Portrait and biographical record of the Willamette valley, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 108

Author: Chapman Publishing Company, Chicago
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago, The Chapman Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1622

USA > Oregon > Portrait and biographical record of the Willamette valley, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present > Part 108

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Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dürst, of whom William lives in this vicinity; Fannie, John, Barbara, Mary, Jacob and Elsic are at home with their parents. In politics Mr. Dürst is independent, and fraternally is associ- ated with the Order of Washington. Religiously he is identified with the Reformed Church, and is active in all its departments.

ALEXANDER COYLE. April 15, 1849, the year that numberless oxen caravans traversed the plains and out-going steam- ers groaned beneath their burden of hu- man dreamers, delirious with golden ex- pectations, Alexander Coyle was born on a prosperous farm in Wisconsin, and there lived until 1853. His father. James Coyle, was a na- tive Scotchman, and was born February 15, 1817. At a very early day he came to Canada, settling near Montreal, where he engaged in farming un- til removing to the United States in 1835. In

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the state of Wisconsin, Mr. Coyle engaged in the logging business, and while there became restless and keenly curious regarding the western states. This led him, in 1853, to adjust his Wis- consin affairs and, outfitting with ox-teams and strong wagons, he crossed the plains. As far as trouble with the Indians was concerned, the party was singularly fortunate; but cholera invaded their ranks. and Mrs. Coyle, who was born in Canada, was stricken on the way. In spite of the earnest efforts of her family and friends, she died two days' journey from Fort Laramie. A desolate party pursued its way towards the north- west, and finally reached its destination in Ore- gon, tarrying for a short time in Champoeg. Mr. Coyle then came to Yamhill county, and in 1859 removed to Marion county, two and a half miles southwest of St. Paul, where he bought one hun- dred and sixty acres of his uncle's donation claim. Here he farmed with considerable success until 1888, when he went to live with a son in New- port, returning after seven years to Hubbard, where he died at the age of eighty-one years. His unfortunate wife, formerly Charlotte Scott, bore him four children, three of whom attained maturity, Alexander being the youngest of all.

Alexander was a little fellow of five when he experienced the novelty of crossing the plains. He was not much help, but a great deal of care, and he was placed in school as soon as the family located on the farm in Yamhill county. The schoolhouse was made of logs and was a prim- itive affair, and was less frequently attended by the Coyle boys after they became old enough to make themselves useful around the farm. Alex- ander remained under the paternal roof until twenty-three years of age, and then started out on his own responsibility, entering seven acres of land, six of which are now devoted to hop culture, from which he has since made a neat little income. Mr. Coyle was married in St. Paul, Ore., to Ella Ebhard, a native of Marion county, born September 14. 1854. Two children have been born of this union: James Bernard and Charlotte Elizabeth, the latter the wife of M. S. Barrett, who is engaged in the logging business near Astoria, Ore.

Mr. Coyle is a Democrat in politics, and has filled several local positions of honor, among them being that of road supervisor, and council- man for one term. He is fraternally associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Degree of Honor.

CHARLES J. STRONG. The substantial and well-to-do citizens of McCoy have no finer representative than Charles J. Strong, who was for many years prominently identified with the

agricultural interests of this part of Polk county as one of its foremost farmers. He is a man of sterling integrity and worth, and is held in high regard throughout the community in which he is living retired from active pursuits.

The descendant of an old New England family, Mr. Strong was born August 27, 1837, in Ash- land county, Ohio. His father, Abel Strong, was born in Windsor, Conn., where he was brought up and educated. When young he served an ap- prenticeship at the brickmaker's trade, also be- coming familiarly acquainted with the many branches relating to agriculture. Removing to Ohio in 1820, he had the distinction of making the bricks used in the construction of the first brick house in central Ohio. In addition to following his trade, he engaged in general farm- ing, and was also one of the leading merchants of Ashland county. Although a quiet, conserva- tive man, he was influential in public affairs, serving many years as justice of the peace, and being a member of the Ohio legislature. His death occurred in 1840. His wife, whose maiden name was Hannah Berdine, was of French descent. She was born in Greene county, Pa., November 10, 1797, and died April 17, 1892, in New York City. Eight children were born of their union, six boys and two girls, and of these, Charles J., the seventh child, is the only one living. One son, William L., served as mayor of New York City from 1894 until 1896. He died November 2, 1900.

