Portrait and biographical record of Portland and vicinity, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 118

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 118

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The home of Mr. and Mrs. Smith has been blessed with two interesting children. Bessie and Jessie, both of whom are yet with their parents. Mr. Smith is connected through membership re- lations with the Woodmen of the World and in politics he is a Democrat, believing firmly in the

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principles of the party, but never seeking or de- siring office. Dependent upon his own resources from early youth, he has steadily worked his way upward in the business world, and as the archi- tect of his own fortunes, he has builded wisely and well.

MARION VERSTEEG. The name of Ver- steeg has been associated with brick manufactur- ing in Portland since the year after the termina- tion of the Civil war. Marion Versteeg and his brother, G. N., comprise the firm of Versteeg Brothers, the former of whom was born in Port- land, November 22, 1871. The parents were Nicholas and Gerrigje (Reitveldt) Versteeg, born near Amsterdam, Holland, and the latter is living at the old home on the corner of Nine- teenth and Thurman streets, Portland. When fifteen years old Nicholas Versteeg came to the United States and at Pella, Iowa, began the man- ufacture of brick. In 1866 he came to Port- land, and on the corner of Park and Oak streets started a similar enterprise, which was a success from the start. Later the concern was located on the present site of the Portland high-school, and later still Mr. Versteeg took as partner Thomas Richardson, at which time the plant was removed to the corner of Nineteenth and Vaughn streets. The final location of the plant was at Twenty- fifth and St. Helens road, where the firm had twelve and a half acres, and where they were still operating at the time of Mr. Versteeg's death, April 7, 1894. However, successful as he was as a brick manufacturer, Mr. Versteeg was equally fortunate in his selection of other fields of activity. For many years he was engaged in the lumber business, and was one of the organ- izers and chief promoters of the Northern Pacific Lumber Company, in which he owned a third interest, and of which he was vice-president and director until his death. Previous to establishing the lumber business he used to do all of the haul- ing for the old Weidlers mill, and the Willamette Steam Lumber Manufacturing Company. He owned a ranch of two hundred and twenty-eight acres near Hillsboro, Washington county, the management of which he superintended himself, and which netted him a handsome income. Po- litically he was a Democrat, and was identified with the Presbyterian Church. To himself and wife were born six children : Emerinus, a retired brick manufacturer living in Fernwood; Marion and G. N., who form the firm of Versteeg Broth- ers ; John, deputy in the county sheriff's office ; Dirkje, the wife of W. A. Storey, sheriff of Clackamas county ; and Emma, Mrs. Dunbar, whose husband is a grocer on the corner of First and Main streets, Portland.

While still attending the public schools Marion

Versteeg became interested in his father's brick business, and in time assumed charge of its man- agement. After the death of his father Mr. Versteeg started to manufacture brick at the old yard on St. Helens road, and in 1900 located at his present place, which consists of fifteen acres. The plant is equipped with all modern improve- ments, including two steam-power brick ma- chines, which have increased the capacity of the yards to forty-eight thousand per day. The part- nership with his brother was undertaken in 1900, and the association is bound to result in great gain for all concerned. The location of the plant is an admirable one, and the available clay pro- duces a superior kind of brick.

In Portland Mr. Versteeg was united in mar- riage with Bertha Walker, who was born in Ger- many, and who is the mother of one child, Ray- mond. The Versteeg brothers are among the most substantial and reliable business men of Portland, and enjoy to the fullest extent the con- fidence of the community in which they live.

FRANK A. HOFFMANN was born on the banks of the Rhine river, Germany, July 13, 1824. He received the practical and thorough home training accorded the average youth of the middle class in Germany, and had ample oppor- tunity to attend the public schools up to his ap- prenticeship year, everywhere recognized in the Fatherland as fourteen. His father, John Hoff- mann, was also born in Germany, and died in his native district in 1854; his wife, Elizabeth ( Ack- erman) Hoffmann, had died several years pre- viously.

Frank A. Hoffmann worked at the baker's trade in Germany, and in 1848 bade adieu to the friends of his youth and boarded a sailing vessel bound for American shores, which he reached thirty-eight days later. Going to St. Louis, he at once found work at his trade, and later was employed in a hospital for eight months. Subse- quently he engaged in the bakery business on his own account. While in St. Louis he heard a great deal about the west, and in 1853 outfitted for the plains, and for five months drove six yoke of oxen every day. At Snake river the Indians became very troublesome, and in an endeavor to repel them one of the party of tourists was killed.

