USA > Oregon > History of Oregon, Vol. III > Part 43
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DR. JOHN HAROLD ROSSMAN.
That Oregon offers exceptional advantages to energetic, active, clean-living young men has been demonstrated by the story of Dr. John Harold Rossman, one of Hills- boro's leading dentists. His parents, John B. and Adele (Stevens) Rossman, were both natives of Minnesota and John Harold Rossman was born in St. Paul in 1888. His father was a contractor and builder who still makes his home in that city and many examples of his ability as a builder may be seen in the manufacturing and rail- way district of Hamline, midway between the Twin Cities. The family is an old one, antedating the Revolution and one which has taken up arms for its country upon every
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occasion where need required-in the Revolution, in the War of 1812, in the Civil war where the grandfather of Dr. Rossman represented the family and in the World war where the doctor himself enlisted to uphold the family name. That Dr. Rossman, trained at Base Hospital, No. 44, for service in the Medical Reserve Corps, was debarred from active hostilities was due only to the signing of the armistice. The Stevens fam- ily, early pioneers of Ohio aud Tennessee, are also one hundred per cent American.
Dr. Rossman received his education in the common schools of St. Paul and later at the University of Minnesota. Seeking his fortune he came to the Pacific coast in 1907 and remained in Oregon. He worked as a clerk in the United States National Bank of Portland and after a year went to the Northwest Light and Power Company at Yakima, Washington. The precarious condition of his mother's health recalled him at this time to St. Paul, but upon her recovery he again came west and established himself in the real estate and insurance business in Yakima. Making a trip through the Bend section of Oregon he made small investments in land and then went to Alaska as the representative of his father who had become interested in mining in the territory. Re- turning to Oregon he accepted a position in the office of the sheriff of Multnomah county where he remained for two years, studying law. He had become intensely interested in the science of dentistry, however, and entering the North Pacific Dental College he graduated in 1919 with the degree of D. D. S. He began his practice in Hillsboro immediately and his success has been marked. He plans to specialize in dental surgery.
In 1918 Dr. Rossman was united in marriage to Miss Louise Palmer, a daughter of Edward Palmer who is an extensive fruit-grower of Yakima, Washington. Mrs. Ross- man is a graduate trained nurse, licensed in both Washington and Oregon. She is active in church work and is prominent in women's clubs and has organized and is the leader of the Girls' Reserve Movement of the Y. W. C. A.
Dr. Rossman belongs to the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and is a Knight of Pythias. He is also a member of the State Dental Society and the National Dental Association. During his residence in Hillsboro he has by his conduct and his ability become recog- nized as a coming man in his profession.
HUBERT GAYLORD COLTON.
For thirty-one years Hubert Gaylord Colton has been identified with the insurance business in Portland and since 1890 has been manager for Oregon of the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company. He was born at Monson, Massachusetts, June 15, 1863, and is a son of the Rev. Theron Gaylord Colton, who was born in Westford, New York, in 1822. The ancestral line is traced back to George Colton, who became the progenitor of the family in America, crossing the Atlantic from England in 1642. The grandfather was the Rev. George Colton, a Congregational minister. The father, the grandfather and the forbears of Hubert G. Colton were for two hundred years graduates of Yale College. Theron G. Colton was united in marriage to Miss Jane E. Harwood and passed away at Hudson, Michigan, in 1896, while his wife died in 1900.
Hubert G. Colton was reared in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to the age of twelve years, his parents removing to that place with their family in the year of his birth and there remaining until 1875. He afterward lived in Hudson, Michigan, until 1889 and during these periods was a pupil in the public schools but never had a college course. In the school of experience, however, he has learned many valuable lessons and has developed his powers through the exercise of effort, which does not tire but gives resistance and force. In 1889 he came to Portland, attracted by the opportunities of the growing north- west. He was at that time a young man of twenty-six years, alert, energetic and enter- prising and with determination to win success if he could do so through industry and honorable methods. In the year of his arrival he accepted the agency of the Massa- chusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and since 1890 has been manager for Oregon, in which connection he has developed an excellent organization, having splendidly sys- tematized the business, with results that are most satisfactory, the business of the com- pany in this state being now of a very substantial character. He has also become a director of the State Bank of Portland.