Obtaining his early education in the old log school-house, in Ohio, Charles J. Strong remained in his native town until twelve years of age. At that time he accompanied his widowed mother to McLean county, Ill., where she had a sister living, and with whom she was to reside. In 1852 the young lad returned to Ashland county, Ohio, where he remained five years. Going then to New York City, he was employed in a dry goods establishment two years. In 1859 he en- listed as a private in Company A, Second United States Cavalry. The regiment to which he be- longed was officered by men who gained much distinction a few years later in the Civil war, Robert E. Lee being colonel of the regiment, Albert S. Johnston the lieutenant colonel, George H. Thomas second major, Earl Van Dorn first major, while Fitzhugh Lee was a lieutenant in Company B. With his comrades, he went first to Texas, afterwards being stationed at Carlisle Barracks, Pa., for a year, doing garrison duty and recruiting, being there when the Civil war broke out. Going to Washington, D. C., he re- mained there until 1862, when, under General McClellan, he moved with his regiment toward Richmond, Va. Mr. Strong subsequently served under several of the more prominent officers of the war, including Generals Porter, Burnside.

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Hooker and Meade, and took an active part in many of the more important battles of that time, among others being the Seven Days' Fight, when he received a bayonet wound in the hand; Gaines' Mills, South Mountain, Antietam, and Gettys- burg. During the latter engagement he served at General Meade's headquarters as a courier. On March 3, 1864, at Rapidan, Va., he received his honorable discharge, and left the army in April, 1864, going directly to New York City.

A short time later Mr. Strong went to South Carolina in search of contraband cotton, returning the following year to New York. Removing to McLean county, Ill., in 1867, he engaged in ag- ricultural pursuits, continuing there until Sep- tember 3, 1888, meeting with unquestioned suc- cess in his operations. Coming then to Oregon, he spent six months in Salem, then settled at McCoy, taking possession of his farm on March 4, 1889. He has ninety-one acres of land, on which he has added many substantial improve- ments. He managed it himself with most satis- factory results for several years, but is now liv- ing retired, enjoying a well deserved leisure.

Mr. Strong married, in 1873, Mary E. Sim- kins, who was born in Highland county, Ohio, August 28, 1846. Her father, Jeremiah Simkins, was born January 22, 1822, in New Jersey, while her mother, Margaret Rhodes, was a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Strong have one child, William L. Strong, who operates a saw- mill about five miles from McCoy, but lives with his parents. Mr. Strong is a Republican in poli- tics, and has served as school director at McCoy.

Mr. and Mrs. Strong removed in August, 1903, to McMinnville, Yamhill county, where they intend to reside permanently.

ELIJAH BAILEY. So well has Elijah Bailey made use of the opportunities which have come his way in the northwest that he is today one of the foremost farmers and largest landowners in his neighborhood in Polk county. Mr. Bailey's rise in life may be studied with profit by any who desire to overcome obstacles and slowly but surely make their way to the front, for in his make-up he has the traits of character most need- ful for the well-being of substantial communities. Born in Adair county, Ky., March 6, 1834, he is a son of Robert and Ailsey (Hendricks) Bailey, natives of Virginia. His grandfather, Lewis Bailey, was also born in Virginia of Irish descent, while his maternal grandfather, William Hen- dricks, was of English descent, and by occu- pation was an old-time school teacher. Robert Bailey served in both the Creek and Cherokee wars, but died comparatively young in 1835, when his son Elijah was but a small boy.

Of the thirteen children, nine sons and four

daughters, in his father's family, Elijah and Cyn- thia Larkin, of Sonoma, Cal., are the only sur- vivors. When a year and twenty days old Elijah moved with the rest of the family to Sangamon county, Ill., and was there reared on a farm. He was educated in a limited degree at the early subscription school of his neighborhood. In 1849 the family moved to Greene county, Mo., and settled on a productive farm, raised general farm produce, and remained there until coming to California in 1854.

Mr. Bailey contracted to accompany a herd of cattle en route to California in that year, for which he was paid $10 per month. He brought his family with him. They were fairly success- ful as miners, and returned to Greene county via the Isthmus in 1858, remaining there until Mr. Bailey again crossed the plains with ox teams in 1860. He located a place twenty-five miles above Stockton, Cal., and in 1862 went down to the Pajaro Valley, which place he sold two years later, and came overland to Oregon.

