Portrait and biographical record of the Willamette valley, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 172

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 172

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miah went by himself over the same route in a steamboat, noting as he went the great changes which had come over the region in the meantime. In 1864 he enlisted for the Indian service in Company A, First Oregon Volunteers, and for a year was located at the Vancouver barracks. For a month the regiment was stationed at Fort Yamhill, and then went across the river country after Indians, remaining there for about nine months. He was discharged from the service June 30, 1866, and has always retained in his possession the gun and other equipment which constituted his war regalia. In 1880 he was chosen one of the receivers to make the first trip of ten miles down the Oregon & Pacific Railroad, and to receive the first ten miles that was com- pleted from Toledo to Yaquina City-John Minto, of Marion county, and Robert Cohorn, of Lane county, being the other receivers. A Re- publican in politics, he has taken an active inter- est in his party's undertakings in this county, has served as councilman for ten years, and was postmaster of Philomath for twelve years. It will thus be seen that he has been intimately con- nected with pioneer as well as later enterprises, and has contributed his share towards their up- building.

In Philomath, Mr. Henkle was united in mar- riage with Lizzie Mason, daughter of George Mason, a native of Illinois, and who crossed the plains in 1853. Locating on a claim on Mary's river, Mr. Mason lived there for many years, but finally moved into the town, where he died at an advanced age. His daughter, Mrs. Henkle, died here in 1876, leaving a son, Otis C., who is now a hardware merchant of Dayton, Wash. In 1878 Mr. Henkle married Nancy A. Hunt, who was born in Oak county, Iowa, February 18, 1859, and whose father, Benjamin J., was born in Fleming county, Ky., November 16, 1821. The Hunts moved to near Des Moines, Iowa, in 1847, and, in 1869, crossed the plains with mule teams, making the trip to Washington territory in three months. Locating on a farm in the ter- ritory Mr. Hunt founded the town of Hunts- ville, and also started that educational institution known as the Huntsville Seminary, located in Columbia county. In 1900 he removed to Day- ton, Wash., where he is living in retirement. He married Margaret Field, born in White county, Ill., and who also is living. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Henkle, Rodell and Beulah, both of whom are living with their par- ents. Mr. Henkle is a member of the United Brethren Church, the liberal branch, and his wife is active in missionary and Women's Christian Temperance Union work. Mr. Henkle is one of the solid and substantial upbuilders of this part of the state, and while traveling his way has cemented many friendships of a lasting and beau-

tiful nature. He is one of those western noble- men to whom the coast country owes a great debt of gratitude, and whom it will ever honor for his character and undertakings.

SEYMOUR CHIPMAN. A widely known and prominent citizen of Corvallis and a veteran of the late Civil war, the brief life record of Seymour Chipman affords an excellent example for young men just entering the field of business activity, well illustrating the virtue of patriot- ism and showing the success to be attained by industry, enterprise and thrift. The representa- tive of an old New England family, he was born June 30, 1833, in Essex, Chittenden county, Vt., a son of John Chipman. On the paternal side he comes of English ancestry, his great grand- father, Jonathan Chipman, having been born and bred in England, where he learned the hatter's trade. Subsequently emigrating to this country, he purchased land in Essex, Vt., and by stren- uous labor cleared a homestead from the wilder- ness.

Thomas Chipman, the grandfather of Sey- mour Chipman, spent his entire life in Essex, Vt., being industriously engaged in farming pursuits. During the war of 1812 he offered his services to his country, and at the memorable battle of Plattsburg was captain of one of the companies in a prominent regiment. He took an active part in town affairs, and was a leading member of the Baptist Church.

John Chipman was born in Essex, Vt., in 1798, and there spent the first half of his long life. Coming into possession of a part of the ancestral homestead, he carried on general farm- ing, and also worked at the carpenter's trade. Removing with his family to Illinois in 1843, he iived near Rockford . for nine years, then took up his residence six miles north of Belvidere. In 1852 he migrated to Iowa, locating in Clayton county, near Strawberry Point, where he owned and operated a saw-mill and a grist-mill. Later, in company with his son, Seymour Chipman, he settled in Pocahontas county, Iowa, and lived there until his death, at the age of eighty-four years. His wife, whose maiden name was Har- riet Hoadley, was born in Vermont, a daughter of Thomas Hoadley. Mr. Hoadley, who was of Welsh descent, was born and reared in Vermont. In 1843 he removed to Illinois, but after living in the Prairie state a few years he returned to his old home in Vermont, and there spent the remainder of his life, dying at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. Three boys and four girls were born of the union of John and Har- riet (Hoadley) Chipman, and with the excep- tion of two daughters all are now living. All of

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the sons served in the late Civil war, LaFayette, now a resident of Pocahontas county, Iowa, hav- ing served in the First Minnesota Heavy Artil- lery, while Horace, who resides in Calhoun county, Iowa, served in the Second Minnesota Infantry. The mother died at a venerable age in Minnesota.

