USA > Oregon > Multnomah County > Portland > History of Portland, Oregon : with illustrations and biographical sketches of prominent citizens and pioneers > Part 55
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547
BIOGRAPHICAL.
He was also the prime mover in the organization of the old Portland Mechanic's Fair Association, and the magnificent buildings and grounds of the North Pacific Industrial Association are entirely due to his public spirit and untiring energy. Both of these industrial expositions have been of incalculable benefit to the city and State, and important factors in promoting the mechanical arts, mining and other great industries of the Pacific Northwest.
Mr. Dekum was married in 1859 to Miss Fanny Reinig, of St. Louis, who died in 1877. They had eight children, five sons and three daughters, all of whom are living in Portland.
Physically Mr. Dekum is of a fine type. He is large of frame and has a well formed head, set off with snow white hair and beard. His ruddy face indicates sound healthı, while his keen, sparkling eyes display the cheerful and social nature of one determined to extract all the good things from life consistent with right living. All his life he has been temperate in habits, and to-day he has the elasticity of step and rapidity of movement associated with men many years his junior. His honesty and integrity are of the highest, and no man in Portland possesses more firmly the confidence of its business community. His success in life has been gained by his own exertions in legitimate business channels, and through the attainment of his present position of power and influence, the city and State of his adoption have been enriched in many ways.
PRONAUGH, EARL C, one of the most prominent attorneys of the State, was born B in Abingdon, Virginia, March 4, 1831. He secured his educational advantages in his native town prior to reaching the age of twelve years, when with his parents he moved to Shelby County, Tennessee. They founded a new home in the woods and endured all the privations of pioneer life at that early day. Here Mr. Bronangh spent six years of his life, assisting his father in the support of the family, after which becoming imbued with the desire to read law he entered the office of Hon. J. W. Clapp, an uncle, at Holley Springs, Mississippi, an I two years thereafter, in 1851, was admitted to the bar. Being without means to begin the practice of his profession he spent the following two years in teaching in Tennessee and Arkansas. He then began the practice of his profession at Jacksonport, Arkansas. A few months later he removed to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he served for a short time as Clerk of the Chancery Court. From Little Rock he move 1 to Brownville, Arkansas, where he remained for two years, when he located in Helena in the same State. He was elected Judge of the Circuit Court, comprising the Helena circuit, in 1860, which office he held until the great war began.
By education and association Mr. Bronangh was imbned with the principles of the Sonth. Although never in sympathy with slavery, he was none the less a firm believer in the rights of State Sovereignty, and when the State of his adoption seceded from the Union he joined his fortunes with the hopes and destinies of the new confederacy of States. He enlisted in the Confederate army and for one year continued in the service, when his health becoming impaired he was discharged and returned home, where he remained during the further progress of the war. When the war closed, like the most of his fellow citizens, he found himself impoverished and without immediate hopes of retrieving his fallen fortunes.
548
HISTORY OF PORTLAND.
For a short time he bravely struggled against the adverse and disheartening condi- tions by which he was surrounded, but his efforts to improve his fortunes were unavailing, and he determined to seek a new home where hard and honorable work might offer fairer chances of reward. With this end in view he came to Portland in 1868, arriving in the city an entire stranger and without a dollar in the world. He opened a law office and from the start his success was most gratifying, and year by year his practice and reputation have increased until at the present time the remin- neration he receives from liis professional labors is excelled by few, if any, in the State, while his legal attainments give him a place in the very front rank of the Oregon bar.
For some three years Mr. Bronangh was associated as partner with Hon. John Catlin and for ten years with the firm of Dolph, Bronaugh, Dolph & Simon. In 1882, on account of his own health and that of his family and that his children might enjoy better educational advantages than Portland then afforded, Mr. Bronaugh moved to St. Clair County, California, where with his family, he remained two years. He then returned to Portland and became a partner in the law firm of Whalley, Bronaugh & Northınp. Mr. Whalley retired in 1889, since which the firm has been known as Bronangh & Northup.
