Portrait and biographical record of Portland and vicinity, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 69

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

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New Era, in which he serves as a trustee. His son-in-law, Michael Bauer, is also a believer in the Catholic Church and connected therewith, while in politics he has not allied himself with any party, but maintains independence of views. His wife is the mother of one child, Leonard.

C. L. BATES. One of the paying and de- sirable farms in the vicinity of Canby is owned and managed by C. L. Bates, who comes of a fine old New England family, variously connected with the wars of this country, and with agricul- tural enterprises in Massachusetts and Ver- mont. The first representatives in America set- tled in Massachusetts, and there the paternal grandfather, Phineas, was born, and from there removed to Vermont, where he died at an ad- vanced age. He served with distinction in the war of 1812.

C. L. Bates was born in Springfield, Vt., May 26, 1845, his father, Phineas, being a native of the same locality. The elder Bates, who was a farmer, also bought and shipped cattle. In 1857 he came to California via the Horn, settling in · Sonoma county, and died while seeking a fortune in the mines, in 1858. His wife, Nancy (Sher- win) Bates, was born in Weathersfield, Vt., and became the mother of three sons and two daugh- ters, all of whom grew to maturity, C. L. being next to the oldest. His education was restricted, owing to the necessity for earning his own living at an early age, but this deficiency was more than counteracted by the application of more recent years. When twelve he started in to farm, an occupation pursued uninterruptedly until the breaking out of the Civil war, or rather until 1863, when he enlisted in Company M, Elev- enth Vermont Volunteer Infantry, later consoli- dated with Company A, First Vermont Heavy Artillery. He took part in a number of important battles towards the close of the war and was dis- charged at Fort Foot, in 1865.

After the war Mr. Bates lived for a time in Vermont, going then to Pennsylvania, where he was apprenticed to a moulder for a couple of years. He then moved west and followed his trade, and in 1875 bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Nebraska. After following farm- ing in different parts of that state for a time. in 1901 he sold his middle west interests and came to Oregon, where he bought eighty acres of land near Canby, thirty of which are at present under cultivation. He is engaged in general farming and fruit-raising.

While in Beatrice, Neb., Mr. Bates was unit- ed in marriage with Isabella Dickson, whose father, Columbus, was born in Erie county, N. Y., and removed to Illinois in 1840. Mr. Dick- son was a successful farmer during his entire

active life, and in 1874 removed to Nebraska, where he both owned and leased land, and where his death occurred at the age of sixty-seven years. He was a Republican in politics. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bates: George, who lives in Nebraska; Charles, who is living with his parents ; Harriet ; and Elroy. Mr. Bates is fraternally associated with the Masons, being a member of the Blue Lodge of Adams, Neb., the Independent Order Odd Fellows, and the Grand Army of the Republic. Although com- paratively a new comer to this section of the country, Mr. Bates has started out well, and has already evinced true western enterprise and thrift. His neighbors have been glad to welcome so agreeable and public-spirited an addition to their ranks, and it is to be hoped that in the great northwest he will have found a permanent and very resourceful home.

THOMAS E. BATTIN. Among the bright and very successful farmers of the vicinity of Payn, Clackamas county, may be mentioned T. E. Battin, who was born in Sullivan county, Pa., March 30, 1835, and comes of a family long rep- resented in the state of William Penn. Through all of the latter-day ancestors runs a Quaker blood which is responsible for their many admir- able traits of character, and which was particu- larly noticeable in the life of the paternal grand- father, Marshall Battin, who was a large farmer in Pennsylvania, and raised large numbers of fine cattle and horses. He was truly a noble charac- ter, honorable and humanitarian, and lived to the good old age of eighty years. Likewise his son. John, the father of the present farmer of Clacka- mas county, lived to the fine old age of four score years, he being a blacksmith by trade, and farmer by occupation, his entire life being spent in Sul- livan county. He married Emily Williams, who was born in Pennsylvania, and whose father, Thomas, born in the east, lived to a ripe old age.

