Portrait and biographical record of the Willamette valley, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 136

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 136

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Of French-Canadian ancestry, Mr. Buskey was born in Michigan, and at a very early age was thrown on his own resources. In 1859 he had the opportunity to come to Oregon with a Samuel Gouley, and in Marion county worked on a farm for Mathias Gouley until 1861. Hoping to find a short road to fortune, Mr. Buskey went to Idaho in 1861, and after two seasons of experience as a miner, re- turned to Oregon, and was glad of a position on a farm. With the money thus earned he bought some mining claims near Boise, Idaho, and this time was more fortunate, making con- siderable money. His total experience as a miner covers a space of six years.

In Marion county, Ore., he married, in 1871, Elizabeth Bauer, who was born in Missouri in 1848, and came with her parents to Marion county, Ore. Her father, Andrew Bauer, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1810, and came to America with his wife in 1837, settling in Indiana. Later he removed to Missouri, and from there came to Oregon over the plains, six months being consumed in reaching The Dalles. From there he came to Portland in a skiff, and thence to Champoeg, arriving in the latter town with a wife, three children and five dollars in money. Fortunately he soon found friends, for he was allowed to live in a small house on the Kennedy farm, but the same year made arrangements to buy the right to a do- nation claim of two hundred and forty acres. Soon after he started a blacksmith shop on his place. In the spring of 1849 he went to Sutter Mills, Cal., where he mined with considerable success until fall. Returning, he joined his wife on their place, and made that his home until his death in 1884. For many years he con- ducted his little shop, and was well known in his neighborhood as a skilled workman and honorable man. His last years were compara- tively lonely for his wife died in 1869, having reared nine children, three of whom are living. these are Mrs. Buskey; Fred, who is a resi- dent of Woodburn ; and Katie, the wife of Wil- liam Chambers, of Portland.

After his marriage Mr. Buskey rented Mr. Baner's farm until the death of the latter, and

he then purchased the right of the other heirs, thus owning the entire farm. Four children have been born to himself and wife, of whom Mary E. is a teacher ; Elsie was educated in St. Paul convent ; Theresa was educated at Mount Angel Convent ; and Frank is a graduate of the Mount Angel College. Mr. Buskey is a Re- publican in politics, and his wife and children are members of the Catholic Church. He is in- dustrious and prosperous, and in his commun- ity is esteemed for his thrift and success. He is entirely a self-made man, having been thrown upon his own resources in his youth by the death of his father.

BARNEY KENNEDY. Although so many years have elapsed since the death of Barney Kennedy, December 28, 1865, there are many , old settlers in Marion county who recall this earnest pioneer, who crossed the plains in 1847, bringing with him a rich Irish nature and capacity for hard work, and in time becoming the possessor of twelve hundred acres of land.

Born at Blown Rock, County Donegal, Ire- land, in 1811, Mr. Kennedy remained on the small and unproductive farm until his youth was passed, and then made his way across the sea to Canada, where he lived for a few years. Coming from Canada to the United States, he located in Joliet, Ill., and there met and mar- ried, in February, 1839, Arah Underwood, who was born in Orange county, Ind., February 10, 1819, and of which union there have been born the following children : Charles, de- ceased; John, now living in Woodburn; Wil- liam, living on the home place; Thomas, de- ceased; Hugh, deceased; Mary, and Sarah, both on the home farm. After his marriage Mr. Kennedy removed to Louisa county, Iowa, where he remained until 1847, and that year outfitted with his brother, John, for the journey over the plains. Each of the brothers had a wagon with three yoke of oxen, and on the way they crossed the Missouri river at St. Joseph, taking the usual six months for the trip.

Arriving in Oregon, Mr. Kennedy purchased the right of Mr. Doughran to six hundred and forty acres of land, upon which had already been erected a small round-log cabin, into which the family moved and began to make themselves comfortable. In time the cabin was supplanted by a hewed-log house. The farm was improved to a considerable extent during the life-time of Mr. Kennedy, whose start in life may be ascribed partially to mining, in which he engaged in California during 1849. He crossed the mountains with pack mules in the spring, was successful as a miner and pros-

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pector, and returned in the fall considerably richer than when he left Oregon. In his day agricultural improvements had not attained their present perfection, but as far as possible, he kept pace with those around him, and made of his property a valuable and paying one. His large farm is still in the possession of his family, and Sarah, his youngest daughter, has the superintending of nine hundred acres. She has a hop-yard of fourteen acres, and is con- ducting general farming and stock-raising. She is a woman of good business and general judgment, as evidenced by her wise disposition of her land, and its large yearly profits. Mrs. Kennedy is still residing on the homestead, in good health and quite active in spite of the eighty-four years of her life.

