USA > Oregon > History of Oregon, Vol. II > Part 33
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A. C. BARBER.
A. C. Barber, who since the 1st of August, 1919, has served as state insurance commissioner, is most acceptably filling that office, discharging his duties with effi- ciency and conscientiousness. He was born in Daviess county, Indiana, a son of Nelson and Mary Barber. The father was an honored pioneer of Indiana, his ancestors emigrat- ing from Vermont to that state in 1814, and the mother was also a native of the Hoosier state, her parents having removed to that section from Kentucky. Both Mr. and Mrs. Barber have passed away.
In the common schools of his native city A. C. Barber acquired his education, after which he pursued a business course in Valparaiso College at Valparaiso, Indiana. In 1906 he came to Portland, Oregon, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to join the general agents of the National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh. He remained a resident of that city until 1912, when he became deputy in the state insurance depart- ment at Salem and state fire marshal, his excellent service in those connections lead- ing to his appointment as state fire insurance commissioner by Governor Olcott on the 1st of August, 1919. He is well qualified for the position, having a thorough knowledge of the insurance business, and is proving most competent and faithful as a public official.
Mr. Barber is much interested in photography and has done some notable work along amateur lines. He has been very successful in obtaining pictures in their natural colors, securing direct colors of lantern slide size, a very recent achievement in photography and a result most difficult to obtain. He has perhaps the best collection of colored landscapes on the coast and has made remarkable progress along this line. He is a man of high principles and substantial qualities, progressive and reliable in business, loyal in citizenship and at all times displaying devotion to the duties that devolve upon him.
JOHN N. CASEY.
As vice president of the Powers Furniture Company, John N. Casey is a prominent figure in industrial circles of Portland where he has resided since 1879, or for a period of thirty-two years. He is numbered among the wide-awake and aggressive business men of the city and actuated at all times by a progressive spirit and unfaltering determina- tion he has contributed in large measure to the successful management of the under- taking, which is one of the leading furniture establishments of the city.
Mr. Casey is a native of Wisconsin. He was born at Necedah, August 16, 1865, a son of Patrick and Margaret (Clancy) Casey, hoth natives of Ireland, and married in Balti- more, Maryland. As a boy the father emigrated to America and in 1862 he made his way to Wisconsin where he became connected with the lumber industry. There he resided until 1879, when he removed to the Pacific northwest, the family home being established in Portland. To Mr. and Mrs. Casey were born eleven children, namely: Harriet, Ellen, Margaret, Catharine, John N., William H., Edward P. and Fred S., all living, and Louise, Fannie and an infant child, who have passed away.
John N. Casey, the fifth in order of birth, obtained a high school education, after which he pursued a course in Armstrong's College of Portland. He first became identified with the Powers Furniture Company in 1888 and for five years continued in their employ, after which he was connected with the Gadsby Furniture Company for a period of eleven years. At the end of that time he returned to the
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Powers Furniture Company, with which he has since continued, his faithful, con- scientious service and excellent business ability winning him merited promotions until 1906 he was made vice president and manager, in which capacities he has since served. He possesses a thorough understanding of the principles of merchandising, executive ability of a high order and a keen insight into business conditions. He keeps in close touch with what is being done in all the departments and has succeeded in maintaining a high degree of efficiency in the operation of the business, which is one of the oldest and most reliable industrial enterprises in the city.
In 1891 Mr. Casey was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Sharkey, a representative of one of the old families of Portland, and they have become the parents of five children: Margaret, at home; William Allen, who in April, 1918, enlisted for service in the World war and died at Fort Monroe on the 18th of October of the same year, a victim of the influenza; John F., who died in infancy; Edward T., a student at Columbia University of New York city; and Charles, who is attending grammar school.