Arriving in Portland, Mr. Hoffmann worked at his trade for several months, and then engaged in business for himself. In 1855 he evidenced his faith in the future of the locality by purchas- ing several lots on what is now Clay street, where he raised vegetables and fruits for the home mar- ket. Later he purchased. land in what is now Portland Terrace, and engaged in dairying and stock-raising. In 1873 he bought six hundred

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and forty acres known as the George Brock do- nation claim, situated on the banks of the Willam- ette. To this land Mr. Hoffmann devoted the best years of his life. cleared forty-one acres, built a fine home and convenient barns, and made it one of the most valuable and desirable farm properties in this county. At present he is enjoy- ing a well-earned retirement from business cares, and his son, Joe L .. manages the place, being engaged in general farming and stock-raising.

In 1852 Mr. Hoffmann married Mary B. Birch. who was born in Switzerland, and they became the parents of six children, of whom Mary is now Mrs. Stepinger, of Portland; Anna is Mrs. Bacheler, of Gold Hill, Ore .: John P. lives in Hillsdale, Ore .; J. L. lives near New Era ; Fred is a resident of Gold Hill; and Gertrude lives in Vancouver, Wash. Mr. Hoffmann is a Repub- lican in politics, and has been a school director for a number of years. He is a member of the Catholic Church of New Era, which town lies directly across the river from his farm.

NORMAN L. SMITH. In Switzerland county, Ind., June 20, 1836, occurred the birth of Norman L. Smith. Until ten years of age he made his home with his parents in that vicinity, but at that time the parents removed to Van Buren county, Iowa, and there the son grew to manhood on a farm, learning valuable lessons and otherwise gaining practical experience which in later life was of great value to him. During his young manhood the war cloud passed over the country, and among the noble army of men who left home and fireside to aid in restoring peace was Mr. Smith. July 17, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company H, Fifth Iowa Infantry, and was mustered in at Burlington, Iowa. From there the regiment was sent to Missouri, remain- ing on duty there until 1862. From there they went to Pittsburg Landing and also took part in the siege of Corinth. serving in Tennessee and Mississippi until August, 1862, at which time Mr. Smith was sunstruck. He was first taken to the field hospital, but later was removed to the hospital at Vernon. and still later to Evansville. On account of disability he was discharged from the service in January, 1863, and sent to his home in Iowa. In May, 1864, however. having suf- ficiently recovered to re-enlist, he joined Com- pany C, Forty-fifth Iowa Infantry, and served one hundred days. After serving the same length of time in Memphis. Tenn., he returned to Iowa. In the spring of 1865, however. we find him on his way to Oregon, the trip across the plains con- suming five months. The journey was made with ox-teams, and as one might easily expect. was fraught with many thrilling experiences. In

1876 he settled on the farm where he now lives. The improved condition of the place is all due to his own indomitable efforts, as when he settled on the land it was densely wooded, no clearing whatever having been done. Now one hundred acres are cleared and under cultivation.

Mr. Smith's marriage united him with Miss Clara Huxley, and six children were born to them. In political matters Mr. Smith is a be- liever in the principles of the Republican party and fraternally identified with Sumner Post, G. A. R., at East Portland.

ALFRED SPRAGUE. Ever since February 14, 1853. Alfred Sprague has lived on the farm in Clackamas county which is still his home, and from whose continually improving acres he has watched the general progress in the county, him- self participating therein to no small degree. Of the three hundred and twenty acres, a large part is under cultivation, the owner having experi- enced the same difficulty in clearing his property as falls to the lot of all settlers in a new country. A large and disastrous fire in 1865 entailed severe loss, destroying a large barn and other improvements. At the present time seven acres are under orchard, while the balance of the avail- able land is devoted to grain, clover, and general farm commodities.

