USA > Oregon > History of Oregon, Vol. III > Part 15
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It was in the year 1852 that Archie Wishard left Indiana with his family and crossed the plains after the primitive manner of travel at that time. He settled near Lebanon, where he secured a donation land claim. Samuel E. Wishard came with his parents to Oregon when sixteen years of age and assisted in the development of his father's donation claim. He subsequently removed to Portland, where for more than forty-five years he made .his home.
Vol. 111-8
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Samuel Ellis Wishard was united in marriage in 1870 to Miss Sarah Frances Powell, a daughter of Dr. John Parker and Adaline (Duvall) Powell, who crossed the plains with their family-father, mother and three children. The children were: Herman Ledyard, who died in Portland at about sixty years of age; Sarah Frances; and Nancy Jane, now the widow of the Rev. Thomas L. Sails, who was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church in Oregon for fifteen years and who died at McMinn- ville, this state. Mrs. Sarah Frances (Powell) Wishard survives her husband and is yet a resident of Portland, where she has many friends. In 1869 Mr. Wishard was initiated into Washington Lodge, A. F. & A. M., being the first member received into that lodge. He also became a member of the Scottish Rite bodies and attained the thirty-second degree in the consistory in Portland. He was ever an exemplary repre- sentative of the craft, loyal to its teachings, and the sterling worth of his character was recognized by his brethren of the fraternity and by all with whom he came into contact.
SIMON L. KLINE.
Simon L. Kline became one of the prominent and representative residents of Oregon. Brought to this state in his childhood, he engaged for many years in the tailoring business and he also became a leader in the political circles of the state, standing at all times for that which was best in citizenship and that which was pro- gressive in business. Mr. Kline was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1856, a son of Louis G. Kline, who removed from Cincinnati to Oregon in 1864, making the trip by the water route and the Isthmus of Panama. On reaching Portland he proceeded by boat to Oregon City and thence by wagon to Corvallis. He was a tailor by trade and opened a small tailoring shop and mercantile establishment, thus laying the foundation for the present substantial business now conducted by his grandson, Walter H. Kline. Louis G. Kline continued active in the management of his interests until 1886, when he was succeeded by his son, Simon L. Kline.
In the meantime to the son had come the experiences of the growing boy who largely devotes his attention to the acquirement of an education. He thoroughly learned the tailoring trade under his father's direction, becoming more and more familiar with the business, and in 1886 he assumed the management of the enterprise which his father had established twenty-two years before. For twenty-three years Simon L. Kline was actively and prominently associated with the mercantile interests of Corvallis through the conduct of this business, building up his trade by progressive and thoroughly reliable methods, having the patronage of many of the best citizens of Corvallis.
In early manhood Simon L. Kline was united in marriage to Miss Emma T. Tobias, a native of New York city. Their son, Walter H. Kline, is mentioned elsewhere in this work. They gained many friends during the long years of their residence in Corvallis, Simon L. Kline having for forty-five years made his home in this city when he was called to his final rest. Not only did he figure prominently in commercial circles but was also a recognized leader in politics in the state. He was mentioned as a candidate for the office of governor of Oregon and he served as delegate-at-large to the national convention which nominated Theodore Roosevelt for president of the United States. He was also one of forty who were selected to act as aides at the inaugural ball held in honor of President William H. Taft. He served as a member of the city council and as a member of the board of water commissioners, in which connection he was in- strumental in securing for Corvallis a water supply from Marys Peak, a distance of fourteen miles from the city. When the plant was first installed, service was given to five hundred people and today the water system serves the Oregon Agricultural College with its four thousand students, the cities of Corvallis and Philomath and also the farmers along the pipe line, a family of ordinary size paying a water rate of seventy- five cents per month. Mr. Kline contributed in substantial measure to the development and upbuilding of Corvallis, with whose history his name is inseparably interwoven, and through his political activity he left his impress in marked measure upon the history of the state.