Seymour Chipman, the oldest son of the par- ental household, was a lad of ten years when he accompanied his parents to Illinois, making the long trip from Vermont by horse-teams. After completing his early education in the dis- trict schools he assisted his father in improving a farm, and during the harvest seasons was em- ployed in threshing. Removing to Clayton county, Iowa, in 1852, he was at first engaged in milling as proprietor of a saw-mill and a grist-mill, and subsequently operated a carding- mill and a woolen-mill. On August 11, 1862, Mr. Chipman enlisted in Company B, Twenty- first lowa Infantry, and on being mustered into service at Dubuque, Iowa, was elected fifer of the regiment. He took an active part in many important engagements, among the more nota- ble being the battle at Port Gibson, on May I, 1863, and the siege of Vicksburg, which was concluded by the capitulation of that city on July 4, 1863. The following month Mr. Sey- mour was taken seriously ill, and, on his return to the army, was transferred to the Veteran Re- serve Corps, with which he was actively identi- fied until the close of the conflict, serving in the commissary department at Camp McClelland, Davenport, Iowa. On June 28, 1865, he was mustered out of service and returned home.

Establishing himself in business as a black- smith and carriage manufacturer at Strawberry Point, Mr. Chipman remained there successfully employed until 1881. Going then to Gilmore City, Iowa, he was there engaged in agricul- tural pursuits for four or more years, after which he embarked in the hotel business, which he car- ried on until 1890. Coming then to Oregon, Mr. Chipman located first near Forest Grove, where he purchased a claim, on which he resid- ed about two years. In 1893 he settled at his present home in Corvallis, where he has since exerted a marked influence in advancing the va- rious enterprises inaugurated to develop its re- sources and promote its prosperity. During his active career he has accumulated a competency, being the owner of much valuable property in different parts of Oregon and of a good farm in Greenwood county, Kansas.

farmer by occupation, removed from Ohio to Indiana, thence to Michigan, and finally to Iowa, locating on a farm in Clayton county, where he resided until his death, at the age of fifty-three years. He married Mary Smith, whose father, Peter Smith, died in Michigan. Ten children blessed their union, three of whom are now liv- ing. One son, David Maxson, who in the Civil war was a member of the regiment to which Mr. Chipman belonged, died while in the serv- ice of his country. Another son, Christian Max- son, is now a merchant in Edgewood, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Chipman are the parents of five children, namely: Mrs. Eva Moyer, of Gilmore City, Iowa ; Charles, of Corvallis; Clarence, pro- prietor of a restaurant and bakery in Corvallis; Mrs. Lillian Theresa Simpson, of Portland, Ore .; and Vidella, wife of F. L. Miller, of Cor- vallis.

On August 14, 1903, Mr. and Mrs. Chipman celebrated their golden wedding. Mr. Chip- man met his friends at the door and received them with a hearty handshake and word of wel- come. They passed into the parlor, where Mrs. Chipman, as active and light of heart as a girl of sixteen, expressed her pleasure at their presence. Here all registered, and, after par- taking of the contents of the punch bowl, pre- sided over by Mrs. Clarence Chipman, passed out onto the lawn where they were served with lunch. Mr. and Mrs. Chipman were the recipients of many handsome presents. The Mystic Shriners presented him and his wife with a beautiful loving cup. Upon it was in- scribed the names of the donors, S. L. Kline, H. W. Hall, W. E. Yates, S. L. Hayes, Rev. MacLean, S. N. Wilkins, T. H. Crawford, Captain Harding and J. B. Horner. The pre- sentation speech was made by Mr. Crawford. Mr. and Mrs. Chipman made fitting response and each Noble drank to their health from the loving cup.