GUILFORD BARNARD. Prominent today- as a man of sterling worth, Guilford Barnard has won his position in Benton county through a half century of the strenuous living which characterized the pioneers in the state of Oregon in the days when men's lives were counted small in the balance with the statehood which sagacious minds foresaw for this section of the country. It was in 1852 that Mr. Barnard was first num- bered among the citizens of the west, and since that date he has lived a strong, influential life. now occupying an enviable place in the esteem of all those with whom he has come in con- tact, as a financial, social and moral power, un- selfishly given for the growth of the community.

A native of Bourbon county, Ky., Guilford Barnard was born February 9, 1825, the son of a farmer, who, in 1834, removed to Missouri and in 1844 to Illinois. In the latter state the father and mother spent the remaining years of their lives, dying there in the sixty-sixth year of their agcs. Mr. Barnard was one of seven chil- dren, and he was educated principally in the district schools of Missouri, at the age of twenty-one leaving the home which was then in the state of Illinois to make his own way in the world. With no capital but energy and industry he began working as a farm hand in Adams county, Ill., following the training which had been his from earliest childhood. Until the spring of 1852 he continued in that work, but was then impelled to undertake the journey into the west for the sake of the opportunities of- fered in the new lands. Outfitting with ox- teams and the necessary articles for such a trip he started with his family across the plains that year, and though during the six months no trouble was experienced from the Indians, the dread disease of cholera claimed many victims among the emigrants to the west. Fortunately Mr. Barnard suffered but a mild attack of the

disease and came through safely, spending his first winter in Clackamas county, Ore., in the spring of 1853 locating on a donation claim of three hundred and twenty acres, situated seven miles east of Harrisburg, Linn county. For four years this was the home of the Barnard family, after which they removed to another place in the same neighborhood, where they remained until 1869. In the last named year Mr. Barnard came into Benton county and purchased six hundred acres, located one mile east of Bellfountain, and a part of which purchase now forms their farm of the present day. Immediately after invest- ing in the land Mr. Barnard set to work to improve the farm, now boasting the best build- ings in the way of dwelling, barns, etc., in the vicinity. The house is situated on an elevation which gives an outlook over the broad sweep of the valley, making an ideal location for a home. Mr. Barnard now owns four hundred and sixty- five acres, upon which he carries on general farming and stock-raising, and excelling in every line which he attempts.

The marriage of Mr. Barnard occurred April I, 1849, and united him with Catherine Wigle, who was born in Adams county, Ill., April 2, 1832. Of the six children born to them two now survive and are named as follows: Mary M. and Francis M. The former is the wife of S. C. Starr, of this vicinity, and the latter makes his home with his parents. Landa W., the old- est child, died of cholera while crossing the plains with his parents. In politics Mr. Barnard is a Republican, and has filled many minor of- fices in the interests of that party. Though not affiliating with any church organization, Mr. Barnard has certainly taken for his guide in life the precepts taught by the golden rule, for he has let pass no opportunity to extend a helping hand to another weaker than himself and to remember with kindness the helpless. In addi- tion to his own children four others owe to him the care and attention which they missed from a parent's hand, remembering gratefully the happy years spent in Mr. Barnard's home. In public affairs ever broad-minded and open-hearted, he was a moving power in the establishment of the United Brethren College at Philomath, on the board of which he served for many years.

ADAM RADIR. The successful farmers of Benton county include Adam Radir, one of the many sons of the German empire to cast their lot with the fertility and bounty of Oregon. In his youth in the fatherland, where he was born July 29, 1830, he learned the blacksmith trade of his father, and practiced the same for several years in his home locality. His work was inter- rupted however, by the national demand for his

E. O. Tobuy

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

military services, and he served three years in barracks and on the field ere lie resumed work at his trade. He was successful as a master mechanic; and, being able to command corres- pondingly good wages, managed to get ahead financially.

