USA > Oregon > History of Oregon, Vol. III > Part 56
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In 1876 he was assigned to Monroe, Oregon, and in the following year he was wedded Mary E. Williams, who was born in Illinois, February 18, 1851, a daughter of Smith and Irenia (Jones) Williams, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Illinois. The father was a farmer by occupation and in 1852 he crossed the plains from Illinois to Oregon, locating in Linn county, where he took up land east of the present site of Lebanon. This property he later sold and purchased land near Halsey, which he continued to operate throughout his remaining years. He passed away in 1870 at the age of forty-two years and the mother survived him for many years, her demise occurring in January, 1899, when she was sixty-nine years of age. To Dr. and Mrs. Driver were born eight children, namely: Grace Irene, Royal D., Livingston, Lena, Wiley A., Paul S., Ralph A. and Frances E.
After his fifth marriage Dr. Driver preached the gospel at Brownsville and Eugene and for four years was presiding elder of the latter district. In 1883 he purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres near Eugene but did not engage in its active operation, the work being conducted by his sons, who also engaged very suc- cessfully in raising pure bred Clydesdale horses, Jersey cattle and Berkshire hogs. They continued to cultivate that farm for a period of twenty-five years, transforming it into a valuable and well improved property.
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In 1886 Dr. Driver was assigned to the Centenary church at Portland, Oregon, where he accomplished much good. For over fifty years he was an earnest and faithful student of divine truths and was greatly assisted in his research work by his large library, which includes the original translation of the anti-Nicene library from Christ down through all the Apostolic Epistles. He became known as one of the most noted authorities on the Bible in the country, and in 1889 when the Secular Union in session in Chicago issued a challenge to Protestant denominations to meet them in open discussion, comparing Christianity with secularism, the Rev. Dwight L. Moody induced Dr. Driver to accept the challenge. As Dr. Moody's representative he met Charles Watts, Esq., of Toronto, Canada, the champion of free thought, in a four nights' discussion at the Princess theater in Chicago. Dr. Driver devoted over fifty years to research work in order that he might meet the arguments of infidels and agnostics and he gained recognition as an eminent theologian. Charles Watts was the editor of Secular Thought and the associate of Charles Bradlaugh and George J. Holyoke, and he was known as the foremost debater in the "free field". For three months Dr. Driver remained in Chicago, attending Dr. Moody's School of Churches, and his work in connection with Bible teaching was of great worth and lasting benefit.
On returning to Oregon he was appointed general agent to build the Portland Hospital, which he accomplished at an expense of one hundred thousand dollars, solicit- ing the subscriptions and purchasing the land. In 1906 he purchased a farm of three hundred and fifty-three acres one and a half miles south of Tangent, upon which he spent his remaining years. He passed away at the advanced age of eighty-three years but for two years prior to his demise had been in failing health as the result of his untiring and zealous labors in behalf of the Christian religion. He was a noted lecturer and writer and a strong and eloquent speaker, imbued with a firm belief in the doctrines which he taught, and as a debater he attained nation-wide prominence, having as his opponents Robert G. Ingersoll and other well known agnostics. In his political views Dr. Driver was a republican and fraternally he was a Mason, holding membership in the Royal Arch Chapter, of which for many years he served as chaplain, and in his life he exemplified the beneficent teachings of the order. He influenced many into choosing the better path of life and his good work goes on in the lives of those who came under his ministry. His name will ever be an honored one in the annals of the state and nation, and of him it may well be said: "The world is better for his having lived in it."
Mrs. Driver and her sons are still residing upon the home farm, and in connec- tion with its operation they also conduct a dairy, their interests being most success- fully managed. Paul S. and Ralph A., the younger sons in the family, rendered valuable aid to the country during the World war, the former serving in the navy and the latter in the army, and they are proving worthy sons of their distinguished father.
CHARLES PERRY NISWONGER.
