Portrait and biographical record of Portland and vicinity, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 77

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 77

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Mr. Marquam was united in marriage in the town of Marquam to Miss Mary Ross, a native of Oregon and a daughter of Thomas Ross, who was a carpenter and farmer. He made the jour- ney with ox-teams across the plains to the north- west in the year 1850 and secured a government land claim in Clackamas county. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Marquam: James C .; Homer A .; William G., deceased ; Thomas C., Jewell and Itress. James C. now conducts a general merchandise store at Marquam and is also serving as postmaster, having been ap- pointed to the position August 8, 1900.

Mr. Marquam is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and also belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In his political views he is an earnest Republican, doing everything in his power to promote the success of the party, and for one term he served as road supervisor and for one term as school director. He is a repre- sentative of one of the oldest families of this portion of the state and as far as possible he has carried on the work of improvement and progress which was instituted by his father in pioneer times.

THOMAS V. SLUMAN, proprietor of the Mount Tabor Nursery, and one of the best known of the Canadian-Americans who have settled in Multnomah county, was born in Kings- ton, Canada. June 20, 1852, and received his first impressions of life and work on his father's farm. His boyhood days were favored with bet- ter educational advantages than fall to the lot of the average farm-reared youth, his prelimi- nary training being supplemented by a course of study in the high school, and later attendance at the Kingston Military Academy, from which latter institution he received a second-grade cer- tificate.

The business career of Mr. Sluman was in- augurated in his twenty-first vear, when he learned cheese making in New York state, and

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

thereafter returned to the paternal farm in Can- ada, where he conducted his father's dairy of seventy cows and made cheese on a compara- tively large scale. In 1876 he disposed of his home interests and located in Brookfield, Mo., and after engaging in farming for a summer started a nursery at Eureka, Kans., which was maintained with a partner for three years. The winter of 1883 was spent at Pueblo, Colo., and upon coming to East Portland, June 9, 1883, he was variously engaged for about two months. An opportunity for advancement was found in selling nursery stock, for which he rented land, and continued thus for two years. In 1885 he purchased his present farm of nine acres, all of which was originally under heavy timber, and necessitated the usual arduous effort for its clear- ance. As spaces were denuded of their original growth, nursery stock was set out, and flourished in the almost primeval fertility of the soil. In addition to his nursery stock Mr. Sluman raises a few small fruits for market. In all he owns eleven acres, having purchased two additional acres of land.

As proof of his faith in the continued pros- perity by which he is surrounded he has invested in town property to a considerable extent, and owns, besides other lots, number one hundred and forty, one hundred and fifty, and number nine on Tabor Heights.

In 1882 Mr. Sluman was united in marriage with Melissa Firestone, a native of Missouri, and of this union have been born two children, Rufus and Olive, living at home. Mr. Sluman is a Republican in politics, and with his wife is an active member of the Baptist Church. A deacon in the church, he has also served as treasurer, having filled the latter position for about four years. Mr. Sluman is a man of unquestioned integrity, and the management of his nursery and general business indicates ability of a high order.

HARRY WEST, one of the most suc- cessful farmers and dairymen of Columbia county, was born in Portage county, Wis., August 3. 1857, and is a son of W. W. and Maria ( Bailey) West, natives respectively of Broome county, N. Y., and the state of Vermont, and the latter born February 4, 1829.

W. W. West, destined to become an important factor in the development of Columbia county. was descended from a long line of agricultural ancestors, from whom he inherited thrift, inde- fatigable energy, and the ability to make his own way in the world. With his wife he started housekeeping upon a farm in Portage county, Wis., and remained there until crossing the plains with ox teams in 1860. The winter of '60 and '61

was spent in Omaha, and the following spring the travelers, who were but two among a large train, again started on their way, the entire journey consuming six months. The first year in the new location at Forest Grove, Ore., they farmed and raised stock on rented land, and in the fall of 1862 came to Columbia county, settling about three miles northeast of Scappoose. At the expiration of six years of comparatively suc- cessful farming Mr. West bought a farm of eight hundred acres about a mile north of Scap- poose, a part of which was prairie land, and upon which he inaugurated many fine improve- ments. Here the parents lived for the remainder of their lives, the father, who died in 1895, being survived by his wife for five years, or until October 1I, 1900. In connection with his gen- eral farming and stock-raising Mr. West built up a mercantile business in Scappoose, his suc- cessors being Watts & Price. He was the first merchant in this vicinity, and the owner of the original town site of Scappoose. All town and county affairs received his hearty co-operation and support, and he served the community as justice of the peace for several years. Politically he was a Republican.

