USA > Oregon > Oregon, pictorial and biographical > Part 3
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The 15th of April, 1851, was an important day in the life of Mr. Failing, for it was on that day, with his father and a young brother, John W. Failing, that he left New York to become a resident of Oregon. They sailed for Charges on the Isthmus of Panama and proceeded by boat up the river of the same name and thence to Panama by mule train. On the western coast of the Isthmus they took passage on the steamer Tennessee, which in due time took them to San Francisco, and on the 9th of June they arrived in Portland as passengers on the old steamer Columbia, which was then one of the fleet of the Pacific Steamship Company. A fellow passenger on that trip was C. H. Lewis, late treasurer of the water committee, and for many years Mr. Failing and Mr. Lewis together annually observed the anniversary of their arrival in this city.
The following year brought a great many people to Portland, but in 1851, the city was a small village, its only advantage appar- ently being its position on the river, bringing it into close connection with the sea. Father and son began the building of a store room on Front street, one door south of Oak, and in the course of time their little stock of goods was installed there and they were meeting the demands of the public in the lines of their trade. The father at once took an active part in municipal and educational affairs, was chosen a member of the first city council in 1852 and the following year was elected mayor of Portland. He retired from active connection with the business in 1854 and Henry Failing then conducted the store un- der his own name. With the growth of the city he increased his stock and extended his business connections until he was recognized as one of the most important factors in the commercial and financial circles of the city.
On the 21st of October, 1858, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Failing and Miss Emily Phelps Corbett, the youngest sister of Hon. H. W. Corbett, formerly of this city. The death of Mrs. Failing
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Henry Failing
occurred in Portland, July 8, 1870. She was survived by three of her four daughters, namely: Henrietta E., Mary F. and Mrs. Henry C. Cabell, whose husband, Captain Cabell is a member of the United States army.
It was in the year 1869 that Henry Failing entered into active connections with the financial interests of the city. He joined with his father, Josiah Failing, and the Hon. H. W. Corbett in pur- chasing a controlling interest in the First National Bank of Port- land from A. M. and L. M. Starr, who in 1866 had been prominent in the establishment of the bank. From 1869 until his death Henry Failing served as president of the institution, and his careful guid- ance, executive ability and keen discrimination were salient features in the conduct of the establishment, which became one of magnitude. He had no sooner assumed charge than the capital stock was increased from one hundred thousand to two hundred and fifty thousand dol- lars, and in 1880 the latter sum was doubled, the bank being capital- ized for five hundred thousand dollars, while the legal surplus and undivided profits amounted to more than the capital. Year after year extensive dividends were paid to the stockholders and the bank became recognized as one of the most prominent financial enterprises on the coast. In January, 1871, Mr. Failing and Mr. Corbett con- solidated their mercantile enterprises, forming the firm of Corbett, Failing & Company which maintained an existence for twenty-two years and was then succeeded in the ownership by the firm of Corbett, Failing & Robertson.