Mr. Kline was also very prominent in Masonic circles and labored untiringly for the interest of the craft. He belonged to Corvallis Lodge, No. 14, A. F. & A. M .; Ferguson Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M., of Corvallis; Oregon Council, R. & S. M .; and to
SIMON L. KLINE
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Oregon Consistory, No. 1, A. A. S. R., having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He was likewise a member of Al Kader Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Portland, Oregon, and he belonged to the Eastern Star. At all times he exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of Masonry, which is based upon a recognition of the brotherhood of man and the obligations thereby imposed. Mr. Kline at all times held to the highest ideals in citizenship, was actuated by a progressive spirit in business and in every relation of life exemplified the highest standards of manhood and citizen- ship. He passed away in September, 1909, after a short illness, his wife surviving him until January, 1917, the remains of both being interred in San Francisco. In their pass- ing Corvallis lost two of the representative pioneer residents of Oregon, but their memory will long be enshrined in the hearts of those who knew them.
HON. CHARLES B. MOORES.
The name of Hon. Charles B. Moores is closely associated with the history of Oregon along many lines of development and progress. He now makes his home in Portland and his record is such that the city may well be proud to number him among her residents. He was born in Benton, Missouri, August 6, 1849, and is a son of the Hon. John H. and Virginia L. (Lamon) Moores. The paternal grandfather was Colonel I. R. Moores, Sr., who commanded a regiment in the Black Hawk war in Illinois and who also served in the Mexican war. In 1852 he came to Oregon, settling near Eugene, and his ability and public spirit soon won him recognition in election to the terri- torial legislature from Lane county. He also served as a member of the Oregon state constitutional convention of 1857 and was the candidate of the republican party for the state senate. He was very prominent in the ranks of his party and enjoyed the high esteem of his fellow citizens regardless of political opinion. One of his sons, Colonel I. R. Moores, Jr., for several years represented Marion county in the house of representatives and was chosen speaker in 1865. Thus the family have left their impress upon the legislative records of the state and in many other ways have aided in shaping the history of the commonwealth. Hon. John H. Moores, father of Charles B. Moores, was equally prominent in public affairs and for several years represented Marion county in the state senate.
Charles B. Moores was accorded liberal educational advantages and in 1870 was graduated from Willamette University with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He soor afterward became draughtsman for the Oregon & California Railroad Company and was associated with the land office of that company for a period of four years. In 1874 he went to the east, where he pursued a course of study in a business college and also spent a short time in the law department of the University of Pennsylvania. Subse- quently he resumed his law studies in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and was there graduated with the class of 1877. He won class honors and also the degree of LL. B.
Upon his return to Oregon Mr. Moores was admitted to the bar at Salem and entered upon the practice of his profession. He also came into prominence in public connections and in 1880 acted as chief clerk of the house of representatives. From 1882 until 1887 he held the position of private secretary to Governor Moody and in 1894 was elected to represent Marion county in the general assembly, being chosen to this office by a large majority, and in the following session he was elected speaker of the house. His rulings were strictly fair and impartial and commanded for him the respect of his political opponents as well as his political colleagues. Mr. Moores was also a member of the city council of Salem for several years and whether in local or state office was most loyal to the duties that devolved upon him and held to high standards in the perform- ance of every task that fell to his lot. He was likewise identified with the educational interests of the state in an active manner, serving from 1878 until the present as a member of the board of trustees of Willamette University. In former years he had acted as secretary and treasurer of the institution. The position of trustee of the university was also at one time filled by his father.
Both Mr. Moores of this review and his father were identified with lumber manu- facturing interests at Salem, where Hon. John H. Moores was also for a number of years a dry goods merchant. Both left their impress for good upon the material, intellectual, social, political and moral progress of the community. Both were leading workers In
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the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Charles B. Moores affiliated with the or- ganization at Portland, becoming a member of Chemekela Lodge No. 1, of which he was at one time noble grand.