Twenty years of age marked the beginning of the independent life of Harry West, who was pre- pared for earning his own livelihood by a practi- cal home training on the paternal farm, and by a common school education in the district in which he lived. Upon a rented farm he tried his luck at dairying for three years, and then started a logging camp which he maintained with varying success and failure for about five years. In 1884 he married Eva Price, a native of Indiana, and after that set up a little estab- lishment on the place which is still his home, and which he had purchased in 1882, while still engaged in lumbering. The farm comprised orig- inally one hundred and fifty acres, but at present Mr. West owns two hundred acres. At first the land was wild and timbered, but now forty-five acres are under cultivation, and utilized princi- pally for dairying and the raising of high grade Jersey cattle and Chester White hogs. Mr. West is justly proud of his Jerseys, there being 110 finer anywhere in the country, and he is also the owner of Oregon Rioter, a registered Jersey bull of great value. One mild cyed, finely pro- portioned cow won for its owner the silver cup at the Oregon State Fair in 1902, and thus re- warded him for the fine pasturage and excellent care he had expended upon her rearing. Mr. West has one of the finest farms in Columbia county, his residence, barns, outhouses, and gen- eral improvements being entirely adequate and modern.

In political affiliation Mr. West is a Republi- can, therein following in the footsteps of his

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father, and fraternally connected with the Ar- tisans. He is the friend and promoter of educa- tional facilities, and has materially aided in this regard as a member of the school board for twelve years, and for part of the time was chair- man of the board. He has also been road super- visor, and has filled several other local offices. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. West, Myrtle, Leilia, and Eva, all of whom are living with their father, Mrs. West having died April 2, 1899.

JAMES SMITH, SR. One of the finest farm- ing properties in Clackamas county is that owned by James Smith, who, with his son, another James, is conducting an extensive and paying agricultural and stock-raising enterprise one mile southwest of Eagle creek. This model invest- ment consists of five hundred and forty acres of the old Joseph Church donation claim, of which about sixty acres were cleared at the time of pur- chase by the present owner. Also, a house and barn obviated the necessity of immediate prepar- ation for the reception of his family, and thus Mr. Smith was favored above those who find their fortunes cast in the density of primeval forests, and are obliged to hew down trees for a place in which to erect a cabin. With the energy characteristic of his entire life Mr. Smith has rapidly advanced improvements of all kinds on his farm, and one hundred and twenty-five acres are now available for crops and general farm commodities.

By inheritance Mr. Smith is one of those canny Scotchmen of whom is expected steady and sub- stantial growth, and who are not wont to lower the standard established by his countrymen dur- ing centuries of earnest effort. He was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, November 12, 1822, and is the son of James S. Smith, a farmer in the land of Walter Scott. His natural assertiveness seems to have developed at an early age, for when fifteen years old he started out to earn his own living, at first working on the farms of the surrounding farmers in his neighborhood. Em- barking in a sailing vessel bound for American shores, fourteen days later he landed in New York, from which city he immediately departed for California. From San Francisco he boarded a steamer for Portland, and for about a month observed the conditions and prospects of that city. Very soon, however, he availed himself of the farming opportunities of this county, and selected his present home as the most prolific of good results.

In 1848 Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Annie McQuaty, who was the mother of four children, and who died in 1871. Of these children, Margaret and Susan are deceased;

James, Jr., is his father's assistant ; and Annie Linn lives at Eagle Creek. Mr. Smith is a mem- ber of the Established Church of England, and in political affiliation is identified with the Inde- pendent party.

