Portrait and biographical record of the Willamette valley, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 160

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 160

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ALFRED WILSON. Few men are more familiar with western history than Alfred Wil- son. What to most of the present generation is a matter of reading is to him a matter of men- ory. He has been a participant in many of the advances connected with early travel over the plains and with the settlement of the west, and is thus very familiar with life upon the great stretches of country that lie between the Missis- sippi valley and the ocean. He served in the Mexican war, and is among the few survivors

to-day of that struggle. He bore his part in the work of improvement and development as the tide of emigration steadily flowed westward, and to-day he is one of the respected, honored and successful agriculturists of Yamhill county, where he owns a valuable tract of land of thir- teen hundred and sixty acres.

Alfred Wilson was born in Tennessee, April 2, 1826, and two years later his parents removed to Howard county, Mo., where he was reared upon a farm. There he became acquainted with Kit Carson and there sprung up between them a friendship which existed until the death of the latter. In 1846, with the noted explorer, hunter and guide, he went to the Rocky Mountains on horseback, starting from Fort Leavenworth. He made this trip in the hope of benefiting his health, and afterward he traveled with Kit Car- son, piloting people across the country. Often he slept with Mr. Carson under the same blanket and shared with him in all the experiences, en- counters and hardships which went to make up the life history of that famous man. Mr. Wilson has killed many a bear with his hunting knife, thus coming into close contact with the animals. With Mr. Carson he acted as pilot to Stevenson, a trader who went from St. Louis to New Mex- ico. Mr. Wilson was engaged to drive a six- mule team across the plains, starting from Mann's Fort on the. Arkansas river. After be- ing out five days they were attacked by the Indians, and at that time Mr. Wilson killed his first red man, a Comanche. He narrowly es- caped death, for five arrows penetrated his clothing. Five days later there was another attack by the Indians, but day after day some progress was made, until finally the party reached the last mountain, when he left the train and returned.

In 1848 Mr. Wilson enlisted for service in the Mexican war as a teamster, and after reaching the land of the Montezumas he enlisted as a scout in advance of the army, or, as they were called, a ranger. He was at the battle and in the siege of Santa Cruz, Mexico, where the troops surrounded the town, and for six days they subsisted upon one meal a day. Mr. Wilson was one of those chosen to throw bombs into the town, and did his full share in winning Amer- ican victories there. After the close of the Mex- ican war he returned northward and several times crossed the plains, making a trip in 1849 and another in 1850. In the latter year he was captain of a company that came to Oregon with an ox-team, journeying from Fort Hall west- ward. He and his brother also came along to Oregon and on the trip killed three Indians. They proceeded to the vicinity of McMinnville, and Mr. Wilson put in a crop for Dr. Sutton, operating the latter's land on shares for a year.

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In the summer of 1851 he secured a donation claim of three hundred and twenty acres where Riley Fendall now resides. In the fall of that year he was crippled while in the woods by a man hitting him back of the knee with an ax. The injury proved so serious that for eighteen months he was unable to engage in any labor. About that time news came that emigrants crossing the plains were in a starving condition, and Mr. Wilson then busied himself in taking up a collection wherewith to secure provisions to take to the travelers. He raised nearly $800 for that purpose, and it may well be supposed that he was hailed with gratitude as a benefac- tor to those who were suffering great hardships for lack of food as they journeyed westward. At another time Mr. Wilson suffered a second accident, having a leg broken by the falling of his horse when near McMinnville. However, his life altogether has been a prosperous one and has been filled with many incidents which have made his history eventful, and left to him many pleasant memories. In 1852 he secured a donation claim where he is now living, becom- ing the owner of three hundred and twenty acres in this way. He has made all of the im- provements upon the property, and substantial buildings now stand as monuments to his enter- prise, while well tilled fields indicate his careful supervision. As the years have passed he has added to his property until he now has thirteen hundred and sixty acres of land in one body. He is largely engaged in raising horses upon his ranch, and has some very fine animals which bring a good price in the markets.