Mr. Bronaugh is a man of strong religious convictions, the result of long and close study and thoughtful consideration of the Bible and its teachings, and the writings and investigations of the most advanced scientists of this and preceding generations. He was reared in the Presbyterian faith, but during the last ten years has been a firm believer in the views held by the Christian Adventists. But while he is unbending in his religious faith and exhibits in his life and every action an endeavor to live up to the standard of an ideal Christian character, he is nothing of the Pharisee and none of the Puritan.
His success as a lawyer has been conspicnons in all the branches of legal litiga- tion, but it is in the trial of cases that he particularly excels. His forensic abilities are of high order, and in numerous trials have won for him a reputation as a pleader and advocate second to none in the State. He is always clear and forcible in speech, but when occasion demands it he uses langnage ornate and persuasive, while his delivery and manner are peculiarly fitting and appropriate. His practice extends largely to criminal cases and the success which he has achieved in this branch of practice where in many instances it has seemed to rely almost solely on his handling and presentation of the facts, has been so marked as to cause liis services to be in almost constant demand.
Mr. Bronaugh was married is 1854 to Miss Araminta Payne, of Jacksonport, Arkansas. They have had nine children of whom but two sons are living. The elder at the present time is reading law under his father's direction, while the other is acquiring a practical business education.
In personal appearance Mr. Bronaugh is of tall and well proportioned stature; has strongly marked features, a fine forehead, well-shaped head and dark auburn hair and beard, both of which are well sprinkled with gray. He is an engaging conver- sationalist and has that courtesy of manner characteristic of the Southern reared gentleman, while his consistent life and character, his integrity and faithfulness to every trust have given him a high place in the esteem and good opinion of his fellow citizens.
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549
BIOGRAPHICAL.
SMITH, JOSEPH SCHOEWALTER, was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, June 20, 1824. His ancestors at an early day emigrated from England and Wales and settled in New Jersey and their descendants are now scattered all over the United States. At the age of eight years he accompanied his parents to Clermount County, Ohio, and three years la ter to Vermilion County, Indiana. He received such educa- tion as a farmer's boy of ambition could receive at that day in a pioneer neighborhood. During the summer he worked on the farm and in the winter attended such schools as the county afforded. He early evinced great fondness for books which stimulated his thirst for knowledge, and at the age of sixteen he left his home determined by his own exertions to obtain a better education than the limited means of his father would permit. From that time until he was nearly twenty he spent at school all the time which the hardest physical labor necessary to support himself would allow. In the fall of 1844 he started for Oregon. Several months were consumed in making the overland journey, the winter of 1844-5 being passed among the Indians in the Rocky Mountains, while every mile of the long journey to the settlement iu the Willamette Valley was beset by perils and privations such as fell to the lot of the pioneer land emigrants to this portion of the northwest coast. In the spring of 1845 he reached Oregon City with only two companions, and soon after his arrival began the study of the law, supporting himself until his admission to the bar by manual labor and teaching school.
After being admitted to the bar he opened an office in Oregon City and had acquired a fair practice when, in 1853, he moved to Puget Sound, Washington Territory. Here he served for a time as prosecuting attorney of the Third Judicial District, and in 1855 was elected to the Territorial Legislature, being unanimously chosen Speaker of the House. He was subsequently appointed by President Buchanan United States District Attorney for the territory.
