USA > Oregon > Oregon, pictorial and biographical > Part 15
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George Wright early became interested in maritime affairs. His father was a shipbuilder, and when a young man the son went to sea, spending a number of years on the ocean, but in the meantime he established his home on this side of the Atlantic, and when he left the sea it was to engage in sailing on the Great Lakes. Three times he suffered shipwreck, once off the coast of Newfoundland, again in the Bay of Biscay and for the third time when sailing on the lakes. In 1841 he wedded Naomi Ulm and took up his abode near Mount Carmel, Illinois, at which time he engaged in farming, there remain-
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William Thomas Celright
ing until the 1st of May, 1852, when he started for the Pacific coast. The journey was made by wagon across the plains, and although the trip consumed six months the party had no serious trouble beyond the usual hardships and privations of such a journey. Mr. Wright and his family arrived at Portland, Oregon, on the 1st of November, 1852, finding there a little city containing only about one thousand inhabitants. For several years he was engaged in business there but in 1861 went to Idaho, where he spent a large part of the time in the mines until the fall of 1864 when he located permanently in Union, Oregon. Here he was joined by his son William in 1865 and later by other members of the family who came from Portland. There were three sons of whom John T. died in 1905, while Josiah, born in Portland, is still living in Union. The father continued to make that place his home until his death, which occurred May 11, 1893. He had long survived his wife who died in Union in 1875.
William T. Wright was a little lad of about seven years when his parents crossed the plains, in fact, the anniversary of his birth oc- curred during the journey. His education was acquired in the schools of Portland and in 1865 he was graduated from the old Portland Academy. Immediately afterward he joined his father in Union and with him continued in merchandising and milling, the business being carried on until 1882. He was then elected county clerk and served for two years. In 1883 he organized the National Bank of Union, of which he became cashier, continuing in that position until the death of his father, who from 1884 to 1893 had been president, to which office the son succeeded. He has since remained at the head of this institution, carrying the bank successfully through the great financial panic of 1893 without asking assistance and without the loss of a dollar to a single individual. From the beginning the bank has enjoyed a prosperous career and shows a splendid annual report. A general banking business is conducted and the institution now has many depositors and patrons.
So complex and important have been the business interests of Mr. Wright that he has had little time for public office even had he had ambitions in that direction. However, he has never neglected his duties of citizenship, and when he felt it incumbent to serve the public in an official capacity he has done so without hesitancy. On one occa- sion he was mayor of the city to which he gave a practical, business- like and progressive administration. He has also done effective serv- ice on the school board, and the cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend. A life-long republican, Mr. Wright cast his first vote for General U. S. Grant for president and has always been active
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in the party councils in Oregon. He served continuously for over a quarter of a century as a delegate to the state conventions and twice was secretary of the convention. Many of his fellow citizens, recog- nizing his ability and patriotism, urged him in 1906 to become a can- didate for congress, but he steadily refused, prefering that his public service be done as a private citizen and not as an official. He gives his aid and cooperation to every movement which he deems of value to the community, and his support of any measure is an influencing factor in winning for it further support from his fellow townsmen.
On the 10th of February, 1870, Mr. Wright was married to Miss Bell Mallory, of Greenwood, Steuben county, New York. She is a daughter of Augustus Mallory, a brother of Rufus Mallory, a former member of congress and one of Oregon's leading citizens now prac- ticing law as a member of the firm of Dolph, Mallory, Gearin & Simon, of Portland. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wright have been born eleven children. Annie passed away at the age of nine years. William T. Jr., who was educated in Union, became cashier of the First National Bank when seventeen years of age, being the youngest bank cashier in the United States. He afterward spent a year in Denver and in Salina, Kansas, and upon his return received the appointment of state bank examiner from Governor Benson. When the new law of 1911 was passed he was made state superintendent of banks, having been the author of the law which has now a most beneficial influence on the banking system of Oregon. Frances Wright, a graduate of Mills College, of Oakland, California, is now the wife of S. D. Townley, a professor of the Stanford University of California. George, the third of the family died when but three months old. Edith married W. T. Phy and has four children. Ina, now Mrs. Herbst, is a graduate of the Ann Arbor (Michigan) College of Music and other musical schools of this country. She went abroad for further study in Germany, and for three years was a pupil of Herr Mueller Kahnberg. For three years she was the leading soprano of the Coburg-Gotha Grand Opera Company, but is now devoting her time to concert work and teaching. She lives at Weimer, Germany, and has two children. Rufus Wright, the next in the fam- ily, was educated in the schools of Union and in the Oregon Univer- sity and is now engaged in the hardware business in his native town. Elmer, who supplemented his public-school course by study in Whit- man College, the University of Oregon and the University of Cali- fornia, is a mining engineer and metalurgist located in Portland. Charles W., after attending the schools of Union, entered the First National Bank, of which he is now cashier. Irwin D. is assistant
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cashier of that institution. Lucille, the youngest, died when but two years of age.