On the 1st of November, 1881, Mr. Moores was married to Miss Sallie E. Chamber- lin and they have become the parents of four children: Gertrude E., Merrill B., Gor- don C. and Chester Alexander. The eldest is the wife of Albert S. Wells, state chemist of Portland. Merrill B. is a graduate of the Oregon Agricultural College and also of Cornell University. Gordon C. was graduated from the University of Oregon and resides at Kennewick, Washington. He has twice represented his district in the house of rep- resentatives. Chester A. was connected with the Oregonian of Portland for several years and was private secretary to Governor Withycombe until the latter's death and afterward to Governor Olcott, while at the present time he is associated with the F. E. Taylor Company. The son, Merrill B., was a first lieutenant of the aviation branch of the United States army and saw active service in France. Mrs. Moores is a native of Michigan and was graduated from the Willamette University at Salem, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Science. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has been active and earnest in promoting the moral development of the community. In politics Mr. Moores has always been an earnest republican and was chairman of the republican state central committee in 1912 and 1914. He was the president of the Oregon State Pioneer Association in 1915. For ten years he has served as a member of the Portland municipal dock commission, being called to the office upon the crea- tion of the commission, and for the past five years has been its chairman. For the past three years he has been vice president of the board of directors of the State Historical Society. There is no project nor enterprise which has to do with the progress and upbuilding of Oregon that does not elicit the attention and receive the support of Mr. Moores when it is possible for him to give active aid thereto. He belongs to a family that has made valuable contribution to the state. Several representatives of the name have aided in shaping the legislation of Oregon and at all times they have stood for progress and improvement, for justice, truth and right. Charles B. Moores is today one of the honored residents of the commonwealth and although he has passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, be is yet an active factor in the world's work and one whose efforts have been a tangible and potent element for good in connection with the development of the state, with the utilization of its natural resources and with the establishment of those interests which make for a higher degree of citizenship and for loftier standards of civic virtue and civic pride.
NICOLAI NEIMAN BLUMENSAADT.
Nicolai N. Blumensaadt, prominent citizen of Rainier and manager of the New York and Rainier Company, a mineral soap making corporation, was born in Denmark in 1879. His father and grandfather, each of whom bore the name Nicolai Neiman, were both graduate chemists. His grandfather was graduated from the Berlin Col- lege of Technology, and in 1835 established a chemical soap manufacturing plant, which be conducted until his death. This business was inherited by his son, who was a graduate in chemistry from one of the most noted universities of Paris.
Nicolai Neiman Blumensaadt, the third, was educated in Odense, Denmark, his birthplace, and graduated in chemistry at Copenhagen. After receiving his diploma he became superintendent of his father's plant, but his work was interrupted by his enforced service in the Danish army. He thereupon determined to settle in the United States and landed in Philadelphia in 1904, at once securing work in a soap manu- facturing plant. There he remained for a year when he was offered the position of manager of the Preston Manufacturing Company, makers of Rainier mineral soap. He continued in this position until the plant was sold to eastern capitalists and re-incor- porated as the New York and Rainier Company, of which he became manager. Mr. Blumensaadt is also the manager of the Rainier Land Company, which is owned by the same parties and embraces large realty interests, including most of the town of Rainier. His active interest in public affairs may be judged by the fact that he took out his first papers as a citizen of the United States within ten days after his arrival in this country.
Mr. Blumensaadt was married in 1916 to Miss Mabel Bentley, daughter of John B. Bentley, a retired farmer, who was at one time deputy United States marshal of
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Oregon, Mrs. Blumensaadt is active in public affairs and is a general favorite in Rainier. She is a member of the Eastern Star, and leader of the Camp Fire Girls.
