Portrait and biographical record of the Willamette valley, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 176

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 176

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Eminently public-spirited, Mr. Claypool has contributed both time and money when demand has been made upon his generosity, and educa- tion, morality, and good government have been materially fostered by his support. His political allegiance has been with the Democratic party, and his many public offices have included that of member of the state legislature in 1902, during which session he served on the committees of health, morals and military affairs. He was elected county commissioner in 1886, and for practically his entire active life he has been either a director or clerk of the school board. Nor has the career of Mr. Claypool been devoid of the excitement and danger incident to the early days, for he served in the Indian war of 1856 as a member of Company D, Second Regi- ment, under command of Col. Thomas Cornelius, and for one hundred and six days fought against the Indians. From the early to the later days his life has been marked by sincere devotion to whatever duty came his way, his actions being in- variably governed by high principle, and the utmost consideration for the rights of others.

AMERICUS TAYLOR McCALLY. A1- though a recent recruit to the mercantile ranks of Halsey, Americus Taylor McCally has already established a paying business, and in connection therewith is building up a satisfactory insurance business, representing the Glenn Falls and Ger- man American companies. Preceded by several years of agricultural and general experience he came here in 1900, his genial manner and ability to adapt himself to new conditions materially contributing to his start in this cosmopolitan community. With him Mr. McCally brought a host of southern traditions, for his ancestors labored long and faithfully on cotton plantations, establishing themselves in the state of Tennessee. Near Knoxville he was born March 5, 1848, his father being a native of the same state, as is also his mother, formerly Clementine Humphreys. Americus was five years of age when his parents came to Oregon in 1853, the family having spent the previous winter in Missouri, as did so many of the early Oregon emigrants. After a com- paratively agreeable journey they arrived in Linn county, where the father took up three

hundred and sixty acres of land and engaged in stock-raising for six years. The family for- tunes were shifted near Lebanon in 1858, and this continued to be the home until 1896, when the father and mother removed to near Nez Perces, Idaho, where they have since lived. They are making their home with a son, J. M., and the father has attained to seventy-seven years.

The oldest of the seven sons and four daughters born to his parents, Americus Mc- Cally was educated in the public schools of Ore- gon, and soon after arriving in this state began to take his part in clearing and improving the farm. From 1871 to 1873 he engaged in clerk- ing in Scio, Ore., and in 1878 bought three hun- dred and sixty-five acres of land in the fork of the Santiam river and operated the same, engaged in general farming. In 1886 he en- gaged in a general merchandise business in Jordan, Linn county, and in 1894 settled on a farmı near Lebanon, purchasing one hundred and eighty acres. In 1898 he removed to Albany, and, after one year in the grocery business, entered upon his present combined interests as merchant and insurance agent.

Through his marriage in Linn county with Nancy E. Bryant, five children have been born to Mr. McCally, of whom R. A. is living in eastern Oregon; I. G. is clerking in his father's store; Cora E. is engaged in educational work and is living at home; and Claude and Vena are living at home. Mr. McCally has decided views on all public questions, and has especially made his influence felt as a Prohibitionist. His executive ability has resulted in various posi- tions of honor being tendered him, among them being that of school director, road supervisor and clerk for many years. With his family he finds a religious home in the Christian Church, and its charities and general support are mater- ially benefited by his generous contributions. Tactful and considerate, and with due appre- ciation of the rights and duties of the up-to-date merchant and business man, Mr. McCally com- mands the respect and good will of all who know him.

DAVID MYERS. One of the best known and most honored of the retired men of Scio is David Myers, a pioneer of 1858, and formerly engaged in carpentering, sawmilling, mining, and farm- ing. In his long business career Mr. Mycrs ad- hered to the principles of conservatism and re- liability, and it thus happens that many years were consumed in steadily but surely increasing his competency. At the present time he owns five hundred and twenty acres of land, three miles east of Scio, one hundred and sixty acres

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of timber land six miles east of the town, and eighty acres near Yaquina Bay, Lincoln county.