Charles Perry Niswonger is numbered among the successful and enterprising citizens of Bend and has for a number of years served as coroner of Deschutes county. A native of Ohio he was born in that state in 1874, a son of Moses and Maria (Murray) Niswonger. The Niswonger family were pioneers of that state and the paternal grandfather was descended from the Braumbaugh family, one of the earliest and most prominent families in Ohio.
When but four years of age Charles Perry Niswonger removed with his parents to Michigan and was reared on his father's farm. He attended the grade and high schools in the vicinity and remained under the parental roof until he reached the age of twenty years, when he engaged in the lumber business. Subsequently he learned brick masonry and was active along that line in Washington and Oregon for twelve years. In 1902 he decided to try his luck in the west and in that year came to Wash- ington, where in 1907 he acquired timber lands. The dam across the Deschutes river that furnishes the power for the Bend Water, Light & Power Company was one of the first jobs on which he worked and the Bean building is also one of the samples of his ability with the trowel. He was not content to follow this line of business throughout his life, however, and in 1911 entered the Cincinnati College of Embalming.
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Completing his course in that institution he returned to Bend and being a licensed embalmer, established a business. His ability as an embalmer and funeral director is well known thoughout the county and in 1918 he was elected coroner of Deschutes county. In 1920 he was elected to succeed himself and is still active in that capacity.
In 1901 occurred the marriage of Mr. Niswonger and Sadie Hibhard, a daughter of James Hibbard, a well known farmer of Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Niswonger have two children: Lillian Alvina, who married Fred Van Matre of Bend; and Ida Jennette, who is a junior in the Willamette University, where she is majoring in chemistry, a study in which she shows special aptitude. She is active in Sunday school work and is well known in social circles.
Fraternally Mr. Niswonger is identified with the Elks, Odd Fellows, Woodmen of the World and the Moose and he was one of the organizers of the Odd Fellows lodge in Bend. The family are consistent members of the Methodist church and Mr. Niswonger is a trustee of that organization. He is treasurer of the Pilot Butte Cemetery Associa- tion, of which he was one of the organizers, and a director of the Oregon Funeral Directors Association. He built the handsome brick mortuary chapel on Irving avenue and it is modern in every detail. Since coming to Bend Mr. and Mrs. Niswonger have been active in all public affairs and have won the high regard of the community. During the World war both took an active part in all drives and patriotic movements and gave generously of their time and money. Mrs. Niswonger is prominent in the social and club circles of Bend and was the first president of the Civic League and is an ex-presi- dent of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union.
J. C. AINSWORTH.
J. C. Ainsworth, president of the United States National Bank of Portland, is widely known by reason of his prominent connection with leading corporations, finan- cial and otherwise, through the northwest and in fact throughout the Pacific coast coun- try. In all business affairs his discrimination is keen and he readily determines the essential points in carrying on a business enterprise. He is a native son of Portland, born January 4, 1870, his parents being Captain J. C. and Fannie (Babbitt) Ainsworth, who are mentioned at length on another page of this work. Liberal educational ad- vantages were accorded him, his course of study being completed in the University of California, which conferred upon him the Bachelor of Science degree at his gradua- tion in 1891. He afterward pursued a special course in electrical engineering in the same institution. He started out in the business world as an employe in the Central Bank of Oakland, California, which had previously been established by his father, and in 1894 hecame identified with the banking interests of Portland upon his election to the presidency of the Ainsworth National Bank, which was also the outgrowth of his father's progressive spirit and business enterprise. This hank was capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars and J. C. Ainsworth, Jr., remained its chief execu- tive officer, instituting and controlling a policy that made it one of the strong financial concerns on the Pacific coast. In 1902 this was merged with the United States Bank, the latter name being retained, and through the intervening period Mr. Ainsworth has continued president of this bank, which now has capital and surplus of two and one half million dollars and the deposits have reached more than thirty million. While the institution largely stands as a monument to the enterprise and progressive business policy of Mr. Ainsworth, the bank has not wholly monopolized his time and attention, for many other business interests of the western coast have profited hy his cooperation, support and capable management. He was one of the organizers of the Fidelity Trust Company Bank of Tacoma, which was capitalized for five hundred thousand dollars, and in 1902 succeeded Colonel C. W. Griggs as president. He also became the president of the Oregon Telephone & Telegraph Company, with a capital stock of five hundred thousand dollars, and he is the assistant secretary and treasurer of the Pacific States Telephone & Telegraph Company, which has a capital of fifteen million dollars, while its lines extend from Mexico to Alaska. He is the treasurer of the Portland Railway Company and is a director of the Portland Hotel Company, the Portland General Electric Company, the Portland Street Railway Company, the Pacific States Telephone & Telegraph Company, the Los Angeles & Redondo Railway Company, the Oregon Rail- road & Navigation Company and many others.
