USA > Oregon > Multnomah County > Portland > Portrait and biographical record of Portland and vicinity, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present > Part 106
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Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Young: Roxana, Vernus, Lewis, Austin and Lucy. Mr. Young is a Democrat in politics, and has taken an active part in the political under- takings of Clackamas county. He served as jus- tice of the peace for one term, and as school clerk for more than fifteen years, being still active in this capacity. He has done much to promote the cause of education in his neighbor- hood, and has sought to maintain a high standard among the teachers and students.
HON. ZOETH HOUSER. The ancestry of the Houser family in this country is traced to Pennsylvania, where Christopher Houser, Sr., was born. However, in childhood he went to Kentucky, and in the fall of 1812 settled in Illi- nois, which was then stiil a territory. During the war of 1812 he was one of those who offered their services to the country in its second conflict with England. Much of his active life was passed on a farm in Union county, and there his death occurred. His son, Christopher, Jr., was born near Jonesboro, Union county, Ill., and remained there for many years, but in 1885 removed to Oregon, where he now makes his home near Umatilla, at the age of more than eighty years. His wife, Martha J. Shirley, was born in Tennes- see and died in Oregon. She was a daughter of William Shirley, whose father, Thomas, served as a Virginian soldier during the first war with
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England. During later years he removed to Ten- nessee, where William was born and whence he removed to the then frontier of Illinois.
In a family of nine children, Zoeth Houser is the oldest of the six now living. He was born near Jonesboro, Ill., October 13, 1852, and grew to manhood on the homestead, meantime assisting in the work of tilling the soil and also attending district school. For four years he followed the cooper's trade as a journeyman, after which he engaged in the manufacture of barrels and the turning out of staves and hoops. On his arrival in Oregon, in 1877, he settled in Umatilla county, where he first followed lumbering and then for two years conducted general farm pursuits, later turning his attention especially to the raising of cattle. At that time the entire district from Pen- dleton to the John Day river was an open range, hence furnished peculiar advantages for the cattle business, and he remained there until 1890. In the meantime, in order that he might have a market for his produce, about 1881, he opened a butcher's store in Pendleton, and besides sell- ing meat to the retail trade he did a large business in shipping stock.
In common with all cattle dealers, Mr. Houser has had his share of reverses. In 1890 he moved his stock to the Oconogan country, in Washington, just south of the British possessions, but the move proved disastrous and he suffered a heavy loss. From 1885 to 1887 he conducted a mercantile business at Pendleton. From July, 1888, until July, 1890, he served as sheriff of Umatilla county, and in 1894 he was again chosen to occupy this responsible position, being re- elected in 1896. However, during his third term he resigned in order to accept the appointment of United States marshal of Oregon, to which, in 1897, he was appointed by President McKinley. December 7, 1897, he took the oath of office and moved to Portland, where he took up the duties of his position, on the confirmation of his appoint- ment, January 10, 1898, by the United States senate. At the expiration of his term of four years he was not a candidate for re-appointment, but retired to the duties of private life. Among his interests are some of importance in the mining business in Grant county, this state. He took an active part in organizing the Standard Gold & Copper Mining Company, of which he is now the president and which owns seven claims pro- ductive of gold, copper and cobalt. Since his retirement from the marshalship at Portland, he has made his headquarters in Pendleton, although his mining interests require frequent absences from home.
The marriage of Mr. Houser took place in Umatilla county and united him with Miss Mal- vina Mendenhall, who was born in Lane county, this state, and died at Pendleton. Of their union
four children were born, namely: Nona, Zena, Vina and Mary. In his fraternal relations Mr. Houser is connected with the lodge and encamp- ment of Odd Fellows. The Pioneers of the Pacific number him among their representatives, his connection with the organization being inti- mate and close. In the Commercial Club he has been an interested worker, and a contributor to its progress, as well as to the development of other progressive movements. Ever since at- taining his majority he has been a voter of the Republican ticket.
