Portrait and biographical record of the Willamette valley, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 170

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 170

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into his family, and with these and his wife he left home April 4, 1849, arriving at The Dalles, November 3, of the same year. The trip was an exceedingly hard one, deprivation, illness and Indian disturbances rendering the life of the travelers a constant vigil. The family had twelve yoke of oxen when they hopefully turned their faces towards the boundless plains, but at the end of the trip all of their cattle were dead. A raft furnished the means of transportation down the Columbia river to Vancouver, and the first winter was spent in that town, the family moving the following spring to the Puget Sound region, Wash. Locating in Thurston county, Mr. Pattison engaged in gen- eral farming and lumbering, and in 1858 re- moved to a farm on the Mackenzie river, Lane county, Ore., where he died at the age of sev- enty-eight years. He was survived by his wife, who went to live with her son, Charles, in Linn county, and there died at the age of seventy-six years. Of the nine children, eight of whom were sons, Robert and Charles alone survive, the latter being a resident of Oakville, Linn county.

Robert Pattison had received a common school education in Illinois and Washington, and he came to Lane county before his parents died, purchasing a farm of one hundred acres on the Mackenzie river. Three years later he sold out and bought his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres, three and a half miles northeast of Eugene, to which he has added by subsequent purchase, and now has four hun- dred and thirty acres in Lane county. He mar- ried in 1859 Isabella Eakin, who was born in Ireland in July, 1830, and came to Oregon from Illinois in 1869. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Pattison, of whom W. T. lives on a farm across the river from Eugene; George is deceased; John is living on the home farm; Maggie is the wife of Mark F. Fleming, of Irving; and Belle is at home. Mr. Pattison cast his first vote for James G. Birney in 1849, and has since been a Republican in politics. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church at En- gene, and was one of the first to join at the organization of the church in 1861. He is con- nected with the Grange, and is popular in his social, church and business connections.

HON. WILLIAM A. JOLLY. To the per- son who closely applies himself to any occupation which he has chosen as his life calling there can come only good results-success and a high place in the esteem of those among whom his lot is cast. Mr. Jolly is no exception to this rule, for it has been by industry and strict attention to agricul-

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tural pursuits only that he has attained to the position that he now enjoys. He owns two hun- dred and thirty acres adjoining Philomath, which was formerly a part of the Abbey donation claim, and here he carries on genral farming and stock-raising. In addition to his farm he also owns his home place of forty acres, located with- in the corporate limits of Philomath.

William A. Jolly was born in Ripley county, Ind., March 22, 1851, being one of four children born to his parents, who were farmers by occu- pation. He can scarcely remember his father, as the latter died when William A. was a child four years old, and when he was ten years old his mother, too, was taken from him. After this last bereavement he was taken into the home of an uncle in Brown county, Ohio, making his home with this relative until he reached the age of twenty-one, in the meantime receiving valu- able instruction in the public schools of the vi- cinity. Upon reaching man's estate, however, he started out in life on his own account, his first venture being his removal to Carroll county, Mo., where he followed farming for four years. Not content with the results of his efforts there, and hearing of the possibilities which awaited the energetic young man in the west, he came hither in 1875, settling in Benton county, at what was then called "Dusty," but has since been changed to the more euphonious name of Bellfountain. After remaining there for about nine years he came to his present farm near Philomath, and at once began the improvement and cultivation of the property which he then purchased, and that his time and efforts have been well expended needs but a glance to decide. Subsequently he purchased his residence in the village of Philo- math, where he now resides, and which is con- ceded to be one of the most commodious in the vicinity.

In the year 1876 was celebrated the marriage of William A. Jolly and Miss Nancy Porter, the latter a native of Oregon. Two children blessed this marriage, one of whom died in infancy, while Mary G. is at home with her parents. Mr. Jolly's fitness for public office was recognized when, in 1898, his fellow-citizens elected him to the office of mayor of Philomath, which office he filled for two terms. At present he is a member of the town council and is also serving efficiently as a member of the school board and as county commissioner. Fraternal affairs claim a portion of Mr. Jolly's attention, as is seen by his mem- bership in the organization known as the Wood- men of the World. The family are identified with the Baptist Church, of which Mr. Jolly is serving as trustec. He is also a member of the board of trustees of Philomath College, and at the present time is president of the board. Po- Jitically, he upholds the tenets of the Republican

party. A popular man, esteemed for his integ- rity and nobleness of purpose, Mr. Jolly ranks among the best citizens of Philomath, toward whose upbuilding he takes an interested part.

