Portrait and biographical record of Portland and vicinity, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 54

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 54

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Mr. Bates is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. and while thus employed these many years, has gained the confidence of those . among whom his lot is cast. Like his friend, Mr. Higgins, he is a devoted adherent of Repub- lican principles and issues, and has served his party as road supervisor and member of the school board.

DR. JOHN WILLIAM THOMAS, one of the prominent dentists of Clackamas county, and who is also engaged in agricultural operations, was born on the place where he now lives, July 9. 1856. His family were represented in the state of Kentucky for many years, his paternal grandfather, William, having been born there near the beginning of the nineteenth century. The grandfather removed with his family to Missouri in 1838, settling among the Mormons

at Farwest, and purchasing of them the section of land upon which his death occurred at the age of forty-eight years. His wife, Nancy, lived to be eighty-six years of age, and reared a large family.

Roderick R. Thomas, the father of Dr. John William, was born in Kentucky, east of Cincin- nati, and in the vicinity of Vanceburg, January 26, 1831. He accompanied the family on their trip to Missouri, and lived there until crossing the plains with ox-teams in 1850. At the expira- tion of this six months' trip he located on a dona- tion claim two and a half miles southwest of Molalla, where he built in 1870 what was then the finest and most modern residence anywhere around. During the absence of the family from home this model rural dwelling was consumed by fire in 1880, entailing a loss of $5,000, there being no insurance, and in order to rebuild, it was necessary for the sorely stricken owner to sell off half of his land. That some good comes out of all disaster is a truism emphasized in this calamity, for the beautiful residence erected by Roderick Thomas and his son, John William, is unequaled anywhere in this part of Clackamas county. On a natural elevation, Oak Point, and commanding a view of the surrounding country, this commanding home can be seen for many miles as one enters the valley. It has two stories, is built in castle style, and the lower floor has eight, and the upper floor five rooms. The brook (Thomas creek) that winds its way through the farm-where the boys used to play "mill-site" and get a spanking for flooding the garden-now is harnessed up to saw the fire- wood, sharpen the tools and grind the stock feed for home use and for the neighbors. Here is where originated the first rural telephone line of the Molalla country, the subject of this sketch being the first subscriber of this rural sys- tem. This modern dwelling has hot and cold water and is lighted with gas. Here it was that the first kerosene lamp in this locality, early in the '6os, in the log cabin of pioneer days, was used without an "explosion." In this comfort- able home father and son live together with the mother, and the father is now retired from active business life, but is still hale and hearty, and possessed of the best of health. The mother, Elizabeth T. (Bell) Thomas, is a highly bred and accomplished woman, and like her husband comes from a prominent Kentucky family. Her father, Archibald H., was an educator in Ken- tucky, where he began the study of medicine. Coming to Oregon in 1852, he settled in Port- land and there engaged in the wood business. Subsequently he became interested in an apiary, and in 1866 engaged in the drug business at Ore- gon City, in 1870, however, transferring his busi- ness to Albany. He also owned and operated a

JOHN G. D. LINNEMANN.

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farm at Mt. Pleasant. In 1880 Mr. Bell re- tired from business, traveled around for awhile, and died at Molalla in 1889, at the age of sev- enty-six years. He was a man of leading char- acteristics, and was one of the founders of the First Presbyterian Church at Portland, of which he was a very active member.

As the oldest of the two sons born to his father, Dr. Thomas was educated in the public schools and at Monmouth College. His pro- fessional experience was acquired under a pre- ceptor in dentistry for two years, at the expiration of which time he became a practical dentist and has practiced dentistry from Albany, Ore., to Spokane, Wash., in all spending ten years on the road. Although he devotes the greater part of his time to his profession, his home office being in his farm home, he is also managing sev- eral agencies and oversees the farming on the home place. For many miles around patients come to him for treatment, and no more popular or capable exponent of dental science contrib- utes to the well-being of this county. The trade in Portland, walking the entire distance doctor is a member of the Oregon State Dental morning and night. Later the work of the farm demanded his entire attention and the shop in the city was given up. Acre after acre was placed under the plow until the farm was cleared and placed under a high state of cultivation. Here Mr. Linnemann continued to live up to the time of his death, which took place in January, 1892. Association, and also of the Dental Protective Association of America. He is a member of St. Luke's Hospital Association at Niles, Mich. Fra- ternally the doctor is associated with Banner Grange, P. of H., No. 310, of Clackamas county, and it was largely through his persistent efforts that the present fine hall at Molalla was built. He is also a member of the Oregon Pioneer As- sociation, and a Past Master of the Order of United Art: ans.

