Portrait and biographical record of the Willamette valley, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 122

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 122

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TIMOTHY DARIUS ALLEN. On the farm near Silverton, adjoining the one where he now lives, T. D. Allen was born, February 21, 1854, a representative of one of the pioneer families of 1852. His father, Henry Allen, one of the self-made men who have contributed to the upbuilding of this part of the state, was born in Tennessee. in December, 1827, and when a small boy removed with his parents to Illinois. He was reared on a farm, and was an indus- trious, ambitious lad, who kept his eyes and ears open, and impatiently awaited an opportunity to better his condition. He managed to save enough

JAMES HAYES.

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money to go to California in 1848, via the Isth- mus of Panama, and there followed mining and prospecting for a couple of years. Returning to Illinois, he married Frances Rockwood, a native of Illinois, who had been reared and educated near the home of her husband. Together this couple came to Oregon in 1852, outfitting with ox-teams for travel across the plains, and ac- complishing the journey without any special in- cident. At first they conducted a hotel at Salem, but the limited population and the generally pio- neer conditions rendered this enterprise imprac- ticable, and Mr. Allen located on a donation claim of one hundred and twenty-six acres in the Waldo hills. After a short time he bought part of the Leonard farm, upon which he farmed for some years, and in 1866 bought the place now occupied by his son, T. D., three miles south of Silverton, upon which he lived until 1902. At present he is living retired in Silverton, en- joying the competence which has rewarded his years of industrious application. Besides Timothy D., who is the oldest of the chil- dren, there is R. D., a resident of Salem; H. L., a resident of Baker City; Allie, the wife of L. F. Mascher, of this vicinity ; and Adelle, living with her parents in Silverton. Though possessing limited educational facilities in his youth, Mr. Allen became a well read and well informed man, and always took a keen interest in the schools of his district.

Until his marriage, January 4, 1881, with Geneva Aramatha Wolfard, T. D. Allen remained on his father's farm, and thereafter went to housekeeping on a place near Silverton. Mrs. Allen is a daughter of Erhardt Wolfard and was reared near Silverton, her parents having crossed the plains in 1853, locating in the Waldo hills. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Allen, of whom Reber Glenn lives in Silverton ; Lowell Clay lives with his parents; Floyd Wol- fard; Wynola Frances; Dewey Rockwood; and Fay Anita. In 1902 Mr. Allen came to the old home place, where he manages five hundred acres of land, and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. Ten acres are devoted to hop cul- ture. Mr. Allen has never been active in politics, although he is a stanch supporter of Republican interests. He has been road supervisor and school trustee, and like his father has taken a great interest in the cause of education. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World, and is sociable in his tastes, having many warm friends among the surrounding farmers.

JAMES HAYES. During the two score or more years that James Hayes, late of Benton county, resided in this state, he held a position of prominence among the leading agriculturists

of his community, and was a distinguished pio- neer of Oregon, a veteran of the early Indian wars, and the discoverer Gold Hill Mine, in Jackson county. Possessing excellent business capacity, sound judgment, and an integrity that was never questioned, he met with deserved suc- cess in the various enterprises with which he was identified. An upright man, a good citizen, a kind husband, indulgent father, and a firm friend, his loss will long be felt, and his memory cher- ished by all who enjoycd his acquaintance or friendship. A native of New York, he was born May 20, 1833, and died January 8, 1903, on his farm near Oak creek, Benton county, Ore.

Reared on a farm, he went with his parents from the Empire state to Illinois when a boy, and resided there until 1852. Hoping in the far west to improve his financial condition, he then joined a party coming across the plains with ox-teams, and as a passenger paid $100 for his transpor- tation. Coming directly to Oregon, he located in Jackson county, where he resided about eleven years, in the meantime having varied ex- periences in pioneer life. While working for Mr. Chavner, in April, 1859, Mr. Hayes went out one morning on horseback to assist a man named Wilson in the finding of a blind mule, which had strayed away. In going down the side of the mountain near Rogue river, his saddle became loosened, and he was thrown to the ground, much to the amusement of Mr. Wil- son. In recinching his saddle, Mr. Hayes picked up a piece of brownish quartz which he saw shin- ing on the ground, and showed it to his com- panion, who pronounced it of no value. After the finding of the poor old mule, Mr. Wilson left for California. Mr. Hayes subsequently showed the rock which he had found to a man named Ish, who spent the night at his cabin, and he declared there was gold in the specimen.

