Portrait and biographical record of the Willamette valley, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 144

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 144

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Two years after his marriage, in 1867, Captain Howd moved upon a farm of two hundred acres, now owned by Reuben Lee, where he resided for

two years. This property he then traded for the farm which has since been his home.

Captain Howd became a charter member of the Salem Grange, and has since transferred his membership to the Grange at Macleay. In re- ligion he is identified with the Christian Church. Politically, he affiliates with the Democratic party, but he has never aspired to or been willing to accept political office. Notwithstanding his own large family he has added to the responsibilities of his household by adopting a homeless boy named John Ulrich, who is still living with him, and who came to his home when eight years of age.

The benefactions of Captain Howd are always quietly and unostentatiously conducted, and rarely reach the ears of the public. The record of his life is free from blemish-that of an upright, honorable man. No man in the county is more fully entitled to a permanent place among the representative men of the Willamette valley than he, and the careers of few afford a greater inspir- ation to the youth of today.

WILLIAM L. CUMMINGS, formerly princi- pal of the Oregon State Reform School for Boys, is eminently qualified for responsibilities of that character, his experience for many years as an educator having given him a thorough knowl- edge of human nature, and a patience and wis- dom in dealing with children. During his resi- dence in Oregon Mr. Cummings has touched upon various phases of endeavor in the north- west, has been successful as an agriculturist and horticulturist, and has served his community with distinction in the legislature.

A native of the vicinity of Racine, Walworth county, Wis., Mr. Cummings was born Septem- ber 7, 1848, and when five years of age moved with his parents to Berlin, in the same state. His youth was a somewhat migratory one, for his father was a lumberman, and prosecuted his business in several lumbering localities in the state, finally locating on a farm in Clark county in 1862. The son was educated in the public schools and at Galesville University, and at the age of nineteen began a period of teaching in the graded schools of Trempealeau county covering sixteen years. In 1884 he was elected county superintendent of schools in Trempealeau county, and while serving thus for eight years, materially elevated the standard of education in the district over which he had control. In 1893 he removed to Oregon, purchased near Shaw five acres of land, and made thereon many fine improvements. He now owns forty-five acres. At first he set out five acres in Italian prunes, and at the present time he has nine acres under this favorite fruit,. and five acres under apples, pears, and cherries.

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Refreshed by a year of experience in the country, Mr. Cummings returned to his former occupation, and after teaching for a year at Turner, acted as assignee for a bankrupt store at Shaw for a year. In the meantime he had become active in politics, and in 1898 was elected to the legislature on the Republican ticket, serv- ing in the special and regular sessions. In the spring of 1899 he was appointed principal of the Oregon State Reform School for Boys, a position maintained by him with great satisfac- tion to all concerned.

In 1872 Mr. Cummings was united in marriage with Adelaide Bunn, of which union there have been born the following children: Florence, a teacher; Carroll, for some time a teacher in the public schools of Oregon and Washington; Susie, the wife of Otis Bates; Sybil, a graduate of the State Agricultural College at Corvallis, class of 1903; Alson, attending the Salem Busi- ness College; Arthur and Laura. The Cum- mings family are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Cummings retired from the prin- cipalship of the Reform School April 1, 1903, and since then has devoted his time to the culture of fruit.

MARY E. HUNT. A woman who, herself a success financially, gives generously of her abundance, contributes in countless ways to the happiness and well-being of those around her. Such an one is Mary E. Hunt, of Scio, known to all, and lovingly called " Aunt Mary." There is no more popular residence in the town than that owned and occupied by this earnest and kind- hearted business woman, who loans money, looks after her large property interests, and is a stanch supporter of the Missionary Baptist Church.

Before her marriage Mrs. Hunt was Mary E. Shelton, and she was born in Jackson county, Mo., April 2, 1837. Her father, Hayman Shel- ton, was born in the Old Dominion state, and there married Priscilla Fitzgerald, also a native of Virginia, who died at the home of her son in Linn county in 1876, at the age of seventy-seven years. After his marriage, Mr. Shelton removed to North Carolina, thence going to Missouri, locating on a farm in Jackson county. This he afterward sold, and bought a farm in Andrew county, near St. Joseph, which continued to be his home until crossing the plains in 1847. In the meantime twelve children had been born into the family, seven sons and five daughters, of whom four sons and four daughters are living. The children were all members of the little party which set out on its perilous journey, and, from May until October, endured the hardships of travel by day, and precarious camping at night. Mr. Shelton looked around him in Oregon for a

desirable location, and finally selected a claim six miles east of Scio on Thomas creek, where he lived until his death, March 8, 1876, seven months before the death of his wife.

