Portrait and biographical record of Portland and vicinity, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 91

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

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The marriage of James N. T. Miller united him with Elizabeth Ann Aubrey, who was born at Grand River, Ray county, Mo., December 7. 1832, and is now living at the old homestead in Jackson county, Orc. Her father, Thomas N. Aubrey, a native of Loudoun county, Va., born December 17, 1791, of French. English and Welsh ancestry, was an attorney. for which pro- fession a remarkable fluency of language and keenness of judgment adapted him. For some years a resident of Missouri, in 1850 he became

a pioneer of Oregon, spending a winter near Oregon City, and from there moving to Eugene City, Lane county, where he cultivated a farm and followed the profession of a physician. When his earth work terminated he had attained the ripe age of eighty-eight years. His parents were Thomas and Mary ( Moberly) Aubrey, na- tives of Virginia, who were united in marriage March 27, 1759. Thomas N. Aubrey was twice married, his first wife being Elizabeth Edwards, and his second, Amelia A. Grubbe, who was born December 5, 1808, and died at the age of ninety- one years.

In a family of eight children, three of whom attained mature years, it is a noteworthy fact that the only son now living, Col. Robert Aubrey Miller, is the sole male representative of the Mil- ler family of his generation in the United States. His brother, Will L., an attorney in Jackson- ville, Ore., died in January of 1901. His sister, Annie, is the wife of J. S. Beach, of Los Angeles, Cal. During the residence of the family near Eugene, Lane county, Ore., Colonel Miller was born October 22, 1854. As a child he lived on the home farm and attended the public schools of Jacksonville. Later he was a student in the Willamette University at Salem, from which he was graduated in 1878, with the degree of B. S. Immediately thereafter he took up the study of law, in addition to which he engaged in journal- istic work, being for a year publisher of a paper in Portland, also connected with the Daily Standard, and the Oregonian, as well as city editor of the Salem Statesman. March 8, 1887. he was admitted to the bar. Prior to this, in 1886, he had been elected to represent Jackson county in the state legislature, and at the ex- piration of his term was honored by re-election. During his term of service he was a leader in the defeat of the Portland water bond scheme, a noted controversy at that time. Under Governor Pennoyer he received appointment as a member of his staff with the rank of lieutenant-colonel.

A further honor came to Colonel Miller in his nomination by the Democratic party for mem- ber of congress in 1890, but, as the state was overwhelmingly Republican, he if course suf- fered the general fate of other candidates of his party. In 1892 he was nominated by his party for state presidential elector. In 1893 he was appointed registrar of the Oregon City land of- fice by President Cleveland, and filled the post for a term of four years, after which he took up the practice of law in Oregon City, and has con- tinued in the same up to the present. For four years he was chairman of the county Democratic central committee. In the incorporation of the Willamette Valley Chautauqua Association he was a leading factor, after which he was ap- pointed a member of its first board of directors

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and officiated as president for four years. This body has since developed into one of the lead- ing societies of its kind on the Pacific Coast, and much of its success is attributable to the wise judgment and keen management of Colonel Mil- ler when at its head. His work in this direction has been rendered even more interesting through his personal study of the Chautauqua course, of which he is a graduate, class of 1900.

The marriage of Colonel Miller occurred in Marion county, Ore., September 11, 1893, and united him with Mrs. Sarelia Griffith Grubbe, who was born in that county, her father, Hon. L. C. Griffith, being a pioneer farmer and busi- ness man of that locality. Mrs. Miller graduated at the Willamette University in the year 1877. She was married December 25, 1878, to Quincy A. Grubbe, one of her classmates, with whom she lived for about nine years until his death. Mrs. Grubbe was for five years superintendent of the city schools of Salem, Ore., and ranked among the prominent educators of the state. After her marriage with Colonel Miller, she lived at Oregon City, Ore., where she began winning honors as a Shakespearean scholar. She deliv- ered many lectures on her favorite theme. She was the first president of the Native Daughters of Oregon, and was connected with the historical work of the Women's Club of Portland. For

four years she was leader of the Avon Club of Oregon City. In 1902 she was a delegate from Oregon to the Federation of Women's Clubs in Los Angeles, Cal. She was a member of the order of the Eastern Star, and was in religious convictions of the Methodist faith. Besides be- ing a painstaking interpreter of Shakespeare's works, she was an earnest student of art and lit- erature, and was an enthusiast on all that per- tained to Oregon history.