Two weeks later Mr. Ish returned to the cabin, bringing with him an emigrant, and the three men at once proceeded to the mountain side where the quartz had been picked up. Reaching the point where he had been unhorsed, Mr. Hayes at once picked up another rock that seemed to be half gold, and soon saw that the ground round- about was thickly strewn with similar pieces of quartz for a distance of two hundred yards or so, the place having since then been known as Gold Hill. Continuing along the gold-lined path- way until a rock of steel-gray color was reached, Mr. Hayes there applied the pick which he liad brought with him, and discovered it to be liter- ally filled with the golden metal. The three men were nearly wild with excitement, and sat down to consider what had best be done under the circumstances. Not being willing to trust Ish to go alone to Jacksonville, as he had proposed, his proclivity for drink being known, the emi-

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grant was left to guard the gold plant, while Mr. Hayes went with Ish to secure filing papers, which were prepared by Mr. Huffman, clerk of the court.

Ish, as expected, was soon under the influence of poor whiskey; and Mr. Hayes returned alone. Stopping at his cabin to get a grub stake, he proceeded to Gold Hill, where he and the emi- grant tented that night. Ish having given away the secret of the discovery while drunk, at least one hundred and fifty men were on the ground the next morning, and within three days Gold Hill was swarming with miners of all kinds and conditions, crowding about so thickly that no further investigations could be made for a week. Small pieces of quartz were given away, and these proved rich with the shiny metal, one small piece given to a man named Bili Ballard netting him $120. Spreading their blanket over the rich specimens which they picked up from time to time, Mr. Hayes and the emigrant slept each night on the rocky bed, but even then could not prevent the miners from stealing valuable speci- mens from under their heads. Ish, as one of the three partners who had secured the claim, gave Messrs. Long and Miller, two notorious gam- blers, an interest in the mine, and Mr. Hayes, with characteristic generosity, made his friend, Tom Chavner, a stockholder, likewise. The emi- grant sold one third of his interest for $5,000. Mr. Hayes deposited $3,000 which he had picked up with Murray & Davis, in Jacksonville, and, being a tenderfoot, easily imposed upon, and with no idea of the immense value of his find, sold his Gold Hill interests to Charles Williams & Co., for $4,000. These men subsequently persuaded him that the money he had already taken from the mine rightfully belonged to them, so he lost his $3,000 also. The gold pocket which Mr. Hayes discovered, and from which he realized such an insignificant sum was in reality worth $300,000.

Removing to Polk county in 1863, Mr. Hayes followed farming for four or five years, then located in Benton county, buying a farm about eight miles south of Corvallis. In 1872 he re- moved to the city of Corvallis, where he carried on an extensive business as a money broker. amassing a valuable estate. He subsequently purchased five hundred acres of land near Oak Creek, and was there living at the time of his death, which came without warning. In addi- tion to his farm he owned other valuable pieces of real estate, including considerable town prop- erty. Beginning life poor in pocket, hut rich in courage and strength, he was in truth a self- made man and the architect of his own fortunes, his prosperity being due solely to his own earnest efforts.

On October 20, 1861, Mr. Hayes married

Caroline Henkle, who crossed the plains with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henkle, in 1853, and set- tled in Jackson county, Ore. Of the seven chil- dren born of their union, five are now living, namely: Sarah B., wife of Thomas Bell, of Corvallis; Cora A., wife of I. Hunter, of Water- ville, Wash .; Nancy B., wife of E. Phillips, of Corvallis ; John William, of Corvallis ; and Clyde, who assists his mother in the management of the home farm. Although interested in local, state and national affairs, Mr. Hayes never aspired to public office. He was a Republican in politics, invariably supporting the principles of his party at the polls.

