USA > Oregon > History of Oregon, Vol. II > Part 72
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In connection with Mr. Boutan he bought ten thousand acres of spruce on Coos
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Bay and formed the Coos Bay Lumber & Coal Company. From this tract, which originally cost one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, they sold prior to Mr. McCord's death, stumpage to the value of two million dollars and had as much left. This ground is underlaid with coal and parties are now drilling for petroleum and gas, with strong evidence of its becoming famous as an oil producing district.
Mr. McCord's identification with business affairs in his later years was that of president of the Wisconsin Logging & Timber Company, of the Five States Timber Company, Western Timber Syndicate, Hewitt-McCord Timber Company, McCord Lumber Company, and secretary-treasurer of the Coos Bay Lumber & Coal Company. His oper- ations represented mammoth proportions in connection with the development of the lumber industry in the northwest and he belonged to that class of men who greatly aided in promoting the upbuilding and prosperity of the commonwealth. He was manly, had splendid business ability and possessed strong powers of organization com- bined with executive force. His activities always spelled success and his ability to build up enterprises brought him to the prominent and commanding position which be long occupied.
ROBERT LEE TUCKER.
As the name inevitably suggests Robert Lee Tucker is descended from a Virginia family of some note, dating back to Revolutionary times. His parents were Lewis and Winnifred (Howell) Tucker. Robert Lee Tucker's grandfather was born in North Carolina and moved to Alabama, where Lewis Tucker was born. The family were for generations extensive landholders and slave-owners and as was true of many old southern families, were divided on the question of slavery. When the Civil war was precipitated Lewis Tucker joined the Union army, while certain of his brothers espoused the Confederate cause and served in the Confederate army. The family was a large one and members of it have become prominent on both sides of the Mason and Dixon line. Tilman M. Tucker, on the southern side, was governor of Mississippi. The Howells were of the pioneer stock of Kentucky and the family were planters in the Blue Grass region of that state for generations.
Robert Lee Tucker was born in White county, Arkansas, in August, 1881. He received his primary education in the schools of Lincoln, Nebraska, and his collegiate course at the University of Nebraska and at Washington State College. After com- pleting a business course at a commercial college in Spokane, Washington, he became assistant secretary of the Y. M. C. A. at Spokane for a year. The following three years he spent in Kellogg, Idaho, where he took up the lumber business and soon became manager of the yard. A salesman next for a firm dealing in building material, he spent a year on the road and then returned to Idaho as manager of a line yard at American Falls. After two and a half years in the employ of that company he pur- chased an interest in a hardware store, which he retained for a year. He again be- came manager of a line yard until 1911 when he went to Portland and established yards at Tigard, Donald and Beaverton. These he operated for four years and then disposed of them in order to become city salesman for the North Pacific Lumber Com- pany. In 1917 he went to Salt Lake City and associated himself with the George Merrill Company as yard specialist, later becoming the secretary of the Bonneville branch of that company, one of the largest of the Merrill companies, operating twenty- seven yards.
In the fall of 1918 he came to Oregon and purchased a sawmill and an interest in a real estate business. It was not long, however, before he sold out his business interests and became Portland city salesman and later manager of the retail depart- ment of the North Pacific Lumber Company. In 1919 he purchased the property of the Badger Lumber Company and has since conducted the business with marked success. The premises, located at Washington and Main streets and adjacent to the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks, measure two hundred feet on Main street, one hundred and twenty feet on Washington street along the line of the Oregon Electric Company's tracks and four hundred feet along the Southern Pacific Railroad's right of way. The purchase of the Badger Company's holdings was purely a real estate deal, there being no stock included. At the present time the yards contain a twenty-five thousand dollar stock of lumber and building materials, sheds and a planing mill forty by one hundred
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and twenty feet and transact a business which covers Washington county and the counties adjacent.
Mr. Tucker has been so variously and so deeply engrossed in business that he has found no time for politics except as an intelligent and public-spirited voter. The one position he has ever filled which might in any way be called political was that of chairman of the school board of American Falls, Idaho. During his administration the board built the present school building in that city at a cost of forty thousand dollars. Fraternally Mr. Tucker is a Mason and a Knight of Pythias. As a member of the Hillsboro Methodist church he serves on the board of trustees.
