USA > Oregon > History of Oregon, Vol. II > Part 85
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SAMSON W. HERRMAN.
One of the old and substantial business enterprises of Portland is the Holman Transfer Company, of which Samson W. Herrman is the owner. His identification with this enterprise covers a third of a century and its present state of prosperity is due in substantial measure to his efforts and capable direction, for he is an astute business man who carefully formulates his plans and in their execution is prompt and efficient. A native of Oregon, Mr. Herrman was born in Salem on the 22d of February, 1865, his parents being Sekel and Celia (Hirsch) Herrman, both natives of Germany who emigrated to the United States. They were married in New York in 1863 and in that year came to Oregon by way of the Isthmus of Panama, settling at Salem, where Mr. Herrman engaged in the mercantile business with his brother-in-law under the firm style of Herrman & Hirsch. In 1877 the father came to Portland, opening a general mercantile establishment at the corner of First and Madison streets and this he continued to conduct for ten years, after which he engaged in the wood busi- ness. He passed away in 1912, while the mother's demise occurred in 1905. They became the parents of five children, all of whom are natives of Oregon and have con-
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tinued to reside in the city of Portland. Samson W. Herrman is the eldest of the family and the others are Ella, Isaac, Emanuel and Simon.
In the public schools of Portland Samson W. Herrman pursued his education and on entering the business world gained his first mercantile experience in his father's establishment in Portland, assisting him in the conduct of the business until his retirement. In 1886 S. W. Herrman became connected with the Holman Transfer Company, one of the old and substantial business enterprises of this city, and follow- ing the demise of a member of the firm he formed a partnership with John W. Hol- man. After the death of Mr. Holman Mr. Herrman acquired the entire business, which was incorporated under the name of the Holman Transfer Company, and is still conducted under that title, although Mr. Herrman is now sole owner. For over thirty years he has been identified with the concern and his executive ability, admin- istrative direction and enterprising spirit have been important elements in the suc- cessful conduct of the business, which has enjoyed a continuous growth, having now reached extensive and profitable proportions. He also has financial interests, heing a director of the Bank of Kenton, located in one of the suburbs of Portland.
In Portland, in 1889, Mr. Herrman was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Harris, of Vancouver, Washington, a daughter of Samuel and Anna Harris, natives of Ger- many. In his political views Mr. Herrman is a republican and his religious faith is indicated by his affiliation with Beth Israel congregation. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to the Scottish Rite Consistory and to Al Kader Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of Portland Lodge, No. 142, B. P. O. E., and of Lodge No. 65, of the Independent Order of B'nai B'rith. He is likewise identified with the Lang Syne Society and the Concordia Club, of which he has been president for two terms and is an active and earnest member of the Chamber of Commerce, giving hearty support to the well devised plans of that body for the advancement of the city and the extension of its trade relations. He is interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of his city, state and nation and during the World war served as captain of the drive for the third Liberty loan. His has been a life of diligence and determination, characterized by honesty and integrity in all business transactions, and success in substantial measure has come to reward his labors.
GEORGE THOMAS COLLINS.
George Thomas Collins, manager of the wholesale grocery house of Mason, Ehrman & Company, is a dynamic force in the business circles of Medford. He was born on the 13th of August, 1880, at Holyoke, Massachusetts, and comes of English ancestry. He was educated in his native town, attending the graded and high schools, and when his textbooks were put aside he entered upon an apprenticeship to the paper-making trade. Just as he was completing his term of indenture he met with an accident that broke both knees and obliged him to quit the paper-making business. When he recovered he became a commercial traveler, covering the New England states for a New York grocery firm. He had been reading, however, of the Pacific coast, its excel- lent climate and its superior business advantages and on one occasion met a fellow traveler, who in reply to Mr. Collins' inquiry spoke so well of the country that the latter decided to try his fortune in the northwest.
