Portrait and biographical record of the Willamette valley, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 111

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 111

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

chairs ; the Woodmen of the World, and the Na. tive Sons of Oregon.

July 1, 1903, Mr. Snyder was united in mar- riage with Diana Vandeleur, daughter of John Scott Vandeleur.

B. F. BRIDGES. It may truly be said that the character of B. F. Bridges has been strengthened and developed in the hard places of life, and it is doubtful if he can recall many instances of money coming to him without most arduous effort on his part. The average man who spends much time in the lumber camps of north- ern Michigan gains physically, and in the case of Mr. Bridges, his mental, moral and physical powers were quickened into useful and rugged growth. His patriotism was tested by a long and meritorious service in the Civil war. and his later years have been enriched with most successful re- sults by his present mercantile business in Albany.

Years before the oppression of the colonists culminated in historic strife, those bearing the name of Bridges came from Scotland and pre- sumably located in Massachusetts. Here was born the paternal grandfather, who served in the Revolutionary war under Washington, settling after peace was restored, in Livingston county, N. Y. On a farm he reared several sons and daughters, among whom was Marchus, the father of B. F. The father was engaged in farming and stock-raising in Livingston county for many years, finally settling in Breedsville, Van Buren county, Mich., where he died in 1852 at the age of sixty-six years. He married Fara- zine Kelley, a native of Geneseo, N. Y., where she also died, leaving three children, of whom B. F., the youngest, was born in Geneseo, in March 1840.

Eight years of age when his family moved to Van Buren county, Mich., B. F. was reared in an unsettled and desolate region, the nearest school-house being two miles away. In the heart of a lumbering region, he naturally became in- terested in sawmilling, a trade which he learned in South Haven, and at which he was working when the country was convulsed by the declara- tion of war in 1861. He volunteered for service in 1861, in Company A., Third Michigan Caval- ry, was mustered in at Allegan, and participated first in the battle of Corinth, afterward march- ing through Missouri and taking part in the battles of Island No. 10, Iuka. Second Corinth, Tallahoochie, and a minor skirmish with For- rest's men. The regiment was finally brigaded with the Seventh Kansas and kept fighting Gen- cral Forrest, but was later sent to Arkansas, and took part in the battles of Little Rock and Du- val's Bluffs. They then went to Mobile, were present at the surrender, and afterward went to

Baton Rouge and Shreveport. From the latter town the regiment marched a distance of five hundred and fifty miles to San Antonio, Tex., where they were mustered out in March, 1866, Mr. Bridges having been four years and seven months in the service. He began as bugler of his company, and for the last three years of the service was in the regimental band. He was singularly fortunate as far as the disasters of war were concerned, for he was injured only on one occasion, when, during a guerrilla fight, he received a charge of buckshot in his left leg.

Returning to Michigan after the war, Mr. Bridges became a sawyer in a mill and liked the business so well that in 1870 he and Andrew Green bought a mill in Allegan county, Mich .. and ran it for eight years. Then they set their mill up near Macosta, on Mud Lake, and at a still later period moved it to Lumberton, nine miles west of Big Rapids. This proved the best place in which they had operated, and during twenty-six months' time they cut twenty-seven million feet of timber. In Delta county, at Ma- sonville, twelve miles above Escanaba, Mr. Bridges repaired at the end of three years and became an important factor in the upbuilding of the little town. He started a general merchan- dise store and built piers out into the lake at an expense of $11,000. Hopeful as the situation seemed, he was doomed to disappointment, for the pier which was to bring trade to the town, was rendered useless owing to the falling of the water of the lake, and all his plans for a many- sided little center of activity were as though they had never been. Having nothing further to re- tain him in this locality, he left in 1898, and be- came foreman of the Metropolitan Lumber Com- pany, at Metropolitan, Mich., remaining with the company for eight years, until all of their work was completed. His last years in Michigan were spent at Rapid River, and while there he duplicat- ed the success which had attended all of his lumbering interests, his experience at Masonville being the only unpleasant and discouraging prop- osition with which he had to contend.

In April, 1899, Mr. Bridges transferred his residence and business interests to Albany, Ore .. and at the same time located a timber claim of a quarter section near Cascades, in the eastern part of Linn county. He sold the same at the end of a year, and at present owns a timber claim in Klamath county, this state. In 1892 he started his present merchandising business in the town, under the firm name of Bridges & Lemke, pur- chasing the store originally occupied by Mr. Chandler, on the corner of Main and Salen streets. He carries a general line of the com- modities in demand at such stores, and judging by the results so far achieved, his permanent suc- cess is not to be questioned.

