USA > Oregon > History of Oregon, Vol. III > Part 93
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fraternal connections are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has passed through all the chairs; and with the Rebekahs. He is an enterprising and progressive young business man who is steadily forging to the front, and in the community where he has spent his life he is spoken of in the highest terms, thus indicating that his life record is one which will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny.
EARL EDWARD FISHER.
Earl Edward Fisher, Washington county's most prominent educator, was born in Beaverton in 1879, the son of J. N. and Della C. (Allen) Fisher. His father was a native of Ohio, of which state his family had been pioneers, and as a young man he volunteered in the Union army and fought through the Civil war as a member of the Forty-second Ohio Volunteers. He was wounded twice during the period of his service and never fully recovered from the effects. At the close of hostilities he went to New Jersey and engaged in the mercantile business for a time. Later he removed to Nebraska to become editor of the Omaha Bee. In 1875 he came to Oregon and took up farming at Beaverton, cultivating onions. The Allens were an old-time family of New York, eminent in all its branches, and Ethan Allen, of Green Mountain fame, was a cousin of Mrs. Fisher.
Earl Edward Fisher was educated in the grade and high schools of Washington county and at the Portland Business College. Owing to his father's ill health caused by his wounds, Earl was obliged to make his way through college by working on the railroad. After his graduation he taught school, and for twenty years he has devoted himself to the profession of an educator, both in this state and in the state of Washing- ton, rising to the position of principal of the public schools. No young man in Oregon has won for himself a more enviable reputation. He was mayor of Beaver- ton for three terms and has been honored with other offices. In the primaries of 1920 he was chosen by the republican party as its candidate for representative of the county in the state legislature and was elected to that office in November.
Early in his career Mr. Fisher purchased the Beaverton Reporter and changed its name to the Beaverton Owl. Under this name he edited and published the paper for two years, when he sold it to parties who changed the name to the Beaverton Times. In addition to his educational work, Mr. Fisher owns and operates a farm on the edge of town, specializing in the culture of horse-radish.
Mr. Fisher is a man of high ideals, and it was largely because of a desire to assist in putting the school system of the state on a loftier plane, that he accepted the nomination for the legislature.
A Mason and a pastmaster of his lodge, Mr. Fisher is also a pastmaster of the United Artisans. Clean in thought and action, he has given his time to the improve- ment of his state and his county, and he has fairly earned a place as one of Oregon's upbuilders.
GEORGE M. PARTRIDGE.
One of the important business enterprises of Polk county is the Central Clay Products Company of Monmouth, specializing in the manufacture of building and drain tile. Of this corporation George M. Partridge is secretary-treasurer and manager and is most capably supervising the interests under his charge, for he is thoroughly familiar with every phase of the business, having devoted his life to the manufacture of brick. He is a man of resolute spirit, whose plans are well defined and carefully thought out and in their execution he is prompt and enterprising.
Mr. Partridge was born in Evansville, Douglas county, Minnesota, June 11, 1871, and is a son of George and Nancy (Mclellan) Partridge, natives of Canada. About 1853 the father crossed the border into the United States, becoming a resident of Hastings, Minnesota, where he engaged in the manufacture of brick until after the period of the Civil war. He then went to Douglas county, Minnesota, where he took up a homestead, becoming one of the first settlers in that part of the state. He cleared and developed his claim, which he cultivated for a few years, subsequently devoting
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his attention to the manufacture of brick at various points in Minnesota until 1850, when he removed to Evansville, that state, where he has since lived retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. He has reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years, but the mother passed away at River Falls, Wisconsin, in 1874. He is an honored veteran of the Civil war, serving for three years and three months as a member of the Thirtieth Wisconsin Infantry, enduring the hardships and privations of military life in order to aid in preserving the Union. He has led an upright and honorable life and is held in the highest esteem by all who know him.