Something of the cosmopolitan nature of the interests of Mr. Failing is indicated in the fact that not only was he one of the most distinguished and capable merchants and bankers of Portland but was also equally active in his efforts in behalf of political, intellectual and moral progress. He believed it the duty as well as the privilege of every American citizen to support through political activity and by his ballot the measures that he deemed most beneficial to the community and to the country at large. His position was never a matter of doubt. He stood loyally for what he believed to be right and advocated a policy which he believed to be both practical and progressive. He was made chairman of the state central committee of the Union party, a combination of republicans and war democrats, who in 1862 carried Oregon for the Union. Two years later, when thirty years of age, he was chosen mayor of Portland and his adminis- tration constituted an era of development, improvement and reform in connection with Portland's affairs. During his first administra- tion a new city charter was obtained, a system of street improve-
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Benry Failing
ments adopted and much good work was done. So uniform was the indorsement of his first term that at his reelection there were only five dissenting votes. In 1873 he was chosen for a third term and as chief executive of the city he advocated and supported much municipal leg- islation which is still felt in its beneficial effects in Portland. In 1885 he became a member of the water committee and when that com- mittee was organized was unanimously chosen chairman, thus'serv- ing until his death. He was never bitterly aggressive in politics nor indulged in personalities. He believed in the principles which he ad- vocated and, therefore, supported them, but he allowed to each the right to individual opinion. His marvelous judgment and powers of exact calculation are well illustrated by his service as chairman of the water committee. For many years, he, substantially unaided, annu- ally made the estimates required by law of the receipts and expendi- tures of the committee for the year next ensuing. These estimates are, under the varied circumstances necessarily considered in making them, characteristic of him, and some of them are marvels of exact- ness. His estimate of the cost of operation, maintenance repairs and interests for the year 1893 was one hundred thousand dollars and the actual outlay was one hundred thousand, two hundred and eleven dollars and ninety-one cents. His estimate of receipts for the year 1892 was two hundred and forty thousand dollars, and the receipts actually collected were two hundred, thirty-seven thousand, three hun- dred dollars and eighty-five cents. His estimate of the receipts for the year 1897 was two hundred and thirty-two thousand dollars. The amount actually collected was two hundred, thirty-one thousand, eight hundred and sixty dollars and ninety-five cents. The magnitude of the task of making these estimates is emphasized when the fact is considered that not only the fluctuations in the population of a large city must be considered but climatic conditions anticipated, and the amount of water consumed in irrigation based thereon; the amount of building and the volume of trade considered and an estimate made of the water consumed in building and in the use of elevators. These various sources of revenue were all carefully considered and estimates made which were in excess of the actual income in but trifling amounts.
Not only in the field of politics did Mr. Failing put forth effort that had direct bearing upon the welfare of Portland, for in many other ways his labors were of equal value. No good work done in the name of charity or religion sought his cooperation in vain. He gave freely and generously of his means and of his time to support beneficial public projects. Chosen a regent of the University of Oregon, he was made president of the board and so continued until
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Denry Failing
his death, which occurred November 8, 1898. He was also a trustee and treasurer of the Pacific University, the oldest educational institu- tion of the state. He was a generous contributor to and active worker in the First Baptist church of Portland and the Baptist So- ciety, of which he long served as president. He was the treasurer of the Children's Home and his heart and hand reached out in ready sympathy and aid to all who needed assistance. He was associated with William S. Ladd and H. W. Corbett in purchasing and laying out the grounds of Riverside cemetery and the beautiful city of the dead is, as it were, a monument to his efforts in that direction. He labored earnestly and effectively for the Portland Library Asso- ciation, of which he was president, and his benevolence and enter- prise largely made possible the erection of the library building. Com- ing to Portland in pioneer times, he lived for forty-seven years to witness its growth and upbuilding. No duty devolving upon him was neglected and no opportunity to aid his city was passed by heedlessly. He was still serving as a member of the water commission at the time of his death and that committee prepared a lengthy memorial in his honor. In every home of the city where he was known-and his ac- quaintance was wide-the news of his demise was received with sor- row and regret. He had attached himself closely to his fellow towns- men not only by reason of his public activities but by those personal qualities which win warm regard and enduring friendship. He was a man of fine personal appearance-an index of the larger life and broader spirit within.
All. Streetidge
Joseph Alfred Strombridge
OSEPH ALFRED STROWBRIDGE was born J December 1, 1835, in Montour county, Pennsylvania, and was the son of Philip M. and Elizabeth K. Strow- bridge. John Strowbridge, of Colleton, was born in Devonshire, England, in 1500. Some of his descend- ants emigrated to the lowlands of Scotland in the time of James I. William Strowbridge, the ancestor of the Strow- bridge family in the United States, came from Scotland in 1718, set- tling in Middleborough, Massachusetts. Mr. Strowbridge's parents and grandparents were born in Pennsylvania. In 1836 his parents removed to Marion county, Ohio, where his boyhood was spent. When sixteen years of age and while preparing to enter the Ohio Wesleyan University, his father determined to emigrate to Oregon.
The family left Ohio in October, 1851, spending the winter in St. Joseph, Missouri. In the early spring they again took up the long journey across the plains, arriving in Portland, October 4, 1852, just one year from Ohio to Oregon. From The Dalles, Mr. Strowbridge with the assistance of three men, brought the stock down into the Willamette valley by the old Indian trail over the mountains, the family coming by the river. An ardent lover of nature he was greatly impressed with the magnificence of the scenery. Nothing in later life ever appealed to him as his first view of the "Promised Land."
