Portrait and biographical record of the Willamette valley, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 45

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 45

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James F. Tomlinson was born in Columbus. Ohio, May 22. 1824, and in early life was a shoe- maker by trade. After removing to Iowa in 1856 he settled in Boone county, where he bought land on the banks of the Des Moines river, forty- five miles from the city of that namnc. He became

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prominent as a farmer and politician, gathered a considerable fortune into the family exchequer, and held, among other political offices, that of county commissioner for sixteen years. His wife, Elizabeth (Simmons) Tomlinson, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, a daughter of Joseph Simmons. Her death occurred in Iowa August 17, 1857, when her son Sidney was seventeen months old. Of the two children in the family, Clarinda is now the wife of H. A. Whitted, the latter a farmer near Steele, Idaho.

For twenty-seven years of his life Mr. Tom- linson lived on his father's farm, and the many responsibilities which fell to his lot prevented more than irregular attendance at the public schools. As a relaxation from agricultural life he engaged in a general merchandise business at Pilot Mound, Boone county, Iowa, for four years, and then removed to Harlan county, Neb., where he lived on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres for about a year. Upon removing to Oregon in 1888 he settled in Medford, Jackson county, and worked as a carpenter and builder for about three years. Since coming to Wood- burn he has engaged in contracting and building on a large scale. Among his most worthy at- tempts in this direction may be mentioned the brick block opposite the depot; the building of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, which he afterward sold; and Hotel Woodburn, the finest and best appointed hostelry in the city, and which is being conducted under his personal supervision. Before being elected mayor in 1901 he was a member of the city council for two terms, and he has also served six years on the school board, and in 1903 was re-elected for the ensuing three years, doing his utmost during that time to advance the cause of education, as exemplified in the Woodburn school. He was one of the chief organizers of the Woodburn Board of Trade, an organization which has mate- rially promoted the mercantile and commercial interests of the city and county. He is the presi- dent of the board, and one of its most helpful and enthusiastic members. He is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of the Maccabees, and has passed the chairs of each. Mr. Tomlinson is extensively interested in real estate business, handling city and farm property in Willamette valley.

The family of Mr. Tomlinson consists of his wife, formerly Miss Lottie White, whom he mar- ried in Boone county, Iowa, April 1, 1882 ; and his only son, Vernon Wayne, who was born in Boone county, Iowa, January 18, 1883, and is now a stu- dent in the State University at Eugene, a leader of the University debating society, and will grad- uate in 1905. Mrs. Tomlinson is a daughter of Mathias White, who was born in Kentucky, and has owned and managed farms in Indiana, Illi-

nois, and Iowa, and died in the latter state. The mother still resides in Boone county, Iowa, and is over eighty years of age. Mrs. Tomlinson comes from a family noted for their abilities as musicians, and she herself possesses marked talent. She has given private instruction to many and is a vocalist of ability. From 1896 to 1900 she was assistant principal in the Woodburn school, and was principal of the Hubbard school from 1900 to 1901 inclusive. With her husband she ably manages the hotel in which they are both interested.

DEDRICK H. BOMHOFF. One of the suc- cessful and representative mercantile establish- ments in Woodburn is the grocery business of Dedrick H. Bomhoff, but recently located in a new building, fitted with all modern improve- ments. Mr. Bomhoff is one of the many sons of Germany who are utilizing their commendable national traits for the upbuilding of the north- west, to which he came in 1891, and in regard to the advantages of which he is most enthu- siastic. He was born in Hanover, Germany, February 10, 1868, his father, Henry, and his mother. Anna, being natives of the same part of the kingdom. Henry Bomhoff is a carpenter, builder and contractor, and is at present living with his wife in Homfeldt, where he has been in business for many years.

The oldest of the three sons and two daugh- ters in his father's family, Dedrick was not des- tined to reach maturity in his native land, for at the age of twelve he had a chance to come to come to America with a kinsman, locating in Greenleaf, Washington county, Kans., where he attended the public schools. Since that early age he has made his own living, and has no one to thank but himself for the large measure of success which has come his way. Having heard a great deal about the west during his life in Kansas he came hither in 1890, locating at Olym- pia, Wash., where he remained for a year. For a couple of years he worked on farms near Butte- ville and Hubbard, Ore., and became identified with Woodburn in 1894, his various efforts hav- ing resulted in his saving quite a little money. In 1898 he stepped boldly into the mercantile life of the town, and bought out O. A. Nandall's grocery store, which he has since conducted in larger form, and with increasing patronage. The new store just completed is worthy of both the town and man, is well stocked with the commodi- ties most in demand in growing and progressive communities, and has at its head a very genial, broad-minded and tactful manager, whose pleas- ing personality makes his place of business popu- lar and profitable.

Through his marriage in July, 1896, with Mrs.

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Lizzie M. Scheurer, Mr. Bomhoff became allied with one of the pioneer families of Oregon. Mrs. Bomhoff is a daughter of Peter Fellow, who was born in the disputed territory of Alsace- Lorraine, between France and Germany, and who came to America at a very early day. Mr. Fellow located first in Illinois, and in 1860 came around the Horn to San Francisco, from there embark- ing for Portland. He took up a donation claim near Butteville, Marion county, Ore., consisting of six hundred and forty acres, improved the same to a fine farm, and lived there for the re- mainder of his life. Through her first marriage Mrs. Bomhoff had one child, Mabel, and of her second marriage there have been born three chil- dren, Annie, Grace and Harry.

Mr. Bomhoff is interested in all that has to do with the upbuilding of his adopted city, and has been before the public in various capacities. As a Republican he has served in the city coun- cil for one term. He is fraternally connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a charter member of the encampment. With his wife and children Mr. Bomhoff is a member of the German Lutheran Church. Is also member of the Mercantile and Tradesmen Protective As- sociation. In 1899 he purchased and remodeled a dwelling which is now one of the finest in Woodburn, all the modern improvements to be found therein, and has a drilled well, one hun- dred and seventy-seven feet deep, the deepest in the city.

HENRY J. OSFIELD is a leading and prosperous representative of mercantile in- terests in Dallas, where he is engaged in deal- ing in groceries and queensware. A native of Illinois, he was born in Urbana, October 22, 1856, and is the second in order of birth in a family of seven children, five of whom are living. The parents were John J. and Rachel (Servis) Osfield. The paternal grandfather was a resident of New York and belonged to one of the old eastern families. John J. Os- field was born in the Empire state and came to Lockport, N. Y., where he pursued his edu- cation and learned the blacksmith's trade. Removing westward as civilization made its way into the Mississippi valley, he took up his abode in Urbana, 111., where he became interested in the conduct of a wagon and car- riage factory as a member of the firm of Boy- den & Osfield. He was associated in that en- terprise for many years and in 1876 he re- moved to lowa, establishing his home in Vil- lisca, but after two years he came to the Sun- set state, locating in Portland, Ore., where he was engaged in carriage manufacturing throughout the remainder of his business ca-

reer. His wife was born in Ohio and was a daughter of Asher Servis, who was a native of New Jersey and who married a Miss Sco- field, a native of Connecticut. Removing westward, Mr. Servis followed farming in Warren county, Ohio, afterward in Illinois and subsequently in Harrison county, Iowa, where his death occurred. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Osfield were born seven children, five of whom are yet living and with the exception of our subject all are residents of Portland. The father died in September, 1901, at the age of seventy-six years, but the mother is yet living in Portland.

H. J. Osfield spent the days of his boyhood and youth in Urbana, Ill., acquiring his edu- cation in the public schools there, and in 1876 when twenty years of age went to Iowa, where he carried on farming on his father's land. He remained a resident of that state until 1880, in which year he arrived in Port- land, Ore., where for two years he was em- ployed at blacksmithing and carriage making. He then accepted a position as shipping clerk with the firm of Frank Brothers, dealers in implements, acting in that capacity for eight years or until 1890, when, with the capital he had acquired through his own labors, he es- tablished a store in West Portland. He was also instrumental in securing a postoffice there and was appointed its first postmaster. He continued to engage in general merchan- dising and to discharge his official duties until October, 1895, when he sold his store and re- moved to Dallas, thinking to find a broader field of labor at this place. Here he opened a grocery, queensware and notions store and later he purchased the store building which he now occupies. It is a two-story brick building, 30x70 feet, and he also has a large warehouse. His grocery and queensware store is the most extensive in the county, and he is also the leading dealer in produce. He has been very successful in his business here, working up a large trade. He carries a fine line of goods. His store is neat and attract- ive in appearance and his business methods commend him to the confidence and support of the public.

In Logan, Iowa. Mr. Osfield was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ellison, who was born in that state, and they have two chil- dren, Ada F. and Carroll Henry. They hold membership with the Presbyterian Church of Dallas, and Mr. Osfield is serving on the board of trustees. Socially he is identified with the Woodmen of the World and was made a Mason in Jennings Lodge, No. 9, A. F. & A. M. He is also a stanch and unswerv- ing Republican, an active member of the

N. le Hubbard

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board of trade and takes a deep and helpful interest in everything pertaining to progress and improvement in his locality. He is widely and favorably known, and throughout his career he has labored for the improvement of every line of business or public interest with which he has been associated, and at all times has been actuated by a fidelity to his country and her welfare.

JUDGE W. C. HUBBARD. The qualities which endear man to man are dominant traits in the character of W. C. Hubbard, and so wide- ly and favorably is he known in Salem and the surrounding country that it is with pleas- ure that we present to our readers the record of his career. His residence in the state dates from 1847 and therefore the pioneer history of Oregon is as familiar to him as is the latter- day progress and development. He was born in Pike county, Ill., twelve miles from Pitts- field, November 8, 1836, and is the eldest liv- ing of the four surviving children in a family that once numbered eleven born unto Charles

and Margaret (Cannon) Hubbard. The father was born in Kentucky February 14, 1800, and at an early day removed to Missouri, settling near St. Louis, while later he became a resident of Pike county, Ill., and there car- ried on farming. The explorations that had been made in the northwest and the reports that he had heard awakened in him a desire to become a resident of the section of the country whose resources were so glowingly described. Accordingly, in 1847, he started for Oregon ac- companied by his wife and six children. They had two wagons drawn by oxen, thus traveling in the primitive manner of the times-the van- guard of civilization which was soon to trans- form this district from a wild region inhabited by Indians to one of the most important sec- tions of our great land. They traveled by way of St. Joseph, Mo., crossing the river there, thence proceeding up the Platte and over the old Oregon trail. On the way the baby of the family died while they were in the Cascade mountains. They had no trouble with the In- dians until they arrived at the Columbia river and even then they managed to make the red men keep their distance. They had left the main road at the foot of Blue mountain and proceeded to Whitman station, intending to spend the winter there. Dr. Whitman, at the time, was down in the valley and Mrs. Whit- man urged them to proceed on their way be- cause she believed that there would be many emigrants behind them whom they would have to assist later in the season. They arrived, therefore, in the valley October 20, and the

father secured a donation claim on Clear creek, seven miles northeast of Oregon City, but re- mained there for only a year, when he gave up the property. He then located on the French claim, purchasing a tract of a former owner and also securing a donation claim of six hun- dred and forty acres. With characteristic energy he began to clear, improve and culti- vate his land and in course of time a splendid farm was seen as the result of his labors. He continued to engage in agricultural work until his retirement from business life. He died at the home of his son in Mission Bottom in 1884, when eighty-four years of age. A worthy Christian man, he held membership in the Baptist Church and into the minds of his chil- dren he instilled lessons of industry and in- tegrity which have borne good fruit in their later lives. His wife, who was born in Mis- souri, April 19, 1811, was a daughter of James Cannon, who died in that state. Mrs. Hub- bard passed away at the old homestead in 1880.

Judge Hubbard spent the first ten years of his life in the state of his nativity and then came with his parents as they journeyed across the country to the northwest. He assisted in driving the loose cattle and walked six hundred dred miles of the way at one time, but at in- tervals he had the privilege of riding for a short distance. After reaching Oregon he re- mained at home with his parents until twenty- two years of age with the exception of a period of two years. In his youth, he attended school near his home and in Oregon City and at the age of nineteen years worked in the mines of California for a time. He passed through the Rogne river Indian' war country, making the journey on pack horses, and at length arrived at Yreka, Cal. He was then engaged in mining at Deadwood until 1857 when he returned to his home, remaining with his parents until 1859. He then came into possession of one hundred and sixty acres of new land covered with brush, and there he began farming, but after two years he rented an improved farm, upon which he lived for three years. By that time his labors had brought to him a good financial return and with the money he had thus earned he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in the Mission Bottom and located at his new home. As the years have passed and his financial resources have enabled him to make additional purchases he has added to his property until he now owns a farm of six hundred acres in one body which is under a very high state of cultivation. This is pleasantly located twelve miles north of Salem. There grain is raised on an extensive scale, and to the cultivation of a portion of the property Judge Hubbard gives his personal

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supervision. He is, however, living practically retired at his home in Salem.

The judge was married in Parkerville, Ore., in 1859 to Miss Helen M. Cooley, who was born in Clay county, Mo., and was brought across the plains to Oregon in 1844, her father, Christopher C. Cooley, bringing his family to the northwest in that year. Reaching his des- tination, he settled on French Prairie, where he engaged in farming until his death. Mrs. Hub- bard was but four years of age at the time of the overland trip. Unto the judge and his wife have been born seven children: Walter S., who is a member of the fire department of Seattle; Orville B., who is engaged in mining in Alaska; Oscar, who died on the home farm at the age of twenty-five years; Ira W. and Wylie W., who are stock men, living in Salem ; Rodena, who died when but three weeks old; and Dollie, of Salem.

In his political views the judge has ever been an earnest Republican and has studied closely the issues and questions of the day and puts forth every effort in his power to promote the growth and extend the influence of his party. While residing upon his farm he was elected and served for two terms as county commissioner, entering upon the duties of the office in 1882. From early manhood he has also served as a school officer and the cause of education has found in him a warm and help- ful friend. In 1892 he was elected county judge of Marion county on the Republican ticket for a term of four years, assuming the duties of the office in July of that year, serving continuously until July, 1896. In December, 1902, he was nominated on the Republican ticket for the position of city councilman from the fourth ward and in January, 1903, he took his position as a member of the board of aldermen for a two years' term. Fraternally the judge is connected with Chemeketa Lodge, No. I, I. O. O. F., of Salem. and Salem Encampment. Judge Hubhard is kind-hearted, liberal, sym- pathetic and honorable, and in all life's rela- tions he has been found true to the trusts re- posed in him and worthy of the regard ac- corded him.

BENJAMIN B. COLBATH, who is now serving as sheriff of Marion county, was born in Salem, April 22, 1866. His father, Elijah J. Colbath, was a native of Bangor, Me., and he- came one of the pioneer settlers of Oregon in 1852. When a boy he went to sea and for many years followed a life on the ocean wave, ris- ing successively from one position to another un- til he had become captain of a vessel. As such he sailed around Cape Horn to Portland and then

resigned his captaincy in order to establish a home in Oregon. In 1853 he located in Salem and built a sawmill on the Willamette river, for the manufacture of lumber. For twelve years he conducted that enterprise in a profitable manner and then floods washed away the mill. He after- ward engaged in contracting and building in Salem, where he likewise followed the occupation of a millwright until he went to the shore of Puget sound in 1889. He erected several large mills there but afterward returned to Salem, where he was actively identified with the improvements of the city as a contractor and builder. Many of the fine structures which he erected still stand as monuments to his enterprise and his skill. He was a Democrat in his political views and he died in Salem May 14, 1898. His widow, still sur- viving him, was born in Pike county, Ill., and bore the maiden name of Gabriella Hayden. In 1852 she came to Oregon with her father, Will- iam Hayden, who brought his family to this state, making the long and arduous journey across the plains, and upon its completion settling in Salem. In this state he followed farming until his death, which occurred in Polk county in. 1868. Mrs. Colbath is still a resident of Salem, and of her six children five are still living, namely: James H., of Salem; Benjamin B .; Nathaniel, who is employed as a clerk in Salem; Alfred B., a con- tractor and builder here; and Camilla, of Salem.

Mr. Colhath was reared in Salem and his early educational privileges were those of the common schools. Later he entered Willamette University and completed a course in the Portland Business College in 1886. From early boyhood days he had been familiar with the building trade, having assisted his father, and followed carpentering in Salem until he went to Tacoma, where he en- gaged in the operation of a planing mill. For four years he was identified with industrial inter- ests there, but in 1890 returned to Salem, where he carried on contracting and building on his own account until 1898, when he was appointed deputy sheriff under F. W. Durbin, serving for four years as his chief deputy. At the end of that time, in 1902, he was nominated on the Demo- cratic ticket for the office of sheriff and was the only candidate on that ticket elected, the others all being defeated by a large Republican ma- jority. Certainly no greater evidence of his per- sonal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens could be given than the fact that he was thus chosen for office. On July 7, 1902, he took the oath for a two years' term and is discharging his duties with the same re- liability and promptness that characterized his service as deputy. He has always been active in support of the Democracy and his labors have not been without result in securing successes.

Mr. Colbath was married in Seattle, Wash., in

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1890, to Miss Amanda Harrington, daughter of T. S. Harrington, and a native of Salt Lake City, Utah, and they have one son, Cyril B. Fratern- ally Mr. Colbath is connected with the Woodmen of the World and also with the Daniel Waldo Cabin, Native Sons of Oregon, and is also a member of Salem Lodge 336, B. P. O. E. He is a man well liked as is indicated by his election to the office of sheriff and his fidelity to duty is a matter above question.

CHARLES F. BELT. There is a satisfac- tion in having before one's eyes the example ot a successful life, especially if the person who lived that life be in any way connected with one's own. It is an invisible, yet invincible, shield ; it is the passport to a successful career, and even an abuse of the confidence inspired by such an association does not always have the effect of a withdrawal of the latter, since the potency of successful living continues long after the life is done. But better still than the example of such a life is the inherited tenden- cies that give fulfillment to so fair a promise.

In the years of Charles F. Belt, a native Ore- gonian, this fact is exemplified, for with the life of his father before him he could hardly fail to touch the first rounds of the ladder of success, but lacking inherent worth he could never have climbed to the height he now occupies. His father, Dr. Alfred Metcalf Belt, was born in Kentucky, July 23, 1804, and reared in Platte county, Mo. After completing his study of medicine he practiced there for many years. In 1850, with his wife and six children, he joined an emigrant train bound for Oregon, and on his arrival, continued the practice of medicine, making his home in the city of Salem. Those were the early days of Oregon, and the physician often had to travel many miles to reach his patients. Mounted on a horse with his saddle bags behind him, Dr. Belt rode up and down the Willamette valley, often remaining from home a week at a time in his ministrations to the remote settlers. It is doubtful if there was another pioneer who had more knowledge of this section of the coun- try, on both sides of the Willamette river. With his long practice and thorough knowl- edge he filled with admirable success the posi- tion of professor in the medical department of the Willamette University, enjoying an envia- ble reputation that had been honorably earned by years of application in the profession to which he had given his life. In Masonic cir- cles Dr. Belt was also prominent, having been made a Mason in Missouri. In Oregon he gave his hearty support to the upbuilding of the lodges of the craft, and he became a meni-

ber of Salem Lodge No. 4, A. F. & A. M., and in the Grand Lodge of Oregon it was his honor to serve as its first grand master, an additional honor being the perpetuation of his name in the Belt Lodge of Kerby, Josephine county. In the midst of his busy life he found time to go to the defense of his country against the uprising of the Indians, serving as colonel of volunteers and as surgeon general. In his re- ligious views Dr. Belt was a member of the Episcopal Church and Democratic as to his political affiliations.

On August 21, 1881, he passed away, after over fifty years in the successful practice of his profession. He married, June 17, 1835, Nancy, daughter of Gen. Thomas Ward, who won re- nown in the war of 1812. Mrs. Belt survives him, being now in her eighty-fifth year. She still makes her home in Salem, the scene of her husband's labors. Her father, Gen. Thomas Ward, died in Benton county, at the age of forty-nine years.

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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 45

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