USA > Oregon > Multnomah County > Portland > History of Portland, Oregon : with illustrations and biographical sketches of prominent citizens and pioneers > Part 56
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HISTORY OF PORTLAND.
end of this period, in 1849, he came to Drakeville, Davis County, Iowa, and for three years was engaged in merchandising. In 1852 he started across the plains for Oregon, with an ox team. The land immigrants of this year experienced unusual hardships. Disease killed all of their cattle, while many of the immigrants perished from the cholera. After weary months of suffering Mr. Fleischner arrived in Albany, Oregon, where he embarked in the mercantile business, and for the following seven years did a very successful business. In 1859 he sold out and for one year conducted a store at the Oro Fino mines. In the fall of this year he took a stock of goods to Lewiston, Idaho, arriving on the first steamboat which landed at that place. There lie remained until 1863, when he came to Portland, and entered into partnership with Solomon Hirsch and Alexander Schlussel, and bought ont the wholesale general merchandise house of Haas Brothers, at which time the firm of L. Fleischner & Co. was established. Their business increased rapidly and at the end of a few years had grown to large proportions. In 1869 they sold out and soon thereafter under the same firm name embarked in the wholesale dry goods business. In 1875 Jacob Mayer became a partner, at which time the present firm name of Fleischner, Mayer & Co. was adopted. All of the original partners are still connected with the firm, and but few other changes have occurred in the firm membership, the present part- ners being Louis Fleischner, Solomon Hirsch, Alexander Schlussel, Samuel Simon and Mark A. Mayer. The success and growth of the business of this house has been very remarkable, and for several years the firm has ranked among the first in the State and outside of San Francisco unexcelled on the coast, in the extent of annual sales. This gratifying condition of its affairs has in no small measure been due to Mr. Fleischiner's exertions, his constant watchful care and the exercise of a high order of business ability, no less than his well recognized high personal integrity of character. The demands of this business has engrossed the greater share of his time and attention, but he has also been an extensive and successful speculator in real . estate and at different times has been director in several Portland banks.
Mr. Fleischner has always been a zealous democrat, but has never desired or sought political preferment. On his return from the East, in the spring of 1870, he was, however, nominated for State Treasurer. The honor was entirely unsolicited and was conferred upon him solely because of his acknowledged fitness for the position. His personal popularity and the confidence reposed in liim by the people regardless of party lines, resulted in his election by a large majority. For the four years he filled the office of State Treasurer it is only simple justice to say, without intend- ing to cast the least reflection on any of his predecessors or successors, that the State never had a more conscientious or useful official. At the time he entered upon the discharge of liis duties the State had loaned out over $500,000 of the funds realized from school, State and mineral lands, on what was at the time considered worthless security. Indeed the whole plan of loaning these funds had been loosely conducted and the State was placed in a condition where the loss of a large sum of money seemed imminent. With the eye of a business man Mr. Fleischner turned his attention to the correction of these abuses. Under his administration all of the doubtful securities were collected, rules and regulations were adopted regulating the loans of the funds named and the whole system reorganized. Ever since that time the plans outlined and put in practice by Mr. Fleischner have been carried out hy his successor and beyond question the State lias been a gainer by hundreds of thousands of dollars by the wise policy he inaugurated.
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In April, 1888, Mr. Fleischiner started for Europe and made an extended tour of the Old World, returning home in August, 1889. During his trip he made a visit to his old home in Bohemia and in a hospital, a few iniles from his native village, inade arrangements whereby, at his expense, four beds should forever he maintained for the people of Vogelgesang. This generons act was in accordance with the natural kindness of heart of the man, whose many acts of benevolence are so well known to the people of Portland. He is president of the Hebrew Benevolent Association and all works of charity have ever found in him a generous contributor.
Mr. Fleischner has led a remarkably active life, has a natural capacity for business, is noted for the soundness of his judgments, is a plain and unpretending man, possesses great force of character, has innumerable friends and no enemies. His health, until his visit to his old home, had been declining, but during his sojourn abroad it was quite restored, and he now has promise of many years of active life.