Born in Clermont county, Ohio. November 8, 1821, the youth of Mr. Sprague was character- ized by hard work, and consequent limited educa- tional chances. His father, Jacob, was born in Massachusetts, and came from an old and hon- ored family of that state. With his parents the elder Sprague removed from Massachusetts to Clermont county, Ohio, when sixteen years of age, the family settling on a farm near Williams- burg, where the father and mother died at ad- vanced ages. The mother. Nancy (Johnson) Sprague, was born in New Jersey, and when young came to Clermont county, Ohio, with her parents. Of her five sons and three daughters Alfred was the oldest, and consequently the one upon whom the responsibility for the mainte- nance of the family eventually fell. At the age of twenty-one years he engaged in hauling wood for a distillery in Ohio, but afterward turned his attention to clearing land for a party in Ohio. and later became engineer in a saw-mill.

In 1852 Mr. Sprague made preparation for crossing the plains, and at Cincinnati took a steamboat down the river to St. Louis, from which city he went to Fort Madison. lowa, and then to Skunk river, where he bought four yoke of oxen. He crossed lowa to Cainsville, on the Missouri river. where he fell in with a large band of pilgrims, all entertaining hopes of future west-

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ern success. At the end of six months he arrived in Clackamas county, and soon after settled upon his present farm.

In Clermont county, Ohio, Mr. Sprague mar- ried Miss S. Gauf, daughter of L. Gauf, who crossed the plains at an early day. Of the four sons and four daughters born to Mr. and Mrs. Sprague, William, Frank, and Clyde are living on the home farm, while Mark is farming in an- other part of the state. The daughters, Ann, Mary, Laura and Nellie, are also living with their parents. Mr. Sprague is a member of the Blue Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and in politics believes in voting for the man best qualified to serve the in- terests of his party.

HENRY PAPE. No one who holds an of- ficial position in Portland is managing the af- fairs under his supervision with greater fidelity or capability than Henry Pape, who since 1898 has held the position of foreman and engineer of water lines with the Oregon Railroad & Nav- igation Company. He has risen from an humble position to one of influence solely through the exercise of his native powers of mind and body, and his life affords a striking example of the results of application and perseverance. He is descended from ancestors who were industrious and well trained to hard work. The grand- father. August Pape, was a native of Germany, where he followed the blacksmith's trade. Upon coming to America he settled in Will county, Ill., where in addition to working at his trade he also conducted a farm, and there his death oc- curred. Bernhard Pape, the father of Henry, was also a native of the Fatherland, and his early childhood days were spent near Bremen. He, too, was a blacksmith by trade, and when seventeen years of age came to America with his parents. He first set up in business as a black- smith in Springfield, Ill., and subsequently fol- lowed the same line of work in Chicago, that state. The year 1870 marked his removal to the west and identification with Portland, whose progress and upbuilding he has witnessed for over thirty years. He at once opened a blacksmith shop upon arriving here and met with excellent success in his calling, but is now retired from active cares. His wife, Mary (Helman) Pape, was born in Hanover, Germany, the daughter of F. Helman, a pioneer farmer in Will county, Ill.

Three sons and three daughters were born to Bernhard and Mary (Helman) Pape. of whom all are living but one son, William, who died in Bakersfield. Cal., where he was engaged in the insurance business. Another son, John B., is a contractor in Long Beach. The oldest child in the family was Henry, who until sixteen years of age was reared in Chicago. Ill., in whose

public schools he gained a good knowledge of books. At fifteen years of age he was apprenticed to his father to learn the blacksmith's trade. completing the same in two years. In 1870 he accompanied the family to Portland, and for three years he served an apprenticeship to the machinist's trade with Smith Brothers. His first position was with the Willamette Iron Works, and at the time of his resignation thir- teen years later was foreman of the plant. His next position was as chief engineer of the steamer Galsert, of the White Collar Line, and subse- quently he was employed in the iron works of Wolf & Swicker, and set up the machinery in the government light ship No. 67. His resignation from the latter company marks the beginning of his career with the Oregon Railroad & Naviga- tion Company, having charge of the Snake river division of the river line. For one year he was chief engineer on the Lewiston, and in 1898 was made foreman and engineer of water lines, the position which he fills at the present time.

In Portland Mr. Page was married to Miss Olga Opitz, who was born in Richmond. Va., of German descent, and they have three children, Fred Bernhard, Chester Henry and Edward Charles. In Fidelity Lodge No. 4, A. O. U. W., he holds membership and in politics is a stanch Republican, voting and working for the party's advancement. Mrs. Pape is a member of the Presbyterian Church, to which he also con- tributes, and takes a deep interest in all uplifting measures.

