Portrait and biographical record of Portland and vicinity, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 19

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 19

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In political faith Mr. Knapp is a Republican. He was a charter member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Commercial Club and the Arling- ton Club, from all of which he has since resigned. Fraternally he is associated with Willamette Lodge No. 2, A. F. & A. M., Portland Chapter No. 3, R. A. M., Oregon Consistory No. I, A. & A., Scottish Rite, and Al Kader Temple, N. M. S.

HON. ROBERT D. INMAN. The typical western man is popularly conceived as a man of liberal ideas, of generous and hospitable instincts, imbued with a spirit of adventurous enterprise, and withal hardy and courageous. He is not punctilious in minor questions of etiquette or in- clined to make much of mere forms and cere- monies. He is a friend to his friends, a man of sterling integrity and of firmness of charac- ter developed by habits of self-reliance. Such men are the state builders whose names and deeds are a part of the history of the newer states of the American commonwealth. To this class be- longs Hon. Robert D. Inman, who in spite of the disadvantages of youth and without the assist- ance of influential friends has risen to a position of affluence. A native of Ohio, Mr. Inman was born in Miami county, near Piqua, August II, 1853, and is the oldest of the two sons and two daughters born to Asa and Lucinda ( Kendall) Inman, natives of the Buckeye state, where the latter is still living. The family was established in America during the seventeenth century, the first emigrant from England presumably settling in Vermont, as the paternal grandfather was born in that state, and became a pioneer of Miami county, Ohio, and later engaged in farming near Marshalltown, Iowa. The paternal great-grand- father, Ahab Inman, served his country in the Revolutionary war. Asa Inman was a natural mechanic and when a youth engaged in contract- ing and building, which occupation he followed all his life. During the Civil war he manifested his patriotism for his country by enlisting in the service and at the battle of Shiloh he fell while valiantly defending the stars and stripes. His

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wife reared the children in ways of usefulness and honor, and proved a veritable helpmate to her husband.

When but two years of age the parents of Hon. Robert D. Inman removed from Ohio to Iowa and settled near Marshalltown, where the family lived until the father enlisted in the Civil war. They then returned to Ohio, where young Inman attended the public schools as opportunity afforded, but in those days the youths were obliged to spend most of their time assisting the family in the struggle for a living, and at the age of eight Mr. Inman began his career as a tow-boy on the old Ohio canal. Various occupa- tions engaged his attention until 1865. when he joined a large train of emigrants bound for the Pacific coast, under the leadership of William Davidson. The trip consumed seven months and its members were forced to endure many hard- ships. At Rock creek they were attacked by a party of Indians and six of the party were killed. Arriving in Oregon, Mr. Inman worked for a time on the farm of Mr. Davidson in Washington county, and in June, 1869, he located in Portland, where for a time he was employed by the west side road cutting ties. He next secured a posi- tion with the Oregon & California Railroad, serving his time from brakeman to fireman. After severing his connection with the railroad he became identified with the John Wilson circus, remaining with the exhibition for the following two years. A year was thereafter spent in the employ of G. W. Shaver, and in 1875 he entered the employ of the Willamette steam mills, and after being in the vards for a short time was promoted to a position in the machinist depart- ment, where he remained for the next seven years. During this time he developed a remark- able mechanical ability, which was probably in- herited from his father, and later, when he be- came associated with the Northern Pacific Lum- ber Company as one-quarter owner and director, he was well qualified for the superintendency of the construction of the new mill and the placing of the machinery. In 1889 he resigned his direc- torship and sold his interests in this company, having been identified with the concern for seven years.

His next venture in the lumber industry, of which he was a thorough master, occurred in 1890, when, in partnership with Johan Poulsen, the Inman-Poulsen Lumber Company was in- corporated with Mr. Inman as president and Mr. Poulsen as secretary and treasurer. The mills were constructed in 1889 and in 1890 was inaug- urated a lumber business which has since devel- oped into the largest in the state of Oregon, in fact the business transacted by this company is one of the largest on the Pacific coast, while the mill is considered to le the swiftest in the west.