JOHN G. D. LINNEMANN. Over half a century has passed since the subject of this sketch crossed the plains. Since his arrival here a wilderness has been transformed into thriv- ing cities and beautiful farms. While it has been eleven years since Mr. Linnemann passed away his memory is still fresh in the minds of those with whom he was acquainted. His life here was a quiet one. He never cared for pub- licity, preferring to give his entire attention to his own business interests, and when the leisure moments came he found his greatest happiness within the bosom of his family. A native of Germany, Mr. Linnemann was born in the north- ern part of that country May 22, 1827. There he continued to make his home until 1850, mean- time attending the public schools for a few terms and serving an apprenticeship at the tailor's trade. On his arrival in this country he settled in St. Louis, and here he followed his trade for a time and then removed to Randolph, the same state, where he opened a shop of his own. Hear- ing much of the possibilities open to a young man in the far west, he determined to locate

in Oregon, and in 1852 he crossed the plains, em- ploying the usual means of transportation in vogue at the time-ox teams. Four months were consumed in making the trip, which was accompanied with the usual amount of hard- ships and privations, known only to those who have made the trip in the same manner. He at once located in Portland (which at that time was a small town of about four hundred people) and opened a shop in his house on Third street. Later he became convinced that Oregon had a brilliant future and that before the work of de- velopment had gone too far, was the time to procure land. Accordingly he purchased a dona- tion claim of three hundred and twenty acres on the Powell Valley road, although at that time there was no road and between his farm and Portland was a heavy forest. His first move was to erect a house in which to live, and as soon as a space was cleared he built a one-story log cabin: Then the work of clearing began, while in addition to this he still worked at his

In December, 1851, was celebrated the mar- riage of John Linnemann and Miss Catharina Elizabeth Von Falde, who was also a native of the northern part of Germany. Mrs. Linnemann was born in 1828, and continued to live in the country of her nativity until 1851, in which year she came to America, locating in Illinois. Two years after the death of her husband she removed to Gresham, where she has since made her home, although still retaining possession of one hundred and sixty-seven acres of the old farm. She also owns two valuable lots in Port- land, located at the corner of Belmont and Sev- enth streets.

Fraternally Mr. Linnemann was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the first lodge organized in Portland bearing his name. Public spirited, Mr. Linnemann was an active supporter of all measures calculated to be of any material benefit to his county. At one time he served as supervisor and was also school di- rector in his district. To Germany America is indebted for many of its best citizens and in Mr. Linnemann was found a worthy representa- tive of his race. Sturdy of nature, he devoted many years to the labors of the farm, and that his efforts met with success was but the natural reward of a life of industry. Purely self-made, his reputation was one any man might envy.

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His circle of acquaintance was large and among them he was known as a man who had a high regard for his word, which he always made as good as his bond and as such it was accepted. That there are not more such men is to be re- gretted; if there were, this world would be dif- ferent. He lived an honorable life and while his sphere of usefulness was not an extended one, he did much to endear himself to those with whom he came in contact. There was much in his life worthy of emulation, and now that he is no longer with us in person, there is a memory remaining of which his wife and helpmate may well be proud. Too much cannot he said or done in honor of such men, as it is to these hardy pioneers Oregon owes everything.