LEWIS FLEISCHNER. The best justifica- tion of our republican government lies in the fact that young men of other lands, seeking homes in America, have opportunity to demonstrate the power they possess, and, equally with the native born sons of the country, work their way upward by diligence, earnest effort and perseverance. un- hampered by the caste system which prevails in the old countries and which is certainly detri- mental to the development of talent. Coming to this country when a youth, Mr. Fleischner found himself in a strange land among a strange people, but it was not long before the force of his nature gained its reward. His life was an interesting one, as it shows what can be accomplished in face of great obstacles. It also shows that one can succeed in spite of all if he only has the per- severance to continue. The crowning points in the life of this man were integrity, activity and honesty. Such a career is well worthy of perpetu- ation on the pages of Oregon's history and it is with pleasure the publishers of this work present this sketch to their readers.
It was in the year 1829 that our subject was born, the village of Vogelgesang being the place of his nativity. In this place and in Tissau, a nearby village, he gained his education, which, however, was limited. At the age of fifteen years he bade good bye to his home and place of birth and after a long voyage landed in New York City, where he remained for a short time. He then went to Philadelphia, where he secured employment with a horse and cattle dealer with whom he remained for a period of five years. Hearing much of the west and its possibilities, he determined to investigate and in 1849 he came to Drakeville, Davis county, lowa, and for three years was engaged in merchandising. At the end of this period he sold out and started for Oregon via the plains with an ox-team. This was a year never to be forgotten by those who crossed the plains. Cholera broke out, cattle died and many of the emigrants perished. After weary months of suffering, Mr. Fleischner ar- rived in Albany, Ore. Here for seven years he was engaged in the mercantile business, meeting
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with a fair degree of success. In 1859 he dis- posed of his interests at Albany and for one year conducted a store at the Oro Fino mines, Idaho. In the fall of this year he purchased a stock of goods and went to Lewiston, Idaho, arriving on the first steamboat which landed at that place. There he remained until 1863, which year wit- nessed his arrival in Portland. Soon after he formed a partnership with Solomon Hirsch and Alexander Schlussel. This firm bought out the wholesale general merchandise house formerly conducted by the Haas Brothers, and business was conducted under the firm name of L. Fleisch- ner & Co. From the first the enterprise proved a success and in a few years the business grew to large proportions. In 1869 they sold out and soon thereafter embarked in the wholesale dry goods business under the same name. No change was made until 1875, in which year Jacob Mayer was admitted into the firm and the style changed to Fleischner, Mayer & Co., under which name the firm has conducted business up to the present time. The success and growth of this house has been remarkable and for several years has ranked first in the state and outside of San Francisco has no equals on the coast. The result has been obtained only by hard work and perseverance, and to Mr. Fleischher is due much of the credit for the position the firm occupies in the business world. The demands of his business absorbed the greater portion of his time, nevertheless he has found the time to take up outside matters and for years was active in charitable matters and several of the charitable institutions of the city found in him a warm friend and many were the families who had reason to bless his name.
Owing to his extensive business interests Mr. Fleischner never found the time to take much of an interest in the political struggles. Still in 1870 he received the nomination of the Demo- cratic party for the office of state treasurer. This was an entirely unsolicited honor and was con- ferred upon him solely because of his fitness for the position. His many years' connection with large business interests had developed an intellect that formed the base for one of the soundest business minds in the state. At the election fol- lowing his nomination he was elected by a large majority, both parties supporting him. During his term of office he labored zealously for the welfare of the state and it is true when we say there has never been a man who filled the office more acceptably than he. At the time he entered upon the discharge of his duties the state had loaned out over $500,000 of the funds realized from school, state and mineral lands. on 'what was at that time considered worthless security. Indeed the whole plan of conducting these loans had been loosely handled and the state was placed in a condition where the loss of a large sum of
money seemed imminent. With the eye of a busi- ness 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 reg- ulating 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 and without doubt the state has been the gainer by hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The foregoing is merelyan outline of the career of Mr. Fleischner and gives but a limited view of the many directions in which his active energies found an outlet. It furnishes but a feeble idea of the man, and no insight into his marked individ- uality or the peculiarities which distinguished him from other men. It is perhaps unnecessary to say that of the men prominently identified with the forces which have made the Pacific northwest what it is today, he held no mean place. Few men possess a greater amount of physical energy or had a more varied experience with men and affairs. His mental operations were quick, while the ready power of expressing himself forcibly and clearly would be the first thing to impress one when brought in contact with him for the first time. Whatever he undertook, he went at it with a determined energy, which seemingly never stopped to think of defeat. There is perhaps no business in Portland greater in magnitude than that with which he was for so many years the moving spirit. While a thorough business man of the world he did not allow the daily grind to sour his nature or impair the natural kindness of his disposition. The hard features of a commer- cial life were left behind when he emerged from his office at closing time and in place of the hard going business man, one found a true hearted Christian gentleman, who found a ready welcome wherever he went.