The youngest boy in his father's family of three sons and one daughter, T. E. Battin was early accustomed to hard work on the paternal farm, and as early as ten hired out to a neigh- boring farmer who was none other than his pa- ternal uncle. At the age of fifteen he left his uncle's employ and worked for other farmers, and in 1852 removed to Iowa, where he com- bined farming with carpenter work for a few years. After a year in Kansas he returned to Iowa, and from there had a chance to reach the coast by serving in the capacity of drover for an- other man. The train which wound its way over the trail was composed of sixty wagons, and en- countered considerable difficulty with the In- dians, and suffering the usual deprivations while en route. Two of their ponies disappeared one

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morning, due to the vigilance of prowling In- dians, but otherwise their possessions arrived at their destination intact. In the winter of 1864 Mr. Battin stayed in Boise City, Idaho, and in the spring went on to Portland, which was then a small town, barely suggestive of its present large proportions. The first year he engaged in cutting cord-wood, and, having saved a little money from this occupation traveled over the Willamette valley, seeking a desirable permanent location. He finally purchased one hundred and ten acres in two different places, and forty acres in 1870, as well as seventy-three acres in 1885. This land was all in the brush, and its improve- ment has entailed large effort on the part of the industrious and thrifty owner. At different times also other properties have passed through the hands of Mr. Battin, among these being a pre- empted claim of sixty acres near Woodstock. At one time with a partner he derived a com- fortable income from cutting wood and getting out timber for the Southern Pacific Railroad. The farms of Mr. Battin are under a high grade of cultivation, and he is extensively engaged in general farming and stock-raising. Much credit is due him for the success which has come his way, for he is a distinctly self-made man, and has encountered many obstacles on the way to his present opulent condition.

In Boise City, Idaho, in 1864, Mr. Battin mar- ried Caroline B. Barchus, who was born in Ohio, and who is the mother of four children: Orren A., a resident of Crook county ; Hiram, living on the home place; Constant, also living on the home place ; and Cleveland, living with his par- ents. Mr. Battin is variously identified with so- cial and fraternal organizations in the county, and is a charter member of the first Grange in Oregon, himself and Mr. Campbell being the two first members. Formerly a Democrat, Mr. Bat- tin is at present independent, and believes in vot- ing for the man best qualified to serve the public interests. To a degree he is handicapped in his chosen life work, for, owing to lameness, he is obliged to walk on crutches, and is therefore un- able himself to attend to other than the manage- ment of his place. He is a man of large heart and liberal tendencies, and enjoys to an excep- tional degree the good will and confidence of his fellow-countrymen.

DEERIN FARRER. The name of Deerin Farrer is not only known among the foremost agriculturists and developers of Clackamas conn- ty, but it is also enrolled among the heroes who left their homes and risked their lives for the cause of the Union during the Civil war. This esteemed citizen was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., August 17, 1842, and is a son of Franklin

Farrer, who was originally a mechanic, but in later life removed to Rock county, Wis., where his death occurred October 5, 1860. He was born in Dublin, N. H., February 16, 1811. His wife, Keturah Farrer, was born in Tully, N. Y., December 10, 1819, and died June 16, 1851.

Left an orphan in his youth, Deerin Farrer went to live with his brother for a year and a half, at the end of which time the country was in the throes of the Civil war. Into his otherwise uneventful life this opportunity was a welcome change and large opportunity, and with the first call to arms he enlisted in the Fourth Wisconsin battery, and was sent to Fortress Monroe on Chesapeake bay. For a year he remained in the fort, and then was sent up the James river to participate in the seven-days' battle before Rich- mond and Petersburg under General Grant. After three years of service he was mustered out, and thereafter returned to Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming for about a year. A later place of residence was Lesueur county, Minn., where Mr. Farrer lived and farmed until 1868. during which year he started across the plains with two ox teams. After a time spent in Port- land he came out to his present farm, located one and a half miles southeast of Damascus, and con- sisting of eighty acres, thirty of which are cleared. Mr. Farrer is engaged in general farm- ing and stock raising, and maintains a fair-sized dairy.

While still a resident of Wisconsin Mr. Farrer was united in marriage with Alvina A. Winegar, of which union there have been born three chil- dren, Franklin F .. Esther, and Luvern. Mr. Farrer has been a member of the school board of his district for a number of years, and has been road supervisor for two years. A Republican in politics, he is in religion a member of the Advent Christian Church of Portland.