Beginning with a capacity of thirty-five thousand feet of sawed lumber per day, the output has been increased to four hundred thousand per twenty-four hours, or one hundred million per year. The mills are equipped with large circular saws, planing apparatus, and sixteen hundred horsepower engine. The goods are shipped to all parts of the world, a large share going to the Orient. Three hundred and fifty hands are em- ployed, and the enterprise is thus of great value as a commercial center, and a promoter of all around activity. To Mr. Inman is due the credit for a number of important patents, among them being a power set works for setting out the log on the carriage.

Aside from his connection with milling mat- ters Mr. Inman is variously associated with busi- ness and social affairs in Portland. While al- ways a very busy man, he has nevertheless found time to perform the duties falling to the lot of good citizenship and there is no man in Oregon more interested in the ship of state than Mr. In- man. At all times a stanch Democrat, he has been very active in promoting and supporting the interests of his party, and as a public servant has rendered altogether satisfactory service. In 1892 he was elected to the state legislature. serv- ing in the session of 1893, and so well did he serve his constituents that in 1900 he was elected to the state senate on the Citizens' ticket, and during the session of 1901 was interested in sev- eral bills, including the street car vestibule bill, the bill regarding fees in county offices, and the Barber's Sunday closing bill. Recognizing his worth and ability his party called upon him to accept the nomination for the office of mayor of Portland, and unlike many, he resigned his posi- tion in the senate and in the election that followed was defeated by George Williams, probably the strongest man in the opposition party.

In addition to his other interests Mr. Inman is a director in the Merchants' National Bank, is also a member of the Board of Trade and the Chamber of Commerce, while for six years he has served as water commissioner. Fraternally he is a member of the Masons, holding member- ship with Harmony Lodge No. 12, the Consist- ory, and Al Kader Temple, N. M. S. He is a member of the Hoo Hoo's, of which he served as state snark for two terms, and one term was on the supreme nine. He is also identified with the Portland Rowing Club, and the Commercial Club, and is a life member of the Multnomah Amateur Athletic Club. A few years ago he built the Al Kader, a small steamner which he uses as a pleas- ure boat, and which has the reputation of being the fastest boat of its kind in the northwest. ln 1875 he was united in marriage with Miss Fran- ces L. Guild, a native of Oregon, and a daughter of Peter Guild, who crossed the plains in 1847

GEN. OWEN SUMMERS.

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and became the owner of a large tract of land, now within the city limits of the city of Portland. As a result of this union two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Inman, the oldest being Minnie Myrtle, while the younger is Ivy Frances.

Thus in brief outline we give to our readers and to history a sketch of a man, who in face of many obstacles, which at first seemed almost insurmountable, has climbed the ladder of success step by step, until today there is no man in Port- land or in the state of Oregon, who is more uni- versally respected. His life is a living illustra- tion of what can be accomplished if one but has the perseverance. His motto has been " honesty and fairness to all," and with the natural busi- ness sagacity with which he seemed to be en- dowed, Mr. Inman has stopped at nothing. It is true that he owes much of his success to his wonderful mechanical talents and in that particu- lar line he has few if any equals in the Pacific northwest, for to him is accorded the honor of being the greatest lumber-mill man the west has ever known. While Mr. Inman has spent many years before the public he is happiest when in the bosom of his family, where he is known as a lov- ing husband and an indulgent father.

GEN. OWEN SUMMERS. About the early boyhood years of General Summers there was little to stimulate hope for the future or to indi- cate his possession of superior ability in military affairs. He was born in Brockville, Canada, June 13, 1850, and in infancy was taken to Chicago by his parents, John and Elizabeth Ann Summers, the former of whom engaged in the shoe business there. During the cholera epi- demic of 1856 the father, mother and one daugh- ter died of the disease, leaving four small chil- dren. Of these three are living : James, Mrs. J. C. Olds and Owen, all of Portland. The six- year-old bov, thus early orphaned, soon saw the dark side of life. His was no easy path to for- tune. He was taken on a farm near Frankfort, Will county, Ill., where he worked early and late for his board and clothes. During a small part of the year he was permitted to attend a school held in a log building in the township where he lived.

