USA > Oregon > History of Oregon, Vol. II > Part 6
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"Not only in the field of politics did Mr. Failing put forth effort that had direct bear- ing upon the welfare of Portland but in many other ways his labors were of equal value: No good work done in the name of charity or religion sought his cooperation in vain. He gave freely and generously of his means and of his time to support beneficial public projects. Chosen a regent of the University of Oregon he was made president of the board and so continued until his death, which occurred November 8, 1898. He was also a trustee and treasurer of the Pacific University, the oldest educational institution of the state. He was a generous contributor to and active worker in the First Baptist church of Portland and the Baptist Society, of which he long served as president. He was the treasurer of the Children's Home and his heart and hand reached out in ready sympathy and aid to all who needed assistance. He was associated with William H.
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Ladd and H. W. Corbett in purchasing and laying out the grounds of Riverside ceme- tery and the beautiful city of the dead is, as it were, a monument to his efforts in that direction. He labored earnestly and effectively for the Portland Library Association, of which he was president, and his benevolence and enterprise largely made possible the erection of the library building. Coming to Portland in pioneer times, he lived for forty-seven years to witness its growth and upbuilding. No duty devolving upon him was neglected and no opportunity to aid his city was passed by heedlessly. He was still serving as a member of the water commission at the time of his death and that com- mittee prepared a lengthy memorial in his honor. In every home of the city where he was known-and his acquaintance was wide-the news of his demise was received with sorrow and regret. He had attached himself closely to his fellow-townsmen, not only by reason of his public activities but by those personal qualities which win warm regard and enduring friendship. He was a man of fine personal appearance-an index of the larger life and broader spirit within."
A few of the distinctive features of the character of Henry Failing have been touched upon in passing. It is not for lack of individuality that the portraiture of his life is difficult, but by reason of the very simplicity of his character. His development was like that of the country, continuous and straightforward, and his every act con- tributed to the growth of the city and state in which he lived. Like the flower that unfolds in the sunlight opportunity brought forth the perfect blossom of his activity and just as naturally. He impressed one as a man certain of his position. While a most successful banker he was ever sympathetic and generous and of him it was said: "It was not always easy for him to say no, hut when he did speak his negative was absolute." He was a cool ·observer and very deliberate in his judgment, but his deci- sion was sharp and final. He was ever courteous though reserved and those who came within the close circle of his friends found him cordial and most genial and kindly. His speech was a counterpart of his demeanor, conservative and exact, and rather aimed below than above the fullness of the facts. Although his early educational opportunities were somewhat limited he ever remained a student and by general reading accumulated a fund of information on various subjects far in excess of that possessed by the majority of college bred men. His reading so kept pace with his study of men and affairs that the combination made him a man of such wide knowledge and culture that few would imagine that his schooldays ended when he was but twelve years of age. He was re- markable for his familiarity with questions of national policy,' particularly those of finance and he was a prominent figure in banking circles in various parts of this coun- try, nor was his name unknown in the financial circles of Europe. Wherever known he was looked upon as a man most worthy of trust. It is true that his benefactions were many and most generous, hut of these he seldom spoke, for to him gifts lost their flavor if heralded. What the history of Portland would have been without Henry Failing it is impossible to imagine. The city in considerable measure stands as a monument to his ability and none the less to that spirit which prompted him to recog- nize the brotherhood of mankind and the obligations thereby imposed.
LEON V. JENKINS.