In 1858 Mr. Smith returned to Oregon and settled in Salem where he remained in law practice until his removal to Portland in 1870. In 1862 he was unanimously nominated by the Democratic Convention for the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Oregon, but he declined to be a candidate. He was among the first to advocate the establishment of manufacturing enterprises in Oregon, and in 1860 became the principal proprietor and financial manager of the Willamette Woolen Mills at Salem, the oldest industry of its kind on the Pacific Coast. In 1866 he received the vote of his party for United States Senator and came within three votes of an election. The year following he went with his family to Europe, his health necessitating a change of climate. Upon his return to Oregon, in 1868, he was nominated by the State Democratic Convention for Congress, and was elected, defeating his opponent by over 1200 majority. No democrat had been elected to Congress from Oregon during the period of eight years. His congressional career was in every way highly creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents. He made several speeches on the floor in support of measures in the interest of the people, and his sound logical reasoning, added to many graces as a speaker, com- manded the attention and respect of his colleagues. All of the interests of Oregon were carefully watched and protected, but perhaps the most signal service he rendered to the State, and more particularly to Portland, was in connection with the Northern Pacific Railroad bill. With his own hand he penned the amendment to this bill
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HISTORY OF PORTLAND.
by which the company was required to build its main line down the Columbia River to Portland and secured its favorable consideration in the House, notwith- standing the hostility of the 41st Congress to railroad legislation.
After his term in office in Congress expired Mr. Smith removed to Portland where he lived until his death. For a number of years he was a member of the law firm of Grover, Smith & Page, and had a most extensive and lucrative practice, although his feeble health did not permit him to apply himself to the full capability of his splendid intellect. He spent considerable time iu traveling, principally in the Southern States, whose mild climate suited his weak constitution. Judicious investments in real estate in Portland, in early days, secured for him a large fortune which enabled him to lead a life of practical retirement from active lahor during the latter end of his life, and this no doubt added to the length of his days. In 1882 he was nominated for Governor ou the Democratic ticket, an honor he accepted knowing at the time there was little hope of success. He was defeated by the Republican candidate, Hon. Z. F. Moody, but notwithstanding the large Republican majorities giveu that year he received a most flattering vote.
While for many years Mr. Smith did not enjoy vigorous health, his strong will power enabled him to accomplish a vast amount of work. But for some time pre- ceding his death, which occurred in 1884, he had became much enfeehled. He was conscious, however, to the very last, and the end was very peaceful. The announcement of his death, though not unexpected, occasioned deep regret, and the public press all over this part of the country gave voice to the general sorrow of the many friends who know the solid worth and character of the man. The Oregonian in summing up his characteristics said :
"Hon. Joseph S. Smith, who ou yesterday passed from earth, was among the most distinguished of the early pioneers of Oregon. He was a man of large ability and high character, though for many years his health has been too iufirm to permit him to employ with active vigor the high powers with which he was endowed. But in every station, private and public, he discharged his duties with fidelity. Had his physical strength been equal to his mental powers, lie would undoubtedly have been called to higher spheres of public duty than any he was permitted to fill. His talents were equal to the demand of any station, but he steadily declined public life aud only consented to accept it when there seemed no way to evade the call. His career was honorable to himself and family and useful to the country, and his death leaves a large gap in the rapidly shortening roll of pioneers who laid the foundation of States in the Pacific Northwest."
Mr. Smith was married, in 1849, to Miss Julia A. Carter, who, with two sons, Walter V., Preston C., and one daughter, Mrs. H. Y. Thompson, survive him. He was a man of firm religious principles and during his early residence in Oregon and while he lived ou the Sound, took a deep interest in the affairs of the Methodist church, and, although he had never been regularly ordained as a minister, often filled pulpits, preaching with marked ability and power. His method was one of simplicity and candor, and he impressed every intelligent hearer with well considered arguments which never lacked in force or dignity. Tall and of imposing presence, he at once commanded notice when he rose to speak, and having once attracted an audience, held attention by his force of intellect, his earnestness and evident honesty. Almost the last time he ever spoke in public was before the Democratic State Convention which met in the court house in this city and uomiuated him for governor. His speech accepting the uomination attracted wide attention.