HON. CHARLES B. BELLINGER. Viewing the progress and civilization of the twentieth century from the standpoint of judge of the United States district court for Oregon and regent of the University of the State of Oregon, Judge Bellinger finds much to interest him in the contrast between the present and conditions as they existed in 1847, when, a boy eight years of age, he caught his first glimpse of the far west from the "upper deck" of a prairie schooner. For more than half a century he has been closely identified with the history of this state, and during the period of its development, in its ter- ritorial days and through the entire era of its statehood, he has been intimately associated with its most important interests-in journalism and as an influential and successful member of the bench and bar.

Judge Bellinger is a member of an eastern family which traces its lineage to Holland, and was represented among the pioneers of the Mo- hawk Valley, in the Empire state. His paternal great-grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution and his grandfather, John H. Bellinger, fought in the war of 1812. To the latter is also given the credit for operating one of the first canal- boats on the Erie canal. In 1837 he removed with his family to Maquon, Ill., where he and his son, Edward H., followed the wagon-maker's trade. Ten years after settling in Illinois he decided to cross the plains to Oregon. In his journey he was accompanied by his wife, their son and his wife and the three children in the family of the latter.

The journey of six months was not without its grave dangers. The Columbia River Indians were particularly troublesome that year, and just a little later in the season the historic Whitman massacre occurred. The safety of the emigrants was probably due to the fact that much of the way across the plains they traveled with the

Mormon contingent of that year, Brigham Young leading a large party that was accompanied by a strong military organization. The Bellingers camped almost side by side with the Mormons until they reached the Bear River Valley, when the Mormons turned toward Salt Lake City and the other party continued on its way to Oregon. They had come via St. Joseph, Mo., where they crossed the Missouri; thence up the Platte, via Independence Rock and Fort Laramie: from there via Fort Hall ( now Soda Springs), cross- ing the Green river about ten miles north of the present railroad crossing. Arriving in Marion county they settled in the then uninhabited region. The environment was that of the roughest fron- tier. Soon it became recognized among the pioneers that Edward H. Bellinger was a young man of fine qualities and excellent judgment, and they thereupon elected him a member of the ter- ritorial legislature of 1850. However, before the beginning of the session, and while he was but thirty-two years of age, he died from inju- ries sustained by being thrown from a horse. Meantime, in 1849, his father determined to seek the gold fields of California, and with a party traveled overland, swimming rivers and following a route practically the same as that now traversed by the railroad. For a time he was engaged in placer mining in California. Upon his return to Oregon he continued to make Marion county his home until his death in 1882, at the age of nearly ninety years. In many respects he was a remark- able man, possessing strong characteristics and a distinguished personality, and even in his old age he retained the qualities that had awakened admiration when he was in his prime. In reli- gion he was a member of the Christian Church.

Judge Bellinger's mother was Eliza Howard, a member of an old Massachusetts family, and herself a native of that state. Her death occurred in Grant county in 1883. Of her five children, two only are now living, Charles B., and Mrs. Ellen Shrewsbury, of Los Angeles, Cal. The only brother of Judge Bellinger, Edward H., who became a well-known business man of Salem, Ore., was drowned while attempting to cross Mill creek during the freshet of 1889. The ekdlest child in the family was Charles B. Bel- linger. who was born in Maquon, Ill., November 21, 1839. He was scarcely eight years of age when the family left his birth-place and under- took the perilous journey across the plains to seck a home in the undeveloped regions of the west. After his father's death he made his home for several years with his grandfather. One of his earliest recollections of the territory is of his attendance upon a district school near the Santiam river, where his teacher was Orange Jacobs, afterward a member of congress from Washington, also a judge of the superior court

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of Washington, and now a prominent attorney at Seattle.