Thinking to widen his prospects, Mr. Radir disposed of his shop in Germany and came to the United States in a sailing vessel in 1852, and in Pittsburg found work at his trade until 1876. The same year he married Margaret Lieson, a native of Ireland, and with her came to the west, purchasing soon afterward the farm of one hun- dred and eighty-one acres upon which he now lives, and which is located one and a half miles east of Corvallis. From time to time he has added to his land, and now has two hundred and ninety-three acres. It is no exaggeration to say that this is one of the finest properties in the neighborhood, for Mr. Radir has wide-awake ideas of farming and things in general, and means to avail himself of modern inventions insofar as they appeal to his common sense and practicability. His home is modern, his barns large and convenient, his fences kept in good repair, and there is a general air of neatness which suggests a master hand at the helm of affairs.

Politically Mr. Radir is a Republican, but 10 office-seeker, and fraternally he is associated with the Free and Accepted Masons. To himself and wife have been born four children: Mary is living in Corvallis; Sadie is in Pennsylvania ; Permilla is at home; and William T. is deceased. This part of Oregon has no more substantial advocate than this very successful agriculturist, who has made many friends, and in innumerable ways shown a degree of public-spiritedness con- sistent with the continued prosperity of this county.

EDGAR O. TOBEY. One of the most ex- tensive and prosperous wheat growers of Ore- gon is E. O. Tobey, a resident of Eugene, who owns and operates a large wheat ranch in Gilliam county. Possessing keen business ability and excellent judgment, he has been unusually fortunate in his agricultural opera- tions, and through his own strenuous efforts has accumulated a competency. He was born in Tuscola, Mich., December 31, 1852, a de- scendant of an old New England family, his grandfather, Samuel Tobey, having been a life-long resident of Eliot, Me., and his father, Oliver P. Tobey, a native of the same place.

Born in Eliot, Me., February 26, 1826, Oliver P. Tobey was there reared and educated. Fol- lowing the tide of emigration westward, he went to Tuscola, Mich., in early manhood,

and there began life for himself with no other means than stout hands and a willing heart. Energetic and persevering, he accumulated money, and in course of time became the owner of a well improved farm. Removing to Oregon in 1884, he engaged in farming in Gilliam county for eight years, then went back to his Michigan home, where he remained eight years. Returning again to Oregon, in 1900, he lived retired from the activities of life, in Eugene, until his death, April 14, 1903, at the age of seventy-seven years. He was a strong Republican in politics, and a member of the Baptist Church. He married Augusta M. Slafter, who was born in Norwich, Vt., and who now resides in Eugene, Ore. Her father, William Slafter, removed from Vermont to Michigan, where he spent his last years. Five children were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver P. Tobey, four sons and one daughter, and of these the sons are living, namely: E. O., the special subject of this sketch ; F. W., a wealthy grain farmer, living at The Dalles, and W. L. and F. L., merchants and farmers in Olex, Gilliam county, Ore.

Brought up on the home farm in Michigan E. O. Tobey obtained his early education in the district schools, and was well trained in agricultural lore while yet young. Hearing through a friend, who settled in Oregon in 1878, of the fine chances for a young man of industry in this fertile country, he and his brother, F. W. Tobey, came to this state in 1879, taking a boat at San Francisco, and from The Dalles proceeding by horseback to Gill- iam county. After working for wages three years, he and his brother invested their earn- ings in a bunch of sheep, intending to embark in business as sheep raisers. In the spring of 1883, they purchased forty acres of land, and in the fall each of them filed on one hundred and sixty acres of near-by land. Fearful of risking their sheep on the range in the winter season, they sold out their stock the next fall, intending to purchase more in the spring. Having a horse, they began plowing their land that fall, and as sheep were very high in price the following spring they gave up their plan of buying more, and continued to work their land, putting in eight acres of wheat, which yielded well, averaging forty bushels an acre. Succeeding so much better than they had cx- pected, Mr. Tobey and his brother continued their agricultural operations as wheat-raisers, and have been exceedingly prosperous. Both have become extensive land owners, having four hundred and eighty acres of tillable land in partnership, besides which Mr. Tobey has three thousand, one hundred and fifty-seven acres in one body, and another wheat ranch of

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nine hundred acres. His land lies thirteen miles south of Arlington, in Gilliam county, and is especially adapted for wheat-raising, producing from twenty-five thousand to thirty thousand bushels each year. In cultivating his land, he uses four large three-bottom, four- teen-inch plows, and employs forty horses. In harvesting their wheat, he and his brother have a steam thresher and header, and stack their grain.

