Portrait and biographical record of the Willamette valley, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 241

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 241

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and in 1872 bought forty acres of land from the railroad company. All of this land has since been disposed of, Mr. Hamilton having lived on a portion of it until about two years ago. He then came to Junction City, and has since put in his time attending to his town property, and his mining interests in California and southern Ore- gon. In 1855 he enlisted in the Harris Company under Col. John Ross, and later served in the Second Oregon Regiment, participating in the battle of Hungry Hill, and in that of Cabins, with the Applegates, the latter of whom were renowned for hard and desperate fighting. He was discharged from the service in the Rogue River valley in 1866, and thereafter returned to his farm. In 1854 he was shot by an Indian while he was hunting for elk, but was fortunate enough to kill three out of the five Indians com- prising the band. In political affiliation Mr. Hamilton is a Lincoln Republican, a Jeffersonian Democrat, and a silver man to the core.

JUDGE FELIX G. EBY. A native of Lane county, Judge Eby was born near Eugene, Au- gust 11, 1865, a son of David Eby. On the pa- ternal side he comes of thrifty German stock, his granfather, Samuel Eby, having been born, bred and educated in Germany. Emigrating to the United States, he spent his first winter in this country in Pennsylvania, working as a mill- wright. The following spring he moved to Illi- nois, where he was engaged in milling several years, and also became actively interested in the Moline Plow works. Removing from Illinois to Topeka, Kans., he engaged in milling and specu- lating, being very successful in his operations. He died in that city, in 1893, at the venerable age of ninety-six years.

Born near Springfield, Ill., David Eby spent a part of his early life in Kansas, where he learned the cooper's trade. Crossing the plains in 1851, he followed his trade in Astoria, Ore., for two years. Going to Portland, Ore., in 1853, he was employed in the manufacture of barrels for about six months, and was then a resident of Oregon City for a year. Locating in Linn county in 1855, he took up a donation claim of one hun- dred and sixty acres near Harrisburg, and set- tled with his bride on the farm which he im- proved, living there until 1864. Purchasing land then in Lane county, he carried on general farming for five years in that locality, in 1869 removing to eastern Oregon, where he was en- gaged in stock-raising two years, the present town of Prescott being located on the land that he then owned. Returning to Lane county in 1871, he carried on farming near Coburg for two years, when he sold his farm and settled in Har- risburg, where he worked for a year at his trade.

Then buying three hundred and sixty acres of land a short distance from that place, he worked as a farmer until 1885, when he purchased a ranch near Goshen, Lane county, where he re- sided until 1897. He disposed of his property in that year, and has since lived in different places in the valley, making his home with his children. He is an active member of the Christian Church, in which he is deacon, and since the formation of the state grange of Oregon has been chaplain of the organization. He married Elizabeth Barger, who was born in Missouri. Her father, Preston Barger, was born in one of the eastern states, probably Pennsylvania. In early manhood he lived in Illinois, removing from there to Mis- souri, and then, a few years after his marriage, coming to Oregon, crossing the plains in 1851. Locating in Linn county, he took up three hun- dred and sixty acres of land, on which he and his wife spent their remaining years, he dying at the advanced age of ninety years, and she when eighty-nine.

The eldest child of a family of four sons and three daughters, Felix G. Eby attended first the district schools of Oregon, subsequently entering the Portland Business College, from which he was graduated in 1884. From 1885 until 1888 he taught school in Linn county, being quite suc- cessful as a teacher. In 1893 he began reading law with A. C. Huff, at Woodburn, and also en- gaged in insurance and real estate speculations. Passing the examination of the state board of examiners in November, 1896, he began the practice of law in Woodburn, continuing there four years thereafter. Coming to Cottage Grove in May, 1900, Judge Eby formed a partnership with J. C. Johnson, and has since been actively and successfully engaged in his professional la- bors. He is especially interested in mining prop- erties in the Bohemia district, having been one of the incorporators and promoters of the Le Roy Mining Company, of which he was for- merly secretary and treasurer, and of the Hia- watha Mining and Milling Company, in which he is a director. Being elected city attorney in 1900, he served until the office was abolished, in 1902. Politically Judge Eby is a stanch adherent of the Republican party, supporting its principles at all times and places. Fraternally he was made a Mason, in 1890. at Gervais, Marion county, joining Fidelity Lodge No. 54. A. F. & A. M .. and is now past master of his lodge. He is also a member of the Woodmen of the World.