August 7. 1896, he was called to his final reward. All Portland mourned his demise and although he is no longer here his memory will live for years. It may be truly said the world is better for having known him and there was much in his life that is well worthy of emulation. Hc was a success, but while the result of his labors were riches, he was not one that hoarded . his gains, but instead he was ever ready to give of his means and no one was turned away if deserving. Public spirited, he was an active sup- porter of all measures calculated to be of benefit to the city of his adoption.
HON. N. MERRILL. Too much cannot be said in favor of such a career as that of Hon. N. Merrill, one of the principal developers of Clats- kanie and vicinity, and equally at home as a
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farmer, stock-raiser, lumberman and legislator. Mr. Merrill is indebted to the state of Oregon for his first impressions of life and work, and unquestionably gained his breadth of mind and largeness of perception from the practically un- limited resources by which he has been sur- rounded. He was born on Deer Island, Colum- bia county, December 25, 1851, his father, Joseph, having been born in Ohio, December 20, 1818.
Joseph Merrill was reared and educated in Ohio, from which state he removed to Illinois with his father in 1838. There he married Eliza- beth Freeman, a native of South Carolina, and thereafter continued to live in Illinois until 1847. In the spring of 1847 he started across the plains with eight yoke of oxen, the journey consuming the greater part of seven months. The travelers experienced many of the trials and hardships of the searchers after homes and fortunes in those days, and the Indians contributed not a little to their discomfort, relieving them of many of their cattle, and eventually compelling them to abandon their wagons. Thus left destitute, they were obliged to purchase Indian ponies upon which they reached The Dalles, and from there they came by boat to near Linton. Mr. Merrill identified himself with saw milling interests al- most from the first of his residence in the state, and from 1848 to the following year conducted the first sawmill erected at Milton. After this experience he took up a donation claim of six hundred and forty acres on Deer Island, to which he moved, and a considerable portion of which was prairie land. About 1860 he removed to the place now occupied by Mrs. Jane Gregg, where the parents died in the fulness of years and varied experience. Mr. Merrill accumulated a large property during his pioneering days in Oregon, and at the time of his death owned two thousand acres of land. He was prominent in many ways. and among the offices to which he gave creditable service was that of county commissioner. Of the children born to this couple Augustus is de- ceased ; Wesley is deceased : Emma lives in the state of Washington ; Minerva is deceased; Ed- win is a resident of Portland; Hon. N. is one of the foremost citizens of Clatskanie: Mary is deceased : Jane lives on Deer Island ; and Alonzo lives in Portland.
The farm on Deer Island continued to be the home of Hon. N. Merrill until his majority, and he attended the district schools as opportunity offered. Soon after his marriage with Edith Van Bebber, whose father came to Washington in 1852, her mother. Rhoda John, also coming that vear, he came to Columbia City, but later re- turned to the island. For three years he tried his fortunes in the state of Washington, and in 1885 settled in Clatskanie, which has since been his home. Various industries have arisen under
his admirable leadership and business ability, the greater part of which have centered around his large land possession, which comprises fifteen hundred acres. In addition to his other interests Mr. Merrill has a sawmill in this vicinity, and also is engaged in raising Jersey and Durham cattle. Also he owns half of his father's original donation claim on Deer Island.
