resided among them. He was born near Omaha, Nebraska, in June, 1863, a son of Peter and Maria (Jacobsen) Jensen, natives of Denmark, who emigrated to the United States in 1863. On arriving in this country, the parents went to Omaha by rail, and in that city the father bought an outfit and a team of oxen with which he drove across the plains to Salt Lake City. In the fall of that year the family located in Cache county, Utah, but in the spring of 1864 settled in Bear Lake county, Idaho, where Peter Jensen took up a tract of land, which he improved and developed, making it one of the best farms in the district, and on this place he continued his agricultural operations for the remainder of his life, his death occurring in February, 1911. His-widow survived him two years, her death taking place in February, 1913. Mr. Jensen was a bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for eighteen years.

Ole P. Jensen was reared on his father's farm and educated in the schools of Bear Lake county. He then learned the blacksmith trade, at which he continued to work for several years. in addition to farming. In 1892 he sold out and moved to Bingham county and later located in Iona, where he put up a blacksmith shop and operated same until the spring of 1894, when he removed to Shelley and bought a relinquishment one and a quarter miles east of the town, there conducting a blacksmith shop for a short time. He developed and improved his holding and some time later took stock in the Snake River Valley Canal. He helped to build this waterway, the time occupied in getting water to his place being eight years. He also helped to build the high line ditch. He succeeded in bringing his land to a high state of cultivation and continued to operate the place until May, 1916, when he was appointed postmaster of Shelley by President Wilson, his son taking his place on the farm and carrying on its operations ever since.

In October, 1887, Mr. Jensen was united in marriage to Eliza Whitehead, and they have become the parents of six children, namely: Hazen N., assistant postmaster at Shelley; Alba, wife of Oliver Humphrys, a rancher, living two miles from Shelley; Meryl, a clerk in the postoffice; Vernzel, operating the home farm, and Gladys and Marple at home.

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Mr Jensen is a warm supporter of the democratic party and active in its hehalf. He served one term in Shelley as justice of the peace. His religious affiliation is with the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints. In November, 1887, he left for South Carolina, where he was called to fill a mission, and was thus engaged for two years, returning home in November, 1889. Mr. Jensen enjoys the confidence and esteem of the citizens of his home city, where he has established himself as a man of character and prohity.

SCOTT GUDMUNSEN.

Business activity in Burley finds a substantial representative in Scott Gudmun- sen, who is conducting a real estate and insurance agency. He is a young man, alert and enterprising, constantly watching out for favorable opportunities, of which he wisely takes advantages. He early recognized the fact that industry is the basis of all honorable success and is making industry the basic element of his business career.

Idaho numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Iona on the 31st of March, 1892, his parents being Isaac and Fannie M. Gudmunsen. His boyhood days were largely spent at Idaho Falls and his education was acquired in the schools of Iona and in the Rexburg Academy. In 1908 he removed to Burley and entered upon a mercantile career in connection with his father and three brothers, Ray, Irel and Reed, the store being established on Overland avenue. In 1910 Scott Gudmunsen withdrew from the firm to engage in the real estate business, opening an office in the Deardorff building on Overland avenue. In 1915 he purchased the husi- ness of the Empire Land Company in the National Hotel block and removed to new quarters. Six months later he made another removal to the Tonningson building at the corner of Overland and Main streets, where he now has a main floor office, well equipped. He has gained a very large clientage since starting out independently in business, and, like the others of the Gudmunsen family, has contributed in substan- tial measure to the business development and upbuilding of Burley. His father was for many years active in the business life of the city but is now living retired. How. ever, he is still the owner of the Gudmunsen block and also of a large building on Albion avenue.

In 1907 Mr. Gudmunsen was married to Miss Maud Bassett, a daughter of Thomas E. and Laura A. (Lutz) Bassett, the former a native of Wales, while the latter was born in Smithfield, Utah. The hirth of Mrs. Gudmunsen occurred in Rexburg, Idaho, and by her marriage she has become the mother of four children: Denis and Doro- thy, at home; Margaret G., who died in November, 1918, at the age of two and a half years; and Scott, Jr., born March 6, 1920.

Mr. Gudmunsen gives his political support to the republican party and fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. For three years he was secretary of the fair association and through this and many other avenues has contributed to the development and improvement of the section in which he lives. He is keenly interested in everything that has to do with public progress, and his cooperation can always be counted upon to further those plans and projects which are put forth for the general good.

ALVIN CASEY.

