Portrait and biographical record of the Willamette valley, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 206

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 206

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While in her home in eastern Oregon Mrs. Moore was district deputy of the Degree of Honor of the A. O. U. W., and also field worker, in which positions she has worked all over the state of Oregon. She has established fourteen lodges of the Degree of Honor, and now has her membership with the Degree of Honor of Cor- vallis, where she removed in August, after the death of her husband, for the better educational advantages offered her son, Guy, who is now a student of the Oregon Agricultural College, of the class of 1904, and Gladys will graduate in the high school, class of 1904. Guy Moore, in his sophomore year, won the prize offered by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union in an oratorical contest, and in February, 1903, he won through a contest the right to represent his

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college in the state oratorical contest, in the former winning the gold medal and a cash prize of $15, his unusual ability placing him high in scholarly attainments, while in the state contest he won third place, the title of his oration being "Oliver Cromwell, the Man of Action." Mrs. Moore is also a member of the Eastern Star and Rebekahs, in the latter holding the position of vice grand. Politically she holds opinions in accord with those of her husband, though not content to be a follower, for she believes firmly in woman's suffrage and looks forward with confidence to the day when women of intelli- gence and judgment shall be allowed to do their duty to the country which gives them a home, side by side with the man of the same attain- ments.

ROBERT McCAUSTLAND. As a pioneer of the state of Wisconsin, as a courageous sol- dier during the Civil war, as a farmer for many years in Benton county, Ore., and as a retired and helpful citizen of Corvallis, Robert Mc- Caustland is entitled to mention among the na- tive sons of Ireland who have found in the land beyond the seas a home and abundant oppor- tunity.

Supposedly during the times of religious perse- cution in Scotland the paternal grandfather Mc- Caustland left his native land and settled in the mountainous County Tyrone, Ireland. Here was born his son, Daniel, the father of Robert, and who became a farmer and linen manufact- urer. The linen industry was conducted on a rather small scale, and was confined to the finer grades of flax cloth, in which the elder Mc- Caustland excelled. He never left his native land, nor did his wife, who also was of Scotch descent, before her marriage Elizabeth McFad- den, whose father, Samuel, came from Scotland to County Tyrone. Of the nine children in the family all grew to maturity, and three are living, Robert, born in County Tyrone, June I, 1830, being one of the oldest. Three of the sons, James, Thomas and Robert served in the Civil war.

As a boy in County Tyrone Robert McCaust- land attended the national school irregularly, and from his father learned the trade of linen-weav- ing. He was ambitious and resourceful, and the limitations of his countrymen seemed to his buoyant spirits inexpressibly sad and depress- ing. Accordingly he made arrangements to come to America when he had reached nineteen years of age, and January 7, 1850, embarked on the sailer Harold at Glasgow. After a voyage of eight weeks and four days the harbor of New York loomed against the horizon, and filled the hearts of the homeseekers with great joy and

thankfulness. For about a year Robert remained in New York and worked at whatever he could find to do, and then went to Philadelphia, Pa., where he found employment in a feed store for about five years. In the winter of 1855 he re- moved to Adams county, Wis., twenty-two miles from Kilbourn City. Here he engaged in gen- eral farming for twenty-six years, and during the first years in the pineries experienced all of the deprivations incident to pioneer life. His neighbors were few and far between, and the numberless trees shut in his little habitation, and loneliness reigned supreme. Industry accom- plished much, however, and patches of cleared ground widened into acres of tillable land, and harvests rewarded the autumn expectations.