Mr. Wilson has been twice married. In 1854 he wedded Miss Mary Sailing, and unto them were born ten children, eight of whom are now living : Melissa, wife of Ira Stephens; Lovina, wife of John Lady; Minnie, wife of Leander Lady; Lilly, wife of George Ball; Meluda, wife of James Le Masters; Lucinda, wife of William Bridwell; Edward Nazzard; and Col. Harley Murphy Wilson. Mrs. Wilson died in 1890, and in 1894 Mr. Wilson was again married, his second union being with Miss Rebecca Bryan. In his political views he is a Republican, having supported the party since its organization. His life history, if written in detail, would furnish more thrilling chapters than are usually found upon the pages of fiction. He knows what it is to endure hardships, incident to a journey across the plains before the advent of railroads. He also knows what it is to fear the skulking foe and to meet him in battle in the methods of warfare employed by the red men. He has also been a participant in his nation's battles, and he has likewise performed the no less important

work of reclaiming a wild district for the pur- poses of civilization, that nature may yield of its rich resources for the support of men.

JAMES P. WILSON. Not far from Wells Station is the two-hundred-acre farm of James P. Wilson, a man who stands high in the estima- tion of his fellow-men, and who has materially advanced farming interests in this county. Born in Kentucky, near the Virginia line, September 15, 1823, he was seven years of age when his parents took him to Vermilion county, Ill., where he helped to improve a crude farm, and worked hard from morning until night. At the age of fourteen, in 1837, he accompanied an older brother to Iowa, and near Keokuk, took up government land in the wilderness. The land was wild and partially timbered, and the desolation was increased by the absence of other settlers, few having as yet arrived to assist in the development of a very promising stretch of country.

The Wilson boys succeeded in Iowa, and James P. took unto himself a wife who was Theresa Kilgore, an interesting girl living in the neighborhood. Of this union one child was born-a son, named Albert. His wife dying, Mr. Wilson later married Mrs. Lucy Rowe, who bore him three children-Rebecca, Robert and Edward W. Robert still lives on the home place, with his family, consisting of his wife, who was Miss Lillie Dixon, and their three in- teresting children, Clement, Ray and Vera. By her first marriage Mrs. Wilson had one son, Ira Rowe, who is still living.

With his wife Mr. Wilson crossed the plains to California with ox-teams in 1852, and after five months of comparatively pleasant associa- tion with other home and fortune seekers ar- rived in Sacramento City, where he followed gardening for a couple of years. He then took up three hundred and twenty acres of land in Sacramento valley, remained thereon until 1867. and then came to Benton county, Ore. After living on a farm near Philomath for a couple of years he bought a farm near the Mountain View schoolhouse, consisting of three hundred and sixty acres, and upon which he made his home for some years. He then bought his pres- ent farm near Wells Station, where he is en- gaging in general farming and stock-raising. Ever since his first ambitious voting days he has been a stanch defender of the Democratic party, and in his present neighborhood has served as school director and road supervisor. He is a member of the Evangelical Church, and in his daily life conveys the impression of moral strength and uprightness attributed to the fol-

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lowers of that denomination. A successful farmer and genial man, Mr. Wilson commands the respect and good will of all who know him.

WILLIAM CREES. Occupying a position of prominence among the respected and highly esteemed citizens of Corvallis is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. A man of progressive enterprise and much force of character, possessing excellent judgment and good business ability, Mr. Crees has met with undoubted success both in his agricultural labors ana in his investments, by judicious toil and wise economy accumulating a handsome prop- erty. For a quarter of a century or more, he lived and labored on the farm which he still owns, but of more recent years he has rented his homestead property, and he and his good wife are living at ease in their comfortable home in the city of Corvallis.

Of excellent German ancestry, Mr. Crees was born January 2, 1836, in Allegheny county, Pa., about fourteen miles below Pittsburg, a son of John Crees, Jr. His grandfather, John Crees, Sr., was born and educated in Germany. Leav- ing the fatherland when a boy of sixteen years, he came alone to New York city. He remained in New York state a few years, serving an ap- prenticeship at the millwright's trade, then pur- chased a mill in Berks county, Pa., where he lived for awhile. Disposing of his property there he removed, in 1802, to Allegheny county, crossing the river at Fort Pitt on a ferry boat, and from that time until his death, at an ad- vanced age, was profitably engaged in general farming. He became an extensive landholder, and bequeathed to each of his children, five sons and one daughter, a farm.

John Crees, Jr., was born in 1785 in Penn's Valley. Berks county, Pa., but spent the larger part of his life in Allegheny county, being en- gaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Mary Gunsollis, who was born in Allegheny county, a daughter of Samuel Gunsollis, a sol- dier in the Revolutionary war, and a prosperous farmer, who spent his declining years in Mercer county, Pa. Of the eleven children born of their union, one son and three daughters sur- vive, William, being the only one residing in the extreme western part of the Union.