Alvin Casey, manager of the wholesale grocery house of Oakes & Company at Twin Falls, is dominated by the progressive spirit which has been the chief source of rapid growth and development in Idaho. In this connection he is contributing in marked measure to the commercial development of his adopted city. He was born in Boulder, Illinois, in 1883 and is a son of Matthew and Amanda Casey. He was but nine years of age when in 1892 he accompanied his parents on their removal to the northwest with Boise as their destination. The city schools afforded him his educational privileges and when his public school course was completed he attended Rhoades Business College. He started upon his commercial career as an employe in the grocery house of E. H. Plowhead, with whom he continued for ten years, during which time he thoroughly acquainted himself with every phase of the business. In 1913 he accepted a position

SCOTT GUDMUNSEN

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with the firm of Oakes & Company of Boise, entering their employ as a stock clerk. He worked his way steadily upward, his capability winning him advancement, and on the 12th of March, 1916, he came to Twin Falls to accept his present position, that of general manager of the wholesale house of the firm at this point. The business was first established in the Fruit Growers building, but in the spring of 1918 a new building was completed, having a floor space of twenty-five thousand square feet. The business was removed thereto and the trade has steadily grown. Mr. Casey does everything in his power to please the many customers of the house and his progressive methods and his reliability have been salient features in the attainment of success.

In 1903 Mr. Casey was united in marriage to Miss Nora Davisson, a daughter of Frank and Sarah M. (Lester) Davisson and a native of Missouri. In her girlhood days, however, she accompanied her parents to Boise and has since been a resident of Idaho.

In politics Mr. Casey is a democrat and keeps well informed concerning the political conditions and the vital problems of the day. He has never sought nor desired office, for his business affairs have claimed his undivided attention. He has done with thor- oughness everything that he has undertaken and, closely studying every question relative to the grocery trade, has steadily worked his way upward until his position is now one of large responsibility.

JOSEPH NELSON DAVIS, M. D.

Dr. Joseph Nelson Davis, displaying marked efficiency in the treatment of disease and enjoying an extensive practice at Kimberly, was born in southern Kansas on the 23d of June, 1882, his parents being Jacob E. and Melissa J. (Glascock) Davis. His boyhood days were passed in his native state and his education was largely acquired in the schools of Elk Falls and Kansas State Agricultural College. A review of the broad field of business with its countless opportunities led him to the determination to make the practice of medicine his life work and with that end in view he entered the medical department of Washington College at Topeka, Kansas, where he pursued his preparatory work, and later he took post graduate work in Chicago. He was thus well qualified for the active practice of medicine and after a time returned to Independence, Kansas, where he remained for three years, practicing his profession during that period. He later removed to Hudson, Wyoming, where he practiced for two years, and in 1912 he removed to Elk City, Idaho, where he continued for eighteen months. In 1913 he opened an office in Kimberly and through the intervening period has enjoyed an extensive practice, for the public has come to recognize him as one of the able physicians and surgeons in this part of the state.

In 1910 Dr. Davis was married to Miss Cora Edith McNutt, a native of Missouri and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew McNutt. They now have one child, Margaret. Dr. Davis is a republican in his political views and in Masonry has attained the Knight Templar degree and is a Shriner. His profession gives him ample opportunity to practice the beneficent teachings of the craft, of which he is a worthy and exemplary follower.

CHARLEY CHANDLER BOWERMAN.

Charley Chandler Bowerman, classed with the most progressive business men of Pocatello, is owner of a large lumberyard and in connection with lumber handles every- thing in the building line. He has advanced to a commanding position in commercial circles by reason of the progressive methods he has followed and the wise use he has made of his opportunities. Mr. Bowerman is a native of Coldwater, Michigan, born January 27, 1878. and is a son of Thomas Henry and Elizabeth (Daken) Bowerman. The family was founded in America in 1632 by ancestors who came from England and landed at Boston. Later settlement was made in Canada by the three brothers who had first come to the new world. During the War of 1812 a great-aunt of C. C. Bower- man of this review rowed a party across the Detroit river in a dugout in order to save them from being captured by the British. His father, Thomas Henry Bowerman, was born in Detroit, Michigan, and for many years was engaged in business as a carriage maker. He died in 1913, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife, a native of Niagara

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History of Idaho, the gem of the mountains, Volume III, Part 51

Author: Hawley, James Henry, 1847-1929, ed Publication date: 1920 Publisher: Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company Number of Pages: 926

Author: Hawley, James Henry, 1847-1929, ed
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 926