On the 13th of December, 1893, in the city which is still his home, Mr. Colton was married to Miss Genevieve George, a daughter of Hugh N. George, deceased, who was a member of the electoral college of 1864 which cast its vote for Abraham Lincoln for the presidency. To Mr. and Mrs. Colton has been born a daughter, Gretchen Harwood, Vol. III-22
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who was graduated with the class of 1920 from the University of Oregon; and a son, George Theron, who was born November 14, 1894, and also completed a university course, receiving his diploma as a member of the class of 1920. He enlisted in the navy in April, 1917, the day before war was declared, and was assigned first to the Marble- head and later to the Washington. He received an honorable discharge in June, 1919, having reached the rank of ensign several months prior thereto. He was offered a lieutenancy in the navy if he would remain but he felt that it was wise to return home and is now associated with his father in the insurance business. He was married July 12, 1919, in Spokane, to Miss Helen McCornac, a daughter of John K. McCornac, and they now have one son, Robert Colton.
The religious faith of H. G. Colton is that of the Congregational church. He votes with the republican party but has never been an office seeker nor an active worker in party ranks. During the war period he took a helpful interest in promoting the hond drives. He is well known to the membership of the Chamber of Commerce, with which organization he is identified, and that he is appreciative of the social amenities of life is manifest in his connection with the Kiwanis Club, of which he is the vice president, the City Club and the Multnomah Club. He stands for all those forces which make for good citizenship, for progressiveness in business and for social and moral advancement, and for many years Hubert Gaylord Colton has been numbered among the valued and representative residents of Oregon.
DR. CARL LOVEN.
Thorough scientific training and broad experience have well qualified Dr. Carl Loven for the work in which he is engaged as a foot specialist and chiropodist, spe- cializing in the correction of weakness and deformity of the feet. Since establishing his office in Portland he has gained recognition as a skilled and able practitioner along his chosen line of endeavor and is now enjoying an extensive patronage. Dr. Loven is a native of Sweden. He was born in Eslof in 1880 and after completing his school and military education pursued an extensive course in Swedish medical massage and gymnastics, followed by a special course in foot orthopedics and treatment for debility of the feet in the hospital maintained by the New York Society for the Relief of the Ruptured and Crippled, under supervision of the eminent chief surgeon, Dr. Virgil P. Gibney, a surgeon of national reputation. Engaging in professional work in his native land Dr. Loven emigrated to the United States in 1911, establishing an office in New York city, where he engaged in practice as a masseur and foot specialist. While there residing he also became a student in the First Institute of Podiatry. In 1918 he removed to the west, opening an office in the Broadway building in Portland, where he is now engaged in practice as a chiropodist.