H HAWTHORNE, DR. J. C. For many years the subject of this sketch held a prominent place among the most distinguished medical men of the Pacific Coast. His high professional attainments were matched by a life of conspicuous rectitude and of great public usefulness. He was born in Mercer County, Pennsyl- vania, March 12, 1819, and was a son of James and Mary (Donald) Hawthorne, who were of English and Welsh descent. His father was a farmer, but a man of literary attainments and a graduate of Washington College, Pennsylvania.
The early life of young Hawthorne was spent in Mercer County, where his element- ary education was received, and where he was prepared for college. He commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Bascom of his native place, and after a brief course of instruction under his direction, entered the Medical University at Louisville, Ken- tucky, from which institution he subsequently graduated. He commenced practice at Louisville, where he remained until 1850, when he went to California. For some years thereafter he lived at Auburn, Placer County, engaged in a large general practice and hospital work, where he became widely known and gained an enviable reputation for professional skill. In 1854 he was elected State Senator from Placer County and served for two terms, the late Lansing Stout being at that time a member of the Lower House from the same county.
In 1857 he came to Portland, and with the reputation he had already earned, he at once took a high place among the medical men of that day in this portion of the Pacific Northwest, and soon acquired a large private practice. In 1858 he took charge of the county hospital under a contract from the county court. Later on he established a private asylum for the insane. So successful was he in the management of this institution, that the State, during Governor Whiteaker's term, inade a con- tract with him to assume the care of the insane of the State, at which time Dr. A. M. Loryea became associated with him as partner. This contract was from time to time renewed hy the State Legislature, and until the time of his death Dr. Hawthorne had practically the sole superintendency of these unfortunate wards of the State. He was associated with others in the work, but the chief responsibility rested upon him, and admirably did he discharge his trust. It was in this connection that he performed a great public service and achieved his highest triumphs, and was hest known as a physician. The amelioration of the condition of those whose mental powers had become deranged was a subject which strongly appealed to his kindly nature, and
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HISTORY OF PORTLAND.
he earnestly devoted the best years of his life to the work. All that experience, study and natural love for his calling could do were freely given to his chosen field of labor. That he became eminently proficient in this most difficult brauch of medical science was but a natural sequence of his faithful devotion to his work. During the twenty years and more he had charge of the State Insane Asylum of Oregon, it became widely known and was regarded as one of the best institutions of its kind in the United States. Indeed, while Dr. Hawthorne was a most capable physician and highly proficient in every department of his profession, he will always be best remembered by medical men and the public by the record he made in con- nection with the State Insane Asylum of Oregon. His work in this direction place him among the few who have gained national renown in the treatment of insanity.
Dr. Hawthorne took a lively interest in public affairs. He was a man of great business sagacity, whose affairs and judgment were rarely at fault as to private undertakings or public enterprises. To great natural force of character was united au abundant fund of that rare practical sense which made him a leader in the com- munity, looked up to, followed and respected. Politically he was originally a whig, but after the overthrow of that party he became a democrat. He was firm and consistent in his political convictions, but was far removed from narrow party bigotry. Although his views were well known and he had nothing of the time- server in his nature, the respect his honesty of character commanded made him strong with the best element in both parties and he was retained in office during many years when the State was under republican rule. Had he desired political preferment he could easily have obtained his desire, but with the exceptions named he declined all suggestions of becoming a candidate for high public stations. He was devoted to his profession and outside of the laurels to be gained within it, he had no ambition.
Dr. Hawthorne was tall in stature, a man of imposing presence, and to a certain reserve and dignity of manner was united the social qualities and generous impulses which created the warmest friendships. There was an air of sincerity, and an evident desire to do the right thing regardless of consequences about the man which made him universally trusted, and by no act of his life did he ever betray the confidence reposed in him. He was a Christian as the result of the clearest and mnost deliberate convictions and for many years was a consistent member of the Episcopal Church. He died at the summit of usefulness and in the prime of manhood, on February 15, 1881, universally regretted, and with those who knew him he has left the memory of a broad minded courageous man gifted with great talent, whose career was eminently useful to his fellows and in every way worthy of emulation.