Leon V. Jenkins, the efficient chief of police of Portland, comes of honorable and distinguished ancestry and actuated by the undaunted courage and spirit of determi- nation which dominated his forbears he is adding new lustre to the family name. Mr. Jenkins was born in 1879, a son of Webster and Sarah (O'Malia) Jenkins, the former a native of New York state and the latter of Indiana. The maternal grand- mother, Ann (Bates) Jenkins, was a granddaughter of Rufus Bates who defended American interests as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, serving for seven years in that conflict. He was one of the famous "Green Mountain boys" and in company with eighty others volunteered to escort Ethan Allen on his secret expedition to capture Fort Ticonderoga, being one of the six men who clubbed their muskets and battered down the door which admitted Allen to the sleeping quarters of Commander La Place, thus resulting in the capture of the fort. He was also in General Starke's command and as a veteran of the Revolutionary war his name is recorded on the government pension rolls. He was a Baptist minister and for sixty-two years engaged in preach- ing the gospel, his labors being productive of much good. He attained the venerable age of ninety-six years and was highly esteemed and respected by all who knew him.
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Other progenitors of the family also rendered valuable services to their country as Revolutionary war soldiers. Mr. Jenkins' great-great-grandfather in the maternal line, George Bates, was born at Shaftsbury, Vermont, April 21, 1775, and reared a family of twelve children, also becoming a man of prominence in his community. At the age of six years Webster Jenkins, the father, removed with his parents to Michigan during the period of its great activity as a lumbering centre and he became identified with that industry. In young manhood he left Michigan and removed to Estherville, lowa, then at the age of eighteen enlisted and served during the Civil war in the Seventh Iowa Cavalry for three years and four months as General Sully's personal orderly, and subsequently made his way to the coast, going first to San Francisco, California, and later to Portland, Oregon. He afterwards went to Wash- ington, taking up a preemption claim in the vicinity of Kalama and it was upon this property that his son, Leon V., was born. While residing in that state he also became the owner of sawmills and for years served as justice of the peace at Kalama, being known as "Squire" Jenkins. In his later life he returned to Portland, where he engaged in carpentering, being an expert workman. He passed away August 24, 1911, having for seven years survived the mother, whose ' demise occurred August. 31, 1904. Of their family four sons survive: Leon V., Elba S., Orlin C. and Roy.
Their son, Leon V. Jenkins, attended the common schools of Kalama, Wash- ington, and Portland, Oregon, spending much of his boyhood in his father's saw- mill and later pursued a commercial course in a business college of Portland. His first position in the business world was that of office boy in a laundry and being interested in that line of work he decided to learn the business. His faithfulness and capability soon won him promotion and he advanced through various positions until he at length became superintendent, serving in that capacity for various Port- land laundries. His connection with the police force of the city dates from October 5, 1908, when he was appointed patrolman. He was most conscientious and faithful in the discharge of his duties and soon won merited advancement, being made ser- geant on the 1st of May, 1912, lieutenant on the 1st of December, 1916, captain on the 4th of May, 1917, and chief of police on the 4th of November, 1919, in which capacity he is now serving. He is making an excellent record in office and has succeeded in building up one of the best organized police departments in any city in the north- west. He is a man of strict integrity, fearless in the discharge of his duties and all law-abiding citizens feel that they are well protected while he is in office, for he is determined to rid the city of crime and lawlessness and make Portland one of the best governed cities in the northwest.
On the 20th of December, 1899, Mr. Jenkins was united in marriage to Miss Kathryn Lucille Cushing, a native of Arapahoe, Nebraska, and they have become the parents of a son, Raymond, now fifteen years of age, who is attending Hill's Military Academy. In his political views Mr. Jenkins is a stanch republican, active in support of the principles and candidates of the party. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and is master of Mount Tabor Lodge, No. 42, also holding membership in the Shrine. His record as a public official is a most creditable one and in every relation of life he measures up to the highest standard of manhood and citizenship, standing today as a splendid representative of the spirit of the American northwest.
THOMAS NELSON.
To many people in smaller communities and country districts the local newspaper is not only a cheerful companion and interesting entertainer, but often friend and adviser. A paper which possesses all of these qualifications is the Junction City Times, which under the able direction of Thomas Nelson has developed into one of the best and most influential newspapers in this section of the state, its editorial policy being consistent and to the point.