On the 26th of June, 1901, in Portland, Mr. Ainsworth was married to Miss Alice
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Heitshu, a native of California, and theirs is a most enviable social position. They are members of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Ainsworth belongs to and was president of the Arlington Club, while in Masonic circles he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and is a member of the Mystic Shrine. His political allegi- ance is given to the republican party. He has served as regent of the University of Oregon, as regent of Whitman College of Walla Walla, Washington, and as a member of the Portland water board and port of Portland. The subjective and objective inter- ests of life are in him well balanced. He has ever made it his purpose to recognize the duties and obligations which the conditions of society at the present impose and has made his wealth a source of benefit in the advancement of the public good and in the amelioration of the hard conditions of life for the unfortunate.
JUDGE THOMAS O'DAY.
Judge Thomas O'Day, who served as circuit judge at Portland and for more than a quarter of a century engaged in the practice of law in this city, came to the Pacific coast from Nebraska, his birth having occurred in Connecticut, July 4, 1853, his parents being Daniel and Catherine (Welsh) O'Day. In his boyhood days, however, the family home was established in Illinois, and he there acquired his education in the public schools. Later, having determined upon the practice of law as a life work, he entered the State University of Iowa as a law student and was graduated in June, 1877. Having thus prepared for the bar he established an office in Bedford, Iowa, where he practiced for two years, removing to Neligh, Nebraska, in 1879. For ten years he followed his profession in that city, and in 1889 continued his westward course across the continent and became a member of the Portland bar. In the meantime he had figured quite prominently in Nebraska politics and had been made the democratic candidate for the office of justice of the supreme court in that state. Of him a contemporary writer said when he was still an active factor in the world's work: "The characteristic thorough- ness with which he has ever prepared his cases, bringing him intimate knowledge of every phase of the question and the law applicable thereto, soon brought him into prominence and led to his appointment to the circuit court bench here in August, 1907. He served thereon until August, 1909, and has since engaged in the private practice of law. His keen analysis enables him to prepare not only for the expected but also for the unexpected, which appears quite as frequently in the courts as out of them. His courtesy toward the court and his deference to the opposing counsel, together with his consideration for witnesses, have won for him the kindly regard of all with whom professional relations have brought him into connection, and his ability is manifest in the court records, which indicate the many verdicts that he has won favorable to the interests of his clients. Since arriving in Portland Judge O'Day has participated in much important litigation." Judge O'Day passed away March 28, 1915, his departure being mourned not only by his immediate family but by hosts of friends.
The home life of Judge O'Day was especially happy and attractive. He was mar- ried in November, 1882, to Miss Agnes Earl, and he ever found the greatest happiness in providing for the welfare and comfort of his wife. They were members of the Episcopal church and Judge O'Day guided his life, in all those professional and per- sonal relations, by the highest standards of manhood and of citizenship. He was ever a stanch supporter of the democratic principles and his opinions were based upon a close study of the issues and questions of the day. He never sought office, however, preferring to concentrate his attentions and energies upon his practice, which for many years was of a most extensive and important character.
EDWARD MARSHALL WILLIAMS.
