History of Benton County, Oregon, Part 67

Author: David D. Fagan
Publication date: 1885
Publisher:
Number of Pages:

USA > Oregon > Benton County > History of Benton County, Oregon > Part 67

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In April, 1882, the mill passed into the hands of its present proprietor by whom it is conducted with satisfaction to customers.

PHILOMATH PRECINCT has its northern boundary formed by the North Fork of Mary's river where it leaves the Coast Range to a point near the residence of Jeremiah · Lilly, and a line produced eastward from that point; thence it extends south to the southern boundary of township twelve south, a distance of nine miles; thence from Muddy creek and a line produced north from its mouth, extending westward to the summit of the Coast Range, a distance of about twelve iniles. Speaking generally, it is bounded on the north by King's Valley and a portion of Soap Creek precincts, on the south by Willamette precinct, on the east by Corvallis precinct, and on the west by Tum Tum precinct.

The North Fork of Mary's river flows along the northern boundary of the pre- cinct, and while its general course is easterly, it makes long bends to the north and

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south until within two or three miles of the eastern boundary, when it turns abruptly to the south, to a point near the center of the precinct, where it is joined from the southwest by the South Fork of the same stream, thence flowing easterly towards the Willamette. The South Fork has its source in the Coast Range, a little south of Mary's Peak, its course being northeast ; while, Hinkle's creek springs into life on and around the eastern face of Mary's Peak, and running east, joins the South Fork.

That portion of Philomath precinct that lies to the east of the river in the locality where it takes its southward detour, and which is the northeastern corner of the divis- ion of the county now under consideration, consists of high bold hills, interspersed with patches of timber and brush, but covered with luxuriant grass which gives unstinted feed to stock; the land embraced in the bend of the river, mentioned above, is similar in description and comprises the Keys place, now in the possession of John Rickard. South of the river and east of the South Fork is a long ridge whose trend corresponds with the general course of the South Fork, and while its western side is precipitous almost to the waters' edge, its eastern slope gradually descends to Muddy creek. Here are several good foot-hill farms. Along Mary's river are some excellent bottom lands; and on the South Fork the tracts are excellent though proscribed, a goodly portion of the cultivable lands being situated in the foot hills. A large proportion of the lands in the vicinage of this stream is amylacious hence the name "Greasy " by which the South Fork is popularly known. Extending south from the North Fork and westward of the South Fork, is a tract of broken land lying on the flank of the Coast Range and up the side of Mary's Peak, which in places is comparatively level and suitable for reclamation; but the greater portion of it is heavily timbered, the trees being of a small size however, fitted only for rails.

Where the South Fork emerges from its mountain sanctuary there stands the old Huffman mill; while that of Ichabod Hinkle is located on the stream which bears his name; that of Charles Logsdon being near the confluence of the North and South Forks. The power used in these is entirely water, the logs being floated down the river.

The road from Corvallis to Newport, on Yaquina bay, passes through the precinct, while that from Alsea valley to the town of Philomath has its course along the South Fork, there being yet another highway going due south from the town. Situated three miles south of Philomath is Independent school-house; besides which there are two others in the precinct, namely, that on the South Fork, the Wrenn school-house with which is joined a portion of King's Valley precinct, the district school at Pilomath, and the College.

Philomath was one of the earliest settled portions of Benton county. The first to take up land within the boundaries of the present precinct was Adam E. Wimple, who in the year 1845 located the property situated some two miles and a half east of the town of Philomath, and at present owned by S. K. Brown. In that year, too, there came Alexander Leggitt and his son Elijah Leggitt; while in 1846 the late Hon. Wayman St. Clair took up the land which he so long occupied, as did also Nicholas Ownby, Joseph Hughard and mayhap some others whose names are not now remem- bered. In 1847 William Wyatt came to what is now Philomath precinct, passed his first winter with Mr. St. Clair, subsequently leased land; and finally, in November, 1850, took up the donation claim on which he still resides, one mile from the town,

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while William Matzger pitched his tent not far off from him. In 1848 the late Eldridge Hartless located the claim on which he died, September 1, 1882, and Jasper Newton and his parents effected a domicile in the section. In 1849 the Beales family took up their residence in the section ; while in 1850 S. K. Brown, having sold his property in what is now Willamette precinct, located two miles and a half southeast from where the town now stands. In the year of 1852 we learn of the arrival of Silas N. Lilly, and in 1853 of William Pearson, Ichabod B. Henkle Jacob Henkle, Jeremiah Henkle and John Akin.