The boy stood upon a high bluff overlooking the great "River of the West." The deep blue waters collected from ten thousand streams, swept by in mighty current to the sea. In the distance "Bright Willamette" winding like a silver thread through the valley, hastening to join the lordly Columbia. This lovely valley! Its wild beauty soon to be enhanced by fields of golden grain, sun-kissed or- chards and gardens of roses-lay like an emerald in the evening sun- light, for in the crimson west the sunset gates were open and a flood of radiant light was upon river and valley, mountain and forest. The purple shades of evening hung over the foot-hills of the Cascade range; against the dark rich shades of the evergreen forest, the vine- maple draped its pale green tapestry; beautiful ferns in tropical luxuriance were all about him, while just across the canyon Mount
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Joseph Alfred Strombridge
Hood towered thousands of feet in solitary grandeur; the snows of centuries glistening in the rosy tints of the after-glow. To him it was a glimpse of paradise. That night he camped beneath the Oregon stars and as he listened to the murmuring of the west wind through the trees like an echo from the distant ocean, a sweet and restful peace came upon him; the weary journey of three thousand miles had ended and this beautiful land beside the western sea was henceforth to be his home.
At The Dalles his father was stricken with "mountain-fever," dying a few days after their arrival in Portland; and upon the boy not yet seventeen devolved the responsibility of the support of the family. Following the death of the father came the loss of the en- tire band of fine horses, which had been brought across the plains with greatest care; a heavy fall of snow in December, 1852, lay upon the ground two months, making grazing impossible, while there was no feed to be had.
With courageous heart the boy accepted any employment he could get and went to work with willing hands. He soon saved a little money and in 1853 sent a few boxes of apples to San Francisco in care of Purser Meade of the steamship Columbia-the very first ever shipped from Oregon to that city. The returns from this ven- ture were so surprisingly good that he was encouraged to go into the business quite extensively dealing in all kinds of domestic produce. His success was phenomenal, but the first results of his undertaking were swept away in 1856 by the failure of Adams & Company's Bank in San Francisco. He had deposited ten thousand dollars over night for safe keeping, and next morning learned with hundreds of others, that all the gold had been carted at night to the dock and placed on board a ship lying at anchor in the harbor-that ship sailed through the Golden Gate at daybreak. His faith in human honesty received a severe shock, but at twenty-one the heart is buoyant; he had established an excellent credit and made rapid financial head- way.
In 1858 he formed a partnership with Mr. C. M. Wiberg in the retail boot and shoe business, with leather and findings as a branch. A little later, appreciating the possibilities of these lines of trade, he went to Boston and established relations with the manufacturers of that city, shipping his goods by the Isthmus of Panama and around Cape Horn; thus establishing the first wholesale boot and shoe house north of San Francisco. In 1870 Wiberg & Strowbridge sold the boot and shoe business to a San Francisco firm, Mr. Strowbridge re- taining the leather and findings. He was the pioneer leather mer-
Mary B. Strow bridge
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Joseph Alfred Strombridge
chant of Oregon and the first to import direct from the European market, buying from the tanneries in the south of France and receiv- ing his goods through the custom house at Astoria and later at the port of Portland.
In August, 1873, twenty-one blocks in the heart of Portland's business district were swept by fire. Mr. Strowbridge lost heavily -everything he had was either burned or torn down to check the fire. "Well!" he said, as he surveyed the smoking ruins, "the ground is left. I'll try again." Mr. Strowbridge was one of the first mem- bers of Willamette Company, No. 1, Portland volunteer fire depart- ment, organized in 1853 by the citizens of the little hamlet for their mutual protection. He who first saw the red glare upon the mid- night sky rang the bell. The service in the two little churches in the woods was often disturbed by an "alarm." Upon one occasion an itinerant preacher at the close of his long prayer-opened his eyes to find that every soul had gone to the fire.