Mr. Casey is identified with the Rotary Club and the Woodmen of the World and in religious faith he is a Catholic. He is a prominent and active member of the Knights of Columbus of which he is a past grand knight and is now serving as chairman of the building committee. He resides in an attractive home at No. 537 East Twenty-first, North, which he erected in 1911 and the family is prominent in social circles of the city. He is a public-spirited and progressive citizen who has justly won a place among the leading merchants and business men of Portland and he is hending every effort and energy toward the legitimate advancement of his house.
A. C. COOKE.
One of the old and reliable industrial enterprises of Portland is the Ira F. Powers Furniture Company, of which A. C. Cooke has served as secretary since its organ- ization under the present firm style. He has devoted his entire life to this line of activity and is therefore thoroughly familiar with every phase of the business, while his initiative spirit has enabled him to formulate plans which have resulted in the enlargement and substantial growth of the undertaking.
Mr. Cooke is one of Oregon's native sons and has been content to pass his entire life within the borders of the state, finding in the Switzerland of America an equable climate, unrivaled scenic beauty and excellent business opportunities. He was born in Clackamas county on the 5th of April, 1863, a son of William W. and Martha (Young) Cooke, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Missouri. In the Iron state their marriage occurred and in 1852 they started for Oregon, traveling by ox team. On reaching this state they settled in Clackamas county, the father taking up a donation claim of three hundred and twenty acres in the vicinity of Damascus. By hard and unremitting labor he at length succeeded in clearing one hundred and sixty acres of his land, which was covered with a dense growth of timber. He passed away in 1875, while the mother's demise had occurred in the year 1872. They became the parents of eight children, namely: Sarah, Mildred, Fannie, Henry, Albert, John, A. C. and James.
A. C. Cooke, the seventh in order of birth, pursued his education in the schools of his native state, becoming a pupil in the old Central school which stood on the present site of the Portland Hotel. On starting out in the business world he became connected with the furniture business as upholsterer for J. W. Birmingham, with whom he continued for thirteen years. In 1893 he established husiness relations with the Ira F. Powers Manufacturing Company with which he has since been identified, serving as secretary from the time of its incorporation as the Ira F. Powers Furniture Company in 1903. The business has expanded from year to year until it has now reached extensive proportions, the warehouse occupying a floor space of one hundred and thirty thousand feet, while eighty people are employed in the conduct of the enterprise. They handle everything in the line of house furnishings and the firm name is a synonym for reliability, integrity and enterprise. As secretary of this large undertaking Mr. Cooke is proving entirely equal to the responsibilities which devolve upon him and his services are regarded as very valuable in promoting the business.
In 1886 was solemnized the marriage of A. C. Cooke and Miss Valeska Yost, a
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daughter of Professor R. Yost, a well known musical artist. They have become the parents of three children: Herhert A., a prominent attorney of Portland; Robert R., tire expert for the Pacific States Rubber Company of Portland; and Alfred E., who is attending school.
In his political views Mr. Cooke is a stanch republican, active in support of the principles and candidates of the party but not an office seeker, although he has frequently been solicited by his friends to accept positions of public trust. His interest in the development and upbuilding of his city is indicated by his membership in the Chamber of Commerce and he is also identified with the Woodmen of the World. He is regarded as one of the substantial and progressive business men of Portland and the fact that he has continued in the field which he entered as a young man is one reason for his gratifying success. He is a man of worth to the community by reason of his high principles and substantial qualities and many are proud to call him friend.
PERCY M. VARNEY.
Percy M. Varney, now serving as parole officer of the state penitentiary and who previous to this appointment was chief of police of Salem, was born in Lima, New York, May 17, 1892, a son of Rev. George R. and Emma (Tibbets) Varney. The father, a Baptist minister, has presided over churches of that denomination in various states of the Union and during the childhood of their son, Percy, the parents resided for a time in Spokane, Washington. Rev. George R. Varney, D. D., is now serving as pastor of a church at McMinnville, Oregon, and his labors have been an effective force for good in the various communities which he has served. Of their family Roy M., now thirty years of age, is residing in Portland. He married Jessie Fresh of Baker City, Oregon, and they have become the parents of three children, Dorothy, Evelyn and Donald. The other children of Rev. and Mrs. Varney are: Percy M., the subject of this review; and Lois B .; Bernice; and Phillip, all attending college.