The first school opened in the precinct was taught in the summer of 1849 by Mrs. Matilda Stewart, daughter of John Grimsley, who came to Oregon at the same time as did Mr. Wyatt, in 1847. The vacant house in which instructions was abandoned upon the building of a district school house upon the land now owned by Lou Houck, in 1852, the first teacher being Silas Newcomb. In 1857 the United Brethren erected the hall now the property of the Grange, and in which services were held up till 1873, when it passed into the possession of that Society.

The district known as Pleasant Valley was originally settled by the Ownby family who located on the land now occupied by C. B. Wells, while subsequently Mr. Hanson took up his residence where the Philomath sawmill is now located, and in 1852 a Mr. Knowlton settled where Mr. Gray now resides. In the year following Jacob Henkle went on the place at present the home of Mr. Kittson, and in 1856 the first school in the little vale was opened and taught by J. D. Wood, the building being constructed of logs and stood on the land of Mr. Henkle, near the bank of Mary's river. It was succeeded in 1857 by a frame erection, standing on Mr. Gray's property, and in 1872 or 1873, to its present location.

PHILOMATH.

The town of Philomath derives its name from the erudition of Mr. T. J. Conner, who thus called, we are informed, as it was a " Lover of Learning." It stands on the road from Corvallis to Newport, on Yaquina bay, being seven miles from the former, and half a mile to the north of Mary's river. It has the advantage of being in the line of the Oregon Pacific Railroad, and stands on a gently sloping site.

Philomath was laid out in the year 1865, on the donation claim of David Hender- son, which was purchased by the United Brethren church, and a portion of the three hundred and twenty acres partitioned into blocks and lots for building purposes, the remainder being set apart as farm lots of five and ten acres in extent, with this purpose in view, that while persons moving thither to send their children to school, they could at the same time contribute toward their support. A tract of equal size has since been purchased, and similarly laid out, making an eastern addition to the original town ; while it may be remarked that the deeds to property within the limits of the estate of the church prohibits the sale of intoxicating liquors forever.

It is not our purpose here to give a history of the Philomath College; such will be found on page 359 of this work; suffice to say in this place that it sprung from a proposition made to the United Brethren that the citizens living in the vicinity of the present town would donate the sum of seventeen thousand five hundred dollars towards enclosing a college and erecting a suitable building, if such an institution

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would be located there. The proposition was duly accepted and the arrangements noted above proceeded with.

In the year 1882 the town of Philomath was incorporated in accordance with the laws of the State of Oregon, the first officers to serve being :

1882 .- W. T. Bryan, Mayor ; Julius Brownson, Recorder ; J. H. Grant, Marshal ; J. L. Akin, Treasurer; and a Council of six members.

1883 .- W. T. Bryan, Mayor; L. A. Price, Recorder ; Silas Gilman, Marshal ; J. L. Akin, Treasurer ; J. E. Henkle, J. A. Henkle, J. T. Harris, J. E. Gleason, T. J. Wilcox, E. D. Hamilton, Common Council.

1884 .- Prof. Henry Sheak, Mayor ; W. T. A. H. Boles, Recorder ; O. M. Frink, Marshal ; J. L. Akin, Treasurer ; J. E. Henkle, L. N. Price, E. L. Dixon, N. W. Allen, E. D. Hamilton, T. J. Wilcox, Common Council.

We will now draw attention to the manufacturing industries of Philomath pre- cinct.

HAWKINS' SAW MILL .- This mill is located about one mile to the west of the town of Philomath, on the South Fork of Mary's river, and was erected in 1878 or the following year by David Enos. In 1881 it was purchased by Messrs. Hawkins and Logston, and was carried on by them until November, 1884, when it passed into the hands of the first named gentleman. It has a capacity of about six thousand feet of lumber per day, which is manufactured chiefly from red and yellow fir, and gives employment for four workmen.