Harvey Walker

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In South Haven, Mich., Mr. Bridges was united in marriage with Helen Briggs, a native of Van Buren county, Mich., and who died in Masonville, Mich., leaving one daughter Belle, now the wife of D. B. Adams, of Seattle, Wash. His second marriage, in Escanaba, Mich., was with Edla Nygren, born in Stockholm, Sweden. Mr. Bridges is independent in politics, but aside from serving as postmaster of Masonville for eight years, he has never been willing to accept official recognition. He is fraternally connected with the South Haven Lodge, A. F. & A. M., which he joined in 1867, and with the Knights of Pythias of Kalamazoo, Mich. He is a mem- ber of the Grand Army Post of Seattle.

HARVEY WALKER. Among the vener- able and highly honored agriculturists of Polk county who are enjoying immunity from labor after years of successful striving is Harvey Walker, occupying his finely developed farm of three hundred and fifty-five acres near McCoy. The Walker family is of Irish descent, and was presumably established in America by the pa- ternal grandfather, Thomas, who settled in North Carolina, where was born Jesse D., the father of Harvey. As a young man Jesse D. moved with his parents to Kentucky, settling in Christian county, where he married Sarah Calvin, and settled down to farming. His son Harvey was born September 16, 1826, and four years later he removed to Shelby county, Ill., remained there about five years, and then set- tled in Moultrie county, the same state, where his death occurred in 1852, at the age of fifty- five years. He was the father of eight chil- dren, five daughters and three sons, Harvey and his twin brother, Madison, being fourth and fifth in order of birth. Madison attained maturity, but died at the age of twenty-five years.

The many tasks to be performed on the Moultrie county farm left but little leisure for the Walker children, and their attendance at the public school in the neighborhood was at best irregular. At the age of twenty-two Har- vey started out on his own responsibility and located on a farm in Tazewell county, Ill., where he worked by the month for a couple of years, and thus managed to save a little money. For the following two years he lived on the home farm in Moultrie county, returning there- after to Tazewell county, where he took up farm land for himself. In 1850 he married Hannah Davis, a native daughter of Tazewell county, who was born March 7, 1843. Her father, William Davis, was born in Tennessee in 1801, while her mother, Jane (Eads) Davis, was born in Gardner county, Mo., in 1806.

After his marriage Mr. Walker engaged in farming in Moultrie county, in 1852 returned to Tazewell county, and three years later in 1855, bought a farm in Logan county. In the latter county he was fairly successful, became well and favorably known, and made it his home until 1882.

Arriving in Oregon with his wife and chil- dren, Mr. Walker located on a farm near Salem, where he lived seven years, and then sold out and purchased his present farm, ad- vantageously located near McCoy. His pains- taking methods and unfailing industry have accomplished much for the place, and although it was a valuable property at the time of pur- chase, it has increased many fold since passing into the possession of the present owner. In 1895 he took up his residence in McMinnville, remained there until 1901, and then came to spend the remainder of his life on the old farm. He is passing his days in comparative rest, for the farm is rented to others, who still carry on the work so carefully planned and system- atized by him. In his younger days Mr. Walk- er took quite an interest in Republican poli- tics, but of late has been seen at the polls only, and never at any time has desired or worked for public honors. For many years he has been identified with the Masonic fraternity, and is now connected with the lodge at Amity. Seven of the children born to himself and wife are living, and of these, Adelaine, wife of John Shields, lives in Washington; Alice Walker lives in McMinnville; Hettie, the wife of George Shields, lives on the home place; Fannie is at home; Mrs. Jennie Stairs lives in Washington; Lewis is also in Wash- ington; and Clara Bewley is in Salem. Though not one of the pioneers of Oregon, but a comparatively brief period of his life hav- ing been spent in the northwest, Mr. Walker has a firmly established place in the hearts of his fellow townsmen, and the business con- tingent regards him as one of its thoroughly reliable and upright members.

LAWRENCE M. SCHOLL. Among the prosperous young business men of the present day, in Hubbard, Marion county, who are leading industrious and useful lives, the name of Law- rence M. Scholl must not be overlooked. Mr. Scholl was appointed postmaster of that place April 26, 1900, in addition to which he owns a half-interest in a drug store in the same city. He is a son of John and Mary (Warner) Scholl and grandson of George F. and Dora Scholl. His birth occurred in Aurora November 1, 1875.