The Myers family was established in Medina county, Ohio, by Daniel Myers, the paternal grandfather of David, who was presumably born in Pennsylvania, married there, and reared a large family. Among his children was Gabriel, the father of David, who was born in Lehigh county, Pa., and there married Hannah An- drews, a native of the Quaker state, and who died in Wayne county, Ohio, at the age of eighty- five years. Gabriel Myers located on a farm in Trumbull county, Ohio, about 1828, and there engaged in coopering, a trade learned in his youth in Pennsylvania, and adhered to nearly all of his active life. After removing to Medina county, Ohio, in 1845, he farmed and worked at his trade to some extent, but died after several years of retirement at the age of sixty-three years.

The fifth in a family of fifteen children, eight of whom were sons, David Myers worked very hard in his boyhood days, and naturally found little time for recreation or education. In fact his present knowledge partakes rather of the practical and observative kind, the kind that men acquire while forging to the front, independent of any material help on the part of others. He was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, February 16, 1834, and was therefore twenty years of age when he came west to California in 1854, making the journey by way of the Isthmus of Panama. He was moderately successful in the placer mines at Greenwood, Eldorado county, and in 1858 transferred his mining interests to the Sound country in Washington. In November, 1858, he located in Portland, Ore., and worked at the carpenter trade, the same year removing to Marion county, where he managed a sawmill near Stayton, on the north Santiam. At the end of a year he began to devote his summers to car- pentering and his winters to the sawmill, and in 1862 located on a farm of two hundred and eighty acres three miles east of Scio, Linn coun- ty, where he farmed and worked at his trade. In 1883 he removed to Scio and engaged in the lumber business, operating in connection there- with a planing and sawmill, from which he de- rived a substantial income until disposing of the same in 1895. In the meantime his health had caused him serious worry and apprehension, and upon locating in Scio he built a fine two-story frame residence, and surrounded himself and family with the comforts and many of the lux- uries of life. The farming property is leased to responsible parties, but Mr. Myers often visits it to look after the repairs. He is constantly under the doctor's care, but otherwise retains the fac- ulties which have accomplished his success, and

manages to get considerable enjoyment out of life.

The wife of Mr. Myers, who was formerly Mary P. McDonald, a native of Andrew county, Mo., died in Oregon in 1883, at the age of forty-two years, leaving twelve children: Jeffer- son D. lives in Portland, Ore .; Nathanial Clay and Ida are deceased; Laura B. lives in Port- land, and is engaged as teacher in the public school; Eva Adella is living at home; Mary is a trained nurse of Portland; Maud and Myrtle, twins, the former a teacher in Salem, and the latter living at home; Elizabeth Dora and Flora, twins, are nurses in the North Pacific Sanatorium of Portland; Edward D., and Lola Hannah, are at home. The family of Mr. Myers is increased by the presence of his grand-daughter, Fay Lor- raine. Politically Mr. Myers was a Democrat for many years, but at present is independent. He has never entered especially into the political undertakings of his neighborhood, but has served as county commissioner from 1884 until 1886. He is fraternally a popular and welcome member of Scio Lodge No. 39, Ancient Free and Ac- cepted Masons, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. The history of Linn county would be incomplete without more than passing mention of this popular and influential citizen, and those who are struggling against severe obstacles on the way to success may find in his life many lessons worthy of emulation.

HENRY G. EVERETT. The success of H. G. Everett as a hardware and agricultural im- plement merchant can hardly be ascribed to the fact that he has no competitors in business in Lebanon, for so well conducted and necessary an adjunct to the town and country well-being must needs hold its own in any community, however large or advanced. Equipped with several years of business experience Mr. Everett came to Lebanon in 1891, and bought a half interest in the hardware business of Neil S. Dalgleish, with whom he has since been associated. Under the combined management of these two competent and resourceful men the enterprise has grown apace, and the stock now carried is valued at $20,000. As the population of the town in- creased, and the surrounding farmers advanced in their methods of conducting their affairs, various commodities have been added to the regu- lation stock, including agricultural implements, carpets and wall paper, paints, oils, window glass and minor builders' materials.