Gleaning his early education in the district schools of his native place, and working hard on the farm from boyhood, William Crees re- mained on the parental homestead until thirty- five years old, from the age of sixteen years hav- ing sole management of the farm of two hun- dred acres. Coming to the Willamette Valley in 1871, he located in Benton county, buying a

farm of two hundred and twenty acres, about one and one-half miles northwest of Corvallis. This he has improved, and brought to a very high state of cultivation, until it is now known as one of the most desirable and attractive es- tates in the county. For many years he made a specialty of butter-making, being a leader in that industry, and of cutting hay for market, raising large quantities of the latter. He used modern machinery in manufacturing butter, in 1873 introducing into the state the first endless chain dog-power for churning, later bringing in the Cooley automatic creamer, in which the cream is raised while immersed in water, thus preventing contamination from anything in the atmosphere. Mrs. Crees proved herself an able coadjutor by formulating a method of her own for mixing and working the butter, and ere long had won for herself an enviable reputation as a butter-maker, the president of the Oregon Agricultural College, B. L. Arnold, when he tested it, pronouncing it the best country butter he had ever seen. Making ninety pounds of butter a week, Mr. Crees sold it at his own price, thus ruling the market. He subsequently sold his milk, supplying Corvallis. In addition to dairying, and raising hay, he made fruit-raising somewhat a specialty, having excellent orchards on his farm. The past few years he has rented his farm and now lives, as before mentioned, in the city.

Mr. Crees married first. Miss Catherine Trim- mer, who was born in Pennsylvania, and died in that state, leaving five children, namely: Har- ris W., a farmer in Washington: Mrs. Sarah Ellen Mays, of Elk City, Ore .; Mrs. Clarissa Irene Young, of Oregon City; Mrs. Celesta J. Scrafford, of Corvallis ; and Mrs. Kate C. Gragg, of Corvallis. He married for his second wife, Sarah J. Brooks, of Pennsylvania, who came to Oregon with Mr. Crees, but only lived two months after reaching this place. His third marriage took place in Allegheny, Pa., April 10, 1873, with Mrs. Louisa (Blair) Rishaberger, daughter of Frederick and Augusta (Owelen- der) Blair, both of whom were born in Germany. and died in Pittsburg, Pa. Mrs. Crees' first husband, John Rishaberger, a native of Penn- sylvania, was in business for many years in Al- legheny City, but on account of ill health moved to a farm in Alliance, Ohio, where his death occurred six months later. To Mr. and Mrs. Crees has been born one child, Gussie B., now the wife of M. E. Grausbeck, of Portland, Ore.

Mr. Crees takes an active interest in public affairs, and is now serving his second term as a member of the city council. He was formerly a Republican in his political affiliations, voting for Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and 1864, but is

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now a Prohibitionist, and a member of the State Temperance Alliance, and Mrs. Crees belongs to the Woman's Christian Temperance Union.

ARTHUR C. MILLER. Among the men who have quickly risen to a financial promi- nence is Arthur C. Miller, who has been num- bered as a citizen of Oregon only since 1879, through industry, perseverance and business judgment having acquired a handsome fortune since that date. In addition to his farming in- terests, which may well be considered to take considerable of his time, as he now has one thousand acres in his home place, he is active in several business enterprises, being part owner of a store at King's Valley, and since 1902 hav- ing a one-third interest in a $10,000 mercantile establishment at Airlie, Polk county.

Arthur C. Miller was born in Chickasaw coun- ty, Iowa, September 10, 1857, and in 1865 his parents returned to their native place of Schuy- ler county, N. Y., and he remained with them there until his twenty-first birthday. After work- ing for a short time on a farm he decided to try his fortunes in the west and in 1879 he came to Oregon, and at once became employed in farming in King's valley. After four years he rented land and became independent in his work, this proving so successful that in a few years he was enabled to purchase a farm of eighty-six acres, out of which has grown his present affluence. He has also three hundred and twenty acres of timber land, and now holds a contract to take out three million feet of lum- ber. Among his interests is the raising of Perch- eron horses. In 1892 he bought out the Cham- bers Brothers, a mercantile establishment in King's Valley, and after two years in which he conducted the business alone he took in, as a partner, W. S. Alcorn. Since 1892 he has served as postmaster.

