Portrait and biographical record of the Willamette valley, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 112

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 112

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Of her father's family Mrs. Luper was next to the youngest in age, and the principal part of her life has been passed among the scenes of Oregon. She was married April 23, 1857, near Tangent, to John Luper, who was born in Crawford county, Pa., November 10, 1824. He crossed the plains in 1853 and took up a do- nation claim one mile northeast of Tangent, where he engaged in farming for nearly forty years, after which he removed to Tangent and died there March 20, 1902. His widow, now a resident of Tangent, has a life lease on the farm of two hundred and twenty acres, and also owns forty-one lots in this city. Of the children horn to them, Commodore P. is deccased; Ella Flor-

F. W. YANNKE.

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ence is the wife of John McFarland, located near Albany ; and Lola Charity is the wife of J. E. Ownbey, located two and a half miles southeast of Tangent. Another member of the family is Loren B. Luper, an adopted son, who now lives on the old homestead. Mr. Luper was a stanch supporter of the Prohibition principles in the west, and fraternally was a member of the Grange. He was a liberal supporter, member and class leader of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mrs. Luper and her family are members.

CHARLES W. YANNKE. Upon the ranch where he now lives, not far from Salem, in Marion county, Ore., Charles W. Yannke was born April 2, 1872. His father, Frederick Will- iam Yannke, was a native of Germany, born June 2. 1826, and while still in the Fatherland he served in the German army for three years. About 1847 he bade adieu to his native country and sailed for America, the journey being made in a sailing vessel and occupying about four months. He established his home in Belleville, St. Clair county, Ill., where his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Yannke, had settled two years before. With his father and his family Frederick Yannke came across the plains in 1852, making the journey in the primitive manner of the times with an ox- team. They had no trouble with the Indians, but six months had elapsed before their eyes were gladdened by the sight of the green fields of Oregon. The first winter they spent at the mouth of the Columbia river and in the succeed- ing spring Frederick W. Yannke came to Salem. He was in limited financial circumstances, and in order to earn a living he drove an ox-team and hauled logs for a sawmill, following that pursuit for some time. In the summer months, however, he was employed on ranches and also worked in the fields during the harvest season, swinging a cradle. He was married February 29, 1871, to Elizabeth Frölich, who was also a native of Germany, and this worthy couple be- came the parents of six children: Charles W .; Emma, who became the wife of Frank Feely and died at the age of twenty-four years; Mary, who died at the age of six years; Frederick, whose death occurred when he was two months old; Louise, who died at the age of four years ; and Frank J., who is employed by the Oregon Shoe Company, of Salem.

In the spring of 1862 Frederick Yannke pur- chased the farm of two hundred and fifty acres upon which his son Charles made his home until recently. In the fall of that year he removed his family to that place and hereon spent his remaining days. He made all of the fine im- provements upon the farm, cleared the land,

placed the fields under a higli state of cultiva- tion and erected excellent modern buildings. He devoted his energies to general farming and stock-raising with good success throughout the remainder of his life, and September 29, 1895, his life's labors were ended in death. He was a zealous member of the Catholic Church and a man who deserved great credit for what he had accomplished, for he entered upon his business career empty handed. When he purchased his property near Salem it was all unimproved land, with the exception of about thirty acres; and its development was entirely due to his own energy and perseverance. His widow still sur- vives him and is now living in Salem at the age of sixty-three years.

Charles W. Yannke, whose name introduces this review, was born and reared upon the home farm and in the public schools of Salem he pur- sted his education. In early boyhood he assisted his father as much as his age and strength per- mitted, and when he had completed his school life he became his father's assistant and partner, their work being carried on together until the death of F. W. Yannke, when the son assumed the entire charge of the home place. He to-day carries on general farming and stock-raising with good success. He has fine horses upon his place and is engaged in the raising of cereals best adapted to the soil and climate. To some extent he is also engaged in the dairy business. The old home is pleasantly located two miles from Salem, near the penitentiary. On July 1, 1903, in partnership with Albert A. Disque he pur- chased the well-known Club Stables in Salem, and in the fall of that year removed his family to the city.

September 29, 1897, Mr. Yannke was married to Miss Helena Neibert, and they have an in- teresting little daughter, Genevieve Louise. The family are identified with the Catholic Church. In his political affiliation Mr. Yannke is a Demo- crat. For one term he served as road supervisor in his district.