The founder of the family in America came from England and located in Massachusetts. David Allen Everett, the paternal grandfather of Henry G., was born in Vermont, while his parents were on their way from Massachusetts to

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Clinton county, N. Y. There Mr. Everett ac- quired a homestead which consisted of two hun- dred and fifty acres, a large farm for New York state, which is still in the possession of the fam- ily, and is now occupied by Harvey Everett, the father of Henry G., who is seventy-five years old, and who was born in the house which is still his home. At present retired, he has for years been one of the successful farmers of his county, and on a large scale has conducted an apiary, which is still a source of substantial revenue. For many years he has been practically alone; for his wife, formerly Margaret Green, a native of New York, died at the age of fifty-five, leaving three sons and one daughter. John Green, the father of Mrs. Everett, was also of English descent, and is sup- posed to have been born in New York state. He was a farmer by occupation, and lived to an advanced age on the farm to the improvement of which he devoted the best years of his life.

The oldest of the children in his father's fam- ily, Henry G. Everett worked hard on the pa- ternal farm, in consequence of which his edu- cation was limited. However, the deficiency was not perceptible a few years later, for like the majority of boys with an eye for business, he learned more from observation than books, and having a keen appreciation of the practical and useful in life, learned his lessons from every- day contact with his fellow-men. Leaving the farm, he started a grocery business in Peru, N. Y., in 1885, taking as his partner a schoolmate reared in his own neighborhood, and with whom he continued in amicable partnership until 1888. Disposing of his store, he went to California in 1890, and the following year took passage on a north-bound steamer for Portland, from which city he came direct to Lebanon. Since coming here Mr. Everett has married Lulu Westfall, a native of Baker City, Ore., and who became the mother of Eleanor, who is living at home with her parents. Mr. Everett is a Democrat in poli- tics, and has been a member of the city council several terms. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America.

EDWARD C. PEERY. The drug business of Edward C. Peery, while deriving a certain advantage from being the only concern of the kind in Scio, bases its successful operations upon actual merit, and has the reputation of being one of the well managed enterprises in the valley. Mr. Peery, who is popular both in the business and social life of his adopted city, is a native son of Oregon, and was born on a farm four miles south of Dayton, Yamhill county, May 3, 1875. Ilis father, Hiram Peery, a native of Daviess county, Mo., crossed the plains with his parents

in 1863, at the time being fifteen years of age. The family equipment consisted of the time-hon- ored ox-teams and prairie schooners, and after a six-months' trip the home-seekers arrived in safety at Jordan, in Linn county, where the pa- rents took up a farm, upon which Hiram re- mained until eighteen years of age. He then went to the mines of Idaho and had fair success as a miner, returning to Oregon at the age of twenty- one. In Yamhill county he located a claim near Dayton, but afterward sold it and took up an- other near McMinnville, where, at the age of fifty-five, he is still living. His father, Hiram Wilson Peery, was born in Virginia, and before locating in Missouri lived in Kentucky, his death occurring on the farm near Dayton, Yamhill county, Ore. On the maternal side Edward C. is connected with the Kimsey family, who were early represented in Oregon, locating on a claim in Yamhill county, where his mother, Mary Jane Kimsey, was born. Alvis Kimsey, her father, owned a farm of six hundred and forty acres near Dayton, where his death occurred at the age of forty-five years. There were six children born to Mrs. Peery, of whom three were sons.

After leaving the public schools of Yamhill county, Edward C. began to earn an independent livelihood as a clerk in a drug store, at Soda- ville, and with the money thus earned he entered Mineral Springs College, at Sodaville, in 1892, graduating therefrom in 1896, with the degree of B. S. For the following four years he engaged in educational work in this state, three years as principal of the Moro High School of Sherman county, and during this time, from 1896, he was a partner in the drug business of Peery & Peery, at Scio. In 1902 he became sole owner and man- ager of the store, having registered under the law of 1892. He carries all stock required in a first-class drug business, as well as stationery, and a complete line of toilet articles.

In Albany, Ore., August 15, 1898, Mr. Peery married Pearl Hobson, who was born in Marion county, and educated in the public schools of her neighborhood. One child has been born of this union, Edris Ione, a daughter. Mr. Peery is fraternally connected with the Knights of the Maccabees and the Knights of Pythias. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served as clerk and trustee on the school board, and as justice of the peace for one term. Mr. Peery is prominent socially in Scio, and is the leader of the band of the city, which he organized April 15, 1903. This very popular and entertaining adjunct to the pleasure-giving opportunities enjoyed by the citi- zens is composed of fourteen pieces, and is a com- bination of brass and reed instruments. Under the efficient training of its director and general manager it has attained to a high state of culti- vation, and renders the most popular and most

I. M. Poorman

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classical of selections. Mr. Peery has the admir- able and strong characteristics which go to make up the honored and progressive northwestern cit- izen, and his business and himself are appreciated by the citizens of his community.