As a promoter of Republican principles and issues Mr. Merrill is recognized as a leader, and his eminent fitness for representation has received substantial confirmation on many occasions. For three terms he served as county representative in the state legislature and for one term was county treasurer of Columbia county. Ever since he has lived in this town he has promoted the cause of education, and has been school director and member of the city council. He is frater- nally associated with the Masons, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Red Men, the Arti- sans and the Knights of the Maccabees. To Mr. and Mrs. Merrill have been born three daugh- ters, Leota Lenore, Cressa D. and Margueritte Norma, deceased.
WILLIAM GEDANKE. Germany has fur- nished many thrifty citizens to this land of the free, among whom is Mr. Gedamke. a farmer located near Gresham. December 10, 1833, was the date of his birth, and he continued to reside in his native land until 1845, in which year his parents immigrated to America. settling near Oshkosh, Wis. There William grew to man- hood, attending the common schools as oppor- tunity permitted, and there gained a fair edu- cation with which to embark in life. Not con- tent to settle down in life without having seen the glorious west with all its opportunities offered to .young men, in 1859 we find him westward bound. with three companions. Their motive power consisted of two yoke of oxen and one yoke of cows, and it is needless to say their progress across the plains was not rapid.
Stopping first at Umatilla, Mr. Gedanke worked for a surveyor there for one month be- fore proceeding further. In southern Oregon. to which locality he next went. he engaged in prospecting and mining until the spring of 1861. when he went to Idaho, also engaging in mining there for a few months. After one winter spent in Portland he again became interested in the mines at Salmon river, Idaho. The uncertain- ties of the miner's life, however, induced him to try a quieter life with more certain returns, and in 1862 he again visited Portland with a view to locating permanently. In the vicinity of St. Johns he invested in one hundred acres of wild land which he at once began to improve. making his home there until 1880. That year he went
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to Portland for the third time, but this time re- mained two years. The year 1882 witnessed his arrival in Gresham, near which lies his finely im- proved farm of one hundred and fifty seven acres. The land was covered with a heavy growth of forest, but he has been unremitting in his efforts and has cleared one hundred and forty-five acres, besides making many valuable improvements. General farming and stock raising form his chief occupation, and in the latter industry he is es- pecially successful, Durham cattle forming his principal breed.
June 24, 1863, was celebrated the marriage of William Gedanke and Miss Lucinda Sipe, and their marriage has been blessed with two chil- dren. Charles E. is interested with his father in the management of the home farm. Lucy, who is a teacher of music by profession, also resides at home. Mr. Gedamke does not cast his vote in favor of either of the great political parties, find- ing in both many points to admire, but prefers to vote for principle rather than party and is therefore independent in politics.
J. G. WATTS. Among the developers and upbuilders of Columbia county no name stands forth with greater prominence than does that of Watts, represented in Oregon by three genera- tions of ability and splendid citizenship, and in- clicating as it does intelligent appreciation of op- portunities, pronounced resourcefulness and un- questioned integrity. The mantle of popularity and public usefulness so well worn by his grand- father and father, is no less worthily adjusted by the present scion of the family, J. G. Watts, one of the best known men of this county, and extensively engaged in the mercantile and lumber trade. A native son of the Golden West, Mr .. Watts was born on his father's farm half a mile south of Scappoose, October 23. 1864, a son of James W., and grandson of William Watts.
William Watts was born in Louisville, Ky .. and was reared to agricultural pursuits. His wife. Elizabeth (Naylor) Watts was born in the same state, and with him removed to Missouri at a very early day. Here the grandfather had a large ranch, became an extensive raiser of stock, and occupied a well earned prominence in the community. In 1851 the Missouri farm was dis- posed of and the journey overland begun, six months being consumed on the danger-laden plains. The travelers took up a donation claim of six hundred and forty acres near Scappoose. heavily timbered, and an ideal location for mill- ing interests. In the heart of the forest, and on the banks of Milton creek, the grandfather erected the first sawmill in that section, and thus was inaugurated an era of activity. and a demoli-
tion of many acres of timber. Some years later William Watts bought a farm in Washington county upon which his remaining years were spent, and where he lived to be a very old man. He possessed leading characteristics, and was just the kind of man to invade primeval stillness and inactivity, and infuse into its possibilities vigorous and healthful development. With his financial success he gained wide popularity and many friendships, and was withal one of the finest types of pioneer, to whom Oregon owes an unpayable debt of gratitude. To his noble wife and himself were born five sons, of whom John W. is deceased; Benjamin M. lives in Cali- fornia : Francis M. is also a resident of Cali- fornia : James W. is deceased : and Thomas C. lives in Reuben, Ore.