JACOB WHITAKER. That well-remem- bered pioneer, Jacob Whitaker, Sr., a typical Ger- man, who brought his enthusiasm and reliability to the western coast and made his home among the agricultural possibilities of Benton county, left the heritage of a good name and honorable career to his children, and besides accumulated sufficient means to give them a start in life. Of these children who are maintaining the prestige of their sire, his namesake, Jacob, occupies a worthy place in the community, and as a resident of a portion of the old Whitaker donation claim has long since established a reputation as a con- sistent and successful farmer and stock-raiser.

Born in Richland county, Ohio, September 16, 1837, the younger Jacob was reared on a farm, and received such education as came within reach of his childhood years in the early subscription schools. With the rest of the family he came to Oregon in 1853, his mother having died in the meantime, leaving to the care of his father four children, of whom he was the oldest, and at that time sixteen years of age. Starting out with four to do future credit to the family name, there were but three when the little party, consisting of six wagons, reached Oregon, one having suc- cumbed to disease on the plains. The father located on the donation claim ten miles from Corvallis, now occupied by his sons, John and Jacob, and there followed his trade of stone- mason and brickmason, adding to these means of livelihood the trade of carpenter. He died in Corvallis, June 9, 1883, honored by all who knew him, a member of the Catholic Church, and a man of high moral character.

The portion of the old homestead occupied by the present Jacob Whitaker consists of two hun- dred and sixty-seven acres, eighty of which are under cultivation. He carries on general farm- ing and stock-raising, and has a well-equipped farm, fitted with modern buildings and imple- ments, and in every way adapted to the ideas of a progressive and purposeful farmer. He took possession of his farm directly after his marriage, in 1864, with Nancy Housley, who was born in Ohio, and at present has about completed a new house, built after modern designs, in which his family will have all of the' conveniences of the city and the advantages of the country. Of his five children, Eva is the wife of Clifton Gould, of Corvallis; John and Fannie are at home: Alice is the wife of Carl Porter, of Corvallis, and Nel- lie is the wife of J. D. Campbell, of Independ- ençe. Mr. Whitaker is independent in politics,

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and has never worked for either his own or his friends' election to office. Like his father and brothers, he is a devoted member of the Roman Catholic Church. A very public-spirited and affable man, he commands the respect of all with whom he has to do, and exerts an influence in keeping with his practical and helpful personal characteristics.

JUDSON WEED. Although not one of the older commercial enterprises of Philomath, the grocery business of Judson Weed has become an important factor in maintaining the business in- tegrity of the town, representing as it does the business stability and practical ideas of one of its most honored citizens. Born in Jackson county, Ohio, April 14, 1847, Mr. Weed is a son of Gilbert and Abigail (Patton) Weed, the lat- ter of whom was born in Greenbrier county, W. Va. On the paternal side Mr. Weed claims a worthy ancestor in his grandfather, William, a soldier in the war of 1812, and for a portion of the service in the quartermaster's department. The grandfather was born in the state of Con- necticut, and at a very early day located in New York, where his son, Gilbert, was born August 20, 1804. The family removed to Gallia county, Ohio, about 1813, and here he died at the age of eighty-four years.