COL. JOHN M. POORMAN. One of the representative men of Marion county is Col. John M. Poorman, cashier of and a chief stockholder in the Bank of Woodburn, and one of the men upon whose shoulders rests a large share of the financial welfare of the city. The family of which he is a representative member was founded in America by his paternal grandfather, Hoffman Poorman, who came from Wurtemberg, Ger- many, settled in New York, and removed thence to Pennsylvania, in both of which states he en- gaged in farming.

His son, John M., Sr., father of Colonel Poorman, was born in Chambersburg, Pa., ani in his youth was apprenticed to a tanner. Later he farmed in Fairfield county, Ohio, and Sangamon county, Ill. In the latter state he became a prominent farmer, and owned a sec- tion of fine land. He devoted his land prin- cipally to stock-raising, raising fine horses and Durham cattle, and during his active life han- dled thousands of dollars' worth of blooded stock. For some years he was connected with the quartermaster's department of the United States army, during the Civil war, and pur- chased horses for the government. His later years were spent in retirement. To the end of his life he was a devoted admirer of fine horses, possessing the keenest appreciation of the beauty and usefulness of this noble animal. In Lancaster, Ohio, he married Martha S. Bush, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, and of the seven children born to them, two sons and four daughters grew to maturity, the subject of this review being the youngest son. John M. Poorman, Sr., died at the age of sev- enty-five years. To the end of his life Mr. Poorman recalled his associations with Abra- ham Lincoln as one of the pleasantest features of his career, for his farm in Sangamon county was but ten miles from Springfield, the home of Mr. Lincoln. Mr. Poorman belonged to the same hand-ball team as did the martyred presi- dent, and was variously associated with him in the social and business enterprises which en- tered into their respective lives.

After completing his education in the com- mon schools and the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Ill., Colonel Poorman, who was born in Sangamon county, April 20, 1854, con- tinued to live with his father until emigrating to California in 1874. There he found employ-

ment with the Central Pacific Railroad Com- pany at Sacramento for three years. In 1877 he came to Oregon and secured a position as conductor for the Oregon Railroad & Naviga- tion Company, in time his runs including all the various divisions of the road. Having be- come interested in pharmacy while living in Illinois, and discovering an opening in Wood- burn for a first-class drug store, he established what ultimately proved to be one of the finest of its kind in the Willamette valley. So ini- pressed did he become with the business op- portunities afforded by that locality that upon the expiration of two years he established the Bank of Woodburn, of which he has since been cashier. He likewise erected the structure in which the bank is located. This bank ranks as one of the solid financial institutions of the Willamette valley.

Nor have Colonel Poorman's efforts been confined to the drug and banking business. The cause of education has profited by his stanch support, he having served as school clerk and director for several years. As a Re- publican he has held to the best tenets of his party, has been active in local affairs, and has served as a member of the state central com- mittee. In 1900 he was elected to represent his district in the lower house of the Oregon state legislature by a large majority, and during the term of his service looked well to the interests of his constituents. He is prominently identi- fied with Hermes Lodge No. 56, Knights of Pythias, and in Masonry is a past master of Woodburn Lodge No. 106, A. F. & A. M .; past high priest of Woodburn Royal Arch Chapter No. 29, De Molay Commandery No. 5 of Salem, Ore .; a thirty-second degree Mason in Consistory of Scottish Rite of Portland, and Al Kader Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. of Portland, Ore.

In July, 1903, the National Guard of Oregon was reorganized to conform with "the Dick bill," placing the National Guard on the same basis as the United States army, and he was elected lieutenant-colonel of the Third Infan- try, the only regiment in the state, receiving the unanimous vote of the regiment. He is also a member of French Prairie Camp No. 47, W. O. W., and of Mt. Hood Division No. 91, Order of Railway Conductors, in which he has served as secretary for nine years. This di- vision is the largest in the northwest, and the mother order.

