Portrait and biographical record of Portland and vicinity, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 114

Author:
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 946

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 114

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The marriage of Mr. Reeves united him with Sarah Evans, by whom he had eight children, namely : Mary and Ellen, both deceased; Rosa, widow of Joseph Catching, and residing in Bear- mouth, Mont .; Marion, who is a prospector ; Cora, who makes her home in Montana; Jasper E., of Cornelius; Clyde, a student in Leland Stanford University; and Grace, who resides in Portland with her mother, at No. 284 Meade street. The education of Jasper E. Reeves was obtained in the common schools, and at an early age he began to assist his father in the cultiva- tion of the home place and in caring for the stock. His home is presided over by his wife, formerly Lizzie Shogren, whom he married in 1894. Though not active in politics he is a stanch supporter of Democratic principles and supports his party in local and general elections. In fraternal matters he is connected with the lodge of Knights of Pythias at Cornelius Among the people of the county and neighbor- hood where practically all of his life has been passed he stands high as a capahle farmer, ener- getic dairyman and stock-raiser, and a man of keen business ability and irreproachable integ- rity.

WILLIAM T. JOHNSTON. A native of Delaware county, Iowa, Mr. Johnston was born January 27, 1860. and in his make-up combines many of the most desirable of English traits. His father, Jacob Johnston, was born in Carlisle. that quaint little capitol city of Cumberland county, England, whose streets diverge from an irregularly shaped market place, and which has all of the ear-marks of a very old civilization, in- cluding a castle and strange ancestral halls. The

father came to Canada with his friends when a young man, and after three years located near New York City, where he engaged in farming for several years. After six years of farming in Iowa, he started across the plains with his little family. The Indians seem to have been on the war path all the way across, and the five hun- dred men and boys capable of fighting in the party had plenty of opportunity to exercise their prowess. One hundred and seventy-five wagons made up the carrying capacity of the band, and all were heavily armed and prepared to meet any amount of resistance. Nevertheless, when they arrived at Fort Laramie, the train had a terrible experience, during the course of which two men were killed, besides seventy-five horses and mules. On two different occasions the father of William T. Johnston had his face grazed by an Indian bullet, and the whole six months on the trail is recalled with horror by all who partici- pated in the journey. In Clackamas county Jacob Johnston homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which he farmed with considerable success, and upon which his death occurred in May, 1895. His wife, formerly Ann Green, of Northumberland, England, is still liv- ing, and is the mother of ten children, six daugh- ters and four sons, of whom William T. is the third oldest.

The youth of Mr. Johnston was by no means the happiest time of his life, for at the age of eleven years he began to work in the woolen mills of Oregon City, and from then had very little opportunity for either leisure or education: Nev- ertheless, he is to-day one of the well informed men of his county, having in recent years more than made up for his early lack of opportunity. In 1882 he had saved sufficient money to buy his present farm of thirty acres, which has ever since been devoted to onion culture, and which he operates in partnership with his brothers. In addition to the farm on which he makes his home he also owns two hundred and twenty acres in the state of Washington, which was purchased by himself and his father. He is one of the first onion growers of this county. and was among the first to grasp the fact that the soil and gen- eral conditions were especially adapted to . the vegetable. Mr. Johnston has been identified with the general development of Clackamas county, has been a promoter of good government and agricultural excellence, and is accounted one of the prominent and very successful men of his neighborhood. Mr. Johnston is enshrined in the good will of all who know him, and represents a high type of farmer and citizen. He is identi- fied with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. and in religion is a member of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Johnston married Marcia Dean, a native of Clackamas county, and of this union

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there have been born four children : Lawrence, Williah, Arthur, and Roy W., all of whom are living at home.

DAVIS DUVALL. Although Davis Duvall has passed from the scene of his activity in Mult- nomah county, his death occurring March 28, 1867, evidences are not wanting of his superior citizenship or enterprising and substantial thrift. The representative of reliable eastern stock, he was born in Kentucky in 1827, where he was reared and educated in the public schools. After his marriage, January 6, 1846, to Priscilla Hof- ler, he lived for the following seven years in North Carolina, where he farmed and raised stock, and experienced a fair measure of success.