While Mr. Wright has made for himself a prominent position in business circles, this by no means embraces the extent of his activities. He is recognized as one of the leading Masons of the state, having affiliated with the craft since 1872. He passed through all the chairs of the local lodge and became a member of the Grand Lodge of the state in 1875. He then filled all the offices of that organization, serv- ing as grand master of Oregon in 1893-4. He was also grand high priest of the grand chapter in 1899-1900, and was grand commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar in 1901-2. He was also one of the first members of the Al Kader Temple of the Mystic Shrine of Portland, its membership being fifty-nine while it now has eighteen hundred members. In Union, not to know W. T. Wright is to argue one's self unknown, and throughout the state he has a very wide acquaintance because of his business and fraternal activi- ties. He was president of the Oregon State Pioneer Association in 1905; served as alternate commissioner to the Columbian Exposition at Chicago in 1893, and as Oregon State Commissioner at the Alaska Yukon Exposition at Seattle in 1909. He was also a member of the committee appointed to present the silver service to the battleship Oregon. Anyone meeting Mr. Wright face to face would know at once that he is an individual embodying all the elements of what this country would term "A square man"-one in whom to have confi- dence, a dependable man in any relation and any emergency. His quietude in deportment, his easy dignity, his frankness and cordiality of address with a total absence of anything sinister or anything to conceal, fortoken a man who is ready to meet any obligation of life with the confidence and courage that come of conscious personal abil- ity, right conception of things and an habitual regard for what is best in the exercise of human activities. Someone has said that the quotation might well be applied to him "And long he bore without abuse the grand old name of gentleman."
Gyrus G. Hoskins and family
Cyrus Comin Doskins
ROBABLY no one citizen of Oregon contributed P more largely to promoting the development of the fruit industry in the state than the late Cyrus Edwin Hoskins, who was not only a business man of rare judgment and sagacity, but a horticulturist of far more than local reputation. His most notable contribution to the science of horticulture was unquestionably the cherry that bears his name, but in all probability he will be longer remembered as the man who shipped the first consignment of dried prunes from Oregon.
He was the eldest son born of the marriage of Joseph and Sarah Ann (Hodson) Hoskins, his birth occurring in the vicinity of Vienna, Clinton county, Ohio, on the 3d of July, 1842. His entire life was spent on a farm, his youthful energies being early directed along agri- cultural lines, the duties of which increased as his strength developed with the passing years. He pursued his education in the district schools in the vicinity of his home, the standard of which was about in common with those prevailing at that period. Being of a studious nature, however, he keenly observed what was going on in the great world of nature about him, where he picked up many valuable lessons not taught in school rooms nor to be found in text-books, that later proved invaluable to him. He laid a good foundation by his thorough mastery of the fundamentals, that he supplemented all through life by careful and wide reading on general subjects, and was always con- sidered to be a well informed man whose opinion on all current topics was well worthy of expression. His schooling was terminated by the breaking out of the Civil war, and the patriotism and love of country that were always two of his most pronounced characteristics were then manifested by his laying aside his text-books in order to take up the musket. He enlisted during the very early days of the conflict and re- mained at the front until the surrender at Appomattox. During that period he saw much active service, participating in a number of notable battles, but was never wounded.