James W. Watts, the father of J. G., and son of the pioneer, was born during his father's resi- dence in Pike county, Mo., in 1835, and was six- teen years of age when the family crossed the plains in 1851. As a youth and young man he was reared to farming and saw milling. and after coming to Oregon made himself particularly use- ful in the latter capacity. He remained at home until his marriage with Elizabeth M. Nessly, in 1862, who was born in Ohio, and who came to Oregon with her parents at the age of seven years. The young couple went to housekeeping on the old donation claim owned by the father, where his death occurred in 1872. Thereafter the wife continued to live among the familiar surroundings, but a few years later married John R. Watts, a cousin of her first husband's, since which time she has lived in Scappoose, and with her present husband owns large tracts of land near the town. Of the children born to James W. Watts and his wife J. G. is the oldest. Minnie A. is the wife of D. W. Price. of Scappoose ; William T. lives on part of the old donation claim ; and two children died in infancy. To the mother's second marriage three children were born, as follows: Mrs. Lilly Perry, of Houlton ; Marie E. and Maude L.
The education of J. G. Watts. the merchant and lumberman of Scappoose, was received in the public schools primarily, and after graduating from the Portland high school he attended the Willamette University. For some years he as- sisted around the farm and at the sawmill, and after qualifying as an educator, served as super- intendent of schools of Columbia county for eight years. In 1888 he became identified with a mer- cantile business in Scappoose, under the firm name of Watts & Price, an association still ami- cably and successfully maintained ; and he is also extensively interested in lumbering. Mr. Watts is a Republican, as were also his father and grandfather, and he is one of the most active promoters of his party in the county. In 1898
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he was elected county clerk, serving two terms, and was postmaster of Scappoose from 1888 until 1898. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, in which he has held all of the chairs; and with the Artisans. With his family he is a member of and active worker in the Congregational Church.
At Scappoose Mr. Watts has erected one of the finest residences in Columbia county, in which his wife, who was formerly Rose E. Ewing, a native of lowa, and his three interesting children, Raymond, Hazel and Helen, reside. This home is in accordance with the standing and general position of the fortunate owner, and represents his rise in life upon merits possessed solely by himself, and utilized with rare judgment and discrimination. The opinion of Mr. Watts is valued in all matters pertaining to the upbuilding of this county, and his interest in the same is something upon which his fellow-townsmen may invariably depend. He possesses strength, in- sight. broad-mindedness and enterprise. and is popular with all classes and conditions in the community.
JUDGE THOMAS F. RYAN, who for the second term is serving upon the bench of Clacka- mas county, is a native of Providence, R. I. His father. James Ryan, now makes his home in Lowell. Mass .. having retired some years ago from the business of woolen manufacturing in which he had been successfully engaged for many vears in the states of Rhode Island and Massa- chusetts. His mother died in February. 1903.
Judge Ryan, the youngest and only survivor of three sons, was born April 9. 1859. and re- ceived his education in the public schools of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. In his boy- hood days he learned the trade of manufactur- ing woolen goods and followed that pursuit until 1879. when he began traveling as a correspond- ent for Boston and Providence journals; as such correspondent he visited many of the southern states, also traveled in the middle west, and on his arrival in Colorado he became interested in mining. In the spring of 1881 he left Colorado for the Pacific coast and after spending a few months in San Francisco came to Oregon, taking a position with the Brownsville Woolen Mills Company at Brownsville, Linn county. In 1882 he accepted a position with the Oregon City Woolen Manufacturing Company. remaining with them about three years, when he purchased and became proprietor of the Cliff House. at that time the leading hotel of Oregon Citv. In 1888 be formed a partnership with T. P. Randall and the firm of Ryan & Randall was soon recognized as the leading one of the county in real estate and insurance. While engaged in this line he
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