Mr. Nelson was born in Young America, Illinois, April 16, 1870, a son of James H. and Caroline (Snodgrass) Nelson, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Illinois. In Illinois the father worked at his trade of plasterer, but attracted to the west, he went to Colorado at an early period in the settlement of that state and there followed his trade for many years. He was greatly interested in mining and prospecting and devoted a large portion of his life to that pursuit. He was an honored veteran of the Civil war, enlisting as a member of the Tenth Illinois Infan-
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try, with which command he served for a year and a half, when he was discharged on account of illness. The last years of his life were spent with his son Thomas and he passed away at Cambridge, Idaho, May 8, 1915. The mother, however, sur- vives and is now residing in California.
Thomas Nelson pursued his education in the schools of Boulder, Colorado, later attending the State University and also a business college. While a student at the university he learned the printer's trade and after completing his course he went to California, where he worked at his trade for about a year. In 1888 he came to Oregon, accepting the position of foreman on the Daily Reveille, published at Baker City, with which he was connected for four years. On the expiration of that period he went to Portland, Oregon, and for ahout eight months he was employed on the Oregonian and then went to John Day, in the eastern part of the state, where he established a paper of his own. After two years he sold out, going to Heppner, Oregon, for a time working at his trade, but subsequently leased a plant, which he operated for a year. From there he went to Pendleton, Oregon, and there conducted a joh office until 1896, when he purchased a paper at Cambridge, Idaho, continuing its operation until 1919. His next removal took him to Eugene, where he ran a joh office until October, 1919, at which time he came to Junction City and pur- chased the Junction City Times, which he is now managing. He has greatly improved the plant, which at the time of his purchase was located in a small building. Moving into a large modern building, he thoroughly revolutionized the plant, installing all the latest presses and linotype machines and in fact every appliance to he found in the most modern plants in the country. He has greatly increased the size of his paper, changing it from a four to an eight-page publication, which is not only representative of first-class typography but also excels on account of its terse style in setting forth the news events of the section in which it circulates. Its local columns are full of interest and the general news of the world is clearly and completely given. The prin- cipal policy of the Times has been to serve the public promptly and well and that Mr. Nelson has succeeded is evident from the large circulation which his publication enjoys. All those who advertise in its columns find it worth their while and con- sider the investment for an advertisement in this paper a comparatively small outlay which is many times redeemed hy the assured returns.
On the 28th of May, 1916, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Watrous and they have become the parents of two children: Thomas Vardell, whose birth occurred in February, 1917; and Eugene Henry, born in May, 1919.
In his political views Mr. Nelson is a republican and his religious faith is indi- cated by his attendance at and support of the Methodist Episcopal church. His fra- ternal connections are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the United Artisans and the Woodmen of the World and along the line of his profession he is identified with the Typographical Union. Mr. Nelson's long connection with journalistic interests has made him thoroughly familiar with every phase of newspaper publication and in the management of the Times he is proving very successful. He is also the owner of one of the hest homes in the city and is classed with the substantial and representa- tive citizens of his community. Mr. Nelson secured his education entirely through his own efforts and is deserving of much credit for what he has accomplished in life. He is interested in all that has to do with public progress in the community or the uplift of the individual and his aid and influence are always on the side of advance- ment and improvement. He is a man of substantial worth, a splendid representative of American manhood and citizenship.
CYRUS ABDA DOLPH.