JOSEPH P. TAYLOR. A well known figure both in the earlier and later stages of Lane county development is Joseph P. Taylor, whose wise use of five hundred acres of fertile land have brought him a competence and whose en-

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terprise and public-spiritedness have made him popular and influential. Mr. Taylor comes of an old New Jersey family, in which state he was born July 27, 1830, the same state witnessing the birth of his father, Henry W. Taylor, in Septem- ber, 1808. While yet a youth the father learned the blacksmith trade, and followed the same for many years in his native state. Of a religious and humanitarian nature, he early espoused the cause of the Christian church, and almost up to the end of his life devoted a large share of his time to preaching in local pulpits. Until his marriage with Charlotte Peterson he continued to live on his father's farm, and afterward worked at his trade and farmed on his own re- sponsibility. In 1830 he removed with his family to Philadelphia, and there and at other points in the Quaker state found employment at his trade for about three years. For eight years he lived in Highland county, Ohio, and later, while living in Missouri, he finally decided to emigrate to the far west. With ox-teams and prairie schooners he started under the most favorable circum- stances, journeying day after day with little hap- pening out of the usual, and making considerable progress. While his face was turned towards the setting sun near which was the supposed ful- fillment of the hopes which had inspired his emi- gration, his heart was burdened by a grievous sorrow, for the cholera had invaded the ranks of the little train, and two of his children fell vic- tims of the dread disease. Much depressed and disheartened, he' continued his sorrowful way, and finally took up a claim of three hundred and twenty acres four miles south of Cottage Grove. There were no improvements on the place, but the good management and industry of the new- comer worked wonders, and he in time reaped a fair reward for his labors. In the meantime the spirit of goodness which had led him into the pulpits of the middle west prompted innumer- able acts of kindness in his adopted county, and for many years he was known as one of the most zealous of early day preachers. Joseph P. is the oldest in the family of ten children, Jerry and Alexander live in the neighborhood, Mrs. Jane Garoutte resides on the old donation claim, and Mrs. Mary Frances White makes her home in Monmouth, Polk county, Ore.

With the example of his father's fine and use- ful life before him Joseph Taylor approached manhood with a due appreciation of his duties and responsibilities as a free American citizen. The opportunity to test his mettle was forthcom- ing in 1855, for the Indians had rendered unbear- able the life of the settlers, and it seemed the duty of all able-hodied people to help quell the disturbance. Enlisting for service as a private, he took part in the battles of Cow Creck, Big Meadows and other battles and skirmishes, and

for meritorious work was promoted to the quar- termaster's department. In all he served five months, and during that time had many hair- breadth escapes and exciting adventures. After his discharge he continued to live at home until 1858, the year of his marriage with Mary A. Small, a native of Tennessee, and who crossed the plains in 1853, her people locating near the Taylor farm. Taking up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres south of Cottage Grove, he has continued to make that his home up to the pres- ent time, and to his original purchase has added and now owns more than five hundred acres. His farm has modern and practical improve- ments, and he raises produce, grain and stock.

It is fitting that the son of so kindly and good a father should follow in his footsteps, and in this connection Mr. Taylor fulfills popular ex- pectations. He is fair and honorable in all of his dealings, and possessed of more than ordinary interest in, and regard for, his fellow-men. He also is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and for a great many years has been class leader and steward. Politically he is a Prohibi- tionist, and this idea of temperance is by no means confined to intoxicants, but permeates every phase of his life, impressing all with his sobriety. Of the nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Tay- lor, Lincoln is a resident of Cottage Grove; Ida C. and Rebecca are living at home ; Harvey has a farm near the home place; and Lillie J. is making her home in Portland. Many positions of trust and responsibility have been tendered Mr. Taylor by his fellow-townsmen, and he has held several of the local minor offices, including that of school director for fifteen consecutive years.