Mrs. Miller, while on a visit to her relatives in Marion county, was taken sick, and after a brief illness, died June 19, 1903, at Salem, Ore.

Literature has in Colonel Miller a devoted ad- herent, for he is fond of the study of history, fiction, science and art. He is a member of the board of directors of the Club Journal, Portland. The State Historical Society, Sons and Daughters of Pioneers, State Pioneers, Southern Oregon Pioneers' Society, and Milwaukee Grange, num- ber him among their members, and he is also president of the Men's Club connected with the Congregational Church. While living in Jacksonville he was made a Mason in Warren Lodge No. 10, and is also connected with the Royal Arch Chapter of the same place. In the Order of Eastern Star he acted as the first grand patron and aided in organizing the grand chapter of the same for that state. He was honored by being chosen the first president of McLoughlin Cabin, Native Sons, at Oregon City. His early

life was spent in the old mining town of Jackson- ville; to this was added days on the ranges; thence came a number of years of college life. supplemented by four years as a law student and newspaperman in the city of Portland. Colonel Miller was ever a student and brought something from every phase of his varied career to aid in the successes of his riper years. His ten years of law work in Oregon City have been studious years, as well as successful ones. Colonel Mil- ler's training, experience and ability mark him as one of those men of whom the public ex- pects much. He is one of those men of whom we write his best work is yet to be done.

JOHN B. NOE. Few men in Clackamas county are more familiar with the routes from the east to the west, both by land and sea, than is John B. Noe, who, since his first trip here in 1853, has twice returned to the east, but finally settled on Oregon as the most desirable of local- ities in which to carry on general farming, fruit and stock raising. Mr. Noe was born in Rush county, Ind., November 5, 1832, his father, An- drew, having been born near Cincinnati. Ohio, in 1800. His mother, Margaret ( Boak) Noe, was born in West Virginia, and died in Oregon February 5. 1850. The father was reared in Ohio, and when a young man removed to In- chana, where he engaged in farming, and from which state he removed in 1840 to Monroe county, Iowa, where he bought land, and where he lived until his death in 1866.

John B. Noe lived with his parents until eighteen years of age, and then found employ- ment with the staging firm of Frink & Walker as driver and agent, with whom he remained for two years. In 1853 he crossed the plains with ox teams, being one of a large party, comprising about twenty-five men, among whom was J. B. Caves and Dalrymple, large owners of stock. April 27 the little band set out, and September 7 they landed at Amadore county, Cal., near Fid- dletown, where Mr. Noe made his headquarters for four years, during that time engaging in mining. He was fairly successful, and with a fair sized hoard embarked upon a steamer at San Francisco in 1856, crossed Panama, and finally landed in New York. Returning to Iowa, he lived there until 1859, during which year he crossed the plains with four yoke of ox teams, the journey consuming about the same time as did the former one. As before he stopped in Amadore county, Cal., and in 1860 went to Marysville, where he farmed for two years. thereafter turning his attention to the teaming business. In 1864 he returned to Iowa via Pana- ma, and lived in Iowa until 1879, in which year

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he came west for the third time, and upon arriv- ing in Oregon rented a place at Gervais for a couple of years.

From the Gervais farm Mr. Noe removed to his present home of one hundred and sixty acres one and a half miles southwest of Needy, and at the time of purchase there were some improve- ments, to which have been added many more. Forty acres have been cleared. and of the original farm Mr. Noe now owns fifty acres, having dis- posed of the rest of his land at different times. A specialty is made of fruit raising, including pears, apples, prunes and other small fruits, and large quantities are dried for the market every year.