Politically Mr. Chipman is a stanch Repub- lican, and while living in Iowa served sixteen years as justice of the peace, and was mayor of Gilmore City at the time of his removal to Oregon. Fraternally he was made a Mason at Strawberry Point, Iowa, in 1862, and is past master of Strawberry Point Lodge, F. & A. M .; and past high priest of Ferguson Chap- ter, No. 5, R. A. M., of Corvallis, of which he is treasurer ; he is a member of Corvallis Lodge, F. & A. M., of which he is past master ; a member and thrice illustrious master of Ore- gon Council, No. 2, R. & S. M .; is deputy Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Oregon; and a member of Albany Commandery, K. T., while in June, 1903, he became a member of the Mystic Shrine

On August 14, 1853, at Strawberry Point, Iowa, Mr. Chipman married Prudence Maxson, who was born in Clark county, Ohio, which was likewise the birthplace of her father, Ephraim Maxson, and the lifelong residence of her grand- father, Jesse Maxson. Ephraim Maxson, a of Oregon. He is a member, and past com-

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mander, of Ellsworth Post, G. A. R., and in 1902 was junior vice commander of the De- partment of Oregon. Mrs. Chipman is a prom- inent member of the W. R. C., of which she is an ex-president and of the W. C. T. U.

JAMES C. REED. As an energetic farmer, James C. Reed has passed the years since he came to the west, and prosperity has smiled upon him in his patient, uncomplaining toil, and blessed him with an abundance as a reward for a well spent life. He makes his home upon the land which first became his property, in the early munificence of Oregon's fields, but each passing year has found him able to increase the number of acres until he now has a farın of nine hundred acres, all in one body, upon which is carried on general farming and stock-raising.

Born October 11, 1828, James C. Reed is a native of Knox county, Tenn., where his father was engaged as a farmer, that being the life to which he was reared. He had, however, taken up the saddlery trade and later added that of millwright. In Tennessee he married Elizabeth England, also a native of that state, who died in 1840. Two years later the father removed to Missouri. Four children had been born to them, of whom one other besides James C., is located in the west, George being located in Dilley, Washington county, Ore. The father died when about forty-five years old. After the death of his mother James C. Reed left home, thus early assuming the burden of self-support, but fortunately finding a home with an uncle, with whom he remained until attaining his ma- jority, their home being also changed to Mis- souri soon after he became a member of the household. In the winter of 1849 he followed logging and rafting along the Mississippi river, and two years later was married, the home of himself and wife being in Missouri until 1853. With the courage and energy of their pioneer forefathers the young people then made the six-months trip to Oregon, the mode of con- veyance being the slow-plodding oxen, and upon their safe arrival Mr. Reed took up a donation claim of three hundred and twenty-five acres located in Lane county, ten miles south of Eu- gene and three miles north of Creswell. The passing years have justified the choice of loca- tion, for through the now improved and finely cultivated farm extends the Southern Pacific Railroad, which speaks so eloquently of the changes which time has brought to the pioneer settlers. Two hundred acres of this property is now in active cultivation, this and all the im- provements which have kept pace with the changes going on being the result of the practical

and well directed efforts of the worthy pos- sessor.

The wife who shared the trials and troubles of the early life and now enjoys the prosperity, was formerly Miss Ann E. Dillard, a native of Tennessee. She was the daughter of Samuel Dillard, of Kentucky, born there May 12, 1810, and in Tennessee he married Elizabeth Julian, whose birth occurred October 5, 1806. They made their home in that state until 1837, when they removed to Missouri. In addition to the farming interests in which he had always gained a livelihood, Mr. Dillard was a minister of the ·Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and it was both the desire to better his worldly condition and to carry the gospel into the new lands that led to their emigration in 1853, the entire family crossing the plains with ox-teams and settling in the vicinity of Lane county. This continued to be the home of the family until the death of the parents, the father living to be eighty-one years old and the mother fifty-two. Of the five children who were born to them four are now living, namely: Rufus, of Washington ; William, also of Washington; Sarah, who be- came the wife of Robert Cochran, and is located near Cottage Grove, and Ann Reed. In poli- tics Mr. Dillard was a Democrat, and fra- ternally he was associated with the Masonic order. To Mr. and Mrs. Reed were born the following children: Samuel D., who is at home with his parents ; William P., deceased; Robert H., of Harrisburg; George D., also at home; Emma, now Mrs. George Jordan, of Washing- on ; Joseph A., located west of Eugene ; Lena, deceased; and one who died in infancy. Mr. Reed is a Democrat in his political convictions and through the influence of this party has held various minor offices in this vicinity.

JOHN M. MOYER. Persistent and pains- taking effort, augmented by strong and forceful personal characteristics, have won for John M. Mover a substantial place among the pioneer manufacturers and farmers of Linn county. Like the majority who came to the coast in the early days, he was not burdened with superfluous be- longings or the wherewithal to purchase the same, and started out empty-handed to hew out his own destiny. His earliest childhood was spent in Schuylkill county, Pa., where he was born August 21, 1829, a son of Gabriel and grandson of Daniel Moyer, the latter of whom was born in the east and died at a very early day in Ohio. Gabriel was born in Pennsylvania, and his wife, Hannah Andrews, was of the same state. her death occurring in Ohio in 1888. A farmer and cooper by occupation, Mr. Moyer moved to Trumbull county, Ohio, about 1830,

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later settling on a farm of ninety-one acres of timber land in Mahoning county. A still later place of residence was in Medina county, Ohio, where his death occurred in 1848, after many years of successful farming and work at his trade as a cooper. Of his fifteen children, eight of whom were sons, John M. is the third.