Locating in Polk county, Mr. Bailey bought a farm of one hundred and three acres in Spring Valley, where he lived eight years, engaged prin- cipally in a flourishing dairy business, and in the buying and selling of stock. In 1872 he bought his present farm of six hundred acres, of which three hundred and fifty acres are cleared, and where he raises sheep and goats, besides general farming. He has been successful, being an ex- cellent business manager as well as a practical and scientific agriculturist. The household of Mr. Bailey is presided over by his wife, who was formerly America Mann, born in Indiana in 1837, and whose father, John Mann, emigrated to Law- rence county, Ind., at a very early day. Of the four sons and three daughters born of this union five are living: Loren W., of British Columbia ; Melvin, living at home ; Elijah, living on a dona- tion claim near Salem; Mrs. Olive Tilley, of In- dependence ; and Leona Burden, of Oregon City. A Prohibitionist in politics, Mr. Bailey has held many positions of trust in the communities in which he has lived, including those of school director and road supervisor. He is a member of the Christian Church of Salem.

THEODORE JEFFRIES. The name of Jeffries is an honored one in Polk county, and the second generation, represented in Oregon by Theodore Jeffries, maintains the reputation for industry and personal honor established hy that old pioneer, Thomas S. Jeffries. The latter was born in the state of Ohio, and as a young man removed to Missouri, where he married a native daughter, Susan R. Nichols, born in the vicinity of St. Louis. The following year he outfitted and crossed the plains, locating in Marion county,

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five miles south of Salem, where he remained until he came to Bethel, Ore., where he engaged in the mercantile business for several years. In 1867 he shifted his mercantile interests to the center of mining activity in Canyon City, Wasco county, Wash., freezing his feet on the way, necessitating amputation, and seven years later returned to Polk county. He purchased the right to a donation claim now occupied by his son, and only living child, and one other child in the fam- ily having died in infancy. He was successful in his general farming and stock-raising, suc- ceeded in paying for liis entire farm, and left a highly improved and valuable property. His death occurred in 1895 at the age of seventy- seven years, his wife having preceded him in 1882.

Better educational advantages than fall to the lot of the average farm-reared youth facilitate the life-work of Theodore Jeffries, and his conse- quent breadth of mind and capacity for business are apparent in the manner of conducting his large property. From the public schools he passed to the Bethel Academy, from which he was duly graduated, after which he completed the business course at the Portland Business Col- lege. He then returned to the farm near Mc- Coy, upon which his father had in the meantime settled, and which has since been his home. He has two hundred and forty acres of the original claim, one hundred and sixty of which are under cultivation. General farming and stock-raising net him a fair yearly income, and he is thus en- abled to maintain his family in eomfort, and educate his children according to his well known high ideas of citizenship. A commodious and modern residence, well arranged barns, good fences, and late agricultural implements, combine to make one of the desirable and profitable farm- ing enterprises of Polk county.

Near Amity, Yamhill county, in 1881, Mr. Jef- fries married Susan E., daughter of Isaac Robin- son, who was born on a farm near Amity, May I, 1855, and whose father crossed the plains at an early day, and died at Amity in 1897, aged sev- enty years. Elsie, the only child of this union, is living at home. Mr. Jeffries is a Republican in politics, but aside from the formality of cast- ing his vote, has never interested himself in the local undertakings of his party. Fraternally he is identified with the Amity Ancient Order of United Workmen, and at one time was financier of the organization. He is progressive and up- right. well informed and agreeable, and has many friends among the best families of his native county.

WILLIAM GORDON EVANS. One of the best known men of the thriving little town of Brooks is the genial and popular postmaster,

groceryman, and farmer, WV. G. Evans, a resident of the place since 1894, and of the state since 1865. Mr. Evans has gained a diversified idea of life and work in Oregon, and is one of those men who deserve great credit for their successful circumvention of early hindrances, and wise dis- position of later opportunities. He was born in the state of Tennessee January 21, 1833, his mother, a native of Tennessee, was Miss Rebecca Keyton before her marriage, and his father was William Evans, a native of Virginia.

