USA > Oregon > History of Oregon, Vol. II > Part 56
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JOHN S. SCHENCK
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which has turned out more distinguished women than, perhaps, any similar college in America. With her husband she has seen Oregon grow from what was practically an undeveloped country to be one of the leading states of the Union and the fruit and flower garden of America.
Mr. Schenck was in no sense a politician but was ever a consistent member of the republican party. Beyond being a delegate and sometimes chairman of conventions, he never held public office. Fraternally he was a Scottish Rite Mason and attained the thirty-second degree in the order, becoming a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. In October, 1913, he crossed the great divide, and his death was a bereavement not only to his family but to all the people of central Oregon.
H. S. BOSSHARD.
H. S. Bosshard, who received the appointment of state printer of Oregon in 1919 and is now serving in that capacity, was born in Chilton, Calumet county, Wisconsin. March 20, 1873. His father, John R. Bosshard, is a native of Switzerland and when a young man of twenty years emigrated to the United States, making his way to Wis- consin, where he has since resided, his home now being at Chilton, in Calumet county. For fifty-four years he has lived within the borders of the state and is one of the widely known and highly esteemed citizens of his community. He married Bertha C. Rathgeb, who was also a native of the land of the Alps, and they came to America on their wedding journey.
H. S. Bosshard attended the common schools of Chilton and for one year was a student in the high school, after which he took up the printer's trade, working in a large catalogue office. For fifteen years he there continued to follow his trade and in October, 1910, he removed to Salem, Oregon, where he became identified with busi- ness interests, but in 1914 sold out his holdings. He then became a printer in the state printing department and in 1919 was appointed state printer by Governor Olcott, which position he is now filling. His long experience has made him thoroughly familiar with the printing business and he is well qualified to care for the interests of which he has charge, so that his services are proving very valuable to the state.
On the 4th of October, 1904, Mr. Bosshard was united in marriage to Miss Emily P. Arpke of Wisconsin, and they have become the parents of two children: Josephine Margaret and Dorothy E. Josephine Margaret died July 13, 1913. Fraternally Mr. Bosshard is identified with the Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is proving a most capable public official, the work of his department heing characterized by neatness, accuracy and efficiency. He is always loyal to any cause which he espouses and faithful to every duty and his sterling worth is attested by all who know him.
ALBERT WINDELL.
Albert Windell, one of the progressive and enterprising agriculturists of Linn county, is now operating a productive tract of ten acres situated one mile east of Harrisburg. He is also the owner of a one hundred and sixty-acre timber tract in the vicinity of Crawfordsville, which he leases, and his industry and energy have brought to him a substantial measure of success. Mr. Windell is a native of Canada. He was born November 5, 1860, and is a son of T. N. and Anna (McCordick) Windell, the former a native of England and the latter of Ireland. The father, who was a speculator, emigrated to America in an early day and located near Toronto, Canada, where his son Albert was born. Subsequently he crossed the border into the United States and for three years was a resident of Michigan. He then removed to the south and the remainder of his life was spent in the state of Virginia, where both he and his wife passed away.
In the acquirement of an education Albert Windell attended school in Canada and in Michigan and on starting out in life independently he entered the real estate field. Later he turned his attention to sawmilling and to railroading and also worked at the carpenter's trade. About 1890 he came to Oregon and locating in Brownsville, he there engaged in contracting and building for a period of four years, after which
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he rented land near the town. For two years he continued to operate that tract and subsequently moved nearer Brownsville, while at a still later period he rented land within seven and a half miles of Harrisburg, which he cultivated for eighteen years. On the expiration of that period he purchased his present place, which con- sists of ten acres of improved land and is situated one mile east of Harrisburg. This he has further improved by the erection of a large modern barn and the place presents a most attractive appearance, indicating the practical and progressive methods of the owner. He thoroughly understands the science of agriculture and his careful and conservative management of his interests has brought to him well merited success.