His son, George M. Partridge, was reared and educated in Douglas county, Minne- sota, and under the able instruction of his father he learned every detail in relation to the manufacture of brick. He remained at home until he reached the age of twenty- six years, when he secured work in the lumber camps and was thus employed for two years. On the expiration of that period he went to Cando, North Dakota, where for a year he was engaged in the manufacture of brick, and then conducted a similar enter- prise. in Moorhead, Minnesota, for ten years. In 1907 he came to Oregon, first locating at Marshfield, where he engaged in prospecting for clay, but not meeting with success in his efforts, he went to Willamina, in Yamhill county, where for some time he was employed in a brick manufacturing plant. Later he became manager of a similar enterprise at Albany, Oregon, and subsequently went to Dallas, where for five years he engaged in the manufacture of brick. In the spring of 1917 he sold his plant and removed to Monmouth, where he established the brick and tile works. In July, 1920, the company was incorporated with R. U. Sleetquist as the president and Mr. Partridge as secretary-treasurer and manager and their business is enjoying a steady and substantial growth, owing to the progressive methods employed by the firm and the excellence of the products which they manufacture. They have a thoroughly modern plant, equipped with all necessary appliances for the manufacture of building and drain tile, and their trade is constantly increasing. Mr. Partridge is also culti- vating a two-acre tract devoted to the raising of strawberries, turning to horticultural pursuits as a means of recreation from the cares of business. He is a man of sound judgment and undaunted enterprise and in the conduct of his business interests is meeting with a gratifying measure of success.
On the 27th of December, 1900, Mr. Partridge was united in marriage to Miss Cassie Shaver, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Hainor) Shaver, natives of Pennsylvania, who became pioneers of Minnesota, taking up their residence in that state when the present metropolitan city of Minneapolis had not yet emerged from villagehood, the grandmother of Mrs. Partridge conducting the first boarding house in the city. The father took up land in the state which he cleared and improved, devoting a number of years to its cultivation, and subsequently he engaged in the furniture business at Red Wing, Minnesota, with which he was identified for many years, and at length retired, taking up his abode with his son-in-law, Mr. Partridge, with whom he continued to reside during his remaining years. He was for four years in the regular army, serving as first lieutenant with the Eleventh Minnesota Regiment. He passed away on the 31st of October, 1916, and the mother's demise occurred in 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Partridge have become the parents of five children namely: James M., Beth, Phillip, Dorothy and Douglas, all of whom are attending school, with the exception of the youngest son.
In his political views Mr. Partridge is a republican, and fraternally he is identified with the Yeomen, the Rebekahs and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being also a member of the encampment. His close application to business and his unremitting energy have brought him to the front in his chosen line of work and he ranks with the substantial and progressive citizens of his community, enjoying the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been brought into contact.
HUGH H. HANNA.
Hugh H. Hanna is one of the many farmers in Polk county who are carrying on agriculture along scientific lines and his efforts have resulted in a substantial measure of success. He is the owner of a valuable farm situated one mile north of Independence and is extensively engaged in the raising of hops, which is becoming one of the most important and profitable industries of the state. Mr. Hanna is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born July 14, 1866, and is a son of James and Bethsheba (Fails) Hanna, who
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were also born in that state, where the father followed farming throughout his active life. He passed away in 1915 and the mother's demise occurred in March, 1920.
Their son, Hugh H. Hanna, was reared and educated in the Keystone state and remained with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-three years. He then worked as a woodman in the lumber camps for a number of years and in 1892 made his way to Oregon, taking up his residence in Mill City, where he became an employe of the Mill City Lumber Company, and for fifteen years was identified with lumbering interests. On the expiration of that period he removed to Independence, where, in association with his three brothers, he established a hardware business, continuing active in its conduct for three years. They then purchased a farm of one hundred and eighty-seven acres located one mile north of the town, on which they engaged in the growing of hops. Later Mr. Hanna acquired the interests of his brothers in the property, which he has since operated most successfully. He has made a close study of the soil in relation to the production of crops here and his tract is now rich and productive, yielding bountiful harvests. He has added many improvements to his farm, utilizing the most modern equipment in its cultivation, and everything about the place is indicative of the careful supervision and progressive methods of the owner. He is devoting one hundred acres of his land to the raising of hops, having six hop houses and conducting his operations along that line on a most extensive scale. He also raises pure bred Holstein cattle, finding them well adapted for dairy purposes, and his unremitting energy, close application and study of the business to which he has turned his attention have brought to him substantial financial returns.