James Smith, Jr., was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, in 1855, and was educated in the dis- trict schools. In time he accompanied his father to America, and has since shared the work and prosperity of the latter. He was married in 1883 to Jessie Brown, also born in Scotland, and of which union there have been born seven children : Maggie, Lizzie, George, James, Arthur, Jennie and Walter. Mr. Smith has been a school di- rector for six years, and is, like his father, independent in politics. Fraternally he is asso- ciated with the Maccabees of Eagle Creek, of which he is first master of the guards. Like his sire, Mr. Smith is ambitious and enterprising, and shares his pride in the well kept farm, and in the untarnished family name.

ALBERT WALLING. In this county of ambitious agriculturists and well-conditioned homes, of thrift and continual advancement, no habitation exceeds in natural advantages or architectural appropriateness the rural home of Albert Walling, high-builded on the banks of the Willamette. With his partner, P. H. Jarisch, Mr. Walling operates two hundred acres of land, and though previous to 1898 engaging princi- pally in the nursery business, he has since de- voted his property to the raising of grain, pota- toes and hay. He is one of the progressive, scientific and very successful farmers of his neighborhood and bears an enviable reputation as man and citizen.

As far back as 1847, when pale faces were strange sights upon the plains and danger lurked in every foot of the way trodden by am- bitious emigrants, a train of wagons, ox-teams, men, women and children, wound its way through wild Wyoming, its progress being later intercepted for a couple of days because of the birth of Albert Walling. June 24, 1847. George W. Walling, whose hope in the west had led him to subject his little family to the hardships in- cident to the hazardous journey, was born in Ohio, and for many years was a builder and con- tractor in Muscatine. Arriving in Oregon City, he lived there for a year and then took up a donation claim three miles below the town on the Willamette. where. in 1850, he started one of the first fruit nurseries in the state of Oregon. Also he became interested in ship building, and in getting out timber for that purpose, which he shipped to the San Francisco market. He was a well-known man around his accustomed haunts, was popular with all classes with which

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he had to do, and in his undertakings repre- sented the true western spirit, tempered by east- ern conservatism and sound judgment. His latter years were spent with his son, Albert, at whose home he died in 1892. To himself and wife, Frances (Nye) Walling, were born eight children, of whom five sons and one daughter are living, Albert, the Wyoming child, being the first-born.

Until his thirty-fifth year Albert Walling shared the successes of his father, and at that time bought the half interest in the property he now works. His fortunes have been materially augmented by the help and sympathy of his wife, who was formerly Mary Bagby, and whom he married in Molalla, Ore., where also her birth occurred. She is a daughter of William Bagby, who came to Oregon in 1852, settling on a claim near Molalla, where his death oc- curred in June, 1902. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Walling, of whom Elsie is the wife of Ernest Butler, an electrician ; Lester is engaged in logging in British Colum- bia ; Charles lives with his parents; Francis is at home; as is also Walter. Mr. Walling is fraternally identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Grange. He is a Re- publican in politics, and at one time was county commissioner. The many sterling personal characteristics of Mr. Walling have been import- ant factors in establishing his place in Clacka- inas county, and his breadth of mind, optimism, stanch devotion to friends and geniality find echo in the hearts of all with whom he is asso- ciated in whatever capacity.

WESLEY P. REAM. During his many years of agricultural activity in Multnomah county Wesley P. Ream achieved a fair measure of success, and repeatedly demonstrated his right to the respect of all who knew him. Like most of those who have settled in this valley his pio- neer efforts were beset with deprivations and hindrances, and the clearing of his land necessi- tated patient application before a harvest could cheer him with its prophecies. A native of Me- dina county, Ohio, Mr. Ream was born Febru- ary 15, 1831, and was reared on the paternal farm and educated in the public or subscription schools. Upon removing to Oregon with his family in 1873, he lived for a year on Sauvie's Island, and in 1874 settled on eighty-two acres of land in section 2, which was purchased from the government by Mr. Backmore and subse- quently disposed of to others. The property was cleared to the extent of one acre, and a small house obviated the necessity for immediate construction. Under the industry of Mr. Ream fifty acres were placed under the plow, and of

the various crops for which the land was fitted, potatoes were found to be by far the most satis- factory. Mr. Ream was a Republican in poli- tics, but never went out of his way to seek of- ficial recognition. He was public-spirited and generous as his means permitted, and was in favor of all wise methods for general improve- ment. His death, March 4, 1894, removed a kind husband and father and an honored mem- ber of the community.