Percy M. Varney attended the schools of McMinnville, Oregon, and was graduated from the high school of that city in 1911, which he followed by a year's course in the University .of Nevada. In 1912 he arrived in Salem, becoming identified with the police force here. Later he served for two years as constable and was then elected chief of police for a term of two years, but at the end of thirteen months resigned in order to accept his present appointment as parole officer of the state penitentiary, his duty being to secure employment for all paroled men and look after their general welfare. His constant aim is to perform his duty to the best of his ability and as parole officer his services are proving very valuable to the state.
On the 1st of January, 1914, Mr. Varney was united in marriage to Miss Ethelyn E. Allison of McMinnville, and they have become the parents of a daughter, Esther E. He is interested in all that pertains to the welfare of community, commonwealth and country and his influence is ever on the side of advancement and improvement. He regards a public officer as a servant of the people and he is most conscientiously dis- charging the duties of his present position, his record being at all times characterized by efficiency, reliability and integrity.
JAMES LAWRENCE GUTHRIE.
James Lawrence Guthrie, vice president of the firm of Hill & Company, Inc., and manager of its automobile and tractor department, is a prominent figure in business circles of Harrisburg, where he is known as a man of integrity and reliability. He was born in Jacksboro, Jack county, Texas, October 16, 1884, a son of James P. and Eva (Amos) Guthrie, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Indiana. In 1883 the father went to Texas, where for two years he engaged in farming, and then returned to the Blue Grass state, there following agricultural pursuits for several years. Subsequently he removed to Missouri and purchased land in Newton county which he improved and developed, continuing its cultivation for several years. Eventu- ally he went to Montana and there resided with his sons until his death, which
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occurred in October, 1913. The mother also passed away in that year, her demise having occurred in January.
James L. Guthrie was reared and educated in Missouri and on starting out in the business world secured employment as a street car conductor in Carthage, Mis- souri, being thus engaged for four years. Going to Salt Lake City, Utah, he was similarly employed in that locality for three years and then went to Montana, purchasing two sections of land in that state, which he operated for a period of five years. He then traded that property for land in Lane county, Oregon, in 1917, but after cultivating the tract for six months he exchanged it for a stock of hardware in Harrisburg, Oregon. This establishment he conducted for a short time, when he consolidated his business with that of Hill & Company, of which he is now vice president, and he is also manager of the automobile department. They carry a seventy thousand dollar stock of hardware, harness, implements, furniture, carpets, rugs and general house furnishings. They also have the agency for the Ford cars and Fordson tractors and have recently erected a fine garage at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars. Mr. Guthrie is a man of keen business acumen, thoroughly reliable and enterprising, and as vice president of Hill & Company he has contributed in substantial measure to the growth and expansion of the business, which is now one of large volume and import- ance, its annual sales exceeding the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
On the 10th of February, 1906, Mr. Guthrie was united in marriage to Miss Alma Sater and they have become the parents of two children: Pauline, who was born November 25, 1908; and Marion James, born March 15, 1917. In his political views Mr. Guthrie is a democrat and in religious faith he is a Presbyterian, while his fraternal connections are with the Masons, the Eastern Star, the Rebekahs and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Throughout his career he has closely applied himself to the work in hand and has steadily advanced, each forward step bringing him a broader outlook and wider opportunities until he is now numbered with the sub- stantial business men of his part of the state. His sterling traits of character are manifest in every relation of life and his record is a most creditable one.
ALBERT SUTTON.