In the spring of 1864 he went to La Center, Lee county, Ill., and while attending school there he and three schoolmates (of whom he was the youngest) left school to enlist for service in the Civil war. Going to Dixon he offered his ser- vices, but as he was only fourteen years of age, weighed only one hundred pounds, and in height stood only five feet and one inch, the enrolling officers were loath to accept him. The examin- ing physician, too, refused to pass him, but the energetic, youthful volunteer was more than a

match for them all. He secured the aid of a Pennsylvania Dutchman, who consented to be- come his guardian, and with the permission of this man the physician was prevailed upon to grant him a certificate. February 1, 1865, at Dixon, he was mustered into Company H, Third Illinois Cavalry, and joined his regiment imme- diately afterward in the eastern part of Missis- sippi, later serving in Alabama, Tennessee, Ken- tucky and the Carolinas. After a number of skirmishes and cavalry dashes he was ordered to St. Louis, and, the war being now closed, was fitted out for an expedition against the Sioux in Minnesota and Dakota. At the close of that service he was mustered out December II, 1865, and returned to Lee county, Ill., where he re- sumed farming.

In 1871 he went to Chicago. His recollections are most vivid of the exciting scenes connected with the great fire in that city. At the peril of his life, he not only saved his own family, but that of two others. The rebuilding of the city gave him considerable business as a contractor. In January, 1875, he came to Oregon, but after ten days in Portland, proceeded to San Francisco and from there returned to Chicago, where he spent six weeks. On his second return to San Francisco, he remained for two years and then spent six months in San Diego as a government contractor, after which he returned to San Fran- cisco. Coming to Portland in January, 1879, he started a crockery store at No. 183 First street. Six months later the firm of Olds & Summers was formed, his partner being J. C. Olds, a brother-in-law. The firm dealt in crockery, both wholesale and retail, and became one of the largest concerns of the kind in the northwest. On losing their building by fire in 1886, they moved into a new building on Yamhill street, between First and Second. Later they returned to No. 183 First street and No. 23 Yamhill, where a three-story building had been erected, they occupying the ground floor and basement of the arcade. In 1890 they moved into and occu- pied the four-story building at Nos. 183-85 First street. In 1895 the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Olds entering a department store, and Mr. Summers continuing the business at the old place. A year later he moved to No. 157 Wash- ington street and No. III Third street, where he continued in business. Meantime he received the appointment as United States appraiser of the port of Portland by the unanimous decision of the delegation from Oregon, and has since filled the position with characteristic intelligence and sagacity. In 1900 the crockery business was dis- posed of.

Though but a boy when serving in the Civil war, Mr. Summers had gained a thorough and practical knowledge of military affairs and this

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has been of aid to him in subsequent events. Through his energetic efforts a bill was formu- lated and passed by the legislature during the session of 1886. of which he was a member, by which the militia was organized into the National Guard of Oregon, consisting of three regiments. May 21, 1883, he organized a company of Vet- eran Guards, which was composed of ex-mem- bers of Civil war regiments, and of this he was chosen first lieutenant. After the reorganization of the military department of the state, in 1887, he was elected lieutenant-colonel of the First Regiment, Oregon National Guard. Seven years later he was promoted to he colonel of the regi- ment. At the opening of the war with Spain all the National Guard troops of Oregon were or- dered to Portland and consolidated, and with additional recruits formulated and constituted the Second Oregon, U. S. V., of which company Summers was given the command by Governor Lord. May 4, 1898, the regiment went into camp. On the 7th, organization of the field staff was made, constituting the date of the organiza- tion of the regiment. On the 24th of the same month the men set sail for the Philippines, this being the first expedition to leave the United States for war in a foreign country. June Ist they arrived at Honolulu1; June 20th, entered the port of San Luis de Apra, island of Guam ; June 2Ist, Companies A and D disembarked to effect the surrender of the islands ; June 28th, sighted Luzon; June 30th, anchored in Manila bay off Cavite; July Ist and 2d, troops landed; August 12th, ordered to Manila; August 13th, received the surrender of fifteen thousand Spanish troops, inside the walled city; August 14th, removed to barracks Cuartel de Espana, Calle Victoria, Ma- nila, Company F remaining as palace guard ; January 11, 1899, regiment began to leave Cuartel; February 5th, battle of Manila, and in- surgents driven from their trenches; February 6th, fighting all day along the line, and capture of the water works; February Ioth, battle of Caloocan: February 15th, more than one hun- dred prisoners captured by Company A; Feb- ruary 24th, third battalion engaged at San Juan del Monte; March 3d, fighting at Santa Ana; March 5th, Company C engaged on Mariquina road; same day, Company K engaged near San Juan del Monte : March 6th, Company G and Hotchkiss battery engaged insurgents on Mari- quina road ; March 7th, G and K engaged enemy near Mariquina ; March 10th, entire regiment or- dered to prepare for the front; March 13th, ad- vanced upon Guadalupe : March 14th, E and I crossed river and engaged enemy opposite Pasig, while B. D. L and M engaged from bluff over- looking Pasig ; March 15th, E and I crossed river and engaged enemy one mile in advance of for-