Cyrus Abda Dolph, who for many years was a distinguished member of the Port- land bar and whose name to the time of his death was always found on the list of those whose records reflected credit and honor upon the legal history of the state, was born near Havana, Schuyler county, New York, September 27, 1840, his parents being Chester V. and Elizabeth Vanderbilt (Steele) Dolph. The family name was originally De Wolf but as the years passed underwent various changes until it finally assumed the present form during the French and Indian war. The first paternal American ancestor of Cyrus A. Dolph was Balthazer De Wolf, who came to the new world about the middle of the seventeenth century and settled in Connecticut, residing first in Wethersfield and
CYRUS A. DOLPH
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later at Lyme. To him and his wife, Alice, was born a son, Edward, and through him and his wife, Rebecca, the line of descent comes down through Charles and Prudence, Joseph and Tabitha (Johnson), Abda and Mary (Coleman), Joseph and Elizabeth (Norton), their son, Chester V. and Elizabeth Vanderbilt (Steele). In many ways the family has been closely associated with America's history. Abda Dolph served in the Revolutionary war with Colonel Whiting's New York troops. Another famous ancestor of Cyrus A. Dolph was Governor Mayhew of colonial fame, who succeeded in settling the difficulties with the Indians during King Philip's war. He was lord of Tisbury Manor and became governor of, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, in 1674. Cyrus A. Dolph was also a great-grandson of Jacob Vanderbilt, brother of the first Cornelius Vanderbilt.
He obtained his education at Havana, New York, where he remained until 1862, and in that year made his way to the Pacific coast in connection with his brother, United States Senator Joseph N. Dolph. They settled in Portland, then a small town of less than five hundred population. Mr. Dolph here took up the study of law and in 1866 was admitted to the bar. His success in the practice of his profession was marked from the beginning. He was early accorded a large clientage that constantly increased in volume and importance as the years passed. In 1869, without solicitation on his part, he was nominated on the republican ticket for the office of city attorney. While he accepted the office at that time he declined subsequent nominations for the state general assembly and for the state senate and he even refused the high office of circuit judge of the ninth judicial circuit, which was tendered bim by President Benja- min Harrison in 1891. His inflexible honesty brought him a most valuable clientage from among those who appreciated the value of able and conscientious counsel. While he was recognized as a strong and effective advocate in the work of the courts he was best known as a counselor and was especially valued by men of large affairs whose extensive and diversified interests called for the most expert legal guidance. Chief among these men was Henry Villard, who appointed Mr. Dolph his personal attorney In Oregon and the northwest and made him general attorney for all the corporations which Mr. Villard controlled. Mr. Dolph served on the directorates of the various important railway and subsidiary companies with which Mr. Villard was connected and was intrusted with the duty of seeing that the great financier's policies were car- ried out. The many important and intricate questions that arose during the early his- tory of railroad construction and subsequent operation in Oregon and Washington were handled by him with rare judgment and to the satisfaction of all parties concerned. He was a director and the general attorney of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Com- pany and the Oregon & California Railroad Company; was also consulting attorney in Oregon for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company; was a director and for twelve years president of the Northern Pacific Terminal Company of Oregon and thus became an active factor in connection with the development and improvement of the railway sys- tems of the northwest.
The law firm of which Mr. Dolph was a member was organized by him in 1873, his associates being his brother, Joseph N. Dolph, Judge E. C. Bronaugh and Joseph Simon. Upon the election of his brother to the United States senate and the retire- ment of Judge Bronaugh in 1883, Cyrus A. Dolph became senior partner of the new firm, in which he was connected with Judge C. B. Bellinger, Rufus Mallory and Joseph Simon. Subsequently Judge Bellinger was elected to the federal bench and was succeeded in the firm by John M. Gearin. This firm sent four members to the United States senate- Joseph N. Dolph, John H. Mitchell, John M. Gearin and Joseph Simon-one to congress and one to the federal bench. In personnel, in prestige and achievement it was per- haps the most distinguished law firm on the Pacific coast. Mr. Dolph was generally recognized as an exceptionally sound business man. His own business achievements were by no means slight. He was instrumental in the organization of the Security Savings & Trust Company, of which he served as a director, and of various other bank- ing institutions. He was likewise attorney for a number of banks, though he sedulously avoided public office. Nevertheless he was prominently active in every movement for the welfare of the city and state and it was said of him by one who knew him well that there was no great public enterprise inaugurated in Oregon during the forty years pre- ceding his death with which he was not in one way or another connected. He was president of the board of trustees of the Portland Library Association; was regent of the University of Oregon; was a member of the Portland water committee, under whose jurisdiction were constructed the great waterworks for the city of Portland, and vice president of the board of trustees of Reed College. Incidentally it may be mentioned
Vol. 11-4
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that he was the personal attorney of Mrs. Reed, drafted the will which gave the bulk of her estate to Reed College and worked out with her the plans for that institution.