In 1852 Mr. Duvall outfitted with ox teams and wagon and started across the plains with his little family, fully convinced that there were available chances for the industrious at the other end of the journey. Arriving in Oregon he lived for a short time in Portland, and in the spring of 1853 entered the farm upon which his daughter now lives, and which comprised three hundred and twenty acres. For the accommodation of his family he erected a little cabin in the dense woods and thereafter hegan the arduous work of clear- ing the land, a task which was in a fair way of accomplishment at the time of his death.

While striving for a maintenance among the rather crude surroundings in which he found himself, Mr. Duvall was ably seconded by his faithful wife, who, besides her encouragement and material help, reared ten children, as follows : James A. J., deceased ; Francis ; an infant. de- ceased : Margaret, deceased ; Sarah, Mrs. Langs- ley ; Savannah I., the wife of Peter A. Dailey, and the owner of ninety-six acres of the old Duvall homestead: Arilla, deceased ; Della. the widow of George Kistner, of California; Ida, deceased : and Willic. deceased. For a second husband Mrs. Duvall married Nathan Toops, by whom she had one child. Hannah, now Mrs Wright. Mrs. Toops died in December, 1895. having won the love and gratitude of al! her children by her heroic sacrifices in their behalf after the death of their father. The income from the farm being insufficient for the maintenance of her large family, she resorted to such means of acquiring additional funds as came her way. doing her utmost in order that her children might be clothed. educated and reared to self-helpful- ness. She was thus enabled to retain her claim of land, and at the same time prove herself a truly noble mother and woman.

HENRY S. HENDERSON. The present clerk of Columbia county has had an eventful life, the dangers and vicissitudes of which can

scarcely be appreciated by those in either agri- cultural or mercantile ranks. The farmer lad safely housed on his father's farm, although in- nured to arduous toil from early morning to late evening, has no conception of the courage and daring of one of his years who goes to sea at the age of fourteen, and battles with gale and tem- pest, with shipwreck and ever present danger. Mr. Henderson has the blood of Scotch fore- fathers in his veins, and inherits much of their hardihood and substantial character. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, October 30, 1857, and in that country received his education in the public schools, studying also at the E. C. Normal Seminary. That he was an apt pupil is proved by the fact that this research was all accomplished before the age of fourteen, in which year he shipped as a sailor from his native city.

After three years before the mast Mr. Hen- derson brought up in San Francisco, gave up his vessel. and went aboard a coaster fishing ves- sel in search of the festive cod. For six or seven years he was engaged in this special de- partinent of water enterprise, fishing for cod in different parts of Alaskan waters. From cod fishing he branched out into another hardy west- ern occupation, and engaged in the logging camps of various parts of Oregon. In 1888 Mr. Henderson became bookkeeper for Charles May- ger, of Mayger, Columbia county, and while holding this position was elected clerk of Column- bia county, in June, 1902. On the Democratic ticket also he held several other offices within the gift of the people, and has been justice of the peace of Mayger for six years. He is fra- ternally connected with the Knights of the Mac- cabees. The family of Mr. Henderon consists of himself. his wife, Carrie R. ( Black) Hender- son, whom he married October 18, 1884, and onc daughter, Ruth.

An item of interest connected with Mr. Hen- derson is the fact that he came to Oregon on the Great Republic, and was on that ill fated craft when she foundered in Columbia bay. In spite ot this ill omen he has not met with disaster since living in the state, but has rather been successful, and has won a reputation for integrity and pub- lic spiritedness.

HENRY METZGER. To no class of men, perhaps, are we as a nation more indebted for the country's prosperous condition than to the tillers of the soil, who in many cases are com- pelled to clear every foot of their land from heavy timber before crops can be planted. Among the farmers of Multnomah county mention be- longs to Mr. Metzger, whose farm is located near Gresham. Near Circleville. Pickaway county, Ohio, his birth occurred June 20. 1849.

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That same year his parents changed their resi- dence to Sangamon county, Ill., and there made their home for eight years. Again changing their location, the family at length removed to Leaven- worth county, Kans., and went from there to Jefferson county, that state, in 1860. Up to 1865 the son, Henry, had received all the education he was destined to derive from a public school, and in 1868 he started out on his own resources, e11- gaging in farming in Jefferson county until 1878. That year witnessed his arrival in Powell's val- ley, Ore., and in 1879 he purchased the farm he now owns, which consists of ninety-four acres of well-improved land. When he bought the place it was in an unimproved condition, and its present prosperous state is due entirely to his own persistent efforts.