The children were reared to habits of thrift and industry, and each was obliged to perform his or her share towards the general support. Mary E. was no exception, and the discipline was beneficial, for she grew into a strong and self-reliant woman, learning her lessons of life from her immediate surroundings, rather than from the country school which she attended ir- regularly. After coming to Oregon she lived on the home farm, making herself useful in its management, and each year developing the lov- able and generous traits of character which are the delight of her friends of today. In 1857 Enoch Hunt, who had been in California, and was on a visit to his brother in Oregon, became acquainted with Miss Shelton, admired her character and at- tainments, and finally persuaded her to share his life fortunes. They were married in the fall of 1864, and their united life proved a very happy one.

Enoch Hunt was born in North Carolina, July 25, 1825, his father, Nathan, being a native of the same state. The family moved to Missouri at a very early day, and at Lone Jack the father owned a farm, distillery and flouring mill, which he operated with considerable success. The re- mainder of his life was spent in Missouri, where he lived to an advanced age, honored and esteemed by all who knew him. Enoch came to California across the plains in 1852, by means of slow-moving oxen, the journey last- ing about six months. He was fairly successful in the mines, and when he came to Oregon had no intention of remaining. A year after his marriage he took his wife to California, and in Napa county they lived on a beautiful ranch devoted to deciduous fruits and general farming, and where the rest of their married life was spent. Here Mr. Hunt died in 1887, leav- ing a very comfortable fortune to the wife who had been his companion and sympathizer. He was a quiet, unassuming man, and after he came to California thought it the garden spot of the world. He was a Democrat in politics, but chose rather the quiet of home life than the strife and uncertainty of political office-seeking.

After her husband's death Mrs. Hunt came to Scio, and she has since been the promoter of multitudinous good works, and many business in- terests. Her sympathetic ear is always attentive to the woes of others, and she invariably has good cheer and practical counsel with which to dispel discouragement and hopelessness. Truly " Aunt Mary " occupies an enviable place in the hearts of those who comprise the community of Scio.

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

COLLIN AUSTIN WALLACE. No state can boast of a more heroic band of pioneers than Oregon. There came to the northwest men who were not adventurers or fortune seekers, but were intent upon establishing homes for them- selves and families and of founding a commun- ity of law-abiding citizens who wished to take advantage of the natural resources of this portion of the country. Mr. Wallace was a representative of this class, and in the years of his business career he has gained success. He is thoroughly familiar with the early history of the state, his memory forming a connecting link between the primitive past and the pro- gressive present. He arrived in Oregon in 1852, coming to this state from the Mississippi valley. His birth occurred in Branch county, near Coldwater, Mich., January 17, 1834, his parents being Timothy and Roxy (Thurston) Wallace. The father was born in Connecticut and the grandfather, Payne Wallace, died in that state. The family is of Scotch descent and was established in New England in colon- ial days. Timothy Wallace removed from Connecticut to Branch county, Mich., where he improved a good farm upon which he spent the remainder of his life. His wife was a native of Sandusky, Ohio, and a daughter of Jason Thurston, who was born in Ohio and became a farmer of Burr Oak, Mich. Mrs. Wallace also passed away in the Wolverine state. By her marriage she became the mother of six children: Edward P., who came to Oregon in 1852 and now resides in Amity ; Lewis K., who arrived in the same year and died in 1886; Collin A .; David, who came in 1861 and resides in Yamhill county ; Roxelane, the wife of Dr. Woodard, of Olympia, Wash., a resident of the state since 1852; and Will- iam, who died at the age of four years.