Soon after receiving his discharge he was married and immediately following he and his bride located on a farm, in Rush county, Indiana, which he operated until 1877. He had always been desirous of com-
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ing to the west and in the later year together with his wife and fam- ily he came to Oregon. Upon his arrival here he purchased three hun- dred and twenty acres of land in Yamhill county, at what is now known as Springbrook, near Newberg, and here he spent the re- mainder of his life. Mr. Hoskins was a progressive man, but not a theorist, being thoroughly practical in all of his methods, and he readily realized that conditions in this section of the country were very. different from those which he had been accustomed to encounter in farming in the middle states. He made a careful study of his soil, its needs and requirements, as well as the climatic conditions, and gov- erned his undertakings accordingly. He experimented extensively, particularly with fruits, early recognizing that this in time was going to become one of the greatest fruit sections not only in the United States but in the world. In his orchard was to be found an almost unlimited variety of cherry trees, that he grafted and experimented with until he obtained the cherry that is now bearing his name. The introduction of this fruit established his reputation as a horticulturist and he soon became recognized not only in this immediate locality but throughout the northwest as one of the leading fruit growers. Later he increased the scope of his activities by adding prunes and apples and other varieties of fruit to his orchard. He introduced the prune industry in the state, placing upon the market the first car load of Oregon dried prunes. He applied himself painstakingly and intel- lingently to whatever he undertook, and was always striving to improve the standard of each and all of his products. That his efforts were rewarded by success is manifested by the fact that his dried prunes received the first prize at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893, while the Hoskin cherry was awarded the silver cup at Salem, Oregon. He became one of the widely known and affluent orchardists of the state, and his death on the 18th of August, 1908, meant a loss not only to the community, where he was so well known and highly regarded, but to the state at large. He had always led an active life, the dominant interests of which had been of a nature to help not only himself but all who were engaged in similar enterprises, and he fulfilled his mis- sion by his many contributions to the vocation he followed.
On the 30th of November, 1865, Mr. Hoskins was united in mar- riage to Miss Matilda Hadley, a daughter of Thomas and Lucinda Hadley, natives of Indiana, in which state Mrs. Hoskins was also born and reared. Mr. and Mrs. Hadley removed to Oregon in 1882, and here they both passed away. They were the parents of nine chil- dren. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hoskins there were born two daughters: Ellis M., who died at the age of two years; and Joycie, the wife of E.
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Lemon, who passed away at her home in Jackson county, Oregon, on the 22d of December, 1903. Mrs. Hoskins still lives on the ranch where she has resided for so many years at Springbrook, but since the death of her husband she has sold all but fifty acres of her place. The land she has retained is practically all planted in cherry and prune trees, that annually net her a handsome income. This ranch is one of the show places of Yamhill county, not only because of what its former owner achieved, but owing to its many attractive features and the fact that it is supplied with every convenience needed in the equipment of a commercial orchard, that is operated in accordance with modern ideas.
Fraternally Mr. Hoskins was identified with the Masonic order. having been initiated in Carthage Lodge, No. 169, of the grand juris- diction of Indiana in 1867, and at the time of his death he was past master of Newberg Lodge, No. 104. In early life he voted the re- publican ticket, but during his latter years he gave his support to the prohibition party. He took much interest in all public affairs, but never actively participated in political matters, preferring to concen- trate his powers upon the development and promotion of the fruit cul- ture, through which he contributed his full quota as a citizen toward the advancement of his community. He was of strong personality, possessing high standards, that governed all of his relations in life, sound principles and the determination of purpose, that never accepted defeat. His ideas of right and wrong were strongly marked, yet he was charitable in his criticisms and lenient in his judgments, never condemning any unheard. He was a man who would have been an acquisition to any community; his irreproachable character no less than his achievements giving him a commanding position, and com- pelling his recognition as one destined to lead in anything he under- took.