Ambitious to make his way in the world at as early an age as practicable, and impelled by the knowledge that his father had intended to edu- cate him for the law, Judge Bellinger earned the means necessary to attend Willamette University, where he was a student several years. He after- wards studied law with Judge B. F. Bonham of Salem and was admitted to the bar in 1863, after which he began practice with John C. Cartwright. Subsequently he edited the Arena, a weekly newspaper published at Salem, and the Demo- cratic organ of the state. His next journalistic venture was the publication of the Salem Reviewe. His health becoming somewhat impaired, he removed to Monroe, Bent county, and engaged in the mercantile business with Mr. Shannon. In 1868 he represented Bent county in the legisla- ture. The next year he removed to Albany with the intention of engaging in practice, but changed his plans and became editor of the Albany Democrat, to which he gave most of his time. In 1870 he came to Portland and took up his professional practice. At the same time he founded and for two years edited the Portland Neres, which eventually became the Portland Telegram. From 1874 to 1878 he served as clerk of the supreme court of Oregon, after which Governor Thayer appointed him to fill a vacancy on the bench of the circuit court in the fourth judicial district, which vacancy resulted from the reorganization of the judicial districts of the state. At the general election of 1880 he received the Democratic nomination for the office, but the district being overwhelmingly Republi- can, he was defeated, although he enjoyed the satisfaction of running eleven hundred votes ahead of his ticket. From 1880 to 1883 he prac- ticed in partnership with John M. Gearin, after which he became a member of the firm of Dolph, Bellinger, Mallory & Simon. In April, 1893. President Cleveland appointed him judge of the United States district court to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Judge Deady. Assuming the duties of the office May 1, 1893, he has since most capably performed every obligation devolv- ing upon him, and has become recognized as one of the strongest jurists of the northwest.

While clerk of the supreme court of Oregon Judge Bellinger participated in the Modoc Indian war and was a member of the staff of General Miller, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Jan- uary 17, 1873, he took part in the famous fight at the lava beds, on which occasion the United States troops and the Oregon and California volunteers were under command of General Wheaton. The Modocs, knowing every foot of the almost impenetrable region of the lava beds, had a decided advantage, and the result was an

ambush and defeat for General Wheaton. Soon afterward a peace commission was appointed at Washington and word was sent out to suspend military operations, whereupon the volunteers returned home. Under the promise of safety the peace commission was induced to meet the Indians in the lava beds, and all its members were there massacred. The troops next sent against them were also routed. Finally Gen. Jefferson C. Davis with his troops settled down to a siege, hemming the Indians in and ultimately reducing them to such a condition of starvation that the settlement of the trouble became an easy matter.

In Linn county. Ore., in early life, Judge Bel- linger married Margery Johnson, who was born in Ohio and in 1852 came with her father, James Johnson, to Linn county, settling upon a farm. Seven children have been born of their union, viz .: Oscar, who is a civil engineer with the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company at Portland ; Victor, deceased, who was a practicing attorney at Portland; Emmet and Howard, who are engaged in the cattle business in Washington ; Mrs. Edith Edwards, of Springfield, Ill .; Mrs. L. H. Knapp, of Portland; and Catherine, wlio resides at home. In addition to his residence in Portland Judge Bellinger owns a ranch near the city, where he enjoys spending the summer months.

Judge Bellinger is a member of the Oregon Historical Society and the Oregon Pioneer Asso- ciation. During the administration of Governor Geer he was appointed a commissioner of the Lewis and Clark Exposition. In the establish- ment of the Order of United Artisans he bore a prominent part, and has always been a director of that organization. He was a prime factor in the organization of the Oregon State Bar Associ- ation, and at one time officiated as president. He has recently completed, with W. W. Cotton, an annotated compilation of the laws of Oregon. For ten years he was professor of equity, juris- prudence and pleading in the law department of the University of Oregon, and since 1896 has been a member of the board of regents of that institution. His identification with Masonry began in Washington Lodge No. 46, A. F. & A. M., of Portland, which he served as master for two years. Later he was made a member of Washington Chapter No. 18, R. A. M. Socially he is a member of the Arlington Club.

