USA > Oregon > History of Oregon, Vol. II > Part 28
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residing at Monmouth, having attained the venerable age of ninety-one years. Her reminiscences of the early days are most interesting and she is widely known and uni- versally honored and esteemed.
The son, J. M. Powell, pursued his education in the schools of Linn and Polk counties and later entered Christian College at Monmouth, from which he was gradu- ated In 1873 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In 1881 the degree of Master of Arts was conferred by the same institution. He became a student in the medical department of the University of California, from which he was graduated with the class of 1876, and afterward opened an office in Monmouth and engaged in practice for a short time. Subsequently he removed to Lebanon, where he became associated in practice with Ex-Governor Ballard of Idaho, who was a prominent pioneer and politician in Oregon, and this relationship was maintained for three years, when he succeeded Dr. Ballard and commanded a large field of practice. In 1887 Dr. Powell became a resident of Spokane, Washington, and there successfully practiced his profession until 1918. Actuated by the laudable ambition to advance in his profession, he has ever been a close and discriminating student and in 1887 he pursued a postgraduate course in the University of California, while in 1896 he took postgraduate work in Chicago, thus greatly promoting his skill and efficiency. Since 1896 he has specialized in major and minor surgery and in this branch of the profession has been very successful, his pro- nounced ability winning for him a large practice. In 1918 Dr. Powell returned to Polk county, Oregon, where he has since resided. He is much interested in scientific fruit raising and is devoting the greater part of his attention to his farming interests, but his ability as a writer and lecturer on scientific subjects gives him diversion. In connec- tion with his brothers he has an orchard of sixty acres, specializing in the raising of cherries, prunes, filberts and walnuts. He also grows grain and clover and is interested in the raising of sheep, his scientific and practical methods winning for him a gratifying measure of success in each line of activity. In addition he is the owner of property in Spokane and is a man of enterprise and business acumen, who is bound to succeed in anything which he undertakes.
In August, 1881, Dr. Powell was united in marriage to Miss Ada Cheadle, a vocalist, who passed away in January, 1915, after an illness of three years. The two children of this marriage are Richard C. and Cora L. They have been accorded excellent educa- tional advantages. The son is a graduate of the University of California, where he pursued a scientific course. He is now chief engineer with the Pacific Electric Com- pany ยท at San Francisco, California. The daughter is a talented musician and also pos- sesses ability as a linguist, conversing fluently in several languages. She completed her musical education in Berlin under excellent instructors, with whom she remained as a student for three years, and she has become noted as a pianist, ranking with the best artists in the country. She made several European tours during her stay in that coun- try and now resides in Spokane, Washington.
In his political views Dr. Powell is a republican and his services have often been sought in public connections, but his professional duties leave him little time for outside activities. He is, however, intensely interested in educational work and while residing in Spokane served for several years as a member of the school board, assisting in the work of consolidating five schools, and he was also instrumental in securing the erec- tion of the large high school in that city. He is ably carrying forward the educational work, instituted by his honored father and has done much to raise the standards of education in both Washington and Oregon, realizing its value as a means of preparing the young for the practical and responsible duties of life. He is a member of the Oregon Fruit Growers Association and was the first United States examiner of pensions at Lebanon, serving in that capacity from about 1882. Fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen of the World and the Neighbors of Woodcraft and his professional con- nectlons are with the American Medical Association, the Washington State Medical Society and the Spokane County Medical Society, becoming one of the organizers of the last named society in 1888. He is a member of the Congregational church and believes in the brotherhood of all the protestant churches and the universal teachings of the Golden Rule. He also organized the Powell Memorial Society, which is com- posed of the descendants and relatives of John A., Alfred and Noah Powell. This soclety was founded in 1920, with Dr. Powell as president and historian, and he is now engaged in compiling a history of the Powell family and pioneer days. The organiza- tion now has a membership of about three hundred and its meetings are held on the fourth Sunday in June on the old donation claim of the grandfather, John A. Powell. The life of Dr. Powell has been one of intense activity, Intelligently directed into those
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channels through which flow the greatest good to the greatest number, and he stands a's a man among men, honored and respected for his sterling worth as well as for his pronounced professional ability.