Of necessity the early education of John Moyer was limited, yet on the Pennsylvania and Ohio farms he gleaned a great deal of practical infor- mation, above all else learning the invaluable lessons of industry and economy. In 1848 he learned the carpenter's trade, and while working thereat became interested in the accounts of rich lands and still richer mines which came from the coast. With G. F. Colbert he began to prepare for the long trip, and the arrangements showed his desire to profit by the experiences of those who had gone before. Instead of ox-teams the partners bought a wagon, three horses and plenty of provisions and grain for their horses; and succeeded in reaching their destination at Fos- ter's at the end of three months, a remarkably rapid journey, considering the drawbacks which they met on their way. After a couple of weeks on the Clackamas river as the guests of Mr. Arthur, they sold their outfit and started for the Calapooia river, meeting there another genial and hospitable host in the person of Elias L. Walters. Mr. Moyer was pleased with the loca- tion and remained for some time, and afterward worked at his trade at what was then called Cal- apooia postoffice, but which is now known as Brownsville. Almost his first undertaking was to build a house for H. L. Brown, whose daugh- ter, Elizabeth, he married, June 4, 1857. Mr. Brown, after whom Brownsville was named, was born in the east, and crossed the plains to Oregon in 1846. He was a man of leading characteristics, and became very prominent in the little locality, where he conducted the first store, a general merchandise establishment, being the busiest center of activity in the locality. He was a Democrat in politics, and took a prominent part in his party's affairs in Linn county, serv- ing as justice of the peace for many years, and as a member of the legislature for two terms. A man of fine principles and great energy, he was genial, approachable and humane.

Purchasing a herd of cattle in 1855, Mr. Moyer started for the mines of California the following year, but he returned soon after with illusions dispelled, and with an abiding confidence in slower but surer means of livelihood. In 1857 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, soon added sixty more, and began to clear his property, living the while in the most primi- tive manner. His trade proved useful at this stage of his career, for he soon made a comfort- able home for primitive housekeeping. The

following spring the town of Brownsville was laid out by James Blakeley and others, and Mr. Moyer purchased a few lots, built a house, and removed his family there, soon thereafter engag- ing at his trade. During the Florence gold ex- citement in Idaho in 1862, he thought he saw an opportunity for making money rapidly by packing across the mountains. The severity of the weather, and the deep snows which im- peded the progress of his wagons had not been taken into account, and he became footsore from the almost interminable journeys, and almost lost his sight from the constant glare of the snow. Some weeks later he returned to Browns- ville weary at heart and the loser by $800. Re- covering his health and spirits Mr. Moyer worked at his trade until 1863, when he bought the Brownsville Planing Mills, formerly owned by William Linville, and which he fitted with modern machinery, and worked into a paying and extensive business. These mills passed into the hands of his son in 1875, and to the present time are one of the busy enterprises of the town. In 1861 he became interested in the Brownsville Woolen Mills, known then as the Linn Woolen Mill, which he also rebuilt, and which burned down the following year. In 1875 this mill was involved in litigation, and was sold at auction and passed into the hands of Mr. Moyer, who forth- with organized a stock company, and started the Brownsville Woolen Mills upon a successful career. He was president up to his retirement in 1889, and during his administration the mill ex- tended its sphere of usefulness and sent its com- modities into every part of the north and west. After its sale in 1889, Mr. Moyer still continued as its president and a large stockholder, resign- ing from the position in 1896. In 1889 he pur- chased stock in the Portland store on the corner of First and Alder streets. The Brownsville mill was 66x150 feet ground dimensions, was equipped with the most modern machinery, and turned out tweeds, cassimeres, flannels and blankets. In 1888 Mr. Mover extended his field of usefulness to banking, becoming one of the incorporators of the Bank of Brownsville, of which he was president for many years. In 1890 he organized the Bank of Woodburn, of which he was active vice president for some years.