In 1883 Mr. Miller married Miss Hettie Allen, and they are now the parents of three children, Curtis, Paul and Algy. In his political convic- tions Mr. Miller casts his vote with the Repub- lican party.

other prerogatives of wealth, including one of the fine homes of the city, and distinction and prominence in the fraternal organizations of the county. Around him on all sides are evidences of his participation in the upbuilding of the city, for as a contracting plasterer he has done the work on Science Hall, one of the university buildings, Chrisman, McClung, Eugene Loan and Savings bank, and Gross Hotel buildings, besides scores of the largest and finest residences in the city and surrounding country. His own residence at 227 West Eighth street is a model of comfort and modern elegance, and is besides the center of an unstinted and genial hospitality. At one time Mr. Lombard owned two hundred and forty acres of land seven miles south of the city, on fifteen of which he raised large quan- tities of fruit, and derived a substantial income from its shipment. Later, the stress of business necessitated the sale of the fruit ranch, but the little property contributed greatly to his health and enjoyment, and its cultivation is recalled as one of the most congenial and satisfactory ef- forts of his life.

Patriot sires and model dames were included in the early family of which Mr. Lombard is a member, and his maternal great-grandfather Hobbs slept on his knapsack for a pillow upon many of the battlefields of the Revolutionary war. His paternal great-grandfather made his home for some time at Cape Cod, where Cor- nelius Lombard, the paternal grandfather, was born. Cornelius Lombard settled at Bangor, Me., at a very early day, drawn there by the opportunities for lumbering, which at that time were not exceeded in any part of the United States. His son, James A. Lombard, the father of James L., was born at Bradford, near Bangor, and not only followed his father's example as a lumberman, but branched out into general build- ing and contracting in Boston, Mass., removing at a later day to Fall River, the same state, where he died at the comparatively early age of fifty- one years. He married Martha Hobbs, who was born in Bradford, Me., her father and grand- father both being natives of the northern state. Mrs. Lombard survives her husband, and is making her home in Otter Tail county, Minn.

The eldest of the three children living in his father's family, James L. Lombard was born in Bradford, Me., October 15, 1858, and was edu- cated principally in the public schools of Bos- ton, finishing at the high school of Fall River. At the age of sixteen he began work which eventually led up to his present trade of a plas- terer. In 1879 he located in Sioux City, Iowa, and learned the stone mason's trade, at which he worked for about nine years, in connection with contract plastering. In 1888 he came west

JAMES LYMAN LOMBARD. In his younger days James L. Lombard learned three distinct trades, to any one of which he might be applying himself at the present time with reasonable assurance of laying by a little each vear. Instead, his ambition has led him into broader channels, and he is today one of the most successful and prosperous contractors in the city of Eugene. With his advancement in the business world have come the social and to Eugene, Ore,, stepping at once into a fair

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business, and advancing as his ability and busi- ness sagacity began to be appreciated. With him to the west came the wife whom he had married in Battle Creek, Iowa, and who was formerly Sarah E. Bowser, a native of Argyle, Wis. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lombard, Naomi I., James B., Richard S., Grace, Sarah, Belle, Harry, Ruth and Christine, and all make their home with their parents. Mrs. Lombard died in October, 1897.

Politically Mr. Lombard is devoted to Repub- lican principles, but has never actively partici- pated in the affairs of his party. He is a meni- ber of the Commercial Club, and active in pro- moting social and other undertakings in the city. While in Danbury, Iowa, he became a member of the Danbury Masonic Lodge, and is now identified with Eugene Lodge No. II, A. F. & A. M., Eugene Chapter No. 10, R. A. M., Ivan- hoe Commandery No. 2, K. T .; the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks; the Foresters; Eagles; Woodmen of the World; and Modern Wood- men of America. Mr. Lombard is one of the progressive and enthusiastic men who are bound to inspire others with a keen relish of life, and who look instinctively on the bright side of things. Success tarries with him because it en- joys his company, and because it feels that it has been fairly won, and is estimated at its cor- rect valuation.

SOLOMON KING. A history of the sub- stantial men of Benton county were sadly in- complete without due mention of Solomon King, who has been a resident of Oregon since his twelfth year, and who has in the meantime been identified with its business, political and agricultural upbuilding. Distinguishing feat- ures have characterized the western career of this honored citizen, chief among which is the fact that he has served as sheriff of Benton county for a longer time than has any other man who has held the office. Born in Madison county, Ohio, near Columbus, February 26, 1833, he is a son of Naham King, who was born in New York state, and there married Serepta Norton.