Mr. Tucker was married in 1906 to Helen Crandall Peck, daughter of Frank C. and Carrie L. Peck, members of an old New York family, antedating the Revolution. Mrs. Tucker is a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is prominent in its activities. She is a woman of talent, including exceptional musical ability, and before her marriage devoted much time to teaching. Their children, Helen Margaret and Robert Frank are pupils in the Hillsboro primary schools.
WILLIAM A. LESLIE.
In the passing of William A. Leslie, Joseph and Wallowa county, Oregon, lost a representative citizen and financial leader. His death occurred suddenly on the 19th of September, 1890, at the age of thirty-one years, when on returning from a business trip to Portland he was taken seriously ill and soon passed away. His death was the occasion of deep grief to his many friends in the community and his passing has left a void which it will be hard to fill.
William A. Leslie was born in Henderson county, Illinois, July 10, 1859, a son of James and Sarah (McQuown) Leslie, the former a native of Virginia, while the latter was born in Illinois. James Leslie came to Illinois when but a small boy with his parents and in that state he grew to manhood and was married. He was a musician of ability and engaged in teaching and worked at various occupations the early part of his life. For some time he was employed in Chicago and then removed to Page county, Iowa, where he followed the insurance business, subsequently going to Larned, Kansas, where he continued in the same business. James Leslie is living at the age of eighty-four years and is a respected citizen of the community in which he resides. The death of his first wife occurred at College Springs, Iowa, and he was later married to Ida Donaldson, who is also living. The political allegiance of James Leslie is given to the republican party and both he and his wife are consistent members of the Pres- byterian church.
At the age of seventeen years William A. Leslie left Henderson county, Illinois, for College Springs, Iowa, at which latter place he completed his education. In June of the year 1885 he decided to come west and arriving in Salem, Oregon, remained there for a short time. He then removed to Joseph, where he was given a clerkship in the general store of a Mr. McCully and he served in that connection until, upon the organ- ization of the First Bank, he became its cashier. This position he filled with ability until September, 1890, when he resigned to take a like position with the Farmers and Traders Bank, now the United States National Bank of La Grande. He did not live to enter into this work, however, for upon returning from a business trip to Portland, where he had gone to buy furniture for the bank, he was taken seriously ill at his home in Joseph and passed away on the 19th of September, 1890, when but thirty- one years of age.
In 1878 Mr. Leslie had been married to Miss Anna Pollock, daughter of D. Ross and Agnes (Harper) Pollock, and a native of Page county, Iowa. Her father was a native of Greene county, Ohio, as was her mother and their marriage was celebrated in Warren county, that state. They later removed to Page county, Iowa, where the father was a prominent farmer and merchant and there his death occurred in April, 1890, at the age of sixty-five years. The death of Mrs. Pollock occurred in March, 1905, when sixty-five years of age. Four children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Leslie: J. Ross, who is manager of the Inland Motor Company, with headquarters at La Grande; Glenn E., who for many years was in charge of the grocery department of the McCully store at Joseph and who passed away in 1919, aged thirty-five years; Agnes, who is now Mrs. G. R. Claycomb of Joseph; and Claire, now Mrs. J. P. Mullen
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of Joseph. Mrs. Leslie is living in her fine home in Joseph,, a prominent and greatly respected woman of the community.
Throughout his life William A. Leslie was a stanch supporter of the republican party, having firm belief in the principles of that party as factors in good govern- ment. He was a member of no fraternal organizations but was a consistent and active member of the Presbyterian church. Had he lived his further success in financial circles would have been assured, for he had already won, by his genuine personal worth and sterling traits of character, the unbounded confidence and esteem of the entire community.
FRANKLIN A. BERLIN.