In March, 1911, traveling coastward by way of Canada he at length reached Portland, a place in marked contrast to the regions through which he had passed, for as he journeyed westward he traveled through great snow banks but on reaching his destination found roses in bloom and a beautiful sunny climate. Mr. Collins entered the employ of a wholesale grocery house in Portland and his ability won him promotion to the position of assistant manager within six months. His connection with the firm covered nearly two years, at the end of which time he became a rep- resentative of the firm of Mason, Ehrman & Company, being made manager of their southern Oregon territory, with wholesale establishment at Medford and Klamath Falls. Mr. Collins established his home in Medford, but is widely known throughout the southern part of the state, as Ashland, Klamath Falls and other districts claim him and benefit by his civic enterprise and progressive spirit. His efforts have been an important element in making Medford a wholesale distributing point, and not only has he assisted materially in the upbuilding of the business with which he is directly connected but has been a supporter of many public projects as well.
GEORGE T. COLLINS
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He is represented on the road by six traveling salesmen and employs twenty-four people in his warehouse. He has carefully systematized the business, introduced progressive methods, and his commercial activity has been a potent force in con- tributing to Medford's upbuilding.
In 1902 Mr. Collins was married to Miss Rosa Boissy, a daughter of Alphonse Boissy, a farmer of the province of Quebec, Canada. Both Mr. and Mrs. Collins are recognized as social leaders in Medford, and the hospitality of their own home is greatly enjoyed by a very extensive circle of friends.
Mr. Collins is keenly interested in the improvement of the Crater lake resort and is one of the best known representatives of fraternal interest in this section of the state. He is a past master of his Masonic lodge, is a Knights Templar and a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, and he is likewise a past potentate of Hillah Temple of the Mystic Shrine and a past honorary Pharaoh of the A. E. O. S. S. He is likewise a past exalted ruler of the Medford Elks and vice president of the Oregon State Elks Association. All of these different bodies to which he belongs count upon and receive his active cooperation and support. He is one of the directors of the Medford Chamber of Commerce and no cause of civic betterment seeks his aid in vain. He was appointed by Governor Olcott in April, 1921, a mem- ber of the Oregon State Tourist Information Bureau. It is said that when George Thomas Collins starts out for a thing he gets it, and the methods which he pursues are such as any might profitably follow. Perhaps the secret of his success may be found in the fact that he is never too busy to be cordial, never too cordial to be busy.
MARTIN WINCH.
Martin Winch, deceased, was associated with agricultural and railroad interests in Portland and Oregon but was perhaps hest known through his work as administra- tor of the Amanda W. Reed estate, Mrs. Reed being his aunt. He was born in Quincy, Massachusetts, December 15, 1858, and is a son of Martin and Frances (Wood) Winch. In 1871, when twelve years of age, he accompanied his mother and his brother upon their westward journey to Portland, Oregon, the father having previously passed away in Massachusetts.
After reaching this city Martin Winch attended the public schools until sixteen years of age and then started out to provide for his own support by obtaining employ- ment with the Oregon Steamship & Navigation Company. He continued in the employ of that corporation for several years. When it became the Oregon Railroad & Naviga- tion Company he was ticket agent and later general baggage agent of this company and of the western division of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company. He continued to act in that capacity until 1884 when he took the management of the varied interests of Mr. Simeon G. Reed and filled these positions with great credit to himself and satis- faction to those whom he thus represented. In May, 1904, his aunt, Mrs. Amanda W. Reed, died and he was appointed, according to the terms of her will, executor of her estate and one of the five trustees of Reed Institute. He labored for years in the courts to establish the institution and deserves great credit for accomplishing this, as the heirs fought hard to prevent it. It was this strain which in a certain degree hastened his death. Reed College was founded in 1911 at Portland, Oregon, as the result of the bequest of Amanda W. Reed, who left a sum, estimated unofficially at the time as three million dollars, for a nonsectarian institution of learning in Portland, the object of which was the increasing and diffusion of practical knowledge among the citizens of Portland and the promotion of literature, science and art. The five trustees named in the will decided to begin with a college of liberal arts and sciences and after sur- mounting great difficulties the task was accomplished. Mr. Winch was also keenly interested in agricultural affairs and owned and operated a fine dairy farm near Gresham until his death, which occurred on December 17, 1915.