In Gallia county, Ohio, Gilbert Weed was reared on a farm, and in time learned the stone- mason's trade, and also that of the bricklaver. In 1836 he removed to Jackson county, Ohio, where he combined his trades with farming, and where he died in 1888. His wife's father, Will- iam Patton, was born in New York state, and as a young man removed to Virginia, locating in Greenbrier county. He was a farmer during his entire active life, and his career was dignified by worthy military service, directed for the greater part against the Indians. Although his father was fairly successful in life, it became necessary for Judson Weed to provide for himself at a comparatively early age, the farm in Jackson county being hardly adequate for the supporting of sixteen children, twelve sons and four daugh- ters. The tenth of this large family, Judson, worked hard on the home farm, but during the winter time attended the district schools, where lie studied arduously, as became a youth who early appreciated the advantages of a practical education. That he might enjoy further advan- tages as a student, he began to work out on the farms surrounding that of his father, and while thus employed the Civil war broke out, throwing the country into a state of turmoil and uncer- tainty. He continued to work until 1864, and then enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-second Ohio Infantry, serving four

months as a private. After his discharge at Gallipolis, Ohio, he resumed his work on the farm, and continued to save money for his edu- cation. During 1868-'69-'70 he attended the nor- mal school at Lebanon, Ohio, and thereafter en- gaged in teaching until 1875.

After coming to Oregon, in the latter part of 1875, Mr. Weed combined teaching and farming in Columbus county, his farm consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, which he greatly im- proved and rendered a valuable property. He still owns this farm, and rented it out in 1898, when he came to Philomath to engage in the grocery business. In Columbus county he was prominent in the general affairs of his neighbor- hood, and was so successful as an educator that he was elected county superintendent of schools in 1878, serving for one term, or two years. He also became much interested in Republican poli- tics, was elected county assessor in 1886, serving for one term; and, in 1888, was elected to the legislature, and re-elected in 1892. While in the legislature he was chairman of the committee on counties. Further honor awaited him in 1894, when he was elected county clerk, and re-elected in 1896, serving up to 1898.

Since coming to Philomath Mr. Weed has con- tinued his interest in politics, and has not only been mayor of the town for one term, but has served on the school board, and as a member of the council for two terms. In Columbia county, Ore., he married Emma Van Blaracom, who was born in Minnesota, and who is the mother of three children : Oscar, taking the scientific course at the Philomatlı College; Gertrude, tak- ing the same course at the college, and Ethel, attending the public schools. In religion Mr. Weed is identified with the Evangelical Associa- tion of North America, at Vernonia, Ore.

THOMAS K. FAWCETT. The ambitious men of the younger generation, who are destined to carry on the work begun by their sires in the very early days of Oregon, have a worthy repre- sentative in Thomas K. Fawcett, formerly en- gaged in extensive mining operations, but at present elaborating plans for a large stock-rais- ing enterprise on his farm, two miles west of Bellfountain. A native son of Oregon, he was born at the Myrtle Creck mines, Douglas county, July 26, 1874, a son of George N. Fawcett, of Portland, residing at No. 353 Grant street.

Completing his education in the public schools of Portland at the age of sixteen, Thomas K. started out in the world on his own responsibility, naturally drawn to the mining business, which had surrounded his earliest and later years. Suc- cess did not come as readily as anticipated, for he tried his luck in Oregon, Idaho, Montana and

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Colorado, before striking the rich claim in Baker county, this state, which netted him a handsome fortune. After operating the claim for a couple of years he disposed of it at a profit and bought other claims in the neighborhood, remaining thereabouts until 1902, and meeting with varying success. He then decided to turn his attention to stock-raising, and bought his present farm of seven hundred and sixty-one acres on the old Corvallis road, and which constitutes a portion of the Samuel Haptonstall, Charles McCoy and Martin L. Charles donation claims. Two hun- dred acres of his property are under cultivation, and a new residence is in process of construction which promises to be one of the most commo- dious and comfortable in the county. This home is destined to become one of the centers of hos- pitality in the neighborhood, for both Mr. and Mrs. Fawcett are possessed of tact and cordial- ity, and have the faculty of making and retaining friends. Mrs. Fawcett was formerly Anna C. Kelly, and she was born at Coos Bay, Ore., being a member of a prominent family of that section. One son has been born of this union, Tolbert K.

When the Spanish-American war broke out Mr. Fawcett was one of the first among his friends to enlist for service in the Philippines, and as a private in Company G, Second Oregon Infantry, he served fifteen months, and partici- pated in twenty-six engagements, including the battles of Malabon, Pasig and Malinta. For meritorious action he was advanced to the rank of sergeant, and for a part of the service had charge of the military train. While in the orient he made a practical study of the people and pre- vailing conditions, and upon his return· interested his friends with accounts of his observations. Mr. Fawcett follows the family tradition and is a stanch Republican, but has never taken an ac- tive interest in office-seeking or holding. He is identified with several of the social organizations in which the county ahounds, and is fraternally connected with the Woodmen of the World.