George F. Scholl, the grandfather, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, emigrated to the United

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States in 1832. He located for a time in New York and later near Shoustown, in Pennsylvania. He afterward went to Missouri, settling at Bethel. In 1865 he went to the far west and found a permanent home in Aurora, Ore. He attained the age of seventy-two years. His widow sur- vived him many years, her demise having taken place in 1896, at the great age of eighty-two years. Three sons and two daughters were born to this worthy couple, the second youngest being John, the father of our subject.

John Scholl was born at Bethel, Shelby county, Mo., February 15, 1847. He accompanied his parents to Oregon and in 1881 engaged in car- penter work. Later he followed farming between Aurora and Hubbard for a brief period, and then purchased a quarter section of land, which he cultivated until 1898, removing to Hubbard at that date to re-engage in carpenter work. In 1903 he entered the implement house of Mr. Fry, where he purchased an interest.

While a resident of Aurora he married Mary Warner, a native of Ohio, born in 1845, and four sons were born to them. Henry F., who is mar- ried, and George F., the oldest two, conduct the farm, while Lawrence M., the third son, is the subject of this writing, and David J., the young- est son is serving as assistant postmaster. John Scholl is a Republican in politics, and has served his party as a member of the city council. He has also served as school director for twelve years and socially he is allied with the Odd Fel- lows. He has a nice residence in Hubbard and is one of her most straight-forward citizens.

Lawrence M. Scholl had exceptional educa- tional advantages. His common school educa- tion was supplemented by a thorough course in the Portland Business College, from which he was graduated in 1896. After leaving college, he spent one year clerking for the Marks Shoe Company, in Portland, and later filled a similar position with the Bebee Merchandise Store in Hubbard. In 1898 he was appointed assistant postmaster under J. L. Calvert, and served as such until 1900, when he was appointed post- master of Hubbard, which position he is now filling.

In July, 1901, Mr. Scholl was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony with Sadie Wolfer, who is a native of Oregon. Like his father, our subject affiliates with the Republican party. He is an active politician and is now serving his fourth term in the council. Socially, he is a valued member of Hermes Lodge No. 56, K. P.

JENNINGS BELLINGER COMLEY. For many years a prominent lumber manufacturer, and a well known business man Jennings B. Comley, now living retired from active pursuits

in Albany, is numbered among those energetic and enterprising pioneers who have contributed largely toward the development of the industrial prosperity of Linn county. Coming to this state fifty years ago, he made the long and tedious journey overland, with an ox-team, the popular mode of traveling in those days. Settlements in this part of the county were few and far be- tween, and the people hereabout realized in no small measure the hardships and privations that had to be endured in a new and undeveloped region. Neither railways, telegraph nor telephone lines spanned these broad acres, and few eviden- ces of civilization then existed. Through the stren- uous efforts of the courageous pioneers, wonderful changes have occurred, flourishing towns, villages and cities have sprung up, and fertile farms yielding an abundance of grain and fruit have usurped the forests and plains, in the transforma- tion Mr. Comley performing his part. He was born September 21, 1823, in Lancaster, Ky., a son of John Comley. His grandfather, David Comley, a native of Manchester, England, settled first in Virginia, and served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Subsequently, following in the footsteps of Daniel Boone, the famous back woodsman and trapper, he settled in the then almost unknown country of Kentucky, and there spent the remainder of his long life.

John Comley, a life-long resident of Kentucky. died on his farmi at the advanced age of eighty years. Inheriting the patriotism and bravery of his father, he took part in the war of 1812, on January 8, 1815, serving in the battle of New Orleans. He married Martha McFadden. who was born, and died in Kentucky, whither her father, James McFadden, had removed from Virginia. Of their family of twelve children, Jennings B., the ninth child in order of birth, is the only one residing in Oregon.