It was on March 8th, 1882, that Mr. Winch was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Amelia Wygant, a daughter of Theodore and Margaret Glen Wygant. One son was born of this marriage, Simeon Reed, who is a graduate of Princeton University and is now a resident of Portland.
Mr. Winch was a member of the Masonic .fraternity, also a member of the Uni- tarian church. He was a man who stood at all times for what he believed to be right
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and has an enviable record for honesty and uprightness. He aided many a young man financially at a time when such assistance was most needed, yet only those whom he befriended knew of his transactions in this way. He closely followed the Biblical injunction: "Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth." He was entirely free from ostentation and display but his entire life was guided by high ideals and a sense of justice that made his record one of great worth in the community in which he lived and labored.
ISAAC NEWTON ROBINSON.
The most prosperous and flourishing general merchandise stores of Tualatin is owned and managed by Isaac Newton Robinson. Mr. Robinson has ยท demonstrated his progressive ideas by building the only brick structure in Tualatin. His building occupies the most prominent corner in town, is two stories high and 50x75 feet in dimensions. The lower floor is occupied by Mr. Robinson's store and the second story is used as an apartment house. Every small community has one dominant citizen whose splendid public spirit makes him the leader in his town. In Tualatin, Isaac N. Robinson is that leader. He was born in Clairmont County, Ohio, where the family from which he descended had been residents for one hundred and fifty years. In the pioneer days of Illinois, Oscar Robinson who was hy trade a cabinet maker, settled there and later moved to Ohio where his son Isaac was born.
After receiving his education in the common schools of his home state Isaac Rob- inson worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-five years of age. Having learned the bridge carpenter's trade he spent the next four years in bridge work for the Big Four railroad. After severing connections with this concern, he accepted a position with the American Straw Board Company as purchasing agent, remaining with them for fourteen years. In 1900 he came to Oregon on a visit and fancying the climatic conditions he decided to remain. In 1901 he opened a general merchan- dise store at Tualatin, and has remained here since. In every enterprise that has promised the advancement of Tualatin he has been in the foreground. During the building of the Oregon Electric Railway through Washington county he served as paymaster for the corporation.
Mr. Robinson married Miss Mary E. Smith a native of Maryland, whose father Leonard Smith was an extensive dealer in lumber and the proprietor of a large saw- mill. They have no children but reared and educated the daughter of a relative and she is now the wife of Walter Thompson who is engaged in the automobile business in Portland.
Mr. Robinson is a trustee of the Congregational church and was for years clerk of the church. During the World war Mr. Robinson was the chairman of all the war drives and bond committees for his section, while Mrs. Robinson was an enthu- siastic Red Cross worker. That Mr. Robinson is a valuable asset to Tualatin will not be denied by any one in Washington county.
EDWARD JAMES MURRAY.
Newspapers may well be classed among the leading enterprises of any community, for whether great or small institutions they have their work to perform. They are a dominant factor in molding public opinion, for it is through them that people all over the world are brought face to face with important questions and issues of the day. The Klamath Falls Herald, with which Edward James Murray is identified as editor, is one of the leading newspapers in Oregon and enjoys an extensive circulation.
Mr. Murray is a native of Ireland, his birth having occurred in County Cavan on the 3d of April, 1875, and he is a son of Peter and Rose (O'Rielly) Murray. In 1881 he emigrated to America and located in Syracuse, New York. He was but six years of age when he arrived here and he endured many hardships while adjusting himself to the customs and surroundings of the new world. At an early age he became a messenger for the Western Union Telegraph Company at Syracuse and worked in that connection for some time, saving up quite a little money. As a messenger he was frequently brought into contact with the thrilling, hurrying, throbbing interests
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of great newspapers, and his chief pleasure was in delivering telegrams to the editorial sanctum, a duty which never failed to make his heart beat quicker and strengthen his determination to succeed. Subsequently he entered the Christian Brothers College at Syracuse, and after completing the course there started his newspaper career on the Tribune-Republican at Meadville, Pennsylvania. Mr. Murray was not long in estab- lishing himself in that city for his magnetic personality, energy and ability to write won him a place in the heart of the public. His four years of successful achievement on that paper brought him greater opportunities and he was for some time a member of the republican state committee of Pennsylvania and for a time served the commit- tee as assistant secretary. Severing his connection with the Tribune-Republican, Mr. Murray established at Las Cruces, New Mexico, the Donna Anna County Republican, which he successfully operated for four years. The next six years of his life were devoted to mining but at the end of that time the call of the newspaper became so strong that he removed to Klamath Falls, Oregon, and bought an interest in the Klamath Republican, which was later merged into the Evening Herald and of which he became the sole owner in 1919.