CROW BROTHERS. Two brothers of a family of Oregon, prominent in agricultural cir- cles are William N. and John Hardy Crow, both of whom are located upon the donation claim which their father, John Crow, took up in 1853, and made his home until his death. John Crow was born August 20, 1796, in the state of Ken- tucky, and he there learned the trades of a black- smith and gunsmith, and also engaged in farming. When only a boy he came with his parents to Mis- souri, where their home remained for many years, and while living there he enlisted as a private in the Missouri Militia, for service in the War of 1812. His term of service ending after six months he returned to his home and there married, Aug- ust 8, 1824, Mary Kent, who was born August 12, 1810, also a native of Kentucky. The young people made their home in Missouri until 1836, when they removed to Iowa and remained for sixteen years, outfitting in 1852 with ox-teams and necessary supplies for the long and weari-

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some trip across the plains. After six months they arrived safely at their destination, having mercifully been spared the depredations of the Indians. The first winter was spent in Multno- mah county, and in the spring of the following year they came into Lane county and the father took up a donation claim of three hundred and twenty acres located eight and a half miles north- west of Cottage Grove, and there engaged in farming and the prosecution of his trades until his death, at the age of seventy-three years. He was a man interested in both political and re- ligious matters, being a Republican and filling various of the minor offices of the vicinity, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In the pursuit of his trade he established the first blacksmith shop in this vicinity. His wife lived to the age of ninety years, dying in February, 1901. She was the mother of twelve children, of whom the following are now living: Richard, of Siuslaw; B. F., located five miles west of Cot- tage Grove; William N., of this review; Lucy E., who married William Thompson, who is now deceased; John Hardy, also of this review; Laura S., became the wife of Fred W. Folson, of Junction City, and Mary A., the wife of San- ford Brown, of California.

William N. Crow was born in Iowa, April 28, 1840, and received his education in the district school in the vicinity of his home, and later at- tended the public school of Eugene and took a course at a commercial college in Portland, all his earlier tastes having inclined him to mental labor rather than physical. On completing his work of preparation he began to teach in the public schools of his adopted state, and continued so occupied until his marriage with Miss Lillie A. Harris, a native of Minnesota, when he went to live on a part of the paternal farm, where he put up comfortable and modern buildings and made other improvements which have enhanced the value of the property. He now owns about four hundred acres of land, with about forty-five acres under cultivation, and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, having among his cat- tle the famous Shorthorns. In addition to his farming interests he has always engaged in the prosecution of the trades of blacksmith, wagon- maker and carpenter, which have added no little to his income. The first postoffice of Lorane was established in the home of Mr. Crow and he thus served as postmaster and has also filled various minor positions in the vicinity, among them being justice of the peace. Politically he casts his ballot with the Republican party, and is a miem- ber of the Grange. They have four children, all of whom are at home: Elza H .; Elmer R .; Oral E. and Pearl M.

John Hardy Crow was born in Van Buren county, Iowa, April 20, 1845, and received his

education in the district and high school, the latter of Eugene, and after that he remained at home until his marriage, January 1, 1871, with Miss Martha L. Landrith, who was born Janu- ary 28, 1852, in Missouri, and crossed the plains the following year with her parents, who settled in Lane county. Mr. Crow went to housekeep- ing on a part of the home place and has since made this his permanent residence, with the ex- ception of five years, which he passed upon a homestead. He has here improved and culti- vated the land, of which he owns one hundred and ninety-five acres and has twenty-five acres in active cultivation. He is at present engaged in the intelligent and practical interests of gen- eral farming and stock-raising, but also has time for the public affairs of the community, as he has always been active in politics, filling the minor offices and during the Civil war acting as a member of the home guard. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he officiates as class leader and steward. Of the eleven children born to himself and wife the fol- lowing are living and making their home with their parents: Joseph W .; George Garfield; Adelia M .; Riley T .; and Pearne J. H.