In April, 1887, Mr. Windell was united in marriage to Miss Helen E. Wines and to them were born four children: Hazel N., who died January 16, 1910, at the age of eighteen; William W., who is now filling the position of cashier in the Farmers & Merchants Bank at Harrisburg; Albert E., who is a pupil in the Harrisburg high school; and Bertha, who died when but seven weeks old. The wife and mother passed away July 16, 1903, after an illness of several months, and her demise was the occasion of deep sorrow to the members of the family as well as to the large circle of friends whom her many admirable qualities had won for her.
In his political views Mr. Windell is a democrat, and his religious faith is indi- cated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. He has led an active, busy and useful life, and his record illustrates the power of honesty and diligence in ensuring success. His labors have always been constructive and intelligently carried forward and he is accounted one of the progressive men of his community, esteemed by all who know him.
HON. HENRY J. BEAN.
Hon. Henry J. Bean, an eminent jurist of Oregon, who since 1911 has served as supreme court judge, has devoted much of his life to public service and his record has at all times been a most commendable one, characterized by strict integrity and the utmost devotion to duty. He was born in Bethel, Oxford county, Maine, Novem- ber 13, 1853. His father, Timothy Bean, became a resident of Umatilla county, Oregon, in 1866. He followed the occupation of farming, also engaging in buying and selling cattle, and his demise occurred in 1900.
Judge Bean pursued his education in the schools of his home locality, subse- quently becoming a student in Gould's Academy and also in the Hebron and North Yarmouth Academies. Following the completion of his law studies he was admitted to the bar on the 9th of March, 1881, and in June of the same year he came to Oregon, locating at Pendleton, where he at once entered upon the active work of the pro- fession. His ability as a lawyer soon won for him a good clientage and he became very successful in the trial of cases, winning many favorable verdicts for his clients. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and legal acumen, called him to public office and he was elected to the position of city attorney of Pendleton, in which capacity he served for four years, following which he became recorder, so serving for two years. In 1889 he was chosen to represent Umatilla county in the state legis- lature, where he made a most creditable record, carefully studying the problems which came up for settlement and earnestly supporting all measures which he believed would prove beneficial to the commonwealth. From 1896 until 1900 he filled the office of district attorney for the sixth judicial district and from 1904 until 1906 he was county judge of Umatilla county, while from 1906 until 1910 he served as circuit judge of the sixth judicial district. His excellent service in that connection led to his selection for still higher honors and in 1910 he was elected justice of the supreme court, taking office in 1911. Subsequent re-elections in 1914 and 1920 have continued him in that high judicial position, his present term expiring on the 1st of January, 1927. His decisions indicate strong mentality, careful analysis, a thorough knowl- edge of the law and an unbiased judgment, his ability being based upon a finely balanced mind and splendid intellectual attainments.
On the 8th of June, 1886, Judge Bean was united in marriage to Miss Mattie E. McGahey and they have become the parents of two children: Grace and Hawley J., the latter now twenty-eight years of age. Both children are graduates of the Uni- versity of Oregon and during the World war the daughter did drafting work for
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the Northwest Steel Company of Portland. The son married Miss Flora Dunham of Portland, and is now engaged in farming in Umatilla county.
It seems that Judge Bean has entered upon the profession for which nature intended him, for in his chosen calling he has made steady progress and has carved his name high on the keystone of the legal arch of Oregon. His sense of duty is keen and his ideals of life high and the fact that he has been repeatedly re-elected to this office indicates his superior ability as a lawyer and jurist and the sterling worth of his character. He is a man who would be a decided acquisition to any community and association with Judge Bean means expansion and elevation.
SIDA B. WALKER.
Hop growing is rapidly becoming one of the most important industries of Oregon, and prominent in this field of activity is Sida B. Walker, who has spent his entire life in the west and has gained an expert knowledge of his occupation which can come only through long personal experience. He brings to the operation of his farm a scientific knowledge of modern agriculture and a progressive and open mind, real- izing that the wealth of the country lies largely in its soil, and his efforts are meet- ing with well deserved and gratifying success.