On the 26th of April, 1896, Mr. Hanna was united in marriage to Miss Lela Simp- son and they became the parents of two children, namely: Wayne, residing at home; and Lena, who died when but seven years of age. Mrs. Hanna passed away the year following the demise of her daughter and on the 16th of October, 1912, Mr. Hanna wedded Maggie Pomroy, by whom he has three children: Lida May, Hugh Pomroy and Robert Ira.
In his political views Mr. Hanna is a republican, and fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen of the World, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. His fellow citizens number him among the self-made men of Polk county, for when he arrived in this state he was entirely without capital and is today the possessor of a substantial com- petence, which he has acquired through methods that neither seek nor require dis. guise. On the contrary his course is one which may profitably he followed by others, and his example should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to those who must start out in the world without financial assistance, as he did.
JAMES P. HENNESSY.
The prosperity of any community, town or city depends upon its commercial activity, its industrial interests and its trade relations, and therefore among the builders of a town are those who stand at the head of the business enterprises. James P. Hennessy, general manager of the Shevlin-Hixon Company, is one of the alert, successful husiness men of Bend. For many years he has been associated with the company which was established by the late Thomas L. Shevlin. Mr. Shevlin, after graduating from Yale with the class of 1908, came to Oregon on a visit and being impressed with the immense possibilities offered in the western yellow pine timber- land, purchased some two hundred and fifty thousand acres in the upper Deschutes valley. In August, 1915, he began construction of the plant and in March of the following year began sawing logs. It was about that time that Deschutes county became a reality. The success of Mr. Shevlin's venture seemed assured from the start and today the plant is the largest in the northwest. Much of the company's success may be attributed to the tireless energy, keen business ability and stanch determina- tion of two men who had long been associated with the Shevlin-Hixon interests in other parts of the country-Thomas A. McCann and James P. Hennessy, whose name initiates this review.
Mr. McCann made his home in Bend until 1921, during which time he was general manager of the Bend plant, being ably assisted by James P. Hennessy who was then sales manager and assistant general manager. A graduate of Georgetown University with the class of 1907, Mr. McCann made his initial step into the business world in
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connection with the Shevlin-Hixon Company, in whose employ he has continued. His ability won him constant promotion and he is now vice president and general man- ager of the entire business, with headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Shevlin- Hixon interests extend from Minnesota to California and they have various plants located in cities between those states. Upon Mr. McCann's removal from Bend, Mr. Hennessy became his successor.
James P. Hennessy was born in Ontario, Canada, December 28, 1879, a son of Michael and Margaret (Barry) Hennessy. His father followed farming in Ontario until 1891 when he removed his family to North Dakota, where he is now living and is successfully engaged in the wholesale grain business. James P. Hennessy received his early education in Canada and later in North Dakota, whence he had removed with his parents. After graduating from a business college he went into the retail lumber trade, remaining active along that line for eight years, and then hecame a traveling salesman for the Crookston Lumher Company. Five years he spent in traveling and then for the following four years was engaged in the company's mill. About that time the death of T. L. Shevlin occurred and Mr. McCann, who was engaged in building the Bend plant, sent for Mr. Hennessy upon its completion in 1916, offering him the positions of sales manager and assistant general manager. Quick to recognize the opportunities for success offered him by connection with such a well established business as the Shevlin-Hixon Company, Mr. Hennessy resigned his position at the mill and removed to Bend. He was active in those capacities until July, 1921, when Mr. McCann was elected vice president and general manager of the parent company, with headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota. Mr. Hennessy was then appointed general manager of the Bend plant. In the discharge of his duties he gives evidence of possessing rare capability and efficiency and he has gained a prominent place in the estimation of his associates.