WILLIAM STRAHLMAN. The Farmers' Stopping and Trading Place is as busy a center of activity as any in its line in Portland. Conducted with special reference to the needs of the visiting agriculturists, the genial owner and proprietor, William Strahlman, carries a complete line of groceries, produce, feed and flour, and has worked up a business commensurate with his in- telligent appreciation of the demands of his cus- tomers. The location at No. 380 Water street is unrivalled for the purpose. The store is 100x150 feet in ground dimensions, and there are besides warehouses and a livery capable of hous- ing sixty horses.

Mr. Strahlman was born in Oldenburg, north- western Germany, March 2, 1864, his father, Henry, and his mother. Margaret (Burhoop) Strahlman, being natives of the same principality. The parents, who are farmers and still live in Oldenburg, have reared seven children, six of whom are living, three being in America, and William is the only one on the coast.

As was the custom with the youth of the Fatherland, William Strahlman apprenticed when fourteen to learn an occupation, his choice resting

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on the general merchandise business, at which he worked for four years. He acquired a fair com- mon school education, and when he came to America in 1883 was well fitted for whatever career he might wish to undertake. In York county, Neb., he found employment on a farm, and there attended school during the winter time, later becoming a clerk in a general merchandise store in the town of York. Six months later he went back to life on the farm, and in 1885 re- moved to California, spending six months in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties Re- turning to Nebraska, he made his home on a farm in the old neighborhood for a time, but soon removed to Polk county, which continued to be his home for eight months.

In 1890 Mr. Strahlman came to Oregon, locat- ing at Richfield, Washington county, working at grubbing and clearing for eighteen months. Later, coming to Portland, he attended night school during the winter time, at the same time working at driving piles. For a year he was manager of the Pacific hotel. His marriage united him with Julia Taft, a native of Clacka- mas county, who has borne him four children : Blanche, Lillian, Alice and William. After his marriage Mr. Strahlman worked at contract wood-cutting and kindred occupations, and also engaged in constructing the city reservoirs. For eighteen months he was in the employ of a grocery firm, and at the end of that time started his present business on Water street. Mr. Strahl- man is a Republican in national politics. He is a large-hearted, broad-minded and enterprising citizen, and has a reputation for reliability and all-around fair dealing.

PETER JOHNSON. To anyone who closely applies himself to the occupation which he has chosen as his vocation in life there can come only good results-success and the regard of his as- sociates. Mr. Johnson is no exception to this rule, for his present position among the success- ful business men of Portland has been reached only by industry, honor and strict attention to the details of his business. A native of Odense. Denmark, he is a son of Johan Johnson, who was a miller by trade, as was his father before him. Johan Johnson was a patriot of the Schleswig- Holstein war of 1864. in which he gave his life for his country. His wife, Anna Margaret John- son, died in Denmark. Of her four children. two sons and two daughters, Peter and Frank reside in Portland.

Peter Johnson was born April 27. 1850, and in the schools of his native land he received his early book knowledge. At an early age he showed a predilection for the miller's trade, which is not surprising when we remember that his father

and grandfather before him followed that calling, and served his time as a journeyman. War be- tween Germany and Denmark breaking out about this time, however, he enlisted in the Danish army, in the Fifth Battalion of infantry, and served until the expiration of his time, going to a number of provinces in both countries. Among the immigrants who came to our hospitable shores in 1877 was Mr. Johnson, and that he made a wise decision in this move is very evident judging from the success that has been his in the years that have followed. On his way west he stopped in Chicago, working at the carpenter's trade for a short time, and then went on to Omaha, and for a time was employed at the builder's trade. Going to Leadville, Colo., in 1878, he there became interested in mining, but upon going to Colorado Springs he again worked at the carpenter's trade. The year 1886 witnessed his arrival in Portland. After a time spent in the employ of the Portland Flouring Mill Company he again became interested in building, but finally, in 1892, started in the mill- ing business for himself at the foot of Clay street. Two years later he was burned out, but, un- daunted, he opened up a feed mill across the street from his former location and there he re- mained until 1900. In the latter year he in- augurated his present business, known as the Portland City Mills, and here he is equipped with all the latest appliances required in a plant of that nature. This is one of the largest estab- lishments of the kind in the city and a great quantity of the produce is shipped to other parts of the country.