Franklin A. Berlin, now deceased, was for many years a prominent farmer in Umatilla county. He was born in Berryville, Clarke county, Virginia, March 23, 1867, a son of Lewis Berlin, who was also a native of Virginia and there he received his edu- cation. On the outbreak of the Civil war, Lewis Berlin enlisted in the Confederate army and served throughout the entire period. After receiving his discharge he re- turned home, and although he had followed farming in early life, he afterward engaged in blacksmithing, in which connection he continued until his death. He was a con- sistent supporter of the democratic party, and his religious faith was that of the Baptist church.
Franklin A. Berlin received his education in Virginia and there remained until he was seventeen years of age, when in 1890 he came west with some friends and settled at Weston, Umatilla county. He was employed in a brickyard for a number of years and then entered into partnership with his brother, John, leasing some land which they operated successfully for some time. He later purchased four hundred acres at forty dollars per acre, which land he improved and cultivated. A quarter section was then added to the original purchase, and other additional land from time to time, until he was in possession of seven hundred and twenty-five acres of well improved land, all in Umatilla county. In March, 1919, he purchased a home near Athena, con- sisting of one hundred and twenty-five acres, and there his death occurred on the 23d of September, 1919.
It was on July 1, 1903, that Mr. Berlin was united in marriage to Miss Therese Hays, a daughter of J. A. and Azuba (Ogle) Hays and a native of Richardson county, Nebraska. For many years her father engaged in farming in Nebraska and then came west, locating in Athena. He is now living at the age of seventy-one years, but her mother passed away August 2, 1898. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Berlin four children were born: Lewis, Dorothy, Mary and Fay.
Mr. Berlin always gave his allegiance to the democratic party, having firm belief in its principles as factors in good government. Fraternally he was a Mason, a Knight of Pythias and a Woodman of the World, and his religious faith was that of the Baptist church, of which organization he was treasurer for several years. Although the greater part of his life was devoted to his farming interests he took an active part in the development and improvement of the community and was a director in the Farmers Union of Athena and of a grain agency. He had lived in Athena but a short time before his death, hut in the country near by for many years, and in that time he had built up many and true friendships, and his demise came as a severe blow to the community. Mrs. Berlin still survives her husband and is a well known and prominent citizen of Athena.
JOSEPH MCCUSKER.
Joseph McCusker, who became closely connected with industrial activity in Port- land, was born in New York city in 1870, a son of Edward and Ellen (Smith) Mc- Cusker, but while reared upon the Atlantic seaboard his later years were passed on the Pacific coast and in Portland he departed this life. He was but four years of age when his father died in the Empire state. His mother afterward married again, be- coming the wife of Thomas Frost, who removed with the family to California, settling in San Francisco, where Joseph McCusker largely acquired his education in the public
FRANKLIN A. BERLIN
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schools, also attending St. Mary's College at Oakland, California. He started out upon his business career by entering the employ of the Smith Labeling Company of San Francisco, with which he remained for a few years. He afterward engaged in the plumbing business as a partner in the Duffy Plumbing Company of San Francisco and was thus active in the business circles of that city for a decade.
In 1892 Mr. McCusker was united in marriage to Miss Mary Buckley, a daughter of Jeremiah and Ann (Hennessey) Buckley, who were natives of Ireland and on emi- grating to America made their way to California at the time of the gold excitement in that state. They spent the greater part of their lives in San Francisco and when called to their final rest were there interred. For about sixteen years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McCusker continued to reside in San Francisco and in 1908 came to Portland, where he secured the responsible position of superintendent with the Hassalo Engineering Company, thus continuing for three years. He then engaged in the heat- ing and plumbing business under his own name, with offices in the Failing building, and developed his interests until he had one of the leading establishments of the kind in the city. He had the contract for the plumbing and heating in the Meir & Frank building, also the Multnomah county courthouse, St. Vincent's Hospital for both heating and power, the Failing building, the annex to the Imperial Hotel and the Seward Hotel. The nature of his work, his thorough reliability and efficiency, hrought to him a very liberal patronage which steadily increased with the passing years and Mr. Mc- Cusker remained an active factor in the industrial circles of the city until his death.
To Mr. and Mrs. McCusker were born six children: Helen, who is now a nurse at St. Vincent's Hospital; Evelyn, at home; Linus; Joseph and Paul, who are grad- uates of Columbia University; and Lucien, who is still in school.