HENKLE'S SAW MILL .- This establishment is situated four miles westward from Philomath, and had its first start on the South Fork of Mary's river. It has had many vicissitudes, having been once destroyed by fire, in 1872, and twice re-built. It has a capacity of about ten thousand feet per day, chiefly fir timber, for which a ready market is found in Philomath, Corvallis, and the surrounding country.

MOORE'S SAW MILL .- This mill has its location at the head of Pleasant Valley, seven and a half miles from Philomath, and was erected in the year 1865 by Jesse Hoffman. In 1884 it passed into the hands of Francis Moore, its present owner, and has a capacity of six hundred feet per day.

FELGER'S GRIST MILL .- On the North Fork of Mary's river, about one mile west from the town of Philomath, is this establishment. It was built in 1854 by Messrs. Hartless and Matzger, and is a frame building three stories in height and covering a space of thirty-six by forty-eight feet. From its original proprietors it passed into the hands of Thomas Reader and William Pearson, the former of whom, in 1867, sold his interest to the present owner, and he having purchased the share of the latter, in 1869, thus became the sole proprietor of the mill. It has a capacity of about seventy-five barrels of flour in the twenty-four hours, and is conducted by Mr. Felger entirely for custom trade.

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CHAPTER XLIX.

SOAP CREEK, KING'S VALLEY AND SUMMIT PRECINCTS.

SOAP CREEK PRECINCT is situated in the northeastern portion of Benton county, and extends from its northern boundary southward to Corvallis precinct, a distance of about four miles, and from the Willamette river on the east, to King's Valley on the west. Along the course of the Willamette is a strip of timber consisting, chiefly, of cottonwood, fir, ash, and maple, with a thick undergrowth of hazle and vine maple. The soil in this section is of a rich alluvial nature, and whenever brought into cultiva- tion, is most prolific in its yield. In the country, not in the vicinity of the river, the precinct is made up principally of rolling hills interspersed with fertile valleys and open prairie.

The stream from which the precinct takes its name has its source in a range of hills located in its southwest corner, and after flowing in a northeasterly direction, joins the Willamette not far from the northeast corner. In the vicinage of its head-waters, the lands along its margin are contracted with timber-clad hills rising on either hand, but, at a distance of three or four miles, it opens out into a level plain skirted with a narrow belt of wood. The soil, along the stream, is of a black sticky nature, producing abundantly when properly worked. Indeed the whole precinct is admirably adapted to the cultivation of the cereals, while the indiginous grasses always afford an abun- dance of pasture the year through, so that stock-raising is among the most profitable of its interests. More especially was this the case some years ago before so much of the virgin lands had been brought under cultivation by the arable farmer. The price of land varies from ten to thirty dollars per acre.

At the head of Soap Creek and along the Willamette, fir timber is abundant, while on the hill sides there are still many splendid groves awaiting the woodman's ax. Most of the slopes produce an excellent quantity of oak, but unfortunately there is no saw mill in the precinct where these various kinds of wood can be manufactured into lum- ber, the greater portion of which, for building purposes, being obtained from the King's Valley mills. Still, the precinct possesses a good mill site near the head of Soap creek, with excellent water power, an unfailing supply of timber, and a good market.

The thoroughfares through the precinct are various, a road from Corvallis follow- ing the windings of the Willamette to Albany, in Linn county; another branch from that just mentioned, to the town of Independence, in Polk county ; along the foot hills is a road to Monmouth, with a branch to Lewisville, also in Polk county; while there are numerous crossways running east and west, the main highways having a north and south direction. The West Side division of the Oregon and California Railroad passes through the precinct with a depot at Wells, eleven miles from the county seat, which

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possesses a post-office, a general store, a grain warehouse, a blacksmith shop and an Evangelical church. Strange to say there is no saloon, the sale of intoxicating liquors being prohibited by a stipulation in all the original deeds. About two miles east of Wells station the Baptists own a neat church edifice situated on a slight eminence and commanding an extensive view of the surrounding country.