In his native land Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Miss Mary Johnson, also a native of Denmark. By this marriage two children were born: Walter, who is associated with his father in the mill; and Lillie, Mrs. Wing, of Portland. Aside from his milling interests Mr. Johnson has a fruit ranch of twelve acres in the vicinity of Mount Tabor, which is in a flourishing condition. Politically he is a Re- publican and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Manufacturers' and Millers' Association. In the fraternal orders he holds membership in Albina Lodge. A. F. & A. M., the Scottish Rite of Portland, Oregon Consistory. in which latter he has reached the thirty-second degree : Al Kader, N. M. S. ; and Lodge No. 117, I. O. O. F., of East Portland.

M. E. MURPHY, the superintendent of the Portland Lumber Company, who was born in Halifax. Nova Scotia. August 5. 1861, repre- sents a family long identified with the locality made famous by Longfellow. Hither came the paternal great-grandfather in the very early days

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as a pioneer, and there was born his son, Capt. Martin, the paternal grandfather, who was a vessel owner and a captain in the coasting trade along Nova Scotia, where he eventually found a watery grave. His son, Capt. Edward Murphy, the father of M. E., was also a sea captain, and began by being a common sailor on his father's vessel. He also was lost at sea, his ship meeting with disaster in the gulf of St. Lawrence. He married Catherine Wessels, born on the shores of the Salmon river, Nova Scotia, a daughter of Gregory Wessels, a native of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, and granddaughter of an emigrant from Holland. Mrs. Murphy, who still lives in Sheet Harbor, Nova Scotia, is the mother of five chil- dren, three of whom are living, M. E. heing the oldest.

At the age of twelve M. E. Murphy lost his father at sea, at which time he was working in a lath mill, an occupation which he continued until his eighteenth year. In House county, Nova Scotia, he worked for a time on a farm, and afterward became interested in a saw mill in Kings county. At the expiration of seven months he removed to Wisconsin and was in the employ of N. Ludington & Company as scaler, and was afterward traveling scaler until 1887. During that year he came to Seattle, Wash., in the employ of Mr. Dodge, and after a short time began to work for the St. Paul & Tacoma Lum- ber Company. He helped to erect their mills and had charge of the yards and shipping, after which experience he established a retail yard for the company at Santa Tacoma, but returned to the main mills soon afterward. In 1897 he removed to Skagway, Alaska, and opened a yard, and after returning to Tacoma was employed by George Lawler as traveling salesman. From July, 1898, to March, 1901, he was superintend- ent of the manufacturing department of the Clatsop Milling Company, and after that mill burned he was selected by Mr. Ritan of the Portland Lumber Company as yard superintend- ent and superintending manufacturer, a posi- tion maintained up to the present time.

In Tacoma Mr. Murphy married Ella Neeson, a native of Pennsylvania, and of this union there are four children: Edward, Neeson, Catherine and Eileen. Mr. Murphy is fraternally con- nected with the Ancient Order of United Work- men, Destiny Lodge No. 35, of Tacoma, and lie is a member of the Hoo Hoos, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Knights of Columbus.

MICHAEL KEISECKER. Soon after his ar- rival in Oregon in 1883 Mr. Keisecker settled up- on his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres, two miles from Firwood, nineteen acres of which has been cleared from a heavy growth

of timber. The generally fine improvements in- troduced by Mr. Keisecker are of the most mod- ern and approved design, and the forty head of cattle which contribute to a dairy and stock busi- ness bespeak the excellent care maintained in their behalf.

Much of his success in life Mr. Keisecker at- tributes to the practical training received on his father's farm in Germany, where he was born in Baden, December 3, 1845, and where he re- mained until his eighteenth year. Sebastian Kei- secker, the father, was born in 1812, and died in 1867, while his wife, Dorothy ( Flegler) Kei- secker, was born in 1818 and died in 1896. After working for the farmers in different parts of Baden, Michael managed to have sufficient money to emigrate to America in 1871, and after landing in New York took his way to Chicago, Ill .. where he remained for about a year and a half. In 1873 he went to Ford county, Ill., and after working on a farm for three years moved into Livingston county, where he had purchased farm- ing land. Leaving his property to other hands he secured work on the railroad until 1879, as a section hand, and then settled down on his farm for about four years.

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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 118

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