He thoroughly understands the scientific principles which underlie his work, is most skilful in the treatment of patients and his patronage is therefore constantly increasing. Dr. Loven is a member of the National Association of Chiropodists and president of the State Pedic Society of Oregon, Incorporated, which society he formed and organized in March, 1920, and incorporated in July of the same year. This Pedic Society composed of licensed chiropodists practicing in this state, was formed pri- marily for the purpose of securing proper legislation for regulating the practice of chiropody in the state of Oregon and the establishment of a state board of chiropody. examiners similar to that in thirty other states in the United States. Such law pro- tective measure was formulated and presented to the legislature at its 1921 session. The passage of such a law will maintain the highest ethical standards in the practice of chiropody and discourage charlatanism. It was found necessary for the protec- tion of the public to regulate medicine, dentistry, osteopathy, etc., by the passage of laws. Chiropody (podiatry is the adopted universal word for this profession) is a kindred branch of medicine, devoted to the scientific care of the human foot and should also he safeguarded. This being one of the recent medical branches in spe- cializing for treating the most wonderful created being-the human body-it is easily understood that there is much still to be done in order to regulate and elevate this profession to a higher standard. With a merited recognition of our profession by the lawmakers of the various states the people will quickly learn that chiropody means much more than cutting corns. Just as the dentists, who preceded us not so very long ago in this same struggle for legal recognition, soon convinced the people that den-
DR. CARL LOVEN
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tistry meant much more than pulling teeth, so the public must be educated to know what to expect of the chiropodist. The average doctor of medicine does not know nor does he pretend to know, anything about foot care. He was never taught this branch of medical practice in his student days and never having devoted himself to the treatment of such ills, he is unequipped to deal with them. The army surgeon himself acknowledges the need for this foot service and congress no doubt will vote to insure this added step in efficiency for the boys in khaki. The elevation of the standard of education of those entering the profession of chiropody has increased rapidly every year since the first chiropody college was established in New York city in 1905. Today there are six well equipped colleges, one in each of the following cities: New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Cleveland, Chicago, and San Francisco. An association of colleges working with the council of education, the National Association of Chiropodists, shapes the policies of these colleges. The enactment of just laws bear- ing on the subject of chiropody shows a tangible activity of far-reaching effect both to the chiropodist and the public whom such laws protect. In 1910 two states, New York and New Jersey, had chiropody laws. Today twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia regulate the practice of our profession by law and six states, Oregon inclusive, are at the present time introducing and applying for such law enactment.
Dr. Loven was united in marriage when very young to Selma Carolina Pehrson from Halmstad, Sweden, and they are parents of one son and one daughter who con- template taking up their father's profession and later will join him in his practice. Fraternally Dr. Loven is a Mason, a Knights Templar, and a Noble, belonging to Mecca Temple of New York city, which is the mother temple of the Mystic Shrine of North America. He is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Dr. Loven has never been content with the second best but is constantly striving to attain greater proficiency and skill in his chosen profession and in every relation has lived up to the high ideals which he has set for himself. He takes much interest in the First Presbyterian church, of which he is a member. He occupies an enviable position in professional circles here and Portland regards him as a valued citizen.
SVEN LONBERG.
Sven Lonberg, president of the city council of Astoria and prominent in all move- ments for promotion of the general good, is a native of Finland, where his birth occurred in 1881. Astoria being among other things the most important fishing center of the Pacific coast, numbers among her progressive and successful citizens a large percentage of natives or descendants of the Scandinavian countries, those countries being the foremost fishing countries of the old world. The parents of Sven Lonberg were Gustav and Wilhelmina (Aittamaki) Lonberg, the former for many years a successful shipwright of his native land.
Sven Lonberg received his education in his native country but in 1898 determined to come to the United States in order to escape the oppression of the Russian govern- ment. After working in the east for about one year he drifted to Astoria and there engaged in the fishing business for two years. He was appointed captain of a steam- boat and spent four years in the waters of Alaska. The next four years of his life were spent in Finland, where he was manager of one of the largest mills in that country. He was at that time an American citizen, for he had taken out his citizenship papers as soon as possible after arriving in America. He did not long remain in Finland but returned to the United States and to Astoria, where he was appointed lighthouse keeper at Destruction Island and held this position for two years. He then engaged in the hardware business in Astoria for two and one-half years. At the termination of this time he organized the Astoria Grocery Company, which now operates two stores, one on Franklin avenue and the other at Astor Court, the extremes of the city. Mr. Lonberg is the manager of this company and the continued advance of the business is largely due to his executive ability. In 1916 he was elected to represent the first ward in the Astoria city council and in 1920 was reelected as a tribute to his faithful service. He is president of the council and chairman of the police and public health committees.
In 1907 occurred the marriage of Mr. Lonberg and Miss Jennie Stenbacka, whose death occurred in 1916. She is survived by two sons: Ole Howard and Sven Howard, who are students in the Astoria schools.