ROBERT L. HENKLE. One-half mile east of Philomath is located the farm owned and op- erated by Robert L. Henkle, whose fine, up-to- date property at once attracts the notice of the passer-by. His acreage comprises one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he makes a specialty of general farming and stock-raising, sheep claiming the most of his attention. Mr. Henkle was born October 30, 1849, in Lee county, Iowa. the son of Zebadiah Henkle, who was born in old Virginia October 26, 1807. With his parents he removed to Illinois, and later to Iowa. For his life companion he married Miss Mary Wilson, a native of Kentucky, the young couple making their home in Iowa until 1866, when, by ox and

horse teams, they came across the plains, landing in California abont four months from the day of starting. The following year, 1867, they came to Benton county, Ore., purchasing three hun- dred and twenty acres located two and one-half miles south of Philomath, there residing until his death, at the age of sixty-six years. His widow continued to live on the place for several years, but later removed to Independence, Polk county, making her home with her youngest danghter until her death, when seventy-seven years old.

Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Henkle, three of whom are now deceased, and the names and residences of those living are as follows: Abraham, a resident of Philomath ; George, of Corvallis: Mary, the wife of Samuel Davis, of Philomath; Eli, of Independence ; Sarah, the wife of A. Nelson, of Independence ; Etta, who became the wife of W. H. Walker, also of Independence; Robert L .; Amos, a farmer residing north of Philomath, and James, of Prineville. While a resident of Iowa the father served as county commissioner for several years, and was justice of the peace a great many years. Politically, he took an active interest in the welfare of the Democratic party, and in the Presbyterian Church, of which he was a member from early manhood, he could always be de- pended upon to co-operate in all measures which tended toward the betterment of mankind. . In this, too, he had the support of his wife, who had been a member of the church from the age of fifteen years.

Robert L. Henkle was about seventeen years old when his parents removed from Iowa and made their home in the west. His district school education was supplemented by a course in the college at Philomath, after completing which he returned home, remaining with his parents until his twenty-third year. From 1871 until 1874 he worked for the neighboring farmers, and in the year last mentioned was united in marriage with Miss Cynthia Newton, a native of Oregon. Their first home was about one and one-half miles south of Philomath, but three years later they moved to a farm located just east of town, which was the family home for the next four- teen years. Their next purchase was a tract of three hundred and twenty-two acres, formerly a part of the Eliza Liggitt donation claim, one- half mile east of Philomath. Here he owned two hundred and fifty acres, all under cultivation, twelve acres being devoted to hops, but has re- cently sold all but one hundred and sixty-two acres. In addition to carrying on general farm- ing he devotes considerable attention to stock- raising, making a specialty of raising fine grades of sheep.

Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs.

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Henkle, of whom the eldest, Ora, is a resident of Portland. The other children are at home with their parents and are named as follows: Roy, Chester, Ada, Mamie, Herman and Esther. Fra- ternally, Mr. Henkle affiliates with the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, and politically is a stanch Democrat.

JOSEPH PARK. For many years the late Joseph Park was prominently identified with the agricultural and mercantile interests of Philo- math, and in his death, which occurred Decem- ber 22, 1902, Benton county lost a valuable and highly esteemed citizen. A man of sterling in- tegrity and sturdy worth, his life record was a praiseworthy one, and his memory will long be cherished by the many who were bound to him by ties of kinship or friendship. One of a family of nine children, he was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, December 12, 1812.