THOMAS BLANCHARD. In passing through Clackamas county the visitor is im- pressed by the prosperous and attractive appear- ance of many of the rural homes. Among those that are conspicuous for fine improvements may be mentioned the estate of Mr. Blanchard, pleas- antly located two miles east of New Era, and comprising one hundred acres of rich land. At the time he purchased the tract, in 1872, it was covered with a heavy growth of forest trees, and it may with truth be said that he has hewed his farın from the woods. Fifty-five acres are now under cultivation, and the fine residence and ca- pacions barns all add to the comfort and conve- nience of the occupants.

Thomas Blanchard is a son of William and Elizabeth Blanchard, both of whom were born and reared in Wiltshire, England, and there also

The down when Extension

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they passed to their reward. The father followed farming all his life and died at the age of fifty years. His wife departed this life when sixty years of age. Four children were born to this worthy couple, all sons and all deceased but Thomas. The names of the others in order of birth are: John, Charles and William. Thomas was born in Wiltshire, England, February 14, 1846, and in the public schools of his native town lie received all the educational opportunities that lie was destined to enjoy. Being the son of a farmer many duties fell to his lot, but these he performed cheerfully, giving his parents the ben- efit of his services until 1867, in which year he set sail for the United States. Rockville, Conn., was his first permanent settlement, and in a woolen mill there he was employed as spinner for five years. At the expiration of this time he re- moved to the far west, and in Clackamas county purchased the farm on which he now resides, paying therefor $10 per acre.

Before leaving his native land Mr. Blanchard was married to Miss Jane Freestone, who was born in Worcestershire, the daughter of James Freestone. The latter was a farmer in England, where he died. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Blanchard : James, who resides in New Era: Thomas, Jr., at home ;

George, who resides near New Era ; and Arthur, who is at home with his parents. Socially Mr. Blanchard takes a keen interest in the welfare of the Grange, of which he is a member, and polit- ically he gives the weight of his influence and his vote in favor of the candidates upon the Repub- lican ticket. In his character Mr. Blanchard combines those qualities of mind and heart that render him deservedly popular, and secure to him the warm friendship of all who know him.

MAJOR THEODORE JOHN ECKERSON. The roll-call of distinguished American soldiers contains no name more honored than that of Major Theodore John Eckerson, one of the 110- blest, most courageous, and most modest of the stern and imposing personalities who have swept across the horizon of military America, and main- tained its prestige among the increasingly great nations of the earth. Retired from the United States army January 22, 1885, Major Eckerson is a hero of the Seminole, Mexican and Indian wars, and for the greater part of his active life has been associated with tented field, military strategy, and clock-work regularity. Neverthe- less, he is something more than a soldier, and lias not permitted tactics to alienate him from the affairs of peace, or from those social and business connections which round out the existence, and complete the harmony of splendid American citi- zenship.

In the case of Major Eckerson, inherited mili- tary tendencies furnished the chief incentive to luis selection of a life occupation. These were materially augmented by an innate appreciation of the qualities which Napoleon not only ad- mired, but demanded in his soldiers and generals : absolute absorption in the work at hand, faith- fulness and obedience. Mr. Eckerson was born in New York City January 22, 1821, his father, Philip, and his grandfather, Jacob, having been born in New Jersey. Philip Eckerson was a merchant tailor by trade, and when a young man entered the United States army, serving in the war of 1812. Afterward, for nine years, or from 1826 until 1835, he served as a marine in the navy. His death occurred in New Jersey. On the maternal side Major Eckerson is descended from Revolutionary stock, his mother, Evelyn, being the daughter of Abraham Vorhees, of Dutch descent, and who stacked his musket on the grim battle fields of Brandywine and Bunker Hill, serving in the New Jersey Continental troops. The only son in the family of six chil- dren born to his father, Major Eckerson is the second oldest child, and the only one living. Two of his paternal uncles, Charles and George Wash- ington, served one or more enlistments in the regular army; the last named having been drowned by the capsizing of a government barge between Governor's island and New York City.