Mr. Blumensaadt has taken a deep interest in the affairs of his town and county, having held many positions that tend to benefit his fellowmen. He was secretary of the Commercial Club in Odense before coming to America, and was for four years secretary of the Commercial Club of Rainier. He is an enthusiastic advocate of good roads, was active in the building of the Columbia River Highway through Rainier, is a member of the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce, having attended its first meet- ing, and a member of the Interstate Realty Association. Mr. Blumensaadt is one of the Rainier board of water commissioners, and a member of the Gun Club. Frater- nally he has membership with the Masons, is secretary of his lodge, and a Knight of Pythias, in which organization he has filled all of the chairs and acted as district deputy grand master. He is a republican in politics and was secretary and one of the organizers of the first Harding and Stansfield Club in the state. No public enter- prise is started in this section of the county but is certain of his hearty cooperation for he is conceded to be one of Rainier's best citizens.
THOMAS F. RYAN.
There is no resident of Oregon who has done more for the material advancement and progress of the state than Thomas F. Ryan of Oregon City, who, besides holding many public offices of importance, is a well known lawyer and real estate man. He is a native of Rhode Island born in the city of Providence, that state, in the year 1859. His father, James Ryan, was for many years engaged in the wool manufacturing business in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and was a prominent citizen of every com- munity in which he resided.
Judge Ryan, as the subject of this review is commonly called, received a good elementary education and early in life learned the trade of his father. He engaged in this business, in which he continued until 1879, when he became traveling corre- spondent for the Boston and Providence papers and for two years served in this con- nection. He then removed to Colorado and engaged in mining for some time, and in 1881 came to the Pacific coast and took a position with the Brownsville Woolen Mill in Linn county. In 1882 he came to Oregon City and accepted a position with the Oregon City Woolen Manufacturing Company and remained in this position for some three years, when he purchased and ran the Cliff House hotel and in 1888 entered the real estate business and also commenced the study of law. Previous to that year, in 1887, Mr. Ryan had been elected mayor of the City of Oregon, which act clearly mani- fested the confidence and faith placed in him by his fellowmen. This office he filled so successfully that he was much sought after to fill other offices of public service. He then held the office of water commissioner and in 1892 was elected city recorder. In 1898, his ability as a lawyer being widely recognized, Judge Ryan was elected county judge and in 1902 he was reelected to succeed himself by the largest majority ever given a candidate in the county. He also acted as chief of the fire department and since his service in that capacity his motto has been "live and active service." What- ever Judge Ryan has set out to do he has done and successfully. No matter how difficult the task he has by grim determination reached the goal he has sought. Always interested in the intellectual and moral development of his community Judge Ryan for eight years served as clerk of the school board. From 1911 to 1919 he served as deputy state treasurer, which position he filled to the best of his ability. Besides the many public offices Judge Ryan has been of great commercial service. He Is president of the Bank of Commerce of Oregon City, president of the Carber State Bank, president of the Coppy Falls Electric Company, president of the Rex Motor Company and also of the Clackamas County Auto & Tractor Company and president of the Columbia High- lands Company. This line of business well illustrates Judge Ryan's versatility and adaptability to all forms of business activity. There are few men who have devoted so much time to the public and private interests of their city as Judge Ryan.
Perhaps a great degree of Judge Ryan's success may be attributed to his wife, who was before her marriage Miss Inez Marshall, a member of one of the most prominent families of the state and a descendant of the Marshalls of Maryland and the Choates of Massachusetts. Their marriage occurred in the year 1897. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Ryan devoted herself to the high profession of educator and she is widely known
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throughout the community as a woman of much talent and literary ahility. She has always heen prominent in social and literary circles and is a past grand matron of the Eastern Star of Oregon. During the past five years ill health has caused her practically to retire from social activities. Judge and Mrs. Ryan are the parents of four children: Marshall, the eldest son, is the secretary of the Clackamas County Auto & Tractor Company and of the Rex Motor Company and is a young business man of great promise. The second son, Donald, is a student at the Reed College and in his freshman year had the honor of acting as president of the freshman class. He is active in athletics and is a young man regarded as having a brilliant future before him. There were triplet girls born to Judge and Mrs. Ryan of which two survive, they being Elizabeth and Virginia, who are receiving their elementary education in the graded schools of Oregon City. The entire family is held in high regard in the com- munity and is a family of which Oregon City may well be proud.