BYRON B. HERRICK.
That the public service of Byron B. Herrick has been highly satisfactory and credit- able is indicated in the fact that since 1892 he has served continuously as county sur- veyor of Marion county, having been elected without opposition during the last fifteen terms. He possesses unusual mechanical ability and keen business sagacity, and from the outset of his business career he has steadily advanced. He was born near Shaw Sta- tion, Marion county, August 25, 1862, his parents being Byron B. and Elizabeth (Stanley) Herrick, the latter a native of Oregon, and in Marion county, this state, their marriage occurred. The father was born in Ohio in 1828 and in 1845 he crossed the plains to Oregon, taking up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Marion county. This he greatly improved and developed, converting it into one of the highly productive farms of the county. For many years he continued to reside thereon and at length he removed to Turner, where he lived retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. He was twice married and became the father of eleven children, four children being born of the first marriage, namely: Byron B., of this review; D. O., a resident of Oakland, California; I. I., deceased; and Laura, who is the wife of Lester Shell of Portland. Of the seven children of his second union two are deceased and the parents have also passed away.
Byron B. Herrick received liberal educational advantages, attending the public schools of Marion county, after which he pursued a course at Willamette University, making a specialty of surveying. After leaving this institution his first work was along agricultural lines and for some time he was employed on a farm. He also taught school for two years in Tillomack and Marion county and in 1891 was appointed deputy surveyor under W. J. Culver. So efficient was his work in this position that two years later he was elected county surveyor and he has since held this office continuously. Al- though several times he has had an opponent in the field, he has won by a handsome majority and for the last fifteen terms he has been elected without opposition. He has contributed substantially to the successful apportioning and measuring of the lands of the county and is loyal to the best interests of those whose material welfare is dependent upon him, and the systematic and accurate performance of his duties has won for him the admiration and respect of those to whom he has given his services.
On the 3d of October, 1892, Mr. Herrick was married to Miss Jessie A. Barzee, whose birth occurred in Oregon and who was a daughter of Clark and Mary (Stewart) Barzee, both deceased. The two children of this union are Merze O., now the wife of Edward Jerman, of Portland; and Denzil D., who is a well known musician of Spokane, Wash- ington. Mr. Herrick was twice married, his second union being with Winifred Rigdon Clark, and their home is at 282 Richmond avenue, Salem, Oregon.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Herrick has been a stalwart supporter of the republican party. He holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which organization he has filled all the chairs, including that of past grand, and he is also affiliated with the Woodmen of the World and the Elks. He is a strong advocate of those measures which he believes will advance the interests of his town and county and never withholds his support from any worthy object. He is always loyal to any cause which he espouses and faithful to every duty and his record as a man and citizen is indeed a most enviable one.
VERDEN M. MOFFITT.
Verden M. Moffitt, who was elected to his present position on the 2d of November, 1920, enjoys the distinction of being the youngest chief of police in the United States, being now twenty-eight years of age. He is efficient, fearless and faithful in the dis- charge of his duties and is making a most creditable record In office, thus justifying the trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. Mr. Moffitt is one of Oregon's native sons, for he was born in Salem, July 8, 1893, his parents being A. T. and Sadie E.
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(Turner) Moffitt. The father is a native of Pennsylvania, of British and Irish stock, and the mother was born in Georgia. They came west to Oregon thirty years ago and settled in Salem, where they now reside, being widely known and highly respected citizens of their community. A. T. Moffitt engaged in business as a contractor and is now living retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. He has been prominent in political affairs. having served for three terms as a member of the city council, and in the election of November 2, 1920, was republican committeeman from Precinct 1. Mr. and Mrs. Moffitt have become the parents of five children: Mrs. A. W. Blackburn of Corvallis, Oregon; Mrs. M. L. Prunk, a resident of Eugene, Oregon; Victor Lee; Russell; and Verden M., of this review.