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Gw B. Ruckel
George B. Dukek
G EORGE B. DUKEK is the president of the Condon National Bank. His birth occurred in Oneida county, New York, on the 24th of November, 1858, his par- ents being George and Mary (Meyer) Dukek, both natives of Wurtemberg, Germany. They emigrated to America when they were entering upon the period of young manhood and womanhood, locating in Oneida county, New York, where they were shortly afterward married and continued to reside until 1865. In this year they removed to Delaware county, Iowa, where Mr. Dukek purchased a farm and for many years was successfully engaged as an agriculturist. He is now living retired in Manchester, Delaware county, Iowa, but his wife was called to her final rest in 1889.
George B. Dukek was reared at home and acquired his education in the public schools. In 1884 he left the parental roof and removed to Oregon, locating in what is now Gilliam county but which at that time formed a portion of Wasco county. Here he preempted one hun- dred and sixty acres of land fourteen miles southeast of Condon, on which he located, but after a brief period spent on this land he pur- chased another farm, to which he removed. He now owns ten hundred and sixty acres of land in Gilliam county. He was actively engaged as a ranchman until 1906, when he rented his land and gave his entire time to his varied and somewhat widely distributed business interests. In 1906 he became one of the leading spirits in the organization of the Condon National Bank and was made a member of the board of di- rectors of that institution. In 1909 he was elected to the office of presi- dent of the bank in which capacity he has since remained.
Fraternally Mr. Dukek is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Mayville Lodge, No. 81, and also to the subordinate branches of the order. He is likewise a member of the Patrons of Husbandry. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is one of its active and influential constituents. Mr. Dukek is unmarried. He enjoys an enviable position in the social circles of the community and the business interests of his city and county never fail to secure his hearty cooperation whenever he is called upon to in any way lend his influence to matters pertaining to the gen- ral welfare.
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Haander Furgasen
Alexander Furgason
A LEXANDER FURGASON is a patriarch among the early pioneers of Union county, Oregon, being one of the very first white settlers to enter this un- broken western wilderness and establish his home upon her virgin soil, and here he has continued to live for nearly a full half century, during which time he has been identified with the development of her stock and agricultural interests. He was born at Roush's Point, Lake Champlain, New York, on March 26, 1826, and is the son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Baker) Furgason. His father was a native of Canada and while yet a young man, removed to, and became a citizen of, the United States. In this country he was married, and established his early residence in the state of New York, following the occupation of a farmer. In 1866, at the earnest solicitation of his two sons, who had preceded him to Oregon, he removed to that state and made his home with his son, Louis, where he remained until the time of his death which occurred at the very advanced age of one hundred and one years, in 1872.
Alexander Furgason was reared in his father's home. His early educational advantages were limited and he was obliged to acquire his early elementary schooling at odd times and broken periods. In 1850 he left the parental roof and removed to Portage, Wisconsin. Here, for a time, he was engaged in the lumber business as a raftsman, driving logs on the river to the booms and mills below. Later he be- came interested and occupied himself in farming. In 1862, he emi- grated to Oregon, crossing the plains, with ox teams, his being one of a train of one hundred and forty-eight wagons. This emigrant train started its long journey on April 13, of that year, and after a few days for rest and observation at Powder river, arrived at its final destination in Grande Ronde valley on October 1st. On reaching Grande Ronde' valley, our pioneers looked upon a strange and new world. Stretching in every direction from their camp fires lay vast stretches of unsur- veyed land waiting to be occupied by experienced agriculturists and industrious and enterprising stockmen.