Mrs. Ream, who, with her son, Frank E., is a joint owner of the estate left by her husband, was formerly Eliza Smith. Of her children five are living, the order of their birth being as fol- lows: William, a farmer; Minnie, the wife of A. Gruber; Frank E .; Ada, the wife of James Dixon, and Nettie P., the wife of D. Steele. Much of the property originally purchased by Mr. Ream has been disposed of and at present Mrs. Ream owns ten acres, and her son, Frank E., thirteen acres. A specialty is made of pota- toes, although nine acres are under small fruits and a portion is devoted to general farming. The Ream farm is among the well developed proper- ties of this section and the. present owners are thrifty and enterprising and eminently worthy of their success.

J. A. ROAKE. Among the thriving business enterprises of Oregon City may be mentioned the Oregon City Foundry, whose proprietor, J. A. Roake, is a man of sterling worth and typi- cal western enterprise. He was born in Apple- ton, Wis., February 13, 1873, and is a son of James and Sarah E. (Jones) Roake, the latter of whom was born near Oshkosh, Wis. James Roake was born in Churchy, Surry, England, and came to America at the age of seventeen, settling in Wisconsin, where he practiced his trade of ma- chinist. He eventually removed to Yellowstone Park, Wyom., where he engaged as a stationary engineer for some time, and finally settled in Oregon City, where he manufactured excelsior. Upon disposing of this business he started a machine shop and foundry, which, however, he disposed of in January, 1901. Going to Long Beach, Cal., he built an ice plant, which he car- ried on until 1902, but since selling the same has lived in retirement.

The oldest of the five children in his father's family, J. A. Roake was reared in Wisconsin, and at the age of twelve removed to the west, locating in Oregon City February 13. 1888. He was associated with his father in the manufacture of excelsior and also learned the moulder's and blacksmith trade. continuing with his father until 1898. He then went up on the sound and worked as a moulder until returning to Oregon City in June, 1901. Here he bought an interest

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in the business of his brother-in-law, William Ira Rowan, and under the firm name of Rowan & Roake, founders, they carried on business to- gether until November, 1902, when Mr. Roake purchased the interest of his partner. Under the title of the Oregon City Foundry Mr. Roake has since conducted business alone. Here are turned out all manner of foundry goods, a specialty being made of hop stoves, fruit dryers, castings for ice machines, and a large amount of special castings. The business has grown to vast pro- portions of late, and now turns out five tons of castings per day.

In Oregon City Mr. Roake was united in mar- riage with Miss Nora Rowan, who was born at Buffalo Center, Iowa, and of this union one child has been born, John Albert. Mr. Roake is a broad and liberal-minded man and is interested in various organizations in which the town abounds. Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the World, and in his business relations is a member of the Iron Moulders' Union of America. Politically he is a Republi- can, and in religion he is a member of the First Congregational Church.

JOHN G. ROETHE. A well-known German family is represented in Clackamas county by John G. Roethe, who was born in Prussia, Ger- many, January 25, 1842, and who is a son of John G. and Johanna (Shrader) Roethe, born in Prussia, and farmers during their active life. In his youth the younger John G., who was the oldest of the three sons and one daughter born to his parents, received a practical training at home and in the schoolroom, this being supple- mented by an active military training as a vol- unteer in the cavalry service of the Prussian army for two and one-half years, and he was engaged in the war between Prussia and Aus- tria in 1866.

After his arrival in America, May 8, 1869, Mr. Roethe lived in St. Clair county, Ill., for about six months, removing then to Hum- boldt county, Iowa, where he bought a farm of one hundred and fifty acres. This farm being disposed of after a short trial as to productiveness, he moved to Webster county, Iowa, where he bought a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, but sold the place after ten years' hard work and came to the coast, settling first at Bethany, Wash., where he rented land for a year. In 1899 Mr. Roethe settled near Parkplace, Clackamas county, where he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, which he has improved to the extent of ninety acres, and upon which he is engaged in raising onions, cereals and hay. Long experience has made of Mr. Roethe one of the most practical

and enterprising of farmers, and his property gives the impression of thrift, neatness and ab- solute order.