mer position ; March 18th, Company D sent to re- lief of Tagui ; March 19th, B, D, E, I and L en- gaged in battle of Laguna de Bey; March 20th, regiment returned to Manila ; March 22d, Com- pany F and third battalion joined regiment : March 24th, marched to Caloocan; March 25th, battle of Malabon, captured seven lines of en- trenchment : March 26th, entered village of Ti- nageros ; April IIth, enemy attacked Marilac and Bocave camps; April 16th, attack on outposts east of Melinto; April 23d, cavalry engaged en- emy north of Santa Maria ; April 24th, Narzogara captured ; April 25th, capture of Angot ; May Ist, capture of San Rafael; May 3d, captured Balinag ; May 4th, captured Maasin; May 13th, captured San Miguel; May 17th, captured San Isidro; May 22d, telegram received ordering Oregon to Manila; May 23d, homeward bound : June 13th, first battalion embarked on Newport and third battalion on the Ohio; July 13th. reached San Francisco; August 7, 1899, mus- tered out. During its term of service the regi- ment had participated in forty-two engagements.

Among the many communications received by General Summers bearing testimony to his ex- cellent service in the Philippines, he especially treasures the following :

"Manila, P. I., August 30, 1898. "Col. O. Summers, Commanding 2d Oregon, U. S. V .:

"Sir-I desire to express to you in very strong terms my appreciation of the manner in which you and your regiment performed the very diffi- cult and delicate duties of acting provost marshal and provost guard during the time immediately following the capitulation of Manila. It gives me much pride and pleasure on the eve of my departure to recall the way in which I have been supported by all of my troops, and the cheerful fortitude with which they have endured the hard- ships of the campaign.

"Very respectfully, "WESLEY MERRITT, "Major-General, U. S. A.

"June 12, 1899.

"Sir :

"Your regiment, having been relieved from my command for the purpose of proceeding to the United States for muster-out, gives me an opportunity of which I am glad to avail myself of expressing to you and to the officers and men of your regiment, my high appreciation of their gallant and faithful service while they have been under my command.

"While I am glad the regiment is to return to their homes, I regret to lose so many good sol- diers. When your regiment came to my com- mand their reputation as brave and gallant sol-

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diers had preceded them. Since you have been with me our work has been constant, arduous and dangerous. I learned very soon to place implicit confidence in your energy, judgment and cour- age, and the gallantry and bravery of your men and officers. You have nobly earned the reputa- tion of being among the best soldiers of the American army. In saying farewell to the regi- ment, I wish you Godspeed and all the good for- tune and prosperity that may and should come to you.

(Signed) "H. W. LAWTON, " Major-General Volunteers. "Candaba, May 23, 1899.

"Adjutant-General :

"In view of the remarkable successful engage- ments of Maasin, Balac Bridge and San Isidro, participated in by the troops under Colonel Sum- mers' immediate command, I recommend Colonel Summers for promotion to the grade of briga- dier-general of volunteers. At least, I believe him entitled to the corresponding brevet. I make this recommendation in advance instead of in my final report on account of his relief from this command and the probability of immediate re- turn to the United States. My report will con- tain recommendations of other officers.

"LAWTON, " Major-General Volunteers.

"Manila, P. I., May 27, 1899.

"Col. Owen Summers, 2d Oregon Vol. Inf .:

"Sir-Your regiment is about to leave for home to be mustered out of the service of the United States, and I now desire to convey to you my high appreciation of the distinguished serv- ices of yourself and of the Second Volunteer In- fantry. The skill, ability and courage with which you have fought your regiment is deserving the thanks of our countrymen; the bravery, deter- mined courage, and gallant conduct of the officers and men of the Second Oregon Volunteer In- fantry prove them worthy successors of the men who fought at Shiloh, at Gettysburg and in the Wilderness. Their gallant conduct during the recent campaign in Luzon has reflected credit upon the state from which they came.