Among the leading architectural firms of the northwest is that of Sutton & Whit- ney, of which Albert Sutton is the senior member. Thorough preliminary study and later practical experience have well qualified him for his chosen life work and he is re- garded as one of the most able architects in the Pacific coast country. Mr. Sutton was born in Victoria, British Columbia, June 6, 1867, a son of John and Anna B. (Dolan) Sutton, the former a native of Delaware, Maryland and the latter of Boston, Massachusetts. The family has long been connected with the history of this country, representatives of the name having defended American interests in the Revolutionary war, while John Sutton, the father, rendered valuable service to the federal govern- ment during the Civil war as an engineer in the Pacific squadron of the navy. Follow- ing his marriage in 1850 in New Orleans, he went with his hride to California in 1852, going by way of the Isthmus of Panama. He always followed a seafaring life and was lost in Alaskan waters in January, 1873. In the family were nine children: Julia, Margaret, Mave, James, Jennie, John, Ada, Albert and Herbert.
In the public schools of Portland Albert Sutton pursued his education, after which he pursued a scientific course in the University of California. He then became identi- fied with the Southern Pacific Railroad as architect of buildings and bridges and remained in the employ of the company for three years. He was connected with archi- tectural work in Tacoma, Washington, from 1888 until 1895 and in the latter year went to San Francisco, California, where he followed his profession until 1910. During the next two years he was not active in business, residing on his ranch at Hood River, Oregon. In 1912 he became a partner of Harrison A. Whitney, a prominent architect of Portland, establishing an office in this city under the firm style of Sutton & Whitney and this relationship is still maintained. Their excellent work and thoroughly reliable and progressive business methods have secured for them a large and con- stantly increasing patronage, so that they have become well known as leading archi- tects throughout the Pacific northwest. They have established an office in Tacoma, Washington, of which Mr. Sutton has charge, dividing his time between Portland and Tacoma and they have erected many of that city's most substantial and beautiful
ALBERT SUTTON
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business edifices. They are now engaged In constructing the Multnomah County In- firmary at a cost of one million dollars, the Meier & Frank Warehouse, costing one million dollars and the Scottish Rite Cathedrals in Portland and Tacoma, and were the architects who designed the Hood River Library regarded as one of the best arranged institutions of the kind to be found anywhere in the United States. He also constructed many apartment houses and dwellings and has built up a large business in California, having remodeled the State Capitol at Sacramento. He also designed the Farmers & Merchants Bank at Oakland, the John A. Roebling's Sons Company's building at San Francisco, said to be one of the best examples of fireproof construc- tion in the country and the Pacific Hardware & Steel Company's buildings. They have thus extended their interests over a broad field and are considered experts in their line of work.
Mr. Sutton has been married twice and by the first union he has two children, Alberta and Anna. In 1909 he wedded Maria L. Hewitt, of Tacoma, and their children are Rocena and John Hewitt. In his political views he is a republican, interested in the welfare of the party but not an office seeker. He is a member of Zeta Psi, a col- lege fraternity, and is much interested in athletic sports, belonging to the college base- ball and football teams. The Oregon Chapter of the American Institute of Architects numbers him among its members and he is also identified with the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce. He is a prominent Mason, having attained the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite Consistory and his life has ever been guided by the beneficent teach- ings of that order. He is thoroughly familiar with the scientific principles under- lying his profession and his activities have ever contributed to public progress and improvement as well as to individual success. He resides in Tacoma and is widely and favorably known throughout the Pacific northwest, his high professional attain- ments and sterling characteristics winning for him the respect and esteem of all with whom he has been associated.
JUDGE JOHN BURNETT.
In the death of Judge John Burnett of Corvallis, Oregon lost one of its most dis- tinguished jurists and statesmen. He was a leader in the ranks of the democratic party and left the impress of his individuality and influence as well as his ability upon the history of the state. Judge Burnett was born in Louisiana, Pike county, Missourl, on the banks of the Mississippi, July 4, 1831, a son of Benjamin F. and Jane (Johnson) Burnett, natives of Kentucky. Ahout 1820 the father removed to the west, becoming one of the early pioneers of Pike county, Missouri.