In 1877 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Metzger and Miss Clementine Beers. Five chil- dren blessed their marriage, their names in order of birth being as follows: William, Franklin, Delbert, Pearl and Elsie. In political matters Mr. Metzger is in sympathy with the principles pro- mulgated by the Republican party and upon every occasion uses his influence to advance that party's interests.

Mr. Metzger has never cared for publicity, but at all times he has been found on the supporting side of movements calculated to be of material benefit to his county and state. While a state must have its lawyers, its doctors, its bankers and other professional men, it is to the farmer the credit of developing a country is due. Without them cities would go to waste and millions would perish. The farmer is the man that supplies the vital force of the nation. He holds the reins of power in his hands, and among no class will be found the character and sturdy nature that we find among the tillers of the soil. and in Henry Metzger, the personal subject of this review, is found an example that does honor to his calling. He has lived in Multnomah county for many years and during that time has formed a large circle of acquaintances and wherever known his reputation is one that will bear the closest of investigation. His life has been an honorable one and that he has met with success is but the nat- ural result of honesty and perseverance.

MARTIN STRONG BURRELL. From the time of his arrival in Oregon. in the pioneer days of its history, until his death twenty-nine years later, Martin Strong Burrell contributed to- wards the progress and development of the northwestern states and territories. The family of which he was a member belonged to the early colonists of Massachusetts and Connecticut, but he, himself, was a native of Sheffield, Ohio. He

was the son of Jabez Lyman and Lavinia (Strong) Burrell and his mother was a daugh- ter of John Stoughton Strong, Sr., and Tamar Whitney.

John Stoughton Strong, Sr., was a descend- ant in the fifth generation of Elder John Strong, who came to America from Plymouth, England, in 1530. The great-great-grandfather of John Stoughton Strong, Sr., was a daughter of the Rev. John Wareham of Windsor, Conn., a noted and prominent man in the colonies, and his father and two uncles were soldiers in the Revolution- ary war. ( See page 102, of the History of Strongsville, Ohio. ) In 1815-16 John Stoughton Strong, Sr., bought one-half or more of town- ship No. 5. range No. 14, of the Connecticut Western Reserve of Ohio.

Jabez Lyman Burrell was a farmer and stock- man by occupation who settled in Oberlin, Ohio, when that city was a small village, and assisted in the foundation of the noted educational 'insti- tution which has since made that town known throughout the entire country. This seat of learning Martin Strong Burrell attended until ill health compelled him to leave his studies and seek a home in the far west. Accordingly he journeyed to California, and crossing the Istli- mus of Panama, joined an uncle, Lyman Jabez Burrell, who had settled some time previously in the Santa Clara mountains. After remaining a few months with this relative, he came to Oregon in 1856 and settled in Portland, then a town of a little more than a thousand inhabi- tants. Here he secured employment as book- keeper for the firm of Knapp & Hull, commis- sion merchants, and such was the enterprise and ability he displayed that in 1860 he was admitted into the partnership.

Mr. Hull, in that year, retired from the busi- ness, and the new firm, consisting of Mr. Bur- rell and J. B. Knapp, took the name of Knapp, Burrell & Co. The original location of their business was on Front and Taylor streets, but subsequently they removed to the northeast corner of Front and Alder streets. . Gradually the firm drifted into the agricultural implement business, and, finding it very profitable, at last gave their whole attention to what originally had been but one department of their store. In the early days they were obliged to bring their goods around Cape Horn, and one of the men- bers of the firm went east each year to secure the needed supply. So successful were they that the house became well known throughout all the states and territories of the northwest. In 1862 Richard B. Knapp was admitted into the firm and in the spring of 1870 J. B. Knapp re- tired, and the business was conducted by Mr. Burrell and R. B. Knapp until Mr. Burrell's death in 1885. The establishment and manage-

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ment of the largest agricultural implement busi- ness on the Pacific coast did not represent the limit of Mr. Burrell's energies, and he became interested with the present Senator Levi Ankeny of Walla Walla, Wash., ex-Governor D. P. Thompson and other's in the establishment of a system of National Banks in the eastern part of Oregon and Washington, these banks being lo- cated at Baker City, Ore., Pendleton, Ore., Walla Walla, Wash., Dayton, Wash., and Col- fax, Wash. In each of these town the bank organized was known as the First National Bank, excepting at Dayton, where it was known as the Columbia National Bank. He also invest- ed heavily in a fleet of sailing vessels managed by Capt. W. H. Besse, of New Bedford, Mass., in real estate in Portland, Ore., and farming lands in Washington, and was at all times progressive, energetic and resourceful. The Portland Board of Trade owed much to his active co-operation in matters connected with its work, and other organizations of public utility felt, in their incipi- ency, the benefit of his judicious and timely assistance.