GEORGE O. WALKER. More than any other class of people in the country, the young and intelligent farmer, keen of wit, resourceful, and with a proper appreciation of the possibilities of his occupation, is depended on to maintain the financial prestige of this great country. His success or failure is the pulse upon which all de- partments of activity keep an anxious finger. The reports from his granaries control the mak- ing or marring of fortunes, and his every trans- action carries significance to the remotest corners of the earth. How necessary, therefore, that the man who manages tracts of land and turns them to account, should be well educated, systematic, thrifty, and above all else find in his work that enjoyment and satisfaction without which labor were nearly always in vain. A fitting representa- tive of this latter-day class of agriculturists is George O. Walker, who, profiting by the success of his sire, has turned his energies to such good account that he is one of the foremost of the stock-raisers in Lane county.

On the farm where he is still living Mr. Walker was born January 17, 1874, and he was educated in the public schools and at the Drain Normal school. Subsequently he engaged in teaching for several years, but still regarded the old claim as his home, to which he returned dur- ing the summer. After his marriage with Dollie Morningstar, a native of Illinois, Mr. Walker moved from the farm into the village which had sprung up on a portion of it, and in 1899 started

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a general merchandise business, continuing the same up to the present time. Although taking no particular interest in politics, Mr. Walker has held a number of local positions, and in 1900 was appointed postmaster of Walker. By no means devoted to one idea or place, Mr. Walker has branched out in business in Anlauf, Douglas county, where he has a small store, and also con- ducts a sawmill. These two occupations would seem to be sufficient for the average young man, however ambitious or capable, yet Mr. Walker keeps in touch with the labor of his youth, and, on his farm of five hundred acres adjoining the town, conducts a general farming and stock- raising industry. The same thoroughness which characterizes the merchant is noticeable also in the work of the farmer, for a better conducted or more modern farm it would be difficult to find in this county noted for its splendid farming properties. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have five chil- dren : Icie, Valta, Echo, Gale, and Ansel. The family are members of the Primitive Baptist church, and are socially well known and popu- lar. Thus it will be seen that though young in years, Mr. Walker has already established him- self among the substantial and permanent up- building agencies of Lane county, and as such he enjoys a prestige independent from that which is his by virtue of the foundation laid for him by his father.

GEORGE W. McREYNOLDS. A little more than a score of years has witnessed the efforts of George W. McReynolds to make for himself a substantial and honorable position in Oregon, whither he came in 1882, and that he has suc- ceeded is evidenced by his four-hundred-acre farm, comfortable home, good outbuildings of all kinds, and his large herd of stock, in which the Shorthorns are noticeable. The greater part of his life had been spent in the middle west. While a resident of the Mississippi valley he had the opportunity of serving his country in the great struggle between the North and South, though he was then scarcely more than a youth.

A native of Davis county, Ind., George W. McReynolds was born April 18, 1843, the son of Joseph McReynolds, a blacksmith who had emi- grated from his birthplace in West Virginia about 1825 and settled in Indiana. He there mar- ried Miss Sophronia Rainey and remained until 1858, when he located in Iowa and in 1865 he removed to Kansas, where his death occurred at the age of sixty-two years, while his wife lived to be eighty-five. George W. McReynolds was one of eleven children, and remained at home and re- ceived his education in the district schools of Iowa, until he arrived at manhood. In 1863 he enlisted in Company C, Eighteenth Regiment of

Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and was first sent with his company to Fort Smith, Ark., in that state giving the greater part of his service. He was a member of the Shreveport expedition and en- gaged in various duties until his honorable dis- charge at Little Rock in August, 1865, when he returned to Iowa and later followed his parents into Kansas. He married in Kansas, in 1868, and lived there for fourteen years, when he came to Oregon and bought two hundred and forty acres, which was a part of the Sheppard claim, located six miles south of Cottage Grove, Lane county. At the same time he homesteaded a hun- dred and sixty acres and at once began the im- provement and cultivation of his large farm. He has since built his house, barns, and other build- ings and has devoted his land principally to stock-raising, having one of the largest stock farms in the vicinity, though he carries on gen- eral farming also.