Newspapers, like individuals, possess character and the editor who has integrity, aggressiveness and common sense becomes one of the most useful citizens in his com- munity. For fifteen years Mr. Murray has been a constructive force in the community, a producer and uplifter, and his paper is sincere in its struggle for a citizenship with high ideals of community service. He hates selfishness, sham and pretense, and al- though in many instances his editorials are condemned, the condemnation is generally traced to the selfish faction who are intent on furthering their own interests at the expense of the public. Mr. Murray uses his paper as an instrument for the whole people of the county, however, and ignores the displeasure which his articles cause a few. The popularity of his sheet is clearly indicated for it has the largest circula- tion of any paper in southern Oregon. In addition to his duties as editor, he is presi- dent of the Herald Publishing Company, president of the Central Hotel Company, president of the Hydraulic Stone & Brick Company and vice president of the Lakeside Lumber Company.
In 1896 occurred the marriage of Mr. Murray and Miss Rebecca Jane Kingston, a daughter of Paul Kingston of Moscow, Livingston county, New York. Mrs. Murray takes an active interest in the newspaper business of her husband and is in charge of the business office of the Herald. She has many friends in the county who esteem her as a woman of ability, possessing a charming manner and pleasing address.
The political allegiance of Mr. Murray is given to the republican party, and he is a consistent member of the Catholic church. His worth as a man and citizen is widely acknowledged, for he measures up to high standards in both connections.
THEODORE WYGANT.
Theodore Wygant, navigation executive, who became a resident of Oregon on the 28th of October, 1850, was born in Ulster county, New York, November 22, 1831, his parents being William and Amelia (Fowler) Wygant. His father afterward removed to Indianapolis, Indiana, where the son was educated as a pupil in the public schools. He was a youth of eighteen years when he started for the Pacific coast, leaving home on the 22d of May, 1850, and arriving in Oregon City on the 28th of October. There he spent two years employed in various ways, and in 1852 he began steamboating on the Upper Willamette river as clerk on the pioneer boat Canemah. Later he became agent for the joint steamship companies at Oregon City and in 1863 he removed to Portland, becoming secretary and treasurer of the Oregon Steam Navigation Company.
When Henry Villard reorganized the company and changed its name to the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company Mr. Wygant was retained as secretary and assistant treasurer, in which dual capacity he continued to serve until his retirement from active business in 1887. He was thoroughly equipped for the office which he held by reason of his wide and accurate knowledge of steamship and traffic conditions throughout not only the immediate territory in which he lived but also throughout the entire west. He discharged the duties of various official positions with the same diligence, intelli- gence and skill which were manifested and more highly developed in his executive life, until through the channels of work well done and achievements of lasting importance, his name finds place on the roll of honor of those who served the company faithfully
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and well. The example of his integrity, his honorable dealing and his upright life is an inspiration alike to friends, associates and subordinates.
At Oregon City, on the 19th of October, 1858, Theodore Wygant was united in mar- riage to Miss Margaret G. Rae, a daughter of William Glen Rae and a granddaughter of Dr. John McLoughlin, chief factor of the Hudson Bay Company in the great north- west. Dr. McLoughlin has often been called the "Father of Oregon" and "Oregon's most famous pioneer after Lewis and Clark." Theodore Wygant died in Portland, Oregon, February 9, 1905, while his wife passed away November 1, 1912. She was born on the Pacific ocean on the Steamer Beaver, which was at that time making a passage to Fort Stikeen near Sitka, Alaska. The Beaver was the first steamship on the Pacific coast that came from England under sail with her engine and machinery as cargo. To Mr. and Mrs. Wygant were born three daughters who survive: Mrs. Martin Winch, Mrs. W. M. Whidden and Miss M. Louise Wygant, all of Portland where they are prominently known, having long occupied an enviable position in the social circles of the city.