Mr. Furgason was quick to see his opportunity and having su- preme faith in the prospective richness of the soil, he took possession under the federal provision of law, known as "squatters' rights,"
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thereby making his first acquisition of Oregon land on the island in Grande Ronde valley. Here he established his home, later acquiring a total of four hundred and eighty acres, in one solid body, of rich farming and range land. This particular locality, in the later history of Oregon was included in what is known now as Union county, thus establishing Mr. Furgason's undisputed title of being one of the very first pioneers of that county. This district of Oregon at the time of his settlement was known and described by an Indian phrase, which on being translated by him into the English language, proved to be what is now geographically known as Grande Ronde valley. Later he be; came the founder of La Grande by giving to that place its designated and officially accepted name. He also named Island City in the lo- cality near where he lived. To him belongs the credit of having brought into this part of eastern Oregon the first hogs and chickens as necessary additions to the equipment of civilized life, paying for his pioneer chickens the handsome price of one dollar each, the pur- chase of which he made at Des Chutes. On his journey across the plains he brought with him three thoroughbred colts. This small string of horses was the first thoroughbred stock brought into Umion county up to that time. He had paid for one filly of this trio, five hundred dollars in gold, an investment which proved to be one of the best he has ever made as the record shows that by the time she had attained her seven- teenth birthday, he had sold from her foals and their offsprings seven- teen thousand dollars worth of serviceable thoroughbred horses. Her breeding was messengered by English trotting stock, and by stal- lion messenger New York stock. In the early days, Mr. Furgason freighted his supplies from The Dalles, using a yoke of cows, with which he made the journey across the plains. Later, the cows being retired to more noble service, ox teams were employed, thirty days being required to make the round trip. Immediately following his settlement in addition to caring for the interests of huis ranch, he was engaged in the freighting business, making regular trips from Uma- tilla to Union county, serving in the early days the sparsely settled communities with the necessaries of life. Of the old original home- stead, he has sold the major portion to his son, still retaining, however, in his possession one hundred and twenty acres. In addition to this, he owns three hundred and sixty acres in Wallowa county, which land he uses as a range for his cattle and horses and has done so for a period of twenty-five years.
Alexander Furgason was united in wedlock to Miss Jeannette Dwinnell in 1857 and to this family four children were born, two of whom are living: Leander, who resides in Elgin, this state; and George, of Alberta, Canada. The mother died February 7, 1889, and
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the father now makes his home with his children. Mr. Furgason was the father of the first white child born in Union county.
Alexander Furgason's life covers one of the most interesting periods of early pioneer history. He has been constantly associated with the growth and development of eastern Oregon during nearly all that time, in which it has grown from a wilderness into a thriving and rich agricultural and stock section of the great state of Oregon. He has seen how the once desolate hills became alive with growing herds of horses, sheep and cattle, and how the broad acres, untouched by ploughman's toil at the time he first entered the valley, have since been redeemed and developd into rich, productive, agricultural estates. The various lines of railway systems have en- tered, and crossed, and recrossed this valley, bringing with them the usual accompaniment of growing cities, full of industrial enterprise and well ordered civic life. With all this varied and remarkable growth he has been intimately and continuously associated, and withal has maintained a reputation for the constant practice of the virtues of economy and integrity. He is one of the useful citizens of the county in which he lives, highly esteemed and honored, for his accomplish- ments of a long life devoted to the building up of his county.
Al giesat
Don. Andrew A. Gilbert
HE HON. ANDREW N. GILBERT has been a T resident of Oregon's capital for forty-five years. His has been a useful and honorable record as a represen- tative of commercial interests and as a member of the state legislature. Prior to coming to the northwest he had won a place among the nation's honored defenders, having served as a soldier in the Civil war. He was born in Grandview, Illinois, on the 18th of March, 1840, his parents being James M. and Margaret (Hurst) Gilbert, both of whom were natives of Virginia, where their childhood was passed and where they were married. They became pioneer settlers of Illinois, removing to Grand- view, that state, in 1832-the year in which the question of the suprem- acy of the red men was forever settled there in the Black Hawk war. The father was a shoemaker and followed that trade until 1854, when he took up a homestead in Edgar county, Illinois. Locating on his farm, he thereafter devoted his attention to its development and im- provement until his death, which occurred in 1888, when he had reached the ripe old age of eighty-four years. For three decades he had survived his wife, who died in 1858, at the age of forty-eight years. Both were devoted Christian people, holding membership in the Meth- odist Episcopal church, in the work of which they took an active part, and Mr. Gilbert was also an exemplary member of the Masonic fra- ternity.
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