Dr. Hawthorne was twice married. His first wife, Miss Emma Curry, a niece of Congressman Kelly, of Pennsylvania, died in Portland in 1862, only a few weeks after her marriage. He was married to his second wife, formerly Mrs. E. C. Hite, of Sacramento, in 1865, who with two daughters, Louise Il. and Catherine Hawthorne, survive him.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
H OLMES, THOMAS J. Well remembered by all of the older citizens of Portland and prominently identified with the earlier political and commercial history of the city was Thomas J. Holines. He was born in Diss, county of Norfolk, England, March 3, 1819, and was a son of William and Mary A. Holmes. His father was a mechanic, who, with the hope of improving his fortunes, migrated to the United States with his family in 1830, and settled in New York City. At this time, Thomas, a bright, robust lad of eleven years, began life's battle for himself. He secured a position with a physician on Staten Island and for some time thereafter not only supported himself by his labors, but also acquired much valuable knowledge from his employer, who took a kindly interest in his welfare. Had he desired it he might have become a member of the medical profession, but the bent of his mind was toward practical affairs and at the end of a few years' service, he began an apprentice- ship at the shoemaker's trade. After acquiring his trade and arriving at the age of manhood he engaged in business in Jersey City, starting with 110 capital other than his mechanical knowledge, native shrewdness and good character. He married soon after and for some years prospered in business. Later on, having lost his wife and met with reverses in business he embarked for South America and for some time thereafter followed the seas. The discovery of gold in California caused him to turn his attention to this portion of the country. In company withi a number of citizens from Jersey City, lie started for the "land of gold" in a sailing vessel, arriving in San Francisco in December, 1849. A severe illness prevented his starting for the mines, and upon his recovery some months later, he came to Portland, arriving on the steamer commanded by Capt. Crosby, in the spring of 1850. Being without means he at once commenced working at his trade. Industrions and thrifty he prospered and within a brief period gained a large business, and at the same time acquired a most enviable reputation among his fellows for honesty and integrity of character. As his business grew he engaged in other enterprises, all of which he conducted with almost unvarying success. He acquired real estate, and such good judgment and business sagacity did he exercise in all of his enterprises that at the end of a few years he became for that day one of Portland's wealthy men.
He early began to take an active interest in public affairs, being among the first to advocate the establishment of tlie free school system. He was also active in politics, and was frequently elected by his fellow townsmen to public stations, serving in the city council for several terms. Upon the resignation of Henry Failing as mayor, in 1866, he was selected by tlie council to serve the unexpired term. So satisfactory to the people was his administration of affairs that he was nominated by his party as its candidate for the following term. The election was hotly contested, but so great was Mr. Holmes' personal popularity that he won the election, although his opponent was a man of high character and earnestly supported by his party.
The evening of the day of election, June 17, 1867, he addressed his fellow citizens in a speech marked by his accustomed vigor. The day following he was upon the streets attending to his business and receiving the congratulation of his large circle of friends. The next day, however, Wednesday, June 19, while appar- ently possessing usual health, he was stricken with apoplexy, resulting in death within a few hours. This event, occuring after a heated political contest in which he had borne the leading part and from which he had emerged as a victorions candi- date, was particularly sad, and shocked the entire community. The spirit of
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HISTORY OF PORTLAND.
partisanship was forgotten, and the personal integrity and worth of the man were recalled. The public press of the city gave expression only to words of praise in reviewing his career, while the city council in resolutions of respect to his memory, deplored his death "as a public calamity, involving the loss of an able, just and efficient magistrate, an enterprising and public spirited citizen, a generous friend, a charitable neighbor and an honest man."