The last named was a pupil in the public schools of Salem and subsequently at- tended the Capital Normal College, following which he entered Willamette University, where he devoted his attention to the study of law and vocal music. He has become well known as a vocalist, having a fine baritone voice. On the 9th of July, 1917, he enlisted in the motor transport service of the United States army and in May, 1918, was sent overseas. He was stationed at Neufchateau, France, and had charge of the work of transporting officers to and from various points. He sustained a severe injury of one of his legs by running into a shell hole and also was a victim of the influenza epidemic. His experiences while overseas were most thrilling and he witnessed scenes of carnage and destruction which for many years will remain stamped upon his mental vision. He relates that when he came out of the Argonne forest on the 24th of Novem- ber, 1918, the ground was still covered with French and German dead, the bodies being in a fearful state of decomposition. He returned to the United States on the 20th of July, 1919, and at Camp Mills, New York, received his discharge. Upon his return to Salem he resumed his law studies, with which he was occupied until 1920, when he took up police work under Percy M. Varney, then chief of police. On the 21st of May, 1920, he became one of four candidates at the primaries for the office of chief of police and at the election of November 2, 1920, he was victorious, contesting the elec- tion with J. T. Welsh. Mr. Moffitt's popularity is indicated in the fact that he carried every precinct in the city by a majority of two to one-an unprecedented occurrence in the annals of Salem. Although the youngest chief of police in the United States he is fully qualified for the duties of this important office. He gives careful supervision to every detail of the work of his department, is a strict disciplinarian and has in- augurated many needed reforms and improvements in connection with the police service of the city, being at all times "on the job." He is doing his utmost to rid the city of the criminal element and his name has become a menace to evildoers.
On the 15th of June, 1920, Mr. Moffitt was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Endi- cott, a daughter of John Endicott of Rolla, British Columbia, and they have a wide circle of friends in the community, Mr. Moffitt being one of the most popular young men of Salem. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of the World, the United Artisans and the Masons, belonging to lodge No. 4 of that order. He is likewise connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to lodge No. 1, the oldest in the state. His record as a public official is a most com- mendable one, characterized by incorruptible honesty and efficiency of a high order, and the citizens of Salem feel that with him their lives and property are in safe keeping. He regards a public office as a public trust and no trust reposed in Verden M. Moffitt has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. He has already attained an enviable position for one of his years and his energy, determination and landable ambition will undoubtedly secure for him still higher honors in the years to come.
REV. GREGORY (ROBL), O. S. B.
Rev. Gregory (Robl), O. S. B., one of the prominent representatives of the Catho- lic clergy in Oregon, is now pastor of the Sacred Heart parish of Portland. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1872, a son of Andrew and Margaret Robl, who in 1875 crossed the Atlantic, becoming residents of Michigan. In 1876 the family removed to Ellinwood, Kansas, becoming pioneers of that section. In 1888 they made the trip to the Pacific coast, arriving at Mount Angel, Oregon, at the request of the Very Rev. Adelhelm Odermatt, O. S. B. Mr. Robl followed agricultural pursuits, taking charge of the church property and operating the farm. He was born April 27, 1827, and passed away April 26, 1907, while his wife died in 1890.