Thrice married, two of the wives of Mr. Roethe died in Iowa, and the present Mrs. Roethe, who was born in Germany, is the mother of five children, two sons and three daughters. Of the children, Edward is living at home; Paul is also living with his parents; Hedwig is mar- ried and lives in Portland; Emma is living in Portland, and Lena is living at home. Mr. Roethe is a Republican in national politics, but in local elections is liberal and independent. He has readily assimilated the language, customs and opportunities of his adopted land, of which he became a naturalized citizen in 1873. With his family he is a member of the Lutheran Church.

THOMAS OTCHIN. In these days of money-making, when life is a constant struggle between right and wrong, it is a pleasure to pause long enough to read an account of an unsullied character, one whose life has been honorable and praiseworthy in every respect. To the young it will be a useful lesson and an incentive to hon- est industry. In reading the life of Thomas Otchin, one of the substantial residents of Hills- boro and one of the earliest pioneers in the west, one finds much to admire and much which is worthy of emulation. In Lincolnshire, England, where his birth occurred November 17, 1814, he spent his early life in a manner usual with farm- ers' sons, attending school during the winter season and assisting with the multifarious duties incident to life on a farm during summers.

In 1836, while still a young man, Mr. Otchin left his native land and set sail for America on the Prince Rupert, Captain Graves, landing at Fort York, on Hudson Bay. Subsequently he went up the Red river to old Fort Garry, now known as Winnipeg, traveling a distance of nine hundred miles, under rather trying circum- stances. Traveling on snow-shoes, sleeping on the snow under the open sky and getting meals, were all new experiences for Mr. Otchin, and while ice-bound at Davis Strait he smoked for the first time in his life, due to the fact that on account of the scarcity of provisions the party was put on half rations. "After remaining in Winnipeg for two years in the service of the Hudson Bay Company, in 1839, by way of Van- couver, he went to the Fraser river, where for nearly two years he conducted a dairy for the latter company. In June, 1841, he went to Van- couver and a few months later took up a claim on the sound, his farm forming a part of the present site of Olympia, Wash. After carrying on that farm for a year, in 1842 he went to the

F. W. Sain

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Tualatin valley and purchased for $16 a farm of six hundred and forty acres, which had for- merly been occupied by a sailor, who had made but few improvements upon it. It forms a part of four sections, and is only six miles from Hills- boro, and adjacent to West Union. This prop- erty is still in his possession, and during the sixty-one years he has owned it it has never been incumbered by debt. During the gold excite- ment he was one of the argonauts who sought the precious metal in California, meeting with success in his undertakings. Returning to his ranch he continued to follow the peaceful life of the farmer until the year 1898, which year witnessed his arrival in Hillsboro, where he is surrounded by all the comforts heart could wish, and which are the just reward of his well-spent life.

While still a young man, and before leaving his native land, Mr. Otchin and Miss Mary Beck, also a native of England, were united in marriage. While residing in West Union, in 1879, death deprived him of her companionship. Two children were born of their union, but both are deceased. In 1858 Mr. Otchin returned to England to visit the scenes of his childhood, and while there one of his sisters died, leaving a daughter, Miss Mary Ann Simpson, who, in October, 1881, came to Oregon to take charge of her uncle's home. She has indeed been an affectionate daughter to him and his declining years have been cheered and brightened by her care and tender watchfulness. Another sister, Mrs. Anthony Tongue, resides on the plains, and her son is the late Hon. Thomas Tongue, of Hillsboro. The Methodist Episcopal Church of Hillsboro claims Miss Simpson as one of its staunchest members. Her brother, William Simpson, resides in Yorkshire, England. In po- litical matters Mr. Otchin gives the weight of his influence in favor of the Republican party. Upright in his dealing with his fellowmen and kind and considerate to all with whom he comes in contact, Mr. Otchin holds a place in the hearts of all, and his life has been one which the younger generation would do well to copy.

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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 77

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