" Very respectfully. "LLOYD WHEATON, " Brigadier-General U. S. V.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTIONS.

"Whercas, The people of the state of Oregon, regardless of party affiliations, are desirous of expressing their deep feelings of gratitude and their admiration for the courage of the Oregon soldiers who have so nobly offered their lives in defense of helpless humanity in avenging the loss of the Maine, in behalf of civilization,

"Whereas, The hearts of some of our people are bleeding as the result of the loss by sickness or in battle of loved ones to them most dear ; therefore, be it

"Resolved by the senate, the house concur- ring, That the congratulations, admiration and confidence of the people of the state of Oregon be and the same are hereby extended to the Ore- gon soldiers in the Philippines, and that the sym- pathy of the people be and is hereby extended to the mourning friends of the heroic dead ;

"That the secretary of state be and he is hereby requested to transmit a copy of these resolutions to the commanding officer of the Ore- gon regiment at Manila, and that said officer be and he is hereby requested, upon receipt of such copy, to cause the same to be read to each com- pany of his said regiment."

Adopted by the senate, February 6, 1899. T. C. TAYLOR, President of the Senate. Concurred in by the house, February 6, 1899. E. V. CARTER, Speaker of the House.

The quality of the men who composed the Second Oregon was indicated by a brief order of General Wheaton at Melinto: "Orderly, over- take those Oregon grayhounds on the road to Polo and order them to Melinto. Go mounted or you will never catch them." When, after the victory at Malabon, General Wheaton was asked, "Where are your regulars?" he pointed to the Second Oregon, saying, "There are my regu- lars." They were more than once placed in po- sitions where supreme courage was absolutely imperative, and never once did they falter or fall back. Their record is one of unstained honor.

On his return to Oregon General Summers was tendered the re-appointment as United States appraiser by the president, taking effect September 1, 1899. In addition he reorganized his business and incorporated the Summers & Prail Crockery Company, but in February, 1900, sold his interest and has since given his entire attention to his government position.

In Portland, July 23, 1880, he married Miss Clara T. Olds, who was born in Oregon, her parents having been pioneers of 1847. They are the parents of one son, Owen George Summers. Mrs. Summers is identified with the First Uni- tarian Church of Portland, the Native Daughters of Oregon and the Women's Relief Corps.

In politics General Summers has always been a Republican. He is a member of the Commer- cial Club, at one time was connected with the Knights of Pythias, and is now associated with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being past noble grand of the Portland Lodge. In 1871

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he was made a Mason in Apollo Lodge, No. 642, in Chicago, and afterwards became a charter member of Columbia Lodge, No. 114, A. F. & A. M., of Portland. At one time he was honored with the position of commander of the George Wright Post, G. A. R., of Portland, and in 1886 he was elected department commander, serving one term. An indication of the esteem in which he is held is afforded by the fact that on his re- turn from Manila, the citizens of Oregon pre- sented him with a beautiful jeweled sword, in recognition of his meritorious service at the head of the Oregon boys.

GEN. CHARLES F. BEEBE. While the associations of General Beebe have been largely along the line of military affairs and particularly with the Oregon National Guard, he has had, nevertheless, an interesting career as a business man and is now identified with various move- ments of an important nature bearing upon the commercial progress of Portland. The family of which he is a member settled in New England during the colonial era. His grandfather, Silas Beebe, a native of Connecticut, was for years a sailing master and built and owned a number of vessels running out of the harbor of Mystic. It was in this seacoast town that Charles E., father of Charles F. Beebe, was born and reared, and from there he went to New York City in youth to enter upon a business life. From 1840 until his death, in 1892, he was extensively en- gaged as a tea merchant and importer, the firm of Beebe & Bro. being one of the oldest houses of its kind in the city. His wife was Jane B. Wade, born in Springfield, N. J., and deceased in 1891. Her father, Elias Wade, Jr., was a native of New Jersey and a wholesale grocer for some years. From 1865 until his death in 1878 he acted as managing partner for the large importing and shipping house of Grinnell, Min- turn & Co., of No. 32 South street, New York.

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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 19

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