Acquiring his education in the pioneer schools of Ohio, Joseph Park remained with his parents until he was sixteen years of age. Beginning, then, the battle of life for himself, he found his first occupation in boating, and for a number of years run flatboats down the Wabash, Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans, in the mean- time making his home in Indiana. In 1852, joining a company of emigrants westward bound, he came with a train of ox teams across the plains to Sacramento, Cal., during the trip of three months having no serious trouble with the Indians. Coming from California to Oregon by water, Mr. Park settled in Benton county, purchasing a farm on Muddy creek, about ten miles south of Corvallis. After living there eight years, he returned to Indiana, going by way of the Isthmus, and on Christmas day, 1861, took unto himself a wife. In the spring of 1862, accompanied by his bride, he again came west, traveling by ox-team train to Nevada, where he was engaged in farming and mining for two years. Continuing his journey toward the west, in 1864, he settled in Oregon, on the land which he had previously bought, and lived on it until 1869. Locating then in Topeka, Kans., Mr. Park was there employed in mercantile business for sixteen years. In 1885 he again came to Ore- gon. Purchasing five hundred and thirty acres of land about six miles southwest of Philomath, he made substantial improvements on the place, and brought a large part of the land into a highly productive condition. In 1890, with character- istic enterprise, he established a store of general merchandise in Philomath, the business being conducted by his sons under the firm name of Park Brothers. Taking up his residence in Phil- omath, he lived there until 1902, when he re- turned to his home farm, on which his death oc-

curred, December 22, 1902, as previously stated.

On December 25, 1861, Mr. Park married, in Indiana, Mary A. Curtis, who was born in that state in January, 1839. She survives him, and with the assistance of her son, William, is suc- cessfully conducting the homestead farm. Mr. and Mrs. Park became the parents of four chil- dren, namely: William, Joseph A., a child that died in infancy, and Harriet E. A strong Re- publican in politics, Mr. Park always took a warm interest in the welfare of his adopted town and county, and watched with genuine pride its gradual evolution from a wild country to a su- perb agricultural region, whose well cultivated and well stocked ranches indicated its general prosperity. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for twenty-one years served as chorister.

William Park, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Park, married Edith Conner, a native of Oregon, and they have five children, namely: Lawrence, Joseph, Mary, Vivian and Theodore. William Park resides on the parental homestead, where he is carrying on general farming and stock- raising in a successful manner. He is a Repub- lican in politics, and a member of the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church.

Joseph A. Park, the second son, resides near Corvallis, and is numbered among the prosperous and esteemed citizens of that locality. He mar- ried Alice Conner, an Oregonian by birth, and they are the parents of four children, namely : Charlie, Ada, Ida and Winnifred.

JOSIAH H. HERRON. Among the influ- ential young farmers of Benton county none sug- gest careers of greater promise than Josiah H. Herron, owner of a farm of three hundred and twenty acres of land, one hundred of which are under cultivation. Mr. Herron comes of one of the prominent pioneer families of this county, and necessarily feels a great interest in his im- mediate surroundings, for he was born in the house which is now his home, September 13, 1870. His father, Robert Herron, an Irish- man, lived to be fifty-five years of age, and served in the Rogue river war. His wife, formerly Mary W. Neil, married for her second husband, James Barclay, whom she survives, and whose farm of three hundred and forty acres she is still occupying.

Like all of the children in this well regulated home, Josiah H. was taught the value of indus- try, and schooled in every department of farm- ing. At the district school he received a practical education, and remained under the paternal roof until his marriage with Lettie Edwards, who was born in Lane county, and whose father crossed the plains with ox-teams in 1853, settling

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in Benton and afterward removing to Lane county. While engaging in general farming and stock-raising Mr. Herron devotes twenty-five of his three hundred and twenty acres of land to fruit, principally prunes, and for the latter he has erected a dryer, sufficiently large for public dry- ing. His farm is modern in its appointments, and fertile in soil, being well adapted to a va- riety of interests. That the fortunate owner appreciates this fact is evident to all who visit him in the midst of his activities, and note the neat and painstaking appearance of residence, barns and fences.

Like his brother and father, Mr. Herron is a Democrat, and, though one of the youngest farm- ers in his neighborhood, has been elected to the school board, serving also as school clerk. He is fraternally connected with the Woodmen of the World, at the lodge of which he is a genial and always welcome visitor. Mr. Herron is popular, enterprising, and very affable, enters heartily into the general undertakings of his neighbor- hood, and appreciates his position and responsi- bilities as a member of a growing and cosmo- politan community.

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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 170

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