PLEASANT MARION SCROGGIN. Con- nected with the banking business of Lebanon, Linn county, Ore., Mr. Scroggin is lending him- self heartily to the forward march of the enter- prises of this city in a way which has thoroughly won the commendation of his fellow townsmen. In 1899 he established the banking firm of P. M. Scroggin & Co., with a capital of $25,000 and a surplus of $5,000. His able management has since advanced it among the business enterprises of Linn county until it ranks first with institu- tions of like character. His energetic yet con- servative methods have proven his executive ability and clear judgment, and there is every

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prospect of a steady advancement and a gratify- ing success in the many years of life which, in all probability, Mr. Scroggin has before him.

Pleasant Marion Scroggin was born near Sher- idarı, Yamhill county, Ore., May 9, 1872, the son of P. M. Scroggin. The latter was born in Logan county, Ill., in 1830, and on attaining manhood he followed the life of an agriculturist, to which he had early been trained. From Mount Pulaski, Ill., he removed to Iowa, and from that state emigrated about 1863 to Oregon, settling first near MeMinnville and later near Sheridan, where he became the owner of a thousand acres ad- joining the city on the south. He died there April 18, 1894, at the age of sixty-four years. As a Democrat he had been popular in his own party, and had served for two terms as county commissioner. He was married in Iowa to Sarah Howard, a native of that state, who crossed the plains with her husband and died in the same year in which the latter's death occurred. Of the eight children who are now living P. M. Scroggin is the eighth in order of birth, and re- ceived his preliminary education in the com- mon schools of Oregon, after which he attended the Portland Business College for one year, graduating in 1894 in the banking and business course. In the same year he engaged in the hardware business in Sheridan, the next year finding him in Lebanon in his present business enterprise.

The marriage of Mr. Scroggin occurred in Ashland, Ore., and united him with Lydia W. Washburn, a native of Iowa. Two children now add to the happiness of the home, namely: Sey- mour Ralph and La Verne. Mr. Scroggin is a member of the Christian Church, and politically he adheres to the principles advocated in the platform of the Republican party.

JESSE L. MCKINNEY. One of the most pleasantly situated and highly cultivated farms in the vicinity of Hubbard is that owned by J. L. Mckinney, situated one mile north of the city. Its owner is noted throughout Marion county as a progressive agriculturist, and for years he has been prominently identified with the advancement of general farming and hop- growing interests.

Ohio claims Mr. Mckinney as a native son, his birth having occurred in Highland county, that state, July 1. 1862. His father, Hardin McKinney, was a native of North Carolina, born May 1, 1829. At a very early date in the his- tory of Ohio the latter settled in Highland county, where he worked by the month on a farm until his marriage in 1858 to Louisa Mc- Kinney. The lady whom he made his wife was

born February 6, 1836, and reared in Highland county, Ohio, and the young couple began their married life on a farm there, remaining in that locality until 1876, when they removed to Marion county, Iowa. There they made their home during the winter of that year. They then de- cided to try their fortune in the northwest. Journeying to Marion county, Ore., they pur- chased the farm which is now the home of Jesse L. Mckinney. They were pioneers of this lo- cality, as the land was then wild and unim- proved, giving little evidence of the present well cultivated fields. Hardin Mckinney immediate- ly set to work to make a comfortable home for his family. He cleared twenty-five acres of the land, built a home and carried on general farm- ing and stock-raising, providing comfortably for his family, consisting of his wife and three chil- dren: Sarah E., the wife of E. C. Churchill, of Salem, Ore .; Jesse L., of this review; and William H., who lives in the vicinity of Hub- bard. The father of this family took an active part in politics and cast his ballot for the Re- publican party. His death occurred in his sixty- third year, March 13, 1891. His wife still sur- vives and makes her home with her son Jesse L.