As has been the case with many who have led martial careers, education in the schools played but an inconsequent part in the early life of Major Eckerson. Nevertheless, his first attempt to earn a living was fortunately connected with work of an elevating and educational nature, for at the age of eleven he was apprenticed to learn the printer's trade with the Methodist Episcopal Publishing Company of New York City, and was thus employed until entering the army at the age of eighteen. December 20, 1838, he enlisted in Company I : was later transferred to Company C, Third United States Infantry, and the following vear was sent to Fort Towson, Choctaw Nation, Indian territory. For two years he participated in the terrible and costly Seminole war in Flor- ida, begun in 1840, and ending in 1843. From Florida, in 1843, he was sent to Jefferson Bar- racks, remaining until his discharge in 1843. but five days later he re-enlisted in the same regiment and company, continuing at the barracks until his removal to Camp Wilkins, near Fort Jessup, La., the following spring.

The declaration of hostilities on the part of Mexico in 1846 resulted in the removal of Mr. Eckerson to the field of activity in the south, and after reaching the banks of the Rio Grande lie took part in the battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey, Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Churubusco, Chapultepec, Garita de

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Belen, and the capture of the capitol, the crown- ing feature of the war. At Churubusco Mr. Eckerson went over the works by the side of Capt. J. M. Smith, Third United States Infantry, and company commander, and when the surren- der was demanded, General Rincon, with eleven hundred prisoners, joined the ranks of his enemy, August 20, 1847. At his own request Mr. Ecker- son was honorably discharged from the service in January. 1848, and until the following Sep- tember was free from military responsibility. Again he enlisted in the army, served for four or five years as artilleryman, and was discharged because of disbandment of the company, having won the rank of first sergeant. In November, 1848, as a member of the artillery company, he left New York for a six-months' voyage through the straits of Magellan to Ft. Vancouver on the Columbia river, Ore., where he arrived with his wife, May 15, 1849. February 16, 1853, he re- ceived his honorable discharge. In the meantime the momentous question of possession was agi- tating this part of the country, and, having been decided in favor of the United States, Sergeant Eckerson was appointed United States agent of the ordnance department at Vancouver. A va- cancy occurring in the military storekeeper's ord- nance department, ordnance agent Eckerson was appointed to the position by the president, and with the assimilated rank of captain faithfully discharged his duties as storekeeper for twelve years. At the expiration of that time General Grant, whose friend and protégé he was, secured his appointment as captain and assistant quarter- master in the United States army, the rank of major being conferred while in this department. He was brevetted major March 21, 1865, upon a special recommendation by General Grant to President Lincoln, a few days before the death of the great emancipator, "for faithful and meri- torious service." As department quartermaster Major Eckerson was stationed at Boston, Mass., for two years, and as chief quartermaster of the district of Montana, passed the remainder of his service, or until his retirement, January 22, 1885, in Helena, Mont. From this last post he was summoned to Washington at his own request. settled up his accounts with the government, and left the service of the United States at the age of sixty-four years.

Early in the history of Oregon Major Ecker- son had demonstrated his faith in its future by purchasing ten acres in the wilds, which in time became valuable, containing, as it does, many of the buildings of Portland. The better to manage his property he brought his family here in June, 1888, and has since regarded this city of magnifi- cent homes and commanding industries his per- manent home. In his young manhood he mar- ried Elizabeth MeCabe, who was born, reared.

and educated in Ireland. Three sons and two daughters were born of this union. of whom Capt. Theodore H., a graduate of West Point, is a retired United States army officer residing in Los Angeles, Cal. ; Rufus Ingalls, a graduate of the St. John college, Annapolis, is now en- gaged in the real estate business in Portland ; Edwin Philip, now deceased. was appointed from civil life to the Fifth California as lieutenant, and subsequently left the service; Adelaide is the wife of Lieut .- Col. Alfred Reynolds, inspector- general of the United States army ; and Sallie A. is the wife of Major O'Connor, of the United States Cavalry. Major Eckerson was made a Mason in Vancouver, Wash., but is now demit- ted. He is identified with the Oregon Chapter Sons of the American Revolution, and the Ore- gon Commandery of the Loyal Legion ; also the Society of Foreign Wars, and the Grand Army of the Republic. In 1888 he was elected an hon- orary member of Captain McWilliams' company of Indian War Veterans of Oregon, and was afterward elected an officer in the same company by a unanimous vote, all in consideration of his action regarding the supplies of the government, which he furnished to the people of Oregon and Washington. An account of this will be found near the close of this sketch. In politics Major Eckerson is a Republican, and in religion is as- sociated with the Berea Mission. He is a mem- ber of the Historical and Pioneer societies.