Collin Austin Wallace was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads. His father died when he was but fourteen years of age and his mother the following year, and thus he was early thrown upon his own resources. In his youth he attended the subscription schools. After his parents' death he was employed in teaming at the time of the building of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad. In 1852, he and his two brothers, Edward P. and Lewis K., came to Oregon, starting from Branch county, Mich., on the 25th day of March with an ox-team and some cows. They traveled by the way of Chicago, crossing the Mississippi river at Galena and the Missouri at Council Bluffs and by the way of Fort Hall continued the journey arriving at The Dalles on the 17th of October. Collin A. Wall- ace continued on his way to Portland, where he remained for a short time, hut the same fall

took up his abode in Lafayette, Yamhill county, where he spent the winter. In June, 1853, he went to Olympia, Wash., where he remained for five years, acting as mail carrier and express messenger for Governor I. I. Stevens of Washington Territory. At various times there were outbreaks among the Indians and Mr. Wallace volunteered for three months' service in the Indian war, joining the First Washington Regiment under Captain Eaton. About twenty-one days later Governor Stevens detailed him to act as express messenger, and he carried the express from Olympia to Van- couver and Snake river points for a year. This was oftentimes a hazardous undertaking, but the duty was always faithfully performed. While in the military service he took part in the battle of Walla Walla valley, being with a company of volunteers who engaged the Indians there. In 1856 he secured the mail contract in Washington, but later sold out and turned his attention to farming.

In 1858 Mr. Wallace came again to the Will- amette valley and through the succeeding winter conducted a butcher shop. In 1859 he resumed farming and in 1861 purchased a tract of land six miles southwest of McMinn- ville. He at once began the cultivation and improvement of this land, and in 1865 sold it and purchased a farm of two hundred and fifty acres two and a half miles from McMinnville. upon which he developed a splendid farm, pleasantly located on the Sheridan road south- west of the city. There he carried on agri- cultural pursuits with good success until 1878, when he removed to McMinnville and estab- lished a grocery store, but later retired from mercantile life and devoted his energies to the supervision of his farming property until April, 1903, when he moved to Salem. He sold his original farm and now owns the old fair grounds at McMinnville, comprising ninety acres, on which there is a fine track a mile in extent, and which is unsurpassed by any in the state. Here he has a nice park, and he also owns other lands in Yamhill county devoted to farming purposes. He has raised fine standard-bred horses, owning some very valuable stock, including Alta Dell, who at three years made a record of 2:16. In 1888 Mr. Wallace went east and brought out a carload of full-blooded Holstein cattle. These he pur- chased from Captain Wales, of Iowa, and they were among the first blooded cattle brought into the state. Mr. Wallace was one of the organizers of the Oregon Fire Relief Association of McMinnville, and served on its first board of trustees, filling the position for several years.

In North Yamhill in 1857 occurred the mar- riage of Mr. Wallace and Miss Eliza J. Shuck,

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

who was born near Burlington, Iowa, a daughter of Hon. Andrew J. and Mary (Con- lee) Shuck. Her father was born near Craw- fordsville, Ind., June 19, 1815 and her grand- father, Jacob Shuck, was born in Pennsylva- nia, whence he removed to Indiana, locating upon a farm. Later he became a farmer of Iowa and in 1847 crossed the plains, spending his last days in Yamhill county near Dundee. He had served his country in the war of 1812 and was present at the battle of Tippecanoe. Andrew J. Shuck was reared in Indiana and afterward became a resident of Iowa. He there followed farming near Burlington, until 1847. In the meantime he had wedded Mary Conlee, who was born in Byron county, Ky., March 15, 1818, a daughter of Reuben Conlee, who was an agriculturist and a native of the Blue Grass state. He removed to Greene county, Ill., among its early settlers and served in the Black Hawk war. After his military service had ended he became a resident of Des Moines county, Iowa, settling near Bur- lington, where his death occurred. He was a leading and influential citizen of that state and was serving as a member of the Iowa legislature at the time of his death, which occurred while he was in Des Moines attending the sessions of the general assembly. Isaac Conlee, the grandfather of Mrs. Shuck, was a farmer in Kentucky and died there in the year 1847. Andrew J. Shuck with his wife and six children started on the long journey across the plains in a slow-moving ox-train, having been nearly seven months upon the way ere they reached the fertile valley of the Willamette. Mr. Shuck secured a donation claim of six hundred and forty acres near North Yamhill, and there he developed his land, providing a good home for his family. At the time of the Indian war he made guns for the use of the volunteers. He was the first sheriff of Yamhill county and served in that position for two terms, after which he represented his district in the territorial legislature for two terms and was a member of the first state legislature. He assisted in building the first schoolhouse in his locality and took an active part in establishing civilization in this wild and unimproved region. Finally he located in McMinnville, where he built a residence. He was serving as school director at the time of the erection of the present fine schoolhouse, and he died in 1894, his death being lamented by all who knew him. In politics he was a Democrat and was a warm friend of the cause of temperance. Mrs. Shuck still survives her husband and now makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Wallace. By her marriage she became the mother of seven children, of whom

Mrs. Wallace is the eldest. The others are Mrs. Susan M. Oppenhoff, of Dawson City, Alaska; Mrs. Nancy Ellen Olds, of McMinnville; Mrs. Matilda Wood, of Yamhill county; William and Reuben, who own the old donation claim; and Mrs. Ann Fendall, of Ashland.