Mr. Walker is a worthy representative of one of Oregon's honored pioneer families. He was born in Benton county, January 13, 1859, and is a son of James T. and Amanda (Martin) Walker, the former a native of Iowa and the latter of Ohio. The mother was a daughter of Jacob Martin, who in 1847 crossed the plains to Oregon as captain of an emigrant train, known as the "Bare-Headed Company," so called because of the fact that its captain, Mr. Martin, was never seen wearing a hat. James T. Walker crossed the plains with his parents by means of ox teams and wagons in 1852, when a youth of seventeen years, being obliged to walk during the greater part of the journey. Both the maternal and paternal grandparents took up land in Benton county, their claims adjoining each other. Subsequently Jacob Martin traded his claim in Benton county for land in the vicinity of Rickreall, in Polk county, this being about 1870. There he continued to reside throughout the remainder of his life, passing away about 1891, while his wife's demise occurred about 1900. The paternal grandfather remained on his farm in Benton county until his demise about 1870 and his wife survived him for many years, passing away about 1900 when nearly one hundred years old. Their son, James T. Walker, on attaining manhood engaged in the occupation of farming, cultivating his share of his father's estate in Benton county until 1873, when he removed to Polk county and there purchased land, which he operated for a number of years and then went to Washington, taking up his residence in Bellingham, where he spent his remaining years. He passed away in 1905, having long survived his wife, whose death occurred in 1876.
Sida B. Walker was reared in Polk county and there attended the district schools, also for a short time the schools in Benton county. When about nineteen years of age he began cultivating rented land. which for about eight years he continued to operate. He then turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, becoming the owner of a general mercantile establishment at Rickreall, in Polk county, which he conducted for two years and then sold. He next became a resident of Independence and there for three years devoted his energies to the management of a grocery business and then purchased one hundred and twenty-four acres of land situated one and a half miles from Inder pendence, on which he has since engaged in the growing of hops. He has made a close study of the business and his labors have been attended with good results. The spirit of enterprise characterizes him in all of his work and he carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
On the 3d of October, 1882, Mr. Walker was united in marriage to Miss Georgia Tatom, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Tatom, honored pioneer settlers of Oregon, the former arriving in the state in 1852 and the latter in 1847. The father engaged in farming in Polk county and there resided during the balance of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have become the parents of three sons, namely: Guy G., who is con- ducting a dry goods and grocery business in Independence; Ray M., who is serving as mayor of Independence; and Dean H., a furniture dealer of Eugene.
Mr. Walker gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has served as a member of the city council. His life record illustrates the power of diligence
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and determination in winning success. His labors have always been constructive and intelligently carried forward and have resulted in placing him in the front rank of progressive farmers in Polk county, where his sterling traits of character have won for him many friends.
KIVA SUGARMAN.
Trade marks and slogans play an important part in the commercial world, for merchants of all kinds recognize that, "It pays to advertise," and they endeavor in ever possible way to call the attention of the public to their establishment hy cleverly worded phrases which later become bywords. The trade-mark that adorns the signs and stationery of the establishment of Kiva Sugarman at Klamath Falls incites humor and indicates the true character of the proprietor. The slogan is "I ain't mad at nobody."