Mr. Wygant was a member of the Masonic fraternity and took the Scottish Rite degrees, while several times he served as treasurer of the Oregon Grand Lodge. He was also a member of the Unitarian church from its organization until his death and contributed largely to its upbuilding. His record is as an open book which all may read and from it may be learned many lessons of honor and integrity, also lessons con- cerning the wise use of time, talent and opportunity. His work was indeed an im- portant element in the development of the northwest, for through his identification with navigation and transportation interests he contributed in marked measure to the upbuilding of this great section of the country. He was a splendid organizer and his executive ability and administrative direction were important factors in the success- ful conduct of the business that was built up by the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company. His name indeed deserves high place on the list of Oregon's pioneers.
NICHOLAS DE LIN.
Attracted by the discovery of gold in California, Nicholas De Lin made his way to the Pacific coast and from 1849 until his death was closely associated with the development and progress of the western country, being a prominent factor in the development of Oregon and Washington from 1850. He was born in Sweden in 1817 and came to the United States in 1846, settling first in Boston. In 1849 he joined a party who had fitted out a boat for California and sailed for the Pacific coast, hoping to win there a fortune in the mines. They made the voyage by way of Cape Horn and after sailing for many months reached their destination. Mr. De Lin remained in California until 1850, when he came to Oregon, settling in Portland. Here he invested in business property. He was a cabinet-maker by trade and also fol- lowed carpentering in connection with his other activities, thus becoming an active factor in the industrial development of the little city in pioneer times. Later he formed a partnership for the operation of a sawmill at Olympia, Washington, there continuing in business for some time. Subsequently he built a sawmill at Puyallup Bay in Washington near Tacoma and likewise took up a donation claim in that locality that is now a part of the city of Tacoma. Further extending his business activities he established a furniture store at Olympia, which he conducted for three years. He next removed to Portland, where he followed his trade as cabinet-maker, thus again becoming connected with the city in which he had first established his home upon his removal from California. Here he spent his remaining days and was classed with the worthy pioneer settlers who laid broad and deep the foundation upon which the present prosperity and progress of the city have been built.
On November 25, 1854, Mr. De Lin was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Miller who was born in Germany in 1840, a daughter of John and Katharine Miller. Her parents died of cholera in Illinois when she was but nine years of age and she went to live with an uncle and aunt, with whom she crossed the plains in 1853, the family home being established in Washington where her uncle took up a donation claim adjoining that of Nicholas De Lin at Tacoma. The tract was all covered with a heavy growth of timber which the uncle cut and which was sawed at the De Lin mill. When he had cleared the tract he sold the land at a good price as well as the lumber. By reason of the proximity of the claims Mr. and Mrs. De Lin
NICHOLAS DE LIN
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became acquainted and were married. To this union were born the following children, four of whom are living: Ann G., who has been a teacher in the schools of Portland for many years; Grace A., the wife of J. T. Richards of Portland; William M., also liv- ing in Portland; Mary C., the wife of Alvah Eames of Cordovia, Alaska, who is a post office inspector of that country. Mathias, an architect of Portland, died in 1911; Oscar N. died at the age of sixty years in 1916, at St. Paul, Minnesota.
Mr. De Lin was closely associated with every phase of pioneer life and the devel- opment of the northwest. He was very successful in handling the Indians, always treated them kindly and frequently gave them trinkets as well as food. In one of the uprisings which took place in Washington he and his family, as well as many others, left their homes and business places for protection, but Mr. De Lin's home and sawmill were not disturbed, while property belonging to others around him was destroyed. This is certainly specific proof of the feeling entertained toward him by the Indians who recognized his fairness and kindliness. For many years Mr. De Lin remained a witness of the progress of the northwest and has been classed as a con- tributing element in the development of this section. But death called him on May 15, 1882, and he passed out, leaving the memory of a well spent life, his many good traits having endeared him to a large circle of friends.
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