Mrs. Wallace was born in Iowa in 1839 and in her youth attended a subscription school held in a log building. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace have three children: Edward West, who for fourteen years was a grocery merchant of McMinnville, but is now living upon his father's farm; Mrs. Anne Todd, wife of Joseph Todd of Napa, Cal .; and Cora, the wife of T. B. Kay, who is president of the Salem Woolen Mills of Salem.

Mr. Wallace has always been honored and respected by his fellow-citizens, and was twice elected to the McMinnville city council, serv- ing as president for one term. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Christian Church, in which they take an active interest. He was a member of the board of elders and was superintendent of the Sunday school for a number of years, while Mrs. Wallace was president of the Ladies' Aid Society. In poli- tics Mr. Wallace is independent and is a strong temperance man. He belongs to the Indian War Veterans Association and was captain for a number of years. It is not difficult to deter- mine upon what side of a question C. A. Wallace will be found, for he is outspoken and fearless in the defense of his honest convic- tions. He has been not only a witness of the development of Oregon for a half century, but also a participant therein. He has done much effective work for Yamhill county and well deserves mention in this volume.

FRANKLIN PROPST. Seven miles east of Albany is the one hundred and ninety-three- acre farm of Franklin Propst, a well known and successful farmer of Linn county. Born on a farm in Fayette county, W. Va., April 10, 1832, Mr. Probst removed with his parents near Petersburg, Il1., in 1842, and there grew to manhood, receiving his education in the public schools. His youth was uneventful, and he gladly welcomed the opportunity to come west which presented itself in 1852. With his uncle, Anthony Propst, and his fam- ily, he started across the plains with ox- teams. On the way the uncle and aunt died, leaving the youth entirely dependent upon his own resources. Five months and ten days from the time of starting he reached his desti- nation in Linn county, and there found em- ployment in the saw-mill of Mr. Lewis Cox,

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an occupation to which he readily adapted himself.

In 1853 Mr. Propst went to southern Oregon, and on Althouse creek worked for about six months, at placer mining; but this was such a wild and desolate region, and so infested with Indians, that he was obliged to seek employ- ment in safer quarters. Returning to the saw- mill of Mr. Cox in Linn county, he worked for several months, and in July, 1854, went into partnership with Frank Powell and rented the Powell mill. This association was amic- ably continued for about nine months, when Mr. Propst was married, in 1855, to Mary Powell, and with her removed to a farm near by, which he had bought. There have been born seven children of this union: John Henry, of eastern Oregon; Marion, a farmer of Linn county ; Maria A., wife of Martin Miller, of Linn county; Zidana, wife of F. C. Butler, of Linn county ; Anthony G., who resides on the home farm; Layton B. residing near Leb- anon on a farm; Mary S., wife of Thomas Reilly, a railroad man of Albany.

In 1872 Mr. Propst sold his farm and moved to his present home, which he has greatly im- proved, and made valuable and productive. Outside interests have contributed to a sub- stantial yearly income, and have served to bring into play the many abilities of this popu- lar farmer. In 1893 he added to his respon- sibilities by starting a tile factory, which he successfully managed for about seven years. He has never taken a more than passing inter- est in politics, but is nevertheless a stanchi supporter of the Republican party, for whose candidate he cast his first presidential vote in 1853. Mr. Propst is highly esteemed in his neighborhood, is enterprising and thrifty, and his farm is a model of neatness and good managment.

FRANCIS M. DODGE. In his pioneer ven- ture into the west Francis M. Dodge was not alone, having the support of his parents, who came with the courage of youth to add their touch to the growing civilization when the sun of their lives was well in its zenith. The father, John Dodge, was born in Susquehanna county, N. Y., in 1810, the son of a farmer, and to this training he added the trades of a brick mason and plasterer. His early dis- cipline was calculated to foster the traits of independence and self-reliance, as he was forced by the death of his parents into the struggles of life at a very youthful age, and his course throughout his career has evidenced his good judgment and earnestness of purpose. He married Sarah Ives, a native of Middleton,

Conn. In Pennsylvania they made their home until 1844, when they removed to Stark county, Ill., leaving the latter home in 1853 for the long and dangerous journey across the plains, made with the slow-plodding oxen, and in the eight most pleasant months of the year. There was no serious trouble with the Indians to mar the pleasure of the trip, nor in any way was their progress impeded.