551
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Starting a poor boy, by force of energy and intellect and in spite of feeble health and very limited scholastic advantages in early life, lie rose to a high place in an honorable profession; filled with great credit positions of power and honor, and, true to every obligation that ever rested upon him he has left behind him the memory of a strong, able, earnest and manly man He lia I cool judgment, habits of close obser- vation and his mind was a rich store house of useful and valuable knowledge. He was somewhat reserved in manner and was one of the most modest and unostentations of men. Conscious power gave him confidence in himself, but though a man of decided views and opinions, he was not unnecessarily aggressive and had a just regard for the rights and opinions of others. In all things he was governed by a lofty con- ception of the duty he owed to family and friends, to the people who honored and trusted him and to the country he was called upon to serve. He will always be remembered as a conspicuous figure in Oregon, and as one of the most able and useful of the men who bore part in laying the foundations of States in the Pacific Northwest.
TROWBRIDGE, JOSEPH ALFRED, was born in Montour county, Pennsylvania, in 1835, the third child of Phillip Moss and Elizabeth K. (Smith) Strowbridge. His father was a farmer who soon after Joseph's birthi, mnoved with his family to Marion county, Ohio. Here the youth of our subject was passed. His educational advan- tages were mostly confined to the district school, but with the assistance of an aunt who resided with the family he made rapid and substantial progress in his studies. So well prepared was he that at the early age of fourteen years, he taught a school near liis home, and in the examination to which he was subjected to secure the position, he stood the highest among several applicants all of whom were much older than lie. It was his intention to obtain a thorough education but his plaus were not carried out, for while preparing to enter the Ohio Wesleyan University, his father determined to move to Oregon. The family, consisting of father, mother and five children, started across the plains with horse teams in October, 1851, and reached St. Joseph, Missouri at the beginning of winter. Here they remained until the following spring when they again took up the long journey. The emigrants of 1852 experienced perhaps greater hardships than had ever confronted others who crossed the plains. Not only did they suffer from the extreme drouth of that year, hut that dread disease the cholera, made its appearance and hundreds died on the way. The Strowbridge family was not exempted from its share of the calamities that fell to the lot of all. A boy next to the youngest of the children, died of cholera and was buried on the trail which was lined with new made graves. On the 3d of October, 1852, just one year after they left their home in Ohio, the family arrived in Portland. The death of the son had a most depressing influence on the father. He was taken with the so called mountain fever at The Dalles, and died a few days after his arrival in Portland. Added to this great misfortune, the winter of 1852 was one of great severity and all of their stock perished.
To young Strowbridge was left the support of the family. Most gloomy indeed did the outlook appear. Provisions and all the necessaries of life were selling at fabulous prices and the matter of mere existence was a serious question. In vain did he seek employment but work was scarce and every situation had many appli-
552
HISTORY OF PORTLAND.
cants. In the spring of 1853, he, however, secured a situation in a humble capacity in a hotel at Oregon City, where he remained until July of the following year. In the mean time he was constantly on the lookout for an opportunity to better his fortune. Boy as he was, liis natural aptitude for trade asserted itself. While employed at the hotel he began to buy of the farmers, eggs and butter which he shipped to San Francisco and realized a handsome profit. In the summer of 1853 he bought up a quantity of apples aud sent them to San Francisco, probably the first produce of this kind ever sent from this locality to that market. Good returns from this venture led him the following summer to devote his whole time and attention to buying and shipping fruit to California. Great success followed his undertaking in this direction and he had made quite a start on the road to fortune when the failure of Adam & Co's bank in 1856, in which all of his funds were deposited, reduced him to almost a penniless condition. He had, however, established an excellent credit, and it was not long before he was again firmly established in the fruit business, in which he continued until 1860. He was indeed a pioneer in this branch of business which has since grown to large proportions. Commencing in a humble way he helped to develop it to such an extent that in 1860 over 7,000 boxes were shipped from this section.