His son, John Burnett, was reared and educated in that locality and there continued to reside until 1849, when he became one of the gold seekers and crossed the plains to California. He followed mining on American river and also handled stock, remaining active along those lines in the Golden state until the spring of 1858, having in the meantime returned to the east and recrossed the plains a second time. In the above mentioned year he came to Oregon, taking up his residence at Corvallis, Benton county, where he hegan the study of law in the office of Colonel Kelsey. In 1860 he was admitted to the Oregon bar and at once took up the practice of his profession in Cor- vallis. His talent and ability in his chosen life work soon won recognition and he became known as one of the most eminent representatives of the legal fraternity in his section of the state, being accorded a large and representative clientage. In 1870 he was called to public office, being elected county judge of Benton county, in which position he served for four years. In 1874 he was called to still higher honors, being elected associate justice of the supreme court of Oregon, his term expiring in 1876. He then resumed the private practice of law and two years later was elected to represent Benton county in the state senate, where he served as chairman of the judiciary com- mittee. He carefully studied the problems which came up for settlement and gave earnest support to all the bills which he believed would prove beneficial to the com- monwealth and his record as legislator was a most creditable one. In 1882 he was appointed by Governor Thayer judge of the second judicial district to fill out the unexpired term of Judge Watson and on the completion of his services in that connec- tion he once more took up his private practice, in which he continued active to the time of his demise. Judge Burnett was a man of superior intellectual attainments and he filled some of the most important offices within the gift of the people of his district.
Vol. 11-17
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While upon the bench his decisions were characterized by a masterful grasp of every problem presented for solution and by marked equity. He was strictly fair and im- partial in all of his rulings and his decisions were sustained by higher courts upon appeal. He was a man of wide legal learning and ranked with the most eminent jurists of the state. Judge Burnett was also interested in agricultural pursuits, owning a valuable farm of one hundred acres, of which he devoted twenty-five acres to the raising of prunes, and he also engaged in raising fine stock on his place, which is situated near the city of Corvallis.
In June, 1859, Judge Burnett was united in marriage to Miss Martha Hinton, who was born in Franklin county, Missouri, September 28, 1838, and is a daughter of Hon. Rowland B. and Elizabeth (Bramell) Hinton, the former a native of Franklin county, Missouri, and the latter of Virginia. In 1846 the father crossed the plains to Oregon with ox teams, being six months in making the journey. He arrived in Benton county in 1847 and there took up a donation claim, which he cleared and developed, con- tinuing to operate his land for several years. About nineteen years prior to his demise he sold that property and purchased land in Lincoln county, which he cultivated for about eight years and then sold, removing to Monroe, Benton county, where he resided with his sons throughout the remainder of his life. His wife passed away in 1853. To Judge and Mrs. Burnett were born seven children, namely: Ida, who married T. Callahan, a merchant of Corvallis, who died November 8, 1914; Alice, whose demise occurred October 8, 1891; Burke T., who died June 11, 1862; John C., who passed away on the 22d of July, 1877; Martha J., who is the wife of R. H. Houston, a prominent hardware merchant of Corvallis; Brady, a resident of Canyonville, Oregon; and Bruce whose home is in Portland.
In his political views Judge Burnett was a democrat and a leader in the councils of his party. In 1865 he was made a presidential elector and also served as mayor of Corvallis for several terms, being first elected to the office in May, 1891. He gave to the city a most efficient and businesslike administration, characterized by needed reforms and improvements, his influence being ever on the side of advancement and improve- ment. Fraternally he was identified with the Masonic order, belonging to the blue lodge and the chapter, and in religious faith he was a Congregationalist. Judge Burnett passed away in March, 1900, at the age of sixty-nine years, after an illness of two weeks, and his death was most keenly felt by his associates, friends and relatives and irreparably by his family, for he was a devoted husband and father. In every relation he was true to high and honorable principles and never faltered in the choice between right and wrong but always endeavored to follow the course sanctioned by his conscience and good judgment. He was a man who would have been an acquisition to any com- munity, his irreproachable character no less than his achievements giving him a commanding position and compelling his recognition as one destined to lead in anything he undertook.
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