The breaking out of the Civil war found Mr. McCaustland in a fairly prosperous condition, an important member of his agricultural com- munity. In November, 1864, he volunteered in Company C, Fourteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered in at Madison, Wis., afterward joining his regiment at Eastport, Miss. He served up and down in Mississippi and Alabama, and at the battle of Fort Spanish was wounded in the left hand March 28, 1865, by a shell, and was incapacitated for further service. After three months in the hospital he was mustered out in July, 1865, and thereupon returned to his home and farm in Wisconsin. November 14, 1879, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary Hay, who was born in Nor- thumberland, England, a daughter of John Cow- ing, a native of the same part of England. Her grandfather, George Cowing, was a farmer in Northumberland, and her father brought his family to America in 1849, locating in Dane county, Wis. He afterward removed to Adams county, Wis., but finally lived in retirement in Jackson county, Minn., where his death occurred, as did also that of his wife, Elizabeth (David- son) Cowing, a native of Rutledge, England. Eight children were born into the Cowing fam- ily, seven of whom are living. One of the sons, John, served in the Civil war in the Forty- ninth Wisconsin. Mrs. McCaustland was reared in Wisconsin, and for her first husband married Murray Hay, who was born in Herki- mer county, N. Y., and afterward became a merchant in Easton, Wis. Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hay, Marion is a mer- chant in Wilbur, Wash .; Libbie is now Mrs. Cadwell, of Minnesota; Jennie is Mrs. Alex- ander, of Wilbur, Wash .; and Edward is a merchant in Wilbur and also manager of the Big Bend Land Company.

In 1881 Mr. McCaustland sold his farm in Wisconsin and located in Plymouth county, Iowa, where he lived until 1889, when he dis- posed of his farm and came to Oregon, locating

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on a farm in the vicinity of Hubbard, at the same time purchasing five acres in the town. He farmed successfully in Marion county and built two residences in Hubbard, both of which are rented, as is also his farm. In 1896 he came to Corvallis and bought a pleasant home where he continued to live comparatively retired from active business life, until November, 1903, when he and his wife removed to Wilbur, Wash., where they intend to take up their permanent residence. His first presidential vote was cast for a Republican candidate, and until about eight years ago he upheld the principles and issues of his chosen party. He then became a student of social and economic conditions, with the result that he is now a firm believer in So- cialism. The only son and child born to Mr. and Mrs. McCaustland, James C., is a graduate of the Oregon Agricultural College, class of 1900, and is at present engaged in the mercantile and real estate business with his brothers in Wilbur.

GEORGE BRELSFORD KEADY. Of- ficially connected with the Oregon Agricultural College, Mr. Keady has entire charge of the printing department of the college and experi- ment station. Familiar with the art preserva- tive from his youth, he learned the printer's trade from his father, becoming expert in every department, from the lowest in the office to the highest, and has made this his life work.

A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Keady was born, November 23, 1847, in Washington, the birthplace of his father, W. F. Keady, who was of sturdy Scotch ancestry. W. F. Keady was an editor by profession, for several years of his earlier life having charge of the Browns- ville (Pa.) Clipper. Removing, in 1852, with his family to Illinois, he made the journey over- land, walking all the way. Locating in Iroquois county, he had charge of the Middleport Press, now published at Watseka, Ill., under the name of the Iroquois Times. Going then to Kankakee, Ill., he bought an interest in the Kankakee Ga- cette, which he edited until purchasing the old Kankakee Journal, which he edited and pub- lished, in company with his son, George B. Keady, until 1880. Following the march of civilization westward in that year, he took up his residence in Olympia, Wash., and served as first county clerk of Thurston county after Wash- ington's admission to the Union. There he spent his last years, dying at a good old age. His wife, whose maiden name was Martha Patton, was born in Pennsylvania, and died in Illinois. Of the five children born of their union, three are living, one of the sons, W. P., a resident of Portland, Ore., being interested in the Ore-

gon Water Power and Railway Company, and in mining.

Brought up in Illinois from the age of five years, George B. Keady attended the public schools until fifteen years of age, when he offered his services to his country. In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Thirteenth Illinois Infantry, being mustered in at Chicago as a private, but later being made drummer of the company. Joining the Army of the Tennessee with his regiment, he was present at many of the more important engagements of the war, in- cluding those at Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, Gun- town and the Tallahatchie and Bolivar raids. Subsequently, while stationed at Memphis, Tenn., he assisted in guarding the Twin Bridges when Forrest made his raid on that city. At the ex- piration of his term of enlistment he was mus- tered out of service, at Memphis, on June 20, 1865.