In politics Mr. Holmes was a democrat, hut while a firm and consistent believer in the cardiual principles of his party, he was without a particle of partisan bigotry or intolerance. He was a friend of every public enterprise, a man of large liber- ality, using his prosperity for the growth and improvement of the city. As a public official he was painstaking and conscientious, discharging every duty imposed upon him with strict integrity. Dying in the prime of life, at a period when by honest effort he had acquired wealth and a high place in the esteem of his fellows, he lias left a record which those who have come after him can recall with honest pride.
By his first marriage he had six children, of whom four are now living, three daughters, all of whom are married, and one son, Byron Z. Holmes, who resides in Portland. His eldest son, Thomas J. Holmes, jr., died in Portland several years ago. Mr. Holmes remarried a short time before coming to Portland. His widow, however, survived him but a few years.
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L'ARHART, ROCKEY P. The subject of this sketchi was born in Franklin County, Ohio, on the 23d day of June, 1837, and came to Oregon hy way of the Isthmus of Panama, in 1855. Educational advantages were offered him in select schools in his native State, where he gained a thoroughly practical business training. Upon arriving in Oregon, and incidentally meeting with some of the public officials of the day, his superior clerical abilities were very soon recognized, and he received the appointment of clerk under Captain (now General), Robert McFeely, U. S. A., and Quarterinaster P. H. Sheridan, then a comparatively unknown soldier. Mr. Earhart remained in the service of the military department mutil Quartermaster Sheridan left this coast, in 1861, to take part in the war of the rebellion. During this period occurred the Yakima Indian war, in which he rendered valuable aid to the officials under whom he served.
In 1861 he engaged in general mercantile business in Yamhill and Polk counties, in which he continued until he was appointed United States Indian Agent at the Warm Springs Agency, to succeed Colonel Logan, where he remained until the appointment of Captain John Smith, 1865. For some time thereafter he served as chief clerk and special Indian agent under Superintendent Huntington, aud was Secretary of the Board of Commissioners appointed hy the General Government to treat with the Klamath and Modoc Indians. In 1878 he again engaged in the mercantile business in Salem, in which he continued until 1872. In conjunction with other citizens Mr. Earhart was active in maintaining peace and quiet at the capital during the troublesome times when the civil war was raging, and when an outbreak might have occurred but for the courage and coolness of a few citizens who were prepared for active service and could be ready for any emergency at a moment's notice.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
He represented Marion County in the Legislature in 1870, and was instrumental in securing the first appropriation for the erection of public buildings in the State. At the close of his term he removed to Portland where he has since continued to reside, and for some time was engaged in the business department of the Daily Bulletin. In 1874 he was appointed chief clerk of the Surveyor General's office, which position he held until 1878, when he resigned to accept the office of Secretary of State, to which he had been elected. He entered upon the duties of that office in September of that year, and at once thoroughly reorganized and systematized the business pertaining to the office and so acceptably did he discharge his official duties during his term of four years, that he received the unanimous vote of the Republican State Convention for re-nomination, and secured a majority of over 2,500 votes at the general election in June, 1882. His second term like the first was eminently satis- factory to the people, and upon his retirement from office-perhaps the most responsible in the State Government-his administration was heartily endorsed both by political friends and those of opposite political faith. From 1885 to 1887 he was Adjutant General of Oregon, and in 1893 was elected a member of the Legisla- ture from Multnomah County, in which position lie is at present ably serving the public. For several years he has been actively engaged in business in Portland, and is now manager of a large corporation organized by Portland capitalists.
Mr. Earhart has taken active interest in the Masonic order for many years, having been a member of this order since 1863, and has hield every office within the gift of the fraternity. He was elected Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge in 1872, and served until 1878, when in recognition of his past services in that body he was elected to the high and honorable position of Grand Master, and was re-elected in 1879. He has also been Sovereign Grand Inspector, aud has attained to the thirty-third degree of the Scottish Rite in the State of Oregon. He assisted in the organization of the first Commandery of Knight Templars established on the North Pacific Coast, and served for four years as its Eminent Commander, being presented upon his retire- ment from that office with a beautiful Masonic jewel. Mr. Earhart in uow Grand Commander of Knights Templar of the State of Oregon.