Edward M. Williams, one of the best known citizens of The Dalles, where for several years he has been actively engaged in the commercial affairs and in banking, was born here in September, 1866, a son of Griffith E. and Anna M. (Marshall) Williams. The father was a native of Wales and came to this country at the early age of nine years, settling in New Orleans with his brothers. After residing there for
JUDGE THOMAS O'DAY
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four years, he removed to Wisconsin and there learned the cabinet-maker's trade. His first visit to Oregon was in 1852, but after spending two years in Portland went to California, where he remained for some years. In 1862 he returned to Oregon and located in The Dalles, where in the next succeeding quarter of a century he assisted in no small way in the upbuilding of the city and became one of its most prominent citizens. For a time he was carpenter foreman for the Oregon Steamship & Navigation Company and was a partner of E. Wingate in the hardware business, the latter so expanding into one of the most important mercantile concerns of Wasco county that Mr. Williams was forced to relinquish his other work and devote all his time to the hardware trade, with which he remained identified until his death in 1886.
Mrs. Anna M. (Marshall) Williams was a native of London, England, and a daughter of what is known in that country as a gentleman farmer. Upon the death of her father the family emigrated to the United States, crossed the plains and located in Oregon City, where she was reared and educated, and it was in that city that she met and married Griffith E. Williams, coming with him in 1862 to The Dalles, where she spent the remainder of her life. Mrs. Williams took a prominent and practical part in the early-day affairs of The Dalles and was ever foremost in all efforts to develop and improve the city.
Edward M. Williams was reared and educated in The Dalles and also attended the Portland Business College. In 1888 he went to work for E. Wingate & Company, the firm in which his father had been a partner. In 1891 the firm's name was changed to A. M. Williams & Company and he became vice president and manager, positions which he still retains. During the thirty years he has been managing this business, it has grown to be the largest general mercantile establishment in Wasco county and one of the largest in the state. In 1907, Mr. Williams extended the scope of his operations and became president of the Walthair-Williams Company, a large and important firm dealing in heavy hardware, farm implements, automobiles and auto accessories. They also conduct a spacious garage and repair shop. Owing to a gradual expansion of its trade, the company requires three large separate plants to take care of the different branches of the business.
In 1918, in recognition of his superior business ability, Mr. Williams was elected president of the First National Bank of The Dalles, an institution in which he had heen a director for many years. He occupies an important place in the commercial life of The Dalles and to each of his banking and business interests he devotes a considerable share of his time. He also finds time to devote to the affairs of a small farm near The Dalles, seventeen acres of which are in Royal Anne cherries and seven acres in almonds, and in addition to these holdings he has land and orchard interests in Yakima Valley, Washington.
In 1899 Mr. Williams was united in marriage at Marshfield, Massachusetts, to Elizabeth Olive Sampson, a daughter of F. F. Sampson, a well known farmer and stock raiser of Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of three children, namely: Florence Elizabeth, attending the Anna Wright Seminary, Tacoma, Washington; Ruth Frances, attending The Dalles graded schools; and Donald Edward.
In course of his husy life, Mr. Williams has not given much attention to active politics but has served on the city council of The Dalles and in other directions has given of his time and ability to the furtherance of civic projects. He is a member of The Dalles Chamber of Commerce and also holds membership in the Benevolent Pro- tective Order of Elks, in the affairs of which he takes a warm interest.
MAURICE WILLIAM SEITZ.
Oregon, with its imposing industrial and commercial activities, is constantly draw- ing to its borders men who are capable of taking leadership in connection with pro- fessional activities, men who recognize the opportunities here offered. Such an one is Maurice W. Seitz, who was born in Lockport, Illinois, January 7, 1882, and who in 1911 came to Portland, being at that time a young man of about twenty-nine years. His father, William H. Seitz, was born in Will county, Illinois, September 19, 1854, and was married in Royalton, Michigan, in 1878, to Miss Mary A. Smoke. His death occurred in Benton Harbor, Michigan, April 2, 1919, while his wife passed away in the same city in 1903.