JACOB AMSTUTZ. The highly improved and prosperous condition of Marion county is in a large degree due to its farming population, which is for the most part composed of men who are strong in character, energetic in disposition, sensible in judgment and prompt to see and take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself. Among this class of citizens it is but just to mention the name and give a short résumé of the life of Jacob Amstutz. In the province of Alsace, then a part of France, but since 1871 under the protection of the German empire, his parents were born and there received their edu- cation and early training. At a very early day the father came to our hospitable shores, unac- companied by any of his kinsmen, and at once sought work at his trade, wagonmaking. This remunerative employment he continued to fol- low until he retired from business life. In the early days he went to New Orleans, and thence traveled extensively through various parts of the country, finally locating in Allen county, Ohio. He lived to enjoy a peaceful old age, passing away in his eighty-first year. He was preceded many years by his faithful wife, who at the time of her death was fifty-five years of age.

Twelve children were born to the parents of Jacob Amstutz, and of the six who are now liv- ing he is the only one who resides on the Pacific coast. His birth occurred at Bluffton, Allen county, Ohio, November 27, 1854. In the dis- trict schools in the neighborhood of his early home he received his first knowledge of books. To prepare himself for an independent life he learned the carpenter's trade, and for twenty years, more or less, followed this calling. Not content with the limited possibilities of his home surroundings, in 1877, when twenty-three years of age. lie crossed the country, with Oregon as his goal. Work at his trade he found awaiting him in Polk county, and after carrying on the same there for two years he located on Howel!'s prairie, Marion county. It was in the latter place, in 1880, that he took as his life companion

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Miss Rosina Biery, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio. The young people at once took up their abode in the Waldo hills, where they have since resided, with the exception of two years spent in Salem, Mr. Amstutz in the mean- time following his trade.

Mr. Amstutz's landed possessions aggregate one hundred and eight and one-half acres, fifty of which have been improved and are under cul- tivation. Great credit is due the enterprising owner, as when he came into possession of the tract it was but partly improved, and all the im- provements now to be seen are due to his untir- ing efforts. General farming and stock-raising form his principal industries. Into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Amstutz seven children were born, and of these four died in infancy. Of those who were reared, Elizabeth died at the age of twelve years, and Melvina, aged eighteen, and Theo- dore E., aged one year, are at home with their parents. Aside from his personal interests Mr. Amstutz finds time to assist in matters of public concern, as is shown by his seven years' service as clerk of the school board. He has also ren- dered valuable service in the capacity of road supervisor. In politics he is independent, prin- ciple, not party, gaining his vote.

D. W. GIBSON. In this age when so much is heard of public corruption in places of official preferment, it is interesting and gratifying to find a man who regards a public office as a public trust, and who brings to the discharge of his duties the same loyalty and earnest attention which he would give to the conduct of individ- ual business interests. Such an official is D. W. Gibson, the efficient chief of police of Salem.

Mr. Gibson was born in Pike county, Ill., near Pittsfield. The grandfather, Samuel Gibson, who was of Scoth-Irish descent and for many years followed farming in Missouri, spent his last vear in Illinois. His son, Guoyan Gibson, the father of D. W. Gibson, was born in Pike county, Mo., and afterward resided in Pike county, Ill. In 1850 he started for the northwest on the overland trip, which seemed of much greater distance at that time than at the present, when the railroad has bridged over space and practi- cally annihilated time. He was accompanied by his wife and five children, two daughters and three sons, and they traveled with a four-horse wagon upon the six-months' trip, being a part of the wagon train commanded by Captain Ball. While en route the Indians stole their stock, but perhaps they were fortunate in escaping with their lives, as many of the emigrants met death at the hands of the treacherous red men. Arriv- ing in Oregon in the fall, the father settled upon a donation claim of six hundred and forty acres