In 1855 when the Indian war cloud darkened across the western sky and hostile bands of painted Indians in ugly mood roved about the country, Mr. Strowbridge realizing that the isolated farms would be at the mercy of the treacherous foe, rode out through the valley warning the people of the danger and advising them to bring their families into Portland. They came from every direction, driv- ing their stock, and camped in the streets of the little town until they could return in safety to their homes. These people never for- got this kind service and deeply appreciated the thoughtfulness which saved them from the horrors of Indian massacre.
Nearly fifty years ago, Mr. L. H. Wakefield and Mr. Strow- bridge took the initial step which led to the organization of the Port- land Library Association by collecting twenty-five hundred dollars for this purpose. This money was subscribed in one afternoon; it did not take long to see everyone and the young pioneers were both gen- erous and enterprising. Mr. W. S. Ladd headed the list with one hundred dollars, upon condition that "It should always be kept out of politics." Mr. Henry Failing sent the money to his agent in New York, who had the books carefully selected and forwarded to Port- land by the Isthmus of Panama. Mr. Wakefield was elected presi- dent and continued in office several years.
Forty years ago Mr. Strowbridge organized the first company to build a bridge across the Willamette at Portland but this enter- prise was too far in advance of the times and the project fell through. One friend told him "If there were a dozen bridges" he "would al- ways use the ferry," that, "his horse might rest while he was cross-
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Joseph Alfred Strombridge
ing." Seventeen years afterward this same gentleman was the presi- dent of the company that built the first bridge and at the formal opening April 12, 1887, drove in triumphal procession over the new structure with waving flags and a brass band-the proudest and hap- piest man in the state.
Mr. Strowbridge was an enthusiastic republican and in 1888 was elected to represent Multnomah county in the state legislature. It was from his high character and varied abilities, his unshaken loyalty to Oregon and his devotion to her interests that he was enabled to assist materially in the promotion of measures for the benefit of the city and state he loved so well.
His faith in Portland's ultimate future as a great commercial city was boundless, and he lived to see the beginning of the fulfilment of his prophecy. All his efforts have added to her prosperity and every dollar he acquired has been invested here, always foremost in every enterprise for the welfare of his fellow citizens and in the founda- tion of every institution for the relief of misery and want. With Revolutionary ancestry upon both sides-the fires of patriotism burned in his veins to shine with a steady light. Mr. Strowbridge was a member of Willamette Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M .; Port- land Chapter, No. 3, R. A. M .; Oregon Commandery, No. 1, K. T .; and Oregon Consistory No. 1, Scottish Rite Masons, thirty-second degree.
The death of Mr. Strowbridge, which occurred June 30, 1903, was most sudden and unexpected. For fifty-one years a citizen of Portland, he retained the confidence and respect of the entire com- munity. No man ever brought to the discharge of his duties higher ideals. Uncomplaining in adversity, he patiently awaited his oppor- tunity-with unerring judgment he grasped the possibilities, and with untiring industry and persistent effort followed the path lead- ing to ultimate success. He was courteous and obliging to every- one, kind to men in misfortune, eminently big-hearted and generous, he will be gratefully remembered by many. Established fifty-two years ago, The J. A. Strowbridge Leather Company is today one of oldest of Portland's business houses and for over fifty consecutive years the name of Joseph A. Strowbridge has been prominently iden- tified with Portland's progress.
Mr. Strowbridge was married in 1864, at Oxford, Ohio, to Miss Mary H. Bodman, who, with four sons and a daughter survives him. These children: Alfred B., George H., Joseph A., Jr., Mary H. and Henry J. Strowbridge are all natives of Portland, Oregon.
Elles, Escuglez
Ellis Q. Hughes
HERE are some men whose lives are spectacular in T that their acts are constantly the subject of public discussion, while others, accomplishing what they, undertake, never seek notoriety and care little for public honors. Such was Ellis G. Hughes, and Portland owes much to him for the splendid and effective work which he did in behalf of the city and its develop- ment. He was long known here as one of the prominent pio- neers, leading lawyers and capitalists of Portland. All who came in contact with him recognized his genuine worth, his marked busi- ness ability and his undaunted enterprise and devotion to the public good. For thirty years he was a leading figure in the business circles of Portland and was recognized, moreover, as one of the most capable lawyers of this city. He came to Oregon in 1873.