While Mr. Burrell was never a seeker after public office, he was a stanch Republican, and held offices within the gift of his party, i. e., police commissioner and county commissioner. In religious belief he was reared a Congrega- tionalist, but with his wife he attended the Uni- tarian Church, while fraternally he was con- nected with the Masons and Odd Fellows. His death, which occurred April 12, 1885, was a dis- tinct loss to the citizens of Portland and Oregon.

In 1862 he was married to Rosa Frazar, a daughter of Thomas Frazar, and four children survived him, i. e., Walter F., of Portland, Ore .; Herman J., who died in Portland in 1899; Helen Strong, wife of Capt. Gordon Voorhies, of Med- ford, Ore .; and Margaret Alden, wife of Capt. William S. Biddle, an officer of the United States army. The services of Mr. Burrell as a de- veloper of the resources of the states of Oregon, Washington and Idaho and of the business in- terests of Portland were of such a nature as to entitle him to rank as one of the most import- ant factors in the establishment of its present high commercial standing.

Aggressive and progressive, resourceful and tactful, sincere and fearless, he possessed the greatest of all virtues among those engaged in commercial warfare, strict integrity, and exerted an influence in all quarters eminently beneficial and acknowledged to be free from narrow per- sonal motives. He contributed largely to mould the character of the city of Portland in the days of its most rapid development, and the princi- ples to which he always strictly adhered formed a most substantial part of the foundation of

commercial honor, political virtue and en- lightened education which underlies this great and growing commonwealth.

LESLIE F. HOLMS, who carries on a harness making, shoe repairing, wagon and im- plement shop in Canby, was born in Johnson county, Neb., July 15, 1868, his father, Jacob, having been born in Canada. The latter came to Oregon many years ago, equipped with the trades of millwright and wagon making, and with considerable practical business experience. Of late years he has given up the applications of his trades, and is now living on a farm near Middleton, Washington county, Ore., his age being seventy-seven years. His wife, Mary, died December 25, 1902, at the age of seventy- five years. She was the mother of four sons and three daughters, of whom Joel lives in Mid- dleton; Addie is the wife of Mr. Hotaling of Nebraska; William; Mrs. Belle Wright of Middleton; Henry, also of Middleton; L. F .; and Edah Albee, living with her father.

When of age Leslie F. Holms left home and started out to earn his own living. After living for a time with the surrounding farmers he en- gaged in the sawmill business, thereafter return- ing to the home farm upon which he lived for some time. He then learned the trades of har- ness making and shoe making, and in April, 1900, came to Canby, where his present flourishing business was started. He bought out Kocker's harness shop, added thereto a shoe making in- terest, and carries wagons and agricultural im- plements. Mrs. Holms, who in maidenhood was Clara Blanchard, was reared on a farm near New Era, Clackamas county, and was educated in the public schools. Mr. Holms is independ- ent in politics, and believes in voting for the man best qualified to serve the public interests. He is a member of the Friends Church at Middleton.

HENRY TUERCK. To write a history of Portland and omit to mention the name of the firm of Precemeder & Tuerck would indeed be an injustice, for it would be hard to find more liberal or enterprising men than are represented in the individuals who comprise this firm. In their well-equipped machine shop, at No. 206-208 Madison street, they are engaged in the manu- facture of hand elevators, besides doing miscella- neous work that falls to general machinists. They have the state agency for the Otis Elevator Com- pany and have erected elevators in many of the most prominent buildings of Portland, among them being the new custom-house, Failing build- ing, Mckay building, J. E. Haseltine & Co .. Electric Coffee Mill Company building, and in

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the building erected by the Studebaker Brothers. All of the foregoing was done in the year 1901, and serves to show the enormity of the work transacted by this firm. The shops of the firm are equipped with electric power, and here may be found all the latest labor-saving devices and conveniences possible in a like establishment.