The life history of J. L. Mckinney is worthy of mention from many standpoints, but the prin- cipal one which we will name is the fact that he, like the great majority of those who represent the farming interests of the country, is one of those substantial, quiet, unassuming men who perform their duties in life without ostentation, and leave the world better and the community more prosperous for their having lived. Suc- cess, fairly and impartially considered, is not so much owing to the fact that a man has achieved a great name, that he has accumulated vast riches, or has donated large amounts to chari- table institutions, as that he has found the voca- tion best suited to him in life, that he has filled that vocation honorably and well, has developed the very best talent that is in him, and has used that talent for the benefit of himself and man- kind. All this may be said of Mr. Mckinney. As a youth he pursued his education in the dis- trict schools, remaining at home and assisting

his father in the cultivation of the farm, during the seasons of vacation and after he had left school. Thus he grew to man's estate, when, October 2, 1892, he wedded Anna Clausen, who was a native of Valparaiso, Ind. Mr. Mckinney brought his bride to the family homestead. where their lives have since been passed, and where they have reared their family of three children, namely: Louis Melvin, Elmer Clau- sen and Harold Hardin, all at home. Mr. Mc- Kinney is an acknowledge authority on the best farming methods, and has eight acres devoted to the cultivation of hops. He has been very suc-

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cessful in the raising of this staple product and his income is annually increasing therefrom.

Mr. Mckinney takes a deep interest in the cause of education, and has ever been in favor of good schools and good teachers. For several years lie served as a member of the school board. In politics he is a Republican. Influential and prominent in the community in which he resides, Mr. Mckinney has gained popularity and friends by reason of his excellent traits of character.

MARSHALL W. CANTER. Twenty acres of land adjoining Harrisburg on the east, four valuable town lots, his own residence property, and a well equipped carpenter shop in which to ply his useful trade, is an accumulation re- sulting from the well applied industry of Mar- shall W. Canter, who came here a poor man in 1866, and is now one of the town's successful and honored citizens. Born near Nashville, Tenn., January 17, 1836, Mr. Canter comes of an old family of the south, his father, James H., and his mother, Anna (Fuqua) Canter, having both been born in Tennessee, the former in 1808. The family moved to Missouri about 1838, lo- cating first in Platt and afterward in Buchanan county, and engaged in farming and stock-rais- ing. The father, who died in 1888, at the age of eighty years, was a Democrat, and he was very active in the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife also died in Missouri, leaving ten children, six sons and four daughters, of whom Marshall W. is the second.

At the age of twenty Marshall W. Canter left home and learned the carpenter's trade, thereafter plying the same as a means of live- lihood until 1864. For a couple of years he mined and prospected in the Dwight region, Idaho, made quite a sum of money, and in 1866 came to Oregon to investigate the prospects for an industrious and capable carpenter. Pleased with the people and surroundings of Browns- ville, he located there in 1867, one year later taking up his residence in Harrisburg, which has since been his home. Much of the best work in the town is due to his knowledge of his trade, and his little shop is never out of material await- ing his attention. The start he got at the mines while comparatively inconsequent, enabled him to invest in town lots, all of which have increased in value, with the result that he is today in a more than comfortable financial position.

Although not an office-seeker, Mr. Canter has been induced to exert his activity in promoting the local wellbeing of the Democratic party, and to serve as mayor of the town for three terms in succession, to be a member of the council for eighteen years, and to fill other positions of trust and responsibility. He is fraternally con-

nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, and the Rebekahs, of which latter organiza- tion he is an official. In Lane county, Ore., in 1868, Mr. Canter married Margaret Gage, who was born in Benton county, Ore., near Corvallis, a daughter of Samuel Gage, who crossed the plams with his family at an early day, locating near Corvallis. Mr. Gage later removed to Lane county, but his death occurred near Rosalia, Wash., where he had engaged in mining for eight or ten years. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Canter, of whom Charles, the oldest and only son, is a brakeman on the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company's road with headquarters at Portland; and Lillian is the wife of Lewis B. Maxon, and lives on a farm near her father. Mr. Canter is popular in his adopted town, and his influence has al- ways been exerted in favor of education and all- around advancement.

RICHARD C. SHISLER. Though a com- parative newcomer to this town, having arrived in 1903, Richard C. Shisler has already demon- strated his ability to entertain the traveling pub- lic in comfort, if his management of the Har- risburg Hotel can be taken as a criterion. The hostelry in question is the only place of the kind in this flourishing community, and as such it takes high rank among other hotels in the county, being modern in construction and fur- nishings, and having thirty-two rooms. Mr. Shisler understands among other things regard- ing the hotel business that an excellent cuisine is not to be despised, and he therefore lays par- ticular stress upon this department of his well conducted house.