Kiva Sugarman was born in Rumania in 1878, a son of Abraham and Frieda (Solomon) Sugarman. The father was a merchant but not sufficiently prosperous to give his son Kiva much of an education. He was, however, early trained in the habits of industry and so anxious for an education that he eagerly devoured every book he could get possession of. He helped his father in the store and hearing much about the opportunities offered in the new world to men of courage and earnest deter- mination, he made up his mind to leave his native country upon coming of age. He landed in New York in 1900 with but six and one-half dollars in his pockets and no knowledge whatever of the language and customs of America. After two weeks spent in hunting for a job he finally secured a clerkship in a dry goods store, receiving for his services the sum of two dollars and twenty-five cents a week. His working day was a long one, from seven in the morning until ten in the evening, but Mr. Sugarman had determined to succeed and his first step along that path was to learn the English language. After being in New York about two months and enduring many hardships and privations, his brother in the old country, having heard through relatives in this country, of Kiva's struggle here, wrote him, offering to send him the money to return home, but he refused to go, replying that, "this country looked good to him," and that he was going to remain. For three months he worked in the store and then received transportation from an uncle who was in business in Portland to come to that coast city. Having no money he went to an old friend of his father who had know him from childhood and had met with success on coming to this country. Showing him the ticket he said: "I have only the ticket and no money so I came to ask you to help me get there, for it is a long journey." "Yes." said the father's friend, "how much do you want?" Mr. Sugarman replied: "If you will lend me twenty-five dollars I will send it back to you as fast as I earn it." As he had to pay a board bill of fifteen dollars before he could leave, this would only give him ten dollars with which to make the long journey. But the friend would not lend him the money, believing he might spend it on some girl on the train but replied that he would take him home to his wife and have her put up for him enough bread and onions to last him on his journey. Although Mr. Sugarman was hurt by this refusal he determined to make the best of it. That and many other obstacles, which he finally overcame, gave him the idea, and thought of adopting the slogan, "I ain't mad at nohody." In 1901 he landed in Portland and took a position in his uncle's store for one dollar per week and board and within a year's time paid for his trans- portation. Later he secured other employment, in which he engaged for three months, and then returned to his former employer. At the end of four years he was receiv- ing twenty-five dollars per week, which he certainly earned. In 1906 he decided to start in business on his own account and, locating in Klamath Falls, opened a store ten by twenty feet. For fourteen years he has operated that establishment which is located in the center of the business section, fronting on Main street, and is devoted solely to clothing, shoes and men's furnishings. The floor space has been increased to sixty by one hundred feet and the trade is so extensive as to require the services of six clerks.
In 1902, when earning but ten dollars a week, Mr. Sugarman was united in mar- riage to Miss Flora Gumbert, a native Oregonian, and she has indeed proved a fitting helpmate. Three children have been born to them: Harriet, Fay and Frieda.
The political allegiance of Mr. Sugarman is given to the republican party and
KIVA SUGARMAN
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fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen of the World. As a representative of one of Klamath Falls' most important business interests he is a prominent and active member of the Klamath Chamber of Commerce. His worth as a man and citizen is widely acknowledged for he measures up to high standards in both connections. His success has been the result of his own determined effort intelligently directed and he has endeavored to give the public only the best qualities of goods to select from, his stock embracing nothing but standard brands such as the Hart, Schaffner & Marx clothing and Florsheim shoes. Mr. Sugarman is generous to the extreme, sending his three sisters and one brother each a monthly check and donating freely to chari- table institutions. He also has a brother Joe, who is in business in Portland. His sister, Rosie, the eldest of the family, married Zalman Wechsler, who passed away in 1913, leaving five sons and one daughter. Mr. Sugarman was a true patriot during the World war, being active in all drives and generously contributing to every cause. After twenty years in America this self-educated man has risen to a position of prominence in the community, being a successful and respected merchant, owner of one of the finest stores of its kind in Klamath county. He has completely mastered the English language and speaks it fluently without the least accent.
RAY M. WALKER.
Ray M. Walker, mayor of Independence, is also prominently identified with busi- ness interests of the city as a member of the firm of Craven & Walker, reliable and progressive merchants of this vicinity. The family is a prominent and honored one in the state, having been established within its borders in pioneer times. The father, Sida B. Walker, was born in Benton county, Oregon, January 13, 1859, and is a son of James T. and Amanda (Martin) Walker, the former of whom arrived in this state in 1852, when a youth of seventeen years. He first became a resident of Benton county, where he followed farming until 1873, when he purchased land in Polk county and was active in its cultivation for many years. In later life he removed to Bellingham, Washington, and there passed away in 1905. His son, Sida B. Walker, was reared in Polk county and in young manhood took up the occupation of farming, cultivating rented land for about eight years. Subsequently he was for two years engaged in general merchandising at Rickreall, in Polk county, and later removed to Independence, where for three years he conducted a grocery store. He then purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty-four acres adjoining the town and has since been engaged in hop raising, in which he has been very successful. On the 3d of October, 1882, he wedded Miss Georgia Tatom, by whom he has three sons: Guy G., who is conducting a dry goods and grocery business in Independence; Ray M., who was born in Polk county, July 2, 1885; and Dean H., a furniture dealer of Eugene.