twelve miles southeast of Salem, in the Mill creek bottom, there establishing a pioneer home in which the family lived while he broke his land and brought his farm to a high state of improve- ment. He died there about 1894, at the age of seventy-two, but his wife is still living at the age of eighty-one. He was long an exemplary Mason and one of the valued frontiersmen of his locality. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Ann Taylor and was born in Kentucky, a daughter of William Taylor, who settled in Illi- nois at an early day. In the Gibson family were three sons and four daughters, and six of the family are yet living. An uncle of our subject, Davis Gibson, first crossed the plains in 1845, after which he returned to Illinois, but in 1852 he came again to the northwest, settling in Polk county. Other uncles-George and Albert Gib- son-also came in 1852, and thus the family contributed in no small degree to the development and upbuilding of Oregon. D. W. Gibson is the eldest of his father's family, the others being Henry, who resides on the old home farm; Mrs. Mary McHaley, of Heppner, Ore .; Mrs. Ellen Hobson, who died in Marion county ; Mrs. Mattie Lucas, who also passed away in this county ; George, of Salem; and Mrs. Frankie Putnam, of Walla Walla, Wash.

The natal day of D. W. Gibson was September 5. 1846, and therefore he was only about six years of age when the family arrived in this state. Upon the home farm he was reared and in the district schools he pursued his studies until eighteen years of age, when he began earning his own living by working as a farm hand. In 1866 he went to the mines in the Boise basin of Idaho, where he remained for two years, mining and prospecting, when there occurred an acci- dent that covered him with loose dirt up to the neck and his head was under water. A friend however, discovered him, and held his head up until the water had washed the dirt away and he was rescued. For two weeks, however, he was ill and then returned to Oregon to recuperate on the home farm. In 1869 he made his way to the Grande Ronde valley in eastern Oregon, where he was engaged in breaking horses on a large horse ranch for a year, when he returned home, and for three years thereafter was engaged in clerking in Stayton. He also spent two years in Sacramento, Cal.

About that time Mr. Gibson was married and located on a farm near Stayton, and later he removed to Grant county, Orc., where for two vears he was engaged in raising sheep. In 1887 he became a resident of Salem and accepting the position of superintendent of the farming depart- ment of the penitentiary, acted in that capacity for over two years, when in 1890 he was appointed to a position on the police force of

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Salem, acting as night policeman for seven years. During this period he served for one year as deputy sheriff. In the December election of 1898 he was chosen by popular suffrage on the Citizens' ticket for the office of city marshal, was re-elected in 1900 and again in 1902 and is thus head of the police force. Under his administra- tion radical changes and improvements have been made in the police system of the city and his course inspires the confidence of all law-abiding citizens and is a menace to evil-doers.

Mr. Gibson was married in Stayton to Miss Ora A. Wilcox, a native of this state and a daughter of Thomas Wilcox, who came to Ore- gon in the period of its early development. Mrs. Gibson died in Portland and their son, Eugene, died in 1901, at the age of twenty-six years, while Grace, now Mrs. Eves, is a resident of Portland. For his second wife Mr. Gibson chose Miss Minnie Daniels, who was born in the east. They were married in Salem in 1898, and they now have a daughter, Ruth. Mr. Gibson has always been a stalwart Republican, interested in the welfare and success of his party, but never allowing party bias to influence him in the faith- ful performance of his duty. Socially he is identified with the Odd Fellows lodge here. Without fear or favor, he has discharged the duties of his office promptly and capably and has supervision over the members of the city police force in a way that results in loyalty in all who represent this department of the city government.

H. W. KAUPISCH. Among the business men of Corvallis who have made a success work- ing along the line of their own methods is H. W. Kaupisch, proprietor of the two large crean ?- eries, the Corvallis and Halsey, which consume the greater part of the milk produced in this section of the country. Upon the purchase of the Corvallis creamery, Mr. Kaupisch put in the latest and most approved machinery, steam being the motive power, this purchase in 1901 being followed by that of the Halsey creamery in 1902, it also using the same motive power. In the latter the simplex churn is used. The production from the Corvallis creamery is im- mense as to the quantity, and the fame of its quality has reached all the adjacent cities, and the demand far exceeds the supply. The butter is sent direct to the retail dealers in Portland, and in that city principally, has won its just renown.