Desirous of making a home for himself and family in the valley, Mr. Tobey purchased a house in Eugene in 1898, and has since re- sided in this city, visiting his ranch three times a year. He owns considerable property of value in Eugene, and is also interested to some extent in timber lands and mines. He is a true type of the self-made man of this state, having made such judicious use of the sev- enty-five dollars that he had when he arrived at The Dalles that the small sum has devel- oped into a fortune, which he is using wisely and well.

Mr. Tobey married, in Halsey, Linn county, Ore., in 1892, Miss Iness Cummings, who was born in that city, of pioneer parents, Berry- man and Hannah (Bond) Cummings. Mr. and Mrs. Tobey have three children, namely : Frank E., Myrtle G and Ralph B. In politics Mr. Tobey is a straightforward Republican, and does all that he can to advance the inter- ests of his party. He was made an Odd Fel- low in Michigan, and now belongs to Spencer Butte Lodge No. 9, I. O. O. F. He is also a member of the Woodmen of the World, and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is prominent in social circles, and belongs to the Commercial Club of Eugene. Mrs. Tobey is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

of blackberries on one side of a log while a huge bear rested against the other. The conditions changed with the passing years, and from hard- ship and privations the family came to that pros- perity which distinguishes the early settler of determination and energy, their labor having brought them ample returns.

Mrs. Sylvester is not a native of the country wherein she has become a citizen of such long standing, having been born in County Donegal, Ireland, in May, 1817. When fourteen years old she came to America, following her parents. Michael and Anne (Scandlin) Burns, both of Irish birth, who had emigrated two years before with one of the children of the family. Michael Burns had located in Wilmington, Del. He was a stone mason by trade and later removed to Phil- adelphia, Pa., where his death occurred in 1833. After the death of her father Anne left home and went to live with a married sister, who had preceded Anne to America, and who lived in Quincy, Ill., later locating in McDonough coun- ty. When eighteen years old she married Lam- bert McTimmonds, who was born in Worcester county, Md., September 10, 1797. When a young man Mr. McTimmonds had removed to Ohio,. becoming a pioneer of that state, from which he later located in Quincy, Ill., where he followed farming and also helped to survey the first rail- road that came into that little city. There the young people made their home for two years, while they conducted a boarding-house, when they removed to Missouri and lived in various places, at one time being residents of St. Louis. Early following the westward trend of civiliza- tion they crossed the plains in 1845, leaving May I and arriving in Portland in October, all the perils and weariness of a journey across the plains with ox-teams being theirs. Their first winter in the west was spent upon Tualatin plains, Washington county, and the following spring they located in Polk county, where Mr. McTimmonds took up his claim in May. Here he engaged in farming and stock-raising being principally interested in the latter, which he con- tinned until his death on the old home place in June, 1878, after an active and useful career as a hardy and practical pioneer.

MRS. ANNE BURNS SYLVESTER. In the establishment of a commonwealth in the northwest there were probably as many women who gave their strength and intelligence to the cause as there were men. In Polk county, Ore., is located the home of one of these self-sacrific- ing and courageous women, Mrs. Anne Burns The children born to Mr. and Mrs. McTim- monds are as follows: Henry C., of Linn coun- tv; Alexander, located in California; Erastus C., on the home place; Joseph, also at home ; other children who are not now living. The number of acres in the farm had been increased to seven hundred and thirteen before the death of the father, and the work of this farm is now conducted by the two sons, Erastus C. and Jo- seph, cultivating one hundred and seventy-five acres, while they are extensively engaged in the Sylvester, but who came to the west as the wife of Lambert McTimmonds, the two being pio- neers of 1845, and together they worked side by side toward the fulfillment of the promises which . and Charles, in eastern Oregon. There were six bespoke the future of Oregon. The valley in which Mrs. Sylvester now lives is known by the name of McTimmonds, as their donation claim of six hundred and forty acres was here taken up when there were no other inhabitants, and when wild animals were their only companions, an experience of Mrs. Sylvester's being the picking

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raising of goats, sheep and general stock. Mr. McTimmonds was a worthy member of the Metli- odist Episcopal Church of Dallas, where his wife now holds membership. In politics he was a Republican.