Prior to going into the hotel business Mr. Shisler farmed for many years, that being the occupation to which he was reared in his youth on the paternal farm in Ontario, Canada, where he was born April 10, 1858. His father, Con- rad, and his mother, Mary Ann (Flagg) Shis- ler, were also horn in Canada, and his grand- father, John, a native of Lancaster county, Pa., settled in Ontario at a very early day. The grandfather took up a large farm, and in time enlisted in the war of 1812. his death occurring in his adopted country. The ninth child in his father's family of four sons and six daughters, Richard C. received his preliminary education in the public schools, and at the age of fourteen began to make his own way in the world by working as a farm hand in the vicinity of Buf- falo, N. Y. The same kind of work was pur- sued near Albany. Ill., in 1873, and in 1877 he went to Whiteside county, Ill., continuing to work on a farm for several years.

Mr. Shisler invested his earnings in land near

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Hiawatha, Brown county, Kans., in 1880, and two years later bought a farm near Falls City, Neb. In 1896 he removed to Missouri and lo- cated on a farm of one hundred and forty acres near Meadville, and in March, 1903, came to Oregon and purchased the Harrisburg Hotel, which had been built in 1902. In Illinois, Mr. Shisler was united in marriage with Minerva J. Sharer, who was born in Pennsylvania, and who is the mother of five children: Lulu M., Ralph E., Milo G., Lloyd W. and Hoy. A Re- publican in political affiliation, he took a promi- nent part in political affairs in Nebraska, and served many terms on the school board. He is fraternally connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is prominent in the Pres- bytcrian Church, of which he was an elder while living in Missouri. As becomes a hotel man, Mr. Shisler is affable and genial, possessing a fund of good spirits and good will, and the tact to deal with all with whom he comes in contact in a most satisfactory manner.

DANIEL J. YODER. Perhaps no part of Marion county is better adapted to general farm- ing, stock-raising and hop-growing purposes than that portion surrounding Hubbard. In the midst of this rich agricultural region the thriv- ing town appears as a gem in an emerald setting, and the cultivated fields which may be seen on every side are an indication of the prosperity and industry of the farming people who are resi- dents of the community. A worthy representa- tive of this class is D. J. Yoder, who resides on a good farm of twenty-five acres situated two miles east of Hubbard. Here he carries on gen- erai farming and hop-growing and also, since coming to Oregon, has followed the carpenter's trade continuously, meeting with excellent suc- cess in both occupations.

Mr. Yoder was born in Pennsylvania, Septem - ber 9, 1850, and is descended from honest, in- dustrious farming people. He was one of six children born unto his parents, who removed from Pennsylvania to Indiana, where the father is still living at the age of seventy-eight years. The mother was called to the home beyond at the age of fifty-seven years. D. J. Yoder spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon the home farm in Indiana, receiving his education in the district schools and remaining at home until he grew to manhood and prepared for having a home of his own by his marriage with Louisa Miller, a native of Indiana. The young couple remained in Indiana until the year 1881, when Mr. Yoder, becoming impressed with the opportunities for advancement offered by the Pacific coast, decided to bring his family and

establish a home in the Willamette valley. Ac- cordingly he purchased the farm which is now his home. At this time the work of improve- ment in this vicinity had been scarcely begun. Mr. Yoder has since developed and cultivated his farm until it is one of the best in the county. He has erected a good home and other buildings, and everything that can conduce to the comfort of the family and to the conduct of the farm is supplied. In the summer of 1903 he erected a commodious new house. In coming to a com- paratively new country such as Marion county was when he settled here, Mr. Yoder has found the trade of carpenter to be a very useful and remunerative one, not only in constructing his own dwellings, but many others, and he has thus added substantially to his income as the years have gone by. Five acres of his farm is devoted to hop-growing.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Yoder have been born six- teen children, twelve of whom are now living, as follows: Laura, now the wife of D. Ramage, of Hubbard; Clyde, who is at home with his parents ; Rose, of Albany, Ore .; Clara, Jamie, Harvey, Wilme, Grant, Minnie, Grace, Willis, and Raymond. Mr. Yoder has always felt that it was his duty to be informed on the issues of the day. He casts his ballot for the Republican party. The fraternal relations of life are also maintained through his .membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Wherever known, Mr. Yoder is accorded the friendship and respect which he deserves, as his life has been one of active industry, casting an influ- ence for good among his fellow-men.