The congeniality which this employment has for Mr. Kaupisch has been the growth of years, his father, J. C. Kaupisch, having followed this business for many years. The latter, a native of Saxony, Germany, gave up his employment of this nature to cmigrate to the United States,

where, with the broader opportunities and less crowded living, he hoped to accomplish greater things in his work. He first settled in Elgin, Ill., where for twelve years he was employed by John Newman & Co., as superintendent of their creameries there. Later he ventured to Califor- nia, following the business on his own account in that state; from California to Carson City, Nev., then to Vancouver, Wash., and Portland, Ore., in each place spending some time in his chosen work. A veteran in the business he assists very materially in his son's affairs, the home of the older man also being in Corvallis.

H. W. Kaupisch was born in Saxony, Ger- many, the oldest child in his father's family, which followed him to America in i886, where they made their home in Elgin, the young lad gaining his education in the public schools of that city. At thirteen years of age, however, he left school to assist in his father's business. He was capable and bright, and early gave promise of the success which is now making him prosperous among the citizens of Corvallis. After assisting in California he followed his father to Vancouver, and in 1891 took charge of the creamery there, where he remained for four years. In Portland he had charge of the butter- making department of F. C. Barnes' creamery, later taking a more important position in the Kaupisch creamery, after which he returned to California, and engaged in the Bakersfield creamery, where he remained for one year. After his return to Oregon he managed the Cor- vallis branch of the Hazelwood creamery of Portland, in 1900, in 1901 inaugurating the busi- ness which has grown to such splendid propor- tions.

Not only one of the most successful men in the creamery business in the Willamette val- ley and one who thoroughly understands from long experience every detail of the management that makes for success, Mr. Kaupisch has made himself a popular man in the city of Corvallis were lis exceptional ability is widely known and appreciated. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

JOHN ENGLISH. For nearly four decades the life and work of John English have been closely interwoven with the history of the devel- opment of the agricultural interests of the Will- amette valley. He was born near Washington, Daviess county, Ind., March 7, 1837, and is the only son born to John and Sarah (Smiley) English. Sarah (Smiley) English removed to Oregon with her son, and spent the remainder of her life with him. She was born in Sullivan county, Tenn., October 15, 1812, and died at

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the home of her son in Silverton, Ore., March 2, 1900. Her husband died October 16, 1854, in Daviess county, Ind. His parents emigrated from Tennessee during the pioneer days of Indiana, in which state they continued in their occupation of farming, rearing their son in this vocation. He received his education in the dis- trict schools maintained in the vicinity of his home. Until he arrived at the age of twenty- eight years he remained with his parents, assist- ing in the operation of the farm. At that time, believing the prospects for a successful career were better on the Pacific coast than at his home, he decided to come to Oregon. He made the journey hence in 1865, and soon after his arrival purchased the farm in Marion county upon which he has since resided. During the thirty-eight years of his residence upon it, the place has so changed as to be unrecognizable as the tract he selected at that time. The farm con- sists of one hundred and thirty acres, and is pleasantly situated three and one-half miles north- west of Silverton. Sixty acres are under culti- vation, eighteen acres of which are devoted to hops. Mr. English is engaged at present in general farming and stock-raising, in which he has met with uniform success.

On January 1, 1871, Mr. English was united in marriage with Alice Hendricks, a native of Marion county, Ore., and the daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Morrison) Hendricks, who crossed the plains about 1850 and took up land in this county. Mrs. English was left an orphan at a very early age. The married life of this couple began on the place where they are now spend- ing the evening of their life contentedly together. Seven children have blessed their union, all of whom are living. In the order of their birth thev are named as follows: Willard and Willis, who are located in the vicinity of their birthplace ; Linnie, wife of Leroy Simeral of Macleay, Ore .; John; Osa, wife of Norris J. Thomas, residing on a part of the home farm; Elvin, who resides at home; and Sadie, at home. The family have all enjoyed good educational facilities, and Mr. English's sons are becoming good, worthy citizens.

Mr. English has been a useful man in his com- munity. He has taken a deep and unselfish inter- est in public affairs, and does all in his power to advance the material welfare of Marion county. His interest in the cause of education is illustrated by the fact that he has served for fifteen years as clerk of the school board, and has always advocated securing the best possible teachers for the school in his district. In religion he is a member of the Christian Church, to the support of which he is a liberal contributor. In politics he is independent, preferring to keep himself free from allegiance to any particular party, and

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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 122

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