He was a native of Iowa City, born December 29, 1844, and his youthful training was such as instilled into his mind lessons that bore rich fruit in later years. He came west to look over the country and, being favorably impressed with the outlook of Portland, soon after formed a partnership with Governor Gibbs. Later he became repre- sentative of several Scotch loan companies and gave the initiative to and was the principal organizer of the first offices devoted to the publicity of Portland. He bent his energies largely to the work of exploiting Oregon's natural resources that the country might know what opportunities were offered and that the enterprise and energy of the east might be employed in the upbuilding of a great common- wealth here. It was through Mr. Hughes' efforts that a car of ex- hibition was sent throughout the east about twenty-five years ago, that the older sections of the country might learn of what was being produced upon the coast and thus judge of the opportunities and possibilities here to be found.
The practice of law was his chosen life work and in the conduct of legal interests before the court he displayed marked ability that was based upon a thorough understanding of legal principles. In the trial of cases his preparation was thorough and in the presentation of his cases his arguments were logical, forceful and convincing. He soon won recognition as one of the leading members of the Portland
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Ellis G. Dughes
bar, and yet he did not confine his attention entirely to his law prac- tice. There were even wider interests in his life as he cooperated with the movements for the public good. Moreover, he demonstrated his faith in the future of his city by his investment in real estate. In his later years he retired altogether from the practice of law and gave his supervision to his investments. His judgment was rarely, if ever, at fault concerning the value of real estate and its possible rise or diminution in price. He therefore purchased property which in time brought to him splendid financial returns. He was also one of the most forceful figures in effecting the organization of the Port- land Hotel Company, which in building the Portland hotel met a much felt want of that day. His business judgment was almost un- erring and the soundness of his opinion was recognized by all who were prominent in the business life of the city.
On the 27th of November, 1877, Mr. Hughes contracted a second marriage. By a former marriage was born a son, who died in early childhood, and a daughter, Louise J., now the wife of Major C. H. Martin, of the United States army, who is stationed at Vancouver barracks. Major Martin and wife have three children, Ellis Hughes, Samuel Holly and Jane Louise.
It was on the 27th of August, 1909, that Mr. Hughes was called to his final rest. Aside from his business connections with the city, he was one of the organizers and charter members of the Arlington Club, and he was also one of those who gave financial support to the company which erected the Chamber of Commerce. He led the organization of the Chamber of Commerce for the exploitation of Portland and Oregon and opened up a field which has materially added to the population and wealth of the city. At the time of his death a meeting of the bar was called to pass suitable resolutions, and on this occasion one who knew Mr. Hughes said: "He was a man who was marked for his quiet but effective work. He was one of the most active factors in bringing about the passage of the port of Port- land bill and the formation of the port of Portland commission, with- out which we would not have the commerce that Portland enjoys. For the effective service he rendered to his city in many ways, and for the quiet, unostentatious manner in which he accomplished re- sults, he should be honored by the community at large." On the same occasion another said of him, in paying tribute to his ability as an at- torney: "His learning, ability and conduct before the courts pro- vide an example which all members of the bar, young and old, would do well to follow. His life attracted people by its marked serenity." In the resolution adopted by the Portland bar, he was designated as
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Ellis G. Dughes
"a man of high character and reputation, an accomplished gentleman, a faithful husband and father, a lawyer of ability, learning and recti- tude, and a useful and good citizen who took a prominent and effective part in public affairs of the community in which he lived."
11/0. Smith
William R. Smith
O THE energetic nature and strong mentality of such T men as William K. Smith is due the development and ever increasing prosperity of Portland. His career has been one of activity, full of incidents and results. In every sphere of life in which he has acted he has left an indelible impress through his ability and tireless energy that never stops short of the attainment of its purpose. He first visited Portland in 1854. Returning in 1869, with the experience of previous residence in Oregon and in Califor- nia through the days of pioneer development, he joined his interests at once with those of the growing city and his efforts have since been a resultant feature in its further progress and promotion. He is today numbered with Portland's capitalists and the most envious cannot grudge him his success so worthily has it been won through activity in industrial and financial circles. At the age of eighty-six years he remains one of the city's most honored and venerable resi- dents.
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