December 24. 1857, Mr. Noe married Martha True, born in Ohio, and died in California in 1861. Three children have been born of this union, of whom Frances J. Bennett lives in Baker City; Laura Gearin lives in Woodburn, Ore. ; and Robert is deceased. Of a second mar- riage contracted by Mr. Noe, the present wife being Sophia E. Noe, the following children have been born: Jessie D., deceased; Francis J., of Woodburn; Martha J., of Oregon City; and John G., living at home. As a stanch supporter of Republican principles and issues Mr. Noe has been prominently before the public in various capacities, has served as road supervisor and school director, and has been on the grand jury in Portland for three months. He is prominent in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Rock Creek, is a trustee of the church, and a generous contributor to its charities and general main- tenance.

B. T. SMITH. The general merchandise business of B. T. Smith at Rainier constitutes one of the commercial props of the town, and bears evidence to the sagacity and managerial ability of this popular and successful purveyor. Mr. Smith was born near Woodburn, Marion county, this state, February 18, 1863, a son of Joseph and Sarah A. (Hall) Smith.

The family of which Mr. Smith is a member is deserving of special mention among the many bearers of the name who have come from all parts of the country and settled in the state of Oregon. Joseph Smith was one of the very early pioneers who indelibly impressed his worth upon the available opportunities here existing, and built himself an enviable reputation in saw mill- ing and general milling circles. He was born in Ohio in 1827, and died at the end of an exceed- ingly successful career in 1897. An humble shoemaker by trade in Ohio, he had a very re- ceptive intelligence, and while pegging shoes for his townsmen listened attentively to accounts of better prospects in the remote west. Accord-

ingly, he crossed the plains in 1847, lived for a time in Salem, Marion county, and thereafter set- tled on a farm near Woodburn, the same county. Soon after coming here Mr. Smith married Sarah A. Hall, who had crossed the plains in 1846, and was therefore here when he arrived. They lived for many years in Marion county, and then located at Buena Vista, where Mr. Smith engaged in saw milling for about six years. He seemed to have a particular aptitude for this oc- cupation, and recognized it as one of the leading industries of his adopted state. From Buena Vista he went into Tillamook, Tillamook county, and started the first steam sawmill in the place, and started in the first shipping in the county. He became very prominent in the town and was an active factor in the general upbuilding of that section. After six years of success in Tillamook he sold out to the Trucky Lumber Company of San Francisco, and then moved into Oregon City. After a year's visit to his home in the east he returned to Oregon and settled in Rainier. Here he again engaged in saw milling, built a mill of one hundred thousand capacity, the larg- est in this vicinity, and conducted the same with increasing success for ten years, or for the re- mainder of his life. He was a man possessing strength of character, force and determination, and just such have always been needed in grow- ing and comparatively crude communities. Of the eleven children born to himself and wife, B. T. is the seventh oldest, the other children being: G. W., of Astoria; W. P. A., of San Francisco; Clementine, of Oregon City; Ida, who is deceased ; R. B., of Portland ; Martha H., of East Oregon; Celia, of Tillamook; Homer, who is deceased; Milton, of Rainier; and An- drew, who is deceased.

After the death of the elder Smith, B. T. and his brother conducted the saw milling busi- ness in Rainier for some time, but later disposed of the business, which is now known as the Reed Mill. Mr. Smith remained at home until about 1897, and even while attending the public schools began to learn all about saw milling when quite a small boy. In time the business came to be known as the Joseph Smith & Sons enterprise, and the boys took an active interest in promoting the lumbering interests. Mr. Smith inaugurated his general merchandise business in Rainier in 1901, and though comparatively new at the busi- ness has built up a large and lucrative trade. Also he is engaged in buying and selling shingles, cord wood and piling. As proof of his lasting interest in Rainier he has invested heavily of his savings in town and country property, and owns half a block in the village. He is proni- inent in promoting all worthy and helpful enter- prises, and is regarded as one of the public spir- ited and progressive citizens of the common-

JAMES TAYLOR.

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wealth. He is a Republican in political affilia- tion, and fraternally is associated with the Wood- men of the World and the Modern Woodmen of America, in which latter organization he is a member of the Venerable Council. Through his marriage with Ida J. Crosley, a native of Illinois, one child has been born to them, Georgie Jaunita.