Brought up on a Kentucky farm, Jennings B Comley left home in early manhood, and subse- quently learned the carpenter's trade in Prince- ton. Ky., and at Lexington, Ky., became familiar with the trade of a stair builder, which he fol- lowed in connection with carpentering until 1853 In that year taking advantage of the opportunities afforded to builders in a new region, Mr. Comley came with his wife to Oregon, crossing the plains with ox-teams, being six months and ten days en route from the Missouri river. Following the old Oregon trail, he stood guard one-half of each night while passing through the Indian country, coming through safely. Spending the first winter in Benton county, he went in the spring of 1854 to Astoria, where he built the stairway in the old lighthouse. Returning then to Benton county. he purchased a residence in Corvallis, and having there established his family went to California, where he was engaged as a prospector and miner

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in Siskiyou county, Scotts river, Indian creek, Greenhorn and Deadwood. While at the latter place, the Indians cut off all trails so that he was forced to abandon mining. Going, therefore, to Scotts valley, he built a flour mill, putting in two burr-stones, and helped run it for awhile. In 1856 Mr. Comley returned to Oregon with a comrade, coming across the mountains on horseback, and while passing through the Indian country, at the close of the Rogue river war, had several narrow escapes from the wily savages. Purchasing a ranch in Corvallis, he rented that and worked at his trade for a few years.

In 1859 Mr. Comley removed to Albany, which has since been his home, and from that time to the present day has taken a keen interest in ad- vancing its welfare. Erecting the first steam mill in this locality. and the first sash and door factory, he ran them both for seventeen years. Selling out his mill and factory in 1876, he, in company with Messrs. Comstock and Heard, em- barked in the lumber business, hauling a mill to Pass creek, Douglas county, with horse and cattle teams. The mill, which had a capacity of seventy thousand feet per day, he continued to operate until good timber in that vicinity became scarce. Then, with Henry Miller and Mr. Com- stock, he was engaged in the manufacture of lumber on Myrtle creek for awhile. Going from there to Wolf creek, Douglas county, he built a mill for Abramson & Willis, after which he engaged with Mr. Comstock, and was engineer of a mill on Gray creek until 1883. Returning to Albany in February, of that year, Mr. Comley remained here a short time, and then went to the Selitz reservation, where he built a sawmill for the Indians. He subsequently spent a brief time at Yaquina bay, but since that time has resided in Albany, being sadly afflicted with rheumatism.

Mr. Comley married, in Mississippi, Dorinda D. McFadden, who was born in Louisiana. She died in 1893, leaving three children, namely : Georgie, now Mrs. Walling, of Idaho; Adrian, who is successfully engaged in the lumber busi- ness in Washington; and Edward, superintend- ent of the electric light plant at Spokane, Wash. Politically, Mr. Comley is identified with the Democratic party, and has served four terms as a member of the city council. Fra- ternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

JACOB GIESY. The name of Jacob Giesy is known to every man, woman and child in Au- rora and possibly to most inhabitants of Marion county. Ever since 1870 he has conducted a hotel and restaurant business in the town, and for many years trains arriving at this station

have depended upon his viands to appease the hunger of thousands of passengers. At first Mr. Giesy ran his hotel in the interests of the colony, but after its dissolution he proceeded independ- ently, and in the meantime has won a reputation as one of the successful hotel men in the county. The Aurora Hotel is a large and roomy structure, with airy rooms well furnished, and all modern improvements. Under the present ownership many changes and additions have been made, in- cluding wide porches, which extend the entire length of the front of the house. Arrangements for satisfying the inner man are in accord with the broad knowledge of human nature possessed by the genial proprietor, who realizes that a well fed man is usually an agreeable one, and there- fore easy to get along with.

Mr. Giesy has enjoyed many years of success- ful activity, and is still a leader in the affairs of his adopted town. He was born in Pittsburg, Pa., March 20, 1827, and to an unusual degree inherits the substantial traits of his Teutonic an- cestors. His father, Andrew, was born in Basel, northern Switzerland, near Baden, Germany, and came to the United States in 1827. Near Alle- gheny, Pa., he lived on a farm for many years, and in 1845 removed to Shelby county, Mo., settling in the Bethel colony. In 1855 he came to Washington with a small colony, and there died in 1860, at the age of sixty-nine years. He married Barbara Giesy, no relation, and also a native of Basel, who died in Aurora, to which town she removed after the death of her husband, at the age of seventy-four years. This pioneer woman was faithful to trusts imposed, and care- fully and conscientiously reared ten sons and four daughters, all of whom came with her to Washington from the colony at Bethel, Mo.