That Mr. Hennessy's duties are most important and that his company is the most potent factor in the continued growth of Bend, can be understood by a brief recital of its activities. The Bend plant has the capacity for turning out one hundred million feet of lumber per annum and the box factory produces one hundred cars of box shooks monthly. The Shevlin-Hixon plant has attracted the attention, not only of the lumber manufacturers of the west, but of the entire country, because it is equipped with the latest and best and most modern machinery ever used in the manufacture of lumber. Raw timber is brought from the woods, put through the mill and made into lumber, a portion of which goes on through additional processes and becomes sashes, doors, etc. The products of the plant are shipped to all parts of the world. The average number of employes is nine hundred and fifty and of these more than one hundred and fifty own their homes. Fifty families reside at the camps. The payroll for last year amounted to over a million and a half dollars. Every care and consideration is given the employes of the company and a school for further educational training known as the Shevlin-Hixon school is maintained at the camp. The employes publish a monthly paper called the "Shevlin Equalizer" and they have an excellent band.
In 1909 occurred the marriage of Mr. Hennessy to Miss Marion J. Kaelbli, a native of Minnesota, and four children have been born to their union: Marion Grace, Margaret, Rosemary and James P., Jr. Mrs. Hennessy is very popular in Bend and is a member of the best clubs and societies of the community.
The fraternal affiliations of Mr. Hennessy are with the Knights of Columbus, of which he has been the first Grand Knight and he is active as a member of the Con- catenated Order of Hoo Hoos, an exclusive lumber organization. Mr. Hennessy has been an important factor in business circles and his prosperity and success are well deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, un- ahating energy and industry that never flags. He is public-spirited, giving his coopera- tion to every movement which tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of the community.
CAPTAIN FRED B. MAY.
Captain Fred B. May was one of the best known figures in connection with Port- land's fire department for many years. He became associated with the department when it was a volunteer organization and after it was placed upon a paying basis he rose to the rank of captain. Portland was his native city, his hirth having here
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occurred September 17, 1865. He was a son of John and Mary (Sexton) May, the former a native of Georgia, while the latter was born in Iowa. The father was a carpenter by trade and in 1860 crossed the plains with ox teams, making the long journey over the hot stretches of sand and through the mountain passes until he reached Oregon, where he cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers.
Captain May acquired his education in the public schools of Portland and early learned the painter's trade, which he followed in young manhood. In 1881 he joined the fire department as a volunteer with Engine Company No. 5. He remained with this company until it went out of existence, when he became associated with Company No. 3 as hoseman and was made foreman of Truck No. 3. He continued to act in that capacity until Engine Company No. 8 was formed, when he was advanced to a captaincy and continued to act in that position until his death, which occurred on the 22d of April, 1920. His death was a distinct loss to the department of which he had for forty years been a most faithful, capable and efficient representative.
On the 7th of November, 1891, Captain May was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Walter, a daughter of Solomon Alexander and Disey (Foster) Walter, who were natives of Ohio and became residents of Portland at an early period in the development of the city. Captain and Mrs. May hecame the parents of two daughters: Maud, who is now the wife of Frank Mero of Raymond, Washington; and Madeline, at home.
Captain May was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the White Temple Baptist church. His life was ever guided by high and honorable principles and the sterling worth of his character was recognized by all with whom he came into contact.
CAPTAIN JOSEPH R. WILEY.