Independent in political affiliations, Mr. Moyer was the first mayor of Brownsville, and has served for many years as school director. It is but fitting that so early and ambitious a settler. should actively participate in its general upbuilding, and this he has done uninterruptedly ever since coming here. In 1881 he planned and built one of the truly beautiful and com- modious residences in the town, which he still occupies, and which has ever been the scene of hospitality and good fellowship. Of his six

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children, four are deceased, while Edward D. is a resident of Portland, and H. Breckenridge is running the saw-mill near town. Thus is men- tioned all too briefly a man whose far-sighted judgment, shrewd business ability, and unques- tioned integrity has been of signal and lasting use in a progressive and appreciative community.

ELIAS KEENEY. May 10, 1846, Elias Keeney left Holt county, Mo., with ox-teams, and, after crossing the plains in about the aver- age time, arrived at his destination three miles east of Brownsville, September 14, of the same year. This early pioneer, who represents the prosperous and successful agriculturist of the west, came to this state with almost no money, his worldly possessions consisting of the clothes he wore. An impression of his life and of his use of opportunity among strangers among whom he came without resources, is best gained by visiting his well equipped and modern farm three miles west of Brownsville. This property became his home a year after coming to Oregon, in 1849, and consists of six hundred and forty acres. Many changes have taken place during these fifty-six years of residence, and from a wilderness in the woods Mr. Keeney has devel- oped a paying and valuable property, and one which has been a source of great satisfaction to its enterprising owner.

A native of Ray county, Mo., Mr. Keeney was born December 18, 1828, his father, John, and mother, Mary Ramsey (Buckhaulter) Keeney, being natives of Tennessee. The par- ents were early settlers in Ray county, where the father engaged in farming and stock-raising in pre-empted land, and there reared his eight sons and one daughter. He removed to Holt county, Mo., in 1842, but did not long survive his change of location, for his death occurred on his farm in 1845. He was survived by his wife, who came to Oregon on the second trip made by her son, in 1851, and died near Brownsville at the age of eighty-nine years. Among her children were twins, Elias and Ely, who began life upon very unequal footings, for Elias was unusually small, while Ely weighed eleven pounds. As time went on Elias showed the better and stronger constitution, and at the present time is not only much the heavier, but is the largest and strongest in the family.

Owing to the extremely wild conditions in Holt county, Mo., Elias received a limited edu- cation, for the schoolhouse was remote and the home duties arduous. To his quiet neighbor- hood came the cheering news of gold and fertile lands in the west, and though crossing the plains in 1846 was as yet a most hazardous and unu- sual undertaking, he cheerfully confronted the

undertaking, although he had practically noth- ing with which to start life in the far west. Once established upon the farm which he now owns, he returned to Missouri in 1850, and there married Margaret Jane Hyatt, who died in Oregon in 1861, leaving four children. Of these, Ely is a resident of Phoenix, Ariz .; Re- becca is deceased ; Emma is the wife of James McHargue; and John.

The year of his marriage Mr. Keeney again started over the plains, bringing with him his wife, his mother, and all of the children with the exception of one brother and two sisters. Set- tling on his claim, he lived there until 1891, and then moved into Eugene to educate his children. In 1900 he went back to the farm, and in 1901 located in Brownsville, purchasing a little pro- perty on the south side, where he has erected a comfortable home. Some time after the death of his wife he had married Lucinda Van Winkle, who was born in Tennessee, and who died in Oregon. Nine children were born of this union, the order of their birth being as follows: George W., deceased; Rhoda, the wife of James Vaugh, a farmer of Halsey, Ore .; James M., of east Oregon; Edward Elias, deceased; Homer J., of Portland; Clarky, deceased; Roy J .; Ilena J., an educator in Shaniko, Wasco county ; and one child, who died in infancy. The third mar- riage of Mr. Keeney, which occurred in 1887, was with Mrs. Matilda Noffsinger, who was born in Missouri, as was also her father, Hiram Lee, a native of Cape Girardeau county. Mr. Noff- singer farmed for many years in Missouri, and crossed the plains in 1863, locating near Cot- tage Grove, Lane county, where he bought land, and where he died in 1883, at the age of eighty-seven years. Four of his children are living: Martin H .; W. N., of Montana ; Thomas H., of Los Angeles, Cal .; and Ida M., an educator of Eugene, Ore. Mr. Keeney is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is an officer, and towards the sup- port of which he is a liberal contributor. He is unquestionably the friend of education, and during his residence on the farm served for many years as school director. He has also served the Republican party as road supervisor for two years, but has never sought official positions or worked for other interests than those of his friends. He has been an interested spectator of the development of his section from a wilderness to the present agricultural and com- mercial prestige, and has contributed his share towards its larger and better growth. In the early days he had many experiences of a more or less unpleasant nature with the Indians, and in the war of 1848 enlisted in Company C, Fourth Regiment, as a private, under command of Captain Maxon. During this war he partici-

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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 172

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