Returning home, Mr. Keady attended school a year, then entered the employ of his father. working on the Middleport Press, and then on the Kankakee Gazette, learning the printer's trade. Subsequently forming a copartnership with his father, he bought the Kankakee Journal, and changed its name to the Kankakee Times, which was then run as a weekly paper, but is now published daily. Selling out in 1884, Mr. Keady went to Omaha, Neb., where he was as- sociated with the Gibson Miller Printing Com- pany until 1888. Coming then to Portland, Ore., he worked at his trade for the Lewis-Dry- den Printing Company until offered, by Frank Baker, a position in the state printing office, where he remained several years. Leaving the position in 1897, Mr. Keady accepted his present office as manager of the printing department at the Oregon Agricultural College, his office and plant being finely located in Mechanical Hall, one of the handsomest and most imposing build- ings on the campus. The plant has recently been much enlarged and improved, being equipped with the latest and most approved machinery, and furnished with both steam and electrical power.

While living in Kankakee, Ill., Mr. Keady mar- ried Miss Mary Wright, who was born in Indi- ana. Politically Mr. Keady is a Republican, and fraternally he is a member of Corvallis Lodge, No. 14, F. & A. M., and for many years belonged to Whipple Post, G. A. R., of Kanka- kee, Ill. Mrs. Keady is a member of the Episco- pal Church and the Eastern Star, of Corvallis.

PETER RICKARD. One of the ideal farmi- ing properties of Benton county is that owned and managed by Peter Rickard, located ten miles southwest of Corvallis, and five hundred

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acres in extent. Three hundred and fifty acres of this property are under cultivation, and the fortunate owner carries on general farming and stock-raising, in both of which occupations he has been unusually successful. This farm has one of the finest rural residences in the county, and the barn is one that would delight the heart of a thrifty farmer who yearly stores away hundreds of tons of hay and bushels of grain, and winters large numbers of fine stock. Mr. Rickard sees the pleasant side of farming, and philosophically adapts himself to the strenuous and less agreeable phases of country life. He has the means to conduct his affairs after the most approved and modern methods, and to sur- round himself and family with the luxuries as well as necessities of life.

The people of Benton county are wont to as- sociate success with the name of Rickard, and in no sense have their expectations fallen short of realization. John Rickard, the father of Peter, and the founder of the family in Oregon, is living on a tract of land nine hundred acres in extent, on the old Territorial road, a portion of his property being in Benton, and the balance just across the line in Lane county. He was born in North Carolina, November 7, 1827, his father, Peter, being a native of the same state. Peter Rickard was reared on a southern plan- tation, and as a youth learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed for many years. He married Susan Kepeey, a native daughter of North Carolina, with whom and his children he removed to Indiana in 1835, where his death occurred at the age of sixty-eight years. He was survived by his wife, who died at the home of her son, John, in Oregon, at the age of seventy-nine years. John Rickard was seven years old when he went overland with his family to Indiana, and he lived in the Hoosier state until crossing the plains in 1853. He came here with practically nothing, and his vast estate is wholly the result of his indefatigable perseverance and good man- agement. He has taken an active interest in the upbuilding of his adopted locality, is a Dem- ocrat in politics, and has served on the school board for eighteen years.

Peter Rickard, the namesake of his grand- father, was reared on his father's large farm, and was educated at the public schools and Corvallis College. After his marriage with Clarinda Fiech- ter, a native of this county, he went to live on a farm on Muddy creek, seven miles south of Philomath, and after three years bought three hundred and twenty acres of his present farm, which constitutes a portion of the old James Foster donation claim. Five children have been born into his family, of whom Thella B., Mark, Leatha and Vena are at home, and Luke, the third child in the family, is deceased. Mr.

Rickard is a Democrat in politics, as was his father, and he has been prominent in political affairs in the county. His special fitness for office has been recognized by his fellow towns- men, who have elected him sheriff for two terms, and made him commissioner four years. He is fraternally a welcome visitor at the Masonic and Knights of Pythias lodges, and other social or- ganizations in the county profit by his helpful association. Upright in all of his dealings, gen- erous in his contributions to all worthy charities, and humane in his sympathies, he is a typical representative of the cultured and broad-minded agriculturist of the western slope.