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Fraternally Mr. Lonberg is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen and the Finnish Brotherhood. He is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and during the World war took an active part in all war work and Red Cross activities. Mr. Lonberg is an enthusiastic athlete and is a prominent member of the Athletic Club. He finds much pleasure in his motor-boat, and the years of his life spent as a licensed navigator have instilled in him a deep love of the sea. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, of which lie is a trustee and was for some time general secretary. The success which Mr. Lon- berg enjoys, both financially and socially, is but the just reward of a sterling character and a life spent in diligence and industry. His escape from the oppression of a mon- archial form of government and his unlimited opportunities to expand and grow in free America he deems his greatest achievement. He feels a deep gratitude to the United States and endeavors in every way to be a citizen of whom she may be duly proud.
HARVEY GORDON STARKWEATHER.
Harvey Gordon Starkweather, who on the 30th of June, 1920, was honored by election to the presidency of the Society of Sons and Daughters of Oregon Pioneers, has also figured prominently in other connections, especially as one of the democratic leaders of the state, while in business life he is well known by reason of his connec- tion with the educational interests of Oregon as a teacher in early manhood and now as secretary and treasurer of the Risley, Starkweather & Black Realty Company of Portland. As the preceding statement indicates, he was born in Oregon, his birth having occurred in Clackamas county in 1868, his parents being William A. and Eliza (Gordon) Starkweather. He is a nephew of Harvey Gordon, who designed the seal for the state of Oregon and who was also the first state printer. His father, William A. Starkweather, came of an old New England family and was born near Preston City, Connecticut, February 16, 1822. From time to time the hope of improving his condi- tion took him into various sections of the country. When twenty-four years of age he became a resident of Ohio, spending three years as a teacher in the schools of Lock- land and Reading, about ten miles from Cincinnati. The summer seasons were given over to the work of the farm, but at length he determined to seek his fortune in the far west, for gold had been discovered in California and he hoped to win success in the mines. Traveling across the country in 1850 he at length reached his destination but the hope of rapidly acquiring wealth was not destined for fulfilment and after spending three months in the mines he made his way by water to Oregon and thus the state gained one of its substantial and valued pioneer settlers. He took up his abode in Clackamas county and began teaching near Molalla, and in addition to the work of the schoolroom, which he followed through the winter months, he took up farming, his carefully directed activities bringing to him a substantial measure of suc- cess. His public-spirited citizenship also won the recognition of his fellow townsmen, who in 1854 and 1856 elected him as their representative to the territorial legislature, while in the ensuing year he was made a member of the constitutional convention. He took most active part in settling questions of vital importance to the commonwealth and in shaping the early organic law of the state, so that in 1860, 1866, 1870 and 1878 he was again elected to the legislature, while in 1880 he was made a member of the state senate. He had previously served as register of the United States land office at Oregon City from 1861 until 1865 and throughout his life maintained the keenest inter- est in public affairs, ever giving his support on the side of progress and improvement, his labors at all times being resultant and beneficial. Of him it was said: "His life was indeed a useful one and the public service of few Oregon men has extended over a longer period, while none has been more faultless in honor, fearless in conduct or stain- less in reputation. In manner he was particularly free from ostentation or display. He believed that each individual should be judged by his true worth and he was ever content with conscientious duty well performed. He did not seek the plaudits of the multitude but in every act of his public life sought so to discharge his duties that they should result not only for present but also for permanent good." His wife was born near Vernon, Indiana, January 17, 1831, and in 1845 went with her parents to Independence, Missouri, where a winter was passed. In the spring they resumed their westward travel and in the fall of 1846 arrived in Oregon. Here Mrs. Stark-
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weather's father, Hugh Gordon, secured a donation claim which included one of the since famous four corners of Molalla. It was here, on the 22d of September, 1853, that the marriage of William A. Starkweather and Eliza Gordon was celebrated and both lived to pass the eightieth milestone on life's journey, being among the most valned and honored of the pioneer residents of western Oregon.
Their son, Harvey G. Starkweather, was one of a family of eight children, five of whom reached adult age. After attending the public schools he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed successfully for fifteen years, being for two years of that time county superintendent of schools in Clackamas county and also for a period superintendent of schools at La Grande, Oregon. He proved a most capable educator, imparting readily and clearly to others the knowledge he had acquired. In 1901 he began farming, an occupation to which he was reared, and his capable management of his agricultural interests brought to him substantial success. At a still later period he turned his attention to real estate activity and is now secretary and treasurer of the Risley, Starkweather & Black Realty Company. The firm handles considerable valu- able property and has negotiated many important realty transfers.