Coming direct to Salem, Ore., Mr. Dodge was satisfied to make a home there for his family, and ten years passed before they again made a move. In 1863 they went to the Puget .Sound country, locating fourteen miles from Olympia on Miami Prairie, and after residing there for some time, returned to Marion coun- ty, Ore., but later making the former place their permanent home. The death of both of the parents occurred at Mud Bay, the father dying at the age of eighty-two years, the mother at seventy-six. Of the children born to them Bruce, Desdemona and Samuel make their home near Olympia; and Francis M., of this review, is a resident of Marion county, Ore. At all times a Republican, Mr. Dodge served for some time as Indian agent on the Black river, through this influence. Though not a member of any church he was a believer in Christianity, and practiced it to the extent of his ability.

Francis M. Dodge was born in Crawford county, Pa., October 29, 1835, and was thus seventeen years old at the time of his father's removal to Oregon, nine years having been spent in the state of his birth. His early edu- cation was received in the common schools of the last named states and in the schools of Salem, though he left home soon after the re- moval to the west. Going to Miami Prairie, Wash., he enlisted in 1855 in the company commanded by Capt. Gilmore Hayes, for ser- vice in the Cayuse Indian war, during which he took part in numerous engagements, among them being those at White river, South Prai- rie, Connell Prairie and Walla Walla, and was a member of Shaw's train at the time it was captured. On being mustered out a year later he returned to Miami Prairie, where he had previously taken up a donation claim, and upon this property he remained until 1861, at that time removing to Oregon. After a few years spent as a teacher in this state, Mr. Dodge invested his earnings in land near Port- land, and remained upon the same for a year. at that time purchasing the one hundred and sixty acres upon which he now makes his home. This is located on Butte creek, three and a half miles east of Woodburn, and at the time of the purchase was wild land with the

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exception of six or seven acres. Through his own efforts he now has one hundred acres under cultivation, all of the improvements be- ing a credit to his energy and an evidence of his prosperity. He is engaged at present in general farming and stock-raising.

In 1865 Mr. Dodge was united in marriage with Jane Caples, a native of Andrew county, Mo., having been born there November 2, 1847. In 1849 she crossed the plains with her parents, William and Nancy (Nowell) Caples. Mrs. Dodge is a cousin of Judge John F. Caples, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume. To this union of Mr. and Mrs. Dodge were born six children, of whom Robert Bruce' died at the age of eighteen years. Elmer John, unmarried, makes his home with his parents; Edgar is located in Eugene and has one son, Ray; Lizzie Willema is the wife of A. Pugh of eastern Oregon; Walter S. is at home; and Oscar died at eight years of age. Like his father Mr. Dodge is a Republican in politics and has always taken an intelligent and active interest in the movements of this party. Mr. and Mrs. Dodge are members of the Oregon Pioneer Association, and both are living true, Christian lives, in word as well as in deed.

ABNER LEWIS. The family to which Abner Lewis belongs is one of the oldest in Oregon, his father, Reuben, having been a member of the first train of emigrants to cross the plains in 1842. This heroic traveler was born in the state of New York in 1814, was reared on a farm, and with a very meager cducation began to make his living on the canal at the age of sixteen years. Gradually vistas of usefulness opened before him further west, and he finally located in Iowa, where he worked at whatever he found to do. There was no shadow of hesitancy or any want of courage in his character and when the projected trip across the plains began to take definite shape he prepared like a Spartan for a plunge into the unknown region, which of neces- sity held the possibility of death in every step of the way. This, the first emigrant train to brave the dangers of the plains, consisted of sixteen wagons. As the trials of the early home-seekers have been told in romance and history innumer- able times, it is hardly necessary to go into the cletails of their daily life, or follow their progress too closely, as they overcame obstacles undreamed of by the tourist of today. Mr. Lewis contributed his services as a hunter in return for accommo- dations on the plains, and much large and small game and fish were brought into camp for the relief of hunger stricken travelers by this intrepid hunter. Arriving at Fort Hall the party aband- oned their wagons, and with packs strapped to

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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 144

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