Mr. Dolph was also interested in a large number of philanthropic enterprises and was president of the board of trustees of the Old Peoples Home, to which he devoted a great deal of time and to which he rendered much substantial service. He was also president of the board of trustees of the First Baptist church and was active and promi- nent in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in the Masonic fraternity. There is a striking unanimity in the estimate of Mr. Dolph's personality, character and attain- ments as expressed by the men who were in a position to know him well. Judge Bellinger once said of him: "He has in an unusual degree those qualities which distinguish the safe lawyer from the showy one. Steadfast in his friendship, conservative in his judg- ment when the conduct of others exposes them to censure, considerate of the feelings of his fellows, scrupulously careful of the rights of those with whom he is brought into
business relations and conscientious in all that he does, he is deservedly held in high esteem by all who know him." An identical view is presented in the memorial resolu- tion of the Bench and Bar of Oregon: "No lawyer at the bar has received or merited in greater degree the confidence of the people and his associates. In his domestic life Mr. Dolph exemplified the same gentle qualities that endeared him to all who knew him. His death has left vacant a large place at this bar. Cyrus A. Dolph was a good man, a sound lawyer, a wise counselor and a faithful friend. As a man his ideals were grounded upon the basic teachings of religion and his life conformed to those ideals without being spectacular, ascetic, severe or dogmatic. As a lawyer he was quiet, serious, careful, exact and safe-well trained in the great fundamental principles which, guided by practical knowledge, made him an able adviser and wise counselor. He was steady and ahiding in his friendships and no one who ever enjoyed that relation with him could, if worthy, fail of his support at all times or under any circumstances. His friendships were firm, genuine and lasting."
Mr. Dolph was married in Portland, Oregon, June 24, 1875, to Elise, daughter of Charles Cardinell, of Portland, and they became the parents of four children: Joseph Norton, Hazel Mills, William Vanderbilt and John Mather. The death of Mr. Dolph occurred in Portland, June 22, 1914, when he was in the seventy-fourth year of his age. Thus passed one whose worth was uniformly acknowledged by all who knew him, one who had used his talents wisely and well, who had met every duty and every obligation of life with the consciousness that comes from a right conception of things and an habitual regard for what is best in the exercise of human activity.
ASAHEL BUSH.
Those forces which have contributed most to the development, improvement and benefit of the state of Oregon received impetus from the labors of Asahel Bush, who passed away at Salem on the 23d of December, 1913. He was distinctively a man of affairs and one who wielded a wide influence. In every sphere of life in which he acted he left an indelihle impress through the attainment of his purpose and in all that he undertook he was actuated by high ideals that sought the benefit of his home locality or the state at large. He was no ordinary type of man. His strong personality. quick and clear perception, energy and persistency of purpose, together with his sound judgment, would have placed him in a position of leadership in any walk of life which he chose to follow.
Mr. Bush was a native of the east. He was born in Westfield, Massachusetts, June 4, 1824, a son of Asahel and Sally (Nobe) Bush, representatives of old and prominent families of that section, who had settled there in the early part of the seventeenth century. The father became a man of prominence in his community, being frequently called to public offices, and he was widely known and highly respected. The homestead on which the son was born has been in possession of the family, in direct line, for a century and a half and is now owned and occupied by one of the name.
In the pursuit of an education Asahel Bush attended the common school of the neighborhood, later entering the village academy, where he remained a student until his father's death, which occurred when he was but fifteen years of age. Soon after- ward he abandoned his studies and went to Saratoga Springs, New York, where he spent about three years in learning and working at the art of printing. He then went to Albany, where for a few months he was connected with the state printing, also
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