As a soldier during the Spanish-American war, Colonel Poorman proved himself a gal- lant, brave and most determined defender of the flag. Upon its organization he was elected captain of Company H, Second Regiment, Ore- gon National Guard, and was subsequently chosen lieutenant-colonel of the same regi-

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ment. At the outbreak of the war Company H of Woodburn and Company E of Hubbard were merged into Company M, which was mustered into the service May 15, 1898, at which time Lieutenant-Colonel Poorman was appointed captain by Governor Lord. This company will go down in history as one of the bravest that sailed from western shores, their enthusiasm increased, no doubt, by their ad- miration and loyalty to their genial com- mander. Company M participated in the bat- tles of Pasig, Malabon, Polo, Marilao, Tay Tay, Morong and others of equal importance, and its captain was one of two bearing the same rank, who was officially complimented by Major Goodale for gallantry and meri- torious service. After the war Captain Poor- man was elected Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fourth Regiment, Oregon National Guard.

On October 30, 1879, Colonel Poorman was united in marriage with Miss Lida McMillen, who was born in Multnomah county, Ore., December 25, 1859, a daughter of B. F. McMil- len, who is reviewed at length in another part of this volume. Four sons have been born to Colonel and Mrs. Poorman, one of whom, Tracy Chandler, accompanied his father to the Philippines. Forrest Winfred is a student in the Willamette University, Fred, a student and Kenneth, still at home.

Colonel Poorman possesses the fundamental traits of character which have ever been re- garded as bulwarks of communities. Forceful, though unostentatious, extending the hand of good-fellowship to all, and entertaining malice towards none, he represents the typical citizen of the great northwest.

THOMAS MONTEITH. The name Mon- teith is one which the residents of Albany, Linn county, will always remember as that of several of the first men of the city, whose broad liber- ality, enterprise and business ability were the foundation upon which a large part of the place was built. The western half of the city was laid out entirely by Walter and Thomas Mon- teith. the land having been the donation claim of the former. Many of the public buildings of the city also owe to Thomas Monteith a grateful remembrance, since he donated the land which they occupy. Among them are Albany College, of which one brother was trustee for many years and another. the Rev. William Monteith, acted as president for some time; and also nearly all the churches of the city. The public spirit which animated this family has truly left its impress upon the community, and the effort which they directed along these lines has certainly met with a reward in the industrial, commercial and social

life in the city they assisted so materially in creating.

The Monteith family was founded in America by Archibald Monteith, a native of Scotland, from which country he emigrated with his wife, formerly Mary McLain, and settled in New York state as a farmer. Of their family of ten children several found homes in the territory of the far northwest, added to those already named being George and John, both of whom died in Albany. William Monteith died in Idaho, and Walter, who was born in 1816, died in Albany June 11, 1876. The latter came to Oregon in 1847, and located a claim of three hundred and twenty acres. He was in every way a man of affairs up to the time of his death, taking a prom- inent part in all public movements, a leader in every business enterprise. He also served his adopted state as a soldier in the Cayuse war. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

Thomas Monteith was born near Broadalbin, Fulton county, N. Y., April 23, 1824, and re- mained there until he had entered his teens, when he went to Illinois and resided until 1847. In that year he joined his brother Walter, and the two crossed the plains with ox-teams, settling in Linn county. He was later attracted to the gold fields of California. After spending a short time there he returned to Oregon and assisted in laying out the western part of Albany, the name given to the city being in memory of the one by that name in their native state. The in- terest of the two brothers continued parallel in a milling and merchant business under the style of Monteith Bros. They built the Mag- nolia mill, in the operation of which they were also financially interested. The Albany City Mills were also built by Mr. Monteith, and were conducted by him for some years, after which he again followed the mercan- tile business. A few years before his death, which occurred July 21, 1889, at the age of sixty- five years, he retired from the active cares of life. He had earnestly labored for the upbuilding of the city, giving freely of his time, money and strength, which has certainly been appreciated by his fellow-townsmen. As a Republican. stanch and earnest, he gave every aid to the ad- vancement of the principles which he considered for the best interests of the community, in mu- nicipal government serving as mayor for one term, and also as city councilman. As a sturdy and faithful pioneer he did active duty in the Cayuse war. In his fraternal relations he affil- iated with the Masons and Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

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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 176

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