Along with the honor of holding many important public offices Judge Ryan has the distinction of being the oldest living chief of the fire department, mayor of the city, city recorder, past master of Multnomah Lodge, No. 1, and high priest of Clackamas Chapter, No. 2, of Masons. In fraternal organizations Judge Ryan is also prominent. He has held many high positions in fraternal orders and as an Odd Fellow has held every office in the gift of that organization and is past grand patriarch of the Grand Encampment and past grand master of the grand lodge. He was one of the organizers of the Muscovits and is past counselor commander. He is past grand chancellor of the Ancient Order of the United Workmen and as a member of the Masonic fraternity has attained the thirty-second degree, entered the Shrine and is a past grand high priest. In politics he has always taken an active part and he served the state to the hest of his ability as state senator from Clackamas county. As an able lawyer he is a member of the Oregon Bar Association and is very active in that organization.
For such a public-spirited man as Judge Ryan rest is a vital necessity and he has built a beautiful home on a farm near Oregon City, where he enjoys such vacations as . his business life will permit. On this farm he has raised pedigreed Jersey cattle but the product in which he takes a just pride is his peaches, which have been exhib- ited at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis, the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo- sition at Seattle, the Lewis & Clark Exposition at Portland, and the Panama Pacific Exposition at San Francisco, winning the blue ribhon for Oregon in each instance.
There is certainly no more prominent and public-spirited man throughout Clackamas county than Judge Ryan and the county and his home town owe him a debt of gratitude for the many things he has done for Oregon. The record of his life is open and clear and as his great success in life proves he is a man of force, energy, determination and sound business judgment. Fortunate, indeed, is Oregon City in having Judge Ryan and his family numbered among its citizens.
FRANK EDMOND WATKINS.
Frank Edmond Watkins has won distinction in many lines of endeavor. Since 1900 he has been a partner in the real estate firm of Parrish, Watkins & Company, which was established in Portland in 1867 under the style of Parrish & Atkinson. It is the oldest enterprise of that character in the city and through the years that have since intervened the firm has maintained a position of leadership in real estate circles of Portland. Mr. Watkins has attained high rank in Masonry, is also prominent in amateur athletic circles and as a breeder and fancier of prize-winning bull terriers.
A son of George Edmond and Olive (Clay) Watkins, Frank E. Watkins was born on his father's farm in Wasco county, Oregon, on the 20th of September, 1877. His paternal grandfather, George Watkins, married Helen Caldwell, of St. Louis, Missouri and the town of Watkinsville, New York, was named in his honor. They became pioneer settlers of Oregon, starting across the plains with ox teams from St. Louis in 1852, when the father was but seven years of age. In the maternal line the family has had an unbroken record since 1682, when Christopher Pennock settled in Pennsylvania. The maternal grandfather, Oliver Clay, was a resident of Massillon, Ohio. He married Jane Elliot of Randolph, Ohio, and in 1859, when his daughter Olive, who became the mother of Frank Edmond Watkins, was four years of age they left Massillon for Oregon, rounding the Horn in a sailing vessel. George E. Watkins and Olive Clay were married in Portland on the 1st of September, 1874, and they became the parents
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of three children, of whom the firstborn, a son, died in infancy. The next in order of birth was Frank Edmond of this review. Mrs. Grace W. Story, the youngest of the family, was born in Portland, May 29, 1880, and is the mother of one son, George Watkins Story, whose birth occurred on the 20th of August, 1908. Mr. Watkins' paternal aunt, Sarah Jane Watkins, married Lewis Marion Parrish who also crossed the con- tinent with ox teams in 1852. In association with the late J. L. Atkinson he established the first real estate, rental, insurance and mortgage loan business in Portland in 1867, under the firm style of Parrish & Atkinson. This was succeeded by the firm of Parrish, Watkins & Connell, which afterward became known as Parrish & Watkins, and sub- sequently as Parrish, Watkins & Company, under which style the business is now conducted by Frank E. Watkins of this review.
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