When a small boy Mr. Evans was deprived by death of the care and affectionate solicitude of his mother, and the family soon after removed to Kentucky, where they lived until taking up their residence in Arkansas in 1843. Here the father died about sixty years of age, and the eight children thereafter conducted the farm, and succeeded as best they could. When about twen- ty-four W. G. saw an opportunity to go to Cali- fornia to assist in driving five hundred head of cattle, and his experiences while crossing tlie plains with his numerous charges are recalled most vividly at the present time. Arriving in California August 2, 1857, he followed various kinds of employment until 1865, working both on farms and in the mines of the great western state. In 1865 he came to Oregon and settled near Brooks, and for the four following years worked on different farms, in the meantime man- aging to save considerable money.

In 1869 Mr. Evans married Letitia Savage, who was born November 3, 1852, and reared in Oregon, her people having crossed the plains in 1845. The couple went to housekeeping about three miles west of where the town of Brooks is now located, and remained there until they re- moved to Brooks in 1894. Seven children have been born of this union, of whom Hugh C. lives on a farm near the town, is married and has three children : Nellie A., deceased, was married to George Dodge and had one daughter ; Threasa is the wife of James Fruit, of Salem, and has two sons ; B. Frank lives in Brooks, is married and has two daughters; Minnie is the wife of Fred Neusom ; Lena Estelle, deceased; and John C. is living with his parents. Although his store and post-office duties consume the greater part of his time, Mr. Evans still manages his farm, and the family spend a portion of each summer there.

A stanch Republican, and an active promoter of the best interests of his party, Mr. Evans has been influential in local affairs of a political na- ture, and besides serving as postmaster for sev- eral years, having been appointed by Grover Cleveland during his first term, he has been clerk of the school board in his district for many years. road supervisor for several terms, and justice of the peace for twelve years. He and his family are members of the United Evangelical Church,

Il. Herring.

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and contribute to the support of the same. Mr. Evans enjoys an enviable reputation in the neigh- borhood for sobriety, enterprise and honesty. His tactful management of the post-office interests, his business sagacity and an accommodating and genial spirit, have secured him a substantial place among the upbuilders of Marion county.

HENRY MEIRING. Although not a land owner in Marion county, Henry Meiring is one of the very successful and prosperous farmers around Gervais, where he is operating five hun- dred and seventy acres of land comprising the Landet donation claim. He is engaged in gen- eral farming and stock-raising, having at his direct disposal three hundred and seventy acres of cultivated land. An additional source of in- come is derived from operating a threshing ma- chine, in which he has been interested for the past fifteen years. Mr. Meiring has further added to his responsibilities by purchasing a flour- ' ing mill at Gervais, which is proving a paying and successful enterprise.

In Hanover, Germany, where he was born September 15, 1849, Mr. Meiring was reared on his father's farm, and educated in the public schools. His father died when he was twenty- one, and his mother when he was six years of age, and thereafter he lived with his brothers and sisters. At the age of twenty he was drafted into the German army, participating in the Franco-Prussian war, and was in the front of many of the notable combats of that memorable time, culminating with the battle of Sedan. In 1876 he was united in marriage with Mary T. Klene, who was born December 10, 1855, and reared in Germany. Directly after their mar- riage they came to America, settling near Buena Vista, Ore. For about ten years this continued to be their home, and in 1886 Mr. Meiring came to Marion county, locating on the farm upon which he has since lived.

To Mr. and Mrs. Meiring six children have been born. Annie K. is the wife of George H. Finney of Gervais, where the latter is operating the mill owned by Mr. Meiring; they have two daughters and one son. Helena is the wife of Edward A. Finney, residing on a farm in Mar- ion county ; they have one son and one daugh- ter. Mary, Kate, Herman and Adaline are at home.

In politics Mr. Meiring has been a Republican ever since he came to this country, and he has held some local offices, including those of road supervisor four years and school trustee and clerk. He takes an active interest in all up- building enterprises in the county, and is a stanch advocate of the agricultural and other advan- tages which exist in this well favored state. Fra-

ternally he is identified with Salem Camp, No. 118, W. O. W., and Fraternity Lodge, No. 9, A. O. U. W. He is a member of the Bankers' Life Association of Des Moines, Iowa, and with his family is a member of the Catholic Church.

JOHN KNIGHT, until April, 1903, a promi- nent farmer and politician of Marion county, was born in Shelby county, Mo., January 25, 1849, a son of Joseph and Catherine (Achticer) Knight, the latter a native of Beride, Bavaria.