Mr. McCusker was a member of the Catholic church, to which faith his family adhere and he was also identified with the Knights of Columbus, which draws its membership only from those of Catholic belief. He passed away August 4, 1916, re- spected by all who knew him because of the creditable place which he had made for himself in business circles. Step by step he had advanced through his ability and energy and was one of the leading plumbing and heating contractors of Portland.
W. F. LOOKER.
Actuated at all points in his career by a progressive spirit and firm determination that have enabled him to overcome all obstacles and difficulties in his path, W. F. Looker is now occupying a prominent position in manufacturing circles of Portland as vice president of the Howard-Cooper Corporation, one of the largest road-making machinery houses on the Pacific coast, whose products find a ready market not only in the United States but are also used extensively in China and the Orient. He is thoroughly familiar with every detail of the business in which he Is now engaged and his initiative spirit has enabled him to formulate plans which have resulted in the enlargement and substantial growth of the undertaking.
Mr. Looker is a native of the south. He was born in Shenandoah county, Virginia, a son of Elijah and Catharine (Crider) Looker, the latter a daughter of Jacob Crider. Mr. Looker's education was acquired in the district, public and high schools and as a young man he came to the west, arriving in Portland in 1898. He first hecame identi- fied with Beall & Company, with whom he was connected for ten years and then entered the employ of the Howard-Cooper Corporation, with which he has since been associated. His faithfulness, efficiency and ready adaptability soon won recognition and he was advanced from time to time to positions of larger responsibility and importance until he is now occupying the vice presidency. The business was founded by G. W. Howard, whose demise occurred in 1920. This is one of the largest road-making machinery houses on the Pacific coast, dealing in rock crushers, steam shovels and all heavy machinery connected with road building. The business is conducted along the most modern and progressive lines and the corporation has ever borne an unassailable repu- tation for integrity and reliability, for promptness and courtesy. Their trade has grown continuously from year to year owing to the excellence of their output and it has now reached extensive proportions, hranch houses being maintained at Boise, Idaho, and at Seattle, Washington. Their business extends throughout the northwest and Alaska and their products also find a ready market in China and the Orient. Mr. Looker has devoted practically his entire business life to this field of endeavor and
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is thoroughly familiar with every detail of the work, being regarded as an authority in the manufacture of road-making machinery. 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. He is bending every energy to the legiti- mate advancement of the house and his efforts have contributed in substantial measure to its continued development and expansion.
In Portland, in 1913, Mr. Looker was united in marriage to Miss Genevieve C. McLain, a daughter of John McLain. In his political views Mr. Looker is a republican and fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the World and the Knights of Pythias. His firm holds membership in the Chamber of Commerce and he is also identified with the United Commercial Travelers and the Illinois Commercial Men's Association. He is a loyal, patriotic and public-spirited citizen and during the World war was active in the promotion of the Liberty loan drives. As the architect of his own fortunes he has huilded wisely and well and at the same time his labors have been a valuable asset in the development of the resources of the northwest through his connection with manufacturing interests. His salient characteristics are those which make for popularity, while his well developed powers have brought him the preeminence that follows superior ability and concentrated effort.
FRANK HARRISON REYNOLDS.
One of the live wires of Rainier, who is doing his full share toward the upbuilding of the town, is Frank H. Reynolds, dealer in real estate. He was born in Iowa in 1875, the son of John and Susan (Croker) Reynolds, who were prosperous farmers. As a lad Mr. Reynolds was ambitious and during his boyhood days determined to go west and build up his fortune.
He was educated in the schools of Iowa and came to Oregon in 1909, obtaining his first work as hotel clerk. He remained in this position but six months, when he took up railroad work. In 1910 he established himself in the real estate business in Portland, and was strongly urged by a client who had a number of small homes in Rainier to locate in that city. He came to Rainier on a visit and being impressed with its promises for a future, moved here in 1911. Starting with the property of his client, he has built up a very lucrative real estate and insurance business in the nine years he has been here. Mr. Reynolds confines his business strictly to buying and selling city and farm property on a commission basis, and to the writing of fire, marine and automobile insurance in standard old-line companies. He is also a notary public. For a while he was the proprietor of the Cozy Theater but the growth of his realty business forced him to give up this enterprise. This theater was at free disposal for all patriotic activities during the World war.