REV. FATHER GREGORY
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Rev. Father Gregory of this review obtained his education in the seminary at Mount Angel, which he entered in 1888, completing his course there and receiving his ordination on the 16th of December, 1899, Archbishop Christie officiating, Father Gregory being the first priest ordained by that archbishop. He was then made director of the seminary, in which he taught moral theology until September 3, 1903, when he took charge of the Sacred Heart parish in Portland. Here he has since been located and the upbuilding of the parish is largely the result of his labors. When he assumed his duties here there were only forty-five families in the parish and today there are two hundred and twenty. The value of the property at the time he assumed his labors here was about ten thousand dollars, consisting of a newly built frame church and parish house, in which was conducted the parochial school and also four lots. The buildings had just been completed and were furnished by the Rev. Father. Today the property is valued at least at fifty thousand dollars. In 1905 he built a school at an investment of five thousand dollars and in 1907 a hall which cost two thousand dol- lars, at the same time purchasing the entire block of land. In 1911, at the request of Archbishop Christie, he changed the location of the church property, purchasing the present location on Benedictine Heights, a part of the twenty-four acres owned by the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company. This was acquired at a cost of ten thousand dollars and thus Father Gregory has in his hands the property for a Catholic settlement. He then sold all of the old property, including the buildings, with the exception of the church, for nineteen thousand dollars and began building the parish residence which was erected at a cost of nine thousand dollars. He also built the school at a cost of twelve thousand dollars, all this being accomplished in 1911. The church was removed to its present location on Center and East Eleventh streets in 1911. Father Gregory built a parish hall at a cost of eight thousand dollars and a convent at an investment of ten thousand dollars. This was likewise accomplished in 1911. Today the church property is very valuable and most attractive in appearance. The new school building is a fireproof structure of brick and tile reinforced. The school has an average attendance of one hundred and seventy-five children, with six teachers, and a music department is maintained in connection therewith. Today the present property holdings of the church are valued at sixty-five thousand dollars. Thus Father Gregory has accomplished a great work since taking charge of Sacred Heart parish.
In 1914 he took a trip to Europe and was an eyewitness of the German mobiliza- tion during the first week in August. He spent several months in visiting various points of interest in the old world, returning to his home with a mind enriched by travel and broad experience in European countries.
MORRIS HOMANS WHITEHOUSE.
Morris H. Whitehouse, one of the leading architects of Portland, is a native son of Oregon and a representative of one of its honored pioneer families. He has spent his entire life in the city where he now resides, for he was here born on the 21st of March, 1878. His father, Benjamin G. Whitehouse, was for many years connected with the business interests of Portland and in Masonry attained high rank, the thirty-third degree being conferred upon him in recognition of his service to the order and his worth as a man and citizen. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, December 5, 1834. When four years of age he removed with his parents to Vassalboro, Maine, where six years later his mother passed away. It was five years afterward that his father died and he then took up his home with an uncle, Captain Reuben Weeks, a kind-hearted farmer of New England, who treated the orphan boy as his own child. There he resided until he reached the age of eighteen, assisting in the work of the farm and attend-
ing school to a limited extent in winter. In 1852 he yielded to the lure of the city and returned to Boston, where he found employment in a counting house during the day, while in the evening he attended a private commercial college. After a year he was promoted to the position of assistant bookkeeper with the firm of Door, Proctor & Company. In the fall of 1850 he was sent west by his employers to the lumbering dis- trict of Wisconsin at Green Bay, to take charge of the interests of the firm in manu- facturing and shipping lumber to Milwaukee and Chicago, which cities were then in their infancy and at the end of two years he returned to Boston .. About this time he caught the California fever through encouraging letters from friends on the coast, and
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in February, 1859, started for San Francisco, leaving his young wife in Boston, while he sought fortune in a land that promised immediate and large rewards. Going by steamer to Panama and thence by land to the western coast, he arrived in San Fran- cisco, March 22, 1859. He found the city thronged with thousands of excited gold hunters and not being satisfied with conditions there at the end of two weeks he jour- neyed northward, arriving in Portland, May 22, 1859. Here he secured employment as hotel clerk with S. N. Arrigoni, continuing with him as long as he remained in the business. Upon the completion of the overland stage route between Portland and Sacramento he was appointed agent for the company and cashier for Oregon, holding this position until the office was discontinued on account of the completion of the Oregon & California Railway, the first railway into Portland. In September, 1867, Mr. Whitehouse became connected with the Portland Gas Light Company and the Port- land Water Company, continuing with both companies during their existence. He was one of the incorporators of the Portland Gas Light Company and continued as cashier and director of the company until it sold out, subsequently becoming connected with the Portland Gas & Coke Company.