Ray M. Walker attended the public schools of Rickreall and the high school at Independence. From 1902 until 1904 he was a student in the Oregon Agricultural Col- lege at Corvallis and in 1905 he entered the State University at Eugene, which he attended during the two succeeding years. On completing his university course he entered the theatrical field, opening a moving picture house in Eugene and becoming one of the pioneers in that line of activity in the state. In 1913 he removed to Inde- pendence, where he purchased an interest in a general mercantile establishment, with which he has since been connected, the business being conducted under the firm style of Craven & Walker. They carry a large and well assorted line of general merchandise and their enterprising and progressive methods, reasonable prices and courteous treat- ment of customers have won for them a gratifying patronage. Mr. Walker is also interested in farming pursuits and in association with his brother, Dean H., is engaged in raising hops, having eighty acres devoted to that industry. In the conduct of his business affairs he has displayed sound judgment and is a typical western man, wide- awake, alert and enterprising, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
In his political views Mr. Walker is a republican and in November, 1920, was elected mayor of Independence, giving to the city a businesslike and progressive ad- ministration and making a most creditable record in office. His standing in commer- cial circles of his community is indicated in the fact that he is serving as president of the Retail Merchants' Association and is a most progressive and public-spirited citizen, doing everything in his power to promote the welfare and upbuilding of his
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community. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Masons and he also belongs to the Sigma Nu, a college society. He enlisted for service in the World war and in August, 1917, was sent to the officers' training camp at the Presidio at San Francisco, California, where he was commissioned first lieutenant. He was sent to Camp Lewis, Washington, and assigned to the Three Hundred and Sixty-fourth Infantry of the Ninety-first Division. In June, 1918, he went overseas and was engaged in the battle of St. Mihiel and also in the Argonne forest, participating in some of the severest engagements of the cam- paign. He was discharged May 14, 1919, and for his gallant and meritorious conduct on the field of hattle was promoted to the rank of captain. He is a member of the American Legion, becoming the organizer and the first president of the local post, and was sent as a delegate to the convention at Portland. He is adding new lustre to an honored family name and is a young man of high principles and substantial qualities, progressive and reliable in business, loyal and patriotic in citizenship and at all times displaying devotion to the duties that devolve upon him.
SAMUEL HANDSAKER.
In the death of Samuel Handsaker at his home in Eugene on the 5th of October, 1909, Oregon lost one of her honored pioneers, for he had come to this state in 1853. He was a native of England, his birth having occurred in Derbyshire on the 19th of November, 1831. His parents, Thomas and Mary (Faulkner) Handsaker, were also natives of England and the father, who was a carpenter by trade, passed his entire life in that country. After his demise the mother, in company with other members of the family, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1843. They settled near Alton, Illinois, and there the mother passed away in 1854.
Samuel Handsaker was but twelve years of age when the family emigrated to America, and in 1853, when a young man of twenty-two years, he decided to try his fortune in the west and crossed the plains with ox teams to Oregon, experiencing all of the dangers, privations and hardships endured by the early pioneers. He located in Douglas county and there took up a donation claim, which he improved and culti- vated for about seven years. He then turned his attention to the butchering business, which he followed at Oakland, Oregon, for about five years. In 1871 he removed to Lane county and purchased a ferryboat and a stock of general merchandise at Lowell, conducting both enterprises until about 1880, when he disposed of his interests in that locality and purchased a farm of about two hundred acres near Dexter. He greatly improved the property and continued to cultivate his land until ill health compelled him to seek a change of occupation. Going to Pleasant Hill, Lane county, he there operated a store for a few years and subsequently spent some time on the coast. Upon his return to Pleasant Hill he again engaged in the general merchandise business for a few years, hut ill health once more compelled him to give up active business life and he sold his store and took up his residence in Eugene, where he lived retired until his death, which occurred at his home at No. 630 Twelfth avenue, East, on the 5th of October, 1909, when he was seventy-eight years of age. He had served in the Indian war of 1856-7 and there was no phase of Indian fighting with which he was not familiar.
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