JAMES TAYLOR. During many years of his active life James Taylor was one of the up- builders of Sauvie's Island, and one of the most sincere and helpful appreciators of its many ad- vantages. His death, March 29, 1892, removed a man well fitted to talk of very early pioneer conditions of Oregon and the great northwest, for he came here at an early day and faithfully served the Hudson Bay Company for many years. He was born in the Orkney Islands, off the coast of Scotland, August 15, 1813, and lived there until his nineteenth year. At that com- paratively early age he became identified with the Hudson Bay Company, with which he was con- nected for sixteen years, and which regarded his services and abilities of great value. To fulfill his duties to the company he came to Hudson Bay, where he wintered, and in the spring crossed the Rocky mountains with dog sleds. The first three years were spent in hauling pro- visions on dog sleds to the Hudson Bay Com- pany's forts, after which he went to Vancouver, and became superintendent of the company's dairy at that place. Subsequently he managed the company's affairs on Sauvie's Island, and ter- minated his association with the concern in 1849.

Lured by the stories of hidden treasure in Cali- fornia, Mr. Taylor went overland to that state during 1849, and for a year mined and pros- pected at Sutter's Mills with but average suc- cess. Convinced that mining was not his forte he returned to Sauvie's Island, in the Columbia river, where he took up a donation claim of one hundred and sixty acres and engaged in the dairy and stock-raising business. In time he acquired six hundred acres of land, a part of which was cleared, and fitted with modern de- vices and all known improvements. The prop- erty is now operated by two of the sons of Mr. Taylor, Edwin J., who is a native son of Oregon, and was born May 20, 1854, and George A., also a native of Oregon. These sons are progressive and enterprising men, and are worthy successors to their successful father. They are engaged in an extensive dairy business, and besides conduct general farming and stock-raising. Besides the sons, two daughters were born to James Taylor and his wife, the latter of whom was born Ara- bella McKinzie, and came overland to Oregon in 1848. Both of the daughters, Mary J. and Emma, are living at home. Mrs. Taylor, who

died in 1883, is buried beside her husband on the farm improved by their industry, this being their special request, and their final expressed wish.

OTTO NAEF. Advantageously located on either side of the Portland & Oregon City Elec- tric Railroad, the farm property of Otto Naef is among the most desirable in Clackamas county. Proverbially thrifty, neat and enterprising, this typical Swiss family have materially contributed to the upbuilding of their adopted locality, and are deserving of unstinted praise for their adapta- bility and pronounced success.

In the interesting old walled city of Zurich, capital of the canton of that name, in the northern part of Switzerland, Otto Naef was born, June 9. 1859. His father, John Jacob, also a native of that place, was a farmer in his native land, but emigrated to America in 1887. Near Milwaukee, Clackamas county, Ore., he purchased one hundred and seven acres of land, but at present owns only seven acres, the balance being now in the possession of Otto Naef, with whom he makes his home. The wife of Mr. Naef was formerly Mary Wyder, who was born in Switzerland, and died there in 1883. As seemed natural in the case of an only son, who cherishes the na- tional appreciation and love of parents which in- sures to the Swiss household much of its charm and stability, Otto Naef has spent almost his entire life with his father. He was educated in the public schools, and while quite young had considerable business experience. In 1897 he inherited of his sire one hundred of his one hundred and seven acres of land, upon which he has since lived and prospered, and which is so finely cultivated and remunerative. At first partly covered with timber and brush, all is cleared at the present time but sixteen acres, and a beautiful home and convenient barns have been constructed after the most approved modern designs. A distinct advantage to the family is the electric line which crosses the farm, and which unites with the city this agricultural suc- cess, bringing within easy reach the pleasures and friends from a distance. Mr. Naef gave five acres of his farm for right of way of this road.

In Switzerland Mr. Naef was united in mar- riage with Susan Wyder, a native of the country of mountains and magnificent scenery, and daughter of Henry Wyder, who died a short time before his daughter left for America. Two interesting boys have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Naef, of whom Otto, now twenty years old, is living at home; and Ernest, who was six weeks old when the family crossed the ocean, is also living at home. Mr. Naef was made a citizen of the United States in 1902, but though so recently naturalized he has taken a prominent place in

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the general affairs of his county, having filled several political positions of trust. A stanch Re- publican, he has advanced the cause of educa- tion as a member of the school board, and has been a factor for good government and sound politics. He is a member of the Swiss Aid So- ciety, and is identified with the Methodist Episco- pal Church. Both Mr. Naef and his father are prominent and popular in the county, and are honored for their support of American institu- tions and advantages.