Mr. Reynolds was married in 1918, in Portland, to Miss Alice T. Meehan, an estimable young woman. They are the parents of one son, John Joseph, whom they call Jack.
Ever since coming to Rainier Mr. Reynolds has been active in civic and political affairs and he was especially so during the time of the war. He has never sought office but for four years was chairman of the county democratic committee. Mr. Rey- nolds is a member of the Rainier Commercial Club and in religion is an adherent to the Catholic faith. Both Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have won many friends since locat- ing in Rainier.
EDWARD J. DE HART.
Edward J. De Hart, who developed and was a partner in the largest hardware store of Portland and was thus closely associated with the commercial interests of the city for a number of years, passed away November 18, 1916. He had been identi- fied with the Pacific coast country for more than a half century, having removed to the west in 1861. He was born at Communipaw, New Jersey, April 1, 1836, a son of Edward and Elinor (Simmons) De Hart, the former a native of Staten Island, while the latter was born in New Jersey.
Edward J. De Hart acquired a common school education in his native state and
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initiated his business career in connection with the hardware trade, serving as a clerk when but fifteen years of age. He was thus employed for a number of years and in fact much of his life was devoted to the hardware business. Attracted by the opportunities of the growing west, he made his way to San Francisco, California, in 1861 and was there employed by Jacob Underhill & Company, hardware merchants, Mr. Underhill being his brother-in-law. After a brief period passed in San Francisco he was sent by the firm to Portland to establish a branch store here and of this he had charge until 1868. The business was closed out in October of that year and Mr. De Hart then returned to San Francisco, where he took charge of the Underhill inter- ests, continuing as manager thereof until 1873. In the fall of the latter year he went to New York city, where he represented the firm as buyer, with offices on Chambers street, continuing a resident of the metropolis until the fall of 1875. At that date he returned to San Francisco and in the following winter the firm of Underhill & Company failed. In the succeeding spring Mr. De Hart went to Nevada City, California, where he remained for a short time but soon after returned to San Francisco in the spring of 1876, spending the summer there. In the fall of the same year he came to Portland to look after the interests of R. R. Thompson and Northrup and later became one of the partners in the business of Honeyman & De Hart, which in the course of years developed into Portland's largest hardware enterprise. For a long period he con- centrated his efforts and attention upon the upbuilding and development of the busi- ness, promoting the trade along the most progressive lines and at all times adhering to the highest standards and commercial ethics. In 1900 he severed his connection with the business and in October of 1901 went to Medford, where he purchased an apple and pear orchard and concentrated his energies upon horticultural pursuits, continuing actively in the business for six years. This he sold in June, 1907, and re- turned to Portland, where he afterward made his home. In the succeeding spring he purchased a country residence at Hood River, which he used as a summer home.
In October, 1857, Mr. De Hart was united in marriage to Miss Elmira C. Thresher, a daughter of Minord Sprague and Mary (Smith) Thresher. The marriage was cele- brated in New York city and they became the parents of a daughter, Ella, whose birth occurred in the eastern metropolis.
Mr. De Hart was a lifelong republican, giving unfaltering allegiance at all times to the party and its principles. He belonged to the Arlington Club and he was one of the organizers of the Commercial Club of Portland, which elected him its first president. He stood as a representative merchant and business man of the city for a considerable period and his activities were ever of a character which contributed to public progress and improvement as well as to individual success. HIs plans were ever carefully formulated and promptly executed. He made a close study of business conditions and ever looked beyond the exigencies of the moment to the opportunities and possibilities of the future, both as regarded his individual affairs and the public good. He is yet well remembered by many of the older business men of Portland as a forceful factor in commercial circles here. He had attained the ripe old age of eighty years when "the weary wheels of life at length stood still," and his entire career was one of activity and usefulness and the public was at all times either a direct or an indirect beneficiary of his efforts.
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