Naham King was a man of resource, and withal was an interesting personality, achieving success in the greater part of his undertakings. Soon after his marriage he removed with horse teams from New York state to Ohio, where he settled on a farm, and from where he enlisted in the war of 1812. At a later period he moved from Madison to Franklin county, Ohio, and from there to Carroll county, Mo., in 1841. His farm was a fertile one, well improved and profit- able, and he made money through the sale of general farm commodities. Eight children were

born into his family, and these were educated to the best of his ability, and in time some of them married and had homes of their own. There was a strong community of interest exist- ing between the various members of this large family, and all relied upon the superior judg- ment of Naham King, whose strength of charac- ter and success inspired confidence. It was not surprising therefore that when the father made up his mind to cross the plains all of the children should accompany him, share in his enthusiasm, and aid him by every means in their power. In 1845 the family band started out as well equipped as any which undertook the hazardous venture, having five wagons with from three to five yoke of oxen each, and thirty-five head of fine Durham cattle. The entire party consisted of sixty-five wagons, under command of Captain Tevalt and Stephen Meeks, and they were more than six months on the way. From Boise City they went by what was known as the Meeks cut-off, and in consequence lost their way and had to retrace their steps a long way. This un- necessary delay entailed severe hardship in more ways than one, for they ran short of provisions, and wearied their cattle exceedingly. From The Dalles the party came down to the Cascade Falls on a raft, and here transpired the first real sorrow in the family, for John King, the oldest son in the family, together with his wife and two children, died on this trip down the Columbia on a raft of pine logs. The rest of the band came from the falls to Linton by boat, the cattle being driven over the trail, and on to Washing- ton county. All wintered on Gale creek, near Forest Grove, and in the spring of 1846 Naham King went on a tour of investigation, finally settling in the valley in Benton county which has ever since borne his name, and of which he was the first settler. This valley is six miles long and from a mile to a mile and a half wide, and is all open and fertile land, and here Mr. King took up a claim of six hundred and forty acres, while his son-in-law, Lucius Norton, took up a similar amount, and another son-in-law, Rowland Chambers, took up the same amount. Two of the sons later took up six hundred and forty acres each, and Stephen, one of the sons, and Mr. Chambers, put up a grist mill.

In the spring of 1849 Mr. King moved to Portland for a year, and then settled on a claim of six hundred and forty acres near Wren's Station, where he lived until his death in 1857, at the age of seventy-three years. He became prominent in political and other affairs, and helped to elect the first senator to congress. His wife, who survived him until 1863, dying at the age of seventy, was the mother of four- teen children. Of these, John died coming down the Columbia; Stephen, who helped to

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erect the grist mill and served throughout the Cayuse war, died in November, 1854; Isaac died in the fall of 1866; Amos N. died in Port- land in 1902, having been interested for many years in a tannery, and also in building and contracting; Solomon; Rhoda married Eli Summers and lives in Heppner, Ore .; Lydia married John Williams of Portland; Abigail married B. Fuller, now deceased; Eliza married Rowland Chambers; and Hope married Lucian Norton. The other children died young.

Twelve years old when his father and the rest of the family crossed the plains, Solomon made himself useful during the trip by driving his brother-in-law's ox-team for more than half the way, and in other ways contributed to the comfort of the homeseekers as only a young, strong and enthusiastic boy is capable of doing. When he first arrived in King's valley there was no sign of a schoolhouse, and when plans were finally made for the education of the rising generation he helped to hew the logs and put in the slab benches. He himself imbibed some knowledge at this primitive educational center, but for the greater part was dependent on his own resources for his practical all-around educa- tion. He worked hard to improve the land and place it on a paying basis, and when twenty-one years of age had saved enough money, and had bright enough prospects to justify him in taking a wife in the person of Maria King. Thereafter he assumed the management of his father's farm until 1872, and then moved to Cor- vallis, where he engaged in the livery business for fourteen years. While there he became greatly interested in politics, and was elected sheriff of Benton county on the Republican ticket in 1876, being successively re-elected five times, and serving in all ten years, the longest time any incumbent has held that office.

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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 160

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