JACOB M. CURRIER. An early pioneer of Inavale, and one of its most respected citizens, Jacob M. Currier has been a resident of this section of the state for upwards of half a cen- tury, and in that time has well performed his part in promoting the advancement and develop- ment of one of the finest agricultural regions of Benton county. A hard-working, persevering man, possessing shrewd common sense, observ- ing and thinking for himself, he toiled as a young man with determined energy, and his labors have been crowned with success. By dint of industry and good management he has acquired a magnifi- cent estate, and is now one of the most extensive and well-to-do agriculturists of his community. Coming from substantial New England ancestry, he was born February 12, 1827, in Orleans coun- ty, Vt. In 1844 his parents, Jacob and Mary (Smith) Currier, removed to Missouri, where the father took up land, and in addition to improving a farm, worked at the carpenter's and stone- mason's trade. Both parents died at the age of fifty-seven years. Of the nine children born of their union, but three survive, namely: Mrs. Elizabeth Foster, of Lake county, wife of James Foster; Lorena, wife of John White, of New York; and Jacob M.

Going with his parents to Missouri in 1844, Jacob M. Currier remained there two years. In 1846, accompanied by two sisters, one of whom was married, he came across the plains with ox- teams, the only means of travel and transporta- tion in those days, ere the country was spanned by its present network of railways. The journey required seven months, and one man of the train was killed en route by the Indians. Spending the first winter on the present site of the city of Dallas, in Polk county, Mr. Currier enlisted the next year in the United States service, joining Capt. John Owens' company in the regiment or- ganized December 31, 1847, in East Portland, by Colonel Gilliam. Taking an active part in the Cayuse war, he was in the engagement at De- schutes, on the Columbia river, and at the battle

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of Wells Spring. Going then to the old Whitman station, where the massacre had taken place, he helped to bury the dead. At the end of six months he received his honorable discharge at Oregon City.

Returning to Benton county, Mr. Currier re- mained here a short time, in the fall of 1848 go- ing to California, where he was engaged in pros- pecting and mining until the spring of 1849, when he again took up his residence in Benton county. In 1850 he took up a donation claim of six hun- dred and forty acres, lying about ten miles south- west of Corvallis, in reality buying a squatter's right to the place, and proved up on the same. Marrying very soon afterward, he and his bride began housekeeping in a cabin made of hewed logs. Endowed with true pioneer grit this young couple toiled incessantly, and by their united ef- forts improved a productive farm. The log house was in course of time replaced by a sub- stantial dwelling house, which still stands, and is in a good state of preservation. Barns and other buildings necessary for successfully carry- ing on his work were erected, more land was purchased, and in the pursuit of his chosen occu- pation Mr. Currier has amassed a competency. Of his large farm of one thousand, five hundred and sixty acres, he has eight hundred acres in a good state of cultivation, and is carrying on general farming and stock-raising with excellent pecuniary results.

On August 25, 1850, Mr. Currier married Mariah Foster, who was born in Ohio, and crossed the plains with her parents in 1845. Further history of the Foster family may be found elsewhere in this volume in connection with the sketch of John W. Foster. Four chil- dren were born of that union, namely: William A., living in California; Lorena, wife of John Belknap, of California; Manly C., a resident of Lake county. Ore .; and Anna, deceased. Mrs. Mariah (Foster) Currier died on the home farm in 1859. Mr. Currier subsequently married Miss Helena S. Buchanan, who came to Oregon with her parents in 1856. An extended history of the Buchanan family may be found on another page of this biographical work in connection with the sketch of William Buchanan. Mr. and Mrs. Currier became the parents of four children, namely: Elizabeth, who lives at home; John B., deceased ; Sarah, living at home : and Evalinc, wife of R. W. Scott, who has charge of the old Currier homestead. Politically Mr. Currier was formerly a strong Democrat, but is now classed among the Independents, voting for such meas- ures as he deems most heneficial to the com- munity regardless of party restrictions. While Oregon was yet a territory he served as county commissioner of Benton county, and has held various offices of minor importance. Now, and

for the past twenty years, he has been agricultural reporter for the county of Benton. Fraternally he is a member and past master, of Corvallis Lodge, No. 14, F. & A. M.

Richard W. Scott, Mr. Currier's son-in-law, was born in Clackamas county, Ore., near Mil- waukee, in 1873. Marrying Miss Evaline Cur- rier in 1900, he has since had charge of the old home farm, which he is managing most success- fully, carrying on general farming on an ex- tensive scale. A young man of energy and progress, possessing good executive and bus- iness ability, he is meeting with good results in his labors, and is sure to succeed in any and all of his undertakings. He is a member of the local Grange, and a Republican in his political views.