The wife of Mr. McReynolds was formerly Anna Lynch, a native of Indiana, and of their union have been born two children. Ernest is located in the vicinity of his father's farm, and Eva is the wife of E. S. Ellis, of Leland, Joseph- ine county, Ore. In political preference Mr. Mc- Reynolds has always been a Republican and has taken an active interest in the advancement of the principles of his party. Faithful in the per- formance of his duty as a citizen he has ac- cepted many of the minor offices of the neighbor- hood and filled them acceptably. As an honored soldier he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. 1

COL. CHARLES H. HOLDEN, the United States land commissioner at Florence, is a man of more than ordinarily substantial endowments, developed by years of practical experience in government and professional service. He has the reputation of being one of the most conserva- tive students of legal science in Lane county, and though at present not practicing to any extent, wields an influence in maintaining a high standard of excellence among practitioners. A resident of Oregon since 1891, Mr. Holden ar- rived in the state with many honors upon his head, and a career behind him which more than justified relaxation from active life. For a time he lived in the city of Portland, Oregon's chief city, and for several years traveled extensively on the coast, visiting the gar- den spots of California, basking in the charm of reminiscence surrounding the historical old landmarks, and making an exhaustive study of the people and resources of the west. Arriving in Florence July 3, 1894, he stepped into re- newed activity as United States land commis- sioner, notary public, justice of the peace, and

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has since identified himself with the business, professional and social life of the community. A delightful home across the river in South Flor- ence is expressive of the character and personal- ity of Colonel Holden, its trees and shrubbery, artistic vistas, and evident collaboration with the hospitable and beautiful and gracious things of life, speaking most eloquently of geniality and success.

In his younger days Colonel Holden became familiar with the early hours and hard work on a Kent county (Mich.) farm, to which his parents, Josiah R. and Joanna R. (Danforth) Holden, removed when he was twelve years of age. He was born in Grafton county, N. H., April 18, 1832, and at the tender age of two months his parents emigrated to the then far west. On both sides of his family he inherits longevity, for his father lived to be ninety, and his mother ninety-one years of age. In Kent county, Mich., the father engaged in his old- time occupation of farming, the advantage of large tracts of timber on his farm leading him also into lumbering and milling. Three sons and one daughter were reared on this farm, all being educated in the public schools. Charles H., the second of the children, was one of the most studious, and in boyhood days evidenced a tendency to extend his activities beyond the bor- ders of the paternal farm. At the age of nine- teen he supplemented his common school train- ing by entering the Plainfield Academy, pre- paratory to graduation from Knox College, with the degree of A. B.

ments. He was the last president of the last city council of Washington, D. C., receiving the gavel, and distinguishing himself by efficient par- liamentary service.

Returning to Reed City, Mich., in 1879, Colonel Holden resumed the practice of law, and for twelve years was one of the foremost practitioners in that judicial circuit. His health becoming impaired, and desiring a complete change, he came to Portland, as heretofore stated, and has never regretted his decision to emigrate to the west. He is fraternally prom- inent, and is connected with the Blue Lodge Chapter and Knights Templar, F. &. A. M., the Independent Order of Foresters and the Knights of Pythias. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic of General Lyons Post No. 58, of Florence, Ore. Colonel Holden is a Republican in politics, having cast his first presidential vote for a Republican candidate. He is genial and popular, and represents in his life and character the reliable, conservative and solid business man and lawyer.

MRS. ELIZABETH JANE MOIST. While the vanguard of civilization in the west was com- posed primarily of men, there were very early established homes presided over by women, whose courage failed not on the plains or in the midst of the desolation and deprivation of the settler's camps, and whose high-mindedness and morality harmonized the discordant elements wrangling for supremacy and power. To this class of women belongs Mrs. Elizabeth Jane Moist, whose family traversed the plains in 1847, and who, after rearing a large family, and performing her share towards the accumulating of a competence, is living retired in Albany.

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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 241

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