With other leading citizens of Oregon Judge Bellinger is deeply interested in the subject cf cremation, which he staunchly advocates, believ- ing it to be a sanitary practice of great benefit to every large community. Desirous that it should come into universal use, he has done all in his power to interest people in the matter and to educate them up to an understanding of the merits of the practice. He was an organizer and

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is now president of the Portland Cremation As- sociation, which has established the most complete and modern crematory on the coast. Its builders have been influenced wholly by philanthropic motives, but it is their hope that, in time, the enterprise may be made self-sustaining.

Regarding questions of politics Judge Bel- linger has thought deeply. Prior to 1896 he voted the Democratic ticket, but, not being in sympathy with the Chicago platform of that year, he found he could not follow his party in its advocacy of a silver standard, and since that time has been independent. In the important developments of the last few years, which have established the position of the American nation among the great powers of the world, he has been intensely interested, and in principle is an expansionist, favoring the retention of the Philip- pine Islands, but believing that they should be granted free commercial intercourse with the United States; in other words, if they are to be American in jurisdiction, they should also be American in their trade relations.

In concluding this brief memoir to one of the most forceful and interesting representatives of the legal fraternity of the northwest, it is proper to record the fact that Judge Bellinger is held in high esteem by all classes of thoughtful people for the many admirable traits in his personality, as well as for his erudition. His distinguished bearing, his great forensic ability, his breadth of mind and liberality in all his views, and his acknowledged integrity and honesty of purpose- these are the chief characteristics which enter into his striking individuality. Add to these his splendid training at the bar and his experience upon the bench, where the sound foundation of his knowledge of the law is demonstrated in his daily work, and we have an ideal American citi- zen, and a man who may well be regarded as deserving of the most distinguished considera- tion at the hands of his contemporaries, either in private or public life, and likewise a permanent and conspicuous place in the annals of the northwest.

RAWLINSON F. POTTS, who is filling the position of postmaster of Tualatin, was born October 29, 1853, in Manchester, England. In carly life he served an apprenticeship to the dry- goods trade in his native city. He acquired his education in England and remained in that country until twenty-six years of age, when, attracted by the possibilities and opportunities of the new world, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and took up his abode in Texas. There he followed several pursuits, living in the Lone Star state for three years, after which he removed to Colorado, where he followed mining

for one year. He has gone through the ex- perience of being caught in two snow-slides, but fortunately he escaped with his life in both in- stances. The year 1883 witnessed his arrival in California, where he became connected with agricultural interests, there following farming for three years. In 1886 he arrived in Tualatin, where he was located for four years, following farming in this portion of the state. On the ex- piration of that period he returned to his native country and spent nine months in re-visiting the scenes amid which his boyhood and youth were passed, renewing the friendships of his early life. While in his native country he was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor Birchal. He then re- turned to Tualatin and resumed farming, which he followed continuously until April, 1900, when he embarked in merchandising, and is to-day one of the successful representatives of commercial life in the town in which he makes his home. He carries a well selected stock of goods and his reasonable prices and honorable dealing have secured him a gratifying trade. He owns town property in addition to thirty-seven acres of good farming land and he is the present post- master of Tualatin.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Potts has been blessed with four children: Vera, Thomas, Dor- othy and Reginald. The parents have many warm friends in this locality and their own home is noted for its hospitality. Mr. Potts belongs to the Grange, to the United Artisans, to the Wood- men of the World and the Ladies' Circle of that order. serving as clerk in both. He belongs to the Swedenborgian Church and his religious faith is indicated by his upright, honorable life.

FERDINAND LANGER, one of the farmers living on the Sherwood and Portland road, was born in Austria, January 25, 1845, and there re- ceived his early training and preliminary edu- cation. Like the other youth of his fatherland he served in the army of his country, and during the four years' experience in tented field and garrison learned the value of self-denial and strict obedi- ence to his superiors. On Austrian soil he pre- pared for the future by learning the blacksmith's trade, an occupation which helped him materially upon emigrating to a strange land in 1871. In America he located in Kenosha county, Wis .. worked at his trade for seven years, and in the meantime learned the language spoken by the neighbors of his adopted country, and adapted himself to the conditions here prevailing.

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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 54

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