Mr. Starkweather was united in marriage to Miss Mary Alice Risley, a daughter of Jacob S. Risley, and they became parents of five children: Mary, Ada, Hugh, Jean and Ruby. The wife and mother passed away September 22, 1920. Like her husband, Mrs. Starkweather was a representative of one of the old families of the state and was most highly esteemed in pioneer circles as well as by the friends whom she won in later years. Fraternally Mr. Starkweather is well known. He has attained the thirty- second degree of the Scottish Rite in Masonry and is a member of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent Protec- tive Order of Elks. His membership relations likewise extend to the Chamber of Com- merce and to the City Club, and these various connections indicate the nature of his interests and the rules which have governed his conduct. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party. From 1916 until 1918 he had been chairman of the Clackamas County Democratic Central Committee and he acted as chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee of Oregon from 1918 to 1920, when he resigned. In 1920 he was a candidate on the democratic ticket for nomination for United States senator, but was defeated by George E. Chamberlain. He has long been a recognized leader in democratic circles, nor has his influence been without avail in shaping the successes of the party. Early in President Wilson's first term Mr. Starkweather was sent as one of a commission to tour Europe, to study rural credits and country life condi- tions. The report of this commission-United States Senate Report, 214-was the basis for the federal farm loan act. This appointment was made upon the recommendation of the State Grange of Oregon, Mr. Starkweather having always taken an active inter- est in the work of the State Grange. In fact his opinions have become elements in demo- cratic leadership and activity and for a considerable period his views have carried weight in party councils. That he is most highly esteemed by the early settlers of Oregon is indicated in the fact that on the 30th of June, 1920, he was elected to the presidency of the Society of Sons and Daughters of Oregon Pioneers. His entire life has been passed in this state, covering a period of more than a half century, and he has ever manifested the keenest interest in the progress and developing prosperity of Oregon, his aid and cooperation being at all times a factor in promoting the best interests of the state.
CHARLES NOBLE CLARKE.
Charles Noble Clarke conducts one of the finest pharmaceutical establishments of the Hood River valley, his store being well appointed in every particular, while Hood River classes him with its most progressive merchants. He was born in the state of Kansas in 1874, his parents being Levi and Mary J. (Keyes) Clarke. His father was of English descent but the family has for many generations been represented in Pennsylvania. In the maternal line Mr. Clarke comes of Welsh ancestry, while repre- sentatives of the Keyes family were among the earliest of the pioneers of Vermont and were prominent in connection with the history of New England. In the year 1889 Levi Clarke removed with his family to Oregon, selecting The Dalles as his place of abode. There he established a tinner, plumbing and steamfitting business. having early been trained in that line of work. His being about the first thoroughly
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up-to-date business of the kind in the community he at once attained success, enjoying a large patronage for a number of years. In 1897 he retired from business and removed to Hood River.
Charles N. Clarke of this review was largely educated in the schools of Eldorado, Kansas, and also attended school at The Dalles. When his textbooks were put aside he entered a drug store there in order to acquaint himself with pharmacy and having obtained his license he continued in the practice of his profession at The Dalles for eight years, most of the time in the store of his brother, F. J. Clarke, with whom he remained until the brother opened a drug store in Portland, Oregon. In August, 1908, Charles N. Clarke opened a drug business in Hood River, where he has continued. During the twelve years of his residence here he has kept in touch with the trend of progress and improvement and his establishment today ranks among the best and most progressive stores of the kind in the state. He carries a complete stock of drugs, chemicals and druggists' sundries and is accounted one of the best compounders of prescriptions in central Oregon, naturally making a specialty of that department. His store is situated at Oak and Third streets and is enjoying a deserv- edly large patronage from all over the county and also from across the river in Washington.
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