The first settlers in the precinct were Arnold Fuller, who pitched his tent on the south bank of Soap creek in the spring of 1846, on what is now known as the Simpson place; while about the same time David Carson took up his residence within its present bounds. That season too came Thomas M. Read who located the place he now occu- pies, while directly to the east of him D. D. Stroud took up his abode. In that year there also came to the precinct Talbot Carter, who has represented the county in the Legislature of the State, David Stump, Robert W. Russell, Smilie Carter, J. S. Halter, Green Berry Smith Johanon Carter, Francis Writsman and others probably, whose names we have been unable to learn.

The first house erected in the precinct was in the spring of 1846, by David Stump, who located it near Soap creek at a point about eight miles and a half due north from what was then the town of Marysville, but is now Corvallis, while the second, it is thought, that was raised was that of David Carson, followed by that of Green Berry Smith.

Among the arrivals in Soap Creek precinct in the year 1847, were Frank Writs- man, whose original claim is now occupied by his family; D. D. Davis took up the six hundred and forty acre tract adjoining to the south; and Thomas Taylor, a claim on what is now known as the river road. Of the others who came in 1847 we have heard of John Wiles, Munroe Hodges, Drury Hodges, Savage Morgan, Anthony Roberts and Jehial Carter. In the fall of this year the first school-house in the precinct was erected.

It is not remembered that there was any material addition to the settlement in 1848, but in the spring of 1849, Mark Cahoon settled next to Mr. Read, while in 1850, Jermiah Lewis located himself about one mile and a half southeast from Mr. Read, and Lewis Morris took up land about a mile in a northeasterly direction from that gentle- man. There located too in this year John Bradley, at present a resident of California. Alfred Writsman, and W. H. Johnson, James Gingles, a former member of the State Legislature, and still a prominent resident of the precinct settled there in 1851; in the following year there coming, James McAffee, John J. Haskins and Isaac Sheets ; while, in 1853, Charles A. Williams cast his lot in that section of country.

These men have all been a power in the community, ever taking high grounds, and being foremost in every work tending to the improvement of society.

Who of the " old timers " is there that does not remember Tampico, situated just south of the old Soap creek crossing on the old pack trail. A quarter of a century ago this was a place of considerable importance and famous for the "high jinks " held within its bar-rooms. But the glory of Tampico has departed, and for. years past it has been a pasture for browsing cattle and nibbling sheep; only a few dilapidated houses remain. Ichabod ! Ichabod !

What is known as Gingle's School-house lies about a mile east of Wells Station, while the Halter School-house is situated in the hills a few miles west from Albany and near the ferry.

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It may be stated, in conclusion, that there is still an opportunity for taking up a few Homesteads in the western portion of Soap Creek precinct.

KING'S VALLEY PRECINCT commences at the northern boundary of the county and extends to Mary's river on the south, about eight miles in length and from the emin- ence known as Norton Hill, on the road to Yaquina bay, to the divide between the waters of the Willamette and Luckiamute, an average width of about eight miles, its actual boundaries being the county line on the north, Philomath precinct on the south, Soap creek on the east, and Summit precinct on the west.

In an almost impenetrable jungle in the northwest, amid the Coast Range of mountains, the Luckiamute river rises and after flowing in an easterly direction, enters the northwest corner of the precinct, and reaching near its center, there turns suddenly to the north, forming King's Valley, it ultimately leaving the precinct near the central northern portion.

King's Valley is about six miles in length with a width of about two miles, and in the days of its first settlement was considered second to none as a luxuriant pasture- ground for stock, a notoriety which it still maintains as a grain producing section of the county.

In the northwest, running due north and south, in the bend of the Luckiamute, is a chain of hills, more or less open and mostly covered with fern, which affords most nutricious pasturage for cattle and sheep, besides which, a considerable portion is cultivable, yielding to its highest points good winter wheat. Lying to the east of the valley and running north and south, is a high ridge that forms the dividing line betwee the waters of the Luckiamute and Willamette rivers which extends to a point within three miles of the North Fork of Mary's river, where a spur shoots off in a southeasterly direction, while the main divide turns abruptly to the west, joining the divide between the Luckiamute and the North Fork thus completely hemming in King's Valley with the single exception of the embouchure to the north.