Henry Tuerck was born in Germany, the town of Altenkirchen being the scene of his earliest experiences and the date of the event was March 14. 1864. He was next to the oldest in a family of seven children born to Henry and Caroline ( Neubeck) Tuerck, the latter of whom was born in Westphalia and died in Oregon in 1902. All of the children came to America with one excep- tion. At the age of fourteen years Henry was apprenticed to learn the machinist's trade, fol- lowing the same for three years, when, in 1881, he determined to come to America. Crossing the continent to Portland he was not long in search of employment, as two days after his arrival he obtained a position with Dilg Brothers, proprie- tors of a machine shop, and remained in their employ three years. September 17, 1884, the firm of Precemeder & Tuerck was ushered into the business world, and although they started out in a very unpretentious manner, success has been theirs from the beginning. Their first loca- tion was at No. 171 Front street, but outgrowing these quarters they next located at No. 206 Tay- lor street. and finally came to their present loca- tion at No. 206-208 Madison street, in 1901, and here in their enlarged quarters they have every facility for the successful prosecution of their enormous business. Socially Mr. Tuerck is a member of the Arion Club, Portland Social Turn Verein and Oregon Camera Club.

CHARLES H. PRECEMEDER. The se- nior member of the firm of Precemeder & Tuerck is Charles H. Precemeder, who was born in Liep- sic, Germany, January 4, 1856, a son of C. H. Precemeder. The latter was a sugar refiner and confectioner by trade. At sixteen years of age Charles H. was apprenticed to learn the machin- ist's trade, following the same at Wurzen for three years, and later traveled throughout Bava- ria, Austria and Hungary, working at his trade. In 1875 he immigrated to America, landing at New York City, where he obtained employment with the Stevens Car Company. In 1878 he en- listed in Troop C. First United States Cavalry, serving in the Bannock and Apache wars, and received his honorable discharge in April, 1883.

. The year 1883 witnessed Mr. Precemeder's arrival in Portland, where he at once began work at his trade, and September 17 of the following year the firm of Precemeder & Tuerck was

formed. Fraternally he is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, having served as grand trustee of that body. He has also served on the board of trustees of the Inter- national Philatectic Society of Oregon.

JAMES REED. One of the pleasantest homes and most successful farming undertakings in Clackamas county is that of James Reed, an agriculturist who is also a model son, and who has spent his entire life with his mother, at pres- ent tenderly caring for her in her old age. Mr. Reed is a native of this county, and was born April 21, 1855.

Zachariah Reed, the father of James, was born in the state of Illinois, where he subsequently practiced medicine for many years. Afterward he practiced for a short time in Keokuk, Iowa, and after that in Ohio, where he lived four or five years. The glowing reports of gold to be found on the coast interfered with a peaceful and satisfactory professional career, and in 1849 he started over the plains with ox teams and wag- ons, finally locating at The Dalles, Ore., where he worked out for others for about three months He then came to Clackamas county, and entered six hundred and forty acres of land near the Marion county line and close to Marquam, which he proved up on, and lived upon until his death in 1871, at the age of seventy-two years. Part of this land was of course taken up by his wife. and just before his death he disposed of his share, there remaining to his widow a half of the original claim. He married Mary Jane Mc- Cloud, who was born in Tennessee, and whose father, Alexander, was born in Illinois. Mr. McCloud removed from Illinois to Tennessee, and from there to Indiana, and since coming to Oregon his daughter has failed to get any news concerning his welfare. Mrs. Reed crossed the plains with her husband in 1849, and of her twelve children seven are living. The oldest daughter, Alydia, born March 8, 1850, is now Mrs. Abbott of Idaho; Helen and Jane, born February 27, 1852, are deceased; Edwin was born May 8, 1853: James: Ellen, born October 16, 1856; Francis M., deceased; Amelia, de- ceased : Emma, born July 6, 1861, is now the wife of Mr. Buff, of Washington ; Louise. born August 29, 1863, is now Mrs. Malloney, of Seat- tle, Wash. ; Sterling Price is deceased ; Stonewall Jackson is deceased; and Robert, who lives in Aurora, Ore., is a barber by trade.

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Portrait and biographical record of Portland and vicinity, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 114

Author: Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Chicago, Chapman Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 946

Author:
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 946