For the last quarter of a century Mr. Earhart has been almost constantly in the service of the public in some capacity, and in every place he has been called to fill he has increased his hold upon the good opinion of the people. Indeed it would be difficult to find one better fitted by nature for the duties of public office. He is a careful, thorough business man, punctual in the discharge of every duty, and under all circumstances can be implicitly trusted. 1Ie is firmi when he takes a stand he believes to be right, is always courteous and possesses that personal magnetism which effects to a more or less degree all with whom he comes in contact. He easily wins aud holds the confidence of all with whom he associates, aud for his intimate friends has a frank, warmı and loyal attachment-as warmly and loyally reciprocated. He is accustomed to look upon the bright side of life and at all times is brimming over with geniality and good humor, which flow from him as naturally as light from the sun. He is an engaging conversationalist, his descriptive powers beiug vivid, which, added to his heartiness of manner, make him a most popular and entertaining companion. He has been more than ordinarily successful iu business, which can be ascribed to keeness of preception in financial matters, and well directed and persistent work. He has ever been ready to co-operate to the extent of his ability with Portland's most [36]
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public spirited citizens in any project for the benefit of the city, and during his resi- dence here, according to his ability to do, and to give, the city has had no more helpful friend. Mr. Earhart is of ordinary height, stout build, with a full kindly face and sparkling eyes through which are displayed the cheerful and social nature, determined to extract all the good out of life consistent with right living.
He was married on July 2, 1863 to Miss N. A. Burden, daughter of Judge Burden, of Polk County, Oregon. They have four children, all daughters.
LISKY, CHARLES ADOLPH, was born near Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, A
October 6, 1840, and is a descendant of an old and highly honorable German family which for several generations has resided at or in the immediate vicinity of the place of his nativity. His father, William Alisky, was a native of Mayence, and early in life exhibited rare musical talent, at the age of seven years playing a flute solo at a concert in Mayence. His genius for music attracted the attention of the Grand Duke of Hessia under whose protection he was sent to the Conservatory of Music at Paris. Here he became a classmate and intimate friend of Richard Wagner, the celebrated composer, and Karl Maria Von Weber, who at that time were pursuing their musical studies at Paris. After completing his musical education at Paris he became musical director of the Theatre at Darmstadt at that time one of the largest and finest in Germany. While thus engaged and giving promise of a brilliant future in music, the Grand Duke of Hessia died. With the death of his protector and bene- factor, his professional career came to an end and he was obliged to seek new means of gaining employment. He thereupon embarked in the music printing business, which he carried on only for a brief time, when he sold out and established a summer resort at Bergen, near Frankfort-on-the-Main-known as Bellevue-a place celebrated for the beauty of its scenery. The latter venture was in advance of the demands of the times and was not particularly successful. He continued in this line of work but a short time when he disposed of the main interest in the venture and invested most of his capital in a Belgian Company, which had been formed for the purpose of building a canal across the Isthmus of America, intending to commence operations on the Atlantic side at the city of Santa Thoma on Turns Bay, Guatamala. With his wife and children he proceeded to the scene of operation, but the vessel in which they sailed and which contrined supplies for the work, was wrecked at the mouth of Montagua River, Guatamala. The family was saved but all of them endured great hardships. In attempting to save the goods in the vessel, Mr. Alisky exerted himself excessively, which with the exposure to which he was subjected during the storm brought on an illness which terminated in his death at the age of thirty-seven years. All of the family passed through a period of sickness, and besides the father, one of the sons died. Mr. Alisky was a man of more than ordinary force of miud. He had been liberally educated while his musical training liad been most carefully and thoroughly conducted. Had he devoted himself excln- sively to music he would undoubtedly have taken a high rank in his profession. Not only was he a performer of great ability, but his musical compositions possess merit of a high order. He was also a man of practical ideas and of enlarged views and had he lived to carry out his projects would have achieved for himself a highly creditable place in the business world.
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