Joseph Knight was born in the state of Penn- sylvania January 15, 1799, and by trade was an iron-worker, in which method of livelihood he excelled. About 1838 he located in Shelby coun- ty, Mo., and in that comparatively wild section built a home and cultivated a farm. In 1853 he crossed the plains with ox-teams, and his train was the first to cross the Cascade Mountains to Steilacoom, Wash., from the old Ft. Walla Walla. For about a year he lived in Shoal Water Bay, Wash., and then came on to the Cascades, where he found employment with the Portage railroad, and was thus engaged when the Cayuse war de- manded all the able-bodied men in the state. For several days the people were surrounded and con- fined in blockhouses, and suffered other inconven- iences due to those troublesome times. About fif- teen persons were killed before they were able to reach the blockhouses. In 1856 Mr. Knight re- turned to Missouri, and in 1863 prepared to again cross the plains, this time taking with him his family, and such possessions as were required for housekeeping in the far west. As before, he took up his residence in Shoal Water Bay, Wash., and after two and a half years came to Marion county, Ore., remaining here for three years. His last home in the state was on a farın in Clackamas county, where he died in 1872, his wife surviving him until 1876. He was an in- dustrious and successful man, and of the four- teen children born into his family and reared to years of usefulness and honor, but four survive. George and William live in Canby; Mary is the wife of S. Burchem, of Cottage Grove, Ore .; and John is living retired in Salem. The elder Knight was a stanch Republican, and delighted in discussing the principles and issues of his party. He took an active interest in politics from his first voting days, but was always averse to filling local offices.

For twenty years of his life John Knight re- mained with his father, and then served an ap- prenticeship to a blacksmith at Aurora, Ore. During the three years spent in qualifying as a knight of the forge and bellows, he received in compensation board and clothing, and at the end of his apprenticeship was not in a position to start either a bank account or a business of his

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own. For a year he followed his trade in Port- land, and in 1875 located in Salem, in and near which he has since resided. For the first eighteen months in Salem he worked for an established blacksmith here, and then started a business of his own, uninterruptedly conducted until 1892. In the meantime his interest in Republican poli- ties resulted in his becoming well known in the community, and in 1892 his fitness for official re- sponsibility was recognized by his fellow towns- men by his election as sheriff of Marion county, an office maintained with distinct credit for two terms.

In Salem Mr. Knight was united in marriage with Angeline Snyder, a native of Sullivan county, Pa., who was born in 1855. He later purchased a farm of one hundred and seventy- six acres five miles north of Salem, on the old territorial road. This land comprised a part of the old William Stevens donation claim, and on it Mr. Knight conducted general farming and stock-raising. He makes a specialty of onions, and during 1902 raised about four thousand bush- els of this much-demanded vegetable. Three children have been born into the Knight family, of whom Edna A. is living at home; and Claude S., an accountant, is employed at The Dalles ; Benjamin W. met an accidental death when about eleven years of age. Mr. Knight is one of the most influential and popular men in his neigh- borhood, and one of the best known men in Marion county. For a term he served as alder- man of Salem for the Second ward, and he is associated with various fraternal and social or- ganizations throughout the county. He was one of the promoters of the first lodge of Elks organ- ized in Salem, Ore., was the first exalted ruler of Salem Lodge, No. 336, and has actively in- terested himself in the welfare and growth of the order. He is also a member of the Ancient Order United Workmen, Valley Lodge No. 18. In the spring of 1903 he disposed of his farm and removed to Salem, where he is enjoying a well earned rest.

CATHERINE S . BASKETT. The life his- tory of Catherine S. Baskett is deserving of a place in this work, although not filled with stir- ring events. Her influence and position in the social and business world is important. Pos- sessed of strong individuality, combined with a charming personality, Mrs. Baskett is well and favorably known. She was born in Macoupin county, Ill., September 21, 1828. Her father, Elijah Bristow, was born in Washington county, Va., and her mother, Susan Gabbert, in Overton county, near Nashville, Tenn. Her father's fam- ily emigrated to Tennessee, where Mr. Bristow served as apprentice at the hatter's trade, but

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Portrait and biographical record of the Willamette valley, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 108

Author: Chapman Publishing Company, Chicago Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Chicago, The Chapman Publishing Company Number of Pages: 1622

Author: Chapman Publishing Company, Chicago
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago, The Chapman Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1622