Maurice W. Seitz was reared in Benton Harbor, to which place his parents removed
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during his early boyhood. There he attended the public schools until graduated from the high school with the class of 1900. He afterward taught school for two years in Michigan and then resumed his studies, entering the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, from which he was graduated in 1905, on completion of a law course. The same year he was admitted to the bar and located for practice in Chicago, remaining for six years. The opportunities of the west attracted him, however, and in 1911 he came to Portland and has here since followed his profession. He has not confined his efforts entirely to the work of the courts but has become identified with various business interests, being now vice president and one of the directors of the firm of Gerlinger, Richards & Company, a director of the Seaborg Packing Company, secretary and treas- urer of the States Auto & Truck Company, secretary and director of the Sherman County Light & Power Company and treasurer and director of the Washington-Idaho Water, Light & Power Company.
On the 10th of October, 1906, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Mr. Seitz was mar- ried to Miss Ina Rae, a daughter of August and Elizabeth Smith. Mr. Seitz belongs to the Wauna Lake Club. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, a member of the Mystic Shrine, a Knight of Pythias, and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. During the war period he served on the legal advisory board and in other ways assisted in the promotion of those activities which resulted in the successful prosecu- tion of the war. Since coming to the west he has made steady progress along pro- fessional and business lines, showing the wide utilization of his time, talents, and opportunities.
HORATIO FOSTER DAVIDSON.
Horatio F. Davidson, president of the Davidson Fruit Company with headquarters at Hood River, has been since his arrival here in 1890 a prominent and influential factor in the growth and commercial development of Hood River county, the company of which he is president operating no less than four hundred acres of fruit land.
Mr. Davidson was born in Knox county, Ohio, July 20, 1868, a son of Charles and Eliza A. (Rice) Davidson, who were members of old pioneer families in the Buckeye state, their ancestors having been residents in this country for several generations. His grandfather made the journey to Ohio from his birthplace at Hagerstown, Maryland, on foot, more than one hundred years ago. The father, Charles Davidson, was a car- riage manufacturer in Knox county, Ohio, until the financial panic of 1873 when he was stripped of his fortune.
A little later, Horatio F. Davidson, then a small boy attending school, began work- ing after hours and on Saturday in order to help the family. He also worked his way through the Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana. Then, realizing the opportunities that young men were offered in the great West, he journeyed to the Pacific coast and in 1890 located at Hood River, Oregon, where he took up the business of shipping fruit. He also purchased a piece of land, cleared it and planted an orchard of apples and pears. He soon organized the Davidson Fruit Company, of which he is president. This company is the largest individual concern of its kind in the Hood River valley, owning and operating some four hundred acres planted to apples and pears. It has erected on the railroad tracks at Hood River a brick cold storage plant, with a capacity of one hundred thousand boxes. The company also maintains an office at New York, where Mr. Davidson spends much of his time. Aside from his orchard interests, he has done much for Hood River. He had erected the block in which the offices of the company are located, it being the first concrete structure put up in the city or section. He built and operated the first cannery in the county, which was a boon to the strawberry growers, and when it was destroyed by fire its destruction marked a decline in strawberry growing, from which it is now only be- ginning to recover.
The most conspicuous beneficial work undertaken by Mr. Davidson was his active part in the organization of the first substantial irrigation scheme in the county. As secretary of this project, he worked untiringly with the result that a large acreage of otherwise useless land was reclaimed and many farmers were benefited correspond- ingly. The company, now known as the Farmers Irrigating Company, owes its birth and growth to two men-Frank Davenport and Horatio F. Davidson. The latter also built and operated the first unit of the electric light plant of Hood River that furnishes
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light and water, and put in the hydrants for the town. He is the owner of the Oregon Hotel and has in many other ways helped in the growth of the city. Although an active citizen, he has never accepted public office except as a member of the city council, in which capacity his efforts were directed for the benefit of the city. He is a member of the Masonic order, being a Knight Templar and a member of Al Kader Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is also an Elk.
In 1893, at Canton, Illinois, Mr. Davidson was united in marriage to Mary A. Brewin, of that city, whose ancestors were among the early settlers of that part of Illinois. They are the parents of one daughter, Helen, a graduate of the Portland Academy and of the Drexel Institute of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Miss Davidson was married in May, 1920, to John C. Cooper and is now residing in Boise, Idaho.
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