On either side of the North Fork of Mary's river is some excellent valley land the extent capable of cultivation extending high up on the slopes, while the smaller valleys on each hand are fertile and fruitful.

In regard to the settlement of King's Valley precinct, the honer of first locating within its boundaries is accorded to Nahum King who, with his family, arrived there in the year 1846, and located on the property now owned by the Chambers heirs and M. J. Conner. About the same time Rowland Chambers, Mr. King's son-in-law, set- tled, while Lucius Norton and his two sons also settled in the valley. The next to arrive was James Watson, in 1847, who purchased from Sol. King, the land now owned by his family. There came then, too, L. Vanbebber and family, who located about two miles east from Mr. Watson ; while, about 1848, Mr. Hayworth and family fixed his abode on the farm now in the possession of Mr. Vanbebber. In 1850, Wash- ington Patterson located where T. F. Alexander at present resides.

The first school was taught in the valley in 1849, in a log building, now among the things that were, that stood where the Evangelical Church is, this latter edifice being erected in the year 1877. It was built by subscription and is a frame building about thirty-six by fifty feet in dimensions.

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In 1856, there was established on the place where S. P. Frantz now resides, the military station of Fort Hoskins, where a company of troops were quartered until about the close of the year 1863. The prime mover in its organization was Captain (now General) Auger. Here in 1857 a sutler's store was opened, and in 1868 a store was erected on the site of that now standing. It was kept by C. G. Nelson and after passing through various hands, is the property of William L. Price.

CHAMBERS GRIST MILL .- This mill is situated on the Luckiamute and was originally built by Messrs. Chambers and Runnels and is still the property of the widow of the first named gentleman. Here is a store, blacksmith's shop and the post- office.

KING'S VALLEY SAW AND PLANING MILL .- This enterprise is located on the Luckiamute, on the west side of King's Valley, and was built in 1875 by S. P. Frantz and P. F. Stone. At the end of two years the latter sold out to Joseph Conner and in 1883 it passed wholly into the hands of Frantz Brothers the present proprietors. The capacity of the mill is ten thousand feet per day, and gives employment to six men. There is a planer attached to it, the wood used being principally fir.

SUMMIT PRECINCT lies between the Yaquina country and Mary's river, extends from the county line on the north to the divide between the Yaquina and Little Elk rivers, and prolonged eastward on a coresponding line to Mary's river, and from east to west from the top of Norton Hill to the mouth of the Little Elk, being in the vicin- ity of six miles in length and about twelve in width. It is actually bounded on the north by the county line, on the south by Tum Tum precinct, on the west by Elk City precinct, and on the east by King's Valley precinct. Not far from its northeastern corner the Yaquina river enters Summit precinct, and running in a southwesterly direction for between two and three miles through a deep gorge in the mountains, when the country becomes more open and the bottoms wider, and flowing onwards leaves the precinct at its southwestern corner.

Entering the precinct from the northeast, a little to the east of the central point of its northern line and extending about a mile into it is Rock creek, the valley of which is about four miles in length and a quarter of a mile in width, flanked on either hand by low open hills. Between this point and the Siletz Reservation, which is some two miles from the western boundary of the precinct, there is but little bottom land ; but on the North Fork, which comes in from the north in the vicinity of the line of the Reservation, is a wide bushy bottom which is easily capable of reclamation. Steer and Brush creeks both join Rock creek near the lower end of the valley, the former making its entry from the northeast and the latter from the southeast. On each of these streams are good bottom lands.

Midway between Rock creek and the Yaquina is a ridge of considerable altitude, running parallel with them, the hills on either side of which becoming gradually lower until the streams are attained. These are for the most part open and stock may roam about at will. After the Yaquina emerges from its mountain fastness we have some narrow bottom lands that are under cultivation, while the numerous small tributaries that join the Yaquina from the north and south all have along their margins good 59+

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WALLING-LITH-PORTLAND,OR.

CORVALLIS FROM

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CEMETERY HILL.

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History of Benton County, Oregon, Part 67

Author: David D. Fagan Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Number of Pages:

Author: David D. Fagan
Publication date: 1885
Publisher:
Number of Pages: