Portrait and biographical record of the Willamette valley, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 242

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 242

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Admitted to the bar in 1857, the following year Colonel Holden was elected district attor- ney for the Grand Traverse district, then em- bracing five counties, which position he held un- til the breaking out of the Civil war, when he was one of the first in the town to interest himself in The ancestry and immediate family history of Mrs. Moist is spoken of at length in the bio- graphy of her brother, William Ralston. She was born in Rockville, Parke county, Ind., where her father, Jeremiah Ralston, owned a large farm and carried on extensive farming and stock- raising. Elizabeth Jane Ralston was eight years of age when the family moved to Burlington, lowa. She was educated in the public schools of that state, and grew to a gracious and, inter- esting young womanhood in a refined home atmosphere. Jeremiah Ralston was ambitious and resourceful, and was one of the first farmers in his neighborhood to seriously consider the proposition of migrating to the west. So strongly convinced was he of the desirability of such a course that he sold his farm and invested in oxen and other requirements for the perilous journey. This was in 1847, and his daughter then eighteen, was one of the most enthusiastic of the party. forming a company. The outgrowth of his effort in this direction was Company A, Twenty-Sixth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, of which he be- came first lieutenant, joining the Second army corps under General Hancock. During his serv- ice he was promoted three times for gallant and meritorious service, and at one time held the rank of lieutenant-colonel on the staff of General Canby. Colonel Holden rendered dis- tinguished service in the Union cause, par- ticipating in the principal battles of the war, including those on the way to Gettys- burg and many of the engagements before Rich- mond and Petersburg. When peace was re- stored Colonel Holden continued to live in Washington, and during 1865 and 1866 reviewed his studies at the Columbia Law School. For ten years he was subsequently connected with the treasury department in Washington, princi- pally in the loan branch and auditor's depart- Six months of travel brought them to the desired

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destination in Lebanon, Ore., and two years later, in Lebanon, July 31, 1849, she was united in marriage with Joseph Moist, with whom she lived nearly half a century, until his death on his finely improved farm near Albany, March 13, 1893. at the age of seventy years.

Joseph Moist was born near Pittsburg, Pa., 1823, and at an early day removed to Burlington, lowa, where he followed his trade of blacksmith. He was a brave and adventurous man, for in 1845, when the journey across the plains was a rare occurrence, and untold dangers beset the path of courageous emigrants, he set out with his partner with ox-teams and a wagon and accomplished the journey from lowa to Oregon with comparative ease. Oregon City was then a small aggregation of houses, with few business interests to enliven its prospects, and he estab- lished a much-needed blacksmith shop, conduct- ing the same with considerable success. In 1846 he took up a donation claim of six hundred and forty acres three miles north of Lebanon, Linn county, and upon this he inaugurated improve . ments, building a dwelling and barn. He built and conducted the first blacksmith shop in Linn county in 1850. The years 1848 and 1849 he spent in the mines of California. After return- ing, he continued to conduct his farm and shop, although he eventually gave up the latter, devot- ing all of his time to farming. In 1862 he went to the mines of Lewiston, Idaho, returning some- what richer than when he started out. His farm property yielded large returns, and between general farm produce and fine cattle and horses, his fortune increased at a greater ratio than that of the majority of the settlers. In 1877 he felt entitled to a partial rest from his labors, and so built a home in Albany, where he lived with his family during the winter season, spending his summers on the farm. Thus his remaining years were spent, and at the age of seventy, shortly before his death, he retained his faculties, and maintained his interest in the general happenings of the day. Four sons were reared to maturity on the farm, and of these Charles Franklin is a retired farmer living in Lebanon; William Fred- erick and John Horace are in the livery busi- ness in Lebanon and Ashland; and Jay died while a junior at Albany College, at the age of twenty.

Mr. Moist was a public-spirited and large- hearted man, and his influence for progress was felt in religious, educational and business circles of the county. He was a self-made man in every respect. He was a Democrat in political affili- ation, and was fraternally associated with the Masons at Lebanon.

Since her husband's death Mrs. Moist has rented her farm and made her home in Albany. She is a devoted member of the United Presby --

terian Church, and is known for her fine womaniy qualities, and her ability to make and retain friends. For many years she was a member of the Eastern Star at Lebanon.

JOHN E. P. WITHERS. To liken the char- acter of some of the pioneers of Oregon to the forest trees native to the state is in all ways appropriate, for it has become an accepted fact that the pine of the western wood furnishes the most durable lumber for the building of the ships which must breast the tumult of the deep and withstand its storms, and as citizens of an en- bryo state these men have in the past proven the sturdiness and strength of their manhood, many of them still remaining as parts of the great whole which gave to the Union another com- monwealth. Occupying such a place in the minds of those who recall the days by actual ex- perience is John E. P. Withers, who has with- stood the storms of trial and adversity, has made his own success and helped to make that of the state, and in the evening of his days en- joys the satisfaction of accomplishment.

Mr. Withers was born in Kentucky, January 21, 1830, and when three years old his parents removed to McLean county, I11., where he spent the intervening years until his majority. In 1851 he set out for the west, crossing the plains with ox-teams, and on his safe arrival located in the gold fields of California, where he remained for but a brief time, returning in the same win- ter to his Illinois home, this trip being made by water. Undaunted by his first failure to find satisfaction on the Pacific coast he again under- took the journey in 1853, and after six months reached Oregon, which was his destination, tak- ing up a donation claim of three hundred and twenty acres in the neighborhood of Corvallis, Benton county. This remained his home for six years when he went to Douglas county and en- gaged in the stock business for a like period. On again locating farther north he selected Lane county for his future home. He first bought a farm of one hundred and thirty acres near Eu- gene, where he lived until 1901, successfully en- gaged in general farming and stock-raising. In the last named year he traded a farm of seven hundred acres for the one which he now occu- pies, which consists of one hundred and seventy- five acres, in the vicinity of Springfield.

The marriage of Mr. Withers occurred in Au- gust, 1854, Miss Margaret Gillispie, of LaFay- ette county, Mo., becoming his wife. She had come to Oregon with her parents in 1852, and her father had purchased the right to three hun- dred and twenty acres of land in the neighbor- hood of Eugene, which he farmed in connection with his duties as a minister of the Cumberland

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Presbyterian Church. The family of children born to Mr. and Mrs. Withers were as follows: Mary, now Mrs. W. M. Vanduzen; Mabel, now Mrs. Bogart, of this county; William W., who was killed February 5, 1903, while performing his duty as sheriff of Lane county, and whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; Alice, now Mrs. Hawley, of San Diego, Cal .; Price, of Harney, Ore .; Anna, now Mrs. Emery, of Douglas county ; Emma, now Mrs. Cornelian, of Helena, Mont .; and Jessie, who is Mrs. Ed- monston, of Thurston, Ore. As an influential and able man of the Democratic party, Mr. Withers was elected to the state legislature in 1866, where he able represented his constitu- ency. Both himself and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

NOAH BUOY. To the Buoy family oppor- tunities existed but for them to improve, and that they have done so is evidenced by the active part which they have taken in every movement pertaining to the growth of the country while maintaining their own positions as pioneers and seekers after fortunes so bountifully held out in this western state. Upon many of the important documents of the state appear the names of Laban Buoy, and those of his three sons, H. N., John and James as four among the pioneers who organized the Republican party in Oregon, as well as being connected with many other prom- inent movements in the early history of the com- monwealth.

A representative of this family is named in the person of Noah Buoy, who was born in Dan- ville, Ill., August 22, 1837, the son of Laban, who was born in Bourbon county, Ky., October 8, 1802. The elder man was the son of a farmer and was thus early inured to habits of thrift and industry which insured his usefulness as a citi- zen of a new country when combined with the spirit which had animated his own sire when he left the more settled conditions of the colonial states and took up his abode in "the dark and bloody ground " famous in the annals of the mid- dle west. He remained at home until his mar- riage in 1820 with Jane Blackburn, who was born on the east coast of Maryland in 1801, and shortly afterward they removed to Indiana, where he engaged in farming and the trade of a carpenter. After a residence there of a few years they located in Illinois in 1823, and during his residence in that state he served in the Black Hawk war in the capacity of scout and spy, a dangerous and important post in which he proved of invaluable service. While living in Illinois his people joined him and made that state their home until their death. For thirty

years Mr. Buoy remained in the Prairie state giving his aid toward the advancement of civiliza- tion and development of resources, but April 15, 1853, he crossed the plains with horse and mule teams and reached Oregon City, August 9, of the same year. Coming on to Lane county, he bought the squatter's right to six hundred and forty acres located a half mile south of Creswell, and upon this property he devoted his time and energy in cultivation and improvement, remain- ing so employed until his death. Not long after his arrival in Oregon the Rogue river Indians caused the trouble which resulted again in war and Mr. Buoy was authorized to raise a com- pany, of which he became captain, leading his men at once to the seat of war. The most serious of the engagements was at Looking Glass prairie, though he continued in the service throughout the entire war, receiving the commendation of all who appreciated the great danger and dif- ficulty through which he passed. He was also influential in all public affairs for the spirit which animated him was thoroughly appreciated by his fellow-citizens and they felt their interests safe when in his hands. He held various of the minor offices in his neighborhood, among them being county commissioner in which he served for one term, and he it was who assisted in the organization of the Republican party. He had been a member of the Presbyterian church since boyhood. He and his wife both died at the age of seventy-four, and of the children which blessed their union the following are now living : James, located in Portland; Thomas, also of that city; Noah, of this review; William, of Jasper, Ore .; Jane Knox, of Prineville ; and Evaline Car- ter, of Junction City.

Noah Buoy received his education in the vicin- ity of his father's farm where he grew to man- hood, and was then allowed to attend the graded schools of Albany. When a young man he took up the trade of a brick mason, being the first man to make bricks in this county. He was only fifteen years old when he set out to make his own way in the world, and his inheritance of self-reliance and independence brought about the results which follow application and energy. After his marriage, April 15, 1863, with Susan Mary Hughes, the daughter of a blacksmith of Creswell, and who crossed the plains from her native state of Missouri as a member of the same train in which her husband traveled, he located upon a part of his father's claim and has lived all his life in this vicinity. In 1880 he removed to a farm of two hundred and twenty-six acres located two miles south of Creswell and is now engaged in the cultivation of one hundred acres which are tillable, and stock-raising, devoting inuch atetntion to Shorthorn and Hereford cat- tle. In addition to his farming interests he has

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always worked at his trade and the combined in- terests were productive of wide returns.

To Mr. and Mrs. Buoy have been born three children, of whom Jolin W. is located in Harney county and George L. and Burton H. still make their home with their parents. In politics Mr. Buoy is a Republican, and takes an active part in the promotion of the principles which he en- dorses.

JOHN F. WALKER. The founders of towns must ever occupy a special place in the history of the world, more especially when their names are associated therewith for all time, a mutually beneficial distinction being thus conferred. The town of Walker, a thrifty and promising aggre- gation of interests, owes its start to that honored pioneer, John F. Walker, upon whose farm there sprang into existence the inevitable store, the blacksmith shop and postoffice which, with slight modifications, have usually served as the nucleus for thriving towns. Behind him Mr. Walker has the backing of characteristics drawn from a fine old southern ancestry, traits fostered on the pa- ternal farm in Bedford county, Va., where he was born January 11, 1827. His father, Robert M. Walker, was also born in the Old Dominion February 6, 1804, and it is presumed that his father, the paternal great-grandfather, was either born there or established his family there at a very early day.

John F. Walker was never at a loss for com- panionship and sympathy in his childish en- thusiasms, for he had thirteen brothers and sis- ters, many of whom started ont to earn their own living at an early age. He was twenty when he learned the tanner's trade, which he followed for a few years. In 1847 he went to Missouri and farmed for three years. While thus employed he contracted the western fever, and in the spring of 1850 started for California with mule teams, being on the road about three months. In the latter state he tried his hand at mining, but not experiencing great success turned his atten- tion to carpentering, of which there was great need at that time. In 1852 he came to Oregon and spent the first winter in the mines of Jack- son county, the following spring taking up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres four miles southeast of Cottage Grove. This acquisition suggested the establishment of a home, and February 1, 1855, Mr. Walker married Mary J. Chrisman, who was born in Jackson county, Mo., February 16, 1839, and whose father, C. E. Chrisman, is mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Walker crossed the plains with her people in 1851, and settled in Lane county in 1853.

Under the most promising conditions Mr. and Mrs. Walker went to housekeeping on the newly

acquired claim, and this continued to be their home until certain distasteful features connected with it led Mr. Walker to sell, and purchase a farm one mile east of Creswell. A year later he came into possession of the farm of five hundred and seventy acres upon which he now lives, and upon a part of which the village of Walker has since been built. This farm is four miles north of Cottage Grove, and few farms are so well improved, or unstintingly supplied with modern implements, outhouses and general aids to a large general farming and stock-raising industry. In the meantime, he has added to his land and now has about seventeen hundred acres, a fair show- ing for a man who started out in life with physi- cal rather than financial assets, and who has over- come many obstacles placed in the way of his suc- cess. At present Mr. Walker is living a retired life, although he still maintains an interest in everything connected with the farm. The fam- ily live in an old-fashioned frame dwelling, large and comfortable and roomy, and to which the numerous friends are wont to repair with great frequency. Of the seven children born into the family, Mrs. Mary A. Walden lives in Washing- ton; R. E., has a farm in this vicinity; J. W. resides in Alsea, Ore .; Mrs. Martha Wiseman makes her home in Eugene; and George O. is a merchant of Walker. A Republican since the establishment of the party, Mr. Walker has been called upon to fill many offices of trust in this county, including that of county commissioner, school director, and road supervisor. He is a deacon in the Baptist church, and has always contributed, as his means permitted, to its sup- port. He is a kind-hearted, broad-minded, and exceedingly liberal man, in touch with current events, and interestingly reminiscent of the early days of Oregon. With his wife he is justly es- teemed for interesting and fine traits of character, and in consequence is surrounded in his declin- ing years by pleasant and harmonious associates.

JAMES CATLIN JOHNSON. The thriving city of Cottage Grove, Lane county, has a full quota of live, energetic and brainy business men, among whom is James C. Johnson, a young law- yer of talent and ability. A son of the late Wil- liam Henry Johnson, he was born May 12, 1872, in Waseca county, Minn. His paternal grand- father, James C. Johnson, who was born in 1808, in New York state, was one of the earliest set- tlers of Chicago, Ill. Going there when the now magnificent city was but a rude hamlet, he en- gaged in trading, selling supplies to the Indian trading post, and to the trappers of that locality. Removing to Winnebago county, Wis., he con- tinued as a trader for many years, becoming widely known throughout the northwestern terri-

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tory. He spent his last years in Minnesota, dying at an advanced age in Waseca county.

A native of Wisconsin, William Henry John- son went with his parents to Minnesota, and lived there until after his marriage. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, First Minnesota Infan- try, and served as a bugler, holding the rank of first sergeant. After the war he was for awhile an engineer on a Mississippi river steamboat, and was subsequently a locomotive engineer. Taking up the study of law, he was admitted to the bar soon after attaining his majority, and began the practice of his profession at Duluth, Minn., continuing there until 1890. Coming then to Oregon, he continued his professional labors in Portland for a year, when, in 1891, he settled in Woodburn, Marion county, where he was in active practice until his death, in 1894, at the early age of forty-seven years. He was quite prominent in public affairs, serving in the Min- nesota Legislature in 1882 and 1883, and as clerk of the court for a number of terms while a resi- dent of Duluth, Minn. He married Elizabeth Reed, who was born in Pennsylvania, and died in Minneapolis, Minn. Her father, Walter Reed, was for many years one of the leading farmers of Waseca county, Minn., but after his retire- ment from active pursuits he settled in Morris- town, Minn., where he spent his declining years.

The only child of his parents, James C. John- son received his elementary education in the common schools of his native county, afterward taking a course at the Parsons' Business Col- lege in Duluth, Minn., where he was graduated in 1887. Subsequently entering his father's of- fice, he read law under his instruction, and in June, 1895, the year following his father's death, he passed the examination of the supreme court, and began the practice of law in Woodburn, where he remained five years. Enlisting in Com- pany M, Second Oregon United States Vohin- teers, Mr. Johnson went with his regiment to the Philippine Islands, where he took part in many active engagements, serving as sergeant of his company from muster-in to muster-out, and while at the front engaged in the following bat- tles : Guam, June 21, 1898; Manila, August 13. 1898; battle of Tondo, February 23, 1899; and in the engagements in the Pasig valley between March 12, 1899, and March 20, 1899; at Mala- bon, March 25; at Polo, March 26; at Marilao, April II; at Tay Tay, Junc 3 and June 4; at Antipolo, June 4; at Teresa, June 5; and at Morong on the same date. Serving from May 16, 1898, until August 7, 1899, Mr. Johnson was mustered out of service with a record for bravery and fidelity that he may well be proud of.

Returning to Oregon, Mr. Johnson resided in Woodburn until May, 1900, when he transferred his residence and business to Cottage Grove,

where he opened a law office, and has since built up an extensive and lucrative practice in his chosen profession. Mr. Johnson has established a record for the trial of cases in the Supreme court that speaks well of his ability. He has other business interests, being one of the original incorporators of the LeRoy Mining Company, and of the Hiawatha Mining Company, of which he is now secretary and treasurer. Both of these properties are located in the Bohemian mining district.

At Woodburn, Ore., Mr. Johnson married Marguerite Ponti, who was born in Italy, and came with her parents to Watsonville, Cal., and from there to Woodburn with an older sister. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson 'have one child, Laura Marguerite. Mr. Johnson is an independent thinker, especially in political matters, voting with the courage of his convictions. Frater- nally he is a Knight of Pythias, and a Knight of the Maccabees. In religion he is an Episco- palian. Although not an office-seeker, he served as municipal judge of Woodburn.

JERRY TAYLOR. As a reminder of his participation in the strife incident to settling this great northwestern country, and preparing the way for peaceful homes for men, women and chil- dren, Jerry Taylor, who has never quailed in the face of danger, carries upon his person, a wound that will probably trouble him to the end of his days. Too much cannot be said of the pioneers who came across the plains in the early days of Oregon's infancy, and by their dauntless courage overcame a hostile foe, and dwelt in small and uncomfortable houses, suffering isolation, and often the pangs of hunger. That the majority have proven equal to the character and physical test is the glory of the state, and none who come after are deserving of greater appreciation and honor.

Mr. Taylor is a pioneer of 1852, having crossed the plains with his father, Henry W. Taylor, and the other members of his large family. Of Henry Taylor much is said in another part of this work, but it is fitting to refer to him as one of the noblest and most helpful of the western sojourn- ers of his time, his influence as an agriculturist, a politician, and a local preacher, equaling that of any of his contemporaries. He lived for some years in different parts of Pennsylvania, and at Pittsburg his son Jerry was born, October 13, 1832. The latter was educated primarily in the public schools, and under the training of his sire became a practical and successful farmer. On his own responsibility he took up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres eight miles south of Cottage Grove, Ore. In 1854 he left his ranch and spent several months in the mines of Cali-

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fornia. In 1855 he enlisted for service in the Rogue River war in Company B, Captain Buoy, commander, and took part in several of the terri- ble conflicts which marked that era of bloodshed and submission. He took an active part in the battle of Little Meadows, and at Big Bend, on Cow Creek, he received the wound from the effects of which he is still suffering. Twenty of the one hundred and twenty days' enlistment were spent in the hospital.

Returning to Lane county, Mr. Taylor at- tended the old Columbia college at Eugene, and for several years thereafter he was engaged in school teaching in Lane county. He had married in 1860, Rachel E. Jones, who was born in Mis- souri, and crossed the plains with her people in 1846. The farm owned by Mr. Taylor owes its development entirely to his energy and enter- prise, and the fine improvements indicate a mind in touch with scientific and modern thought. The preferred stock is Shorthorn cattle, that asset of the conservative and cautious agriculturist, and in addition to stock-raising, grain and general farm produce contribute to a gratifying yearly income. Elizabeth A., the oldest daughter of Mr. Taylor, is the wife of Mr. Lestoe and lives in Portland ; William H. is a resident of Washing- ton; George R. lives on the home farm; Em- maranda married Alfred Powell and lives in this vicinity ; and John N. is employed in the lumber camps. Mr. Taylor is a Free Thinker and in political matters casts his vote for the men whom he thinks best qualified to fill the position, re- gardless of party lines. He has held many of the local offices, all of which have come to him un- solicited, and has established a reputation as a promoter of peace and prosperity, as well as agricultural, political and educational excellence.

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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 242

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