In Corvallis, in 1879, Mrs. McTimmonds be- came the wife of John Sylvester, a native of Maryland. Mr. Sylvester crossed the plains in 1845 and located in Benton county, taking part in many of the defenses of the country in the early times, and serving valiantly in the Cayuse war in the neighborhood of Snake river. He died in 1890, in Corvallis, and his widow, now in her eight-fifth year is cared for by her two sons, Erastus C. and Joseph, her home being upon the old home place.

HERMANN STOLLE. It is a well known fact that the greater part of Oregon is arable, and large crops are now raised on lands formerly used for grazing or supposed to be unfruitful. It is the cultivation of this land that occupies the attention of H. Stolle, the subject of this biography, who resides on a fine fifty-seven acre farm near Silverton, in Marion county, having been a resident of this state for the past quarter of a century.

Mr. Stolle is a native of Oldenburg, Germany, and he was born November 9, 1853. In choos- ing the occupation of a farmer, he but followed in the footsteps of his forefathers. He attended school in his native country and his education was further supplemented by his attending dis- trict school after coming to the United States. When fifteen years old he accompanied a brother to this country, and they settled in Wisconsin, where young Stolle found employment as farm- hand by the month, continuing to work in that capacity for a few years. He subsequently spent five years in Nebraska at similar work, and in 1878 came to Oregon.

Mr. Stolle followed farm work in the vicinity of Silverton until his marriage, December 2, 1881, with Lena Schnackenberg, daughter of John and Gesche (Schnackenberg) Schnacken- berg. Mrs. Stolle is of German descent but was horn in Minnesota. Immediately after marriage, the young folks went to housekeeping on a farm near Mehama, where they lived four years. The following year they lived on Salem Prairie. Af- terward they moved to Salem and later to Sil- verton. Mr. Stolle was engaged as teamster for some time, but subsequently followed agricul- tural pursuits on a farm south of Salem for a brief period, previous to locating permanently on his present farm near Silverton, which he purchased in the fall of 1900.

He carries on general farming and stock-rais- ing, having about twelve acres of hops. Many

modern improvements have been made on his farm, which is located about two miles north of Silverton. Mr. and Mrs. Stolle have five chil- dren, namely: Rena, Jessie, Elda, Violet and Omar. Politically, our subject is a stanch sup- porter of the Republican party and in fraternal circles ranks among the members of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and Ancient Order of United Workmen.

ROBERT GLASS. A prominent name among those of the original settlers of Craw- fordsville is that of Robert Glass, who, until his death July 13, 1903, was closely connected with the development and advancement of this part of Linn county. During the fifty or more years which he passed here he was influential in pro- moting its agricultural and mercantile industries, and was a prime mover in establishing many beneficial enterprises. When he first came to this locality the country was but thinly popu- lated, wild beasts roamed the wilds, Indians were numerous, and, as there were no markets near, the pioneers subsisted chiefly on farm products or game. He lived to see populous cities and towns spring up in the wilderness, finely cul- tivated. well stocked farms on every hand, and the luxuries of the seasons grace the farmers' tables. A native of Ohio, he was born January 28, 1823, in Jefferson county, near Steubenville, and lived there until eleven years old. In 1834 he removed with his parents to Warren county, Ill., near Monmouth, and there grew to man's estate.

In 1849, fired with enthusiasm by the reported discovery of gold in California, Mr. Glass de- termined to try his fortune in the land of glow- ing promise. Therefore, in partnership with three Hanna brothers, he purchased an outfit consisting of two wagons and four yoke of oxen, and on April 1, 1849, started for the Pacific coast. Arriving in California August 12, after a safe and comparatively short journey, he was engaged in mining on Bear river for awhile, but was not very successful. He subsequently made some money hauling freight from Sacramento to the mines, where he sold flour at $1.00 per pound, but in his next venture, which was that of hiring men to make shingles, he lost money. In the spring of 1850 he spent a few months in buying gold claims opposite Nevada City, and at Gold Run, but did not find his transactions very profit- able. In June, 1850, Mr. Glass came to Oregon, crossing the mountains with a pack train, con- sisting of nine horses, journeying through the Rogue river Indian country. Settling in Linn county he looked about for a favorable location, and in the fall took up three hundred and twenty acres of land at Crawfordsville, lying mostly

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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 136

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