It has been said that Portland has never known a more generous man or more kindly spirit than Captain Joseph R. Wiley, who hecame identified with the city in pioneer times and who through the ensuing years to the date of his death stood for all that was most vital and best in the development and upbuilding of the state. He was born near Mineral Point, Iowa county, Wisconsin, December 30, 1844, a son of Elias and Catherine (Haney) Wiley, who had removed from New York to Wisconsin. When gold was discovered in California, the father visited the state but afterward returned to his family in the middle west and then in 1852 again started for the Pacific coast, with Oregon as his destination. He was made the captain of the wagon train, which he owned, and he undertook the task of bringing a number of fine blooded horses and cattle to the northwest; but death claimed him ere he reached his destina- tion and his wife was thus left with three small children, with twenty-five wagons and the fine stock. It was a big undertaking for the frail little woman to continue the journey. She rode her favorite horse, Black Hawk, so named after the Indian chief. While in camp one night, soon after her husband's death, the stock strayed away into the heavy timber. The next morning not a man in the train would venture into the woods for the stock, fearing the Indians, so Mrs. Wiley mounted Black Hawk, which would allow no one to ride him but his mistress, and left her children and all the wagons in charge of several of her relatives who were in the train, while she made her way into the timber after her cattle. On returning with them, she found that all of the wagons had gone on save the one containing the three children. She then had to drive her stock and that wagon into camp, where she caught up with the rest of the train. She had transferred to herself the money belt which her hushand had worn, containing several thousand dollars. Finally the party reached Portland in safety and there, sometime afterward, Mrs. Wiley became the wife of William P. Burke. She invested in a large amount of property, which in time became quite valuable. She was the first to introduce blooded stock into Oregon. She remained one of the honored pioneer women of the state until called to her final rest January 3, 1902, when eighty-two years of age, remaining very active to the time of her demise.
Joseph R. Wiley was but seven years of age when he started with his parents on the long trip over the hot sandy plains and through the mountain passes to Oregon. His youth, therefore, was largely spent in Portland, where he pursued his education in the Portland Academy, and later was graduated from Santa Clara College of Cali- fornia. He displayed special aptitude in his studies, his scholastic record being a matter of pride to his instructors. He afterward established a parochial school in
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Portland in connection with the cathedral of this city and a year later was elected to the position of county school superintendent, which office he resigned in 1869 to become the deputy county clerk under B. L. Norden, serving in that office until the close of the term in July, 1870. During a portion of the time in which he had been school superintendent he was also deputy marshal under A. L. Zeiber. He entered journalistic circles in July, 1870, when he took charge of the commercial and adver- tising departments of the Daily Herald, but after several months he resigned that position to become captain of the Portland police force as the first incumbent in the office, which he filled until March, 1875. Two months later he was elected a member of the common council and for three years labored most earnestly in that position to promote the welfare and advance the interests of the city. While thus engaged he devoted the hours that are usually termed leisure to the study of law and in the spring of 1879 was appointed justice of the peace, which position he filled for a year and a half. He then established a real estate agency and in February, 1882, he pur- chased the Catholic Sentinel, which he afterward ably conducted, displaying marked literary ability in that connection.
Mr. Wiley was also keenly interested in military and civic affairs and for many years was an active member of the board of fire delegates from Multnomah Engine Company No. 2, while from 1871 until 1875 he was captain of the Emmet Guard. He won the rank of major through his service on the staff of Major General Effinger, to which he was appointed in 1878. He always figured more or less prominently in politics and in 1876 was made sergeant-at-arms of the house when Governor Grover was elected to the senate.
On the 9th of February, 1874, Mr. Wiley was married to Miss Maggie Hickey, who was born in Boston and in 1865 started for San Francisco, crossing the Isthmus and proceeding from San Francisco to Portland with her sister, who was married and with whom she was to make her home. To them were born the following children: Clarissa, who is at home; William Burke, deceased; Joseph E., vice president of the Hibernian Bank; and Eunice Cecile, the wife of John K. Stack, a resident of Michigan.
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