Iu 1860 he embarked in the retail boot and shoe business with C. M. Wiberg under the firm name of Wiberg & Strowbridge. Four years later, appreciating the possi- bilities of this line of trade, Mr. Strowbridge went to Boston, Mass., and opened up direct business relationship with the manufacturers of that city and henceforth received his supplies from Boston instead of depending on the San Francisco market. At the same time the firm began to do a wholesale business, the first venture of its kind in Portland, in which they continued with gratifying success until 1869, when Mr. Strowbridge retired and started the business in which he is now engaged, that of leather findings and boot and shoe supplies. Marked success has followed his exertions in this line of trade and with the exception of the destruction of his store and its contents in the great conflagration of 1873 he has had an uninterrupted period of well deserved prosperity.
Mr. Strowbridge has always been a firm believer in Portland's ultimate destiny as a great commercial center and the profits of his business he has freely invested iu Ieal estate in and near the city. He is the owner of fine business blocks in the central part of the city, besides valuable suburban land and of several tracts of rich wheat land a few miles from Spokane Falls, Washington. All of his investments in real estate have been made with good judgment and have secured for him a handsome fortune. The ground upon which his present residence was built, in 1873, was purchased in 1856, at that time quite a distance from the business center of the town and covered with forest, but has since grown to be one of the most desirable resident portions of the city.
Mr. Strowbridge was married on July 4, 1864, to Miss Mary H. Bodman, daughter of Dr. H. A. Bodman, of Oxford, Ohio. They have had five children, Alfred B., engaged in farming in Clackamas County; Geo. H., a druggist of Portland; Joseph A. jr., an assistant in his father's store; Harry H. aud Mary H., at home attending school.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
Although always a strong republican Mr. Strowbridge had never taken an active part in political affairs until the presidential campaign of 1888, when, believing the issue between the parties, relative to the tariff, was one that demanded the earnest attention of business men he became actively interested in the election of the Republican candidates. He had been often importuned to accept political nomina- tions but he had declined until that year to become a candidate. He then, however, at the earnest solicitation of his friends accepted the nomination for the house of representatives for Multnomah County and was elected by a large majority. He has already served one year of his term and during the session of 1889 took a prominent part in behalf of measures for the city and State.
As a business man Mr. Strowbridge is regarded as possessing a shrewd, practical, well balanced mind, while his reputation as an lionorable gentleman of the highest integrity has been firmly established. During a business career which covers a period from the pioneer days of Portland to the present time, he has retained the respect and confidence of the entire community. He has led a very industrious life and has had his share of the rebuffs of fortune, but patient and well directed work has triumphed over every obstacle and to-day he is in the possession of an ample fortune which has been honestly and fairly won and which he worthily enjoys. All his efforts have been in directions which have added to Portland's prosperity and every dollar he lias acquired has enriched the entire community.
He was among the first members of the Portland Volunteer Fire Department, and with feelings of pride cherishes a certificate stating that he is an exempt fireman of Willamette Company, No. 1. He was among the organizers and is still a member of the Board of Trade, and was one of the earliest promoters of the Portland Library Association. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and is president of the board of directors elected to build a temple for the order in Portland. He has always been a man of the most exemplary habits and the good health he now enjoys, despite the active life he has led, is in a large measure due to his abstemious manner of living. He is a regular attendant at the First Congregational church and is a member of the board of trustees. To religious and benevolent work he contributes his full share and is one of the board of directors of the Boys' and Girls' Aid Society. He is a strong sup- porter of schools and toward all agencies that tend to improve mankind, add to the public good or to advance the material growth of the city where he has so been an honored and trusted citizen, he is always ready to lend a helping hand. But little past the prime of life, and still in the active ranks of Portland's progressive business men, there would seem to be many years before this pioneer of Oregon in which to enjoy all he has so honorably and justly earned and to partake of the prosperity which his years of toil so largely assisted to create in the "sunset land" of the Pacific.
FLEISCHNER, LEWIS, one of the leading merchants of Portland was born in the village of Vogelgesang, Bohemia, in 1829. He was educated in his native village and at Tissan a small town near his home. At the age of fifteen years be came to America, and for a short time remained in New York City. He then went to Phila- delphia, where he was employed for five years by a dealer in horses and cattle. At the
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