Innumerable letters in his possession testify to the high regard in which Major Eckerson has been held by his military associates. That gentle seer called retrospection has toned to indistinct- ness the cannon's roar, the cries of the wounded, and the wail of the dying ; but this intrepid de- fender of the flag, who shouldered his knapsack and musket more than sixty-two years ago, may recall with gratified pride the splendid martial friendships that have come his way, impelled by his commanding personal characteristics. That higher national recognition has not brightened his declining years is no less a grief to himself than to his friends, yet seldom are just deserts accorded the country's defenders. Among the letters of recommendation or praise are those bearing such names as that of Gen. Charles B. Stone, brigadier-general of volunteers ; James W. Ripley. brigadier-general, chief of ordnance ; Brig .- Gen. George Wright; Gen. U. S. Grant ; Gen. Rufus Ingalls ; Lieut .- Gen. Philip H. Sheri- dan; Brev .- Major Gen. C. H. Smith; Col. J. G. Chandler ; the governor of Arkansas, and federal and state officials at Little Rock, Ark .: Major Lynde Catlin ; Gen. J. J. Reynolds; Gen. Israel Vogdes: Gen. N. B. Sweitzer; Gen. George Sykes : Gen. Thomas H. Ruger ; and Col. Robert Allen. The letters of General Grant form the most prized possessions of Major Eckerson, for

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his association with the silent soldier with the impenetrable face was a particularly helpful and gracious one. Following is the letter recom- mending the commission of captain :

"Headquarters Armies of the United States, "City Point, Va., February 3, 1865. Dear Captain :

"I most heartily approve the application of Theodore J. Eckerson for the appointment of assistant quartermaster in the regular army. He has served for more than twenty-five years in the army, and has maintained a high character. He is very efficient, and well acquainted with the duties of almost every department of the service. I Know him personally, and can vouch for what I say of him. He will make a most excellent quartermaster to have on the Pacific coast, where he has been long and favorably known.

"U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General."

Later, a note reached Mr. Eckerson from the same source, an extract of which is appended below :

"Dear Captain : *

*.. * I believe it was upon my recon- mendation that your commission as captain in the regular army was received, and I now write to congratulate you. and to express the wish that you and yours may prosper through life.

"Yours truly, "U. S. GRANT. "Capt. Theo. J. Eckerson, Asst. Q. M. U. S. A.'

In November, 1898. the major and his be- loved wife celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. The Oregonian of November 3, 1898, devoted considerable space to the affair. publishing a fine picture of both the major and his wife. The article speaks in glowing terms of the record the major made while in the service, and also mentions the loving comradeship of his wife in the following words: "The history of Mrs. Eckerson as wife, mother and friend has been, both by precept and example. one of blessed influence upon all who have known her." In an- other place the same article refers to the service the major rendered the state during the trouble- some times with the Indians. It says: "Major Eckerson did excellent service for Oregon in her early days of trial and danger. He had charge of the ordnance depot at Vancouver during the period of the greatest Indian troubles, and took the responsibility, without orders from Washing- ton, and against the remonstrance of General Wool, to supply arms and ammunition upon the requisitions of the governors of Oregon and Washington territories, for the use of the people.

In this he rendered invaluable service that never will be forgotten. Without the arms and fixed ammunition, defense would have been extremely difficult, and aggressive war upon the Indians impossible. The temper of General Wool was such as to make the matter one of serious diffi- culty to Captain (now Major) Eckerson, but he took the high position that there was no need of a depot of arms here unless some use were to be made of it for the protection and defense of the country.

"This view of his was eventually concurred in by the war department, notwithstanding the money value of the supplies was for a time sus- pended against him, and despite the prediction of General Wool that the major would be severely dealt with by the government.'

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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 69

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