DAVID S. BUSEY. A career identified with the mining and agricultural development of Oregon since 1852 is that of David S. Busey, who arrived in the state with a strong consti- tution when a man of twenty-two. Mr. Busey, who is now living retired in Harrisburg, is a native son of Indiana, and was born in Putnam county, November 14, 1830. Four years later his father, L. W., also a native of Indiana, re- moved to Illinois and in 1839 located in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. The elder Busey was a brick- laver by trade, in connection with which he farmed during his active life, his last home be- ing a large tract of land near Favettsville, Ark., to which he removed in 1872. He was success- ful in both his occupations, although the Arkan- sas farm netted him the largest returns, and enabled him to leave his family well provided for at the time of his death in 1877, at the age of sixty-nine years. As a young man he mar- ried Jane Penney, also born in the Hoosier statc. who died in Iowa when David S., the second

Т. В Wanaca

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child of her three sons and three daughters, was nine years of age.

The little log school-house near the Busey farm in Indiana at best furnished but scanty opportuni- ty for a practical education, and as one of the oldest and strongest in his father's family, David S. found little chance to escape from his home duties long enough to attend school even irregu- larly. In 1851 he left home and worked on a farın in Henry county, and while there became interested in a projected trip across the plains which was being agitated in the neighborhood. As a driver he secured the chance to accom- pany the party, which was headed by Captain McCulley. Without any particularly dangerous experiences he drove his team of oxen during the six months required for the passage, and upon reaching his destination at Foster's, Ore., August 11, 1851, went at once to Milwaukee, where he remained until the next spring. In the fall of 1852 he went to the mines of eastern Oregon, and upon returning to the western part of the state in 1854 took up a donation claim of one hundred and twenty acres one mile east of Harrisburg. This he sold in 1862 and bought three hundred and twenty acres three miles north of the town, but eventually sold all but eighty acres, which he still owns. He also has a farm of one hundred and twenty-four acres near Sodaville, Ore., both of which properties are under fine cultivation, and available for stock and general produce.

In Linn county, Mr. Busey married Nancy Porter, born in Indiana, and daughter of W. D. Porter, a native of Virginia who crossed the plains in 1853, and who located near Har- risburg, where his death occurred. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Busey: Oscar L., the oldest son, lives in Canfield, Wash .; W. D. lives in Sodaville, Ore .; Mary is the wife of IV. R. McDanial of Los Angeles, Cal .; Laura is deceased ; Florence is the wife of J. H. Butler of Medford, Ore .; and Annie is deceased. As a Democrat Mr. Busey has served in the Har- risburg council about four years, and for many years he has been a school director and road supervisor. Fraternally he is connected with the Blue Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. With his family he is a member and active worker in the Christian Church. Mr. Busey has invariably proved himself a broad-minded and liberal farmer, a sincere and amiable gentleman, and an enthusiastic advocate of the many ad- vantages to be found in the great northwest.

WILLIAM BAILEY DONACA. The vivid day-dreams of the six. .. n-year-old boy who trudged barefoot gross the plains in 1852 have been more than realized by William Bailey

Donaca, for in financial standing, public spirit and personal integrity, he occupies a high po- sition among the developers of Linn county. A native of Knox county, Ill., Mr. Donaca was born May 4, 1836, his parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Cook) Donaca, being natives, re- spectively, of Virginia and Ohio. Samuel Don- aca came to Ohio at an early day, and in that state enlisted in the war of 1812 as a private. He married in the Buckeye state, and, in 1830, located in Illinois, purchasing a farm of three hundred acres in Knox county. His associa- tion with Oregon began in the fall of 1852; after a long and tedious journey across the plains, he having started April 4, and pro- ceeded via the Platte river route. Locating in Marion county, near Sublimity, he lived until 1862 upon his farm of one hundred and sixty acres, removing then to Lebanon, where he lived in retirement until his death at the age of eighty. His wife, who died in Knox county, Ill., was the mother of nine children, six of whom were sons.

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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 112

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