The Masonic record of Mr. Whitehouse has probably not been duplicated anywhere in the country. He was the first secretary and the first candidate entered, passed and raised in Portland Lodge, No. 55, A. F. & A. M., after its organization, which lodge is now the largest in the state. For twelve years he served as secretary of the lodge, for four years as secretary of Portland Royal Arch Chapter, for eighteen years as secretary of Oregon Commandery, K. T. and of the Scottish Rite bodies for twelve years. He also served for many years as grand treasurer of the Grand Commandery of the Knights Templars, as past almoner and treasurer of Oregon Consistory and as first recorder of Al Kader Temple. He was elected a life member of Oregon Commandery, K. T., in 1908, and for faithful services as grand treasurer of the Grand Commandery the honorary title of past Commander was conferred upon him in 1908. He was coronated thirty-third degree Mason by the Supreme Council in Washington, D. C., January 18, 1893.
On December 15, 1858, Mr. Whitehouse was united in marriage to Miss Clara Bradley Homans, eldest daughter of Harrison. Homans, of Vassalboro, Maine. He was absent from his wife for three years during the early part of his married life, Mrs. Whitehouse joining him in the summer of 1862 at Portland. They became the parents of five children hut the eldest son died in infancy. Two daughters, Gertrude and Clara, now Mrs. Edward Cookingham and Mrs. E. L. Brown, respectively, are living in Port- land. May married H. S. Hostetter, of Washington, D. C., and Morris H., of this review, completes the family.
In 1912 death called Mr. Whitehouse and in his passing the state lost one of its most prominent business men and honored pioneers. Throughout the period of his residence in Portland he took an active and helpful part in promoting the work of public progress and improvement and left the impress of his individuality for good upon many lines of the city's development and upbuilding. He was a man of high ideals and exalted standards of citizenship, whose irreproachable character and in- corruptible integrity fully entitled him to the esteem he was accorded by all who knew him. As a pioneer he was not the ordinary type, yet possessed many of the character- istics that led to the settlement of the west. In him were born and bred the gentler virtues-the virtues that have softened the asperities of harsher natures, whose mission it has been to make the rough places smooth, while the mission of men like Mr. White- house was to present living examples of the higher traits that embellish civilization and make home a synonym for tenderness and love. Both sorts of men are necessary and both have nobly performed their work. Their monument is written in enduring char- acters in the hearts of tens of thousands now living in happy homes and who recog- nize that to the pioneers they owe the blessings they enjoy today.
The son, Morris H. Whitehouse, was accorded unusual educational advantages and in addition to the training received in various schools he grew up in a home of culture and refinement-the best of all known institutions for the development of the faculties most essential in the attainment of a successful career. After attending the public school he became a student in Bishop Scott Academy, from which he was graduated in June, 1896, at the age of eighteen. He then entered the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- nology, where he continued for a year, there resuming his studies in 1902 and complet- ing his course in 1906. In recognition of his work at this school, one of the leading institutions of the kind in the world, he was awarded the first prize for special students for best scholarship in all studies and the honor of first holder of the year 1906 travel- ing scholarship. This gave him the opportunity of a year's study abroad, which he
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spent at the American Academy at Rome, Italy, returning to Portland in 1907. While in Europe he made a study of many of the greatest architectural works, ancient and modern, and also came into personal contact with many of the most prominent masters.
Opening an office in Portland in January, 1908, Mr. Whitehouse at once became ac- tively engaged in his profession and for five years conducted his interests in partner- ship with J. A. Fouilloux, now a resident of New York city. He has since engaged in business independently, meeting with marked success. Many of Portland's most not- able public buildings are examples of his handiwork, among which may be named the following: the University, Multnomah Amateur Athletic and Waverly Country Clubs; the Lincoln and Jefferson high schools and the Failing grammar school; the Old Peo- ple's Home; the Ladd & Tilton Bank interior and many of the city's most beautiful residences and apartments.
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