JUDGE JOHN CATLIN. Very few names have been more prominently enrolled on the list of pioneers than that of Catlin and for nearly sixty years representatives of the family have taken a prominent part in the development of the Pacific northwest. A native of Illinois, John Catlin was born at Turkey Hill, St. Clair county, February 6, 1832. His father, Seth Catlin, was a descendant of Puritan ancestors and was born at Pittsfield, Mass., in 1792. In 1805 he was brought to Ohio by his parents, where he lived for some years. Later he removed to Illinois, where he was united in marriage with Miss Ag- nes, a daughter of James Redpath, who enii- grated from Scotland in 1818 and settled in Illi- nois. In addition to his own business interests, Mr. Catlin took a prominent part in public affairs and for a number of years represented St. Clair county in the state legislature. He was a pro- gressive man and was ever found ready to give of his time and means to further any project in- tended to better the conditions of his county or state. In 1848 he took up the long journey across the plains, accompanied by his wife and seven sons. At that time the trail was indistinct and few white men had made the trip. After months of travel and hardships. known only to those who have had like experiences, this band of pioneers reached the town of Foster, twenty miles from Portland. This was at that time the first white settlement west of the Missouri river. Later the journey was continued and finally a lo- cation was made three miles south of Portland, where Mr. Catlin located on six hundred and forty acres of land. Subsequently he took up the same number of acres in Cowlitz county, Wash .. where he continued to reside up to the time of his death in 1865. His wife survived him until 1884. when she too was called to her final reward. Here, as in the east, Mr. Catlin took an active part in public affairs. He was a member of the territorial legislature and later was elected a member of the council of Washington territory. serving as president of that body for several termis. He was a Democrat and during his en- tire active life worked ardently for the support and promotion of his party. His was a strong and

rugged personality and eminently fitted as a leader for the changing fortunes of the state in which his latter days were spent.

Of the seven children born of this union with Agnes Redpath, Seth, Jr., died in Arkansas ; James is a farmer in Mexico; Robert, a graduate of West Point, lost a leg during the Civil war. and has since lived in Washington, D. C., a por- tion of which time he has served as deputy gov- ernor of the Soldiers' Home; Adam lives on the old homestead : Charles died September 1, 1900; Frederick is engaged in farming in Washington ; and John is mentioned below.

Judge John Catlin was educated principally in the public schools and at McKendree College. Ill. He came with the family across the plains, walking nearly the entire distance. Remaining at home he assisted in the work of the farm until his twenty-seventh year, when he returned east and took up the study of law with ex-Governor A. C. French, of Lebanon, Ill., and at the same time took special science studies in McKendree College, subsequently graduating from the Cin- cinnati Law School in 1861. In 1862 he returned to Portland, where he took up the practice of his profession. From the first he was recognized as a man with more than the usual amount of knowledge and his position as an erudite ex- ponent of legal science was repeatedly demon- strated during the years of his residence here. Aside from his law practice he, like his father, took an active part in the political affairs of the day. In 1858 he was called upon to fill a posi- tion in the Washington territorial legislature, and for one term he served as a member of the Port- land city council. In 1886 his Democratic con- stituents elected him Judge of Multnomah county for a term of four years. This position he filled with honor and distinction. His opin- ions always showed the result of study and re- search and no incumbent of the office has ever handed down opinions that commanded more at- tention than his.

In 1866 he was united in marriage with Miss Frances A. Henderson, a daughter of Robert and Rhoda ( Holman) Henderson, of Yamhill county. Ore., who emigrated from the east in 1864. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Catlin, as follows: Agnes R .: Robert ; Blanch ; Seth; Frances; Rebecca ; Clementine : and Margaret.

July 19. 1902, Judge Catlin was called to his final rest. He was a citizen of Portland for many years and during that time he established a repu- tation of which his family may well be proud. No man was more honored or respected. Com- ing to Oregon when it was a vast wilderness. he watched with interest the rapid development of the state and in this march of civilization he was an active factor. Always ready and willing

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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 91

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