In the public schools of Pennsylvania, Jacob Giesy received his preliminary education, and he accompanied the family to Missouri in 1847. Here he engaged as a clerk in a general merchan- dise store, and came to Oregon via the Isthmus in 1855, living for a time in Portland, and com- ing to Aurora in 1856. In 1860 he made a trip back to Missouri, where he enlisted in the Home Guards, and remained there until the fall of 1862. Via Panama he then returned to Oregon and soon inaugurated his hotel and restaurant busi- ness. In connection with the hotel he maintains a well equipped livery stable, and he owns thirty acres of land near the town, as well as other town property, including the Lutheran Church build- ing. Mr. Giesy is a Republican in politics, and has been constable and school clerk. He is a member of the Pioneer Association, and of var- ious social organizations which abound in this vicinity. Through his marriage with Caroline Fry, who was born in Pennsylvania and died in Missouri, one child was born, Sarah, who is now

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the wife of Emanuel Keil, of Aurora. Mr. Giesy is very popular in this community, and it is doubt- ful if any upbuilding agency in the town has exerted a greater influence than has his well conducted and paying hostelry.

GEORGE M. FRY. Every community has its quota of business men who are more or less successful. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch has had a wide experience in the mercantile world, being at the present time en- gaged in handling all kinds of agricultural imple- ments, farm machinery, etc., at Hubbard, in Mar- ion county. He has been a resident of Oregon since 1863.

Mr. Fry was born near Shoustown, Pa., January 31, 1842, and is a son of John and Sarah (Gates) Fry, both of whom were also natives of the Keystone state. The father was born Oc- tober II, 1801, was married in 1828, and went to Missouri with a colony, settling at Bethel, Shelby county. He followed various occupations for a livelihood and was finally cut off by death January 4, 1854. The mother of our subject was born April 6, 1811, and she passed to her final rest five years prior to the death of her husband, November 22, 1849.

George M. Fry is the seventh child born to his parents, the family consisting of eight children- four sons and four daughters. He was educated in the public schools of Missouri and in 1863 he crossed the plains in company with a colony on their way to Oregon. He located with the colony at Aurora, where he opened a jeweler's store, and carried on a successful business in that line for many years. In 1887, he moved to Hubbard and engaged in similar business for a period of twelve years. In 1890 he sold out to advantage and spent about six years in general merchandising ; again selling he engaged in handling agricultural implements, farm machinery, and all kinds of farm supplies, which is his business today, in company with John Scholl, who purchased an interest in the business in the spring of 1903.

Mr. Fry has met with success in his business ventures and owns a fine residence in the heart of Hubbard. He also acts as agent for his sister, having control of her large estate in Marion county, which contains eight hundred acres, on which Mr. Fry carries on general farming. has twenty acres in hops, and lcases out a part of the land. While a resident of Aurora, he was joined in matrimony with Caroline Scholl, who was born in 1845, near Shoustown, Pa. They have two children, Sarah A., now wife of Harvey A. Hinkle, and Frank W., who married Nellie Dimick. Sarah A. was born June 5. 1871, and Frank W., November 15, 1873.

Mr. Fry is a Republican in his political prefer-

ence, and at the present time he is a member of the city council. He is also greatly interested in educational matters, having served on the school board for nine consecutive years. In fraternal circles he is a valued member of the Odd Fel- lows. The sister above referred to, in whose behalf Mr. Fry acts as agent, is Mrs. Elizabeth Preobstel, who was born in Pennsylvania, assist- ed in colonizing Oregon, and whose husband died in Albina, this state. Mr. Fry deserves great credit for his successful endeavors and the rich fruitage they have borne, and he ranks among the substantial business men of his community.

CHARITY J. LUPER. Both as daughter and wife, Mrs. Charity J. Luper, a worthy member of the society of Tangent, Linn county, Ore., has experienced the trials of pioneer life, having crossed the plains in 1852 with her parents, and a few years later married John Luper, another of the sturdy and reliable citizens of the new terri- tory. Mrs. Luper was in maidenhood Charity J. Fanning, born in Morgan county, Ill., Novem- ber 30, 1840, her parents being Levi and Nancy (James) Fanning. The birth of her father oc- curred in Virginia, February 8, 1810, and that of her mother in Kentucky, November 18, 1806, their marriage following in Illinois, whither they had removed. In Morgan county they made their home until the spring of 1852, April I of that year finding them upon the plains with two wagons and eight yoke of oxen to each, bound for the broad lands of Oregon. While on the journey the mother died on Snake river, August 2, 1852, leaving one son and two daughters. The family continued their way into the west, where the father took up a donation claim of three hun- dred and twenty acres located three miles south- east of Tangent, remaining there for many years. A few years previous to his death, which took place June 5, 1888, hie removed to a farm three- quarters of a mile south of Albany and engaged in farming. In August, 1853, he had married Jane Gilliland, who is also now deceased.

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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 111

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