CHRISTOPHER TRACER. In the ex- treme southeastern portion of Benton county, three miles from the thriving city of Monroe, is to be seen one of the most flourishing, up-to-date farms for which the county is famous. Though comparatively a newcomer to this immediate vicinity, Mr. Tracer has every reason to feel satisfied with the results for the time and effort he has expended in bringing about present con- ditions. The tract was formerly a part of the old Lawrence donation claim, and at the time Mr. Tracer purchased it was in a wild condition, but as a result of his indefatigable efforts there are today two hundred and fifty acres of his half section in a fine state of cultivation, and here he carries on general farming and stock-raising.

Christopher Tracer is a native of Indiana, born in Warrick county, January 14, 1858, the son of Michael and Margaret (Kinneer) Tracer, the former a native of Germany and the latter a native of the Hoosier state, where her entire life was passed. The father was born in 1837, and while still a child came to America with his parents, who settled in Indiana, there making their permanent home. Until his marriage, which united him with Miss Margaret Kinneer, Michael remained at home, giving his father the benefit of his services. Seven children were born of this marriage, of whom Christopher is the sixth in order of birth, and with the exception of his brother, Ferd, who is a resident of Junction City, Lane county, Ore .. all still reside in their native state, Indiana. After the death of his first wife, which occurred in 1868, Mr. Tracer was united with Mrs. Sarah Travser. Three children were born of this union, whose names and residences are as follows: Henry is a resi- dent of Smithfield, Lane county, Ore .; Samuel makes his home in eastern Oregon; and Kinder 'ives in the vicinity of Monroe. Until 1872 the family home was in Indiana, but in that

G.b. Millet.

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year the father brought a portion of the family to Oregon, settling in Benton coun- ty, in the vicinity of Bruce. Twenty years later, Mrs. Tracer died, after which Mr. Tracer made his home with his son Christopher, who in the meantime had married and settled in a home of his own. Here the father continued to live until his death in August, 1901, at the age of sixty-three years, having been a helpless invalid for the last seven years of his life.

A marriage ceremony performed October 5, 1880, united the destinies of Christopher Tracer and Julia A. Rickard, the latter a daughter of John Rickard. For three years thereafter the young people made their home in the vicinity of Junction City, Lane county, and after a resi- dence of two years near Bruce, Benton county, they finally took up their abode on the old Rickard homestead, and for the following fifteen years that was the scene of their labors. Their resi- dence on their present farm of three hundred and twenty acres dates from 1900, and if past success is any index of future prosperity it is safe to predict that they will remain indefinitely in their present location. The children born of this marriage were four in number, the eldest of whom, Aaron, is deceased, while the others, Letha Mae, Roy and John, are at home with their parents. Educational matters have a friend and co-worker in Mr. Tracer, and in the capacity of school clerk he is doing all that lies in his power to elevate the standard of education in his vicinity. His religious interests are centered in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, with which his family is also identified. Politically Mr. Tracer is a Democrat, and fraternally he holds membership with the Woodmen of the World.

GIDEON C. MILLETT. Were one inclined to doubt the reliability of glowing stock-raising accounts in Lane county, that doubt would be removed by inspection of the large farm of Gid- eon C. Millett, one of the most extensive and suc- cessful stockmen around Junction City. After talking with this energetic and practical stock- raiser one becomes inspired with his enthusiasm, and his faith in the superiority of Poland-China hogs, Shorthorn cattle and Shropshire sheep, hav- ing been the largest breeder of thoroughbreds in Lane county. It is to the wise selection of these two standard breeds that he owes his surprising good fortune, many years of experience having convinced him that for all-around purposes they are the most to be desired. Until recently Mr. Millett owned sixteen hundred acres of land, but has lately relieved himself of an enormous respon- sibility by disposing of some of it. The farm was purchased on the installment plan, and has much

more than paid for itself, the owner estimating that he has put at least $65,000 into it. This is an unusually creditable showing, for at the start of his career he was practically without money or influence, and has accomplished it all through the exercise of strong and forceful intelligence. In 1902 he handled sixteen hundred Poland- China hogs and as many Shorthorn cattle.

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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 206

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